Category: Politics

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boost to mental health services from thousands of extra staff
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

Press release

Boost to mental health services from thousands of extra staff

Latest data shows 6,700 more mental health workers have been recruited towards government’s 8,500 target.
More than 6,700 extra mental health workers have been recruited since July, latest data shows, as the government prepares to announce fundamental reforms to patient support in its 10 Year Health Plan.

The latest recruitment milestone means the government is more than halfway towards its target of hiring an extra 8,500 mental health staff by the end of this Parliament, helping get people the care they need so they can get back to work, school and doing what they love.

It comes ahead of publication of the upcoming 10 Year Health Plan, which sets out ambitious plans to boost mental health support across the country.

Under the plan, patients will get better access to support directly through the NHS App, including self-referral for talking therapies, without needing a GP appointment.

Instead of people having to turn to costly mental health apps, the NHS App offers a free service built by trusted clinicians to help give all mental health patients the care they need, continuing the government’s drive to tackle health inequalities.

By embracing the latest technology across the health service, the plan lays the foundation for patients to access mental health support and advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the app.

This could include opening the door to things like AI-driven virtual support as a first port of call, or health and well-being advice only currently accessible through paid-for apps.

And alongside digital advances, 85 new dedicated mental health emergency departments will be built with £120 million secured in the recent Spending Review.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said:

Not getting the right support for your mental health isn’t just debilitating, it can hit a painful pause button on your life – stopping you working, enjoying time with family and friends, or living day-to-day life.

Patients have faced the crisis of access to mental health services for far too long, and this government is determined to change that through our Plan for Change to rebuild the NHS.

That’s why we’re putting digital front doors on mental health services for patients up and down the country and harnessing technology to provide 24-hour care. And we’re creating more opportunities for support not just through the NHS App but through care in your community too.

We are already over halfway towards our target of recruiting 8,500 extra mental health workers, and through our upcoming 10 Year Health Plan we will get more people back to health and back to work.

The new emergency units will be staffed by specialist doctors and nurses, providing around-the-clock support for patients experiencing a mental health crisis.

Patients can walk in or be referred by GPs to the units, which are set to be open 24/7 and designed to provide a calm environment in contrast to the noise and chaos of major hospitals

Alongside this, a Neighbourhood Mental Health Model, providing open access to specialist services and holistic support in community locations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is already being piloted in six locations.

The reforms come at a time where mental health conditions are becoming more prevalent, with an adult psychiatric survey published this week showing over 22% of 16-to-64-year-olds have common mental conditions, up from 17% in 2007.

Further plans for mental health due to be set out in the 10 Year Health Plan include utilising developments in pharmacogenomics, providing patients with personalised prescriptions and treatments.

Alongside the reforms, the government is continuing its rollout of mental health support teams in schools, with almost one million more young people to benefit in education settings this year.

And plans to set up Young Futures Hubs will make it easier for young people to access mental health, career and pastoral support in their communities, with youth workers, mental health support workers and careers advisers on hand to support young people’s mental health.

Under the Plan for Change, the government is committed to working beyond the health system to tackle the drivers of mental ill health, such as homelessness and unemployment.

For example, recently announced welfare legislation is getting more people with health conditions back to work, backed by £1 billion to unlock opportunity and grow the economy.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP said:

Too often, people with mental health conditions are left without the support they need to return to work – not because they lack the will, but because the system doesn’t work for them. We’re determined to change that.

By improving access to mental health services and ensuring employment support is better tailored to individual needs, we will transform people’s lives – helping them get back to health and back to work, which is good for them, good for the country and good for the economy.

The public are also encouraged to take positive actions to look after their own mental health, including through creating their own personalised “Mind Plan” on the Every Mind Matters NHS website.

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Published 27 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Driver licencing wait times shortest yet

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s work to deliver better public services for New Zealanders is paying dividends for people working to gain their driver licence, Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.

“National average wait times are now just four days for a full licence test and seven days for a restricted licence test, down from a peak of up to 90 days in some regions,” Mr Bishop says.

“At one point in 2024, we saw wait times get as high as 90 days in some regions, with a backlog of over 80,000 people applying to sit their licence tests at one point.

“These unacceptable wait times were the result of the previous government’s decision to remove re-sit fees for theory and practical tests in 2023. This led to people not preparing properly for their tests, no shows, and people failing. These people simply went back in line to re-sit their test again and again.

“The Government took decisive action to reduce wait times. We introduced a limit of one free re-sit for Class 1 driver licence tests, removed free re-sits for overseas licence conversions, and temporarily extended the amount of time people can drive on their overseas licence from 12 months to 18 months.

“NZTA and VTNZ have also recruited and trained more than 70 new Driver Testing Officers, introduced new temporary testing sites, and extended testing site hours in some regions. Text alerts were also introduced to remind people of their driving test and ensure they turn up on the day.

“Wait times are continuing to be monitored closely, and if they increase at individual testing sites NZTA will work with testing agents to bring them down.

“We have delivered on our promise to bring wait times down, creating a more efficient licensing system that contributes to road safety.

“I also encourage anyone preparing for their test to check out the free resources available on the Drive website. Developed by NZTA and ACC, Drive is an official resource designed to help learner drivers and those teaching others how to drive.

“A driver licence can unlock many opportunities for a person and improve access to employment. We want to make sure we’re removing barriers and keeping people safe on our roads.”

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: Wilmington Reports on Voting Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wilmington Capital Management Inc. (TSX: WCM.A, WCM.B) (“Wilmington”) held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 26, 2025 in Calgary, Alberta and all two nominees proposed for election to the board of directors by holders of Class A Shares and all three nominees proposed for election to the board of directors by the holders of Class B Shares were elected. Detailed results of the vote for the election of directors are set out below.

Management received the following proxies from holders of the Corporation’s Class A and B shareholders in regard to the election of the five directors nominated:

Class	Director	Votes For	Proxy %	Votes Withheld	Proxy %
Class A Shareholders	Timothy W. Casgrain	8,406,329	99.94%	5,000	0.06%
Class A Shareholders	Ian G. Cockwell	8,406,329	99.94%	5,000	0.06%
Class B Shareholders	Christopher Killi	562,192	100%	0	0.00%
	Joseph F. Killi	562,192	100%	0	0.00%
	Marc D. Sardachuk	562,192	100%	0	0.00%

Details of votes on all matters of business considered at the meeting are available in the Corporation’s report of voting results filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

For further information, please contact:
Executive Officers
(403) 705-8038

The MIL Network –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Analysis: Computers tracking us, an ‘electronic collar’: Gilles Deleuze’s 1990 Postscript on the Societies of Control was eerily prescient

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Cameron Shackell, Sessional Academic, School of Information Systems, Queensland University of Technology

Our cultural touchstones series looks at influential works.

Gilles Deleuze was one of the most original and imaginative thinkers of postwar France. A lifelong teacher, he spent most of his career at the University of Paris VIII, influencing generations of students but largely shunning the mantle of public intellectual.

His complex, creative books mix philosophy, literature, film and politics – not to give clear answers, but to spark new ways of thinking.

Postscript on the Societies of Control, published 35 years ago in the countercultural L’Autre Journal is Deleuze at his most accessible and prophetic.

Written at a time when the Cold War was ending, computers were becoming more common, and the internet was beginning to connect institutions, the essay describes the emergence of a new kind of society – one not ruled by a single stern voice but by the soft hum of networks.

How societies work

Postscript was written as an update to the work of Deleuze’s contemporary Michel Foucault, who had died in 1984. Deleuze called it a “postscript” not just because of its brevity (it’s only around 2,300 words in English translation) but to highlight he wasn’t refuting Foucault, just building on his work.

Gilles Deleuze.
Tintinades/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-NC-SA

From the 18th to early 20th centuries, Foucault had argued, Western societies were “disciplinary societies”. Schools, factories, prisons and hospitals – institutions with walls, schedules, routines and clear expectations – moulded behaviour. People were trained, observed, tested and corrected as they passed from one institution to the next.

Read more:
‘A dark masterpiece’: Foucault’s Discipline and Punish at 50

But in the late 20th century, Deleuze saw something shifting. He thought the stodgy old disciplinary institutions were “in a generalized crisis” due to technological advances and a new form of capitalism that demanded more flexibility in workers and consumers.

New systems of management and technology were starting to reshape people without sending them through traditional institutions. Deleuze wrote presciently, for example, that “perpetual training tends to replace the school, and continuous control to replace the examination”.

In business, he saw a growing idea of “salary according to merit”, transforming work into “challenges, contests, and highly comic group sessions” – something much at odds with the old model of the standard wage and the assembly line. Traditional government institutions like hospitals and the classic factory were embracing the model of the corporation, driven always by a profit motive and the need for better human tools.

To Deleuze, all this meant people were becoming more “free-floating” – they could be still playing socially useful roles but were being gently steered into them. This greater freedom, however, required a new system to keep everyone in line. He called this “modulation” to underline its dynamic, enveloping nature.

Like nudging, but everywhere

Deleuze described modulation as “a self-deforming cast that will continuously change from one moment to the other”. He meant that people were beginning to live in an environment where everything shape-shifts to encourage or discourage us in the right direction without explicitly putting up walls.

A prime example of how modulation has since become commonplace is nudging – the use of psychological techniques, often subtle and data-driven, to shape people’s behaviour.

Nudging didn’t really exist in 1990, but governments and tech companies use nudges all the time now. We’re nudged to eat healthier, buy, save, recycle, donate. Web sites use “dark patterns” – tricky designs that steer (or nudge) us toward certain choices. Social media feeds use algorithms to exclude us if we say the wrong thing. In fact, entire teams of behavioural scientists operate behind the scenes to manipulate many aspects of our lives.

Nudges can be good and can save us from poor choices, but their newfound moral acceptability (sometimes called libertarian paternalism) is very much a clue that Deleuze’s control society has arrived.

Control in your pocket

Deleuze, who died in 1995, wrote Postscript before the advent of the smartphone, but he foresaw that an “electronic collar” would assume a central role in society. He envisaged a “computer that tracks each person’s position – licit or illicit – and effects a universal modulation.”

Smartphones more than fit the bill. In the old disciplinary ways, they track where we go, what we search for, what we buy, how many steps we take, even how well we sleep. But if we apply Deleuze’s ideas to these phones, detailed surveillance is no longer their most important function. Our phones present and curate options.

In effect, they shape how we see the world. When you scroll through news or social media, for instance, you’re reading about a version of the world built just for you, designed to keep you looking, clicking and reacting – and keep you very finely attuned to what is acceptable or dangerous behaviour.

In Deleuze’s terms, this is pure modulation: not a forceful “No” but a softly spoken, “How about this?” Your phone doesn’t lock you in – it draws you in. It shapes what you see, rewards your cooperation, ignores your silence, and always keeps score. And it does this 24/7. You might unlock it hundreds of times a day. And each time it’s updated to guide your next move more precisely.

At the same time our phones quietly turn us into a set of credentials useful for regulating physical access to workplaces, bank accounts, information: In the societies of control, writes Deleuze, “what is important is no longer either a signature or a number, but a code: the code is a password.”

Data points not people?

Deleuze warned that, in a control society: “Individuals have become ‘dividuals,’ and masses have become samples, data, markets, or ‘banks.’” A dividual to Deleuze is a person transformed into a set of data points and metrics.

You are your credit rating, your search history, your likes and clicks – a different dataset to every institution. Such fragments are used to make decisions about you until they effectively replace you. In fact, for Deleuze a dividual has internalised this treatment and thinks of themselves as a net worth, a mortgage size, a car value – psychological anchors for control.

He illustrates this point with healthcare, predicting a

new medicine ‘without doctor or patient’ that singles out potential sick people and subjects at risk, which in no way attests to individuation.

How many health decisions are now made for us collectively before we ever see a doctor? We should be grateful for advances in public health and epidemiology, but this has certainly impacted our individuality and how we are treated.

Hard to detect

An unsettling part of Deleuze’s perspective is that control doesn’t usually feel like control. It’s often dressed up as convenience, efficiency or progress. You set up internet-linked video cameras because then you can work from home. You agree to long terms and conditions because your banking app won’t work otherwise.

One problem is there are no longer clear barriers we can rail against. As Deleuze said:

In disciplinary societies one was always starting again (from school to the barracks, from the barracks to the factory), while in control societies one is never finished with anything.

Control doesn’t always crush – it can enable. Digital networks bring real freedom, economic possibility, even joy. We move more easily – both mentally and geographically – than ever before. But while we move, it always inside a kind of invisible map shaped by capitalism.

It’s no conspiracy because nobody has the whole map. So it’s difficult to work out exactly what action, if any, to take. As Deleuze concludes: “The coils of a serpent are even more complex than the burrows of a molehill.”

So what can we do?

Postscript doesn’t offer a political program beyond the sardonic comment that:

Many young people strangely boast of being ‘motivated’ […] It’s up to them to discover what they’re being made to serve.

There are ways to resist control. Some people demand more privacy or digital rights. Others opt out selectively – logging off, turning off, refusing to be nudged. Some look to art as a way of resisting its smooth grip. These acts – however small – may offer what Deleuze and his collaborator, the French psychiatrist and philosopher Félix Guattari, called lines of flight: creative ways to move not just against control, but beyond it.

The real message of Postscript, however, is its invitation to consider a timeless perspective. Any society must have a way to make people useful. So, what kind of society do we want? What kinds of restrictions are we willing to live under? And, crucial to this current age, how explicit should control be?

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

– ref. Computers tracking us, an ‘electronic collar’: Gilles Deleuze’s 1990 Postscript on the Societies of Control was eerily prescient – https://theconversation.com/computers-tracking-us-an-electronic-collar-gilles-deleuzes-1990-postscript-on-the-societies-of-control-was-eerily-prescient-254579

MIL OSI Analysis –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Wicker Leads SASC Hearing to Consider Five Senior Pentagon Nominations

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
Watch Video Here

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today led a hearing to consider the qualifications of five senior nominees to serve within the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, and the Department of the Navy.
Mr. Hung Cao, nominated to serve as Under Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Michael F. Dodd, nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, Mr. Jules W. Hurst III, nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Mr. Brent G. Ingraham, nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology, and Mr. William J. Gillis, nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment all appeared before the committee.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Wicker praised the extensive experience and expertise of the nominees and emphasized the need for quality leadership in today’s threat environment.
Read Chairman Wicker’s hearing opening statement as delivered.
I welcome our nominees and their families, and I am grateful for their willingness to serve our nation. The United States faces a very dangerous threat environment, and we need people like this to step up, now more than ever.
Mr. Hung Cao has been nominated to serve as Under Secretary of the Navy. He is a 25-year Navy veteran with industry experience. As Under Secretary, he would play a critical role in the daily management of the Navy and Marine Corps. And there will be plenty to keep him busy: revitalizing shipbuilding, improving maintenance to meet 80 percent surge readiness, and enhancing the welfare of our sailors and marines. His leadership and willingness to partner with Congress will be essential for a mission-ready Navy.
Mr. Michael Dodd has been nominated for the position of Assistant Secretary of the Defense for Critical Technologies. If confirmed, Mr. Dodd will be the first individual to hold this position officially. Mr. Dodd brings experience at the Defense Innovation Unit and in thought leadership, particularly in microelectronics. I am interested to hear what actions Mr. Dodd believes we should take to make progress in delivering our most critical technologies to the battlefield.
Mr. Jay Hurst has been nominated to serve as Assistant Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Recent transformations in the Army will leave him to manage a workforce that is leaner, more agile, and more effective, while also ensuring soldiers and their families receive the support they need. Mr. Hurst is a seasoned Army Reserve officer with experience as a government contractor, in civil service at the DOD, and in national security roles on Capitol Hill. I look forward to hearing his plans for strengthening the force and supporting those who serve.
Mr. Brent Ingraham has been nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. He has devoted nearly two decades of service to the Department of Defense, including in his current role as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Platform and Weapons Portfolio Management. I look forward to hearing Mr. Ingraham’s plan in his new role to ensure the Army stays on track.
And finally, Mr. Jordan Gillis has been nominated to be the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Energy, Installations, and Environment. As a former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment, his experience will be crucial to ensuring the Department of the Army follows the law in implementing minimum Plant Replacement Value of 4 percent starting in 2030. I hope to hear today from Mr. Gillis on this issue, along with many other facility sustainment concerns.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Australia’s set to accept its one millionth refugee – AMES

Source: AMES

Sometime, probably around October this year, a person will step off aircraft somewhere in Australia in the last stage of their journey way from conflict or persecution.

This person will be the one millionth refugee settled in Australia since the end of World War II.

The Department of Home Affairs says Australia has successfully settled more than 985,000 refugees and humanitarian entrants since the country’s first humanitarian intake occurred in 1947.

With 20,000 refugee places currently allocated for each financial year, the million milestone is due to be reached in the early months of the 2025-26 financial year.

Based on these figures, it is expected the one-millionth arrival to occur sometime between September and November 2025.

The milestone represents a million individual journeys toward refuge and a million stories of people rebuilding their lives in safety with hope for the future.

Since the 1930s, Australia has welcomed refugees fleeing global conflicts — from Jewish refugees before and after World War Two, to Southeast Asians after the Vietnam War.

Following World War Two, Australia entered formal agreements with international bodies to accept displaced people from Europe.

In November 1947, more than 800 people from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania arrived in Fremantle. They were the first of 170,000 displaced persons resettled in Australia after World War Two.

Later decades saw more structured resettlement, particularly in response to major global conflicts.

Over the past 40 years, Australia has continued to resettle people from conflict-riven regions, including the Southeast Asia the Middle East, Africa and Myanmar.

Today, refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iraq, Syria, Myanmar and countries in the Horn of Africa continue to arrive under the humanitarian program.

In two recent emergency situations, Australia evacuated 4100 refugees from Afghanistan following the return of the Taliban to power in 2021 and around 4,000 Ukrainians, mostly women and children, who initially arrived on tourist visas after the Russian invasion are new transitioning to permanent protection visas.

CEO of AMES Australia Cath Scarth said the million-refugee mark was a reflection of Australia’s proud history of affording refugee to people fleeing war, conflict or persecution.

“Australia has a generous and sophisticated refugee settlement program that not only offers refuge to people fleeing war or persecution but also equips them to build successful lives and become contributors,” Ms Scarth said.

“We are an example to the world at a time when more than 122 million people are displaced due to war, conflict or persecution,” she said.

Australia is a leading refugee resettlement country, ranking among the top few resettlement countries on a per capita basis.

The United States has historically accepted the greatest number of refugees, but its program has recently been effectively shuttered by the Trump administration, meaning the loss of 100,000 annual resettlement places.

Among refugees who have come to Australia in recent years are:

Iraqi doctor Asseel Yako who, in his homeland, tended to battlefield wounds suffered by soldiers or militia members fighting ISIS or patching up women children horrifically injured in explosions of gunfire.

Ten years later he is still saving lives working a consultant physician, specialising in internal medicine at Warragul Hospital, in Gippsland, Victoria.

The job is the culmination of years of hard work, striving to get his qualifications recognised in Australia.

He had studied and worked as a doctor for almost twenty years before arriving in Australia, but he was forced to jump through extraordinary hoops to be able practice medicine again.

Cambodian refugee Chan Uoy has helped breathe new life into the struggling regional town of Dimboola, in Victoria’s west.

Chan has opened the Dimboola Imaginarium, an eclectic and exotic gift shop and Air BnB recently featured in the high-end magazine Conde Nast Traveller. Chan has also recently become the deputy mayor of the local Hindmarsh Shire.

The Dimboola Imaginarium is a stimulating space with a cornucopia of exotic wares, including an almost life-size giraffe, oversize world globes, and colourfully painted rocking horses. The five Air BB bedrooms have differing but exotic and indulgent décor.

He has also launched the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, which this year is expected to attract 5000 visitors to the town.

Young soccer star Yaya Dukuly is the embodiment of refugee aspiration and success.

The 22-year-old Adelaide United soccer star was born into a refugee family in Guinea. His father is a Liberian and his mother is from Guinea.

Yaya arrived in Australia with his family as a child and grew up in Adelaide. Now a professional footballer and Australian under-23 representative, he is also an emerging community leader and role model.

Yaya brought is powerful and authentic new voice in the multicultural sector, supporting newly arrived refugees and advocating for their communities.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Submissions: Climate Report – Global Drought Hotspots Report Catalogs Severe Suffering, Economic Damage

Source: United Nations – Convention to Combat Desertification

Food, water, energy crises, human tragedies in 2023-2025 detailed in sweeping analysis by U.S. National Drought Mitigation Center and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

Fuelled by climate change and relentless pressure on land and water resources, some of the most widespread and damaging drought events in recorded history have taken place since 2023, according to a UN-backed report launched today.

Prepared by the U.S. National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), with support from the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), the report “Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025” provides a comprehensive account of how droughts compound poverty, hunger, energy insecurity, and ecosystem collapse.

Says UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw: “Drought is a silent killer. It creeps in, drains resources, and devastates lives in slow motion. Its scars run deep.”

“Drought is no longer a distant threat,” he adds. “It is here, escalating, and demands urgent global cooperation. When energy, food, and water all go at once, societies start to unravel. That’s the new normal we need to be ready for.”

“This is not a dry spell,” says Dr. Mark Svoboda, report co-author and NDMC Founding Director. “This is a slow-moving global catastrophe, the worst I’ve ever seen. This report underscores the need for systematic monitoring of how drought affects lives, livelihoods, and the health of the ecosystems that we all depend on.”

“The Mediterranean countries represent canaries in the coal mine for all modern economies,” he adds. “The struggles experienced by Spain, Morocco and Türkiye to secure water, food, and energy under persistent drought offer a preview of water futures under unchecked global warming. No country, regardless of wealth or capacity, can afford to be complacent.”

A wide-ranging crisis

The new report synthesizes information from hundreds of government, scientific and media sources to highlight impacts within the most acute drought hotspots in Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia), the Mediterranean (Spain, Morocco, Türkiye), Latin America (Panama, Amazon Basin), Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Africa:

Over 90 million people across Eastern and Southern Africa face acute hunger. Some areas have been enduring their worst ever recorded drought.
Southern Africa, already drought-prone, was devastated with roughly 1/6th of the population (68 million) needing food aid in August 2024.
In Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, maize and wheat crops have failed repeatedly. In Zimbabwe alone, the 2024 corn crop was down 70% year on year, and maize prices doubled while 9,000 cattle died of thirst and starvation.
In Somalia, the government estimated 43,000 people died in 2022 alone due to drought-linked hunger. As of early 2025, 4.4 million people – a quarter of the population – face crisis-level food insecurity, including 784,000 expected to reach emergency levels.
Zambia suffered one of the world’s worst energy crises as the Zambezi River in April 2024 plummeted to 20% of its long-term average. The country’s largest hydroelectric plant, the Kariba Dam, fell to 7% generation capacity, causing blackouts of up to 21 hours per day and shuttering hospitals, bakeries, and factories.

Mediterranean:

Spain: Water shortages hit agriculture, tourism, and domestic supply. By September 2023, two years of drought and record heat caused a 50% drop in Spain’s olive crop, causing its olive oil prices to double across the country.
Morocco: The sheep population was 38% smaller in 2025 relative to 2016, prompting a royal plea to cancel traditional Eid sacrifices.
Türkiye: Drought accelerated groundwater depletion, triggering sinkholes that present hazards to communities and their infrastructure while permanently reducing aquifer storage capacity.

Latin America:

Amazon Basin: Record-low river levels in 2023 and 2024 led to mass deaths of fish and endangered dolphins, and disrupted drinking water and transport for hundreds of thousands. As deforestation and fires intensify, the Amazon risks transitioning from a carbon sink to a carbon source.
Panama Canal: Water levels dropped so low that transits were slashed by over one-third (from 38 to 24 ships daily between October 2023 and January 2024), causing major global trade disruptions. Facing multi-week delays, many ships were rerouted to longer, costlier paths via the Suez Canal or South Africa’s infamous Cape of Good Hope. Among the knock-on effects, U.S. soybean exports slowed, and UK grocery stores reported shortages and rising prices of fruits and vegetables.

Southeast Asia:

Drought disrupted production and supply chains of key crops such as rice, coffee, and sugar. In 2023-2024, dry conditions in Thailand and India, for example, triggered shortages leading to a 8.9% increase in the price of sugar in the US.

“A Perfect Storm” of El Niño and climate change

The 2023–2024 El Niño event amplified already harsh climate change impacts, triggering dry conditions across major agricultural and ecological zones. Drought’s impacts hit hardest in climate hotspots, regions already suffering from warming tr

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

June 27, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: NATO’s 5% of GDP defence target ramps up pressure on Australia to spend vastly more
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Fellow, Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra, and Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University

After lobbying by US President Donald Trump, NATO leaders have promised to boost annual defence spending to 5% of their countries’ gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035.

A NATO statement released this week said:

United in the face of profound security threats and challenges, in particular the long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security and the persistent threat of terrorism, allies commit to invest 5% of GDP annually on core defence requirements as well as defence-and security-related spending by 2035.

This development comes at a tricky time for the Albanese government. It has so far batted away suggestions Australia should increase its defence spending from current levels of around 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), or almost A$59 billion per year (and projected to reach 2.33% of GDP by 2033–34). Trump has called on Australia to increase this to about 3.5%.

With this NATO agreement, global security deteriorating and defence capability gaps obvious, pressure is mounting on the Australian government to increase defence spending further.

Pressure from Trump

A long‑time critic of NATO, Trump and his key officials have castigated NATO’s readiness and spending.

Meanwhile, Russia’s war on Ukraine, now in its fourth year, and a spate of suspected Russian sabotage across Europe have sharpened concerns about allied preparedness.

Against this backdrop, the NATO summit saw Trump publicly reaffirms US commitment to the alliance, and European members pledged to lift defence spending.

What exactly did NATO promise and why?

The headlines say NATO members agreed to increase annual defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

In fact, the actual agreement is more nuanced.

The summit communique, notably shorter than in previous years, broke the pledge down into two parts.

The first is 3.5% of GDP on what is considered traditional defence spending: ships, tanks, bullets, people and so on.

The second part – the remaining 1.5% of GDP – is to

protect our critical infrastructure, defend our networks, ensure our civil preparedness and resilience, unleash innovation, and strengthen our defence industrial base.

Exactly what strategic resilience initiatives this money will be spent on is up to the individual member nation.

It might be tempting to paint NATO’s commitment to increased defence spending as evidence of European NATO partners bowing to US political pressure.

But it’s more than that. It is a direct response to the increased threat posed by Russia to Europe, and perhaps an insurance policy against any doubts European NATO partners may have about the US reliability and enduring commitment to the 76-year-old alliance between the US and Europe.

However, not all countries are keen on the defence spending commitment, with notable reservations from Spain and Belgium.

These two countries are yet to meet NATO’s 2014 commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence.

What’s all this mean for Australia?

The commitment to hike NATO defence spending will have an indirect impact on Australia’s own beleaguered defence spending debate.

As mentioned, Australia’s main strategic ally – the US – has pressured Australia to hike defence spending to 3.5% of GDP, up from around 2.02% of GDP this financial year (which the government projects will reach 2.33% by 2033–34).

Australia is not the only Indo-Pacific partner being pushed to spend more on defence. Japan is too.

This is consistent with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Shangri-La speech in May, when he urged Asian allies to step up on defence spending, pointing to Europe as the model.

The NATO announcement will likely embolden the US to apply greater pressure on the Australia to increase defence spending.

Trump’s strategy towards NATO has clearly been to sow ambiguity in the minds of European countries as to the US’ commitment to NATO, to get them to come to the table on defence spending.

This may well be a future Australia faces, too. It could mean a bumpy road ahead for Australia and its most crucial alliance partner.

Where to from here?

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said Australia will determine its own level of defence spending, and that arbitrary GDP limits are unhelpful. Defence spending, he argues, should be based on capability needs, not demands from allies.

And he is right, to a point.

That said, allies have a right to have an expectation all parties in the alliance are holding up their end of the bargain.

Australian defence spending should be based on the capabilities it needs to resource its stated defence strategy and defend its core interests. Currently, in my view, Australia’s defence capability does not match its current strategy.

There are clear gaps in Australia’s defence capabilities, including:
- its aged naval capability
- a lack of mine warfare, replenishment and survey capabilities
- a limited ability to protect critical infrastructure against missile attack
- space capabilities.
These are key risks, at the moment of possibly most significant strategic circumstances since the second world war.

In the event of a major crisis or conflict in the region, Australia would not presently be able to defend itself for a prolonged period. To address this requires structural reform and defence investment.

In response to this week’s NATO announcement, Defence Minister Richard Marles said:

We have gone about the business of not chasing a number, but thinking about what is our capability need, and then resourcing it.

During the election campaign both the prime minister and defence minister left the door open to increasing defence spending.

The real unknown is how long it will take to make it happen, and how much damage it may do in the meantime to Australia’s relationship with the US and overall defence-preparedness.

Jennifer Parker is affiliated with UNSW Canberra and ANU’s National Security College.

– ref. NATO’s 5% of GDP defence target ramps up pressure on Australia to spend vastly more – https://theconversation.com/natos-5-of-gdp-defence-target-ramps-up-pressure-on-australia-to-spend-vastly-more-259886
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: Intermap Technologies Announces Voting Results of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: IMP; OTCQB: ITMSF) – Intermap Technologies Corporation (“Intermap” or the “Company”) held its annual general meeting of shareholders (the “Meeting”) on June 26, 2025, at the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, located at 3700, 400 Third Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta. A total of 27,270,817 Class A common shares of Intermap (“Common Shares”), representing 45.93% of the total Common Shares outstanding, were represented in person or by proxy at the Meeting.

Intermap’s shareholders voted in favor of all items of business put forward at the Meeting, being (i) the election of all nominated directors, as more fully described in the Company’s management information circular dated May 28, 2025 (the “Circular”), and (ii) the appointment of MNP LLP as auditors of the Company, as more fully described in the Circular and in the press release issued by the Company on June 20, 2025, copies of which are available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The results of the vote in respect of the election of directors of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders, until their successors are duly elected or appointed, or until they otherwise cease to hold office, are as follows:

Nominee	Result of Vote	Votes For	Votes Withheld
Patrick A. Blott	Elected	18,579,224 (96.38%)	698,190 (3.62%)
Philippe Frappier	Elected	18,696,326 (96.99%)	581,088 (3.01%)
John (Jack) Hild	Elected	18,694,826 (96.98%)	582,588 (3.02%)
Jordan Tongalson	Elected	18,696,326 (96.99%)	581,088 (3.01%)

The results of the vote in respect of the appointment of MNP LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as auditors of the Company to hold office until the next annual general meeting of shareholders, with remuneration to be determined by the board of directors of the Company, are as follows:

Votes For	26,566,313 (97.42%)
Votes Withheld	704,504 (2.58%)

About Intermap Technologies
Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Intermap (TSX: IMP; OTCQB: ITMSF) is a global leader in geospatial intelligence solutions, focusing on the creation and analysis of 3D terrain data to produce high-resolution thematic models. Through scientific analysis of geospatial information and patented sensors and processing technology, the Company provisions diverse, complementary, multi-source datasets to enable customers to seamlessly integrate geospatial intelligence into their workflows. Intermap’s 3D elevation data and software analytic capabilities enable global geospatial analysis through artificial intelligence and machine learning, providing customers with critical information to understand their terrain environment. By leveraging its proprietary archive of the world’s largest collection of multi-sensor global elevation data, the Company’s collection and processing capabilities provide multi-source 3D datasets and analytics at mission speed, enabling governments and companies to build and integrate geospatial foundation data with actionable insights. Applications for Intermap’s products and solutions include defense, aviation and UAV flight planning, flood and wildfire insurance, disaster mitigation, base mapping, environmental and renewable energy planning, telecommunications, engineering, critical infrastructure monitoring, hydrology, land management, oil and gas and transportation.

For more information, please visit www.intermap.com or contact:
Jennifer Bakken
Executive Vice President and CFO
CFO@intermap.com
+1 (303) 708-0955

Sean Peasgood
Investor Relations
Sean@SophicCapital.com
+1 (647) 260-9266

The MIL Network –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: Intermap Technologies Announces Voting Results of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Nominee	Result of Vote	Votes For	Votes Withheld
Patrick A. Blott	Elected	18,579,224 (96.38%)	698,190 (3.62%)
Philippe Frappier	Elected	18,696,326 (96.99%)	581,088 (3.01%)
John (Jack) Hild	Elected	18,694,826 (96.98%)	582,588 (3.02%)
Jordan Tongalson	Elected	18,696,326 (96.99%)	581,088 (3.01%)

Votes For	26,566,313 (97.42%)
Votes Withheld	704,504 (2.58%)

For more information, please visit www.intermap.com or contact:
Jennifer Bakken
Executive Vice President and CFO
CFO@intermap.com
+1 (303) 708-0955

Sean Peasgood
Investor Relations
Sean@SophicCapital.com
+1 (647) 260-9266

The MIL Network –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Recognizing Tunisia’s Leadership in the Arab Spring, Calling Out Troubling Democratic Backsliding

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

June 26, 2025

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today joined four of his Senate colleagues in introducing a resolution recognizing Tunisia’s leadership in the Arab Spring and expressing support for upholding its democratic principles and norms. Under the country’s current President Kais Saied, Tunisia has seen a recent backslide of the democratic gains made in the years following the Arab Spring. This includes a notable increase in arrests of political opponents and critics of his Administration.
Specifically, the resolution:
1.      Recognizes Tunisia as the symbolic birthplace of the historic Arab Spring movement and the country’s notable democratic reforms that emerged during that period;
2.      Commends the Tunisian people for their courage and democratic achievements made in the immediate years following the Arab Spring;
3.      Expresses deep concern for more recent reversals of such democratic gains, including the erosion of judicial independence; political repression and arrests; and the undemocratic consolidation of power;
4.      Urges the Government of Tunisia to release all political prisoners – including a United States citizen; to respect the rights of the people to free exercise of peaceful assembly, expression, and the press; to restore and respect the independence of electoral, judicial, and anti-corruption institutions;
5.      Urges the Trump Administration to sanction those Tunisian officials primarily involved in repression of peaceful democratic activity.
U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) also cosponsored the bill.
Full text of the resolution is available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: House Appropriations Committee Approves Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G. Valadao (California)

WASHINGTON – The House Appropriations Committee met today to consider the Fiscal Year 2026 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. Congressman David Valadao (CA-22), Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, released the following statement on the bill’s passage out of full committee markup:

“After months of hard work preparing the FY26 bill as Chairman of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee, I’m proud to see it advance out of full committee markup,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bill not only ensures Congress has the resources needed to effectively serve the American people—it also reins in unnecessary spending and refocuses our priorities to reflect our core values. Most importantly, this legislation provides the necessary funding to support Capitol Police as they work to keep Members of Congress, visitors, and staff safe. I’m grateful to Chairman Cole for his leadership and guidance throughout this process, and I look forward to building on this momentum as the bill heads to the House floor.”

Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) said, “Our greatest duty is to our constituents—and this bill reflects that. The FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act makes targeted and responsible investments to strengthen the institutions that serve Americans. It protects key functions of our democracy, supports critical oversight responsibilities, and ensures the safety and accessibility of the Capitol complex. Under Chairman Valadao’s leadership, we’ve advanced a measure that upholds core missions and safeguards taxpayer dollars. It’s a clear commitment to transparency, accountability, and putting the people first.”

Legislative Branch Subcommittee Chairman David Valadao began the markup with remarks on the bill. Watch his full remarks here or read as prepared below:

It is my pleasure to present the FY26 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill and report for your consideration today. I appreciate the opportunity to work once again with Ranking Member Espaillat and the minority staff throughout the FY26 process. I’d also like to thank Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro for their continued leadership.

We received a record number of requests from our colleagues and the Members present today, and we had the pleasure of accommodating items from both sides of the aisle in a bipartisan manner.

This bill provides $5 billion – a 5.3 percent decrease from the FY 2025 enacted House level. By tradition, we do not consider Senate items in the House mark, but when we take them into account, the discretionary allocation totals $6.7 billion, a $51 million decrease from the FY25 enacted CR. While we had to make a number of tough choices in this bill, we believe that as the legislative branch, it is our responsibility to lead by example and make responsible funding decreases where appropriate.

As I mentioned in our subcommittee markup on Monday, we recognize the tragic events that recently took place in Minnesota, and I am deeply concerned and saddened by the increase in political violence in this nation.

As appropriators we have the responsibility to provide for the safety and security for Members of Congress and the United States Capitol complex, and the bill under consideration today reflects our ongoing commitment to this duty. In 2017, the Members’ Representational Allowance was increased for the purpose of providing Member security when they are away from the Capitol complex, and this bill continues to carry that increase. It also includes increased funding for the House Sergeant at Arms and the United States Capitol Police.

I want to take a brief moment to highlight the funding requested by the USCP for mutual aid reimbursements. As noted in the report, the Department requested 5-year funds at the rate of $5 million per year for mutual aid. This bill provides $10 million for FY26, which is double the proposed annual amount. We intend to continue providing funds on an annual basis to ensure we are providing sufficient funding that is reflective of the growing needs at hand.

I would also like to thank the House Sergeant at Arms and his team for the rapid manner in which they developed a number of proposals, in consultation with Members and Leadership, regarding additional security measures. In the days ahead, we look forward to discussing these proposals with our colleagues to determine the most appropriate path forward. We plan to continue the discussion on security measures and recommend that we incorporate any needed changes when we conference with the Senate.

Again, I’d like to thank all Members for their thoughtful contributions to the FY26 Legislative Branch Bill and report and the staff from both the majority and the minority.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Canterbury granted permanent test flight airspace

Source: New Zealand Government

Canterbury’s Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre has been allocated permanent test flight airspace, giving advanced aviation companies the freedom to safely trial next-generation technologies, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today.

“The Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) permanent special use airspace designation for Tāwhaki anchors Canterbury’s growing reputation as a national hub for space and advanced aviation innovation.”

Ms Collins announced the Tāwhaki designation at the launch of the Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy, which aims to position Canterbury as a global leader in aerospace innovation by 2035.

“Canterbury is an ideal launchpad for the space and advanced aviation sectors due to its combination of location, test-bed facilities, research and innovation capability, manufacturing capability and workforce.

“We know New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors are growing rapidly. The space sector has grown 53 percent in the five years to 2023-24 to contribute more than $2.47 billion to the economy. The advanced aviation sector contributed $480 million in the same period, with some overlaps with the space sector.

“The Government sees space as having huge potential, and that’s why we’re working towards delivering a world-class regulatory environment for advanced aviation by the end of this year, as signalled less than a year ago.

“The CAA is currently consulting on proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Rules to make it easier to test and deploy new aerospace technologies.

“A new rule will, in most cases, allow advanced aviation companies to freely develop their product without needing to seek further approvals.”

“The upcoming New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch in October will draw an international audience, providing an opportunity to showcase Canterbury’s unique attributes to advanced aviation innovators.

“Overall, this is an exciting opportunity to grow advanced aviation in New Zealand,” Ms Collins said.

Tāwhaki will manage the permanent Special Use Airspace by activating areas when required for operators, while minimising the effect on other airspace users.

Public consultation about the proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Rules closes on 27 July.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: GraniteShares Announces Forward Split of PTIR

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GraniteShares has announced it will execute a forward share split for the GraniteShares 2x Long PLTR (the “Fund”). The total market value of the shares outstanding will not be affected as a result of these splits.

After the close of the markets on July 08, 2025 (the “Payable Date”), the Fund will effect a forward split of its issued and outstanding shares as follows:

As a result of the share split, shareholders of the Fund will receive fifteen shares for each share held as indicated in the table above. Accordingly, the number of the Fund’s issued and outstanding shares will increase by the approximate percentage indicated above.

The ticker and CUSIP will not be affected by the transaction.

The share split will apply to shareholders of record as of the close of the NASDAQ Stock Market (the “NASDAQ”) on July 08, 2025 (the “Record Date”), payable after the close of the NASDAQ on the Payable Date. Shares of the Funds will begin trading on the NASDAQ on a split-adjusted basis on July 09, 2025 (the “Ex-Date”). On the Ex-Date, the opening market value of the Fund’s issued and outstanding shares, and thus a shareholder’s investment value, will not be affected by the share split. However, the per share net asset value (“NAV”) and opening market price on the Ex-Date will be approximately one-fifteenth. The table below illustrates the effect of a hypothetical fifteen-for-one split on a shareholder’s investment.

15-for-1 forward split

Period	# of shares owned	Hypothetical NAV	Total Market Value
Pre-Split	10	US$ 300	US$ 3,000
Post-Split	150	US$ 20	US$ 3,000

About GraniteShares

GraniteShares is an independent ETF issuer headquartered in New York City. GraniteShares offers the following leveraged single stock ETFs:

ETF Name	Ticker	Underlying Stock	Management Fee/Total Expense with fee waiver⁽¹⁾ /Total Expense without fee waiver⁽³⁾
GraniteShares 2x Long AAPL Daily ETF	AAPB	Apple	0.99%/1.15%/1.65%
GraniteShares 2x Long AMD Daily ETF	AMDL	AMD	0.99%/1.15%/6.04%
GraniteShares 2x Long AMZN Daily ETF	AMZZ	Amazon.com	0.99%/1.15%/2.28%
GraniteShares 2x Long BABA Daily ETF	BABX	Alibaba	0.99%/1.15%/1.52%
GraniteShares 2x Long COIN Daily ETF	CONL	Coinbase	0.99%/1.15%/1.12%
GraniteShares 2x Short COIN Daily ETF	CONI	Coinbase	0.99%/1.15%/1.12%
GraniteShares 2x Long CRWD Daily ETF	CRWL	CrowdStrike	1.30%/1.50%/2.30%
GraniteShares 2x Long DELL Daily ETF	DLLL	Dell Technologies	1.30%/1.50%/2.30%
GraniteShares 2x Long INTC Daily ETF	INTW	Intel	1.30%/1.50%/2.30%
GraniteShares 2x Long IONQ Daily ETF	IONL	IONQ	1.30%/1.50%/1.50%
GraniteShares 2x Long LCID Daily ETF	LCDL	Lucid	0.99%/1.15%/1.43%
GraniteShares 2x Long MARA Daily ETF	MRAL	MARA Holding	1.30%/1.50%/1.50%
GraniteShares 2x Long META Daily ETF	FBL	Meta Platform	0.99%/1.15%/1.22%
GraniteShares 2x Long MRVL Daily ETF	MVLL	Marvell Technology	1.30%/1.50%/1.50%
GraniteShares 2x Long MSFT Daily ETF	MSFL	Microsoft	0.99%/1.15%/3.55%
GraniteShares 2x Long MSTR Daily ETF	MSTP	MicroStrategy	1.30%/1.50%/1.50%
GraniteShares 2x Short MSTR Daily ETF	MSDD	MicroStrategy	1.30%/1.50%/1.50%
GraniteShares 2x Long MU Daily ETF	MULL	Micron Technology	1.30%/1.50%/1.50%
GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF	NVDL	NVIDIA	0.99%/1.15%/1.06%
GraniteShares 2x Short NVDA Daily ETF	NVD	NVIDIA	0.99%/1.15%/1.73
GraniteShares 2x Long PLTR Daily ETF	PTIR	Palantir	0.99%/1.15%/1.18%
GraniteShares 2x Long QCOM Daily ETF	QCML	Qualcomm	1.30%/1.50%/1.50%
GraniteShares 2x Long RDDT Daily ETF	RDTL	Reddit	1.30%/1.50%/1.50%
GraniteShares 2x Long RIVN Daily ETF	RVNL	Rivian	0.99%/1.15%/1.50%
GraniteShares 2x Long SMCI Daily ETF	SMCL	Super Micro Computer	1.30%/1.50%/2.30%
GraniteShares 1.25x Long TSLA Daily ETF	TSL	Tesla	0.99%/1.15%/1.98%
GraniteShares 2x Long TSLA Daily ETF	TSLR	Tesla	0.99%/1.15%/1.63%
GraniteShares 2x Short TSLA Daily ETF	TSDD	Tesla	0.99%/1.15%/2.59%
GraniteShares 2x Long TSM Daily ETF	TSML	Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing	1.30%/1.50%/2.30%
GraniteShares 2x Long Uber Daily ETF	UBRL	Uber	0.99%/1.15%/1.18%
GraniteShares 2x Long VRT Daily ETF	VRTL	Vertiv	1.30%/1.50%/1.50%

In addition, GraniteShares’ ETF suite includes the following ETFs:

(1) GraniteShares Advisors LLC has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or pay for operating expenses of the Fund to ensure that total annual fund operating expenses (exclusive of any (i) interest, (ii) brokerage fees and commission, (iii) acquired fund fees and expenses, (iv) fees and expenses associated with instruments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example options and swap fees and expenses), (v) interest and dividend expense on short sales, (vi) taxes, (vii) other fees related to underlying investments (such as option fees and expenses or swap fees and expenses), (viii) expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or (ix) extraordinary expenses such as litigation) will not exceed 1.15%. This agreement is effective until December 31, 2025, and it may be terminated before that date only by the Trust’s Board of Trustees. GraniteShares Advisors LLC may request recoupment of previously waived fees and paid expenses from the Fund for three years from the date such fees and expenses were waived or paid, if such reimbursement will not cause the Fund’s total expense ratio to exceed the expense limitation in place at the time of the waiver and/or expense payment and the expense limitation in place at the time of the recoupment.

(2) Estimated total cost in the absence of fee waiver or reimbursement.

Contact Information:
William Rhind, CEO
GraniteShares Inc
+1 646 876 5049
william.rhind@graniteshares.com

Important Information

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the GraniteShares funds (the “Funds”) carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call (844) 476 8747, or visit the website at www.graniteshares.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

To obtain a prospectus for BAR, please visit
https://www.graniteshares.com/Documents/25/Prospectus-GraniteShares-Gold-Trust.pdf

To obtain a prospectus for PLTM, please visit
https://graniteshares.com/media/gwrbh3ah/pltm_prospectus.pdf

To obtain a prospectus for COMB, please visit
https://graniteshares.com/media/4crf2x4e/graniteshares-etf-trust-comb-summary-prospectus.pdf

Except as described above regarding the liquidation of the ETFs, shares of the Funds may be sold during trading hours on the exchange through any brokerage account, shares are not individually redeemable, and shares may only be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares in a Fund will develop or be maintained. Shares may trade above or below NAV. Brokerage commissions will apply.

Fund Risks

Multiple funds have a limited operating history of less than a year and risks associated with a new fund. The Leveraged and Daily Inverse Funds are not suitable for all investors. The investment program of the funds is speculative, entails substantial risks and include asset classes and investment techniques not employed by most ETFs and mutual funds. Investments in the ETFs are not bank deposits and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Fund is designed to be utilized only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily leveraged (2X) or daily inverse (-1X and -2X) investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. For periods longer than a single day, the Fund will lose money if the Underlying Stock’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Fund will lose money even if the Underlying Stock’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day. The funds do not directly invest in the underlying stock.

The Funds seek daily inverse or leveraged investment results and are intended to be used as short-term trading vehicles. Each Fund with “Long” in its name attempts to provide daily investment results that correspond to the respective long leveraged multiple of the performance of an underlying stock (each a Leveraged Long Fund). Each Fund with “Short” in its name attempts to provide daily investment results that correspond to the inverse (or opposite) multiple of the performance of an underlying stock (each an Inverse Fund).

Investors should note that the Long Leveraged Funds and the Daily Inverse Funds pursue daily leveraged investment objectives and daily inverse investment objectives (respectively), which means that the fund is riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage and inverse strategies because the fund magnifies the performance of their underlying security. The volatility of the underlying security may affect a Funds’ return as much as, or more than, the return of the underlying security.

For the Leveraged Long Funds because of daily rebalancing and the compounding of each day’s return over time, the return of the Fund for periods longer than a single day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which will very likely differ from 200% of the return of the Underlying Stock over the same period. The Fund will lose money if the Underlying Stock’s performance is flat over time, and as a result of daily rebalancing, the Underlying Stock volatility and the effects of compounding, it is even possible that the Fund will lose money over time while the Underlying Stock’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day.

For the Daily Inverse Funds because of daily rebalancing and the compounding of each day’s return over time, the return of the Fund for periods longer than a single day will be the result of each day’s returns compounded over the period, which will very likely differ from -100% and 200% of the return of the Underlying Stock over the same period. The Fund will lose money if the Underlying Stock’s performance is flat over time, and as a result of daily rebalancing, the Underlying Stock volatility and the effects of compounding, it is even possible that the Fund will lose money over time while the Underlying Stock’s performance decreases over a period longer than a single day.

Shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for ETF shares will develop or be maintained, or that their listing will continue or remain unchanged. Buying or selling ETF shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions and frequent trading may incur brokerage costs that detract significantly from investment returns.

An investment in the Fund involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Fund is non-diversified and includes risks associated with the Fund concentrating its investments in a particular industry, sector, or geographic region which can result in increased volatility. The use of derivatives such as futures contracts and swaps are subject to market risks that may cause their price to fluctuate over time. Risks of the Fund include Effects of Compounding and Market Volatility Risk, Inverse Risk, Market Risk, Counterparty Risk, Rebalancing Risk, Intra-Day Investment Risk, Daily Index Correlation Risk, Other Investment Companies (including ETFs) Risk, and risks specific to the securities of the Underlying Stock and the sector in which it operates. These and other risks can be found in the prospectus.

Investing in physical commodities, including through commodity-linked derivative instruments such as Commodity Futures, Commodity Swaps, as well as other commodity-linked instruments, is speculative and can be extremely volatile and may not be suitable for all investors. Market prices of commodities may fluctuate rapidly based on numerous factors, including: changes in supply and demand relationships (whether actual, perceived, anticipated, unanticipated or unrealized); weather; agriculture; trade; domestic and foreign political and economic events and policies; diseases; pestilence; technological developments; currency exchange rate fluctuations; and monetary and other governmental policies, action and inaction.

A liquid secondary market may not exist for the types of commodity-linked derivative instruments the Fund buys, which may make it difficult for the Fund to sell them at an acceptable price. The Fund is new with no operating history. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Fund will grow to or maintain an economically viable size, in which case it could ultimately liquidate.

Derivatives may be more sensitive to changes in market conditions and may amplify risks and losses.

This information is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any Funds to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchase or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Please consult your tax advisor about the tax consequences of an investment in Fund shares, including the possible application of foreign, state, and local tax laws. You could lose money by investing in the ETFs. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Funds will be achieved. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete investment program.

The Fund is distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc, which is not affiliated with GraniteShares or any of its affiliates ©2025 GraniteShares Inc. All rights reserved. GraniteShares, GraniteShares Trusts, and the GraniteShares logo are registered and unregistered trademarks of GraniteShares Inc., in the United States and elsewhere. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Gregory FCA for GraniteShares
Kathleen Elicker, 484-889-6597
graniteshares@gregoryfca.com

Important Information

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus or summary prospectus with this and other information about the Funds, please call (844) 476 8747 or visit www.graniteshares.com. Read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing.

The investment program of the funds is speculative, entails substantial risks and include asset classes and investment techniques not employed by more traditional mutual funds.

PRINCIPAL FUND RISKS (see the Prospectus for more information)

GraniteShares Leveraged Long and Inverse Daily ETFs are not suitable for all investors. The funds seek daily leveraged investment results and are intended to be used as short-term trading vehicles. The funds pursue daily leveraged investment objectives, which means that the funds are riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the fund magnifies the performance of the underlying security. The volatility of the underlying security may affect the fund return as much as, or more than, the return of the underlying security. Investors who do not understand the Funds, or do not intend to actively manage their funds and monitor their investments, should not buy the Funds. The Funds are designed to be utilized only by traders and sophisticated investors who understand the potential consequences of seeking daily inverse and/or leveraged investment results, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage and/or short sales and are willing to monitor their portfolios frequently. For periods longer than a single day, the Funds will lose money if the underlying stock’s performance is flat, and it is possible that the Funds will lose money even if the underlying stock’s performance increases over a period longer than a single day. An investor could lose the full principal value of his/her investment within a single day. The Funds track the price of a single stock rather than an index, eliminating the benefits of diversification that most mutual funds and exchange-traded funds offer. Although the Funds will be listed and traded on an exchange, an investment in a Fund may not be suitable for every investor. The Funds pose risks that are unique and complex.

THE FUNDS ARE DISTRIBUTED BY ALPS DISTRIBIUTORS, INC. GRANITESHRES IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH ALPS DISTRIBUTORS, INC

The MIL Network –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: News 06/26/2025 Blackburn Introduces Legislation to Ensure U.S. Foreign Aid Recipients Cannot Undermine America’s Interests
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced legislation to ensure United States foreign aid does not squander taxpayer dollars by propping up governments represented in the United Nations (U.N.) that undermine U.S. interests:

“No more should American taxpayers have to question the value of foreign assistance to countries that oppose our values and interests,” said Senator Blackburn. “The United States must be a good steward of taxpayer dollars, ensuring every dollar that we send to foreign nations drives global stability and advances American interests. The United Nations Voting Accountability Act would ensure that taxpayers are not forced to fund countries that undermine and vote against the U.S. in the United Nations.”

The United Nations Voting Accountability Act is sponsored by U.S. Representative Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) in the House of Representatives.

BACKGROUND
- Every year, the U.S. spends tens of billions of dollars on foreign aid for countries around the world. The U.S. also contributes more to the United Nations than any other country, and many recipient countries of U.S. foreign aid often vote against America’s interests at the U.N., leaving American taxpayers questioning the value of continued assistance.
- After the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Russia, China, and Pakistan began circulating a U.N. resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire, which ignores Iran’s support for terrorism and shields the Iranian regime from accountability.
- While the resolution does not name the U.S. or Israel, its intent is obvious. It is unacceptable for U.S. aid recipients to use international platforms to undermine America and protect adversaries like Iran.
THE UNITED NATIONS VOTING ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

The United Nations Voting Accountability Act would block U.S. foreign aid to any country that opposes the U.S. at the U.N. or sponsors or leads resolutions that target the U.S. or its allies.

The U.S. Secretary of State may exempt a country if it is determined that:
- There has been a fundamental change in the leadership and policies of the government of the country to which the prohibition applies; and
- As a result of such change, the government will no longer oppose the position of the U.S. in the U.N.
Click here for bill text.

RELATED
MIL OSI USA News –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The 4th Eurasian Economic Forum has begun its work in Minsk

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

MINSK, June 26 (Xinhua) — The 4th Eurasian Economic Forum opened in Minsk on Thursday. Its participants will discuss issues of Eurasian integration. Key topics include development of industry and agriculture, regional cooperation, digital transformation, the potential of artificial intelligence, integration of labor markets, and customs control.

The forum is being held during Belarus’s presidency of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the main topic is “Strategy for Eurasian Economic Integration: Results and Prospects.” The event will last for two days. In addition to the plenary session, there will be 35 sectional sessions. More than 2,700 representatives of business and political circles, international organizations and the media from more than 30 countries are taking part in the forum.

On the first day, the forum was attended by the presidents of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, Russia Vladimir Putin, Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joined the meeting via video link.

In his speech, A. Lukashenko outlined the contours of the updated version of the Eurasian Economic Union. “When the treaty on the union was signed, 2025 was defined as a kind of horizon, beyond which a new stage in the activities of the union would begin. And today we have every reason to present individual elements of the union 2.0. In a situation of global turbulence, it is important not to trail behind events, but to influence the global agenda in a positive way, to have well-thought-out models for responding to external challenges,” the Belarusian leader said.

A. Lukashenko drew attention to the fact that the EAEU GDP is only about 4 percent of the world GDP. “What does this mean? That the potential of our integration association is not fully utilized. And over the next 10 years, we must at least double this figure, giving new impetus to integration,” the Belarusian president emphasized and added that some of the most important indicators in the EAEU’s activities have not been met. In many ways, according to him, the solution to these problems depends on the Eurasian Economic Commission and the heads of the member states of the association.

The Eurasian Economic Union was created in 2015. The union includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia. The EAEU was created for the purpose of comprehensive modernization, cooperation and increasing the competitiveness of national economies and creating conditions for stable development in the interests of raising the standard of living of the population of the member states. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein On Budget Impasse

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Stein On Budget Impasse

Governor Stein On Budget Impasse
lsaito
Thu, 06/26/2025 – 17:54

Raleigh, NC

Today Governor Stein released the following statement after the General Assembly adjourned without passing a budget:

“The Senate and the House failed to come together to meet the needs of North Carolinians before the start of the new budget year. While I am gratified that the legislature took action to get more Helene funding out the door, we face many other urgent challenges across the state that need to be addressed through a fiscally responsible, full budget. Our teachers, law enforcement, and other state employees deserve real pay raises so we can recruit and retain the best. In addition, at a time when the federal government is proposing severe cuts to Medicaid, leaving Raleigh without taking steps to fully fund North Carolina’s Medicaid program is irresponsible. I stand ready to work with the General Assembly to invest in our people and expand opportunities so every person can succeed.”

Jun 26, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein On Budget Impasse

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Stein On Budget Impasse

Governor Stein On Budget Impasse
lsaito
Thu, 06/26/2025 – 17:54

Raleigh, NC

Today Governor Stein released the following statement after the General Assembly adjourned without passing a budget:

“The Senate and the House failed to come together to meet the needs of North Carolinians before the start of the new budget year. While I am gratified that the legislature took action to get more Helene funding out the door, we face many other urgent challenges across the state that need to be addressed through a fiscally responsible, full budget. Our teachers, law enforcement, and other state employees deserve real pay raises so we can recruit and retain the best. In addition, at a time when the federal government is proposing severe cuts to Medicaid, leaving Raleigh without taking steps to fully fund North Carolina’s Medicaid program is irresponsible. I stand ready to work with the General Assembly to invest in our people and expand opportunities so every person can succeed.”

Jun 26, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Beyond the big leagues: Concussion care in community sports

Source:

27 June 2025

As sport-related concussions continue to spark global concern, researchers at the University of South Australia (UniSA) are turning their attention to a largely overlooked group – non-professional athletes – calling for more rigorous return-to-play assessments to protect everyday players.

In a new study, researchers suggest that current return-to-play protocols for semi-elite and community sport athletes might not be enough to ensure the safety of players following a concussion.

A sports-related concussion is traumatic brain injury that occurs when a hit to the head, neck or body causes a sudden jolt to the brain. It can lead to a range of symptoms, with or without a loss of consciousness.

Lead author, UniSA’s Dr Hunter Bennett, says repeated concussions have a host of long-term health effects.

“Concussions are one of the most common injuries across all sorts of sports. But while many sporting organisations have guidelines that dictate the minimum time a player must wait before returning to play, they may not always be enough ensure a full recovery,” Dr Hunter says.

“In the short-term, returning to sport before a concussion has properly healed can lead to impaired balance, coordination and reaction time, which can increase the risk of injury during sport.

“In the long-term, the risks are even more serious – from cognitive impairment to neurodegenerative diseases like motor neuron disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as chronic traumatic encephalopathy.

“Community sportspeople, including children, are particularly vulnerable, as they don’t have the same access to medical support as professional athletes.”

Dr Bennett says return-to-play decisions for non-professional players should go beyond symptom checks.

“Instead, they should include symptom-based assessments that test balance, memory, and coordination – key areas affected by concussion – in conjunction with personalised rehabilitation plans to support recovery and reduce the risk of reinjury.”

The Australian Institute of Sport recommends that the earliest a non-professional player can return to play is 21 days after a concussion. For elite players in the AFL or Rugby Australia, the minimum is 12 days.

But even with those timelines, Dr Bennett says, there are still gaps in how concussions may be assessed and managed at community and school sport levels.

“There’s a lot of variation in how potential concussions are handled at local levels. And while the intention is always to support and protect the player, sometimes the necessary precautions are not instigated,” Dr Bennett says.

“Even at professional levels, some research suggests that more than 60% of sports physicians and trainers report feeling pressure from athletes to clear them early, and more than half say they’ve felt pushback from coaches.

“We know all players – whether professional or not – want to return to their sport as soon as possible, but it’s essential that we take a cautious and individualised approach.

“Upskilling team clubs, schools and community sports groups to better recognise the signs of concussion, follow proper protocols, and prioritise player wellbeing is key to creating a safer sporting culture at every level.

“Because when it comes to concussion, it’s not just about getting back on the field – it’s about protecting long-term brain health.”

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Contact for interview: Dr Hunter Bennett E: Hunter.Bennett@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Annabel Mansfield M: +61 479 182 489 E: Annabel.Mansfield@unisa.edu.au

Other articles you may be interested in

MIL OSI News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: LEMOYNE – Shapiro Administration Continues to Stand Up for Pennsylvania Farmers and Businesses Who Will be Hurt by Proposed Federal SNAP Funding Cuts

Source: US State of Pennsylvania

June 27, 2025 – Lemoyne, PA

ADVISORY – LEMOYNE – Shapiro Administration Continues to Stand Up for Pennsylvania Farmers and Businesses Who Will be Hurt by Proposed Federal SNAP Funding Cuts

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will join agriculture and manufacturing leaders and farmers at Karns Foods to bring attention to the potentially devastating implications of proposed federal funding cuts for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and how they will hurt Pennsylvania farmers, food businesses, and families.

Media are invited to attend the press conference at the grocery store to hear directly from Secretary Redding and those who will be harmed by federal funding cuts proposed by Congress.

The event will highlight the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to fighting hunger in Pennsylvania while supporting our farmers, manufacturing, and agriculture industry and holding government accountable. Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 proposed budget increases investments to help end hunger and support farms across Pennsylvania.

WHO:
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
State Representative Nate Davidson
Karns Foods Board Chairman Scott Karns
Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association Communications Director John Zimmerman
Local farmers

WHEN:
Friday, June 27, 2025, at 10:30 AM

WHERE:
Karns Foods
1023 State Street
Lemoyne, PA 17043

RSVP:
Press attending should RSVP with news outlet and photographer and reporter names to aginfo@pa.gov “.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Leads Effort to Honor Former Arizona Congressman Jim Kolbe

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

TUCSON, AZ — U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani reintroduced a bipartisan effort to honor former Congressman Jim Kolbe by naming a post office after him in Patagonia, AZ.

Reintroduction of the legislation is timed to coincide with what would have been Kolbe’s 83rd birthday on Saturday, June 28.

Kolbe represented southeastern Arizona for eleven terms, from 1985 to 2007, and was one of Arizona’s most respected members of Congress. Like Ciscomani, Kolbe served on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, rising to chairman of one of the committee’s twelve subcommittees.

“Jim Kolbe lived a life of service dedicated to not only our state but our country as a whole,” said Ciscomani. “He was a Navy veteran who represented Arizona as a true statesman, leading in foreign affairs, trade, and fiscal discipline, while staying true to his values. He continues to inspire my own service in Congress and his impactful leadership will long be remembered.”

Ciscomani’s legislation would rename the post office located at 100 North Taylor Lane in Patagonia, Arizona, as the Jim Kolbe Memorial Post Office. Kolbe grew up in Patagonia, attending Patagonia Elementary School and Patagonia Union High School.

Prior to his election to the House of Representatives, former Congressman Kolbe served in the Navy from 1967 – 1977 and the Arizona state legislature from 1977 – 1982.

Ciscomani is joined by Reps. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ), David Schweikert (R-AZ), Greg Stanton (D-AZ), and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) in this effort.

Read the full bill text here.

In January 2023, Congressman Ciscomani gave his maiden floor speech honoring Kolbe following his death in December 2022.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: AGF Announces Results of Special Meetings of Securityholders and Implementation of Certain Fund Changes Approved by Securityholders

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following special meetings of securityholders held on June 26, 2025, AGF Investments Inc. (AGF Investments) today announced that securityholders approved the proposed changes to the investment objectives of AGF Short-Term Income Class and AGF Global Sustainable Growth Equity Fund (each a “Fund”, and collectively, the “Funds”), as follows:

Fund	Current Investment Objective	Proposed Investment Objective
AGF Short-Term Income Class	The Fund’s objective is to provide maximum income while preserving capital and liquidity. It invests primarily in short-term instruments, government guaranteed securities and corporate paper with a minimum A credit rating.	The Fund’s objective is to provide maximum income, while preserving capital and liquidity. It invests primarily in Canadian money market instruments, such as Canadian treasury bills.
AGF Global Sustainable Growth Equity Fund	The Fund’s investment objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities, globally, which fit the Fund’s concept of sustainable development.	The Fund’s investment objective is to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing in companies that are delivering a positive sustainability impact by providing solutions to the key challenges in sustainable development.

The new investment objectives will be implemented by AGF Investments by an amendment to the simplified prospectus of the Funds, on or about July 15, 2025. In connection with the investment objective changes, the following changes will also be made to the Funds on or about July 15:

Strategy Changes: The investment strategies of the Funds will be amended to align with the new investment objectives of the Funds, as further detailed in the management information circular referenced below.

Name Change: AGF Short-Term Income Class will change its name to AGF Canadian Money Market Class.

At the meetings, securityholders also approved changes to the capital structure of AGF All World Tax Advantage Group Limited, as per disclosure included in the management information circular.

Additional information regarding the changes in investment objective, and other associated changes, is provided in the Funds’ management information circular, which is available on www.AGF.com and www.sedarplus.ca.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual fund securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurances the fund will be able to obtain its net asset value at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the fund will be returned to you. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

About AGF Management Limited

Founded in 1957, AGF Management Limited (AGF) is an independent and globally diverse asset management firm. Our companies deliver excellence in investing in the public and private markets through three business lines: AGF Investments, AGF Capital Partners and AGF Private Wealth.

AGF brings a disciplined approach, focused on incorporating sound, responsible and sustainable corporate practices. The firm’s collective investment expertise, driven by its fundamental, quantitative and private investing capabilities, extends globally to a wide range of clients, from financial advisors and their clients to high-net worth and institutional investors including pension plans, corporate plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments and foundations.

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, AGF has investment operations and client servicing teams on the ground in North America and Europe. With over $53 billion in total assets under management and fee-earning assets, AGF serves more than 815,000 investors. AGF trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AGF.B.

About AGF Investments

AGF Investments is a group of wholly owned subsidiaries of AGF Management Limited, a Canadian reporting issuer. The subsidiaries included in AGF Investments are AGF Investments Inc. (AGFI), AGF Investments America Inc. (AGFA), AGF Investments LLC (AGFUS) and AGF International Advisors Company Limited (AGFIA). The term AGF Investments may refer to one or more of these subsidiaries or to all of them jointly. This term is used for convenience and does not precisely describe any of the separate companies, each of which manages its own affairs.

AGF Investments entities only provide investment advisory services or offers investment funds in the jurisdiction where such firm and/or product is registered or authorized to provide such services.

AGF Investments Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AGF Management Limited and conducts the management and advisory of mutual funds in Canada.

Media Contact

Amanda Marchment
Director, Corporate Communications
416-865-4160
amanda.marchment@agf.com

The MIL Network –

June 27, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: One bad rainstorm away from disaster: why proposed changes to forestry rules won’t solve the ‘slash’ problem
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Bloomberg, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Te Kura Ngahere-New Zealand School of Forestry, University of Canterbury

Murry Cave/Gisborne District Council, CC BY-SA

The biggest environmental problems for commercial plantation forestry in New Zealand’s steep hill country are discharges of slash (woody debris left behind after logging) and sediment from clear-fell harvests.

During the past 15 years, there have been 15 convictions of forestry companies for slash and sediment discharges into rivers, on land and along the coastline.

Such discharges are meant to be controlled by the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry, which set environmental rules for forestry activities such as logging roads and clear-fell harvesting. The standards are part of the Resource Management Act (RMA), which the government is reforming.

The government revised the standards’ slash-management rules in 2023 after Cyclone Gabrielle. But it it is now consulting on a proposal to further amend the standards because of cost, uncertainty and compliance issues.

We believe the proposed changes fail to address the core reasons for slash and sediment discharges.

We recently analysed five convictions of forestry companies under the RMA for illegal discharges. Based on this analysis, which has been accepted for publication in the New Zealand Journal of Forestry, we argue that the standards should set limits to the size and location of clear-felling areas on erosion-susceptible land.

Why the courts convicted 5 forestry companies

In the aftermath of destructive storms in the Gisborne district during June 2018, five forestry companies were convicted for breaches of the RMA for discharges of slash and sediment from their clear-fell harvesting operations. These discharges resulted from landslides and collapsed earthworks (including roads).

There has been a lot of criticism of forestry’s performance during these storms and subsequent events such as Cyclone Gabrielle. However, little attention has been given to why the courts decided to convict the forestry companies for breaches of the RMA.

The courts’ decisions clearly explain why the sediment and slash discharges happened, why the forestry companies were at fault, and what can be done to prevent these discharges in future on erosion-prone land.

New Zealand’s plantation forest land is ranked for its susceptibility to erosion using a four-colour scale, from green (low) to red (very high). Because of the high erosion susceptibility, additional RMA permissions (consents) for earthworks and harvesting are required on red-ranked areas.

This map shows areas with the highest and lowest susceptibility to erosion.
David Palmer/Te Uru Rākau, CC BY-SA

New Zealand-wide, only 7% of plantation forests are on red land. A further 17% are on orange (high susceptibility) land. But in the Gisborne district, 55% of commercial forests are on red land. This is why trying to manage erosion is such a problem in Gisborne’s forests.

Key findings from the forestry cases

In all five cases, the convicted companies had consents from the Gisborne District Council to build logging roads and clear-fell large areas covering hundreds or even thousands of hectares.

A significant part of the sediment and slash discharges originated from landslides that were primed to occur after the large-scale clear-fell harvests. But since the harvests were lawful, these landslides were not relevant to the decision to convict.

Instead, all convictions were for compliance failures where logging roads and log storage areas collapsed or slash was not properly disposed of, even though these only partly contributed to the collective sediment and slash discharges downstream.

The court concluded that:
1. Clear-fell harvesting on land highly susceptible to erosion required absolute compliance with resource consent conditions. Failures to correctly build roads or manage slash contributed to slash and sediment discharges downstream.
2. Even with absolute compliance, clear-felling on such land was still risky. This was because a significant portion of the discharges were due to the lawful activity of cutting down trees and removing them, leaving the land vulnerable to landslides and other erosion.
The second conclusion is critical. It means that even if forestry companies are fully compliant with the standards and consents, slash and sediment discharges can still happen after clear-felling. And if this happens, councils can require companies to clean up these discharges and prevent them from happening again.

This is not a hypothetical scenario. Recently, the Gisborne District Council successfully applied to the Environment Court for enforcement orders requiring clean-up of slash deposits and remediation of harvesting sites. If the forestry companies fail to comply, they can be held in contempt of court.

A typical scale of clear-felling affected by the June 2018 storms.
Murry Cave/Gisborne District Council, CC BY-SA

Regulations are not just red tape

This illustrates a major problem with the standards that applies to erosion-susceptible forest land everywhere in New Zealand, not just in the Gisborne district. Regulations are not just “red tape”. They provide certainty to businesses that as long as they are compliant, their activities should be free from legal prosecution and enforcement.

The courts’ decisions and council enforcement actions show that forestry companies can face considerable legal risk, even if compliant with regulatory requirements for earthworks and harvesting.

Clear-felled forests on erosion-prone land are one bad rainstorm away from disaster. But with well planned, careful harvesting of small forest areas, this risk can be kept at a tolerable level.

However, the standards and the proposed amendments do not require small clear-fell areas on erosion-prone land. If this shortcoming is not fixed, communities and ecosystems will continue to bear the brunt of the discharges from large-scale clear-fell harvests.

To solve this problem, the standards must proactively limit the size and location of clear-felling areas on erosion-prone land. This will address the main cause of catastrophic slash and sediment discharges from forests, protecting communities and ecosystems. And it will enable forestry companies to plan their harvests with greater confidence that they will not be subject to legal action.

Mark Bloomberg receives funding from the government’s Envirolink fund and from local authorities and forestry companies. He is a member of the NZ Institute of Forestry and the NZ Society of Soil Science.

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

– ref. One bad rainstorm away from disaster: why proposed changes to forestry rules won’t solve the ‘slash’ problem – https://theconversation.com/one-bad-rainstorm-away-from-disaster-why-proposed-changes-to-forestry-rules-wont-solve-the-slash-problem-258280
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
June 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Lung cancer screening is about to start. What you need to know if you smoke or have quit

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Olver, Adjunct Professsor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide

Magic mine/Shutterstock

From July, eligible Australians will be screened for lung cancer as part of the nation’s first new cancer screening program for almost 20 years.

The program aims to detect lung cancer early, before symptoms emerge and cancer spreads. This early detection and treatment is predicted to save lives.

Why lung cancer?

Lung cancer is Australia’s fifth most diagnosed cancer but causes the greatest number of cancer deaths.

It’s more common in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, rural and remote Australians, and lower income groups than in the general population.

Overall, less than one in five patients with lung cancer will survive five years. But for those diagnosed when the cancer is small and has not spread, two-thirds of people survive five years.

Who is eligible?

The lung cancer screening program only targets people at higher risk of lung cancer, based on their smoking history and their age. This is different to a population-wide screening program, such as screening for bowel cancer, which is based on age alone.

The lung cancer program screens people 50-70 years old with no signs or symptoms of lung cancer such as breathlessness, a persisting cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, becoming very tired or losing weight.

To be eligible, current smokers must also have a history of at least 30 “pack years”. To calculate this you multiply the number of packets (of 20 cigarettes) you smoke a day by the number of years you’ve been smoking them.

For instance, if you smoke one packet (20 cigarettes) a day for a year that is one pack year. Smoking two packets a day for six months (half a year) is also a pack year.

People who have quit smoking in the past ten years but have accumulated 30 or more pack years before quitting are also eligible.

Heavy smokers aged 50-70 may be eligible for screening.
Gyorgy Barna/Shutterstock

What does screening involve?

Ask your GP or health worker if you are eligible. If you are, you will be referred for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. This uses much lower doses of x-rays than a regular CT but is enough to find nodules in the lung. These are small lumps which could be clumps of cancer cells, inflammatory cells or scarring from old infections.

Imaging involves lying on a table for 10-15 minutes while the scanner takes images of your chest. So people must also be able to lie flat in a scanner to be part of the program.

After the scan, the results are sent to you, your GP and the National Cancer Screening Register. You’ll be contacted if the scan is normal and will then be reminded in two years’ time to screen again.

If your scan has findings that need to be followed, you will be sent back to your GP who may arrange a further scan in three to 12 months.

If lung cancer is suspected, you will be referred to a lung specialist for further tests.

What are the benefits and risks?

International trials show screening people at high risk of lung cancer reduces their chance of dying prematurely from it, and the benefits outweigh any harm.

The aim is to save lives by increasing the detection of stage 1 disease (a small cancer, 4 centimetres or less, confined to the lung), which has a greater chance of being treated successfully.

The risks of radiation exposure are minimised by using low-dose CT screening.

The other greatest risk is a false positive. This is where the imaging suggests cancer, but further tests rule it out. This varies across studies from almost one in ten to one in two of those having their first scan. If imaging suggests cancer, this usually requires a repeat scan. But about one in 100 of those whose imaging suggests cancer but were later found not to have it have invasive biopsies. This involves taking a sample of the nodule to see if it contains cancerous cells.

Some people will be diagnosed with a cancer that will never cause a problem in their lifetime, for instance because it is slow growing or they are likely to die of other illnesses first. This so-called overdiagnosis varies from none to two-thirds of lung cancers diagnosed, depending on the study.

Imaging involves a low-dose CT scan.
Peakstock/Shutterstock

How much will it cost?

The Australian government has earmarked A$264 million over four years to screen for lung cancer, and $101 million a year after that.

The initial GP consultation will be free if your GP bulk bills, or if not you may be charged an out-of-pocket fee for the consultation. This may be a barrier to the uptake of screening. Subsequent investigations and consultations will be billed as usual.

There will be no cost for the low-dose CT scans.

What should I do?

If you are 50-70 and a heavy smoker see your GP about screening for lung cancer. But the greater gain in terms of reducing your risk of lung cancer is to also give up smoking.

If you’ve already given up smoking, you’ve already reduced your risk of lung cancer. However, since lung cancer can take several years to develop or show on a CT scan, see your GP if you were once a heavy smoker but have quit in the past ten years to see if you are eligible for screening.

This is the first article in our ‘Finding lung cancer’ series, which explores Australia’s first new cancer screening program in almost 20 years.

More information about the program is available. If you need support to quit smoking, call Quitline on 13 78 48.

Ian Olver receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

– ref. Lung cancer screening is about to start. What you need to know if you smoke or have quit – https://theconversation.com/lung-cancer-screening-is-about-to-start-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-smoke-or-have-quit-253227

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Remarks on Ending the COLA Freeze for Members of Congress During Appropriations Markup

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Ranking Member of the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered remarks in response in support of an amendment to bring an end to the freeze of Cost-Of-Living-Adjustments (COLA) for Members of Congress at the House Appropriations Full Committee Markup of the FY26 Legislative Branch Bill markup. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks:

Click here to watch a full video of his remarks:

“I generally try to support righteous amendments, and so I compelled to support this amendment. Mr. Clyde, I’ve always impressed how much research you do – you with me? I’m complimenting you. (laughter erupts across the room) I know, Ms. Wasserman-Schultz is distracting, I understand that (more laughter), but the fact of the matter is, you always do your research and I wish the research would make the difference, but we know it doesn’t.

“This is about politics. This is about fear of the public thinking that we have our hand in the cookie jar. Let me suggest to you, the more times we – and this will be the 16th time – we stop putting the hand in the cookie jar, the [objective] of the reform in 1989 was to make sure that members weren’t doing that, because you’re absolutely right. I never took payment for speeches. I thought that was a not too well-designed bribe, but I have always supported making sure that at least we stayed even. That’s all this COLA is, this is not a raise. Your purchasing power if you were here as long as the distinguished gentleman, former Chairman, Mr. Rogers and I have been here, has been reduced about 45% since 2009. Now you’ve noticed your grocery prices haven’t been frozen, your rent hasn’t been frozen here or at home – now maybe your mortgage has been frozen because you’ve had it for a long time.

“But the fact of the matter is two things are going to occur, first of all, people won’t be able to run for Congress. Now, I want to tell the public, who presumably may be watching this, that I believe a large number of Members on the other side of the aisle from me support this COLA adjustment. Why? Because they’ve told me so. Now I was the number two leader for 20 years, and I have not kept track of the number of Members from across the aisle who came to me and said, ‘You’re going to be able to take care of this this year?’ And very frankly, for a lot of years I did, not unilaterally, however, with Mr. Blunt, Mr. Delay, with Mr. Cantor, with other leaders in your party.

“We agreed that not having a COLA, making Members lose purchasing power, frankly, was not a good thing for us to do so that Members could stay as the ’89 reform meant them to be: independent and not required to seek other forms of income, legally or illegally. And I am so pleased that Mr. Clyde, I have an amendment to do the same thing.

“I’m not going to offer it because we’re going to resolve it on this issue. Now, Mr. Valadao, I understand your problem. So we understand one another. I’m going to be honest. I tell people on my side, ‘If you’ve got a tough race, don’t vote for this.’ And the reason we’ve been able to do it, both sides did that. Mr. Cantor, Mr. Blunt, you had 40-30% of your people who didn’t ever vote for this. Why? Because we know it can be demagogued and we know it is demagogued. So, I tell people on my side, do not vote for this, because it will be a big issue in your campaign.

“But there are a majority on both sides whom that will not affect, not because we don’t stand for election, because I’ve been for this since the day I got here, and I’m here now in my 23rd term so what we’re going to decide is a political question of whether we have the courage and the honesty, the intellectual honesty not to come to Hoyer or any other leader in the House and say, ‘boy, I hope you can get this done. I can’t vote for it, of course, but –’ that’s what this issue is about, and I understand some of you have tough issues.

“Frankly, both sides go after the moderates every year. It’s why we have become more and more polarized. But this is something that we ought to do if we have self-respect for ourselves, for our institution and respect for our voters who themselves want a COLA. And if they’re retired, you damn well know you better have that COLA for Social Security or you’re in trouble. Why? Because they know if they don’t get that COLA adjustment, they lose standard of living. Why? Because prices go up. But if you are on a fixed income, and I know I’ve run out of time again. Now I will tell you, I hope I take my side. I can support this, but we’re not going to go empty into this dark night if you’re not there with us, I yield back.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: HILL, GOTTHEIMER, KEAN JR., LAWLER, AND MOSKOWITZ INTRODUCE BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON COUNTRIES THAT WRONGFULLY DETAIN AMERICANS
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Hill (AR-02), Rep. Gottheimer (NJ-05), Rep. Kean Jr. (NJ-07), Rep. Lawler (NY-17), and Rep. Moskowitz (FL-23) introduced the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025, which would create a designation for countries or nonstate actors that engage in the unlawful or wrongful detention of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, empowering the Secretary of State and Congress to hold them accountable.

Rep. Hill said, “When Americans are wrongfully detained abroad, it’s not just a personal tragedy — it’s a direct attack on the United States. Those who wrongfully detain Americans must know that there will be real consequences for using U.S. citizens as political pawns. That’s why our bill gives the State Department the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable while keeping Congress firmly engaged in the process. This bipartisan bill is a strong step toward protecting Americans by deterring and punishing them.”

Rep. Gottheimer said, “As the United States faces increasing threats from foreign adversaries, protecting Americans abroad must remain a top priority. I am proud to help introduce the bipartisan Countering Wrongful Detention Act alongside Congressman Hill to ensure the State Department has the tools it needs to hold bad actors accountable.

“This bipartisan bill will help bring home Americans wrongfully detained around the world and strengthen efforts to prevent future hostage taking. To those being held, and their families, our message is clear: we stand with you and we are fighting every day to bring you home.”

Rep. Kean Jr. said, “My constituent, Sarah Moriarty, lost her fath

er, Robert Levinson, after he was taken hostage by Iran in 2007. Her family spent years wondering where he was, not knowing if he was alive or if they would ever see him again. Sadly, far too many American families have lived through that same kind of fear and heartbreak.

“Hostile regimes like Iran continue to use innocent Americans as bargaining chips, dehumanizing and mistreating them—and in some cases, even taking their lives. The Countering Wrongful Detention Act makes it clear that there will be consequences for this kind of behavior, and the United States will always go to great lengths to protect its citizens.”

Rep. Lawler said, “As a co-lead on the Countering Wrongful Detention Act, I’m proud to be joining a bipartisan group of colleagues working to protect Americans held hostage by rogue nations as political pawns. This legislation will provide the State Department with the necessary tools to exert pressure while ensuring that Congress maintains accountability. American families deserve nothing less.”

Rep. Moskowitz said, “For years, my constituent Bob Levinson was illegally, unjustly, and unacceptably held by the Iranian regime. Bad actors like these can’t detain Americans without cause and think they can get away with it. I’m helping lead the Countering Wrongful Detention Act because this bipartisan bill puts real tools in place that’ll crack down on this practice and send a strong, bipartisan signal that our government will hold accountable any state or nonstate actors who threaten Americans in this way.”

Sarah (Levinson) Moriarty, Co-Founder of R. A. Levinson & Associates and Fellow, New America Future Security Program, said, “Since the introduction of PPD30 ten years ago, and the Robert A. Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage Taking Accountability Act in 2019, we have seen marked improvement in how our government handles the cases of American nationals held hostage by state and nonstate actors.

“This important bipartisan legislation, coming at such a critical time when Americans continue to be taken on a weekly basis as political bargaining chips, is a giant leap forward in creating tangible deterrence that stops bad actors from continuing this horrific practice. Thank you to Representatives Hill, Gottheimer, Kean Jr., Lawler, and Moskowitz for their leadership on this issue.

“We hope to see this legislation passed by Congress and swiftly signed into law, as we know it will help prevent so many Americans from falling victim to the suffering that my father, my family, my friends in the hostage community, and far too many others have experienced.”

“The Foley Foundation supports the bipartisan introduction of this bill in the House of Representatives by Reps. Hill, Kean Jr, Lawler, Gottheimer, and Moskowitz to ensure hostile regimes that take American nationals for political leverage face greater and targeted consequences. We welcome oversight provisions to require public testimony or public reporting that will allow the American people to better understand the threat of international hostage-taking.”

Background:

The bipartisan legislation creates a new authority for the Secretary of State to formally designate countries or nonstate actors as state sponsors of unlawful or wrongful detention, creating a deterrent framework similar to the existing state sponsors of terrorism designation. Once designated, the Secretary may impose a range of penalties on those governments, including diplomatic and economic consequences.

The bill provides congressional oversight by requiring that all state sponsors of unlawful or wrongful detention designations expire unless Congress passes a joint resolution to approve them within six months. Congress would also have the authority to terminate a designation through a joint resolution, ensuring these decisions reflect the interests of the American people and are subject to public accountability.

This legislation further directs the Secretary of State to brief Congress on whether the following countries should be designated under this new authority:
- China
- Russia
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Eritrea
- Nicaragua
- Syria
- Venezuela
- Belarus
A one-pager on the Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025 is available HERE.

The full text of the bill is available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Spotlight on NDC 3.0: Scaling Ambition and Action in Africa at SB62 Side Event

Source: African Development Bank Group

As countries gathered in Bonn for the 62nd session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB62), a high-level side event titled “Making the Investment Case for African NDCs”, co-organized by the African Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), brought much-needed focus to the importance of making African Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) more holistic, implementable, and investment-ready.

The event provided a timely platform to elevate African perspectives and showcase ongoing efforts to align climate ambition with long-term development priorities and financial viability as countries prepare their next generation of NDCs (NDC 3.0).

Opening the discussion, Margaret Athieno Mwebesa, Commissioner of Uganda’s Climate Change Department, welcomed the Bank’s ongoing technical support in conducting the stock take for Uganda’s current Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) as part of the NDC 3.0 process. She emphasized the critical link between financing and implementation, noting:

“Without investments, our NDCs are as good as useless. With less than 10% of Uganda’s NDC financing mobilized as of 2024, we must do more to make our climate plans truly bankable.”

In a compelling keynote, Prof. Anthony Nyong, Director for Climate Change and Green Growth at the African Development Bank, highlighted the urgency of scaling support for climate investment in Africa and the need for strengthened partnerships: “Africa does not lack ambition. What it needs is partnership, investment, and systems-level support,” he stated. “Let us move beyond doom and gloom. Africa is ripe for climate-smart investment—home to 70 percent of its infrastructure yet to be built, rich in renewables, and holding vast reserves of arable land and critical minerals.”

He also highlighted the Bank’s Climate financing milestones—growing from nine percent to 55 percent climate finance commitment between 2016 – 2023 and outlined tools such as the Africa NDC Hub, Adaptation Benefits Mechanism, and Climate Action Window, all designed to unlock investment-ready, country-driven climate actions.

Ms. Sung-Ah Kyun, Associate Director of Climate Strategy and Delivery of the EBRD and co-Chair of the MDB Policy and Country/Client Engagement Working Group, added, “MDBs have been collectively working to support countries in developing and implementing their NDCs and LTS, including at sectoral and subnational levels, and are accelerating these efforts through the MDB LTS Program, launched at COP28 and hosted under World Bank’s Climate Support Facility”

The event featured a moderated country dialogue, exploring the evolving experiences of Botswana, Ghana, and Zimbabwe in developing and implementing their NDCs.

Representing Ghana, Seidu Issifu, Minister of State for Climate Change and Sustainability, reflected on Ghana’s progress and outlook. He emphasized the country’s financing needs—between $9.3 billion and $15 billion for the 2021–2030 period—and called for increased support in identifying and scaling sectoral investment opportunities, especially in energy, transport, and agriculture.

From Botswana, Balisi Gopolang, Director of Climate Change, shared lessons learned from their second NDC submission. He noted that while the initial INDC process was new and unfamiliar, Botswana is now better positioned to mobilize partnerships, with a focus on energy investments that span both mitigation and adaptation goals.

Lovemore Dhoba, Deputy Director for Climate Change in Zimbabwe, presented the country’s recently submitted NDC 3.0, which prioritizes the integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender and youth. He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to aligning climate ambitions with development priorities through effective institutional coordination.

The panel discussion, moderated by Uzoamaka Nwamarah, Climate Change Advisor, The Commonwealth Secretariat, brought together experts from development partners and UN agencies to reflect on how they are supporting African countries in strengthening NDCs.

Davinah Milenge Uwella, Chief Programme Coordinator at the African Development Bank, spoke about Africa NDC Hub, hosted by the Bank, which brings together 21 other member partners to coordinate Technical Assistance support to African countries to prepare and implement NDCs, Long-Term Strategies, National Adaptation Plans and Biennial Transparency Report.

She emphasized the Africa NDC Hub’s ongoing role in providing coordinated technical assistance, with over 10 countries provided with NDC and strategies development support. Paola Ridolfi, Climate Change Adviser at the World Bank, emphasized the importance of evidence-based investment planning and highlighted the role of the World Bank’s Country Climate and Development Reports in unlocking climate finance and aligning investments with development pathways.

From UNDP, Catherine Diam-Valla, Co-Lead of the UNDP Climate Promise 2025, highlighted the broad footprint of the Climate Promise initiative, supporting countries to embed NDCs into national development frameworks, strengthen climate budgeting and transparency systems, and build access to carbon markets.

Chiagozie Udeh, Programme Specialist at UNFPA, stressed the need for NDCs to reflect population dynamics, gender equality, and youth empowerment for inclusive, people-centered climate action. “The climate crisis is not just about emissions—it’s about people. We must ensure our NDCs are responsive to social realities.”

The session also featured a technical presentation by Lucy Naydenova, Adaptation Benefits Mechanism Expert at the African Development Bank, on a practical guide for a holistic approach to NDC 3.0, focusing on how adaptation outcomes can be monetized to crowd in private investment.

Prof. Nyong concluded by affirming the “Bank’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with partners—governments, MDBs, the private sector, and civil society to ensure that Africa’s climate goals are not only well-articulated, but well-financed and effectively implemented.”

MIL OSI Economics –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: South Sudan: Thousands unite at a peace concert in Malakal, calling for an end to conflict

This year has been harder than usual for communities in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state, as soaring conflict has led to deaths, displacement and widespread security issues.

But, when the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the state government and UNESCO, decided to leverage the power of music to unite divided communities, by hosting a concert in Malakal, the state capital, the first stirring of hope was evident.

Coming from different parts of the town and its outskirts, including from the UN Protection of Civilians site adjacent to the peacekeeping mission’s base here, more than 2,500 people walked many miles to reach the venue—Malakal Stadium.

The star attraction, of course, was the headline act— Emmanuel Kembe, a renowned South Sudanese musician. His soaring vocals ensured those in attendance were enthralled, enjoying a respite from tensions and rediscovering the power of their shared identity.

As the crowd sang along to peace lyrics and danced to thumping percussive beats, Mr Kembe cemented his popularity by articulating the hope shared by many for a successful transition into democracy and development through the holding of the country’s long-delayed elections.

“It would be good if elections finally take place in 2026 because our people want to vote, they want peace and development.”

Government officials, too, reiterated their commitment to fostering peace in Upper Nile.

“We have a clear plan for every citizen in the state to live freely and thrive in a secure environment. We are working to restore peace,” said Deng Joh Angok, Acting Governor.

Local singers and traditional dancers livened up this large-scale gathering as well.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for all Malakal residents to gather in joy and unity,” stated Achol Jock Lul, artist and women’s rights activist. “It is proof that all South Sudanese can live in harmony!”

As the music continued, every community member at the concert, swaying to a single rhythm provided a glimpse into the continued potential for sustained peace in this troubled young country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

MIL OSI Africa –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Raskin Introduce Bicameral Bill to Cut Off Federal Contracts to Gun Dealers Whose Firearms Are Consistently Linked to Violent Crime

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla, Raskin Introduce Bicameral Bill to Cut Off Federal Contracts to Gun Dealers Whose Firearms Are Consistently Linked to Violent Crime

Legislation would bar government contracts with bad-apple dealers whose guns are overrepresented in violent crime data
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, introduced a bicameral bill to prevent the federal government from contracting with federally licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) that have a documented history of selling guns that are frequently used to commit violent crimes.
Existing federal law requires FFLs that have sold 25 or more guns over the course of a single year that are subsequently traced to violent crimes within three years of their sale to report additional information on their sales practices under ATF’s Demand 2 program to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The Clean Hands Firearm Procurement Act would leverage this ATF data to identify the small number of FFLs that are consistently and dramatically overrepresented in criminal activity and render them ineligible for federal contracts.
“Far too often, lucrative federal contracts are inexplicably awarded to firearm dealers who have been linked to dangerous crime,” said Senator Padilla. “The federal government should not be doing business with repeat offenders who are fueling our national gun violence epidemic. Our commonsense legislation aims to combat senseless and preventable gun violence by ensuring that gun dealers keep guns from falling into the wrong hands.”
“The federal government should not be rewarding gun dealers whose inventory keeps ending up at crime scenes,” said Ranking Member Raskin. “The Clean Hands Firearm Procurement Act prevents federal agencies from contracting with firearm dealers who have a documented history of selling guns that are used in violent crimes. I’m proud to team up with Senator Padilla on this bicameral, commonsense bill to ensure taxpayer dollars aren’t supporting bad-apple gun dealers.”
“Year after year, a small percentage of firearms dealers are the source of the vast majority of guns quickly diverted to crimes, yet some are awarded federal contracts. The Clean Hands Firearm Procurement Act will ensure that dealers that supply large numbers of crime guns do not have the privilege of doing business with the federal government, and that only responsible actors in the gun industry receive coveted federal procurement contracts. Brady thanks Representative Raskin and Senator Padilla for introducing this important legislation and for their continued commitment to ending the American gun violence epidemic,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy for Brady.
The ATF established the Demand 2 Program over two decades ago to improve its clearance rate for tracing firearms used in crimes. Crime gun tracing, administered by the National Tracing Center, establishes the chain of custody of firearms recovered by law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations, from their importer or manufacturer to their first retail purchase at an FFL, creating critical investigative links between a suspect and a recovered firearm.
The Clean Hands Firearm Procurement Act is endorsed by the following groups: Brady, Community Justice Action Fund, Everytown, GIFFORDS, Jewish Democratic Council of America, and the National Council of Jewish Women.
The bill is cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
Senator Padilla is a strong advocate for commonsense, lifesaving gun safety reforms. Earlier this year, Padilla co-led the bicameral reintroduction of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2025, legislation to reinstate a nationwide ban on military-style assault weapons. He also led 18 Senators in introducing the Age 21 Act, legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. In June 2022, Padilla voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety legislation in almost 30 years. In 2023, Padilla joined 27 of his Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Keep Americans Safe Act, renewing efforts to ban the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, or possession of gun magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
Full text of the bill is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murkowski Presses OMB Director Vought on Importance of Public Broadcasting for Alaska

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
06.26.25
Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), senior member of the Appropriations Committee, spoke with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Russell Vought. The Director appeared before the committee that was tasked with considering the rescissions package championed by President Trump, which rescinds $9.4 billion in funding previously appropriated by Congress. Senator Murkowski pressed Vought on the importance of public broadcasting in rural Alaska.
Watch the Senator’s full remarks here.
The full transcript of the interaction is below.
TRANSCRIPT
Murkowski: Thank you for appearing today to answer our questions, whether it’s on the specifics of this rescission package, to where this all might be headed with the Impoundment Control Act.
I think probably to a number, every one of us is supportive of PEPFAR and the intent of that program. I think we all recognize that most of everything we do around here isn’t entirely perfect, and we try to do as good as we can and improve it every single opportunity that we have.
I’m going to ask you some questions with regards to Corporation for Public Broadcasting, but just kind of from a more general perspective, it is absolutely the administration’s right to send us rescissions. It’s our right as a Congress to then figure out whether or not we’re going to support them.
But, I am going to strongly, strongly push back against my colleague here on this side of the aisle, Senator Kennedy in his comments, basically saying that all we have anymore when it comes to appropriations are CRs (Continuing Resolutions), which are a miserable option, and rescissions. I refuse that. I reject that. And I think that not only we as appropriators on this committee should reject that, but we as members of the Senate, members of the Congress, should reject that.
It’s pretty clear in Article One (of the U.S. Constitution) what it is that we’re supposed to be doing when it comes to the power of the purse, appropriations. We have a responsibility. And administrator, you have aptly pointed out that maybe in some of these areas, we have failed, because I think many of the initiatives that you have specifically cited to our constituents would probably say that’s not what was intended. But, this is our role here in the Congress and as appropriators, to again, assert our role and our responsibility.
I don’t object to the fact that you have come to this hearing today to present your review. That’s absolutely fair and legitimate. But I want us as senators, I want us as members of the Legislative Branch to make sure that we are being faithful and have fidelity to our requirements under the Constitution as well.
So, I want to ask about public broadcasting in the time that I have here. You have said that, and it’s more specific to NPR, I think, but you said that basically it’s all political. I am going to give you a little bit of a bird’s eye view of what I consider to be not political when it comes to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the role that they play in my state. I’ve got kind of a memo here from CoastAlaska, which is our Alaska Public Media, outlining the various public media stations around the state of Alaska. I would like for permission that they be included as part of the record.
Chair Collins: Without objection.
Murkowski: But there’s 22 different stations that are listed here, and they’re everywhere from 24% of their annual budget to 70% in Sand Point, in communities that are relatively small but have extraordinary reach. In Barrow, the station up there covers some 95,000 miles when the fiber optic cable was severed by ice about six or seven months ago. That has still not been repaired. It’s public broadcasting that is beaming out to the communities out there to keep those people connected. Right now, we’ve got wildfires that are raging in the Interior part of the state, and so at Fort Yukon and McGrath, it is just our public radio stations that are providing the updates to get people into safe areas.
Senator Rounds mentioned the very important role that we see with regards to our Tribes. We have more than 60 Tribal stations that [are] served out of KNBA that would be disproportionately impacted, where they offer emergency alerts, vital community connections.
So I’m going through their concerns because, almost to a number, they’re saying that they will go under if [Corporation of] Public Broadcasting funds are no longer available to them. And you’ve indicated that, well, they’re going to have time to readjust their budget, because it’s not going to be this fiscal year, that’s going to be impacted. When you have a community like Sand Point out in the Aleutian Islands, where 70% of their budget comes from [Corporation of] Public Broadcasting, or in, let’s just say, Wrangell, because I’m going to be going there in a few days, 50% of their budget comes from [Corporation of] Public Broadcasting. There’s no way to recalibrate, there is no safety valve for them.
So, Administrator, I’ve run out of time to ask my question, but I hope you feel the urgency that I’m trying to express on the on behalf of the people in rural Alaska, and I think in many parts of rural America, where this is their lifeline. This is where they get the updates on that landslide, this is where they get the updates on the wildfires that are coming their way. And so, how they will be able to not only get the emergency alerts that they need, but also the weather reporting to make sure that that fisherman out in Unalaska can go out safely, so that these communities can be connected when the deadly landslide has come through.
I know Senator Rounds has asked for specific help with regards to the Tribes, but mine is much bigger, and I think we’re not necessarily alone, we’re just a little more extreme in the ask.
Vought: Senator, thanks for the comment, and we’ll definitely work with you throughout the process if it’s not in Fiscal Year [20]26. I think we’re to the point for decades we’ve had concerns with the extent to which [Corporation of] Public Broadcasting was funding content that was run contrary to the American people, and we’ve got to get to the point where we can finally deal with that. And we believe we put forward a proposal that gives a run rate to be able to deal with that. But I certainly want to work with you throughout the various opportunities that we have moving forward.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 27, 2025

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