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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/UGANDA – “Voices of Peace”: campaign by Sudanese youth to launch a sustainable peace process

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 20 June 2025

    Internet

    Kampala (Agenzia Fides) – “Stopping the war has become a national demand”. This is the goal of a group of Sudanese youth who have launched the “Voices of Peace” campaign in Kampala, Uganda. Inaugurated on Saturday, June 14 by Sa’ad Mohamed, Executive Director of the African Centre for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS), seeks to engage young Sudanese in building a sustainable peace process.“Through this campaign, we plan to build a comprehensive peace process, with youth at its heart, benefiting from the power and influence of social media in shaping public opinion” said one of the young Sudanese present. The aim is to leverage social media and traditional arts to foster reconciliation and end the ongoing conflict in their homeland (see Fides, 17/4/2023).According to organizers, the initiative will use digital media and traditional arts – including the role of “Hakamats” (traditional female praise singers and storytellers) – to spread messages of peace and coexistence, while also monitoring and documenting human rights violations across Sudan.The note sent to Fides also states that Sudanese civil and political groups have extensive experience using digital media and social networking sites, which played a pivotal role in mobilizing the Sudanese Revolution from December 2018 to April 2019. Faced with media suppression, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp became crucial for organizing protests and coordinating actions. The revolution effectively broke the official media blockade, transforming social media into a popular tool for communication and unifying revolutionary slogans. Sudanese activists gained international support, particularly on Twitter, turning it into a space for global solidarity. Digital platforms also became a vital medium for youth to discuss state-building, transitional justice, and human rights, fostering a culture of digital resistance.Asjad Bahaa, a founder and participant in the campaign, said “Voices of Peace” is the second phase of an ACJPS project, which began in April focusing on documenting enforced disappearances. She explained that the campaign will train youth as monitors and documenters of human rights violations, addressing the exodus of many activists due to security threats.Youth are “the fuel of war and peace,” often easily recruited by armed groups. “We are trying to reverse this by training youth to be peace advocates,” she said. “We are also working to reorient the role of Hakamats to be symbols of peace instead of incitement,” she said.The campaign launches as the conflict between the Army and the Rapid Support Forces enters its third year, with violence escalating and little sign of a political settlement. Humanitarian conditions continue to worsen, and civilian violations are widespread.Examples from other countries highlight the potential of arts and media in peacebuilding. Following the 1994 genocide, Rwanda used traditional arts, community theater, and radio broadcasts to promote love, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Sierra Leone after the 2002 civil war, mobile youth music groups used traditional music to reintegrate child soldiers and foster tolerance. In Colombia media campaigns incorporating traditional arts and music played a role in ending the conflict with FARC rebels. These initiatives, using popular songs broadcast via planes, radio, and social media, encouraged dozens of fighters to disarm and rejoin society. In Niger the role of “Hakamats” was empowered in peacebuilding through folk songs. Trained in reconciliation concepts, these women became key messengers, using songs in markets and at weddings to informally convey messages urging an end to violence and promoting coexistence in pastoral communities. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 20/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: OCEANIA/PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Accusations of witchcraft and violence in society: Caritas’ commitment to combating them

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Caritas Papua Nuova Guinea

    Kundiawa (Agenzia Fides) – In the province of Simbu, in Papua New Guinea, so-called violence related to accusations of witchcraft represents one of the most serious and horrific forms of aggression between families and tribes. “It is a form of violence against individuals or families,” explains Judy Gelua, diocesan coordinator of Caritas in the Diocese of Kundiawa.“In the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, hundreds of cases are recorded each year that go unreported. Simbu is one of the most affected provinces, probably the place from which the torture and murder of women have spread to the entire region in the last twenty years,” writes Father Giorgio Licini, a missionary of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), in a note sent to Fides. Caritas in Simbu handled twenty-five cases in 2024, fifteen of which were reported to the legal office of the Diocese of Kundiawa, which offers free legal assistance. According to Gelua, the knowledge that one can be prosecuted for attacking someone accused of witchcraft acts as a deterrent. Msgr. Paul Sundu, bishop of the Diocese of Kundiawa, points out that these accusations are often instrumentally motivated: “Due to jealousy or greed, people are accused of witchcraft to get rid of enemies or block their success in business, education, or politics.” Father Christian Sieland, a biblical scholar and priest in Kundiawa, points out that beliefs about witchcraft “are deeply rooted in the mindset of both ordinary people and educated people.” “It will take more than a generation to eradicate them,” he says. He explains that these beliefs are fueled by a lack of scientific knowledge about the true causes of illnesses. “People tend to blame members of the community. Doctors must intervene with proper education and always provide death certificates,” adds Father Licini. According to a group of Catholic mothers who meet regularly at the Kundiawa Cathedral points out that polygamy and marital infidelity play a significant role. When a man takes a younger wife, the first wife – often with adult children – becomes a victim of discrimination. The husband neglects her, and the new wife tries to displace her. Faced with a sudden death or an accident in the village, the young woman may accuse the helpless older woman of witchcraft and thus get rid of her. Violence stemming from accusations of witchcraft is often linked to gender-based violence, another serious concern for Caritas Simbu. “The roots of this violence must be sought in an ancestral tribal mentality that conflicts with current social and cultural conditions,” notes Father Licini. Poverty, lack of opportunities, marginalization, and the desperation of many young people fuel this phenomenon. “Traditional, well-structured village life has been replaced by the mobility, pluralism, and consumerism of modern culture.” Faced with this reality, some local organizations are trying to heal the conflict. One of them is the Kunabau Leaders Peace Team, which emerged from tribes in the Mingende area – of Catholic tradition – and has managed to restore peace to a remote community affected by a tribal war with victims.Judy Gelua emphasizes the importance of a broad network of contacts to promote change in the three main sources of violence: witchcraft, gender-based violence, and tribal conflicts. Thanks to collaboration with institutional agencies, Caritas Simbu provides guidance on human rights, peace building, and the protection of minors, women, and vulnerable people to students, teachers, parents, and school board members. As a result, the level of violence is slowly declining, although, according to Father Licini, “intensive education and awareness-raising work is still required.”Bishop Paul Sundu and Caritas coordinator Judy Gelua emphasize the need for a pastoral approach: “To defuse violence,” they affirm, “a personal change is necessary, starting from the heart. This change can come from sharing the Word of God, prayer, and cultural and spiritual formation. It is about beginning a process of purification from a deeply rooted inclination toward violence, centered on the dignity of the human person.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 21/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear and the Namibian Government Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Develop Namibian Domestic Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, N.Y., June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) to explore collaborative opportunities focused on developing the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain infrastructure within the Republic of Namibia.

    The MoU represents a shared vision between NANO Nuclear and NIDA to add significant value to the country’s uranium resources, support industrial development, and create new opportunities for Namibian citizens within the global nuclear energy market. With Namibia already ranked among the world’s top uranium producers, the collaboration aims to help position the country as a key player in the emerging secure and diversified global nuclear fuel supply chain.

    Figure 1 -NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Chief Executive Officer James Walker and Richwell Lukonga, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Industrial Development Agency following the signing of the MoU.

    “This first step with NIDA reflects our long-term commitment to helping NIDA build a stable, localized, and internationally respected nuclear fuel supply chain in Namibia,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “We are proud to work alongside Namibia to ensure that its natural resources can power not only domestic progress but also global energy resilience.”

    Under the MoU, NANO Nuclear and NIDA will work together to evaluate opportunities related to the development of infrastructure, technology transfer, education, job creation, and local workforce development in support of Namibia’s national nuclear energy development goals. NIDA will help coordinate government and stakeholder engagement, while NANO Nuclear will lead assessments related to industrial capability, fuel logistics, and potential international nuclear fuel supply contracts for NIDA.

    “This collaboration with Namibia highlights our mission to position the Company as a leader in the global clean energy transition and reinforces our strategic intent to secure the resources necessary to fuel the future of nuclear energy in the United States and abroad,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “NANO Nuclear brings the advanced nuclear expertise and commercial vision that align well with NIDA’s development mandate. Through education, infrastructure, and responsible industrial development, this collaboration will unlock meaningful opportunities for the Namibian people while supporting NANO Nuclear’s broader strategy to de-risk and decentralize the nuclear fuel supply chain.”

    Figure 2 – NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. Chief Executive Officer James Walker and Richwell Lukonga, Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Industrial Development Agency at the signing of the MoU.

    As the world accelerates toward low-carbon energy solutions, the nuclear industry is experiencing a renaissance. By establishing Namibia as a trusted link in the global nuclear fuel supply chain, this collaboration will support energy security, economic diversification, and scientific advancement in southern Africa and beyond.

    Initial work under the MoU will focus on identifying viable areas for investment, conducting feasibility studies, and facilitating engagements with other government bodies, technical institutions, and international stakeholders. The MoU also envisions expanding the collaboration into areas of training, joint venture development, and nuclear-ready industrial site planning.

    NANO Nuclear and NIDA will also work to negotiate and enter into definitive agreement related to the collaboration in the future.

    About Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA)

    The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) is a commercial state-owned enterprise under Namibia’s Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade. NIDA’s mission is to drive inclusive and sustainable industrial development through investment facilitation, infrastructure development, and support for key growth sectors aligned with Namibia’s national development plans.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
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    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements include those regarding NANO Nuclear’s plans to collaborate with NIDA, and the goals of such collaboration, as described in this press release. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions or risks related to operations in Namibia, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 presidential executive orders seeking to support nuclear energy, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What is CREC? The Christian nationalist group has a vision for America − and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s support

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Samuel Perry, Associate Professor, Baylor University

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, at a prayer during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Feb. 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s affiliation with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches – commonly called the CREC – drew attention even before his confirmation hearings in January 2025. More recently, media reports highlighted a Pentagon prayer led by Hegseth and his pastor, Brooks Potteiger, in which they praised President Donald Trump, who they said was divinely appointed.

    As a scholar of the Christian right, I have studied the CREC. Hegseth’s membership in a church that belongs to the CREC drew attention because prominent members of the church identify as Christian nationalists, and because of its positions on issues concerning gender, sexuality and the separation of church and state.

    The CREC is most easily understood through three main parts: churches, schools and media.

    What is the CREC?

    The CREC church is a network of churches. It is associated with the congregation of Doug Wilson, the pastor who founded Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. Wilson grew up in the town, where his father was an evangelical minister.

    Wilson co-founded the CREC in 1993 and is the public figure most associated with the network of churches. Christ Church operates as the hub for Logos Schools, Canon Press and New Saint Andrews College, all located in Moscow. Logos is a set of private schools and homeschooling curriculum, Canon Press is a publishing house and media company, and New Saint Andrews College is a university, all of which were founded by Wilson and associated with Christ Church. All espouse the view that Christians are at odds with – or at war with – secular society.

    While he is not Hegseth’s pastor, Wilson is the most influential voice in the CREC, and the two men have spoken approvingly of one another.

    Pastor Douglas Wilson leads others at a protest in Moscow, Idaho.
    Geoff Crimmins/The Moscow-Pullman Daily News, CC BY-SA

    As Wilson steadily grew Christ Church in Moscow, he and its members sought to spread their message by making Moscow a conservative town and establishing churches beyond it. Of his hometown, Wilson plainly states, “Our desire is to make Moscow a Christian town.”

    The CREC doctrine is opposed to religious pluralism or political points of view that diverge from CREC theology. On its website, the CREC says that it is “committed to maintaining its Reformed faith, avoiding the pitfalls of cultural relevance and political compromise that destroys our doctrinal integrity.”

    CREC churches adhere to a highly patriarchal and conservative interpretation of Scripture. Wilson has said that in a sexual relationship, “A woman receives, surrenders, accepts.”

    In a broader political sense, CREC theology includes the belief that the establishment clause of the Constitution does not require a separation of church and state. The most common reading of the establishment clause is that freedom of religion precludes the installation of a state religion or religious tests to hold state office.

    The CREC broadly asserts that the government and anyone serving in it should be Christian. For Wilson and members of CREC churches, this means Christians and only Christians are qualified to hold political office in the United States.

    Researcher Matthew Taylor explained in an interview with the Nashville Tennessean, “They believe the church is supposed to be militant in the world, is supposed to be reforming the world, and in some ways conquering the world.”

    While the CREC may not have the name recognition of some large evangelical denominations or the visibility of some megachurches, it boasts churches across the United States and internationally. The CREC website claims to have over 130 churches and parishes spread across North America, Europe, Asia and South America.

    Like some other evangelical denominations, the CREC uses “church planting” to grow its network. Plant churches do not require a centralized governing body to ordain their founding. Instead, those interested in starting a CREC congregation contact the CREC. The CREC then provides materials and literature for people to use in their church.

    CREC schools, home schools and colleges

    The CREC’s expansion also owes a debt to Wilson’s entrepreneurship. As the church expanded, Wilson founded an associated K-12 school called “Logos” in September 1981, which since then has grown into a network of many schools.

    In conjunction with its growth, Logos develops and sells “classical Christian” curriculum to private schools and home-school families through Logos Press. Classical Christian Schools aim to develop what they consider a biblical worldview. In addition to religious studies, they focus on classic texts from Greece and Rome. They have grown in popularity in recent years, especially among conservatives.

    Logos’ classical Christian curriculum is designed to help parents “raise faithful, dangerous Christian kids who impact the world for Christ and leave craters in the world of secularism.” Logos press regularly asserts, “education is warfare.”

    According to the website, Logos schools enroll more than 2,000 students across 16 countries. Logos also has its own press that supplies the curriculum to all of these schools. On the heels of Logos’ success, Wilson founded the Association of Classical Christian Schools in 1993 as an accrediting body for like-minded schools. The ACCS now boast 500 schools and more than 50,000 students across the United States and around the world.

    Additionally, Wilson founded New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. New Saint Andrews is a Christian university that takes the classical Christian approach to education championed by Wilson into higher education.

    The New Saint Andrews College is consistent with other CREC institutions. It considers secularism a weakness of other universities and society more generally. Its website explains: “New Saint Andrews has long held a principled and clear voice, championing the truth of God’s word and ways, while so many other colleges veer into softness and secularism.” The school is governed by the elders of Christ Church and does not accept federal funding.

    CREC media

    In addition to the Logos Press, which produces the CREC school curriculum, Wilson founded Canon Press. Canon Press produces books, podcasts, a YouTube channel and assorted merchandise including apparel and weapons, such as a flamethrower. The YouTube channel has over 100,000 followers.

    Books published by Canon include children’s picture books to manuals on masculinity. A number of books continue the theme of warfare.

    The politics page of the press contains many books on Christian nationalism. Christian political theorist Stephen Wolfe’s book “The Case for Christian Nationalism” is one of the most popular among books on Christian nationalism. The website has dozens of books on Christian nationalism and media dedicated to the construction of a Christian government.

    Author Joe Rigney, a fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College and an associate pastor at Christ Church, warns of the “Sin of Empathy.” Rigney claims that empathizing with others is sinful because it requires compromise and makes one vulnerable in the fight against evil.

    CREC controversies

    Pete Hegseth at his confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 14, 2025.
    AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    As the church network has grown, it has drawn attention and scrutiny. Wilson’s 1996 publication of a book positively depicting slavery and claiming slavery cultivated “affection among the races” drew national attention.

    Accusations of sexual abuse and the church’s handling of it have also brought national news coverage. Vice’s Sarah Stankorb interviewed many women who talked about a culture, especially in marriage, where sexual abuse and assault is common. The Vice reporting led to a podcast that details the accounts of survivors. In interviews, Wilson has denied any wrongdoing and said that claims of sexual abuse will be directed to the proper authorities.

    Hegseth’s actions as secretary of defense concerning gender identity and banning trans people from serving in the military, in addition to stripping gay activist and politician Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship, have brought more attention to the CREC. I believe that given Hegseth’s role as secretary of defense, his affiliation with the CREC will likely remain a topic of conversation throughout the Trump presidency.

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

    – ref. What is CREC? The Christian nationalist group has a vision for America − and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s support – https://theconversation.com/what-is-crec-the-christian-nationalist-group-has-a-vision-for-america-and-defense-secretary-pete-hegseths-support-258273

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What is CREC? The Christian nationalist group has a vision for America − and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s support

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Samuel Perry, Associate Professor, Baylor University

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, at a prayer during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on Feb. 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s affiliation with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches – commonly called the CREC – drew attention even before his confirmation hearings in January 2025. More recently, media reports highlighted a Pentagon prayer led by Hegseth and his pastor, Brooks Potteiger, in which they praised President Donald Trump, who they said was divinely appointed.

    As a scholar of the Christian right, I have studied the CREC. Hegseth’s membership in a church that belongs to the CREC drew attention because prominent members of the church identify as Christian nationalists, and because of its positions on issues concerning gender, sexuality and the separation of church and state.

    The CREC is most easily understood through three main parts: churches, schools and media.

    What is the CREC?

    The CREC church is a network of churches. It is associated with the congregation of Doug Wilson, the pastor who founded Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho. Wilson grew up in the town, where his father was an evangelical minister.

    Wilson co-founded the CREC in 1993 and is the public figure most associated with the network of churches. Christ Church operates as the hub for Logos Schools, Canon Press and New Saint Andrews College, all located in Moscow. Logos is a set of private schools and homeschooling curriculum, Canon Press is a publishing house and media company, and New Saint Andrews College is a university, all of which were founded by Wilson and associated with Christ Church. All espouse the view that Christians are at odds with – or at war with – secular society.

    While he is not Hegseth’s pastor, Wilson is the most influential voice in the CREC, and the two men have spoken approvingly of one another.

    Pastor Douglas Wilson leads others at a protest in Moscow, Idaho.
    Geoff Crimmins/The Moscow-Pullman Daily News, CC BY-SA

    As Wilson steadily grew Christ Church in Moscow, he and its members sought to spread their message by making Moscow a conservative town and establishing churches beyond it. Of his hometown, Wilson plainly states, “Our desire is to make Moscow a Christian town.”

    The CREC doctrine is opposed to religious pluralism or political points of view that diverge from CREC theology. On its website, the CREC says that it is “committed to maintaining its Reformed faith, avoiding the pitfalls of cultural relevance and political compromise that destroys our doctrinal integrity.”

    CREC churches adhere to a highly patriarchal and conservative interpretation of Scripture. Wilson has said that in a sexual relationship, “A woman receives, surrenders, accepts.”

    In a broader political sense, CREC theology includes the belief that the establishment clause of the Constitution does not require a separation of church and state. The most common reading of the establishment clause is that freedom of religion precludes the installation of a state religion or religious tests to hold state office.

    The CREC broadly asserts that the government and anyone serving in it should be Christian. For Wilson and members of CREC churches, this means Christians and only Christians are qualified to hold political office in the United States.

    Researcher Matthew Taylor explained in an interview with the Nashville Tennessean, “They believe the church is supposed to be militant in the world, is supposed to be reforming the world, and in some ways conquering the world.”

    While the CREC may not have the name recognition of some large evangelical denominations or the visibility of some megachurches, it boasts churches across the United States and internationally. The CREC website claims to have over 130 churches and parishes spread across North America, Europe, Asia and South America.

    Like some other evangelical denominations, the CREC uses “church planting” to grow its network. Plant churches do not require a centralized governing body to ordain their founding. Instead, those interested in starting a CREC congregation contact the CREC. The CREC then provides materials and literature for people to use in their church.

    CREC schools, home schools and colleges

    The CREC’s expansion also owes a debt to Wilson’s entrepreneurship. As the church expanded, Wilson founded an associated K-12 school called “Logos” in September 1981, which since then has grown into a network of many schools.

    In conjunction with its growth, Logos develops and sells “classical Christian” curriculum to private schools and home-school families through Logos Press. Classical Christian Schools aim to develop what they consider a biblical worldview. In addition to religious studies, they focus on classic texts from Greece and Rome. They have grown in popularity in recent years, especially among conservatives.

    Logos’ classical Christian curriculum is designed to help parents “raise faithful, dangerous Christian kids who impact the world for Christ and leave craters in the world of secularism.” Logos press regularly asserts, “education is warfare.”

    According to the website, Logos schools enroll more than 2,000 students across 16 countries. Logos also has its own press that supplies the curriculum to all of these schools. On the heels of Logos’ success, Wilson founded the Association of Classical Christian Schools in 1993 as an accrediting body for like-minded schools. The ACCS now boast 500 schools and more than 50,000 students across the United States and around the world.

    Additionally, Wilson founded New Saint Andrews College in Moscow, Idaho. New Saint Andrews is a Christian university that takes the classical Christian approach to education championed by Wilson into higher education.

    The New Saint Andrews College is consistent with other CREC institutions. It considers secularism a weakness of other universities and society more generally. Its website explains: “New Saint Andrews has long held a principled and clear voice, championing the truth of God’s word and ways, while so many other colleges veer into softness and secularism.” The school is governed by the elders of Christ Church and does not accept federal funding.

    CREC media

    In addition to the Logos Press, which produces the CREC school curriculum, Wilson founded Canon Press. Canon Press produces books, podcasts, a YouTube channel and assorted merchandise including apparel and weapons, such as a flamethrower. The YouTube channel has over 100,000 followers.

    Books published by Canon include children’s picture books to manuals on masculinity. A number of books continue the theme of warfare.

    The politics page of the press contains many books on Christian nationalism. Christian political theorist Stephen Wolfe’s book “The Case for Christian Nationalism” is one of the most popular among books on Christian nationalism. The website has dozens of books on Christian nationalism and media dedicated to the construction of a Christian government.

    Author Joe Rigney, a fellow of theology at New Saint Andrews College and an associate pastor at Christ Church, warns of the “Sin of Empathy.” Rigney claims that empathizing with others is sinful because it requires compromise and makes one vulnerable in the fight against evil.

    CREC controversies

    Pete Hegseth at his confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 14, 2025.
    AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    As the church network has grown, it has drawn attention and scrutiny. Wilson’s 1996 publication of a book positively depicting slavery and claiming slavery cultivated “affection among the races” drew national attention.

    Accusations of sexual abuse and the church’s handling of it have also brought national news coverage. Vice’s Sarah Stankorb interviewed many women who talked about a culture, especially in marriage, where sexual abuse and assault is common. The Vice reporting led to a podcast that details the accounts of survivors. In interviews, Wilson has denied any wrongdoing and said that claims of sexual abuse will be directed to the proper authorities.

    Hegseth’s actions as secretary of defense concerning gender identity and banning trans people from serving in the military, in addition to stripping gay activist and politician Harvey Milk’s name from a Navy ship, have brought more attention to the CREC. I believe that given Hegseth’s role as secretary of defense, his affiliation with the CREC will likely remain a topic of conversation throughout the Trump presidency.

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

    – ref. What is CREC? The Christian nationalist group has a vision for America − and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s support – https://theconversation.com/what-is-crec-the-christian-nationalist-group-has-a-vision-for-america-and-defense-secretary-pete-hegseths-support-258273

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer D. Oliva, Professor of Law, Indiana University

    Evidence suggests that insurance companies use AI to delay or limit health care that patients need. FatCameraE+ via Getty Images

    Over the past decade, health insurance companies have increasingly embraced the use of artificial intelligence algorithms. Unlike doctors and hospitals, which use AI to help diagnose and treat patients, health insurers use these algorithms to decide whether to pay for health care treatments and services that are recommended by a given patient’s physicians.

    One of the most common examples is prior authorization, which is when your doctor needs to
    receive payment approval from your insurance company before providing you care. Many insurers use an algorithm to decide whether the requested care is “medically necessary” and should be covered.

    These AI systems also help insurers decide how much care a patient is entitled to — for example, how many days of hospital care a patient can receive after surgery.

    If an insurer declines to pay for a treatment your doctor recommends, you usually have three options. You can try to appeal the decision, but that process can take a lot of time, money and expert help. Only 1 in 500 claim denials are appealed. You can agree to a different treatment that your insurer will cover. Or you can pay for the recommended treatment yourself, which is often not realistic because of high health care costs.

    As a legal scholar who studies health law and policy, I’m concerned about how insurance algorithms affect people’s health. Like with AI algorithms used by doctors and hospitals, these tools can potentially improve care and reduce costs. Insurers say that AI helps them make quick, safe decisions about what care is necessary and avoids wasteful or harmful treatments.

    But there’s strong evidence that the opposite can be true. These systems are sometimes used to delay or deny care that should be covered, all in the name of saving money.

    A pattern of withholding care

    Presumably, companies feed a patient’s health care records and other relevant information into health care coverage algorithms and compare that information with current medical standards of care to decide whether to cover the patient’s claim. However, insurers have refused to disclose how these algorithms work in making such decisions, so it is impossible to say exactly how they operate in practice.

    Using AI to review coverage saves insurers time and resources, especially because it means fewer medical professionals are needed to review each case. But the financial benefit to insurers doesn’t stop there. If an AI system quickly denies a valid claim, and the patient appeals, that appeal process can take years. If the patient is seriously ill and expected to die soon, the insurance company might save money simply by dragging out the process in the hope that the patient dies before the case is resolved.

    Insurers say that if they decline to cover a medical intervention, patients can pay for it out of pocket.

    This creates the disturbing possibility that insurers might use algorithms to withhold care for expensive, long-term or terminal health problems , such as chronic or other debilitating disabilities. One reporter put it bluntly: “Many older adults who spent their lives paying into Medicare now face amputation or cancer and are forced to either pay for care themselves or go without.”

    Research supports this concern – patients with chronic illnesses are more likely to be denied coverage and suffer as a result. In addition, Black and Hispanic people and those of other nonwhite ethnicities, as well as people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, are more likely to experience claims denials. Some evidence also suggests that prior authorization may increase rather than decrease health care system costs.

    Insurers argue that patients can always pay for any treatment themselves, so they’re not really being denied care. But this argument ignores reality. These decisions have serious health consequences, especially when people can’t afford the care they need.

    Moving toward regulation

    Unlike medical algorithms, insurance AI tools are largely unregulated. They don’t have to go through Food and Drug Administration review, and insurance companies often say their algorithms are trade secrets.

    That means there’s no public information about how these tools make decisions, and there’s no outside testing to see whether they’re safe, fair or effective. No peer-reviewed studies exist to show how well they actually work in the real world.

    There does seem to be some momentum for change. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, which is the federal agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid, recently announced that insurers in Medicare Advantage plans must base decisions on the needs of individual patients – not just on generic criteria. But these rules still let insurers create their own decision-making standards, and they still don’t require any outside testing to prove their systems work before using them. Plus, federal rules can only regulate federal public health programs like Medicare. They do not apply to private insurers who do not provide federal health program coverage.

    Some states, including Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Maine and Texas, have proposed laws to rein in insurance AI. A few have passed new laws, including a 2024 California statute that requires a licensed physician to supervise the use of insurance coverage algorithms.

    But most state laws suffer from the same weaknesses as the new CMS rule. They leave too much control in the hands of insurers to decide how to define “medical necessity” and in what contexts to use algorithms for coverage decisions. They also don’t require those algorithms to be reviewed by neutral experts before use. And even strong state laws wouldn’t be enough, because states generally can’t regulate Medicare or insurers that operate outside their borders.

    A role for the FDA

    In the view of many health law experts, the gap between insurers’ actions and patient needs has become so wide that regulating health care coverage algorithms is now imperative. As I argue in an essay to be published in the Indiana Law Journal, the FDA is well positioned to do so.

    The FDA is staffed with medical experts who have the capability to evaluate insurance algorithms before they are used to make coverage decisions. The agency already reviews many medical AI tools for safety and effectiveness. FDA oversight would also provide a uniform, national regulatory scheme instead of a patchwork of rules across the country.

    Some people argue that the FDA’s power here is limited. For the purposes of FDA regulation, a medical device is defined as an instrument “intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Because health insurance algorithms are not used to diagnose, treat or prevent disease, Congress may need to amend the definition of a medical device before the FDA can regulate those algorithms.

    If the FDA’s current authority isn’t enough to cover insurance algorithms, Congress could change the law to give it that power. Meanwhile, CMS and state governments could require independent testing of these algorithms for safety, accuracy and fairness. That might also push insurers to support a single national standard – like FDA regulation – instead of facing a patchwork of rules across the country.

    The move toward regulating how health insurers use AI in determining coverage has clearly begun, but it is still awaiting a robust push. Patients’ lives are literally on the line.

    Jennifer D. Oliva currently receives funding from NIDA to research the impact of pharmaceutical industry messaging on the opioid crisis among U.S. Military Veterans. She is affiliated with the UCSF/University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy and Georgetown University Law Center O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law.

    – ref. How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage – https://theconversation.com/how-artificial-intelligence-controls-your-health-insurance-coverage-253602

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jennifer D. Oliva, Professor of Law, Indiana University

    Evidence suggests that insurance companies use AI to delay or limit health care that patients need. FatCameraE+ via Getty Images

    Over the past decade, health insurance companies have increasingly embraced the use of artificial intelligence algorithms. Unlike doctors and hospitals, which use AI to help diagnose and treat patients, health insurers use these algorithms to decide whether to pay for health care treatments and services that are recommended by a given patient’s physicians.

    One of the most common examples is prior authorization, which is when your doctor needs to
    receive payment approval from your insurance company before providing you care. Many insurers use an algorithm to decide whether the requested care is “medically necessary” and should be covered.

    These AI systems also help insurers decide how much care a patient is entitled to — for example, how many days of hospital care a patient can receive after surgery.

    If an insurer declines to pay for a treatment your doctor recommends, you usually have three options. You can try to appeal the decision, but that process can take a lot of time, money and expert help. Only 1 in 500 claim denials are appealed. You can agree to a different treatment that your insurer will cover. Or you can pay for the recommended treatment yourself, which is often not realistic because of high health care costs.

    As a legal scholar who studies health law and policy, I’m concerned about how insurance algorithms affect people’s health. Like with AI algorithms used by doctors and hospitals, these tools can potentially improve care and reduce costs. Insurers say that AI helps them make quick, safe decisions about what care is necessary and avoids wasteful or harmful treatments.

    But there’s strong evidence that the opposite can be true. These systems are sometimes used to delay or deny care that should be covered, all in the name of saving money.

    A pattern of withholding care

    Presumably, companies feed a patient’s health care records and other relevant information into health care coverage algorithms and compare that information with current medical standards of care to decide whether to cover the patient’s claim. However, insurers have refused to disclose how these algorithms work in making such decisions, so it is impossible to say exactly how they operate in practice.

    Using AI to review coverage saves insurers time and resources, especially because it means fewer medical professionals are needed to review each case. But the financial benefit to insurers doesn’t stop there. If an AI system quickly denies a valid claim, and the patient appeals, that appeal process can take years. If the patient is seriously ill and expected to die soon, the insurance company might save money simply by dragging out the process in the hope that the patient dies before the case is resolved.

    Insurers say that if they decline to cover a medical intervention, patients can pay for it out of pocket.

    This creates the disturbing possibility that insurers might use algorithms to withhold care for expensive, long-term or terminal health problems , such as chronic or other debilitating disabilities. One reporter put it bluntly: “Many older adults who spent their lives paying into Medicare now face amputation or cancer and are forced to either pay for care themselves or go without.”

    Research supports this concern – patients with chronic illnesses are more likely to be denied coverage and suffer as a result. In addition, Black and Hispanic people and those of other nonwhite ethnicities, as well as people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, are more likely to experience claims denials. Some evidence also suggests that prior authorization may increase rather than decrease health care system costs.

    Insurers argue that patients can always pay for any treatment themselves, so they’re not really being denied care. But this argument ignores reality. These decisions have serious health consequences, especially when people can’t afford the care they need.

    Moving toward regulation

    Unlike medical algorithms, insurance AI tools are largely unregulated. They don’t have to go through Food and Drug Administration review, and insurance companies often say their algorithms are trade secrets.

    That means there’s no public information about how these tools make decisions, and there’s no outside testing to see whether they’re safe, fair or effective. No peer-reviewed studies exist to show how well they actually work in the real world.

    There does seem to be some momentum for change. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, which is the federal agency in charge of Medicare and Medicaid, recently announced that insurers in Medicare Advantage plans must base decisions on the needs of individual patients – not just on generic criteria. But these rules still let insurers create their own decision-making standards, and they still don’t require any outside testing to prove their systems work before using them. Plus, federal rules can only regulate federal public health programs like Medicare. They do not apply to private insurers who do not provide federal health program coverage.

    Some states, including Colorado, Georgia, Florida, Maine and Texas, have proposed laws to rein in insurance AI. A few have passed new laws, including a 2024 California statute that requires a licensed physician to supervise the use of insurance coverage algorithms.

    But most state laws suffer from the same weaknesses as the new CMS rule. They leave too much control in the hands of insurers to decide how to define “medical necessity” and in what contexts to use algorithms for coverage decisions. They also don’t require those algorithms to be reviewed by neutral experts before use. And even strong state laws wouldn’t be enough, because states generally can’t regulate Medicare or insurers that operate outside their borders.

    A role for the FDA

    In the view of many health law experts, the gap between insurers’ actions and patient needs has become so wide that regulating health care coverage algorithms is now imperative. As I argue in an essay to be published in the Indiana Law Journal, the FDA is well positioned to do so.

    The FDA is staffed with medical experts who have the capability to evaluate insurance algorithms before they are used to make coverage decisions. The agency already reviews many medical AI tools for safety and effectiveness. FDA oversight would also provide a uniform, national regulatory scheme instead of a patchwork of rules across the country.

    Some people argue that the FDA’s power here is limited. For the purposes of FDA regulation, a medical device is defined as an instrument “intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Because health insurance algorithms are not used to diagnose, treat or prevent disease, Congress may need to amend the definition of a medical device before the FDA can regulate those algorithms.

    If the FDA’s current authority isn’t enough to cover insurance algorithms, Congress could change the law to give it that power. Meanwhile, CMS and state governments could require independent testing of these algorithms for safety, accuracy and fairness. That might also push insurers to support a single national standard – like FDA regulation – instead of facing a patchwork of rules across the country.

    The move toward regulating how health insurers use AI in determining coverage has clearly begun, but it is still awaiting a robust push. Patients’ lives are literally on the line.

    Jennifer D. Oliva currently receives funding from NIDA to research the impact of pharmaceutical industry messaging on the opioid crisis among U.S. Military Veterans. She is affiliated with the UCSF/University of California College of the Law, San Francisco Consortium on Law, Science & Health Policy and Georgetown University Law Center O’Neill Institute for National & Global Health Law.

    – ref. How artificial intelligence controls your health insurance coverage – https://theconversation.com/how-artificial-intelligence-controls-your-health-insurance-coverage-253602

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Togo: African Development Bank strengthens partnership with civil society

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) held its first-ever Civil Society Open Day in Lomé, Togo, on 3 June. The event brought together representatives from the Togolese government, around 30 national and international civil society organisations (CSOs), and Bank staff — all committed to strengthening development partnerships in Togo.

    The key personalities at the event all emphasised this shared vision.

    Opening the event, Stéphane Akaya, Secretary General of Togo’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, stressed the importance of civil society: “This open day with the African Development Bank reaffirms our joint commitment to inclusive and transparent progress. We are seeking to strengthen a tripartite partnership, where civil society is engaged from conception through to evaluation in order to ensure effective, people-centred development.”

    Seconding Mr Akaya’s point, Wilfrid Abiola, Head of the Togo Country Office of AfDB Group, said: “The African Development Bank Group remains committed to strengthening collaboration with Togolese civil society, which is a key player in sustainable development.”

    The CSO Open Day in Lomé aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Bank and civil society by sharing information on the Bank’s development operations and projects in Togo. It also sought to encourage dialogue on the role of CSOs throughout the project cycle — from planning and preparation to implementation, supervision, and completion.

    “We are keen to strengthen our partnership with civil society organisations in Togo, encouraging open dialogue and promoting their full participation in the projects that we support,” Zeneb Touré, Head of the AfDB’s Civil Society and Community Engagement Division, said.

    Minemba Traore, Senior Civil Society Officer for West Africa at the Bank Group, shared information on the institution’s engagement with CSOs, while Ndey Oley Cole, Senior Programme Officer in the AfDB’s Gender, Women and Civil Society Department, presented a summary of the exchanges.

    Key outcomes and next steps from the discussions included:

    • Greater involvement of civil society: CSOs will be included in all phases of development projects.
    • Creation of a formal dialogue platform: The Bank, government, and CSOs will work together to establish a permanent forum for ongoing consultation.
    • Capacity building for CSOs: Training will be provided in project monitoring and evaluation, proposal writing, and market access strategies.
    • Improved communication: The Bank will share information on its activities in Togo in a more dynamic and accessible way, better meeting the needs of partners and the public.
    • Promotion of social inclusion and diversity: Efforts will be made to ensure greater participation of young people and women in development initiatives.
    • Development of a detailed action plan: Concrete deliverables and clear deadlines will guide follow-up and ensure effective implementation of commitments.

    The Open Day laid the foundations for closer partnerships, which can provide spaces for exchange, consultation and collaboration between the Bank, CSOs and other stakeholders in Togo.

    Such an approach will enable the AfDB to better understand local priorities, discuss partnership opportunities and receive input from civil society on the projects that it finances in Togo.

    The initiative is aligned with the Bank Group’s Civil Society Engagement Action Plan 2024-2028, which was approved last year. Under Pillar 3 of this action plan, particular attention will be paid to strengthening dialogue with civil society organisations in the countries where the Bank works. Holding of civil society open days in regional member countries of the Bank is a key mechanism for operationalising this commitment.

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Link to photo album:
    https://apo-opa.co/4kMeIrx

    Media contact:
    Evelia Gadegbeku
    Communication and External Relations Department
    media@afdb.org 

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Outlining Maine Economic Benefits of Foreign Students, Senator King Urges Secretary of State Rubio to Reconsider Harmful Pause

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) called on the State Department to reinstate student visa programs for the benefit of Maine schools and the state’s local economy. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King outlined the immediate impact of revoking student visas on schools in Maine like Thornton Academy, the University of New England (UNE), Foxcroft Academy, College of the Atlantic and the University of Maine (UMaine) System.

    Senator King began, “I write to underscore the critically harmful impacts that the Department of State’s decision to pause new visa interviews for international students, as well as the Department’s threats to revoke visas of Chinese students, are having on schools across the state of Maine.”

    “These actions are deterring international families from sending their students to the U.S.—the tuition of which contributes significantly to the revenue of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in Maine. Thornton Academy, which functions as the public high school for students in Saco, and its neighboring towns in Maine, has already seen a loss of $120,000 in revenue due to the withdrawal of Chinese education programs from their summer camp. Thornton Academy anticipates a potential annual loss of $6.6 million should the Administration’s policy remain in place—a loss of one third of the school’s annual budget for employee salary payments,” King continued.

    King concluded, “International students studying at schools in Maine are subsidizing the cost of local education, saving taxpayers money, and providing Maine students with unmatched opportunities. These are not funds coming from the pockets of our community, the taxes of our businesses, or from the federal government. These are funds brought in from outside of the United States and used to the benefit of all our students both domestic and international.

    King has long supported the impact and contributions of international students. Earlier this year, he introduced legislation to streamline the bureaucratic process for international students to obtain legal status and bolster the United States’ STEM labor force. 

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    +++

    Dear Secretary Rubio:

    I write to underscore the critically harmful impacts that the Department of State’s decision to pause new visa interviews for international students, as well as the Department’s threats to revoke visas of Chinese students, are having on schools across the state of Maine.

    These actions are deterring international families from sending their students to the U.S.—the tuition of which contributes significantly to the revenue of secondary schools and institutions of higher education in Maine. Thornton Academy, which functions as the public high school for students in Saco, and its neighboring towns in Maine, has already seen a loss of $120,000 in revenue due to the withdrawal of Chinese education programs from their summer camp. Thornton Academy anticipates a potential annual loss of $6.6 million should the Administration’s policy remain in place—a loss of one third of the school’s annual budget for employee salary payments. College of the Atlantic, a small liberal arts college in Bar Harbor, Maine, projects a loss of thirty five percent of their net tuition due to these policies. These are just a few examples—schools across Maine report that real and projected reductions in international student enrollments, and the corresponding loss of revenue associated with their tuition, will almost certainly result in staff layoffs. These layoffs will not only harm students but also have a damaging ripple effect on our local economies.

    The non-monetary contributions of these students to Maine communities cannot be overstated. Our state university system hosts students from 85 countries. Foxcroft Academy, a day and boarding school in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, hosts about 20% of its entire student population from countries around the world. These students bring diverse cultures and perspectives to their new communities and create an opportunity for all Maine students to consider the world with a far greater exposure than otherwise possible.

    Not only does Maine benefit from these students, but the education that they receive in our state has also taken them far—international students who studied in Maine have participated in global academic competitions, become published authors, and have even become professors themselves. The Administration has yet to provide a compelling reason for its decision to rob our communities of this worthwhile exchange.

    International students studying at schools in Maine are subsidizing the cost of local education, saving taxpayers money, and providing Maine students with unmatched opportunities. These are not funds coming from the pockets of our community, the taxes of our businesses, or from the federal government. These are funds brought in from outside of the United State and used to the benefit of all our students both domestic and international.

    I urge you to reconsider the Department of State’s policies regarding international student visa pauses and revocations, for the benefit of Maine and the entire nation.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia is becoming a key player in the new architecture of the global economy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The geopolitical fragmentation of the global economy opens up new opportunities for Russia to cooperate with the countries of the Global South and strengthen its own role in global processes. This is stated in the HSE report presented at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum as part of the VTB session.

    Analysts emphasize that the global economy is currently divided into three large blocs – the United States, China and non-aligned countries, which is accompanied by a reduction in trade and investment between them by 12% and 20% since 2022. Despite this, developing countries are increasing their share in world trade: the volume of trade between the countries of the Global South has grown from $2.3 trillion in 2007 to $5.6 trillion in 2023. This indicates the formation of new economic ties and growth centers.

    The report notes that the reversal of trade imbalances in 2024 – with the US deficit widening and China’s surplus rising, and the EU moving into positive balance – creates risks of new trade wars and investment reallocation, requiring companies to diversify supplies and expand their partner networks. Logistics challenges caused by conflicts in the Middle East and problems in the Suez and Panama Canals are stimulating the development of alternative routes, including the Northern Sea Route and “green corridors” for the accelerated delivery of critical cargo.

    Particular attention is paid to the role of the so-called connector countries – Malaysia, Vietnam and India, which are strengthening trade ties with individual partners, while Russia, Australia and the EU are reducing their dependence on traditional markets, which contributes to the formation of sustainable regional trade turnover.

    In the Russian context, experts note that human capital is becoming the main resource for economic growth: the average length of education for Russians aged 25–44 is 14 years, which is higher than in the US and Europe, but further investment in science and R&D is needed to realize this potential. In the context of the crisis, Russia has seen an increase in the production of high-tech products, the development of domestic tourism and paid services, as well as an increase in exports, which are less sensitive to sanctions.

    Investment activity is most noticeable in the small and medium enterprise sector and in the production of investment goods, which contributes to the diversification of the economy and the creation of new jobs. Key challenges include tightening monetary policy, rising credit costs, labor shortages and tax pressure, especially in the manufacturing industry.

    The authors of the report emphasize that a balanced budget policy and support for those employed in the public sector are necessary for macroeconomic stability, and sustainable growth is possible only with the simultaneous strengthening of the internal and external sustainability of the economy. In conditions of turbulence, Russia can play a key role in the formation of a new architecture of the global economy, focused on cooperation with the countries of the Global South and the creation of alternative development models.

    The report was prepared as part of the VTB session “In Search of New Sources of Growth: Is a Different Model of Global Financial and Trade Architecture Possible” at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The session was attended by: Andrey Kostin, President and Chairman of the Management Board of VTB Bank; Yaroslav Kuzminov, Academic Director of the Higher School of Economics; Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayyed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade of Qatar; Oleg Deripaska, Founder, En Group; Serhat Keksal, President of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank; Alexey Overchuk, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation; Benedict Okey Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank; Anton Siluanov, Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Low-income homeowners hit by disasters may get less help from the government, as Trump administration nixes rules on fairness, community input and resilience

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ivis García, Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, Texas A&M University

    Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to homes in North Carolina in 2024. AP Photo/Kathy Kmonicek

    Imagine that a hurricane has destroyed your home.

    The roof is gone. The floors are flooded. Your family’s belongings are ruined.

    When this happens, you can apply for federal disaster aid, hoping for a lifeline. For many low-income families and other people of modest means, funding for that aid is often channeled to the states through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program.

    Known as CDBG-DR, this program mainly provides funding to repair and rebuild homes belonging to people of low-to-moderate income who either have no insurance at all or whose coverage falls short of what is needed to making housing safe again.

    When homes are damaged beyond repair or located in areas where it’s too dangerous to rebuild because of the likelihood of future bouts of flooding in the same place, the CDBG-DR program can help pay for residents to move somewhere else that is less prone to disasters. In both cases, it covers costs that the Federal Emergency Management Agency does not pay for.

    But in 2025, with hurricane season underway, the rules for who gets help and how it’s distributed have changed significantly.

    As an urban planner who has researched disaster recovery efforts, I’m alarmed by Memorandum 2025-02, which HUD published on its website in March 2025.

    The memo changes the rules for nearly US$12 billion in disaster recovery funding approved by Congress for disasters occurring in 2023 and 2024. And HUD is implementing these changes early in the process, before any of this money has been distributed.

    This home in Puerto Rico was destroyed when Hurricane Fiona struck the island in September 2022.
    Ivis Garcia

    What has changed

    The memo does away with the civil rights certifications, fair housing assessments, environmental standards and citizen advisory groups
    that have long been mandatory for the recipients of disaster recovery funds.

    Civil rights certification means that CDBG-DR grantees must verify that disaster aid will be distributed without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, age, disability status, or other characteristics known as “protected classes.” Without this certification, there’s no formal process to ensure disaster aid is distributed fairly.

    Fair housing obligations are assessments of whether middle- and lower-income families, people of color or people with disabilities can find safe, affordable housing without facing any discrimination.

    In addition, HUD no longer requires detailed demographic reporting on who is applying for or receiving aid. This includes information such as gender, race, age, disability status and the language someone speaks.

    Another change is that HUD’s updated disaster recovery guidelines no longer require economic development funds to emphasize people of modest incomes or their communities. Under the new rules, any business hit by a disaster can get recovery funds. It doesn’t matter how much money the owners make, as long as they can show that the disaster affected them.

    And several important environmental protections have been rolled back. HUD previously mandated that disaster recovery projects comply with federal building standards.

    Those codes are tougher than the local housing codes. These included rules for building homes higher off the ground to avoid future flooding and using stronger construction methods to withstand extreme weather events. Without them, new construction may be less durable and less safe – especially in areas hit hard by hurricanes or other natural disasters.

    Strong energy efficiency standards help keep long-term utility costs low and reduce pressure on power grids during extreme weather events. They also make rebuilt homes more sustainable by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Tina Brotherton, 88, right, gets help from 9-year-old neighbor Lainey Hamelink as she surveys the wreckage of her business, Tina’s Dockside Inn. It was completely destroyed in Hurricane Idalia, as was Brotherton’s nearby home, in Horseshoe Beach, Fla., in 2023.
    AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

    Less coordination and communication

    HUD has also removed a requirement for the nonprofits, local governments and other recipients of CDBG-DR grants to create and convene citizen advisory groups. That change took effect on March 24, 2025.

    These groups, which have long made it easier for local communities to have a say regarding federally funded disaster recovery efforts, have played an important role in making sure those efforts reflect the needs and priorities of local residents – especially those most affected.

    While eliminating this step may make it easier and faster for local governments to spend the recovery funds allocated for their communities, it also means there’s less opportunity for their own communities to influence how those funds are spent. Without that input, recovery efforts fail to resolve the real challenges people are facing.

    Staffing and funding cuts

    The White House’s 2026 budget proposal retains the HUD program that distributes disaster recovery grants while eliminating the related Community Development Block Grant program, which helps people experiencing homelessness and also funds everything from child care to services for older people.

    I’m concerned about how CDBG-DR grants will be distributed, apart from the program’s changes. HUD’s Office of Community Planning and Development, which administers the CDBG-DR program, is slated to lose 84% of its staff, according to widespread media reports published earlier this year.

    The Trump administration is also calling for cutting HUD’s staff, and President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 budget would cut the agency’s entire budget in half.

    In its March 25 HUD memo, the Trump administration framed these policy changes as a way to streamline recovery efforts and provide greater flexibility in the use of federal disaster funds. The memo also asserted that the changes were needed for compliance with executive orders that banned the use of diversity, equity and inclusion criteria and hiring practices that the administration considers to be discrimintory.

    But critics of the policy rollbacks, including the National Low Income Housing Coalition, which advocates affordable housing, worry that removing long-standing safeguards could weaken the CDBG-DR program’s core mission of equitably distributing aid and building resilient communities. The standards and community input systems HUD has abandoned, the coalition says, have historically helped ensure that disaster recovery funds reach the people who need them most.

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

    – ref. Low-income homeowners hit by disasters may get less help from the government, as Trump administration nixes rules on fairness, community input and resilience – https://theconversation.com/low-income-homeowners-hit-by-disasters-may-get-less-help-from-the-government-as-trump-administration-nixes-rules-on-fairness-community-input-and-resilience-257439

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPIEF-2025: Integration of Education, Science and Business

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The first day of the Polytechnic University at the Expoforum site during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum was eventful. Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy took part in several events organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and also signed a number of cooperation agreements.

    In the morning, experts discussed the topic of personnel training to ensure technological leadership. Opening the session, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Olga Petrova noted that one of the key steps taken to synchronize the personnel training process with the demands of industrial customers and taking into account the challenges associated with the reset of the geopolitical situation was the creation of advanced engineering schools. The Deputy Minister also mentioned the Priority 2030 program, which was reconfigured this year in the direction of technological leadership. And in all projects launched on January 1, 2025, special attention is paid to personnel training. Therefore, the key principles in the new model of higher education are fundamentality, practice-orientedness and flexibility, which allows for the formation of an optimal personnel training scheme in communication with industrial partners.

    Rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy developed the topic, sharing the Polytechnic University’s experience in implementing practice-oriented learning, students completing real projects and R&D for industry, for which new educational technologies are used.

    “Each university has its own forms and formats of training that are closely related to the implementation of real industrial or technological tasks. The general public should know about this,” says Andrey Rudskoy. “The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has created a media activity rating, and it shows how a particular university works with different audiences, including future engineers or industrialists. I cannot help but note that Polytechnic University has been in the top three for the second year, including holding first place. We also won a grant from the ministry for the popularization of science, and I think that at the end of the year, a large work by our teachers, scientists, and colleagues from the industrial sector will be published, which will be called “Popularization of Digital Engineering Tools in the Activities of a Modern Engineering University within the Framework of the Concept of Achieving Technological Leadership in Russia.” A serious work, serious reviewers from the Academy of Sciences. Of course, we will send this book to all engineering universities so that they can learn something useful for themselves.”

    The discussion was also attended by Rector of the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI Vladimir Shevchenko, Vice-Rector for Science and Digital Development of Bauman Moscow State Technical University Pavel Drogovoz, Acting Rector of Tomsk Polytechnic University Leonid Sukhikh, Director of the Young Professionals Department of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives Alexander Vaino. The session was moderated by Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Dmitry Zemtsov.

    The topic of interaction between universities and businesses was developed at the afternoon session “Cooperation between universities and industries to achieve technological leadership goals,” which was held by Andrey Sharonov, CEO of the National Alliance for Social and Environmental Responsibility, Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Association of Digital Platforms.

    In order for Russia to achieve technological leadership and move to a modern system of higher education, it is necessary not only to reform the work of universities from within, but also to significantly strengthen their ties with the business community. The session participants discussed which forms of interaction between universities and businesses show the best results in strengthening the country’s technological potential; how partnerships with companies affect the level of professional training of students, the relevance of curricula, and graduates’ chances of finding a job; how to organize the productive participation of business representatives in the development of educational programs, the educational process, and students’ project activities; what role the state should play in the development and dissemination of effective models of interaction between universities and industry, etc.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Dmitry Afanasyev named the principles of strategic reorientation. The first is focusing on state and industry priorities of technological development, the second is building a unique architecture of interaction with partners by universities. It is important to take into account that the work should be carried out for the future, including the creation of those industries and specialties that do not yet exist, but there is an understanding that they will be needed. It is necessary to reboot all key development programs, such as Priority 2030, PIS, Campus, etc. And, finally, this is a new model of higher education, which is being built in an active dialogue with employers, industrial partners and represents a single fundamental, professional and socio-ideological core with a real practice-oriented educational programs and early professionalization, immersion in real projects and tasks, while being flexible, with the ability to adjust educational programs and sets of competencies to the tasks of technological development of industries.

    SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy, using the example of the Polytechnic University, showed that effective interaction with partner companies makes it possible to promptly update educational programs, making them as compliant as possible with the requirements of the modern labor market, and also contributes to the faster implementation of innovative developments.

    Ensuring technological leadership is a common task, and the university today is an active participant in this large-scale work, Andrey Ivanovich emphasized.

    The session was also attended by Olga Dergunova, Senior Vice President — Head of VTB-Education at VTB Bank, Director of the Graduate School of Management at St. Petersburg State University; Dmitry Zauers, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at Gazprombank; Rostislav Kovalevsky, Director of Innovations at EFKO Management Company; Oleg Krestinin, CEO of METALLOINVEST Management Company; and Kirill Menshov, Senior Vice President, Head of the Technology Block at Sberbank.

    In addition to participating in panel discussions, the rector of SPbPU met with business partners at the St. Petersburg stand to conclude cooperation agreements. As the head of the university coordinating the activities of the consortium “Russian-African Network University” (RAFU), Andrey Rudskoy signed an agreement on the accession of the Institute of Africa of the Russian Academy of Sciences to RAFU. The agreement was also signed by the director of the Institute of Africa Irina Abramova.

    Currently, the consortium includes more than 90 Russian educational, scientific organizations and companies, and on the African side – 45 universities and organizations from 15 countries. The Institute of Africa’s accession to the consortium is very important, because it is focused specifically on working with African countries, studying their history, culture, and everyday life. I am confident that our new partner will make a significant contribution to a deeper understanding of this continent and the peoples inhabiting it, – commented Andrey Rudskoy.

    “It is a great honor for me to become a member of this network university, because Africa is, first and foremost, people. In 2100, 40 percent of the world’s population will live in Africa, which means that a lot will change, and we need to prepare for this now,” added Irina Abramova. “The most important thing is, what will the people who make up 40 percent of the population be like? First of all, they must be educated, they must be self-sufficient, but at the same time, they must preserve their culture and traditions. And it is precisely the preparation of such friendly elites who protect national interests and look to the future that the network university is engaged in.”

    At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Andrey Rudskoy represents not only the Polytechnic University, but also the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which he has headed since 2023. As Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, he signed several cooperation agreements.

    The subject of the agreement with the Archival Committee of St. Petersburg was the establishment of partnership relations and the development of long-term and effective cooperation, which includes educational activities and the holding of popular science events.

    Andrey Rudskoy and the Chairman of the Archive Committee of St. Petersburg Pyotr Tishchenko agreed that the goal of cooperation would be to unite the efforts of the scientific and educational community to improve the scientific, educational and cultural level of the population of the Russian Federation; dissemination of knowledge about the history of Russia and its achievements, milestones in the development of the Russian Academy of Sciences; objective coverage of historical facts and events; development of scientific, educational and educational projects; holding joint cultural and educational events; popularization of domestic science; assistance in increasing the prestige of scientific activity, etc.

    After the signing ceremony, Andrey Rudskoy shared a secret: We are currently deciding on the creation of a museum of the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences on 5 University Embankment. And without the Central Archive, it will be difficult for us, because it contains a huge mass of documents that reflect the history of the Russian Academy of Sciences: personal files, letters of outstanding people, academics, travelers. I hope that we will creatively bring this project to life together.

    Pyotr Tishchenko said that on June 9, thanks to the help of scientists from the Institute of History, a decree from the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great, on how to build in the Northern capital was discovered in the Central Archive.

    “Without a scientific basis, we will not be able to extract more benefit from the treasure that archives store,” the head of the Archives Committee believes. “But the most difficult thing is to capture our history in a world where digital has become a part of life as reliably as our predecessors preserved the memory of the past. Science should help build archives of the future and teach how to work in them using modern tools, so we are joining forces.”

    A cooperation agreement was also concluded between the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The signing was attended by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the President of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Katenev.

    The agreement provides for the development of a strategic partnership for the joint implementation of scientific, applied and innovative projects; assistance in bringing high-tech solutions developed on the basis of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the market; the formation of a sustainable ecosystem of interaction between science, industry, business support institutions and education; support for the export potential of science-intensive products and competencies; the development of mechanisms for certification, independent assessment and promotion of scientific results; joint training and retraining of specialists taking into account modern industrial requirements and technological trends.

    The partners hope that the cooperation will contribute to strengthening the interaction between science and business, developing innovative and technological cooperation, popularizing the results of scientific activity and supporting entrepreneurship.

    “The Chamber of Commerce and Industry unites all the leading enterprises of St. Petersburg, it is at the forefront of all projects that are being implemented in the industry and economy of our city,” Andrey Rudskoy noted after the signing. “And, of course, this is of utmost importance to us, because I am sure that our science in symbiosis with enterprises, in addition to the fundamental, has great practical significance. Most importantly, we are faced with a colossal task – to achieve technological leadership, and here we must jointly make every effort.”

    “Maybe I’ll say it pragmatically, but our task is to monetize the achievements that exist in our big science, so that it doesn’t turn out like in the story of Lefty, who shoed a flea, and that’s where the business ended,” Vladimir Katenyov supported. “We must bring the achievements of science to the people, to our industry, we really value this cooperation and will work with great pleasure.”

    The work at the stand ended with the signing of a trilateral cooperation agreement between the St. Petersburg branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, OOO Expert Analytics Center and Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District.

    The documents were signed by the Chairman of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy, the General Director of the Expert Analytics Center Kristina Muravyova and the Director of the Vedomosti Newspaper in the Northwestern Federal District Alexander Shchelkanov.

    The ceremony participants confirmed their desire to improve the quality and depth of scientific and analytical research, expand areas and directions of cooperation, create intra-Russian scientific collaborations, and support joint projects, competitions, and awards.

    “For us, the analysis of the activities of academic institutes is very important, this will allow them to find partners from among enterprises, on the basis of which they could realize their interests,” commented Andrey Rudskoy. “The second point is that we are interested in international activities. Here we must be careful, but, on the other hand, expand contacts between organizations. And the third, of course, is the popularization of science.”

    “The TechUspekh award is already successfully operating at the federal level, and we would like to hold it in the regions as well,” Aleksandr Shchelkanov supported. “Our format is to popularize technologies, investments, what is interesting to the business audience, but we need to strengthen expertise. That is why we have had the Opinion Leader award for two years now, and I think that an entire nomination will be dedicated to science, and it will be possible to compete in a fair and competitive struggle, because both readers and the expert community vote.”

    “In addition to information support, we will be directly involved in scientific and analytical work,” Kristina Muravyova revealed the details of the cooperation. “Working with RAS academicians gives us the opportunity to apply real research in big science in practice and show businesses that innovations can be quickly applied and it is not necessary to wedge in only at the stage when you can make a profit from it, but sometimes it is profitable to stand at the origins of fundamental research in order to be ahead of the rest of the world. And given that technological progress is now moving at a rapid pace, we hope that the combination of academicians’ expertise in fundamental science and experts with deep industry knowledge will allow the academy to participate, among other things, in monitoring the formation of routing maps for project implementation at all stages, including investment and commissioning. In order to understand whether it is worth launching a project or not, such an expert association, in our opinion, will be as comfortable as possible for both business and the state. And here the academy takes on the main role in order to be a guarantor of security.”

    Read about other events of SPIEF-2025 in our next publications.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at HKEX 25th Anniversary Celebrations (English only)(with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the HKEX 25th Anniversary Celebrations today (June 20):
     
    Deputy Director Yin Zonghua (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR), Carlson (Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), Mr Carlson Tong), Bonnie (Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan), Kelvin (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Dr Kelvin Wong), ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good evening. I’m delighted to be here on this special anniversary occasion. Delighted, too, that I get to strike the gong, in just a few minutes, with Carlson.
     
    First and foremost, my warmest congratulations to HKEX on its 25th anniversary. The transformation of HKEX reflects the extraordinary rise of our country and Hong Kong, over the past quarter of a century, underlining our pivotal role in supporting the opening-up of the Mainland’s financial markets.
     
    It’s a testament, too, to the bold and progressive reforms that have reshaped our listing regime. The HKEX itself is part of that reform, where the demutualisation of its predecessors and the listing of HKEX had opened up vast new horizons for growth and development. Since then, landmark initiatives such as the Connect Schemes, as well as the introduction of Chapter 18A and 18C, continue to unlock value and create fresh opportunities for market participants. 
     
    As we celebrate these and many other achievements, it is also important to look ahead. With a solid foundation built over the past 25 years, what’s next?
     
    Let us bear in mind that HKEX is far more than just another listed company. It is a cornerstone of our financial system, a trusted partner of the Government and regulators, and a key participant in safeguarding Hong Kong’s financial security and enhancing market competitiveness. In this connection, allow me to share a few observations important to the continuing success of HKEX and our financial sector.
     
    First, internationalisation. Hong Kong has long been the premier listing venue for Mainland companies. Today, nearly 60 per cent of our 2 600 listed companies are from the Mainland. They account for over 80 per cent of total market capitalisation.
     
    Amid growing geopolitical challenges, Hong Kong has become a safe harbour for international investors seeking to diversify their portfolios. With stronger market liquidity and an increasingly global investor base, HKEX can also emerge as a preferred listing platform for companies from ASEAN, the Middle East and other regions — especially those that find it challenging to access capital markets in the US or Europe.
     
    I am pleased to note that HKEX has already taken critical steps in this direction, including recognising more overseas exchanges to enable dual-primary and secondary listings. These efforts can only enhance the diversity, depth and resilience of our market.
     
    Second, embracing innovation. HKEX consistently demonstrates leadership in expanding product offerings. The development of our exchange-traded products’ market is a prime example. Since the launch of the Tracker Fund in 1999, our ETP market has grown significantly — covering a wide range of asset classes, including equities, bonds, derivatives and, most recently, digital assets. ETPs now account for over 15 per cent of total stock market turnover.
     
    The opportunities in digital assets are vast. From tokenisation and smart contracts to the trading of real-world assets — it’s a new frontier for global finance, and Hong Kong must be at the forefront.
     
    Equally promising is the development of innovative financial products to support the green transition, including carbon trading and other climate-focused instruments.
     
    Third, enhancing market infrastructure and transaction efficiency. 
     
    That includes shortening the settlement cycle. While markets in the US and Europe have already adopted or are moving to the T+1 settlement cycle, much of Asia is still assessing the path forward. HKEX, I’m pleased to say, should be technically ready for T+1 settlement by year’s end. I look to Hong Kong to become a first mover in the region.
     
    And if Hong Kong is to maintain its status as a world-class financial centre, we must also continue to reduce transaction costs and enhance market efficiency.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen, at this time of profound change and new challenges in global financial markets, Hong Kong must act decisively to capture the emerging opportunities.
     
    With its strong foundation, strategic vision, global connectivity and staunch government support, HKEX is doing just that. And I am confident it will continue to lead and help our markets scale new heights.
     
    Once again, congratulations HKEX on your landmark 25th listing anniversary. I wish you continuing success in the years to come. Hong Kong, and this speaker, is banking on it.
     
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Stansberry Asset Management Named to Worth’s 2025 Top Registered Investment Advisor Firms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTLAKE, Texas, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stansberry Asset Management (“SAM”) is proud to be recognized by Worth as one of the top registered investment advisory firms in the country. This honor reflects the trust SAM has earned from clients through its active portfolio management approach, personalized wealth planning, and disciplined focus on helping investors navigate today’s challenges while preparing for the future. As markets evolve and investor needs become more complex, SAM continues to offer a distinct alternative to traditional models—grounded in research, independence, and a deep understanding of what matters most to the families and institutions they serve.

    The Worth Leading Advisor program recognizes firms that meet a rigorous set of benchmarks, including assets under management of over $500 million, a predominantly high-net-worth client base, a strong emphasis on comprehensive financial planning, and full independence from broker-dealers—ensuring advice remains objective and client-centered.

    “We’re incredibly honored to be named to Worth’s list of top RIA firms for the second year in a row,” said Chris DeLaura, Chief Executive Officer at Stansberry Asset Management. “This milestone reflects the trust our clients have placed in us and the dedication of our entire team. We’re proud of the work we do together and remain committed to delivering informed, active investment management combined with holistic financial and wealth planning to help our clients grow, protect, and preserve their wealth.”

    To view the full list, visit: https://worth.com/leading-advisors/top-registered-investment-advisor-firms/

    About Stansberry Asset Management (SAM)
    Stansberry Asset Management is a registered investment advisory firm headquartered in Westlake, Texas, with offices in New York, NY, Clifton Park, NY and San Mateo, CA with clients across the country. SAM marries informed, active, sophisticated investment management with holistic financial and wealth planning, all with a focus on helping clients build and preserve their legacy. SAM’s approach is rooted in rigorous analysis, strategic insight, and a commitment to client-centric service. For more information, please visit www.stansberryam.com

    About Worth

    Worth is a leading American wealth management and lifestyle media company, providing insight and guidance for high-net-worth individuals since 1986. Through rigorous selection, Worth’s Leading Advisor program highlights the most accomplished registered investment advisory firms across the country. Their annual list of Top Registered Investment Advisor Firms is recognized as a benchmark of excellence and professionalism within the industry. For more information, visit worth.com.

    Contact:

    Claire Snider
    info@stansberryam.com
    646.854.4370

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Stansberry Asset Management Named to Worth’s 2025 Top Registered Investment Advisor Firms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WESTLAKE, Texas, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stansberry Asset Management (“SAM”) is proud to be recognized by Worth as one of the top registered investment advisory firms in the country. This honor reflects the trust SAM has earned from clients through its active portfolio management approach, personalized wealth planning, and disciplined focus on helping investors navigate today’s challenges while preparing for the future. As markets evolve and investor needs become more complex, SAM continues to offer a distinct alternative to traditional models—grounded in research, independence, and a deep understanding of what matters most to the families and institutions they serve.

    The Worth Leading Advisor program recognizes firms that meet a rigorous set of benchmarks, including assets under management of over $500 million, a predominantly high-net-worth client base, a strong emphasis on comprehensive financial planning, and full independence from broker-dealers—ensuring advice remains objective and client-centered.

    “We’re incredibly honored to be named to Worth’s list of top RIA firms for the second year in a row,” said Chris DeLaura, Chief Executive Officer at Stansberry Asset Management. “This milestone reflects the trust our clients have placed in us and the dedication of our entire team. We’re proud of the work we do together and remain committed to delivering informed, active investment management combined with holistic financial and wealth planning to help our clients grow, protect, and preserve their wealth.”

    To view the full list, visit: https://worth.com/leading-advisors/top-registered-investment-advisor-firms/

    About Stansberry Asset Management (SAM)
    Stansberry Asset Management is a registered investment advisory firm headquartered in Westlake, Texas, with offices in New York, NY, Clifton Park, NY and San Mateo, CA with clients across the country. SAM marries informed, active, sophisticated investment management with holistic financial and wealth planning, all with a focus on helping clients build and preserve their legacy. SAM’s approach is rooted in rigorous analysis, strategic insight, and a commitment to client-centric service. For more information, please visit www.stansberryam.com

    About Worth

    Worth is a leading American wealth management and lifestyle media company, providing insight and guidance for high-net-worth individuals since 1986. Through rigorous selection, Worth’s Leading Advisor program highlights the most accomplished registered investment advisory firms across the country. Their annual list of Top Registered Investment Advisor Firms is recognized as a benchmark of excellence and professionalism within the industry. For more information, visit worth.com.

    Contact:

    Claire Snider
    info@stansberryam.com
    646.854.4370

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Have your say on Local Government Reorganisation: Take survey

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Portsmouth residents are being asked if they want their city to be part of the Government’s plans to reorganise local councils.

    Portsmouth City Council has today launched a short survey to give local people a voice in central plans for a major shake-up of how local services are delivered. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete, and is only open until Sunday 29 June at midnight, because of the need to gather views at pace.

    Take the survey here

    Under its plans for Local Government Reorganisation, central Government is looking to replace existing councils with new bigger councils, covering areas of around 500,000 people.

    This would see Portsmouth City Council replaced by a new authority looking after a larger area.

    Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:

    “Our priority is to get the best possible outcome for people and communities in Portsmouth.

    “We’ve said from the beginning that Portsmouth should be left out of the Local Government Reorganisation plans, because we already have one council which is financially stable. However, we are being forced to present to government plans to reorganise, so it’s really important we hear from Portsmouth people, before any options are submitted.

    “We’re working with other councils in the region and there will be some countywide engagement in the coming weeks. Ahead of that we need to gather local views at pace, which is why we need to complete this survey in a short time. It takes less than five minutes to complete and I strongly urge as many people as possible to take part so we can ensure local opinion is represented.”

    Government has said, because Portsmouth’s population is around 208,000, Portsmouth City Council will have to take part and merge with other councils. Portsmouth is working with other councils in Hampshire and the Solent to prepare region-wide options.

    The survey asks residents if they think Portsmouth should be included in local government reorganisation, and if it were forced to by the Government which councils it should consider merging with.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Higher Education hosts youth outreach in Mpumalanga

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Higher Education and Training has successfully held a Youth Month Community Outreach Programme at Ehlanzeni Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, supporting students and local youth in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.

    The week’s programme, held in partnership with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe’s Helpdesk, provided a vital platform for students to raise concerns and receive real-time assistance on matters including funding queries, delayed results, and the issuance of diplomas and certificates.

    “The Youth Month Community Outreach Programme aims to deliver higher education support services directly to students. It is important for us as a department to always be visible, responsive, and impactful, so our students can progress well academically,” Gondwe said during the engagement.

    The Deputy Minister said the helpdesk will continue to play a crucial role in the programme, providing support to all students and addressing queries in real time, marking a significant step in ensuring effective student engagement.

    Upon assuming office, the Deputy Minister quickly established the helpdesk, showing the government’s dedication to supporting students and stakeholders in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.

    Among the most frequently managed queries are tracking of student diploma applications, NSFAS related matter including applications, appeals, issuing of allowances, student admissions, and verification of registered institutions of higher education.

    To ensure efficient and accurate support, the helpdesk works in close coordination with key units within the Department of Higher Education and Training. These include the Examinations and Diplomas section, as well as the TVET and university branches within the department, and NSFAS.

    To date, the DM’s helpdesk has handled a total of 27 658 queries, with an impressive resolution rate of 89%.

    “I am encouraged by the positive and visible impact the Helpdesk is making in the PSET sector. It provides students and stakeholders with a trusted platform to escalate their issues. I urge students to continue using this service and to contact us at DMsdesk@dhet.gov.za,” the Deputy Minister said.

    The Youth Month Community Outreach Programme will head to the Western Cape next week. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council tax shake-up to deliver fairer billing and support

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Council tax shake-up to deliver fairer billing and support

    Changes to the administration of council tax will make life easier for working people

    • Changes to the administration of council tax will make life easier for working people  

    • 12 monthly payments by default, fairer treatment for those struggling and clearer support for vulnerable households being considered 

    • Part of wider reforms to drive efficiency in local councils, deliver better public services and value for money, as part of the Plan for Change. 

    Working families across the country are set to benefit from these changes to the administration of council tax as government unveils plans to modernise the billing process to make it fairer, simpler and more supportive. 

    More manageable 12 monthly billing by default, action to crack down on punitive punishment for missed payments and fairer treatment for the most vulnerable households are all being considered by the government in the biggest changes to the operation of the council tax system since 1993. 

    The revamp could see better protection for those falling behind on bills by stopping debts spiralling while potentially capping the fees added to debt when going to court and changing  when a household may become liable for a full-year’s bill.  

    The government is already reviewing debt enforcement practices more widely including the conduct of bailiffs, that can be deployed when council tax bills go unpaid, to deliver a fairer system for those in need. 

    Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said:  

    As part of our Plan for Change, we’re putting working people first.  

    We are listening and taking action to make council tax fairer, more transparent and easier to manage. Under our plans, local government will be there to support, and not to punish, people who fall behind.

    Today’s move follows a long running campaign by MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis and his charity the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) which have called for action on the “outdated” escalation that can happen when someone falls behind with their Council Tax payments. 

    Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com and The Money & Mental Health Policy Institute Charity, said:

    Many parts of the Council Tax system are broken, and having called for some of these fixes for nearly 20 years, I’m delighted the government has listened and rapidly launched this long-due consultation, including many of the administration areas I hear the most complaints on.  “Council Tax rapid and aggressive debt collection methods currently hurt millions and disproportionately affect those with mental health problems. Within three weeks of missing a monthly payment many councils say you must pay for the whole year… ridiculous, how can people who can’t afford to pay for a month, suddenly pay for a year? After a further three weeks councils can call bailiffs in and rack up charges on charges. No commercial lender is allowed to behave like this, meaning constituents are treated worse than consumers. Worse, it’s counter-productive, can add to council’s costs and still doesn’t mean people can pay it back. The government has listened to our evidence, and this consultation thankfully looks at slowing it down, adding-in consideration, capping added costs, and pointing people towards help to pay.

    Plus, as council tax bands haven’t been revalued since the stop-gap drive-by valuations first done back in 1991 – while looking at that isn’t in the scope of this consultation – it’s only right that if people think they’re wrongly in too high a band, as 100,000s likely are, the government is consulting on making it easier to challenge, so people can pay the right price. The consultation is also proposing help for some of the most vulnerable – we’ve long campaigned on the horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount, which is underclaimed, overcomplex and underpublicised, and this gives an opportunity to move towards a simpler, more universal, less off-putting application process.

    To help vulnerable families manage bills, the government intends to move billing to 12 monthly payments by default, rather than the current 10 monthly, this will spread the annual cost across a longer period meaning lower monthly payments for the average Band D household’s bill by £38 per month. This consultation is part of wider action being taken to support the financial resilience of families in our Child Poverty Strategy. 

    The government plans to modernise support available, including updating the definition of the Severe Mentally Impaired exemption and reviewing  whether current disregards for care workers and apprentices could be improved. Providing more information on what council tax bills are paying for and how to increase awareness of the support available is also being explored to boost transparency.   

    Council tax is essential for funding over 800 vital public services delivered by local authorities daily – but it has failed to keep pace with the changing needs of taxpayers. A renewed, more supportive, council tax billing system will enable households to better manage their bills, keep up with payments and help councils deliver improved front-line services.  

    Further information  

    • Minister McMahon Written Ministerial Statement can be read here. 

    • The consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here and will be open for 12 weeks. 

    • The Ministry of Justice is also consulting on the regulation of the debt enforcement sector (private bailiffs). Local authorities sometimes use bailiffs when council tax bills go unpaid. The consultation is open until the 21 July and can be found here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fairer funding for councils across the country in major reform

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Fairer funding for councils across the country in major reform

    An overhaul of the outdated and complex council system will bring fairer funding, more stability and improve lives of people across the county  

    • An overhaul of the outdated and complex council system will bring fairer funding, more stability and improve lives of people across the county   

    • New place-based, focussed formulas to target money to places most in need, replacing decade old data and outdated funding system 

    • Streamlined funding and multi-year settlements introduced in drive for council efficiency and improved public services as part of the Plan for Change  

     The local government funding system will be reformed to get councils back on stable footing, improve the lives for people across the country and deliver essential funding for better public services, delivering on the Plan for Change.   

     Working hand-in-hand with the sector, proposals will create a fairer system that reflects areas’ changing needs, differing delivery costs and the level of demand on front-line services that people rely on such as social care.  

    For too long, many residents have seen council tax hikes despite declining local services. This will be tackled by overhauling the decade old, outdated funding methodology currently used to fund councils, so allocations are made based on the latest and best available data and recognise the areas where demand for council services is greatest. As a result of these changes, left behind places will on balance see larger increases in available income. 

     It will also scrap existing competitive bidding processes councils often have to go through for small pots of money, simplifying the 300 grants that already exist to slash time waste in councils and Whitehall and prioritise value for taxpayer cash. This could help cut the almost 90,000 document pages historically required as part of the competitive processes.  This would be almost the equivalent of the drive from Birmingham to Wolverhampton, if laid end to end.  

     Targeting money to places in need, prioritising prevention and reforming public services as part of the government’s mission-driven agenda to deliver for working people, tackle poverty and drive growth across the country as part of a decade of renewal. These changes will deliver the Fair Funding Review launched by the previous government in 2017 but never actioned.  

    Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said:

    We inherited a local government sector on its knees—councils pushed to the financial brink, facing rising demand, and working people not receiving the quality local services they rightly deserve. 

    There’s broad agreement across council leaders, experts, and parliamentarians that the current funding model is broken and unfair. This government is stepping up to deliver the fairer system promised in the 2017 Fair Funding Review but never delivered. 

    These reforms are urgently needed to put councils on a stable footing and ensure better services for residents — especially working people — right across the country. It’s a key part of our Plan for Change to deliver the outcomes people deserve.

     It follows last week’s additional funding announced in the Spending Review and the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement that saw £69 billion allocated for local authorities.  

    The eight-week consultation launched today sets out how the government will make funding allocations fairer for councils of all sizes and across all parts of England.   

    • Rural areas: proposals to recognise the remoteness of areas and account for the additional costs in delivering services in rural places;   

    • Urban areas: making sure that deprivation is properly recognised in the ‘assessment of need’ of councils, so that the vital services that support the poorest in communities are properly funded;  

    • Social care: updating the formula used to work out funding for local authorities that provide adult social care so it properly reflects the demands of our ageing population. We are also reforming children’s social care and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including ensuring councils are properly funded to help support and protect the most vulnerable children. While these reforms are underway, the Dedicated Schools Grant Statutory Override, which helps councils manage SEND costs, will stay in place until the end of 2027/28 and in addition we will introduce a bespoke formula to recognise Home to School transport costs;   

    • Resetting the business rates retention system: so that it incentivises local authorities to help their local economies grow by better matching the system to local need; and   

    • Consolidating billions in grant funds: so that councils no longer waste time or money bidding for small pots of funding, replacing it with a streamlined grant system that promotes prevention and public service reform, and reflects key missions in the Plan for Change. The Department estimates councils shelled out almost £70million in administrative costs and consultancy fees on bidding for the Levelling Up Fund and other bidding schemes.  

     The first multi-year settlement in a decade will also be brought forward in 2026-27 to finally provide council leaders with security and certainty over their finances, ending short-termism to deliver meaningful change to their communities.   

    These reforms, together with the additional funding announced through the spending review will ensure the vast majority of upper-tier councils will see real-terms increases in available funding over the multi-year settlement.  

    Further information  

    Minister McMahon’s Written Ministerial Statement can be read here.

    The consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here and will be open for 8 weeks  

    The response to the earlier consultation can be viewed on Gov.uk here. 

    The government is proposing a transitional approach to the new funding system over a three year period, to enable local authorities to plan for changes.   

    No allocations for local authorities have been announced or confirmed yet. This will be announced in the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2026-27 later this year – the same approach as with previous years.    

    Building on action already taken in the 2025-26 Local Government Finance Settlement, today’s announcement to streamline the grant system, local leaders will have more flexibility to spend on their voters’ priorities, drive efficiency in councils and deliver better value for taxpayer money.   

    Accountability and transparency over public spending will be bolstered through a greater focus on outcomes that reflect voters’ priorities.   

    Dr Ryan Swift, research fellow at IPPR North said: 

    “The last government implemented budget cuts that hammered local councils, especially in the most deprived areas, meaning fewer and poorer services for local people. 

    “But today things are looking up. Upping core funding, introducing multi-year funding settlements and ending competitive bidding processes will provide more stability so councils can plan for the future and improve. 

    “Today’s announcement is a step along the road to repairing council finances. Recognising demands on local services from factors like demographics and deprivation are crucial so that councils can deliver the services that people expect and deserve.” 

    Cllr Sir Stephen Houghton, Chair of the Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) said: 

    “The significant reforms proposed by the government will deliver a fairer and more sustainable system and are a major and positive step forward.  

    “A decade of disproportionate cuts, outdated formulas and short-term settlements have left our members with shrinking resources, struggling to meet rising demand. It is therefore very welcome that there will now be a focus on delivering a funding system that supports the most deprived areas. This will build on the important work of the Recovery Grant.  

    “Simplifying the grant system and delivering a long-overdue multi-year settlement will bring about much-needed stability and certainty for councils. The government’s close engagement with the sector is testament to the reset in the relationship with local government, and we look forward to responding to the consultation and continuing to engage with the department.”  

    Cllr John Merry, Chair of Key Cities, said: 

    “Councils are central to national renewal. They must be valued, properly funded, and adequately resourced to deliver essential services – from social care to affordable housing – which are under increasing strain. Key Cities’ inaugural survey of council leaders found that many are already turning to financial reserves and service redesigns, with asset sales, salary reductions and redundancies under active consideration.    

    “As the largest and most diverse urban network outside the capital, with 24 members, we have long championed the need for a funding reset: one that empowers local authorities and channels resources to the communities that need them most, driving inclusive national growth.      “What’s needed now is long-term funding certainty, replacing piecemeal interventions and enabling councils to focus on meeting local needs. Key Cities welcomes the launch of the Government’s second consultation on local government funding reform. We remain committed to working with the Government to shape a brighter future for our communities.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-71 AG ANNE LOPEZ CONCLUDES MAUI WILDFIRE ANALYSIS

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-71 AG ANNE LOPEZ CONCLUDES MAUI WILDFIRE ANALYSIS

    Posted on Jun 19, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    Video of today’s news conference is on the Department of the Attorney General’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/HawaiiAttorneyGeneral/videos/1206910971211978

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

     

     

    ATTORNEY GENERAL ANNE LOPEZ CONCLUDES INVESTIGATION INTO THE AUGUST 8, 2023 MAUI WILDFIRES

     

    News Release 2025-71

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                       

    June 19, 2025

     

    HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez today announced the conclusion of the Department of the Attorney General’s investigation of state and county government response to the August 2023 Lahaina Fire. Attorney General Lopez also announced the official transition of future wildfire analysis, mitigation and coordination efforts to the new state fire marshal and the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO).

     

    “Shortly after the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfires, Governor Josh Green, M.D., and I agreed that understanding how the state and county agencies responded during and in the immediate aftermath was crucial to secure the safety of the residents and visitors now and into the future,” said Attorney General Lopez. “The Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, was the most capable organization that could provide the state with an objective, evidence-based understanding of the response of state and county agencies and provide recommendations and best practices for Hawaiʻi going forward. FSRI has done just that.”

     

    On April 17, 2024, the Department released FSRI’s Lahaina Fire Comprehensive Timeline Report (Phase 1) that provided a minute-by-minute accounting of state and county

     

    actions. On September 13, 2024, FSRI’s Lahaina Fire Incident Analysis Report (Phase 2) was released, which incorporated a science- and evidence-based analysis of the events, including subjects such as preparedness efforts, weather and its impact to infrastructure, and other fires simultaneously occurring on Maui. This report included 84 findings, and 140 recommendations designed to mitigate the issues identified by FSRI and make recommendations to move forward. At the same time, the department released all of the images, audio and documents* received and prepared by FSRI, totaling 850 gigabytes of data.

     

    In January, FSRI’s Lahaina Fire Forward-Looking Report (Phase 3) was released. This report prioritized the 84 findings and 140 recommendations from the Phase 2 report, to improve Hawaiʻi’s ability to be better prepared for and respond to wildfires. Governor Green requested that FSRI identify its top 10 immediate priorities.

     

    The top two recommendations for actionable success were: (1) the state should engage HWMO to share a leadership role with the state in this effort, and (2) hire a state fire marshal to ensure continued work and long-term planning. HWMO has been engaged and has already started work. In the last legislative session, the governor introduced a bill to amend Hawaiʻi’s state fire marshal statute to empower the fire marshal to have more independence and broaden the fire marshal’s responsibilities. Following robust legislative hearings, the legislature passed H.B. 1064.

     

    “I am proud of the work that my department and FSRI have completed over the last two years,” said Attorney General Lopez. “I will now be handing off the work to State Fire Marshal Dori Booth and HWMO. I am fully confident in their ability to collaborate and lead state and county agencies, communities, and other nonprofits into a safer, healthier future.”

     

    Since the Phase Three report was released, FSRI has begun work in collaboration with the Maui Fire Department (MFD) and Kauaʻi Fire Department (KFD) to complete their Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover plans. These analyses will be conducted in cooperation with MFD and KFD alongside local residents and businesses and will ultimately identify where the relevant risks to the community are and how county fire departments can effectively address them. Following this work, a comprehensive Community Risk Reduction plan will be developed that provides realistic actions that can be taken by individuals, community organizations and governmental agencies to mitigate risk and increase resiliency.

     

    “Our role in the Lahaina fire independent analysis is complete and we have provided forward looking recommendations. Now we’re collectively transitioning from research to implementation for a more fire safe Hawai‘i,” said Derek Alkonis, Research Program Manager at FSRI. “UL Research Institutes and FSRI will continue supporting next steps in operational readiness and community risk assessment planning.”

     

    “We are proud to be part of this next chapter for Hawai‘i,” said Elizabeth Pickett, co-director of HWMO. “Our job now is to support the state in developing a cohesive wildfire strategy that brings together public agencies, private partners, and expertise from our academic and community partners — so that we’re all working in sync, informed by best practice, and building upon existing efforts and local knowledge. Some departments will be stepping into new roles, while others — who’ve been doing this work for decades — will finally get the support and alignment they’ve long needed. This is about learning together, building systems that last, and finally connecting our collective efforts into one coordinated path forward. Becoming a wildfire-ready and wildfire-resilient state starts with thoughtful, informed and collaborative planning. This is good governance at its best.”

     

    “We recommended HWMO because of their deep experience, trusted relationships, and ability to coordinate across agencies,” said Alkonis. “They’re embedded in Hawai‘i’s wildfire network and well-positioned to align efforts quickly. HWMO was selected in part because of its long-standing and ongoing leadership in the area of wildfire prevention and vegetation management — they’ve been deeply engaged in this work for years and are well-equipped to move the state forward on some of its most urgent needs. Their work complements the new State Fire Marshal’s Office and helps drive action on the priorities we identified — a strong example of collaborative leadership for wildfire resilience.”

     

    “It’s an honor to serve as Hawai‘i’s state fire marshal at this pivotal moment,” said Dori Booth. “The 10 wildfire priorities identified in the Phase Three report provide a critical foundation, and my role — as well as the work of the full office when it is in place — will both support those efforts and extend beyond them. We are building the State Fire Marshal’s Office from the ground up, with a focus on regulatory clarity, modernized codes and standards, and a legislative framework that strengthens long-standing efforts already underway, while also guiding future improvements identified through the statewide wildfire strategy now in development. I’m grateful to all of the agencies and partners contributing to this effort, and I look forward to working closely with the State Fire Council, county fire departments, HWMO, and others to ensure a coordinated, capable, and resilient fire safety system for Hawai‘i.”

     

    All of the images, audio and documents* included in the media database containing approximately 850 gigabytes of data can be found on the Department of the Attorney General’s Maui Wildfire Investigation page here.

     

    *Only images of the deceased and the personal identifying information of individuals were redacted.

     

    About Fire Safety Research Institute

    Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, strives to advance fire safety knowledge and strategies in order to create safer environments. Using advanced fire science, rigorous research, extensive outreach and education in collaboration with an international network of partners, the organization imparts stakeholders with knowledge, tools, and resources that enable them to make better, more fire safe decisions that ultimately save lives and property. To learn more, visit fsri.org. Follow FSRI on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

     

    About UL Research Institutes

    UL Research Institutes is a nonprofit research organization dedicated to advancing the UL public safety mission through scientific discovery and application. With best-in-class experts, we are the world’s premier safety science research organization. We conduct rigorous independent research, analyze safety data and explore at the edges of technology to be the first to uncover and act on emerging risks to human safety. To learn more, visit ul.org.

     

    # # #

     

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

     

    Toni Schwartz
    Public Information Officer
    Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
    Office: 808-586-1252
    Cell: 808-379-9249
    Email:     [email protected] 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Digital Asset Technologies Celebrates GENIUS Act as Pivotal Moment for U.S. Leadership in Digital Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Asset Technologies Inc. (CSE: DATT) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Digital Asset Technologies” or the “Company”) and its portfolio company LiquidLink AI Corp. (“LinkLink”), strongly supports the U.S. Senate’s passage of the GENIUS Act (S.1582) — a landmark bill establishing the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. The legislation marks a definitive turning point for the digital asset industry and lays the foundation for global programmable money, institutional grade stablecoins, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

    The GENIUS Act not only positions the United States alongside every other G20 nation that has developed or is piloting programmable money systems — including Europe’s MiCA framework and CBDC programs in China, Japan, and Canada — it actually leapfrogs them. Unlike most of these jurisdictions, which are focused solely on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the U.S. is now enabling regulated private enterprises to issue secure, redeemable, and transparent stablecoins — unlocking innovation in ways that centralized, government-issued tokens cannot.

    “This legislation marks the official start of the internet of value,” said Marcus Ingram, CEO of LiquidLink, a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc.
    ‎ “The U.S. now leads the world with a market-driven framework that empowers private innovators to build a future where money moves as freely as email — no bank account required.”

    The Rise of a Tokenized Financial System

    The GENIUS Act doesn’t just legitimize payment stablecoins — it signals the beginning of a broader regulatory framework that will support the tokenization of all real-world assets, from equities and commodities to real estate and intellectual property. By setting capital, liquidity, and transparency standards for issuers and custodians, the bill lays the groundwork for a compliant, programmable, and interoperable global financial system.

    XRPL: The Network for Real-World Asset Settlement

    With this evolution now underway, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) stands out as the ideal network to support a stablecoin- and RWA-driven future:

    • Built for payments: XRPL features fast, low-cost, and energy-efficient transactions.
      ‎
    • Native tokenization: The protocol includes built-in tools for issuing, managing, and freezing assets.
      ‎
    • Institutional readiness: Decentralized yet trusted, XRPL is widely supported by regulated financial entities.
      ‎
    • Compliance-friendly: XRPL includes functions that make regulatory enforcement (e.g., asset clawbacks) possible.‎

    As stablecoins and CBDCs become dominant global payment mechanisms, XRPL is poised to become the primary distributed ledger infrastructure for institutional finance.

    Why LiquidLink Is Critical Infrastructure

    LiquidLink’s flagship platform is purpose-built for the programmable financial system envisioned by the GENIUS Act. As a self-custody-first discovery and analytics tool for XRPL, it will be essential infrastructure in a world where digital assets, stablecoins, and RWAs move seamlessly across chains and borders.

    Key features include:

    • On-Chain Discovery: LiquidLink allows users to locate and analyze tokenized assets, stablecoins, and Web3 tokens on XRPL — all while retaining custody of their own funds.
      ‎
    • Advanced Trading Intelligence: LiquidLink identifies optimal DEX routes and arbitrage opportunities using real-time analytics.
      ‎
    • No Custodial Risk: Entirely client-side, LiquidLink ensures that users — not third parties — control their assets and private keys.
      ‎
    • RWA Launchpad: Integrated launchpad capabilities make it easy for token issuers to bring real-world assets on-chain with optional KYC and compliance modules.

    ‎“In a programmable financial system, compliance and automation must be inseparable,” added Ingram. “LiquidLink ensures that tokenized assets — whether stablecoins or RWAs — can be issued, traded, and settled securely and lawfully across borders.”

    Looking Ahead

    Digital Asset Technologies is preparing its infrastructure and compliance strategy in anticipation of the GENIUS Act becoming law. Through LiquidLink, the company will actively engage with U.S. regulators to align with the forthcoming licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers.

    “This is not just a bill — it’s the foundation of an entirely new monetary architecture,” said Ingram. 
    ‎ “We’re building the tools and infrastructure to power that future.”

    About Digital Asset Technologies Inc.

    Digital Asset Technologies (CSE: DATT) is a publicly traded investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. The Company provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors. Through its portfolio company, Liquidlink AI Corp., the Company has entered the blockchain technology sector with a focus on real-world asset tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and advanced trading analytics.

    Learn more: https://www.datech.ca/

    About LiquidLink

    LiquidLink is a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc., focused on building secure, interoperable infrastructure for the tokenized economy. Its flagship product, Xrpfy, provides self-custody discovery tools, trading intelligence, and RWA launchpad capabilities for the XRPL ecosystem and is expanding to support multiple blockchains.

    Media Contact:
    ‎    Marcus Ingram
    marcus@liquidlink.ai

    Sources:
    Atlantic Council CBDC Tracker
    European Commission – Digital Finance‎
    [KPMG Regulatory Insights – GENIUS Act, June 2025]
    ‎LiquidLink Strategic Update on Xrpfy
    ‎

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

    Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, “subject to”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, current and future investments, the proposed name change, the updated Investment Policy, and the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the proposed name change and updated Investment Policy. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, but the actual results may be materially different from any future expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, the equity markets generally and a failure to obtain the necessary approvals from the Canadian Securities Exchange. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Digital Asset Technologies Celebrates GENIUS Act as Pivotal Moment for U.S. Leadership in Digital Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Asset Technologies Inc. (CSE: DATT) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Digital Asset Technologies” or the “Company”) and its portfolio company LiquidLink AI Corp. (“LinkLink”), strongly supports the U.S. Senate’s passage of the GENIUS Act (S.1582) — a landmark bill establishing the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. The legislation marks a definitive turning point for the digital asset industry and lays the foundation for global programmable money, institutional grade stablecoins, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

    The GENIUS Act not only positions the United States alongside every other G20 nation that has developed or is piloting programmable money systems — including Europe’s MiCA framework and CBDC programs in China, Japan, and Canada — it actually leapfrogs them. Unlike most of these jurisdictions, which are focused solely on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the U.S. is now enabling regulated private enterprises to issue secure, redeemable, and transparent stablecoins — unlocking innovation in ways that centralized, government-issued tokens cannot.

    “This legislation marks the official start of the internet of value,” said Marcus Ingram, CEO of LiquidLink, a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc.
    ‎ “The U.S. now leads the world with a market-driven framework that empowers private innovators to build a future where money moves as freely as email — no bank account required.”

    The Rise of a Tokenized Financial System

    The GENIUS Act doesn’t just legitimize payment stablecoins — it signals the beginning of a broader regulatory framework that will support the tokenization of all real-world assets, from equities and commodities to real estate and intellectual property. By setting capital, liquidity, and transparency standards for issuers and custodians, the bill lays the groundwork for a compliant, programmable, and interoperable global financial system.

    XRPL: The Network for Real-World Asset Settlement

    With this evolution now underway, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) stands out as the ideal network to support a stablecoin- and RWA-driven future:

    • Built for payments: XRPL features fast, low-cost, and energy-efficient transactions.
      ‎
    • Native tokenization: The protocol includes built-in tools for issuing, managing, and freezing assets.
      ‎
    • Institutional readiness: Decentralized yet trusted, XRPL is widely supported by regulated financial entities.
      ‎
    • Compliance-friendly: XRPL includes functions that make regulatory enforcement (e.g., asset clawbacks) possible.‎

    As stablecoins and CBDCs become dominant global payment mechanisms, XRPL is poised to become the primary distributed ledger infrastructure for institutional finance.

    Why LiquidLink Is Critical Infrastructure

    LiquidLink’s flagship platform is purpose-built for the programmable financial system envisioned by the GENIUS Act. As a self-custody-first discovery and analytics tool for XRPL, it will be essential infrastructure in a world where digital assets, stablecoins, and RWAs move seamlessly across chains and borders.

    Key features include:

    • On-Chain Discovery: LiquidLink allows users to locate and analyze tokenized assets, stablecoins, and Web3 tokens on XRPL — all while retaining custody of their own funds.
      ‎
    • Advanced Trading Intelligence: LiquidLink identifies optimal DEX routes and arbitrage opportunities using real-time analytics.
      ‎
    • No Custodial Risk: Entirely client-side, LiquidLink ensures that users — not third parties — control their assets and private keys.
      ‎
    • RWA Launchpad: Integrated launchpad capabilities make it easy for token issuers to bring real-world assets on-chain with optional KYC and compliance modules.

    ‎“In a programmable financial system, compliance and automation must be inseparable,” added Ingram. “LiquidLink ensures that tokenized assets — whether stablecoins or RWAs — can be issued, traded, and settled securely and lawfully across borders.”

    Looking Ahead

    Digital Asset Technologies is preparing its infrastructure and compliance strategy in anticipation of the GENIUS Act becoming law. Through LiquidLink, the company will actively engage with U.S. regulators to align with the forthcoming licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers.

    “This is not just a bill — it’s the foundation of an entirely new monetary architecture,” said Ingram. 
    ‎ “We’re building the tools and infrastructure to power that future.”

    About Digital Asset Technologies Inc.

    Digital Asset Technologies (CSE: DATT) is a publicly traded investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. The Company provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors. Through its portfolio company, Liquidlink AI Corp., the Company has entered the blockchain technology sector with a focus on real-world asset tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and advanced trading analytics.

    Learn more: https://www.datech.ca/

    About LiquidLink

    LiquidLink is a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc., focused on building secure, interoperable infrastructure for the tokenized economy. Its flagship product, Xrpfy, provides self-custody discovery tools, trading intelligence, and RWA launchpad capabilities for the XRPL ecosystem and is expanding to support multiple blockchains.

    Media Contact:
    ‎    Marcus Ingram
    marcus@liquidlink.ai

    Sources:
    Atlantic Council CBDC Tracker
    European Commission – Digital Finance‎
    [KPMG Regulatory Insights – GENIUS Act, June 2025]
    ‎LiquidLink Strategic Update on Xrpfy
    ‎

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

    Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, “subject to”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, current and future investments, the proposed name change, the updated Investment Policy, and the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the proposed name change and updated Investment Policy. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, but the actual results may be materially different from any future expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, the equity markets generally and a failure to obtain the necessary approvals from the Canadian Securities Exchange. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • British lawmakers to vote on landmark assisted dying law

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British lawmakers held their final debate ahead of a historic vote on Friday on whether to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people, in what would be a major step toward the biggest social reform in the country for a generation.

    The vote is expected at about 2:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) and if it goes in favour, the proposed new law will have cleared its biggest parliamentary hurdle. That would pave the way for Britain to follow Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as some U.S. states in permitting assisted dying.

    A vote against would stop the bill in its tracks.

    Last November, lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in favour of the principle of allowing assisted dying, but since then the bill has been scrutinised and amended, and some lawmakers have publicly changed their position, citing changes to provisions that they say weaken protections for vulnerable people.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is neutral on the legislation meaning politicians can vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Last year, Starmer voted in favour of the legislation and has indicated he continues to support it.

    The law was proposed under a process led by an individual member of parliament rather than being government policy, which has limited the amount of parliamentary time allocated to it.

    Some lawmakers have said that such a major social change should be allocated more parliamentary time for debate and involve a greater degree of ministerial involvement and accountability.

    If Friday’s vote is in favour, assisted dying stays on the road to legalisation, a process that could still take months.

    The Labour lawmaker who proposed the new law, Kim Leadbeater, said there could be a reduction in the number of members of parliament who support the bill on Friday compared with last year’s vote, but that she was confident it would still be approved.

    Opening the debate, Leadbeater said that the legislation was “desperately needed” and would provide dignity and compassion to people suffering. She argued it had robust safeguards that made it practical and safe.

    “This is not a choice between living and dying. It is a choice for terminally ill people about how they die,” she said.

    On Thursday, four Labour lawmakers switched sides to oppose the bill, joining the dozens who earlier this month said there had not been enough time to debate the details of such a consequential law change.

    “The bill before us simply does not do enough to safeguard people who may want to choose to live,” the four lawmakers said in a letter.

    Leadbeater said her biggest fear was that if the legislation was voted down, it could be another decade before the issue returns to parliament. It was last considered in 2015, when lawmakers voted against it.

    PUBLIC SUPPORT

    Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying, and supporters say the law needs to catch up with public opinion.

    Under the proposed law, mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live would be given the right to end their lives with medical help.

    In the original plan, an assisted death would have required court approval. That has been replaced by a requirement for a judgement by a panel including a social worker, a senior legal figure and a psychiatrist, which is seen by some as a watering down.

    Lawmakers have also raised questions about the impact of assisted dying on the finances and resources of Britain’s state-run National Health Service and on the need to improve palliative care.

    If the vote passes, the proposed new law is sent to the House of Lords, parliament’s upper chamber. But the unelected Lords will be reluctant to block legislation that has been passed by elected members of the House of Commons.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Tax information letter 4/2025: Consultation on council tax administration

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Council Tax information letter 4/2025: Consultation on council tax administration

    This letter sets out details on the government’s consultation into modernising and improving the administration of council tax.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Council Tax information letter 4/2025: Consultation on council tax administration

    HTML

    Details

    The letter provides a broad summary of the issues the government is consulting on as a part of this consultation. This also provides details on the Fair Funding Review 2.0 which was published in parallel to this consultation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Colombia: One year on, women searchers for victims of enforced disappearance are still waiting for the country to deliver for them

    Source: Amnesty International –

    • A year ago, the Colombian government approved Law 2364 of 2024, recognizing the work and rights of women searchers for victims of enforced disappearance. National and international social organizations are calling on the government to make progress on its implementation. 
    • According to official sources, between 100,000 and 200,000 persons have been forcibly disappeared in Colombia. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has recorded that even today one person disappears every 36 hours in the country. Their loved ones dedicate their lives to search for them in the midst of violence. Most of those searching are women. 
    • Amnesty International acknowledges that Colombia marked a first in the world when it approved this law, but a year has now gone by, and implementation is still pending. Organizations of women searchers such as the Nydia Erika Bautista Foundation emphasize that the risks and threats involved in searching make progress in the implementation of the law a matter of urgency. 

    Bogotá, 18 June 2025. A year ago, the Colombian government passed Law 2364 of 2024, which recognizes and provides for the integral protection of the work and rights of women searchers for victims of enforced disappearance. The Congress of the Republic debated and approved this law following the advocacy initiative of organizations of women searchers throughout the country. Amnesty International joined the Nydia Erika Bautista Foundation and the many other organizations of women searchers for forcibly disappeared persons in Colombia to demand that the law be implemented and the promise of state protection for the women who dedicate their lives to searching for their loved ones in the midst of violence be upheld.

    Although social organizations acknowledge the importance of Colombia having a law that recognizes and protects women searchers, it is concerning that the timelines provided for its implementation have not yet been met one year on. The law mandated the government to issue a regulatory decree on the participation of women searchers in developing, applying and evaluating public peace policies within three months from its entry into force. It also granted the Ministry of Health and Social Protection a period of six months for regulating access to age-related health and social protection programmes for women searchers, and the ministries of Internal Affairs and Equality the same period for promoting prevention and protection measures to ensure their safety. Finally, the law mandated that the government develop regulations for a Single Register of Women Searchers – to be managed by the Victims Unit (UARIV) – within one year, but such register has not yet been created. 

    The Nydia Erika Bautista Foundation and Amnesty International have emphasized that it is crucial that the regulations governing the law, which are currently being developed, are finalized and implemented, as significant risks persist in the search for disappeared persons. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Senegal and Kenya Top African Development Bank’s Electricity Regulatory Index, as Regulators Drive Tangible Reforms

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Kenya and Senegal have claimed the top spots in the African Development Bank’s 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI) (www.AfDB.org), demonstrating exceptional progress in power sector governance and regulatory outcomes. The comprehensive assessment, officially unveiled today at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, evaluates regulatory frameworks across 43 African countries. 

    Uganda, Liberia and Niger round out the top five performers, with Niger registering one of the biggest gains, underlining the strong impact of sustained reforms and political commitment to power sector development. 

    The ERI evaluates three dimensions—Regulatory Governance, Regulatory Substance, and Regulatory Outcomes (ROI). Notably, the ROI, which tracks service delivery and utility performance, recorded the most substantial improvement across the continent. 

    Key findings from the 2024 ERI: 

    • Kenya and Senegal led with a score of 0.892, reflecting standout progress in tariff reform, regulatory outcomes, and utility performance. 
    • A remarkable 41 out of 43 participating countries achieved RGI scores above 0.5, representing a significant increase from 24 countries in 2022.  
    • Countries scoring below 0.500 reduced significantly from 19 in 2022 to just 6 in 2024.  
    • Even the lowest-performing country tripled its score—from about 0.10 to 0.33. 
    • The ROI surged from roughly 0.40 in 2022 to 0.62 in 2024, showing that reforms are delivering tangible service improvements on the ground. 

    Now in its seventh edition, the ERI shows strong momentum toward more effective, transparent, and impactful regulation, with real-world results beginning to emerge. 

    “The 2024 ERI shows that Africa’s regulators are stepping up. We are now seeing stronger institutions delivering real results for utilities and consumers. This shift is critical if we are to achieve Mission 300 and connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030,” says Dr. Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth. 

    For the first time, the 2024 ERI also assessed regional regulatory bodies, recognizing their growing role in harmonizing technical standards and enabling cross-border electricity trade. 

    As the backbone of Mission 300, ERI continues to inform the design and implementation of national energy compacts—currently active in 12 countries, with another 20 in development. 

    Bridging the Gap – Addressing Ongoing Challenges 

    While celebrating regulatory progress, the report calls for greater focus on regulatory independence, the financial viability of utilities, and the integration of off-grid and mini-grid systems into national frameworks. The ERI underscores that regulation must translate into better access, affordability, and reliability, especially for underserved rural populations.  

    The report outlines priority areas for enhancing regulatory effectiveness:  

    • Strengthening regulatory independence 
    • Enhancing accountability mechanisms 
    • Promoting transparency and predictability 
    • Improving stakeholder participation 
    • Deepening economic regulation and advancing cost-reflective tariff methodologies. 

    “The ERI 2024 tells a hopeful story. African countries are not just passing laws—they are implementing them. Regulators are transforming from administrative bodies into strategic institutions with measurable influence. However, challenges related to independence, financing, and enforcement persist,” said Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation at the Bank Group. 

    Launched in 2018, the ERI is a diagnostic and policy tool used by governments, regulators, and development partners to identify gaps, track progress, and prioritize reform efforts. The 2024 edition incorporates extensive feedback from utilities, regulators, and regional energy bodies.  

    The full ERI 2024 report will be available here (https://apo-opa.co/4kPeDmZ). 

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contact: 
    Gertrude Kitongo
    Communication and External Relations Department 

    Technical Contact: 
    Callixte Kambanda
    Manager, Energy Policy, Regulations, and Statistics 
    email: c.kambanda@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. 

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The ‘EU Talent Pool’ as a new open door for mass migration – E-002371/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002371/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tiago Moreira de Sá (PfE), Filip Turek (PfE), Markus Buchheit (ESN), Elisabeth Dieringer (PfE), Tom Vandendriessche (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Branko Grims (PPE), Marc Jongen (ESN), Rachel Blom (PfE), António Tânger Corrêa (PfE), Tomasz Froelich (ESN), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Dominik Tarczyński (ECR), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE), Milan Zver (PPE), Malika Sorel (NI), Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE), Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR), Petr Bystron (ESN), Marion Maréchal (ECR), Irmhild Boßdorf (ESN), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Fernand Kartheiser (NI), Catherine Griset (PfE), Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR)

    The EU Talent Pool (TP), proposed as an initiative to attract skilled professionals from countries outside the EU, raises questions about its true objectives and implications for Member States. While presented as a voluntary mechanism to address shortages in the European labour market, uncertainties persist regarding its capacity to manage migration flows effectively, prevent large-scale family reunification and prioritise the interests of EU citizens:

    • 1.What safeguards will be implemented to ensure that Member States opting out of the TP will not face direct or indirect penalties under the Pact on Migration and Asylum or other EU instruments?
    • 2.Will the TP be accessible to qualified EU citizens, thereby promoting internal labour mobility and prioritising existing skills within the EU over those from non-EU countries?
    • 3.What specific measures will be adopted to monitor the entry of external candidates and family reunification requests to prevent unplanned migration flows and respect national migration policies, and how will the Commission ensure that the implementation of the TP is transparent, culturally sensitive, and inclusive of diverse political perspectives, addressing the concerns of citizens who uphold national values and a European identity rooted in Judeo-Christian traditions?

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, New Zealand should place greater emphasis on cooperation 2025-06-20 19:03:40 Chinese President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday, calling on both sides to place greater emphasis on cooperation.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

      BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday, calling on both sides to place greater emphasis on cooperation.

      For more than 50 years, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-New Zealand relations have long been at the forefront of China’s relations with Western developed countries, Xi said.

      As the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade, both sides should work to grow the partnership and bring more benefits to the two peoples, he said.

      Xi stressed that China and New Zealand should place greater emphasis on cooperation in bilateral relations, leverage their complementary strengths, deepen trade and investment cooperation, and explore potential for cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, climate change, and infrastructure.

      He encouraged both sides to strengthen exchanges in education, culture, youth and at non-governmental and sub-national levels. 

      Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • Iran says no nuclear talks under Israeli fire, Trump considers options

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran said on Friday it would not discuss the future of its nuclear programme while under attack by Israel, as Europe tried to coax Tehran back into negotiations and the United States considers whether to get involved in the conflict.

    A week after it began attacking Iran, Israel’s military said it had carried out new strikes on dozens of military targets overnight, including missile production sites and a research organisation involved in nuclear weapons development in Tehran.

    Iran launched at least one new barrage of missiles early on Friday, striking near residential apartments, office buildings and industrial facilities in the southern city of Beersheba.

    The White House said on Thursday that President Donald Trump would decide on “whether or not to go” with U.S. involvement in the conflict in the next two weeks, citing the possibility of negotiations involving Iran in the near future.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday there was no room for negotiations with Israel’s superpower ally the United States “until Israeli aggression stops”.

    But he was due to meet European foreign ministers in Geneva later on Friday for talks at which Europe hopes to establish a path back to diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear programme.

    Two diplomats said before the meeting involving France, Britain, Germany and the European Union’s foreign policy chief that Araqchi would be told the U.S. is still open to direct talks. Expectations for a breakthrough are low, diplomats say.

    Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying its longtime enemy was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel.

    Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons. It neither confirms nor denies this.

    Israeli air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based human rights organisation that tracks Iran. The dead include the military’s top echelon and nuclear scientists.

    Israel has said at least two dozen Israeli civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks.

    Reuters could not independently verify the death toll from either side. Details of casualties in the latest strikes were not immediately known.

    CIVILIANS KILLED

    Both sides say they are attacking military and defence-related targets, but civilians have also been caught in the crossfire and each has accused the other of hitting hospitals.

    An Iranian news website said a drone had struck an apartment in a residential building in central Tehran on Friday, but did not give details.

    Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear installations so far pose only limited risks of contamination, experts say. But they warn that any attack on the nuclear power station at Bushehr could cause a nuclear disaster.

    Israel says it is determined to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities but that it wants to avoid any nuclear disaster in a region that is inhabited by tens of millions of people and produces much of the world’s oil.

    The meeting in Geneva was due to start on Friday afternoon. The Swiss city is where an initial accord was struck in 2013 to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in return for sanctions being lifted. A comprehensive deal followed in 2015.

    Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement in 2018. A new series of talks between Iran and the U.S. collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12.

    Trump has alternated between threatening Tehran and urging it to resume nuclear talks. His special envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, has spoken to Araqchi several times since last week, sources say.

    The Middle East has been on edge since the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked it in October of 2023, triggering the Gaza war, and Israel has been fighting on several fronts against Iran’s regional allies.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned on Friday of further action against Iranian ally Hezbollah, a day after the Lebanese militant group suggested it would come to Iran’s aid.

    Western and regional officials say Israel is trying to shatter the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday “the downfall of the regime … may be a result, but it’s up to the Iranian people to rise for their freedom.”

    Iranian opposition groups think their time may be near, but activists involved in previous protests say they are unwilling to unleash mass unrest with their nation under attack, and Iranian authorities have cracked down hard on dissent.

    “How are people supposed to pour into the streets? In such horrifying circumstances, people are solely focused on saving themselves, their families, their compatriots, and even their pets,” said Atena Daemi, a prominent activist who spent six years in prison before leaving Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • Four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty in a decade, says PM Modi in Siwan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty in the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, highlighting his government’s sustained efforts to uplift the poor and dismantle the legacy of deprivation left by previous regimes.
     
    Addressing a large public gathering in Siwan district, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹5,200 crore, the Prime Minister said his government had delivered tangible results where previous governments had offered only slogans.
     
    “For decades, the country heard only slogans about poverty eradication,” PM Modi said. “But in the past ten years, a record 25 crore Indians have come out of poverty. Institutions like the World Bank have also acknowledged this achievement.”
     
    He noted that Bihar, particularly under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has played a pivotal role in this national transformation. “More than half of Bihar’s population once lived in extreme poverty,” he said. “But in the last ten years alone, nearly four crore people in the state have moved out of poverty. This is a remarkable turnaround.”
     
    PM Modi noted that for decades after independence, it wasn’t a lack of effort that held the poor back, but the absence of opportunities to move ahead. He said that even basic services were entangled in bureaucratic hurdles, turning routine tasks into major challenges. “People had to approach MPs just to get a gas connection, and bribes or personal contacts were often the only way to secure employment,” he said. He added that these conditions impacted Dalits, Mahadalits, and backward communities the most.
     
    He accused previous governments of turning the dreams of the poor into an opportunity for a select few families to accumulate wealth. “They sold dreams of poverty eradication, but only a handful became millionaires and billionaires,” he remarked.
     
    The Prime Minister said that in the last 11 years, the government has worked tirelessly to remove every hurdle from the path of the poor. “As a result, visible and impactful outcomes are now before the nation,” he said. Over four crore poor families across India have been provided with pucca houses under government schemes, he added, with another three crore houses planned. In Bihar alone, more than 57 lakh houses have been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, including over 1.10 lakh homes in Siwan district.
     
    He also noted that housing installments were disbursed for over 50,000 families in Bihar today. “What makes me proud is that a majority of these homes are registered in the names of women. Women who never had any property in their names are today becoming proud homeowners,” he said.
     
    PM Modi said that the Centre was not only providing housing, but also ensuring food, electricity, and water for every household. “More than 12 crore new households in the country have been connected with tap water. In Siwan alone, over 4.5 lakh families received water connections for the first time,” he said. He added that efforts were underway to ensure every rural household has access to clean drinking water and that urban infrastructure is being upgraded through the approval of new pipeline and sewage treatment projects across multiple cities in Bihar.
     
    Taking aim at previous administrations, the Prime Minister said their record on development was dismal. “Whenever these parties speak of development, people are reminded of shuttered shops, stalled businesses, and collapsed industries,” he said, accusing them of promoting a climate of lawlessness, corruption, and mafia control. “They have always been anti-Bihar and anti-investment. That is why they have never been able to win the trust of Bihar’s youth,” he remarked.
     
    The Prime Minister said that all the developmental efforts currently underway are driven by a vision to create a better life for the poor, the backward, and the middle class. “These projects are not just infrastructure initiatives. They are steps towards restoring dignity, ensuring justice, and securing the future for generations to come,” PM Modi added.