NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with Prime Minister Rama of Albania: 15 May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM meeting with Prime Minister Rama of Albania: 15 May 2025

    The Prime Minister was hosted by Prime Minister Edi Rama in Albania today.

    The Prime Minister was hosted by Prime Minister Edi Rama in Albania today, ahead of the European Political Community summit tomorrow. 

    The Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Rama for Albania’s warm hospitality and the leaders reflected on the significance of the first official visit by a UK Prime Minister.

    They noted the UK and Albania’s joint work on tackling migration and sharing intelligence had been crucial in stemming the flow of migrants from the country. 

    The two countries agreed they would take that work even further with the updated UK-Albania Strategic Partnership agreed today. The Prime Minister said the model between the UK and Albania had been such a success, he wanted to roll out the approach with partners across Europe through the Joint Migration Taskforce, which both leaders welcomed the expansion of. 

    Reflecting on the partnership, the Prime Minister also welcomed the addition of strengthened defence cooperation between the two countries and growing economic ties.

    Discussing the European Political Community summit tomorrow, both leaders agreed it was a crucial moment for Europe to demonstrate their solidarity with Ukraine and commitment to shared security.  

    The leaders looked forward to speaking again tomorrow.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State visit highlights NI company’s major growth under Windsor Framework

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Secretary of State visit highlights NI company’s major growth under Windsor Framework

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland visits food distribution company, PRM, as figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency show the Northern Ireland economy grew faster than the UK as a whole in the final quarter of 2024.

    Secretary of State Hilary Benn with CEO and Founder of PRM Group Philip Morrow and Company Director Lynne Morrow.

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland today [Wednesday 14 May] visited PRM, a leading food distribution company based in Lisburn. While there, he learned more about the significant growth the company has seen from having the benefit of dual market access provided under the Windsor Framework. This status, unique only to Northern Ireland, allows the free movement of goods between Northern Ireland and Great Britain and the EU.

    PRM has said that dual market access to both the UK and EU is a major factor behind its growth strategy, which over the past year has enabled it to commit to a £15m investment in its Lisburn headquarters paired with the creation of 40 additional jobs. 

    The NI Composite Economic Index (NICEI) from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) shows that in each of the five sectors it tracks, Northern Ireland grew in output between October and December 2024. Output rose by 0.9% in Q4, contributing to a yearly growth in output of 3.6% across NI. Whilst for the UK overall, Q4 growth was 0.1% and yearly growth was 1.4%.

    Today’s visit follows the Prime Minister’s recent announcement of two new trade deals with the US and India. Both deals will open up new export opportunities for businesses across Northern Ireland, providing them with full market access to two of the world’s largest economies and enabling them to grow further and thrive. Sectors said to benefit the most from these trade deals include agricultural food products, biotechnology manufacturing and whiskey.

    Speaking after his visit, the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, said: 

    “PRM’s expansion is a great example of how dual market access is helping Northern Ireland’s businesses to expand and create more jobs.

    “With full access to both the UK and EU markets, and now new trade opportunities with the US and India, Northern Ireland  is uniquely placed for success. 

    “These are tangible  benefits that are strengthening Northern Ireland’s economy and creating prosperity.” 

    Philip Morrow, CEO and Founder of PRM Group, said:

    “While Brexit brought with it understandable apprehension, there’s no doubt that the Windsor Framework has unlocked unique advantages for businesses and individuals in Northern Ireland. 

    “We have found ourselves in a very favourable position perfectly positioned between the UK and EU with full access to both markets. That’s an enviable place to be, and it’s been instrumental in shaping our investment decisions and future growth. 

    “At PRM, it’s allowed us to commit £15 million to expanding our Lisburn headquarters and create over 40 new jobs. Businesses here have been handed the key to the best of both worlds and that’s something we should champion, celebrate and capitalise on.”

    Our Plan for Change sets out a bold vision for Northern Ireland’s economic future – to go further and faster in driving growth, attracting investment, and putting more money in the pockets of working people. Expanding international trade, cutting red tape and supporting innovation are key pillars to this plan. 

    The government continues to operate the Duty Reimbursement Scheme, allowing companies to claim back any additional duties paid on goods deemed “at risk” of entering the EU, ensuring fairness and competitiveness.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: Trump Administration Illegally Blocking Nearly $316 Billion Owed to Native Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    WATCH Senator Luján’s Remarks in Senate Indian Affairs Committee
    Washington, D.C.— A new tracker revealed that the Trump administration is blocking or freezing more than $430 billion in federal funding owed to communities across the country — including nearly $316 billion for national programs that support Indian Country and Native communities. The data reflects just how widespread the damage is — with funding for public safety, housing, disaster recovery, child care, transportation, infrastructure, and education either delayed or terminated, and whole agencies and offices closed down, cutting off vital services.
    “The Trump administration is illegally withholding hundreds of billions of dollars owed to communities across the country – including nearly $316 billion owed to Native communities – just to hand out more tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and corporate interests,” said Senator Luján, a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. “This is a profound betrayal of Native communities and a shameful failure to uphold the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribes. Blocking these funds has real consequences – stripping away vital resources from the health care, education, and child care services families depend on. This reckless decision puts the well-being and safety of New Mexicans and Tribal Nations at risk.”
    As these cuts take effect, the Trump administration has imposed “Defend the Spend,” a sweeping new policy that requires grantees to justify spending line by line, even for items that have already been awarded. Grantees have received inconsistent guidance on how to navigate the new mandate, and many have faced significant delays in accessing funding they were already awarded — including funding for essential Tribal services.
    At the same time, the Trump administration is proposing to slash $911 million — a 24% cut — from core Tribal programs in its Fiscal Year 2026 proposed budget. These cuts would gut basic services like public safety and justice, education and workforce training, Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) housing grants, Native Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFIs), forestry management, and programs for Native children and families. They would also nearly eliminate funding to construct or repair Tribal schools, which are already chronically underfunded, and reduce support for Tribal law enforcement by 20 percent. As the economy slows and prices rise due to President Trump’s policies, these devastating cuts and burdensome new processes would make life harder in Native communities.
    If you or your community has been impacted by withheld or terminated federal funding, you are encouraged to share your story by emailing oversight@indian.senate.gov. Your name and contact information will be kept confidential. Please include the federal agency and program involved in your submission.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Montana Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Wildfires

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the June 16 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by wildfires beginning July 12, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Montana counties of Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Garfield, Musselshell, Petroleum, Powder River, Rosebud, Treasure and Yellowstone as well as the Wyoming counties of Big Horn, Campbell, Crook and Sheridan.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

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

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Arkansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Adverse Weather

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Arkansas of the June 16 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by adverse weather conditions occurring in July and August 2024.

    The disaster declarations cover the counties listed below:

    Declaration
    Number

    Primary
    Counties

    Neighboring
    Counties

    Incident Type

    Incident Date

    Deadline
    AR 20782 Jefferson Arkansas, Cleveland, Grant, Lincoln, Lonoke and Pulaski Excessive Rain and High Winds July 8–9, 2024 6/16/25
    AR 20783 Pope Conway, Johnson, Logan, Newton, Searcy, Van Buren and Yell High Winds and Lightning Aug. 16–18, 2024 6/16/25

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

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

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than June 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Louisiana Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Hurricane Francine

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Louisiana of the June 16 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by Hurricane Francine occurring Sept. 9-12, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Louisiana parishes of Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Terrebonne.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

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

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Orange You Glad that Researchers Made a “Sweet” Discovery for the Citrus Industry?

    Source: US Agriculture Research Service

    Orange You Glad that Researchers Made a “Sweet” Discovery for the Citrus Industry?

    By: Jessica Ryan
    Email: arspress@usda.gov

    May 15, 2025

    ARS scientists made a “sweet” discovery that may be important to solve a major problem within the citrus industry. 

    Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, poses a serious threat to the Florida citrus industry. HLB is associated with tree infection by its presumed causal agent Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and is spreading to many citrus-growing areas worldwide. In Florida, HLB has caused about 90% of citrus production losses since it was first detected in 2005. 

    An orange from a Donaldson tree. (Photo by Giancarlo Buzzi, ARS)

    ARS scientists at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, FL, assessed citrus trees with oranges that could be potentially used for commercial production of orange juice. During their assessment, the scientists found a sweet orange tree named “Donaldson” at the A.H. Whitmore Citrus Research Foundation Farm in Groveland, FL. This tree is a selection from the USDA-ARS variety collection that represents over 100 years of USDA-ARS research on citrus in Florida. 

    “The Donaldson sweet orange tree stood out as being exceptionally healthy compared to the industry-standard trees that were planted close by and were in decline or had died,” said Matt Mattia, a research geneticist. “The Donaldson tree also tested positive for the presence of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, one of the presumed causal agents of HLB. This indicates that the tree may have tolerance to the disease.” 

    The Donaldson orange tree. (Photo by Giancarlo Buzzi, ARS)

    Historical records show that the Donaldson tree was first planted on the farm over 30 years ago. Another tree type named “Hamlin,” which has been ravaged by HLB, was also planted around the same time. Hamlin and Donaldson are early season trees that mature from December to January. While Hamlin has been used in commercial orange juice production for years, Donaldson has remained only on the farm. 

    Researchers assessed if Donaldson oranges could substitute Hamlin oranges for juice production. In the study, researchers conducted taste tests to study the differences between orange juice blends using Hamlin and Donaldson oranges. 

    “The taste testers noted that there was a difference between the two juices,” said Mattia. “However, those differences may be explained by the lower acidity in fruits from young Hamlin trees.” 

    According to Mattia, Donaldson oranges could replace Hamlin oranges for commercial production, maturing in the early season and presenting good orange flavor. However, future research should explore whether Donaldson fruit could replace Hamlin fruit in juice by comparing fruits from trees of the same age. 

    More research is underway to determine if the Donaldson trees have long-term tolerance to HLB and if citrus growers can successfully plant these trees to meet the demands of commercial production. ARS researchers plan to work with research collaborators and industry partners to assess Donaldson’s tolerance to HLB in field trials and study the possible underlying genetic mechanisms responsible for tolerance. 

    The study was published in HortScience. The research done by ARS was in collaboration with researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Horticultural Sciences Department. 

    The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in U.S. agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.

    # # #

    USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Continues Political Pressure for Rail Safety, Railroad Retirement

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Back-to-back weeks of railroaders hitting Capitol Hill put pressure on Congress to act on Rail Safety 

    IAM Assistant to the International President for the Rail Division Josh Hartford and Assistant National Legislative Director Ty Richardson, together with TCU/IAM National Legislative Director David Arouca and National Legislative Representative Connor Vargo, participated in a mass lobbying effort on Capitol Hill organized by railroad unions and companies for Rail Safety Lobby Day.

    “We cannot stop pushing on this issue,” said Hartford. “Railroaders have been sounding the alarm that we need appropriate legislation to keep the public safe and prevent more derailments. We need the Rail Safety Act with specified amendments to pass, and we’re going to keep fighting until it does.”

    With a large membership in the rail industry, IAM Union has continued to put pressure on legislators to finalize and pass the Railroad Safety Act to address growing issues brought on by the use of Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) and inspection time limits imposed by railroad companies, among other concerns.

    The unions also participated in the day of action to advocate for the funding of Amtrak and the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), two high-priority items for IAM and TCU/IAM members.

    “Railroad retirement affects every railroader across the county,” said Arouca. “We pay into this system. We expect this system to work properly, and the Railroad Retirement Board has been flat-funded for too long.”

    IAM Union is working with representatives and senators on both sides of the aisle to gain support for fully-funding the RRB, so that railroad disability claims don’t take 18 months to process.

    “This constraint on administrative expenses has greatly diminished customer service for the rail workers and retirees who depend on this system,” reads the letter. “A continued lack of an increase on RRB’s funding would significantly undermine the RRB’s ability to serve railroad workers, retirees, and their families.”

    The legislative leaders had just finished a week of political action for the IAM 2025 National Legislative conference where they lobbied Congress about the need for rail safety legislation and other issues impacting different sectors of the union.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Report: Deadly Gaps

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    In September 2025, the Global Fund, the main funder of a worldwide response to HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, will host its eighth replenishment conference, where donor countries will make pledges to fund its vital, life-saving work.

    Ahead of the conference, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has released a report based on our experience with the communities we serve. This report highlights the challenges this replenishment faces, including the impact of shrinking donor support. Without sufficient funding there will be antiretroviral, antimalarial and tuberculosis drug stockouts, people will travel long distances only to be turned away at dispensaries, community health workers will go unpaid or under-supported, and critical prevention activities will be neglected. These challenges are not confined to ‘fragile’ settings. People in countries with functioning health systems that are simply under-resourced will also feel the impacts.

    This report references findings from Burundi, Central African Republic (CAR), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Philippines, South Sudan, and Sudan.

    The stakes for replenishment are high. Now is the time to step up—to protect gains made and ensure a future where HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria do not threaten millions of lives.

    Deadly Gaps: Executive Summary pdf — 3.37 MB Download
    Deadly Gaps: Don’t turn away from saving lives pdf — 11.64 MB Download

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada’s audiovisual industry should better reflect the country’s diversity

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By John Schoales, Visiting Researcher and Adjunct Professor, School of Creative Industries, Toronto Metropolitan University

    An important reason for underrepresentation in cultural industries is the citizenship-based approach to defining what classifies as Canadian content.
     (Shutterstock)

    The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has recently undertaken a consultation on defining Canadian programming in the film and television industry.

    A longstanding focus has been to base the definition of Canadian programming on having Canadian citizens or permanent residents occupying key creative or ownership positions in film and television. Similar definitions are used in Canada for other cultural industries such as music, publishing and the arts.

    However, the growth of online content has challenged longstanding approaches that were developed when national borders played a larger role in media markets. Today, a new generation of artists and online creators are less likely to see their markets or identities confined by national boundaries.

    This has also highlighted barriers faced by others, long ignored, who don’t necessarily define their cultural identity by their nationality. This can include people from other countries who want to pursue arts and culture careers in Canada, Indigenous communities or anyone who defines their identity by anything other than their citizenship.

    Systemic bias

    An important reason for underrepresentation in cultural industries is the citizenship-based approach to Canadian content used by the CRTC in audiovisual policy and the federal and provincial governments in a variety of culture programs.

    This approach creates preferential access to opportunities for people who are much more likely to be white.

    The Canadian Human Rights Commission has stated that progress towards eliminating systemic racism and discrimination in a meaningful way will remain elusive as long as any doubt remains about the existence of systemic racism in Canada.

    The growth of online content has challenged longstanding approaches that were developed when national borders played a larger role in media markets.
    (Shutterstock)

    Canadian audiovisual policy illustrates that systemic racism does exist and remains embedded in Canadian culture policy.

    The 2021 census indicated that around one-quarter of Canada’s population is racialized. That includes 69.3 per cent of immigrants and 83.1 per cent of non-permanent residents.

    The census also shows that racialized people are underrepresented in all cultural industries, such as film and television, music, publishing and performing arts. Those who are able to work in cultural occupations often earn far less than their non-racialized counterparts.

    As the Ontario Human Rights Commission has stated:

    “Organizations must ensure that they are not unconsciously engaging in systemic discrimination. This takes vigilance and a willingness to monitor and review numerical data, policies, practices and decision-making processes and organizational culture. It is not acceptable from a human rights perspective for an organization to choose to remain unaware of systemic discrimination or to fail to act when a problem comes to its attention.”

    Challenges in the immigration system

    The relationship between immigration, underrepresentation and industry growth, success and cultural impact is particularly important for effective Canadian policy because almost all of Canada’s net population growth is due to immigration.

    Today, Canada is increasingly using a two-step immigration system in which immigrants are selected from non-permanent residents already living in Canada. It is particularly difficult for a culture industry worker to settle in Canada because they don’t qualify for public funding programs in these industries prior to becoming a permanent resident.

    In addition, relevant work they are able to find may not count toward their future immigration applications because it may be self-employment, contract or part-time work, which is the norm in these industries.

    There is little effort to either attract foreign workers in these industries or help them integrate into a workforce in which self-employment and contract work is very common, and success is largely determined by access to established networks.

    Definitions of Canadian content highlight barriers faced by others, long ignored, who don’t necessarily define their cultural identity by their citizenship.
    (Shutterstock)

    Improving creativity and productivity

    Canada’s parochial approach that equates culture with nationality echoes a troubled history of cultural assimilation and discrimination.

    The country does not appear to have learned important lessons about the impact of cultural nationalist assimilation from the Truth and Reconciliation process, restrictive immigration policies or the advancement of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

    It says to some: your cultural identity is Canadian. It says to others: you’re not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident so anything you create has no cultural value.

    Inclusive creative industries allow for the cultural contributions of more people and foster collaboration and new ideas, which are important drivers of a productive industry.

    Productivity is significantly lower in Canada than in the United States. High human capital industries like the creative industries are primary drivers of productivity and are supported by the migration of skilled people.

    A definition of Canadian content based on citizenship or permanent residency status is often promoted as a way to defend against the influx of American cultural products from Hollywood. However, Hollywood products currently have no citizenship focus. Like all highly successful culture centres, Hollywood has always founded its success on attracting talented people from around the world.

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose film tariffs on foreign-produced films similarly does not reflect an understanding that this is a global industry. It is a short step from there to wanting only Americans in key creative and ownership roles. That would restrict Hollywood’s access to global talent and resources, undermine its primary advantage, and undermine the industry’s competitiveness.



    Read more:
    Tax Canadian movies? Why culture has always been at the centre of trade wars

    As a leading global destination for immigrants and with aspirations to be inclusive, Canada has the unique potential to become a leading global culture centre with thriving and diverse creative industries.

    To achieve this potential, the CRTC and Canadian governments must reorient their policies to develop cultural industries that cultivate great art by talented people, regardless of their identity or where they are from.

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

    – ref. Canada’s audiovisual industry should better reflect the country’s diversity – https://theconversation.com/canadas-audiovisual-industry-should-better-reflect-the-countrys-diversity-252883

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Second Annual Outside Festival to Showcase Vital Role of Outdoor Recreation Industry in Colorado

    Source: US State of Colorado

    New Events to Feature Colorado Small Businesses

    DENVER – Today, Gov. Polis and the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), joined Outside Interactive Inc., Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Visit Denver to preview the second annual Outside Festival and Summit taking place in Denver May 29 – June 1, 2025. This growing flagship event promotes access to Colorado’s incredible outdoors while highlighting the contributions of the outdoor recreation industry to the state’s thriving economy, including new opportunities to showcase Colorado’s small businesses.

    “Colorado’s great outdoors industry is one of our state’s critical economic drivers, as well as a path for so many Coloradans and visitors to enjoy our wild, open spaces. This festival celebrates all things outdoors in Colorado and we are excited for another great year. I hope to see my fellow Coloradans coming out to enjoy the festival,” said Governor Jared Polis.

    “In 2023, the outdoor recreation industry contributed $17.2 billion to our state’s economy, compared to $13.9 billion just the year before. This growth underscores the vital role the sector plays in generating job growth and stimulating local economies. The Outside Festival is a powerful way to expand this momentum, while ensuring more people have equitable access to the outdoors,” said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT.

    Last year, the inaugural Outside Festival drew 18,000 attendees, 40% of whom came from outside of Denver and 20% from outside the state. Thirty-one percent of ticket buyers identified as BIPOC, and the Festival generated an estimated $16 million in economic impact. The Outside Summit, which convened outdoor leaders, government officials, prominent influencers and tech innovators to discuss the future of the outdoor recreation industry, drew 500 participants, 47% of whom came from out of state.

    “The inaugural Outside Festival exceeded our expectations, drawing people from across the state and beyond to celebrate Colorado’s incredible outdoors,” said OREC Director Conor Hall. “Like the outdoor recreation industry as a whole, this growing event is an important economic driver. We are thrilled to support its development while promoting Colorado’s small businesses and increasing equitable and safe access to the outdoors.”

    This year, the Festival will include two new opportunities to showcase the small businesses so essential to Colorado’s outdoor recreation industry:

    • Camp Colorado – A new exhibit space within the Outside Festival will feature outdoor recreation industry businesses, nonprofits and destinations from across the state, giving attendees the opportunity to explore Colorado products and services designed to get more people outdoors.
    • Outside Ignite – As part of the Outside Summit, outdoor industry and active lifestyle startups will have the opportunity to hone their business pitches, gain valuable exposure and compete for a prize worth $100,000.

    A Community Engagement Council established last year and chaired by OREC will continue to support outreach to youth and communities that have historically encountered barriers to participation in outdoor recreation, including partnerships with organizations like Adaptive Adventures, Great Outdoors Colorado, Next 100 and many more.

    “Last year’s Outside Festival and Summit created an inspiring space for outdoor enthusiasts, seasoned adventurers, and visionary leaders to connect and celebrate Colorado’s incredible outdoors and the strength of our national industry,” said Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive. “We’re thrilled to host an even bigger event this year, continuing to build this vital community, expand outdoor access, and drive economic growth within our category.”

    This Outside Festival is driven by a partnership between OREC, Outside Interactive Inc., and VISIT DENVER, sponsored by Capital One and REI Co-Op. To support the festival’s continued development, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved $350,000 to help implement the 2025 event. Outside and the State of Colorado invite the entire outdoor community to join this celebration of the spirit of adventure, music, and togetherness at the Outside Festival this summer in Denver. For more information, including tickets, please visit www.theoutsidefestival.com.

    About Outside Interactive Inc.

    Outside Interactive Inc. is the premier destination for outdoor inspiration, activation, and reward. Each month, Outside reaches 80 million of the most active consumers in the world across its network of 25 media, digital, and technology platforms, creating an experience for both longtime adventurers and those just getting started. Outside’s mission is to get everyone outside. Outside’s subscription offering, Outside+, bundles best-in-class storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping apps, online courses, discounted event access, and more to help people experience healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives. Learn more at outsideinc.com.

    About VISIT DENVER, The Convention & Visitors Bureau

    Celebrating 115 years of promoting The Mile High City, VISIT DENVER is a nonprofit trade association that contracts with the City of Denver to market Denver as a convention and leisure destination, increasing economic development in the city, creating jobs and generating taxes. Denver welcomed more than 36.3 million visitors in 2022, generating $9.4 billion in spending, while supporting tens of thousands of jobs and making Tourism one of the city’s largest industries. Learn more about Denver on the VISIT DENVER website or at Tourism Pays Denver.

    About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT)

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Signs HB 74

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein Signs HB 74

    Governor Josh Stein Signs HB 74
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein signed House Budget Technical Corrections (HB 74) into law. 

    “This bill makes helpful technical changes to give farmers in western North Carolina more time to apply for crop loss grants,” said Governor Josh Stein. “However, I continue to have concerns about the legislature’s unconstitutional attempt to control the State Highway Patrol. Public safety is a clear function of the executive branch and the Governor, and I will continue to do everything in my power to keep North Carolinians safe.”

    Click here to view the bill. 

    May 15, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy on Fox News: Why SCOTUS should seize opportunity to eliminate universal injunctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, penned this op-ed on Fox News urging the Supreme Court to address the problem of universal injunctions ahead of oral arguments in Trump v. CASA, Inc. on Thursday.
    Key excerpts of the speech are below:
    “The universal injunction gives individual judges extraordinary power. Don’t like a law passed by Congress? Gone. Don’t like an agency’s regulation? Dead. Don’t like one of the president’s policies? Sayonara.”
    . . .
    “One rogue judge shouldn’t be able to force the Supreme Court to rush on complex legal issues because he or she assumed the power to enjoin a federal policy nationwide. 
    “This isn’t an ideological issue. Justices Neil Gorsuch, Clarence Thomas and Elena Kagan have all expressed concerns about universal injunctions short-circuiting the American judicial system. Nor is this a partisan issue. Solicitor Generals for both Presidents Biden and Trump have asked the Supreme Court to put an end to universal injunctions.
    “These individuals understand better than anyone that the rampant use of universal injunctions by district court judges is threatening to destabilize the judiciary, and indeed, our entire system of government. I hope the court will take advantage of the opportunity to end this unlawful practice once and for all.”
    Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Ricketts, colleagues introduce bill to counter the People’s Republic of China’s strategic placement of military bases around the world

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) introduced the Combating PRC Overseas and Unlawful Networked Threats through Enhanced Resilience (COUNTER) Act to combat the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) attempts to strengthen its global reach by expanding its overseas basing efforts. The COUNTER Act is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.).
    “China is using the placement of new military bases in strategically important countries around the world to expand their military and economic power,” said Senator Coons. “A successful long-term plan to deal with our global pacing threat in Beijing must include a comprehensive approach to stop China from gaining more military footholds by working with our partners and allies across the globe. The bipartisan COUNTER Act will push our government to come up with the tailored solutions we need to face this growing challenge.”
    “Communist China’s growing military footprint across the world poses a serious threat. We cannot afford to be reactionary to Xi Jinping’s military expansion and his desire to project power globally. The COUNTER Act will ensure that we have the urgency, strategy, and coordination necessary to potentially mitigate the next overseas PLA military base from developing,” said Senator Ricketts.
    “China is rapidly expanding its global footprint, and we need to do more to address the threat this poses to our national security and the security of our allies,” said Senator Kaine. “This bipartisan legislation would help ensure that the U.S. government has a comprehensive strategy to counter China’s establishment of new military bases around the world.”
    “The Chinese Communist Party is aggressively working to undermine the United States and spread its authoritarian influence to strategic countries by building military bases and undermining national security and global stability,” said Senator Cornyn. “The COUNTER Act would enhance our understanding of their devious plans and sharpen our efforts to thwart future CCP footholds, and I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to push back against their hostile actions.”
    The PRC has significantly increased its efforts in recent years to establish an overseas network of military and transportation bases, which would allow the People’s Liberation Army to project and expand military power. The COUNTER Act would begin to mitigate the threat this poses to the United States and our allies by requiring a comprehensive intelligence assessment of the PRC’s global basing activities, as well as a strategy from the State Department and the Department of Defense to address them. The legislation would also create an interagency task force to implement the strategy and identify proactive measures to counteract both current and future Chinese attempts to add military bases in strategic countries.
    Specifically, the COUNTER Act would: 
    Require an assessment from the Director of National Intelligence analyzing the risk of PRC global basing to the U.S and allied power projection and freedom of movement
    Require a strategy from the State Department and the Department of Defense identifying current or future PRC basing locations
    a comprehensive list of U.S. government activity aimed at addressing PRC global basing in each location
    an identification of resource or personnel constraints limiting the U.S. response
    an identification of the most effective practices to persuade foreign governments to terminate plans for hosting a PRC base in their territory

    Establish an interagency task force to counter the PRC’s global basing expansion and prevent new locations
    Require a report every four years on updates to PRC basing intentions and subsequent updates to U.S. strategy
    Senator Coons is the Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Senator Ricketts is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
    A one-pager on the bill is available here. 
    The text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK advocates clean energy development in Honduras

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK advocates clean energy development in Honduras

    An official from the UK’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) engaged with stakeholders in Honduras to advance energy transition.

    Mitchell Lloyd, Senior Policy Advisor on International Energy Transition at DENZ visited Honduras 15-16 May.  He met with the Secretary of Energy, other government departments, private sector and international financing institutions developing clean energy initiatives in Honduras.

    The discussions included a series of topics ranging from the need to galvanize global and local leadership and foster international cooperation on a clean energy transition, to unlocking clean growth, job opportunities and build robust clean energy supply chains.

    Honduras aims to achieve an 80% share of renewables in power generation by 2038. The country has high-quality solar potential for electricity production, and hydropower has historically been a significant contributor.

    The visit supports the UK’s government mission to become a clean energy superpower, protecting households from unstable fossil fuel markets, including coal, while at the same time unlocking job opportunities at home and abroad for the clean energy sector.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Farmers First: EU Unveils Major Reforms to Simplify CAP & Support Rural Resilience

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    This is not a technical adjustment — it is a political choice rooted in trust, flexibility, and long-term sustainability.
    With this reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the European Commission is making a clear commitment to reduce administrative burdens, strengthen resilience, and empower farmers across the European Union. This package reflects a strategic shift: aligning EU policy with the real needs on the ground. By placing simplification, subsidiarity, and mutual trust at the core of agricultural support, we are shaping a CAP that delivers both stability and forward-looking solutions for Europe’s farmers.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNzOUrp0tKw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A UN-facilitated political process can deliver lasting peace, stability and security for Libya: UK Statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    A UN-facilitated political process can deliver lasting peace, stability and security for Libya: UK Statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Legal Adviser Colin McIntyre at the UN Security Council meeting on Libya.

    I will make three points.

    First, let me express the UK’s deep concern at the escalation of violence which has occurred in Tripoli over recent days.  

    This has included the use of heavy weaponry in densely populated areas, resulting in credible reports of civilian casualties. 

    This most recent escalation underscores the urgent need for a credible, UN-facilitated political process that can deliver lasting peace, stability and security for the Libyan people.  

    We welcome recent reports that the Libyan parties have agreed on a ceasefire and we urge that it be fully and unconditionally respected.

    Secondly, we welcome the continued progress made by the Office of the Prosecutor during this reporting period.  

    We note, for example, the 20 additional Missions undertaken by the Office of the Prosecutor over recent months and especially welcome the increased engagement with civil society organisations described in the briefing today.

    The unsealing of the arrest warrant against Osama Elmasry Njeem represents a further positive step, further strengthening the Office’s work in relation to crimes allegedly committed in detention facilities in Libya.  

    As mentioned in the briefing today, the national authorities in the UK engaged closely with the Court in relation to this matter, including freezing Mr Njeem’s bank accounts in the United Kingdom. 

    We were pleased to read in the report of some positive steps taken by the authorities in Libya over recent months. This includes the arrest of a number of perpetrators of crimes allegedly committed in Tarhunah, at least two of whom remain subject to ICC arrest warrants.  

    However, we also note that the Office of the Prosecutor has requested further assistance, both in order to gain access to investigative files and to assist with the surrender of suspects.

    We also warmly welcome the decision just announced by the government of Libya to submit a declaration under Article 12, Paragraph 3 of the Rome Statute. This is clearly an important and very positive development.

    Mr President, it is clear that cooperation remains key to the Court’s work. It is therefore important that all States fulfil their obligations pursuant to UN Security Council resolution 1970 and the Rome Statute, including in relation to those subject to ICC arrest warrants.

    Mr President, let me conclude by reiterating the UK’s strong support for the International Criminal Court and for its independence. 

    It is important that the Court is able to carry out its mandate free from sanctions or other measures which interfere with the work of the Court or its officials.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA approves vaccine to protect against pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia and meningitis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    MHRA approves vaccine to protect against pneumococcal infections such as pneumonia and meningitis

    As with all products, the MHRA will keep its safety under close review.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today (15 May 2025) approved a vaccine (Capvaxive) for people aged 18 years and older to help protect against illnesses caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus.

    Illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria include lung infection (pneumonia), inflammation of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and infection in the blood (bacteraemia). The vaccine works by helping the body to make its own antibodies, which protect against these diseases.

    This vaccine has been approved through the International Recognition Procedure (IRP). The IRP allows the MHRA to take into account the expertise and decision-making of trusted regulatory partners for the benefit of UK patients. 

    The MHRA conducts a targeted assessment of IRP applications and retains the authority to reject applications if the evidence provided is not considered sufficiently robust.

    As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine under close review. Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card. 

    Notes to editors  

    1. The marketing authorisation was granted on 15 May 2025 to Merck Sharp & Dohme (UK) Limited.
    2. More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
    3. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgments to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    4. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    5. For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iraq: Concluding Statement of the 2025 IMF Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 15, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Mr. Jean-Guillaume Poulain, met with the Iraqi authorities in Amman and Baghdad during May 4–13 to conduct the 2025 Article IV consultation. The following statement was issued at the end of the mission:

    A highly uncertain global environment, falling oil prices, and acute financing pressures, are taking a toll on economic activity and exacerbating Iraq’s existing vulnerabilities, calling for urgent measures to preserve fiscal and external stability. These include containing the fiscal deficit by mobilizing non-oil tax revenues and reining in the public wage bill, completing the restructuring of state-owned banks, and promoting private sector growth, by reforming the labor market, improving the business environment, enhancing governance and fighting corruption. Building on recent progress, the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) should continue modernizing the banking system and supporting private banks in expanding their corresponding banking relationships.

    Recent Economic Developments, Outlook and Risks

    The non-oil sector grew at a slower pace last year and inflation remained subdued. Following a very strong growth of 13.8 percent in 2023, Iraq’s non-oil GDP is expected to have considerably moderated to 2.5 percent in 2024, driven by a slowdown in public investment and in the services sector, as well as a weaker trade balance. The agriculture, manufacturing, and construction sectors remained resilient, benefiting from post-drought recovery, expanded refining capacity, and strong growth in credit to households. The decline in oil production weighed on overall growth, which contracted by 2.3 percent for the year. Inflation dropped to 2.7 percent by end-2024, amid lower food price inflation and liquidity absorption from the CBI.

    The fiscal position has deteriorated, along with external balances. The 2024 fiscal deficit is estimated at 4.2 percent of GDP, compared to 1.1 percent in 2023, reflecting rising spending on wages and salaries and energy purchases. Financing constraints have led to reemergence of arrears notably in energy and capital expenditure. On the external front, the current account surplus narrowed sharply from 7.5 percent to 2 percent of GDP, due to a surge in goods imports. Nonetheless, external buffers remain strong, with reserves at US$100.3 billion at end-2024—covering over 12 months of imports.

    Non-oil growth is projected to remain subdued in 2025 amid a challenging global environment and financing constraints. Non-oil GDP is projected to slow down to 1 percent this year as the impact of falling oil prices and financing constraints weigh on government spending and consumer sentiment. The current account is expected to weaken considerably in 2025 primarily due to declining oil export revenues. The deterioration in the external position is projected to weigh on foreign reserves.

    Policy Priorities

    Iraq’s vulnerabilities have increased in recent years due to a large fiscal expansion. Beside weighing on prospects of private sector-led growth, current public employment policies and resulting wage costs are unsustainable given Iraq’s low non-oil tax base. Accordingly, dependence on oil revenues has worsened, and the oil price required to balance the budget increased to around $84 in 2024, up from $54 in 2020.

    These challenges have been exacerbated by the sharp decline in oil prices in 2025, requiring an urgent policy response. In the very short-term, the authorities should review current and capital spending plans for 2025 and limit or postpone all non-essential expenditure. At the same time, there may be scope to increase non-oil revenues by revising customs duties as well as introducing or raising excise taxes. The authorities should also explore options to diversify the creditors base for increasing financing availability. Monetary financing of the deficit should be avoided as it could fuel inflation, drain FX reserves, and weaken the CBI’s balance sheet.

    More broadly, a sizable fiscal consolidation is needed to mitigate macro-fiscal risks, ensure debt sustainability, and rebuild fiscal buffers. On the revenue side, besides customs duties and excise taxes, there is scope to gradually reform personal income tax by limiting exemptions and increasing rates. Strengthening tax administration—through digitalization, improved enforcement, and better collection—is essential. A more effective tax administration should allow for eventually introducing a general sales tax. On the spending side, curbing current expenditures, particularly via comprehensive wage bill reforms, limiting mandatory hiring, and adopting attrition rule, would yield significant savings. Recent efforts to better target the public distribution system are welcome, but there is scope to further improve targeting and eventually shift to cash-based social safety nets. Finally, it is urgent to reform the public pension system through raising the retirement age and reducing both the accrual and replacement rates is needed to enhance its sustainability.

    Implementing these reforms would also create fiscal space to increase capital spending. Expanding non-oil investment, especially in trade and transportation infrastructure should help economic diversification. Substantial investments are also required to modernize the electricity sector and develop natural gas resources, both of which are essential for improving energy security and reducing dependence on gas imports. Improved procurement, public financial management, and corruption control would enhance the effectiveness of any additional public investment.

    Further efforts are needed to mop up excess liquidity in order to improve monetary policy transmission. While the CBI has made progress in absorbing excess liquidity, additional adjustments could enhance the effectiveness of the framework. Key measures include increasing the issuance of CB-bills, focusing on the short maturity (14-day) at the policy rate, revising size limits on individual banks’ bids, and improving liquidity forecasting tools and practices. To safeguard its balance sheet and preserve credibility, the CBI should continue to avoid financing the government deficit.

    The mission commended the CBI for the successful transition to the new trade finance system. Trade finance is now fully processed by commercial banks through their correspondent banking relationships. This has also supported the recent decline in the spread between the official and parallel market exchange rates. Nonetheless, further efforts are needed to further reduce the spread, including by imposing Iraqi dinar usage for car and real estate transactions, improving customs controls to curb smuggling, and simplifying FX access.

    While initial steps to reform state-owned banks are encouraging, broader efforts are needed to strengthen the financial sector. The restructuring plan for state-owned banks should be finalized without delay, encompassing treatment of non-performing loans, and recapitalization needs. In parallel, the mission welcomed progress in digitalization and the authorities’ intention to undertake a comprehensive banking sector overhaul. Reforms should include enhancing corporate governance, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity, while promoting a stronger role for private banks. Efforts to enhance AML/CFT measures by tackling the deficiencies identified in the MENAFATF Mutual Evaluation report should continue.

    Chronic power shortages, electricity losses and excessive tariff subsidization continue to weigh on the economy. Addressing inefficiencies in the electricity sector is important for fiscal sustainability and improving productivity. In 2024, distribution losses reached 55 percent, driven by theft and illegal connections, leading to significant financial losses. The authorities are deploying smart meters and have introduced other measures to enhance billing and collection. However, progress should be accelerated. Once collection substantially improves, achieving cost recovery will also require electricity tariff increases, with carefully calibrated subsidies targeted to low-income users. Recent disruptions in electricity imports from Iran further underscore the need for diversified supply and the development of gas projects.

    Combating corruption and governance weaknesses is imperative to support economic development. Steps taken in the implementation and upgrade of the national anticorruption strategy and the improvements in corruption perception indices are positive developments. However, corruption remains a significant hurdle for growth. Strengthening accountability frameworks for the operation of state-owned and private enterprises in the oil, electricity and construction sectors is critical, and thorough compliance with Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative standards and the enactment of the law on Transparency and Access to Information should be prioritized. Additionally, aligning anticorruption legal frameworks with international covenants and best practice, and strengthening the independence of the judiciary are essential for effective enforcement and for the protection of economic rights.

    A comprehensive structural reform agenda is essential to unlock growth potential. The mission estimates that a comprehensive set of reforms covering the labor market, business regulation, the financial sector and governance could double non-oil potential GDP growth over the medium term. On labor market, priorities include increasing labor force participation, particularly among women, by improving female education and further reducing barriers to their work and mobility, and reforming public sector hiring, which distort labor markets and reduce productivity. Efforts to better align skills with labor market needs should intensify. More generally, simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucratic impediments in e.g. business registration or tax administration should increase participation in the formal economy and help private sector development.

    The mission would like to thank the Iraqi authorities and various stakeholders for their excellent hospitality and cooperation and candid discussions during the mission.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Mayada Ghazala

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/15/mcs-iraq-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-imf-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: People in Leicester asked to consider being foster carers

    Source: City of Leicester

    LEICESTER City Council is encouraging people in Leicester to consider becoming foster carers this Foster Care Fortnight.

    Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign organised by The Fostering Network. It runs until 25 May and is the UK’s largest foster care awareness campaign.

    Throughout the next two weeks, the city council will be joining others across the UK to thank foster carers for all they do and raise awareness of the life-changing impact fostering can have.

    This year’s theme – The Power of Relationships – highlights the vital connections at the heart of fostering, of which there are many. Foster carers play a crucial role in providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children and young people – many of whom have faced difficult or traumatic experiences, helping them to grow in trust and confidence.

    Not only do foster carers support the children they care for in their education and physical and emotional wellbeing, but they often support them in maintaining ties to their birth families too.

    Sarah Thomas, Chief Executive of The Fostering Network, said: “Strong, supportive relationships are at the heart of fostering. They connect foster carers, children, families, and practitioners, creating a community that surrounds children with the care they need to thrive. But with more children entering care, we urgently need more people to step forward so every child can have the right home for their needs.

    “There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ foster carer. The fostering community is made up of people from all walks of life- regardless of age, gender, relationship status, or sexual orientation. So, if you do one thing this Foster Care Fortnight, take a moment to find out more about fostering.”

    Debbie fosters for Leicester City Council and has done so for seventeen years now. She has fostered many children over the years and currently has two young people living with her. Debbie said: “My relationship with the young people that I look after, and particularly the ones I have now, is amazing. We have such a special bond and I’m sure they feel the same.

    “I still keep in touch with some of the young people who have lived with me, and the very first foster child I ever looked after came to me a couple of years ago. I hadn’t seen him for all this time, and he came back and told me that he was doing a degree in university and it’s so nice to know that I was a part of that.”

    Debbie’s story is just one example of how foster carers promote long-lasting relationships for the children and young people they care for. A short film featuring Debbie and other city foster carers is on the fostering  website.

    More foster carers like Debbie are urgently needed, nationwide. Across the UK, there is currently a shortage of around 6,000 foster families, leaving too many children without the homes they need. Without local foster carers, children can end up in foster homes outside of their local authority area, far away from everything they know – family, friends, schools and clubs.

    Cllr Elaine Pantling, Leicester asst city mayor for children and young people said: “Debbie’s story is a wonderful example of the impact foster carers have on our children and young people. We are so proud of the foster carers we have here in Leicester, and if this is something you have thought about, I would urge you to explore whether fostering may be an option for you and your family.

    “One way to do this is to attend one of the information events and drop-in sessions we will be hosting over the next two weeks or so, to give potential new carers the chance to speak to staff and our existing foster carers, and ask any questions they have about fostering.”

    Upcoming events include:

    • Thursday 22 May: online information session, 18:30 – 19:30

    Details of future events and more information about fostering for Leicester City Council are available on the city council’s fostering website. The fostering team can be contacted by calling 0116 454 4500 or emailing fostering.information@leicester.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Westhaven Completes Brokered Private Placement for Gross Proceeds of $4.6 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (“Westhaven” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced brokered private placement (the “Offering“) for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,600,000, which includes the full exercise of the agent’s option for proceeds of $600,000. Under the Offering, the Company sold (i) 19,022,708 units of the Company (each, a “Unit”) at a price of $0.12 per Unit for gross proceeds of $2,282,725 from the sale of Units, and (ii) 17,165,000 common shares of the Company that will qualify as “flow-through shares” within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a “FT Share”, and collectively with the Units, the “Offered Securities”) at a price of $0.135 per FT Share for gross proceeds of $2,317,275 from the sale of FT Shares.

    Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a “Unit Share”) and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a “Warrant Share”) at a price of $0.18 at any time on or before May 15, 2027.

    Red Cloud Securities Inc. (the “Agent”) acted as sole agent and bookrunner in connection with the Offering. In consideration for their services, the Agent received a cash commission of $276,000 and 2,171,262 non-transferable broker warrants (the “Broker Warrants”). Each Broker Warrant is exercisable for one common share of the Company (each, a “Broker Share”) at a price of $0.12 per Broker Share at any time on or before May 15, 2027.

    The Offered Securities were sold to purchasers by way of the “accredited investor” exemption under National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions in the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan and to purchasers in certain offshore jurisdictions. The Unit Shares, Warrants, FT Shares and Warrant Shares issued and issuable from the sale of Offered Securities, and the Broker Shares, are subject to a hold period under Canadian securities laws ending on September 16, 2025.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Units for working capital and general corporate purposes. The gross proceeds from the sale and issuance of the FT Shares will be used to incur “Canadian exploration expenses” on the Company’s projects in British Columbia and will qualify as “flow-through mining expenditures”, as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (collectively, the “Qualifying Expenditures”), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026 and renounced to the subscribers under the Offering with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares. In addition, with respect to British Columbia resident subscribers or those who are eligible individuals under the Income Tax Act (British Columbia), the Qualifying Expenditures will be eligible for the 20% BC mining flow-through share tax credit.

    Although the Company announced the possible sale of flow through units of the Company to be sold to charitable purchasers (“Charity FT Units”), the Agent and the Company determined not to proceed with the sale of any Charity FT Units.

    Related Party Transaction

    Members of the Company’s management, board of directors and certain other insiders participated in the Offering acquiring an aggregate of 2,459,000 Units for aggregate proceeds of $295,080. The issuance of Units to insiders pursuant to the Offering constitutes a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). The Company relies on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 on the basis that participation in the Offering by insiders will not exceed 25% of the fair market value of the Company’s market capitalization.

    The securities offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended, or any state securities law, and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons, absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state in the United States in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors

    WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.

    “Ken Armstrong”

    Ken Armstrong, President & CEO

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    About Westhaven Gold Corp.

    Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company targeting low sulphidation, high-grade, epithermal style gold mineralization within Canada’s newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls ~61,512 hectares (~615 square kilometres) within four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose Gold Project is the most advanced property, with an updated 2025 Preliminary Economic Assessment that validates the Project’s potential as a robust, low cost and high margin 11-year underground gold mining opportunity with average annual life-of-mine gold production of 56,000 ounces and having a Cdn$454 million after-tax NPV6% and 43.2% IRR (base case parameters of US$2,400 per ounce gold, US$28 per ounce silver and CDN/US$ exchange rate of $0.72). Initial capital costs are projected to be Cdn$184 million with a payback period of 2.1 years. Please see Westhaven’s news release dated March 3rd, 2025 (Link: March 3, 2025 News Release) for details of the updated PEA. The technical report supporting this disclosure can be found under the Company’s profile on Sedar+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company’s website. The Shovelnose Gold Project is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, pipelines and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration and development. Qualified Person: The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Peter Fischl, P.Geo, who is a Qualified Person for the Company under the definitions established by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhaven’s website at www.westhavengold.com.

    Forward Looking Statements:

    This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws, which is based upon the Company’s current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. The forward-looking information included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the Company’s expectations with respect to the Offering; and the use of proceeds of the Offering. Forward-looking statements or forward-looking information relate to future events and future performance and include statements regarding the expectations and beliefs of management based on information currently available to the Company. Such forward-looking statements and forward-looking information often, but not always, can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “potential”, “is expected”, “anticipated”, “is targeted”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved.

    Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, and without limitation: the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to complete its planned exploration program; that the Company will not derive the expected benefits from its current program; the Company may not use the proceeds of the Offering as currently contemplated; the Company may fail to find a commercially viable deposit at any of its mineral properties; the Company’s plans may be adversely affected by the Company’s reliance on historical data compiled by previous parties involved with its mineral properties; mineral exploration and development are inherently risky industries; the mineral exploration industry is intensely competitive; additional financing may not be available to the Company when required or, if available, the terms of such financing may not be favourable to the Company; fluctuations in the demand for gold or gold prices generally; the Company may not be able to identify, negotiate or finance any future acquisitions successfully, or to integrate such acquisitions with its current business; the Company’s exploration activities are dependent upon the grant of appropriate licenses, concessions, leases, permits and regulatory consents, which may be withdrawn or not granted; the Company’s operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation, policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations; there is no guarantee that title to the properties in which the Company has a material interest will not be challenged or impugned; the Company faces various risks associated with mining exploration that are not insurable or may be the subject of insurance which is not commercially feasible for the Company; the volatility of global capital markets over the past several years has generally made the raising of capital more difficult; inflationary cost pressures may escalate the Company’s operating costs; compliance with environmental regulations can be costly; social and environmental activism can negatively impact exploration, development and mining activities; the success of the Company is largely dependent on the performance of its directors and officers; the Company’s operations may be adversely affected by First Nations land claims; the Company and/or its directors and officers may be subject to a variety of legal proceedings, the results of which may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company may be adversely affected if potential conflicts of interests involving its directors and officers are not resolved in favour of the Company; the Company’s future profitability may depend upon the world market prices of gold; dilution from future equity financing could negatively impact holders of the Company’s securities; failure to adequately meet infrastructure requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business; the Company’s projects now or in the future may be adversely affected by risks outside the control of the Company; the Company is subject to various risks associated with climate change, the Company is subject to general global risks arising from epidemic diseases, the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, rising inflation, tariffs and interest rates and the impact they will have on the Company’s operations, supply chains, ability to access mining projects or procure equipment, supplies, contractors and other personnel on a timely basis or at all is uncertain; as well as other risk factors in the Company’s other public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Company’s expectations, except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SIGNATURE BY GUILLEMOT BROTHERS LIMITED OF A NEW EXTENSION TO AN AGREEMENT FOR UBISOFT ENTERTAINMENT SA SHARES PURCHASE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FINANCIAL RELEASE

    SIGNATURE BY GUILLEMOT BROTHERS LIMITED OF A NEW EXTENSION TO AN AGREEMENT FOR UBISOFT ENTERTAINMENT SA SHARES PURCHASE

    London, May 15, 2025 – Guillemot Brothers Limited announces that Guillemot Brothers Limited and a bank have implemented today an extension to an agreement originally dated September 1, 2017 and initially relating to the acquisition by Guillemot Brothers Limited of 2,000,016 Ubisoft Entertainment SA shares.

    The above-mentioned agreement (as amended) contemplates in particular the financing by such bank of the acquisition of the initial shares of Ubisoft Entertainment SA by Guillemot Brothers Limited, and the entry into related extended hedging agreements, for a period now extended until on or around March 19, 2026. Within this framework, Guillemot Brothers Limited has agreed to a call option whereby Guillemot Brothers Limited has agreed to sell to the bank the Ubisoft Entertainment SA shares subject to such financing and the bank has agreed to a put option whereby the bank has agreed to purchase the shares from Guillemot Brothers Limited. These call and put options are exercisable under certain conditions as provided in such agreement, at the maturity date of the previously mentioned financing, and will be settled either in cash or in shares, at the election of Guillemot Brothers Limited.

    The underlying shares under these agreements are pledged to the benefit of the bank which may dispose of them subject to restituting them to Guillemot Brothers Limited under certain conditions provided in the related share pledge agreement.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tariff baiting will not be able to stop China’s intensive development – Consul General of the PRC in Khabarovsk Jiang Xiaoyang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Vladivostok, May 15 (Xinhua) — Tariff baiting will not be able to stop China’s intensive development, and the US attempts to change fundamental trends in the Chinese economy and undermine China’s development through extreme pressure and tariff blackmail are doomed to failure, said Jiang Xiaoyang, China’s Consul General in Khabarovsk.

    “Recently, the US government, ignoring widespread opposition both at home and abroad, has been increasingly wielding the tariff baton on the world stage, primarily targeting China. China has clearly demonstrated its determination to resist and its willingness to stand firm. As the world’s second-largest economy and second-largest consumer market, China has a solid economic foundation, obvious advantages, and huge development potential,” Jiang Xiaoyang wrote in an article published in the Pacific Star on May 13.

    The Chinese diplomat is convinced that the stability of the political course serves as a reliable support for China in countering the trade war imposed by the United States. By adhering to the principles of “protecting international norms and steadily promoting openness,” China demonstrates the strategic determination and responsibility of a great power. “We have long predicted a new round of pressure from the United States. A series of emergency measures have already demonstrated their effectiveness, and we still have enough room to adjust political instruments,” Jiang Xiaoyang points out.

    China’s robust foreign trade has a strong ability to withstand risks, he continued. In 2024, China’s total import and export volume reached 43.85 trillion yuan (about 6.16 trillion US dollars), setting another historical record. In terms of trade turnover, China has ranked first in the world for the seventh consecutive year. China has more than 230 countries and regions as trading partners, with China becoming the main trading partner for more than 150 of them. Having signed 23 free trade agreements with 30 countries and regions, China is actively building a global network of high-standard free trade zones. In addition, in recent years, China has consistently implemented the strategy of diversifying import and export markets. Last year, the share of trade with countries that joined the Belt and Road Initiative in China’s total foreign trade exceeded 50 percent.

    A large domestic market provides a reliable backbone for the Chinese economy in withstanding external shocks. Chinese President Xi Jinping noted: “The Chinese economy is an ocean, not a small pond.” The super-large market with a population of over 1.4 billion people has tremendous development stability, powerful potential, and ample room for strategic maneuver. In recent years, China has accelerated the formation of a new “dual circulation” model, which has contributed to the steady strengthening of the domestic demand base. In 2024, the total retail sales of consumer goods in the country reached 48.8 trillion yuan (about 6.85 trillion US dollars), an increase of 3.5 percent year on year. The consumer market shows a tendency to expand in scale, optimize the structure, and actively develop new forms of consumption.

    Jiang Xiaoyang emphasizes that the complete industrial system is a powerful pillar of China’s economic development. China has the most comprehensive and large-scale industrial system in the world, covering all UN industrial categories and almost all major industrial products. The country is able to ensure a stable supply of various types of industrial products with high efficiency and low cost. China ranks first in the world in terms of production volumes of more than 40 percent of the 500 major industrial products of global significance. China has already formed complete production and supply chains in sectors such as new energy vehicles and electronic information.

    The diplomat points out that scientific and technological innovation is a key driving force behind the high-quality development of the Chinese economy. In recent years, China has been consistently building industrial industries of the future and making breakthroughs in key technologies. New achievements are constantly being reported in the field of scientific and technological innovation, and new industries of strategic importance are rapidly developing. Last year, Chinese enterprises made new breakthroughs in many fields, including artificial intelligence, aerospace, integrated circuits, big data, and 5G. The added value of large and medium-sized high-tech manufacturing increased by 8.9 percent, and the added value share of key industries of the digital economy in GDP reached 10 percent.

    China has consistently followed the path of peaceful development and adhered to the strategy of opening up based on mutual benefit and win-win. Today’s China has both a strong will to safeguard its core interests and a broad outlook on deepening reform and opening up.

    According to Jiang Xiaoyang, China and Russia are good neighbors, sincere friends and reliable partners. Mature, solid and stable Sino-Russian relations are not affected by temporary factors, and remain an unchangeable element in a changing and turbulent world. The development of cooperation between China and Russia relies on such advantages as strong political trust, perfect interaction mechanisms, deep popular support and broad development prospects.

    “We are willing to further deepen all-round cooperation with the Russian side, expand mutual openness, share innovative achievements, and promote the security, stability, and smoothness of global industrial and supply chains through high-level Chinese-Russian cooperation, so as to jointly advance the building of a more beautiful world,” Jiang Xiaoyang concludes the article. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Real School of Life”: HSE Students Take Part in BRICS Youth Summit

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Photo: Higher School of Economics

    In April, the next BRICS Youth Innovation Summit was held in Cape Town, South Africa. Our country was again represented by students from the Higher School of Economics. The event was organized by the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA).

    The BRICS Youth Summit 2025 was held under the theme “Innovating the Future: Technologies for Sustainable Development and Social Well-being”. It provided a new generation of innovators with the opportunity to address global challenges through collaborative technological solutions that promote sustainable development and social equality in the BRICS countries and the entire Global South. The summit was attended by over 50 delegates from 12 countries, as well as 50 observers from various institutions and organizations in South Africa.

    As in the previous year, the selection of HSE delegates was carried out by the Centre for International Student Mobility and Educational Projects of the Internationalisation Directorate. The organisers not only provided HSE students with a unique opportunity to participate in the summit free of charge, but also covered all expenses for their stay in Cape Town during the event.

    The delegation included the following students:

    Diana Fakhritdinova, OP “Economics and statistics“;

    Mary Oganesyan, OP “Economics and statistics“;

    Anna Danilova, OP “Pharmaceutical law and healthcare“.

    The participants shared their impressions of the summit, communication with representatives of different countries and African nature.

    Diana Fakhritdinova and Meri Oganesyan presented their joint project Just.Display in the category “Digital Transformation for Economic Growth” and won a prize.

    “Mary and I were lucky enough to attend the BRICS Youth Summit, which this year took place in the bright and memorable Cape Town. Sending our application rather at random, we did not expect to receive a positive response from the selection committee. But as soon as it arrived, we immediately started preparing the presentation of our project,” said Diana Fakhritdinova. “We have been developing the Just.Display project since school. It is an effective solution for managing advertising and information screens. It is a modern platform that provides instant content updates on any digital media — from single screens to large-scale networks. The system combines a simple interface, mobility in management and technology at the level of high corporate standards. Today, our solution is used in such organizations as the Skolkovo Technopark, the Donstroy development company, and others. We continue to improve the product and develop our name in the market, offering clients a reliable, scalable and intuitive solution for operational management.

    We are proud that we were able to present our project at such a representative event. A lot of effort and energy was invested in the preparation, and it was completely justified. Finding ourselves surrounded by proactive participants and organizers, we immediately felt how serious the level of the summit was. Everyone shared ideas and stories of their projects – useful, thoughtful and truly significant. It was cool to see how startups created by the same students are already bringing tangible benefits and striving for more.

    On the day of the presentations, the atmosphere became calmer: everyone had already met, the excitement had subsided a little. We presented our project, showing what our team is capable of, confidently answered the jury’s questions and eagerly awaited the results. Third place was a real surprise for us, especially considering that we were the youngest participants of the summit.

    Mary and I would like to sincerely thank HSE and Center for International Student Mobility and Educational Projects Directorates of Internationalization for the support, knowledge and opportunities that give us self-confidence and help us develop not only in our studies but also in real projects. Special thanks to the director of the center Valeria Vadimovna Sokolova for her support and assistance at all stages of preparation and participation in the summit.

    Such events are a real school of life. We returned home with an incredible amount of insights, connections, skills and knowledge. We were lucky to meet a huge number of proactive people, and we have already started developing collaborations with some of them.”

    Anna Danilova presented her project in the category “Artificial Intelligence and Big Data for Social Good”. “My project was dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Its main goal is to ensure the availability of the system for any segment of the population and the population of any territorial remoteness in order to improve the level of health and well-being,” says the student. – According to our idea, the algorithm works together with a medical specialist and currently acts only as an auxiliary element, not the main one. We are setting up the algorithm in order to increase the accuracy of diagnostics and the objectivity of the assessment, and would like to further track whether artificial intelligence can replace medical specialists in general and in which specific areas this is possible.

    I really liked the projects of Chinese colleagues who propose using artificial intelligence to automate the harvesting of fruits and vegetables. I also heard from my roommate from South Africa about interesting projects in the field of technological support for food security. It was interesting to listen to the ideas of guys from different countries, taking into account the peculiarities of their mentality and the culture of the country in which they live and implement their ideas.

    My project was positively received by the participants, some even wrote and learned details and opportunities for cooperation after the summit. For me, this trip was a real discovery, as it is a completely different country and culture. I made many new acquaintances from the BRICS countries, with some of them we exchanged numbers to continue communication in the future.

    What I also liked about the summit was that there were guys who were just starting to implement their project, and there were those who had already implemented it and were implementing new ideas. It turned out to be a kind of mutual work: newcomers share fresh ideas with those who are more experienced, and the more experienced share useful comments and recommendations on project implementation.

    The section winners got the opportunity to go to St. Petersburg for the International Economic Forum in June. I hope that I will be able to meet the guys who took first place at the summit again, but this time in Russia.

    In addition to the event itself, our trip to the Cape of Good Hope with the girls created a huge layer of impressions for us. On the way there, we stopped by boat to look at Cape fur seals, saw penguins, ostriches and other representatives of the fauna. We also managed to visit several local restaurants and try local fish. But most of all, we were amazed by the cape itself, from where a magnificent view opened up that cannot be compared with anything else.”

    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 USA: Huizenga Announces Federal Affordable Housing Funding for Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage Through HUD

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02)

    Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga announced that communities across Southwest Michigan will receive federal funding from the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations legislation.  Specifically, the communities of Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage will receive federal funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).  CDBG provides annual grants on a formula basis to states, cities, and counties to develop viable urban communities by improving housing and providing a better living environment. Additionally, CDBG expands economic opportunity, principally for low- and moderate-income residents.

    Furthermore, the communities of Battle Creek and Kalamazoo will receive federal funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. The HOME Investment Partnerships Program provides formula grants to states and localities that communities use – often in partnership with local nonprofit groups – to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households.

    “I am glad to see the Trump Administration prioritize the communities of Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Portage,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “This funding will improve housing affordability as well as increase economic opportunity for lower and moderate-income families across Southwest Michigan.”

    CDBG Funding Allocations

    Battle Creek              $1,205,390   

    Benton Harbor          $382,893

    Holland                      $333,432

    Kalamazoo                $1,583,632   

    Portage                      $209,148

    HOME Funding Allocations

    Battle Creek              $254,254

    Kalamazoo                $456,817

    The State of Michigan also received a direct allocation totaling $34,090,474 for CBDG and $16,080,261 for HOME. This funding is on top of the funding distributed to municipalities across Michigan.

    Here is the full list of Michigan communities who recently received funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development:

    Battle Creek, Bay, Benton Harbor, Canton Twp, Clinton Twp, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Detroit, East Lansing, Farmington Hills, Flint, Genesee County, Grand Rapids, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent County, Lansing, Lincoln Park, Livonia, Macomb County, Midland, Monroe, Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, Niles, Norton Shores, Oakland County, Pontiac, Port Huron, Portage, Redford, Roseville, Royal Oak, Saginaw, Southfield, St Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Taylor, Traverse City, Warren, Washtenaw County, Waterford Township, Wayne County, Westland, and Wyoming.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Leads Bill to Honor Ursula Kennedy

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

    Tustin, CA – This week, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) introduced a bill to honor Ursula Ellen Kennedy, who made history as the first woman elected to the Tustin City Council and first woman Mayor of Tustin. 

    Rep. Kim’s bill would rename the U.S. Postal Office at 340 East 1st St in Tustin, CA, as the “Ursula Ellen Kennedy Post Office Building.”  

    “At a time when women were expected to stay at home, Ursula challenged societal limits, defied odds time and time again, and showed that women and girls can do anything we set our minds to. Her legacy of kind, intelligent leadership lives on in our community,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am proud to honor her service to Tustin and appreciate her family working with me on this initiative.” 

    “Our family is deeply honored that Ursula E. Kennedy is being recognized in her beloved city of Tustin. Ursula broke barriers in many areas, she was a published writer and attended law school and passed the bar in her forties. (Her children believe she was motivated partially by an avoidance to housework.) She was the first woman elected to the Tustin City Council and then became the city’s first female mayor. She served with vision, humor and heart, fairness, and intelligence. We are profoundly grateful to Representative Kim for ensuring that her legacy of public service and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come. We’re over the moon to see her legacy honored in the city she helped shape,” said the Kennedy family.   

    Read the bill HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government Continues to Deliver for Saskatchewan Residents as Spring Sitting Concludes

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 15, 2025

    With the Spring sitting of the Legislature concluding today, Premier Scott Moe highlighted the Government of Saskatchewan’s balanced 2025-26 Budget and how it is delivering for you.

    “Our government continues to prioritize safety in our communities and ensuring services are available to all residents when and where they need them,” Moe said. “Saskatchewan is a growing and vibrant province that continues to benefit from a strong economy even in uncertain times. Record investments were made this year to keep Saskatchewan an affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”

    In this year’s budget, record investments continue to be made in health care, education and community safety, in addition to delivering more affordability measures than ever before. 

    New affordability measures include:

    • The Fertility Treatment Tax Credit, helping individuals or couples cover costs associated with fertility treatments.
    • Doubling the Active Families Benefit tax credit and raising the qualifying income threshold to $120,000 will make accessing children’s sports, arts, cultural and recreational activities more affordable. 
    • Seniors receive an increase in the senior supplement amount by $500 annually for the next four years, starting in 2025 – over and above the impact of indexation.
    • An increase to the Personal Care Home Benefit will help more than 2,000 low-income seniors with the cost of living in a licensed personal care home. 
    • The Graduate Retention Program has also increased, with a maximum benefit of $24,000 for students who live and work in Saskatchewan after graduating from a post-secondary institution.
    • The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship provides up to $3,000 for Grade 12 students who will be attending post-secondary institutions in the province. 
    • All education property tax mill rates have been reduced to absorb the increase in property assessment values and ensure this assessment year is revenue neutral for the province. This change will save property owners in the province more than $100 million annually.
    • Reinstating the Home Renovation Tax Credit saves residents up to $420 and seniors $525 annually in provincial income tax.
    • The First-Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit maximum benefit increased to $1,575, making homeownership more attainable for first-time homebuyers, and the PST Rebate on New Home Construction was made permanent. 
    • The Disability Tax Credit and the Disability Tax Credit supplement for children under 18 both increase by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation.
    • The Caregiver Tax Credit also increases by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation, which provides financial support for families who care for adult children or parents with physical or mental impairments.
    • The Small Business Tax Rate permanently remains at one per cent, which benefits more than 35,000 small businesses and saves them over $50 million annually in corporate income taxes.
    • The Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit provides a non-refundable tax credit for individuals or corporations that invest in the equity of eligible Saskatchewan small and medium enterprise, while the Saskatchewan Class 1 Truck Driver Training Rebate Program supports individuals seeking their commercial driving license. 

    Additionally, legislation introduced and passed this year aims to promote community safety. Amendments to The Construction Codes Act allow the development of a pilot framework intended to help eligible municipalities dispose of these structures as well as provide a training opportunity for local volunteer fire departments. Amendments to The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act include fentanyl, methamphetamine and hypodermic needles as categories of street weapons recognizing the significant risks these items present to public safety. New regulations under The Trespass to Property Amendment Regulations, 2025, will allow police to immediately enforce the Act against individuals partaking in activities such as public intoxication and drug use as it will be automatically considered trespassing in public spaces or businesses.

    This April, the Government of Saskatchewan was pleased to reach a new agreement between the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) and the Teachers’ Bargaining Committee. This new agreement recognizes the important role of teachers and provides certainty for teachers, students and their families.

    Health care continues to be a priority for the government with continued investment into new and enhanced services and the Health Human Resources Action Plan to ensure services are staffed. The new Regina Breast Health Centre started welcoming patients this spring offering a co-location of essential services to streamline care, reduce wait times and improve patient experiences in what can often be a challenging time. Success continues to be made with recruitment guided by the Health Human Resources Action Plan to recruit, train, incentivize and retain more staff in the province. To continue that work, Saskatchewan’s Rural and Remote Recruitment

    Incentive (RRRI) program has been expanded to an additional 16 communities for a total of 70. This incentive of up to $50,000 for a three-year return-in-service is offered to new, permanent full-time employees in nine high-priority health occupations in rural and remote communities experiencing or at risk of service disruptions due to staffing challenges. A recruitment campaign also launched recently encouraging physicians from the United States to consider practicing in Saskatchewan.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI – Congressman Issa Testifies at Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on No Track, No Tax Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)

    Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he urged his fellow Members to support legislation to prevent the establishment of a punitive mileage tax on American drivers. Rep. Issa has previously introduced the No Track, No Tax Act to prevent the funding of both a tax on every mile Americans drive and mileage tracking devices that would calculate that distance. 

    “The establishment of a mileage tax is more than an attack on the freedom to drive. It targets those who need to drive the most for work, school, and on behalf of their families,” said Rep. Issa. “Even worse, the mileage tax is only enabled by a mileage tracker – a device that shadows drivers and captures everywhere they go. The potential for abuse and the exposure of personal data may be limitless.” 

    While the San Diego Regional Transportation Agency (SANDAG) has abandoned plans to implement the tax plan, California’s state government in Sacramento is now weighing a statewide option. And federal pilot projects show many communities are testing similar plans. 

    Read the full text of No Track, No Tax Act here. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The NATO Internship Programme is now open for applications!

    Source: NATO

    Are you passionate about making a difference? Are you a citizen of a NATO country? Would you like to work for the world’s most successful political and military alliance, which protects the freedom and security of one billion people?

    Apply now for a six-month paid internship at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, starting in March or September 2026.

    Whether your interests lie in political affairs, defence and security, innovation, operations, communications, human resources, finance, science and technology, or infrastructure and facilities, NATO is the place for you to gain invaluable hands-on experience in your chosen field.

    An internship placement at NATO is an opportunity to acquire skills, become part of a community of international professionals, work alongside experts, share ideas and contribute to the goals of the Alliance.

    If you are ready to embark on a journey that will not only shape your career, but also enable you to contribute to NATO’s mission of safeguarding one billion people, we encourage you to apply for an internship.

    The deadline to apply for the NATO Internship Programme is 22 June 2025. 

    For more information about the NATO Internship Programme, including eligibility criteria, compensation and benefits, and the full application process, please visit the NATO Internship Programme page.

    For any questions, please visit our frequently asked questions page.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Partners LP Expands Access to Crypto and AI Leaders Strategy With Mutual Fund Series; Announces Risk Rating Change for Global Infrastructure Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (Ninepoint or the Manager) is pleased to announce the expected launch of four new mutual fund series of Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF, being Series S, Series SF, Series A and Series F. Subject to regulatory approval, each such new series will be available under both Canadian and US dollar purchase options.

    Offering a mutual fund series of Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF provides Canadian financial advisors with additional flexibility and accessibility, enabling such advisors to hold the fund in client accounts that do not support trading in exchange-traded funds. This also allows for easier integration with pre-authorized contribution plans, systematic withdrawal plans, and dollar-cost averaging strategies—tools that many advisors rely on to help clients build wealth over time.

    Each new mutual fund series of Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF will be reflected in the fund’s simplified prospectus and fund facts, each of which will be filed with Canadian securities regulators in connection with the fund’s 2025 annual renewal. Subject to regulatory approval, it is anticipated that each new mutual fund series will be available for purchase on or about May 21, 2025 under the following fund codes:

    Fund Code
    (CAD Purchase Option)    		 Fund Code
    (USD Purchase Option)    		 Mutual Fund Units Management Fee
    NPP5604 NPP 5600 Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF – Series A 1.70%
    NPP5605 NPP 5601 Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF – Series F 0.70%
    NPP5606 NPP 5602 Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF – Series S 1.35%
    NPP5607 NPP 5603 Ninepoint Crypto and AI Leaders ETF – Series SF 0.35%

    Series S and Series SF securities are lower management fee versions of Series A and Series F securities, available to all investors until the aggregate net asset value for the fund’s Series S securities and Series SF securities exceeds $10 million.

    Risk Rating Change – Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund

    Ninepoint also announced a risk rating change for Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund (the Fund). The Manager determines the risk rating for the Fund in accordance with the methodology required by the Canadian securities regulators. As a result of its annual review of the investment risk level of the Fund, the Manager has determined the risk rating change as follows:

    Fund Previous Risk Rating New Risk Rating
    Ninepoint Global Infrastructure Fund Low to Medium Medium

    This change will be reflected in the Fund’s fund facts, which will be filed with Canadian securities regulators in connection with the Fund’s 2025 annual renewal.

    There are no changes to the investment objectives or strategies of the Fund.

    The investment objective of the Fund is primarily to maximize risk adjusted long-term returns and secondarily to achieve a high level of income. The Fund focuses on achieving growth of capital through securities selection and pursues a long-term investment program with the aim of generating capital gains. The Fund seeks to provide a moderate level of volatility and a low degree of correlation to other asset classes through diversifying across a relatively concentrated group of global infrastructure stocks.

    About Ninepoint Partners LP

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the Prospectus before investing. Mutual fund securities are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or by any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurances that the Fund will be able to maintain its NAV per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the Fund will be returned to you. Past performance may not be repeated.

    Sales Inquiries:
    Ninepoint Partners LP
    Neil Ross
    416-945-6227
    nross@ninepoint.com

    Media Inquiries:
    Longacre Square Partners
    Kate Sylvester / Liz Shoemaker
    ninepoint@longacresquare.com 

    The MIL Network –