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  • MIL-OSI Canada: DriveBC enhances accessibility, user experience with new platform

    People driving throughout British Columbia this summer can get access to reliable road and weather conditions on provincial highways with a newly updated DriveBC platform.

    The new DriveBC platform features a simplified map and a cleaner, more intuitive design for desktop and mobile users. A new interactive map replaces the previous mobile text-based layout, offering a more visual, streamlined way to explore road conditions and updates.

    The platform integrates provincial and regional travel advisories and bulletins, offering clearer updates on challenging weather conditions, emergencies and other events happening on provincial highways.

    People will benefit from DriveBC’s improved route planning features, allowing them to focus on specific trips, save their favourite ones and receive customized notifications. The platform’s upgraded highway webcams have a simpler layout and enhanced features for faster access to real-time conditions.

    Several new tools have been added to better support both the public and commercial drivers in making travel decisions, including new detailed embedded information on border crossings, chain-up areas and inland ferries. More features are planned in the year ahead.

    The updates are based on feedback from user surveys, interviews, and consultation with the public, commercial drivers and stakeholders. To help the site continually improve, users will be able to provide ongoing feedback.

    To help with the transition, users will still have access to the legacy site for a few months:  https://legacy.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: LambdaTest Unveils Groundbreaking Mobile Accessibility Testing Capabilities for Android and iOS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, CA, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LambdaTest, a unified agentic AI and cloud engineering platform, announces the launch of its most comprehensive mobile accessibility testing capabilities to date. With new features that support both manual and automated accessibility testing on Android and iOS, LambdaTest is redefining how teams validate digital inclusivity across the mobile landscape.

    As mobile applications continue to play a central role in commerce, communication, and productivity, meeting accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) has become essential. LambdaTest’s new capabilities empower QA, development, and product teams to identify, resolve, and prevent accessibility issues at every stage of the mobile app development lifecycle.

    The release introduces three powerful additions to the LambdaTest platform. First, the Android Accessibility Scanner for Manual Testing provides real-time issue detection directly within the manual testing environment on real devices. Second, Android Accessibility Automation Testing brings scalable, automated WCAG compliance checks into the CI/CD pipeline using Appium and HyperExecute. Finally, iOS Accessibility Automation Testing enables the same robust, cross-platform validation for Apple devices, ensuring consistency across Android and iOS ecosystems.

    “Accessibility should never be an afterthought; it is a cornerstone of exceptional mobile experiences,” said Asad Khan, Co-Founder & CEO of LambdaTest. “With these new capabilities, we’re giving teams the tools they need to deliver inclusive apps faster and more efficiently. Whether you’re manually testing on a real Android device or running automated tests across a fleet of iOS devices, accessibility testing is now deeply integrated, scalable, and incredibly easy to adopt.”

    These innovations not only streamline testing workflows but also position LambdaTest users to deliver apps that meet the needs of over 1.3 billion people globally living with disabilities. By building accessibility into mobile testing from the outset, teams can unlock new markets, mitigate compliance risks, and boost user satisfaction.

    To learn more about Mobile Accessibility Testing, please visit https://www.lambdatest.com/blog/automate-accessibility-for-android-and-ios-apps/

    About LambdaTest
    LambdaTest is an AI-native, omnichannel software quality platform that empowers businesses to accelerate time to market through intelligent, cloud-based test authoring, orchestration, and execution. With over 15,000 customers and 2.3 million+ users across 130+ countries, LambdaTest is the trusted choice for modern software testing.

    ● Browser & App Testing Cloud: Enables manual and automated testing of web and mobile apps across 10,000+ browsers, real devices, and OS environments, ensuring cross-platform consistency.

    ● HyperExecute: An AI-native test execution and orchestration cloud that runs tests up to 70% faster than traditional grids, offering smart test distribution, automatic retries, real-time logs, and seamless CI/CD integration.

    ● KaneAI: The world’s first GenAI-native testing agent, leveraging LLMs for effortless test creation, intelligent automation, and self-evolving test execution. It integrates directly with Jira, Slack, GitHub, and other DevOps tools.

    For more information, please visit https://lambdatest.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LambdaTest Unveils Groundbreaking Mobile Accessibility Testing Capabilities for Android and iOS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, CA, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LambdaTest, a unified agentic AI and cloud engineering platform, announces the launch of its most comprehensive mobile accessibility testing capabilities to date. With new features that support both manual and automated accessibility testing on Android and iOS, LambdaTest is redefining how teams validate digital inclusivity across the mobile landscape.

    As mobile applications continue to play a central role in commerce, communication, and productivity, meeting accessibility standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) has become essential. LambdaTest’s new capabilities empower QA, development, and product teams to identify, resolve, and prevent accessibility issues at every stage of the mobile app development lifecycle.

    The release introduces three powerful additions to the LambdaTest platform. First, the Android Accessibility Scanner for Manual Testing provides real-time issue detection directly within the manual testing environment on real devices. Second, Android Accessibility Automation Testing brings scalable, automated WCAG compliance checks into the CI/CD pipeline using Appium and HyperExecute. Finally, iOS Accessibility Automation Testing enables the same robust, cross-platform validation for Apple devices, ensuring consistency across Android and iOS ecosystems.

    “Accessibility should never be an afterthought; it is a cornerstone of exceptional mobile experiences,” said Asad Khan, Co-Founder & CEO of LambdaTest. “With these new capabilities, we’re giving teams the tools they need to deliver inclusive apps faster and more efficiently. Whether you’re manually testing on a real Android device or running automated tests across a fleet of iOS devices, accessibility testing is now deeply integrated, scalable, and incredibly easy to adopt.”

    These innovations not only streamline testing workflows but also position LambdaTest users to deliver apps that meet the needs of over 1.3 billion people globally living with disabilities. By building accessibility into mobile testing from the outset, teams can unlock new markets, mitigate compliance risks, and boost user satisfaction.

    To learn more about Mobile Accessibility Testing, please visit https://www.lambdatest.com/blog/automate-accessibility-for-android-and-ios-apps/

    About LambdaTest
    LambdaTest is an AI-native, omnichannel software quality platform that empowers businesses to accelerate time to market through intelligent, cloud-based test authoring, orchestration, and execution. With over 15,000 customers and 2.3 million+ users across 130+ countries, LambdaTest is the trusted choice for modern software testing.

    ● Browser & App Testing Cloud: Enables manual and automated testing of web and mobile apps across 10,000+ browsers, real devices, and OS environments, ensuring cross-platform consistency.

    ● HyperExecute: An AI-native test execution and orchestration cloud that runs tests up to 70% faster than traditional grids, offering smart test distribution, automatic retries, real-time logs, and seamless CI/CD integration.

    ● KaneAI: The world’s first GenAI-native testing agent, leveraging LLMs for effortless test creation, intelligent automation, and self-evolving test execution. It integrates directly with Jira, Slack, GitHub, and other DevOps tools.

    For more information, please visit https://lambdatest.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tech CU Hires Robyn Zach as VP, Senior Private Banking Relationship Manager

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Technology Credit Union (Tech CU) announced today that Robyn Zach has joined its Wealth Management team as Vice President, Senior Private Banking Relationship Manager. In this role, Robyn will support Tech CU’s Private Banking and Commercial Banking efforts across key growth markets, with an emphasis on the Bay Area. She will also be responsible for building and managing a portfolio of high-net-worth members, identifying new commercial opportunities, and collaborating across divisions to deliver tailored banking solutions.

    Robyn brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, with deep expertise in managing high-net-worth relationships and delivering tailored financial solutions across deposits, lending, and strategic wealth planning. Most recently, she served as Senior Preferred Banker at First Republic Bank. After its acquisition by JP Morgan Chase, she continued on in a similar role as Vice President, Relationship Manager, where she oversaw a diverse portfolio of commercial and consumer clients. Prior to her time at JPMorgan Chase and First Republic Bank, Robyn held positions at City National Bank, Redwood Credit Union, and Bank of America.

    “Robyn’s hybrid background across private and commercial banking, combined with her long-standing client-first approach, makes her uniquely positioned to serve our expanding base of affluent and business clients,” said Robert Reed, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer at Tech CU. “Her expertise and network will be instrumental as we strengthen our relationships in the Bay Area and expand our presence in emerging markets. We’re excited about the value she will bring to our members and the communities we serve.”

    For more information about Tech CU, visit www.techcu.com.

    About Tech CU
    Tech CU is a $4.7 billion Bay Area credit union. As a federally insured not-for-profit organization, Tech CU has invested its resources to deliver superior rates, lower fees, and outstanding service and member benefits for more than 60 years while also supporting quality of life in local communities. It serves more than 200,000 members throughout the United States and provides financial products for all stages of its members’ lives, including personal banking, wealth management, private banking, commercial lending, and business banking. To learn more, please visit www.techcu.com.

    Contact:
    Linden Kohtz
    Public Relations, Tech CU
    lkohtz@techcu.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Tech CU Hires Robyn Zach as VP, Senior Private Banking Relationship Manager

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Technology Credit Union (Tech CU) announced today that Robyn Zach has joined its Wealth Management team as Vice President, Senior Private Banking Relationship Manager. In this role, Robyn will support Tech CU’s Private Banking and Commercial Banking efforts across key growth markets, with an emphasis on the Bay Area. She will also be responsible for building and managing a portfolio of high-net-worth members, identifying new commercial opportunities, and collaborating across divisions to deliver tailored banking solutions.

    Robyn brings over 30 years of experience in financial services, with deep expertise in managing high-net-worth relationships and delivering tailored financial solutions across deposits, lending, and strategic wealth planning. Most recently, she served as Senior Preferred Banker at First Republic Bank. After its acquisition by JP Morgan Chase, she continued on in a similar role as Vice President, Relationship Manager, where she oversaw a diverse portfolio of commercial and consumer clients. Prior to her time at JPMorgan Chase and First Republic Bank, Robyn held positions at City National Bank, Redwood Credit Union, and Bank of America.

    “Robyn’s hybrid background across private and commercial banking, combined with her long-standing client-first approach, makes her uniquely positioned to serve our expanding base of affluent and business clients,” said Robert Reed, Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer at Tech CU. “Her expertise and network will be instrumental as we strengthen our relationships in the Bay Area and expand our presence in emerging markets. We’re excited about the value she will bring to our members and the communities we serve.”

    For more information about Tech CU, visit www.techcu.com.

    About Tech CU
    Tech CU is a $4.7 billion Bay Area credit union. As a federally insured not-for-profit organization, Tech CU has invested its resources to deliver superior rates, lower fees, and outstanding service and member benefits for more than 60 years while also supporting quality of life in local communities. It serves more than 200,000 members throughout the United States and provides financial products for all stages of its members’ lives, including personal banking, wealth management, private banking, commercial lending, and business banking. To learn more, please visit www.techcu.com.

    Contact:
    Linden Kohtz
    Public Relations, Tech CU
    lkohtz@techcu.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Stone tools from a cave on South Africa’s coast speak of life at the end of the Ice Age

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sara Watson, Assistant Professor, Indiana State University

    The Earth of the last Ice Age (about 26,000 to 19,000 years ago) was very different from today’s world.

    In the northern hemisphere, ice sheets up to 8 kilometres tall covered much of Europe, Asia and North America, while much of the southern hemisphere became drier as water was drawn into the northern glaciers.

    As more and more water was transformed into ice, global sea levels dropped as much as 125 metres from where they are now, exposing land that had been under the ocean.

    In southernmost Africa, receding coastlines exposed an area of the continental shelf known as the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain. At its maximum extent, it covered an area of about 36,000km² along the south coast of what’s now South Africa.

    This now – extinct ecosystem was a highly productive landscape with abundant grasslands, wetlands, permanent water drainage systems, and seasonal flood plains. The Palaeo-Agulhas Plain was likely most similar to the present day Serengeti in east Africa. It would likely have been able to support large herds of migratory animals and the people who hunted them.

    We now know more about how these people lived thanks to data from a new archaeological site called Knysna Eastern Heads Cave 1.

    The site sits 23 metres above sea level on the southern coast of South Africa overlooking the Indian Ocean. You can watch whales from the site today, but during the Ice Age the ocean was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the site looked out over the vast grasslands; the coast was 75 kilometres away.

    Archaeological investigation of the cave began in 2014, led by Naomi Cleghorn of the University of Texas. This work shows that humans have been using the site for much of the last 48,000 years or more. Occupations bridge the Middle to Later Stone Age transition, which occurred sometime between about 40,000 and 25,000 years ago in southern Africa.

    That transition is a time period where we see dramatic changes in the technologies people were using, including changes in raw materials selected for making tools and a shift towards smaller tools. These changes are poorly understood due to a lack of sites with occupations dating to this time. Knysna Eastern Heads Cave 1 is the first site on the southern coast that provides a continuous occupational record near the end of the Pleistocene (Ice Age) and documents how life changed for people living on the edge of the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain.

    Before the Ice Age, people there collected marine resources like shellfish when the coastline was close to the site. As the climate began to cool and sea levels dropped, they shifted their focus to land-based resources and game animals.

    I am one of the archaeologists who have been working here. In a new study, my colleagues and I analysed stone tools from the cave that date to about 19,000 to 18,000 years ago, and discussed how the techniques used to make them hint at the ways that prehistoric people travelled, interacted, and shared their craft.

    Based on this analysis, we think the cave may have been used as a temporary camp rather than a primary residence. And the similarity of the tools with those from other sites suggests people were connected over a huge region and shared ideas with each other, much like people do today.

    Robberg technology of southern Africa

    In human history, tools were invented in a succession of styles (“technologies” or “industries”), which can indicate the time and place where they were made and what they were used for.

    The Robberg is one of southern Africa’s most distinctive and widespread stone tool technologies. Robberg tools – which we found at the Knysna site – are thought to be replaceable components in composite tools, perhaps as barbs set into arrow shafts, used to hunt the migratory herds on the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain.

    We see the first appearance of Robberg technology in southern Africa near the peak of the last Ice Age around 26,000 years ago, and people continued producing these tools until around 12,000 years ago, when climate conditions were warmer.



    Read more:
    What stone tools found in southern tip of Africa tell us about the human story

    The particular methods and order of operations that people used to make their tools is something that is taught and learned. If we see specific methods of stone tool production at multiple sites, it indicates that people were sharing ideas with one another.

    Robberg occupations at Knysna date to between 21,000 and 15,000 years ago, when sea levels were at their lowest and the coastline far away.

    The Robberg tools we recovered were primarily made from rocks that were available close to the site. Most of the tools were made from quartz, which creates very sharp edges but can break unpredictably. Production focused on bladelets, or small elongated tools, which may have been replaceable components in hunting weapons.

    Some of the tools were made from a raw material called silcrete. People in South Africa were heat treating this material to improve its quality for tool production as early as 164,000 years ago. The silcrete tools at Knysna were heat treated before being brought to the site. This is only the second documented instance of the use of heat treatment in Robberg technology.

    Silcrete is not available near Knysna. Most of the accessible deposits in the area are in the Outeniqua mountains, at least 50 kilometres inland. We’re not sure yet whether people using the Knysna site were travelling to these raw material sources themselves or trading with other groups.

    Archaeological sites containing Robberg tools are found in South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, indicating a widespread adoption by people across southern Africa. The tools from the Knysna site share many characteristics with those from other sites, which suggests people were sharing information through social networks that may have spanned the entire width of the continent.



    Read more:
    65,000-year-old ‘stone Swiss Army knives’ show early humans had long-distance social networks

    Yet there are other aspects that are unique to the Knysna site. Fewer tools are found in the more recent layers than in deeper layers, suggesting that people were using the site less frequently than they had previously. This may suggest that during the Ice Age the cave was used as a temporary camp rather than as a primary residential site.

    Left with questions

    Stone tools can only tell us so much. Was Knysna Eastern Heads Cave 1 a temporary camp? If so, what were they coming to the cave for? We need to combine what we learned from the stone tools with other data from the site to answer these questions.



    Read more:
    Ancient human DNA from a South African rock shelter sheds light on 10,000 years of history

    Something we can say with confidence is that we have a very long and rich history as a species, and our innovative and social natures go back a lot further in time than most people realise. Humans living during the last Ice Age had complex technologies to solve their problems, made art and music, connected with people in other communities, and in some places even had pet dogs.

    Despite the dramatic differences in the world around us, these Ice Age people were not very different from people living today.

    Sara Watson works for the FIeld Museum of Natural History and Indiana State University

    – ref. Stone tools from a cave on South Africa’s coast speak of life at the end of the Ice Age – https://theconversation.com/stone-tools-from-a-cave-on-south-africas-coast-speak-of-life-at-the-end-of-the-ice-age-258317

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Pride, pages and performance: Why drag story time matters more than ever

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Phillip Joy, Assistant Professor, Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University

    June is Pride month. It is a time for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit, intersex and other sexuality- and gender-diverse (LGBTQ+) communities to come together to celebrate identities, build communities and advocate for justice and equality.

    This year’s pride carries added weight. As American legal scholar Luke Boso writes, “fear has taken hold in private, interpersonal, and public reactions,” following the rhetoric and policies promoted by United States President Donald Trump.

    His current term has been marked by a growing push to erase LGBTQ+ identities and limit queer expression in public life. Within this month of Pride, the Trump administration is planning to rename the USNS Harvey Milk naval ship, named after the late civil rights leader Harvey Milk.

    The implications of such actions, however, aren’t limited to the U.S. Similar patterns of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric have been documented across democratic countries, where drag events and other expressions of queer visibility have become flashpoints for harassment as far-right groups try to build support and spread anti-LGBTQ+ views.

    But with fear also comes hope. Even as events like drag story times have become targets of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and protests, communities continue to organize, resist and affirm their right to public joy and visibility.

    Our research, recently funded by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, explores drag story times with the hope to learn more about how drag story time leaders select books, and how these events can foster best practices in literacy and inclusive education.



    Read more:
    5 things to know about Drag Queen Story Time

    Drag story time as educational event

    Drag story times are more than just community events. They are creative, educational spaces often held in public venues such as libraries, schools or community centres. Typically led by a drag performer, these sessions invite children, along with parents, caregivers and educators, to enjoy storybooks that highlight themes like acceptance, self-expression, diversity and joy.

    Reading aloud with children serves as an avenue for the development of language and literacy. Young children can engage with vocabulary, content and ideas to construct meaning through texts that they may not, yet, have the skills to read on their own.

    At their core, drag story time events offer opportunities for child-centred literacy practices, such as dialogue and interactions throughout the “read aloud,” to encourage children to consider ideas and connect them as the story moves along.

    Reading aloud to children is a powerful way to nurture emotional, social and cognitive growth. Stories offer children what literacy scholars call mirrors (reflective ways to see themselves), windows (into understanding others) and “sliding glass doors,” — vantages for imagining new perspectives. When children encounter characters and families who reflect a range of lived experiences, it opens the door to conversations about empathy, acceptance and identity.

    What books are being read?

    A recent content analysis, by information sciences researcher Sarah Barriage and colleagues of 103 picture books read during drag story times in the U.S. found that few explicitly featured LGBTQ+ identities.

    The lead characters were predominantly white, cisgender, heterosexual and able-bodied, with only seven per cent of books featuring trans, non-binary or intersex leads, and another seven per cent portraying same-sex or undefined relationships. While this represents an increase in LGBTQ+ representation compared to other studies of story time books and classroom libraries, the overall percentage remains low.

    The findings of this study, while based on a small sample size, suggest that contrary to popular perception, drag story times, while featuring drag artists leading read-aloud sessions, are not consistently grounded in explicitly LGBTQ+ narratives.

    Rather, the books may be story-time favourites, (such as selections from Mo Williams’ Pigeon series), or texts that tend to promote broadly inclusive and affirming messages of individuality, confidence, empathy, inclusion and imagination (such as Todd Parr’s It’s Okay to Be Different).

    Books representing range of experiences

    This gap highlights the importance of thoughtfully selecting books that reflect a wider range of experiences, including LGBTQ+ main characters and stories. When children are shown diverse characters and stories, they begin to understand the world from multiple perspectives.

    Researchers with expertise in children’s early literacy recommend that books for interactive read-alouds with children should reflect both the children’s communities and communities different from their own. Such books can spark meaningful conversations, encourage critical thinking and help cultivate empathy and respect for difference. This prepares young readers for life in a multicultural society and helps build a more inclusive and compassionate world view.

    Euphoria: being gender-aligned, authentic

    Apart from the specific book content shared with children at drag story time, these events provide opportunities for children and families to engage with diverse gender and sexuality expressions in a safe, inclusive setting with their caregivers. Such exposure does not cause confusion in children, but rather supports healthy development by fostering empathy, self-awareness and acceptance.

    This may come from or be expressed through the euphoria or joy that comes from feeling aligned and authentic in your gender. The idea of “gender euphoria” comes from within the trans community as a way to push back against the narrow narrative that trans lives are defined only by dysphoria, trauma or discomfort.

    Instead, gender euphoria highlights the positive side that come with expressing or affirming one’s gender identity. It can look different for everyone, from a quiet sense of contentment to a powerful feeling of joy.

    Communities affirm their right to public joy and visibility. Drag Queen Barbada de Barbades, who has led story times, seen in Montréal.
    (Jennifer Ricard/Wikimedia), CC BY

    Queer joy

    Queer joy is also a feature of drag story time, and is more than just feeling good. it is about living fully, even in the face of adversity. It is an act of resistance to a world that often tells queer and trans people they should not exist. Children still die because of hateful anti-LGTBQ+ speech.

    Together, gender euphoria and queer joy remind us that LGBTQ+ lives can be full of strength, creativity, connection and celebration.

    When children see diversity reflective in creative, positive and affirming ways, such as through stories, role models and community engagement, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and develop confidence in expressing their own identities. In this way, drag story times contribute meaningfully to both individual well-being and broader efforts towards inclusion.

    Best literacy and inclusion practices

    As part of our research, we plan to attend drag story times to learn more about current practices in Nova Scotia. At the national level, we will talk with performers about their experiences, practices, support and training needs and their goals and motivations.

    Then we’ll co-host a workshop with performers and educators to share knowledge and build skills that combine the artistry of drag with best practices in literacy and inclusive education.

    Drag story times can be a healthy and supportive way for children to develop their sense of gender and sexuality identity, both within themselves and others.

    Phillip Joy receives funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

    Andrea Fraser receives funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

    Conor Barker receives funding from the Social Studies and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

    – ref. Pride, pages and performance: Why drag story time matters more than ever – https://theconversation.com/pride-pages-and-performance-why-drag-story-time-matters-more-than-ever-258508

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Josh Brecheen Leads Letter to EPA Asking for Answers on Negative Effects of Mifepristone Abortion Pill

    Source: US Congressman Josh Brecheen (2nd District)

    Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Senator James Lankford (R-OK), and over 20 lawmakers sent a letter to the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lee Zeldin inquiring about the full negative effects of the chemical abortion drug mifepristone, specifically on its potential contaminant effects on America’s water supply.

    The Daily Wire wrote an exclusive report on the letter, which you can read here.

    Congressman Josh Brecheen stated, “Abortion is one of the defining evils of our time. The Biden-Harris administration worked tirelessly to promote this evil, repeatedly lying about the ‘safety’ of the abortion pill and ignoring legitimate concerns about mifepristone’s widespread availability.

    We recognize that the greatest tragedy of every abortion is the murder of the innocent. But we are also concerned that activist bureaucrats overlooked real public health risks posed by mifepristone in their crusade to expand abortion access.

    With chemical abortion now the most common abortion method in America, the public deserves answers about how these potent hormone disruptors affect our water supply and contribute to our nation’s rising infertility rates.

    We are grateful to work alongside an administration that recognizes the sanctity of life, as well as the importance of public health. We urge the EPA to use this opportunity to seriously review the contaminant effects of mifepristone.”

    Senator James Lankford stated, “Federal regulators are rightfully eager to study the health effects of many chemicals in our water and septic systems, but they haven’t examined the environmental and public health risks of chemical abortion drugs like mifepristone in those same systems. Scientific research on the health effects of water sources where there are trace amounts of a chemical that is designed to end the life of a child in the womb should not be controversial.”

    In support of the letter, Students for Life Action President Kristan Hawkins said, “Great leaders ask hard questions, making this letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) vital for consideration by the new Trump Administration. The Biden-Harris Administration recklessly used COVID to justify allowing No Test, Online Distribution of Chemical Abortion Pills, never checking whether the chemically tainted blood, placenta tissue, and human remains now flushed into our waterways by the hundreds of thousands was harming the environment. You don’t have to be pro-life to be concerned about endocrine disruptors in our waterways, potentially impacting our water safety, harming endangered species & our food supply, and perhaps even multiplying the rate of infertility. The Pro-Life Generation proudly stands with Rep. Josh Brecheen and Sen. James Lankford and all who joined this effort to make sure that America has crystal clear water by demanding that the EPA test what’s in the water.”

    Brecheen and Lankford were joined by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (WY), Bernie Moreno (OH), and Jim Banks (IN), along with Representatives Andy Harris (R-MD), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Chip Roy (R-TX), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Brandon Gill (R-X), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Michael Guest (R-MS), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Ben Cline (R-NC), Mary Miller (R-IL), Mark Harris (R-NC), Barry Moore (R-AL), Riley Moore (R-WV), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), and Eric Burlison (R-MO).

    Background:

    President Biden’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deregulated mifepristone, allowing pregnant women to receive this chemical abortion drug by mail delivery, without an in-person doctor visit. Since then, the number of abortions using mifepristone has grown dramatically, accounting for over 60% of all abortions in the United States. The increased use and disposal of mifepristone may increase levels of harmful chemicals in our water system due to the drug’s high levels of endocrine disruptors.

    A copy of the full letter is available here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Stone tools from a cave on South Africa’s coast speak of life at the end of the Ice Age

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Sara Watson, Assistant Professor, Indiana State University

    The Earth of the last Ice Age (about 26,000 to 19,000 years ago) was very different from today’s world.

    In the northern hemisphere, ice sheets up to 8 kilometres tall covered much of Europe, Asia and North America, while much of the southern hemisphere became drier as water was drawn into the northern glaciers.

    As more and more water was transformed into ice, global sea levels dropped as much as 125 metres from where they are now, exposing land that had been under the ocean.

    In southernmost Africa, receding coastlines exposed an area of the continental shelf known as the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain. At its maximum extent, it covered an area of about 36,000km² along the south coast of what’s now South Africa.

    This now – extinct ecosystem was a highly productive landscape with abundant grasslands, wetlands, permanent water drainage systems, and seasonal flood plains. The Palaeo-Agulhas Plain was likely most similar to the present day Serengeti in east Africa. It would likely have been able to support large herds of migratory animals and the people who hunted them.

    We now know more about how these people lived thanks to data from a new archaeological site called Knysna Eastern Heads Cave 1.

    Archaeologists at Knysna Eastern Heads Cave 1. Sara Watson, Author provided (no reuse)

    The site sits 23 metres above sea level on the southern coast of South Africa overlooking the Indian Ocean. You can watch whales from the site today, but during the Ice Age the ocean was nowhere to be seen. Instead, the site looked out over the vast grasslands; the coast was 75 kilometres away.

    Archaeological investigation of the cave began in 2014, led by Naomi Cleghorn of the University of Texas. This work shows that humans have been using the site for much of the last 48,000 years or more. Occupations bridge the Middle to Later Stone Age transition, which occurred sometime between about 40,000 and 25,000 years ago in southern Africa.

    That transition is a time period where we see dramatic changes in the technologies people were using, including changes in raw materials selected for making tools and a shift towards smaller tools. These changes are poorly understood due to a lack of sites with occupations dating to this time. Knysna Eastern Heads Cave 1 is the first site on the southern coast that provides a continuous occupational record near the end of the Pleistocene (Ice Age) and documents how life changed for people living on the edge of the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain.

    Before the Ice Age, people there collected marine resources like shellfish when the coastline was close to the site. As the climate began to cool and sea levels dropped, they shifted their focus to land-based resources and game animals.

    Archaeologists working at Knysna Eastern Heads site. Sara Watson, Author provided (no reuse)

    I am one of the archaeologists who have been working here. In a new study, my colleagues and I analysed stone tools from the cave that date to about 19,000 to 18,000 years ago, and discussed how the techniques used to make them hint at the ways that prehistoric people travelled, interacted, and shared their craft.

    Based on this analysis, we think the cave may have been used as a temporary camp rather than a primary residence. And the similarity of the tools with those from other sites suggests people were connected over a huge region and shared ideas with each other, much like people do today.

    Robberg technology of southern Africa

    In human history, tools were invented in a succession of styles (“technologies” or “industries”), which can indicate the time and place where they were made and what they were used for.

    The Robberg is one of southern Africa’s most distinctive and widespread stone tool technologies. Robberg tools – which we found at the Knysna site – are thought to be replaceable components in composite tools, perhaps as barbs set into arrow shafts, used to hunt the migratory herds on the Palaeo-Agulhas Plain.

    Stone tools, Robberg technology. Sara Watson, Author provided (no reuse)

    We see the first appearance of Robberg technology in southern Africa near the peak of the last Ice Age around 26,000 years ago, and people continued producing these tools until around 12,000 years ago, when climate conditions were warmer.

    Read more: What stone tools found in southern tip of Africa tell us about the human story

    The particular methods and order of operations that people used to make their tools is something that is taught and learned. If we see specific methods of stone tool production at multiple sites, it indicates that people were sharing ideas with one another.

    Sites in southern Africa where Robberg technology has been found. Sara Watson, Author provided (no reuse)

    Robberg occupations at Knysna date to between 21,000 and 15,000 years ago, when sea levels were at their lowest and the coastline far away.

    The Robberg tools we recovered were primarily made from rocks that were available close to the site. Most of the tools were made from quartz, which creates very sharp edges but can break unpredictably. Production focused on bladelets, or small elongated tools, which may have been replaceable components in hunting weapons.

    Some of the tools were made from a raw material called silcrete. People in South Africa were heat treating this material to improve its quality for tool production as early as 164,000 years ago. The silcrete tools at Knysna were heat treated before being brought to the site. This is only the second documented instance of the use of heat treatment in Robberg technology.

    Silcrete is not available near Knysna. Most of the accessible deposits in the area are in the Outeniqua mountains, at least 50 kilometres inland. We’re not sure yet whether people using the Knysna site were travelling to these raw material sources themselves or trading with other groups.

    Archaeological sites containing Robberg tools are found in South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, indicating a widespread adoption by people across southern Africa. The tools from the Knysna site share many characteristics with those from other sites, which suggests people were sharing information through social networks that may have spanned the entire width of the continent.

    Read more: 65,000-year-old ‘stone Swiss Army knives’ show early humans had long-distance social networks

    Yet there are other aspects that are unique to the Knysna site. Fewer tools are found in the more recent layers than in deeper layers, suggesting that people were using the site less frequently than they had previously. This may suggest that during the Ice Age the cave was used as a temporary camp rather than as a primary residential site.

    Left with questions

    Stone tools can only tell us so much. Was Knysna Eastern Heads Cave 1 a temporary camp? If so, what were they coming to the cave for? We need to combine what we learned from the stone tools with other data from the site to answer these questions.

    Read more: Ancient human DNA from a South African rock shelter sheds light on 10,000 years of history

    Something we can say with confidence is that we have a very long and rich history as a species, and our innovative and social natures go back a lot further in time than most people realise. Humans living during the last Ice Age had complex technologies to solve their problems, made art and music, connected with people in other communities, and in some places even had pet dogs.

    Despite the dramatic differences in the world around us, these Ice Age people were not very different from people living today.

    – Stone tools from a cave on South Africa’s coast speak of life at the end of the Ice Age
    – https://theconversation.com/stone-tools-from-a-cave-on-south-africas-coast-speak-of-life-at-the-end-of-the-ice-age-258317

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government steps in to protect consumers with old energy meters

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Government steps in to protect consumers with old energy meters

    A widespread switch-off of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters will not happen on 30 June.

    • Ministers have confirmed that a widespread switch-off of Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters will not happen on 30 June – with this summer now marking a limited start of a phase-out process
    • Industry will pursue a phased approach beginning with a very small number of homes and businesses in carefully targeted local areas, with government monitoring suppliers’ performance to ensure the process is smooth and working families are protected
    • Affected customers will be contacted in advance, and are urged to respond to energy suppliers and book appointments to have their meter replaced

    Thousands of people with a Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meter will not face any unexpected disruption to their heating or hot water at the end of this month, as the government confirms there will be a cautious and targeted phase out to the service, protecting working families. 

    The Radio Teleswitch Service uses radio signals to switch older electricity meters between different tariffs such as peak and off peak, and can also be used to turn heating and hot water systems on and off at specific times of the day.  

    The service was introduced in the 1980s and, as planned, is now reaching the end of its life. But unacceptably slow progress to replace these meters has left around 314,000 households still using them as of last month – equal to around 1% of British households.  

    Ministers have taken action to ensure industry delivers a better phase out plan from 30 June, ensuring working families can continue to go about their home lives as normal. 

    The phase out will now begin on a significantly smaller scale, in areas with very few RTS customers, meaning energy suppliers will be ready to respond rapidly to protect households who most need support.  

    In advance of any phase out activity in their area, households will be contacted by their energy supplier to inform them well ahead of time, before their meters are affected. 

    Ministers have been clear that they also expect suppliers’ momentum to install replacement meters to increase over the coming weeks. 

    Minister for Energy Consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: 

    We have stepped in to ensure that thousands of vulnerable consumers with RTS meters do not experience any sudden disruption at the end of this month.  

    I will be watching suppliers closely to make sure they are doing everything they can to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.

    Charlotte Friel, Director for Retail Pricing & Systems for Ofgem, said:

    Ofgem has been clear that customers must be protected at every stage of the phased area-by-area shutdown, and we are spelling out to suppliers key requirements that must be met before an area loses its RTS signal. 

    At the same time we expect energy companies to go faster, building on the work of the cross-sector Taskforce set up by Ofgem that has seen the upgrade rate rise from 1,000 meters per month to more than 1,000 per day. 

    While this carefully managed phaseout process should reassure customers, it remains crucial that these meters are replaced urgently so it’s vital to engage with your supplier when offered an appointment.

    The Minister for Energy Consumers will meet with Ofgem and Energy UK on a fortnightly basis to review how the gradual and targeted phase out is progressing, with a particular focus on Scotland – where around 105,000 RTS meters are installed, as well as remote and rural areas, to ensure all efforts are made to reach these households.  

    Suppliers will continue contacting households to book replacement appointments and consumers are urged to respond as soon as possible.  

    In most cases, this will involve switching to a smart meter, which can work in the same way as RTS meters, with automatic peak and off-peak rates, and the ability to turn heating and hot water systems on and off, ensuring minimal disruption to households.  

    The government will continue to do everything possible to ensure working families benefit from stronger protections and improved customer service in the energy market, with new reforms to be set out in the coming weeks. 

    Notes to editors

    The RTS uses the same infrastructure as the BBC’s longwave radio signal to tell older electricity meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates. The infrastructure underpinning the signal is reaching the end of its life, meaning the equipment that sends the radio signal can no longer be adequately maintained. 

    As of 30 May, there were 314,935 RTS meters requiring replacement in Great Britain, according to supplier data collected by Ofgem.   

    If households and businesses think they have an RTS meter installed, they should contact their supplier to arrange a replacement immediately. Technical solutions are available to replace RTS meters in all households. 

    For RTS customers that live in an area without smart meter signal, their supplier will explain what other options are available before the radio signal is switched off. Energy suppliers are obliged under their licence conditions to ensure that a suitable alternative metering system is installed and that the customer’s service is not disrupted. 

    The first stage of the phase-out will target specific, localised areas, affecting a maximum of 600 households over a 3 week period – with the government and industry carefully monitoring suppliers’ response times and their effectiveness in supporting vulnerable consumers throughout this phase.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Scientific and Technical Library of SPbGASU switches to summer mode of operation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    Dear users of the scientific and technical library of SPbGASU! The library is switching to summer mode of operation.

    From July 7 to August 31, the library is open for visits according to the following schedule:

    Monday – Thursday from 14:00 to 18:00; Friday from 14:00 to 17:00

    You can check whether you have debt in the user’s personal account

    Tel. for inquiries: 7 (812) 575-04-29, 7 (812) 575-08-33

    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 Russia: Exclusive: US protectionism damages economic stability and leads to the destruction of global trade mechanisms – VTB CEO A. Kostin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, June 19 (Xinhua) — U.S. protectionism is damaging economic stability and creating uncertainty in international trade, said Andrey Kostin, president and chairman of the board of Russia’s VTB Bank, in a written interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which is being held in St. Petersburg from June 18 to 21.

    “The US protectionist measures affect almost all countries in the world. Such policies cause obvious damage to the stability of economic cooperation and lead to the destruction of the mechanisms and principles of world trade. They create uncertainty in international trade, which negatively affects the prospects for global growth,” said the head of VTB.

    According to A. Kostin, the most alarming fact is that in the last few years the US and other Western countries have begun to actively use the instruments of the international economic system to achieve their geopolitical goals. “The degree of this ‘weaponization’ /use as a weapon/ of economic levers continues to increase,” he stated.

    As the banker noted, the current situation is pushing the countries of the Global South and East to search for alternative mechanisms of financial and trade-economic interaction, to create a new model of relationships. “This process is largely objective. The strengthening of geoeconomic competition in the world in recent years only gives it a significant acceleration,” he explained.

    A. Kostin noted the active work of new international development institutions, such as the New Development Bank of BRICS, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the Eurasian Development Bank. “Their role in solving regional and global problems is constantly growing,” the banker is confident. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Calls on Israel to Stop Attacks on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities and Sites — Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    St. Petersburg, June 19 /Xinhua/ — The main thing at the moment is to prevent an escalation of violence, achieve a ceasefire and prevent possible strikes on nuclear facilities. Moscow is making political and diplomatic efforts to facilitate the settlement of the Iran-Israel conflict, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

    “Russia calls on the Israeli leadership to immediately stop raids on nuclear installations and sites that are under safeguards and are the objects of IAEA verification activities, and is particularly concerned about the safety of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, in whose work Russian specialists are involved,” M. Zakharova said during a briefing on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

    “Today, the main thing is to prevent the spiral of violence from further unwinding, to achieve a ceasefire, to restore peace, which in turn will create the preconditions for returning the situation to the negotiating track. We are ready to contribute to this in every possible way and are making political and diplomatic efforts in this direction,” she added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Invites Multinational Companies, Entrepreneurs to Invest in Country — Vice Premier of State Council of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    QINGDAO, June 19 (Xinhua) — China welcomes international multinational companies and entrepreneurs to invest and do business in China as the country steadily advances high-level opening up, Vice Premier He Lifeng said Thursday.

    He Lifeng, also a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 6th Multinational Enterprise CEOs Summit in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province.

    The Vice Premier stressed that China will unswervingly promote high-level opening-up, create a world-class business environment, and firmly safeguard the multilateral trading system.

    With a huge domestic market and the most complete industrial system in the world, China has strong economic resilience and growth potential and is an ideal, safe and promising investment destination for multinational companies, He Lifeng added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council Open Debate on the Maintenance of International Peace and Security [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for All-English]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    I thank the government of Guyana for convening this important debate.

    Your theme highlights a fundamental fact:  

    Sustainable peace requires sustainable development.

    The flames of conflict are too often lit and fed by persistent poverty and growing inequalities.

    Time and again, we’ve seen conflict engulfing lives and institutions, wiping out development gains, and uprooting millions of people.

    At the same time, we’ve seen how poverty, underdevelopment, inequality, injustice, hunger and exclusion can light the fuse of instability and conflict.

    Poverty breeds despair.

    Despair fuels unrest.

    And unrest tears at the fabric of societies — feeding mistrust, fear and violence.

    When people are denied opportunity…when human rights are violated and impunity persists…when crime and corruption thrive…when climate chaos displaces and destabilizes…when terrorism finds fertile ground in weak institutions— peace can quickly become a distant dream.

    It’s no coincidence that nine of the ten countries with the lowest Human Development Indicators are currently in a state of conflict. 

    Forty per cent of the 700 million people living in extreme poverty live in conflict-affected or fragile settings.

    And the situation is only getting worse.

    Conflicts are proliferating and lasting longer, displacing more than 120 million people from their homes — an unprecedented number of individuals with disrupted lives and futures.

    Solutions are in short supply because of rampant geopolitical mistrust and divisions.

    The global economy is slowing, trade tensions are rising and aid budgets are being slashed while military spending soars.

    If current trends continue, two thirds of the world’s poor will live in conflict-affected or fragile countries by 2030.

    The message is clear.

    The farther a country is from sustainable and inclusive development, the closer it is to instability, and even conflict.

    Mr. President,

    Across the 80 years of our organization, the United Nations has worked to advance our three pillars of peace, development and human rights.

    This vital work continues today…

    From our 130 Country Teams supporting national development priorities…

    To our peacekeepers helping countries navigate conflict and recovery…

    To our envoys and political missions mediating and preventing conflicts, and building bridges among communities…

    To our efforts to strengthen national protection systems and support accountability for human rights violations and abuses…

    To our Peacebuilding Commission uniting the international community around our shared cause of peace.

    Through the New Agenda for Peace, and the Pact for the Future that Member States adopted last September, we are strengthening this work.

    Throughout this process of review and reform, we are guided by a simple principle: 

    Prevention is the best cure for instability and conflict. 

    And there is no better preventive measure than investing in development.

    Mr. President,

    Development gives peace a fighting chance.

    It’s the first line of defense against conflict.

    But right now, we’re losing ground.

    After decades of steady progress, we’re facing a development emergency.

    Ten years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, two-thirds of the targets are lagging.

    The world is falling short by over $4 trillion annually in the resources developing countries need to deliver on these promises by 2030.

    And developing countries are being battered and bruised by limited fiscal space, crushing debt burdens and skyrocketing prices.

    The engine of development is sputtering.

    The fourth Conference on Financing for Development starting next week will be an important moment for the world to fix and strengthen this essential engine. 

    We must renew domestic and global commitments to get public and private finance flowing to the areas of greatest need.

    We need to provide urgent debt relief for countries drowning in unsustainable debt service.

    And we must reform the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries.

    At its core, this plan is about supporting countries as they advance both peace and sustainable development.

    To ensure food security, education, health care, decent work and social protections.

    To invest in green technology and resilience to climate disasters and shocks.

    To build roads, and water and food systems.

    To deliver electricity to all.

    To close the digital divide and expand internet access to all — while guarding against the perils of new technologies.

    To build justice and governance systems people can trust.

    And to open the doors of participation so women and young people can build a more equitable, peaceful and sustainable future.

    Monsieur le Président, Excellences,

    La paix ne se construit pas dans les salles de conférence.

    Elle se construit dans les salles de classe, dans les cliniques, dans les communautés.

    La paix se construit lorsque les populations ont de l’espoir, des opportunités et un véritable avenir entre leurs mains.

    Investir dans le développement aujourd’hui, c’est investir dans un avenir plus pacifique.

    Réaffirmons notre attachement à la solidarité et à l’esprit de multilatéralisme qui ont façonné notre Organisation depuis 80 ans.

    Et veillons à ce que les dividendes de la paix, de la prospérité et de la sécurité profitent à toutes et tous.

    ***

    [All-English]

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    I thank the government of Guyana for convening this important debate.

    Your theme highlights a fundamental fact:  

    Sustainable peace requires sustainable development.

    The flames of conflict are too often lit and fed by persistent poverty and growing inequalities.

    Time and again, we’ve seen conflict engulfing lives and institutions, wiping out development gains, and uprooting millions of people.

    At the same time, we’ve seen how poverty, underdevelopment, inequality, injustice, hunger and exclusion can light the fuse of instability and conflict.

    Poverty breeds despair.

    Despair fuels unrest.

    And unrest tears at the fabric of societies — feeding mistrust, fear and violence.

    When people are denied opportunity…when human rights are violated and impunity persists…when crime and corruption thrive…when climate chaos displaces and destabilizes…when terrorism finds fertile ground in weak institutions— peace can quickly become a distant dream.

    It’s no coincidence that nine of the ten countries with the lowest Human Development Indicators are currently in a state of conflict. 

    Forty per cent of the 700 million people living in extreme poverty live in conflict-affected or fragile settings.

    And the situation is only getting worse.

    Conflicts are proliferating and lasting longer, displacing more than 120 million people from their homes — an unprecedented number of individuals with disrupted lives and futures.

    Solutions are in short supply because of rampant geopolitical mistrust and divisions.

    The global economy is slowing, trade tensions are rising and aid budgets are being slashed while military spending soars.

    If current trends continue, two thirds of the world’s poor will live in conflict-affected or fragile countries by 2030.

    The message is clear.

    The farther a country is from sustainable and inclusive development, the closer it is to instability, and even conflict.

    Mr. President,

    Across the 80 years of our organization, the United Nations has worked to advance our three pillars of peace, development and human rights.

    This vital work continues today…

    From our 130 Country Teams supporting national development priorities…

    To our peacekeepers helping countries navigate conflict and recovery…

    To our envoys and political missions mediating and preventing conflicts, and building bridges among communities…

    To our efforts to strengthen national protection systems and support accountability for human rights violations and abuses…

    To our Peacebuilding Commission uniting the international community around our shared cause of peace.

    Through the New Agenda for Peace, and the Pact for the Future that Member States adopted last September, we are strengthening this work.

    Throughout this process of review and reform, we are guided by a simple principle: 

    Prevention is the best cure for instability and conflict. 

    And there is no better preventive measure than investing in development.

    Mr. President,

    Development gives peace a fighting chance.

    It’s the first line of defense against conflict.

    But right now, we’re losing ground.

    After decades of steady progress, we’re facing a development emergency.

    Ten years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, two-thirds of the targets are lagging.

    The world is falling short by over $4 trillion annually in the resources developing countries need to deliver on these promises by 2030.

    And developing countries are being battered and bruised by limited fiscal space, crushing debt burdens and skyrocketing prices.

    The engine of development is sputtering.

    The fourth Conference on Financing for Development starting next week will be an important moment for the world to fix and strengthen this essential engine. 

    We must renew domestic and global commitments to get public and private finance flowing to the areas of greatest need.

    We need to provide urgent debt relief for countries drowning in unsustainable debt service.

    And we must reform the global financial architecture to reflect today’s realities and the urgent needs of developing countries.

    At its core, this plan is about supporting countries as they advance both peace and sustainable development.

    To ensure food security, education, health care, decent work and social protections.

    To invest in green technology and resilience to climate disasters and shocks.

    To build roads, and water and food systems.

    To deliver electricity to all.

    To close the digital divide and expand internet access to all — while guarding against the perils of new technologies.

    To build justice and governance systems people can trust.

    And to open the doors of participation so women and young people can build a more equitable, peaceful and sustainable future.

    Mr. President, Excellencies,

    Peace is not built in conference rooms.

    Peace is built in classrooms, in clinics, in communities.
     
    Peace is built when people have hope, opportunity and a stake in their future.
    Investing in development today means investing in a more peaceful tomorrow.

    Let’s re-commit to the solidarity and multilateral spirit that has defined our organization across eight decades.

    And let’s ensure that the dividends of peace, prosperity and security are shared by all.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Landmarks Lit in Celebration of Juneteenth

    Source: US State of New York

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    A ny.gov website belongs to an official New York State government organization.

    Secure ny.gov websites use HTTPS

    A lock icon or https:// means you’ve safely connected to a ny.gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    June 19, 2025

    Albany, NY

    Fifteen Landmarks To Be Lit Statewide at the Governor’s Direction To Commemorate the End of Slavery in the United States

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that landmarks across New York State will be illuminated red, black, and green tonight, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

    “Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history — the end of slavery and the beginning of a continued struggle for true equality,” Governor Hochul said. “This commemoration is both a celebration and a call to action as we continue to confront injustice and build a more just and equitable future for all New Yorkers.”

    The landmarks to be lit in recognition of Juneteenth include:

    • One World Trade Center
    • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
    • Kosciuszko Bridge
    • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
    • State Education Building
    • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
    • Empire State Plaza
    • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
    • Niagara Falls
    • The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
    • Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
    • Albany International Airport Gateway
    • MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
    • Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
    • Moynihan Train Hall

    You are leaving the official State of New York website.

    The State of New York does not imply approval of the listed destinations, warrant the accuracy of any information set out in those destinations, or endorse any opinions expressed therein. External web sites operate at the direction of their respective owners who should be contacted directly with questions regarding the content of these sites.

    Visit Site

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister meets with Lionesses ahead of the Euros to announce a new approach to school sport

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Prime Minister meets with Lionesses ahead of the Euros to announce a new approach to school sport

    Today the Prime Minister met with the Lionesses as they prepare to defend England’s title at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 football competition next month. 

    • Government announces new School Sport Partnerships and a new Enrichment Framework for schools to ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality sport and extracurricular activity
    • Girls to be given the same opportunity as boys to play sport at school, as well as equal access for those with special needs and disabilities – as the Government delivers its Plan for Change
    • Prime Minister visits Lionesses training session to throw support behind players ahead of this summer’s tournament – telling the team: “we are behind you every step of the way”

    Today the Prime Minister met with the Lionesses as they prepare to defend England’s title at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 football competition next month. 

    He wished head coach Sarina Wiegman and the rest of the squad good luck ahead of their first match – telling them the whole nation is behind them. 

    The visit comes alongside new plans to give every child across the country equal access to high quality PE and sport as the government announces a new approach to school activity.

    This will ensure schools have a new framework that will include a clear focus on equal access and two hours per week of physical education. Each school’s offering will be publicly available. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    I speak for the entire nation when I say good luck to our Lionesses for this summer’s Euros. We will be behind you every step of the way.  

    Not only have you made history, but you have inspired the next generation to find a sport they love. That’s why I’m delighted we are delivering on your call to ensure they have the opportunity to go on and play – maybe even for England one day.

    A national network will be developed to build strong partnerships between schools, local clubs and National Governing Bodies to identify and break down barriers to sport for children who are less active, primarily girls and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  

    It will be supported by a new Enrichment Framework to ensure all young people have equal access to high-quality extra-curricular activities – including football and other sports. 

    The government has also committed to publish information about every school’s sport and enrichment offer, so parents can see what their children can play. The information will be included in new ‘school profiles’ – a one stop shop for parents to see information about their local schools, with further detail to come in the autumn. 

    Leah Williamson and Lotte Wubben-Moy – driving forces behind the Lionesses’ equal access campaign – were among the players to hear from the Prime Minister how the new approach will level the playing field for young girls and children with disabilities in England.

    Lioness Lotte Wubben-Moy welcomed today’s announcement:

    We want every young girl to have the opportunity to play football in school. This isn’t only about laying the foundations for future Lionesses to rise up, but also a chance for the power of football to help create change within the education system and set an example for equality. 

    Only 50% of secondary schools currently offer equal access to football for girls and boys. At such a crucial time in a young person’s life we cannot underestimate the positive impact football and sport can have on their physical and mental wellbeing.

    The PM’s announcement is an encouraging build upon the legacy of our Euros win in 2022. We as Lionesses are eager to see the speedy introduction of these new proposals. A bright future is ahead.

    Today’s news aims to reverse a worrying trend where boys are more active than girls. It will boost physical access for all pupils, regardless of age, gender or ability. It will also support the delivery of competitions at a local, regional and national level. 

    The partnerships approach will ensure inclusive best practice is shared and adopted widely across all schools in England. 

    This builds on the work the government is already doing with partners including Youth Sport Trust and Sport England to boost participation having already invested £100m to upgrade sports facilities.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV: Civil Service Must Address Concerns of Staff Opposed to Pride Participation

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV Equality spokesperson Ann McClure:

    “Following confirmation that the Civil Service is taking part in this year’s Belfast Pride parade, Timothy Gaston tabled a number of questions to Finance Minister John O’Dowd raising serious concerns about the ramifications of this approach for the impartiality of public servants.

    “On inquiring whether consideration was given to the views of civil servants (Protestant or Roman Catholic) who hold conscientious or faith-based objections to participation in Belfast Pride, the Minister responded in very general terms, outlining the NICS commitment to inclusivity, equality, and impartiality — but significantly did not address the actual question of whether there was any consultation, engagement, or accommodation for people who object to Pride.

    “In another question, Mr Gaston asked the Minister if, in light of Civil Service participation in Pride, employees would be able to participate in pro-life marches. Mr O’Dowd merely referred Mr Gaston back to his previous non-answer.

    “In light of the events of the weekend — when grossly offensive behaviour at and around Omagh Pride not only took place but was promoted on the official Facebook page of Omagh Pride — there is a need for the Civil Service and the Minister responsible to directly address the matters raised with him and not hide behind newspeak answers.

    “Participation in Pride events was never compatible with a truly inclusive workplace. That is all the more true this year when the Pride movement is openly campaigning against the Executive’s policy to protect children and young people from puberty blockers.”

    Note to editors

    Mr Gaston’s questions and the answers received are as follows:

    AQW 28291/22-27

    Mr Timothy Gaston
    Question:
    To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any consideration given to the views of civil servants, both Protestant and Roman Catholic, who hold conscientious or faith-based objections to Belfast Pride when the Northern Ireland Civil Service made the decision to participate in this year’s event.

    Answer:
    As one of the largest employers here and a public service provider, the Civil Service recognises and respects the diversity of people’s identities, experiences and backgrounds.

    As an equal opportunities employer, the Civil Service participates in Belfast Pride as part of its ongoing commitment to being an inclusive employer and programme of outreach with under-represented groups.

    In accordance with the Civil Service Code of Ethics, civil servants are required to carry out their role with dedication and a commitment to the Civil Service’s core values of: Integrity, Honesty, Objectivity and Impartiality.

    In living out the core value of ‘impartiality’, civil servants must carry out their responsibilities in a way that is fair, just and equitable and reflects the Civil Service’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, including the obligations under Section 75.

    AQW 28289/22-27
    Mr Timothy Gaston
    Question:
    To ask the Minister of Finance, in light of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) decision to participate corporately in Belfast Pride, whether NICS staff will be permitted, as NICS staff, to take part in other events such as pro-life marches.

    Answer:
    I refer the member to the response provided for AQW 28291/22-27.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Brand Scotland takes centre stage at Royal Highland Show

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Brand Scotland takes centre stage at Royal Highland Show

    Scottish Secretary to bang the drum for Scotland’s iconic food, drink, agriculture and farming sectors at the Edinburgh event

    Fresh from new Spending Review financial backing, the UK Government’s Brand Scotland campaign to boost exports of Scottish products and promotion of inward investment takes centre stage at the Royal Highland Show from today (Thursday June 19).

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray will be in attendance and later host a reception with the Scotch Whisky Association to promote our iconic national tipple, enjoyed by tens of millions around the world.

    Exhibitors and showgoers will hear how the UK Government is working with Scottish businesses to maximise the benefits of recent trade deals with India, US and the EU to create significant opportunities at home and abroad. 

    The UK-India trade deal slashes tariffs on whisky. Meanwhile the UK-EU deal also means that British farms will be able to sell sausages and burgers to the EU for the first time in five years.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said:

    Scotland is at the heart of the UK Government’s Plan for Change to put more money in the pockets of working Scots by investing in the country’s renewal. That’s why in last week’s Spending Review the Chancellor unleashed a new era of growth for Scotland, confirming billions of pounds of investment and creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.

    Our Brand Scotland campaign is an important part of this commitment and the Royal Highland Show is a fantastic opportunity to bang the drum for our iconic produce and help turbo-charge sales of Scottish goods and services at home and abroad. Following my recent successful trips to Norway, Malaysia, Singapore, Washington and New York – and last week’s all women trade mission to Spain, led by Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill – we’re already seeing positive results from championing Brand Scotland.

    The trio of trade deals sealed by the Prime Minister is a fantastic opportunity for Scotland’s food and drink sector – from slashing tariffs on whisky and gin in India to putting Scottish burgers and sausages back on the menu for the EU. I look forward to continuing to work with Scottish businesses and other key partners as we give our country the global platform it deserves.

    The Scottish Secretary is expected to meet with NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon, Quality Meat Scotland, Lidl executives to discuss the retailers’ ambitions for growth in Scotland and support of Scottish food and drink suppliers and Graham’s Dairies to chat about export opportunities. He is also due to visit Scotland’s Larder where a huge range of Scottish food and drink producers will be in attendance.

    Other stakeholders lined up include Penicuik-based Moredun Institute which employs over 170 scientists, vets  and support staff promoting livestock health and welfare through cutting-edge research and education.

    Showgoers dropping into the UK Government marquee will be able to hear from UK Government departments and agencies about how they are delivering for people in Scotland and for our businesses across the world 

    Also present in the marquee will be exhibits from a number of exciting UK Government funded projects, including The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scottish Football Association (grassroots football funding), Dramtubes & Project Harmless (British Business Bank funded) and Destination Tweed (National Lottery Heritage Fund).

    Other government departments and agencies in attendance will be:

    • Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (promoting the UK’s extensive overseas network, which works day in day out to promote our country)
    • Department for Business & Trade (direct access to global trade expertise)
    • Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
    • Department for Work & Pensions
    • Ministry of Defence (Army, Navy, RAF)
    • Department for Transport (with Northern Lighthouse Board – responsible for the waters surrounding Scotland and the Isle of Man)
    • Shared Rural Network (SRN – designed to improve mobile coverage and boost connectivity across the UK, with the biggest uplifts in rural parts of Scotland and Wales. It is jointly funded by the Government and the UK’s four mobile network operators – EE, Three, VMO2 and Vodafone – with the objective of delivering 4G coverage to 95% of the UK by December 2025).

    Further information
    The Royal Highland Show is Scotland’s biggest outdoor event, attracting around 190,000 people. It runs from June 19 to 22.

    The Scotland Office’s Spending Review settlement allocates £0.75 million each year to champion our ‘Brand Scotland’ trade missions to promote Scotland’s goods and services on the world stage and to encourage further growth and investment.  

    As well as the Brand Scotland visits mentioned earlier, we have also supported a trade mission from Glasgow to Shanghai and have plans for more visits during the year.

    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE and the Russian Ministry of Construction signed a cooperation agreement at SPIEF-2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    As part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025, the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE) and the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation (Minstroy of Russia) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at creating a sustainable partnership in the field of scientific research, education and expert and analytical support.

    The parties intend to combine the academic resources and scientific expertise of the HSE with the practical tasks of the Russian Ministry of Construction to improve the quality and effectiveness of state policy in the construction industry and housing and utilities. The agreement provides for the implementation of joint research projects aimed at studying the key problems and development prospects of the industry. Particular attention will be paid to issues of standard design, economic efficiency of design documentation, as well as the introduction of information modeling technologies for capital construction projects.

    HSE and the Russian Ministry of Construction have agreed to develop and implement educational programs, including professional retraining and advanced training for specialists in the construction industry. The programs will cover a wide range of topics – from legal and regulatory aspects to estimating and digitalization of design.

    HSE will also provide expert support to the initiatives of the Russian Ministry of Construction in the formation and development of a standard design institute, improvement of information modeling technologies and creation of a register of cost-effective design documentation for capital construction projects for social and other purposes.

    “The Ministry of Construction is carrying out important work for the country, on which the future of Russia and the well-being of our fellow citizens depend. The construction of new housing and infrastructure is underway throughout the country, our cities are acquiring a new look, a well-appointed environment is being created, new regions are being restored. The Ministry regularly faces various challenges – from training qualified personnel to increasing the economic efficiency of investments, and the Higher School of Economics has developments in many of these areas. We are confident that our educational, expert and scientific research assistance to the Ministry of Construction of Russia will serve the sustainable development of the domestic construction industry and the achievement of national development goals,” said HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov.

    “Modernization and construction of infrastructure, improvement of housing conditions and quality of the urban environment for citizens remains one of the priorities of the construction industry and housing and communal services complex of the country. The implementation of these tasks becomes possible thanks to qualified specialists who have the necessary knowledge and experience. In this regard, one of the areas to which the Ministry of Construction pays special attention is the personnel, scientific and resource provision of the construction industry and professional transformation. Of course, cooperation with one of the leading universities of the country, the National Research University Higher School of Economics, will allow creating a sustainable partnership in the field of formation of modern educational programs and scientific research,” noted the head of the Ministry of Construction of Russia Irek Faizullin.

    The agreement underlines the importance of dialogue between science and the state and opens new horizons for the effective integration of scientific and practical knowledge in the interests of sustainable development of the Russian construction industry.

    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 Security: Officers to face misconduct hearing following investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers involved in an incident in Southwark in May 2023 in which a woman was restrained by officers have been advised they will face gross misconduct hearings following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

    On 9 May 2023 police were called to an address in SE15 following reports of a disturbance. Officers, all from the Central South Command, attended and identified a 90-year-old woman who was distressed. After officers attempted to engage with her, she was restrained using handcuffs and a spit hood applied after she spat towards officers. The woman was then taken to hospital. She was not arrested.

    During the course of the incident, an officer issued a red-dot challenge with their Taser but did not discharge it.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in Southwark, said: “While the misconduct hearing will carefully consider all the facts to determine whether the allegations are proven, I want to again acknowledge the distress caused to the woman involved and very real widespread concerns that followed.

    “Officers know we expect them to show compassion and to adjust their approach according to the circumstances they are faced with. Over the coming days we will work closely with those communities most affected to ensure they feel heard and supported.

    “We have provided every assistance to the IOPC throughout its investigation and will now arrange for the hearing to be held as soon as possible.”

    Following an investigation by the IOPC, a PC will answer an allegation they used excessive force through their use of the Taser. They also face allegations about their treatment of the woman during the incident.

    In addition, this officer will face allegations they used their Taser inappropriately during an unrelated incident on 10 May 2023. This matter was also subject to an IOPC investigation.

    A second PC and a third former PC, who left the Met in August 2024, will face allegations they used excessive force during the original incident and then later provided false statements.

    Both serving officers are currently on restricted duties.

    A further three PCs will undergo the reflective practice review process to learn from the matter based on various aspects of their behaviour during the incident.

    The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards made a voluntary referral to the IOPC on 18 May following the incident and the IOPC launched an independent investigation.

    In July 2023, the IOPC informed six PCs they were under criminal investigation. They were also served with gross misconduct notices.

    The Crown Prosecution Service later confirmed the matter did not meet the evidential threshold for charges to be brought.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Premium Income Corporation Announces Semi-Annual Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (TSX: PIC.A; PIC.PR.A) Premium Income Corporation (the “Fund”) announces results of operations for the six months ended April 30, 2025. Decrease in net assets attributable to holders of Class A shares amounted to $5.7 million or $0.38 per Class A share. Net assets attributable to holders of Class A shares as at April 30, 2025 were $81.2 million or $5.12 per Class A share. Cash distributions of $0.64 per Preferred share and $0.48 per Class A share were paid during the period.

    Premium Income Corporation is a mutual fund corporation, which invests in a portfolio consisting principally of common shares of Bank of Montreal, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, National Bank of Canada, Royal Bank of Canada, and the Toronto Dominion Bank. The Fund employs an active covered call writing strategy to enhance the income generated by the portfolio and to reduce volatility. In addition, the Fund may write cash covered put options in respect of securities in which it is permitted to invest.

    The investment portfolio of the Fund is managed by its investment manager, Mulvihill Capital Management Inc. The Fund’s Preferred and Class A shares are listed on Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols PIC.PR.A and PIC.A respectively.

    Selected Financial Information: ($ Millions)    
    Statement of Comprehensive Income
    For the Six Months ended April 30, 2025 (Unaudited)    		    
           
    Income (including Net Loss on Investments) $ 5.9  
    Expenses   (1.9 )
         
    Operating Profit $ 4.0  
    Preferred Share Distribution $ (9.7 )
         
    Decrease in Net Assets Attributable to Holders of Class A Shares $ 5.7  
         
         

    For further information, please contact Investor Relations at 416.681.3966, toll free at 1.800.725.7172, email at info@mulvihill.com or visit www.mulvihill.com.

    John Germain, Senior Vice-President & CFO       Mulvihill Capital Management Inc.
    121 King Street West
    Suite 2600
    Toronto, Ontario, M5H 3T9
         

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Cammack and Hern Introduce Legislation to Protect Patients in Federal Health Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Kat Cammack (FL-03) and Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act to ensure that Americans with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and rare conditions are not devalued in federal health care decisions. This legislation prohibits the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs)—a metric that assigns lower value to lives with disabilities— in federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA exchanges. 

    “The use of so-called cost-effective measures like QALYs threatens access to lifesaving care for the most vulnerable Americans,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “I am honored to lead this legislation alongside my colleague Rep. Kevin Hern to ensure that no patient is denied treatment simply because a mathematical formula decided their life is worth less. Every American—regardless of disability, chronic illness, or rare condition—deserves equal access to care.”

    “QALY measurements strip humanity away from a patient, leaving only dollar signs and data points. That has no place in our health care system. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and given the best care available,” said Congressman Hern. “I am proud to join Congresswoman Cammack on this bill to ban QALY measurements in all federal health care programs.” 

    “I am excited my colleagues Representatives Cammack and Hern have reintroduced the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Guthrie. “We owe it to Americans – no matter the age, disability status, or measure of health – to provide high-quality care under federal health care programs. I’m thankful to both of my colleagues for reintroducing this sensible legislation that stops the immoral practice of placing arbitrary value on human life within our health care system.”

    BACKGROUND: 

    Last Congress, this legislation passed the House with strong Republican support under the leadership of House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO), Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), and Rep. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH). 

    In the 119th Congress, the legislation will again receive a dual referral to both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Cammack and Hern Introduce Legislation to Protect Patients in Federal Health Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Kat Cammack (FL-03) and Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act to ensure that Americans with disabilities, chronic illnesses, and rare conditions are not devalued in federal health care decisions. This legislation prohibits the use of Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs)—a metric that assigns lower value to lives with disabilities— in federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and ACA exchanges. 

    “The use of so-called cost-effective measures like QALYs threatens access to lifesaving care for the most vulnerable Americans,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “I am honored to lead this legislation alongside my colleague Rep. Kevin Hern to ensure that no patient is denied treatment simply because a mathematical formula decided their life is worth less. Every American—regardless of disability, chronic illness, or rare condition—deserves equal access to care.”

    “QALY measurements strip humanity away from a patient, leaving only dollar signs and data points. That has no place in our health care system. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect and given the best care available,” said Congressman Hern. “I am proud to join Congresswoman Cammack on this bill to ban QALY measurements in all federal health care programs.” 

    “I am excited my colleagues Representatives Cammack and Hern have reintroduced the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act,” said Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Guthrie. “We owe it to Americans – no matter the age, disability status, or measure of health – to provide high-quality care under federal health care programs. I’m thankful to both of my colleagues for reintroducing this sensible legislation that stops the immoral practice of placing arbitrary value on human life within our health care system.”

    BACKGROUND: 

    Last Congress, this legislation passed the House with strong Republican support under the leadership of House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-MO), Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), and Rep. Brad Wenstrup, D.P.M. (R-OH). 

    In the 119th Congress, the legislation will again receive a dual referral to both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Netanyahu vows to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat as conflict enters seventh day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday reaffirmed his country’s commitment to neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities, as direct hostilities between the two West Asian powers entered their seventh day, raising fears of a broader regional war.

    Speaking in a nationally televised address, Netanyahu condemned Iran’s latest missile strikes, including a direct hit on the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. The attack, which Israeli officials labeled a violation of international humanitarian law, has drawn widespread international condemnation.

    Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed the hospital was not the intended target, asserting that the strike aimed at nearby military infrastructure. However, the missile impact on the medical facility has intensified scrutiny over Iran’s targeting methods amid escalating violence.

    In an extraordinary move, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is now considered a core objective of Israel’s war strategy — a dramatic shift from previous policies centered largely on containing Iran through proxy conflicts.

    Israeli military officials report that Iran has begun deploying advanced multi-warhead missiles capable of evading interception by splitting mid-air into multiple projectiles. These developments pose a significant challenge to Israel’s missile defense systems, which have been stretched thin during sustained barrages.

    In response to Israeli airstrikes on command centers and military bases, Iran has reportedly repositioned several of its missile units from western provinces to central regions of the country. Intelligence assessments suggest the move is defensive in nature, and has temporarily reduced the frequency and scale of Iranian missile attacks on Israeli territory.

    Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has maintained a position of strategic ambiguity regarding potential American involvement. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated he had not yet decided whether the United States would support Israel militarily in its campaign against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

    Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei responded defiantly to suggestions of “unconditional surrender,” warning that any American military intervention would result in “severe consequences” for the United States.

    The United Nations has voiced deep concern over the rising civilian toll in the conflict. A UN spokesperson condemned the targeting of non-combatants and called on all parties to uphold international law, urging maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.

    In a coordinated diplomatic response, Indonesia and 23 other Muslim-majority nations — including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, and Pakistan — issued a joint statement under the banner of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The declaration condemned Israel’s attacks on Iranian territory and called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that continued hostilities could spiral into a full-scale regional war with catastrophic implications for global peace and stability.

    The OIC statement emphasized the urgent need for diplomacy, the protection of civilians, and adherence to international humanitarian law.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public service reform strategy launched

    Source: Scottish Government

    Blueprint for enhancing lives and communities.

    A new Public Service Reform Strategy will deliver the public services that people of Scotland deserve and need in the future, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee has said.

    Outlining the strategy to Parliament, the Minister also announced the intention to reduce spending on corporate functions across public bodies, including the Scottish Government, to deliver £1 billion of savings in five years. 

    The strategy sets out concrete steps that government will take through partnership working, particularly with trade unions, to ensure that every pound of investment is focused on frontline delivery and that there are the right staff in the right roles to deliver real change. 

    More than 80 actions are set out to drive change and make Scotland’s public services fit for the future, by addressing the challenges caused by increased demand, changing demographics and UK Government financial decisions.

    These include leadership and cultural change across the public sector; reducing the number of public bodies to deliver increased efficiency; further review and rationalisation of public sector buildings, working with local partners to remove data barriers that prevent the delivery of programmes; embracing automation and publishing a new Digital Strategy which will set out the acceleration of the digitisation of government.

    Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: 

    “This strategy is grounded in the shared belief that Scotland’s public services are an investment — in people, places and our collective future. It builds on the work we’ve done since the Christie Commission which outlined the need for public services focused on prevention, place, partnership, people and performance.

    “Public service reform is an integral part of the government’s response to the challenges we face. The strategy sets out a bold, system-wide approach to change centred around three key priorities: prevention, joined-up services and efficiency.

    “The aim is to do things better, not do less. Public services are an asset and investment in our collective future. They reflect the society we are, and who we aspire to be.

    “We are determined to unlock the full potential of Scotland’s public services — making them more efficient, more joined-up, and more preventative in approach, so that they work better for the people of Scotland. It demonstrates that this Government is ready to go further and faster than we ever have to reform our public services.

    “We must be bold and brave to deliver real, long lasting and meaningful change.”

    Background

    Scotland’s Public Service Reform Strategy: Delivering for Scotland – gov.scot

    The Public Service Reform Strategy is supported by sectoral improvement plans including the NHS Operational Improvement Plan – to tackle immediate pressures on the health service – and the Tackling Child Poverty Plan to reduce the number of children living in relative poverty in Scotland to 10% by 2030.

    It builds on the findings of and subsequent work following the 2011 Christie Commission report, and learning from successful preventative policies such as the roll-out of the Scottish Child Payment. The strategy’s implementation will be evaluated and monitored by the Public Service Reform Board, which brings together scrutiny from public bodies, local government, and the third and private sector. The strategy has also been informed by a summit held in February involving representatives from Scotland’s 131 public bodies, local government and the third sector.

    Learning from 25 years of Preventative Interventions in Scotland – gov.scot

    Examples of previous reforms include:

    • Investment in Early Learning and Childcare: The Scottish Government has invested around £1 billion every year in funded Early Learning and Childcare since 2021. Some 95% of three and four-year-olds are registered for the 1,140 hours funded childcare offer and 74% of parents have said it helped employment prospects.
    • Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012: One of the biggest public service transformations since devolution, this created the Scottish Police Authority, the unified Police Service of Scotland (Police Scotland) and the single Scottish Fire & Rescue Service.
    • Childsmile: Between 2003 and 2020, the Childsmile programme has halved tooth decay amongst children and generated significant cost savings for NHS health boards.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work starts next month on Royal Parade bus improvements

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Work will start next month (July) to change the layout of Royal Parade to improve bus services as part of Plymouth’s ambition to encourage people to make greener travel choices as the city grows.

    The Royal Parade bus improvement scheme aims to reduce congestion and improve the reliability of bus services to and from the city centre by increasing the number of bus stops on the shop side.

    There are over 100 buses every hour – making it the city’s busiest bus interchange – with over nine million passenger journeys from or to Royal Parade every year – either arriving to work in the city centre, to shop, stay or visit, or to head onto to destinations across the city e.g. the hospital, Plymstock or the Dockyard.

    The scheme, which will be carried out by Morgan Sindall, will get underway from Monday 7 July and will take around nine months. When finished, the scheme will reduce delays at this key point by cutting queues and double stacking of buses, making services more reliable and helping to make going by bus a more attractive option than the private car.

    Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport said: “Plymouth needs to improve bus services to make it easier for everyone to get to work, school, shops and businesses, friends or family. Nearly 25 per cent of households in Plymouth do not have a car and with the city’s population expected to grow, improving sustainable travel choices is vital to keeping the city moving.

    “We realise there is going to be some upheaval for a time for passengers, but please bear with us as the long-term gain will be better bus journeys. We are working closely with the bus companies to make sure everyone knows where to catch their buses from.”

    From Monday 7 July all bus stops on the shop side of Royal Parade between Courtenay Street and St Andrews Cross Roundabout will be closed and temporary stops will be available in alternative locations around the city centre.

    There will be a chance to talk through the scheme at three public drop-in events in the city centre:

    • Wednesday 2 July (10am to 2pm), House of Fraser Café (top floor)
    • Friday 4 July (2pm to 5.45pm), Central Library (Scott Room)
    • Sunday 6 July (10am to 3pm), Royal Parade (gazebo outside House of Fraser entrance.

    Information showing bus users where to find their temporary stops is available on the scheme’s webpage at www.plymouth.gov.uk/royalparade and information will be available in the Plymouth Citybus shop on Royal Parade, Central Library and in bus shelters at key destinations around the city.

    The Plymotion Team and project team will also be on the ground every weekday between Monday 23 June and Friday 18 July to hand out information leaflets and make sure everyone knows where to get their bus from.

    The eastbound side (or shop side) of Royal Parade will be reduced to one lane for all vehicles, meaning there will not be a dedicated bus lane between Derry’s Cross and St Andrews Cross roundabouts. Cyclists will still be able ride on the road in the all-traffic lane.

    Pedestrian access will remain during the day, and all three crossings will be available. Some overnight restrictions may be needed and pedestrians diverted to the other side of Royal Parade via the crossings.

    The scheme includes laying high quality granite along the pavement on this side to replace concrete slabs that have become worn and slippery in places. This means that the pavement between the kerb and shop fronts will be sectioned off for this work. This will be carried out in stages to minimise the impact on businesses and shoppers. Temporary pedestrian footways to allow access to shop doorways will be in place.

    Access to shops, businesses and residential properties will remain at all times.

    The carriageway reconstruction and surfacing works will require full road closures, but these will take place overnight only and a diversion route will be in place around the city centre via Western Approach, Cobourg Street and Exeter Street.

    Main construction work will start on Monday 14 July and entails:

    • redesigning the road with a shallow sawtooth layout, increasing the number of bus stops from 12 to 15, to prevent double stacking, unnecessary idling and improve air quality. This will improve bus manoeuvrability and safety by reducing the need for buses to reverse out and ensure passengers can get on and off from the pavement.
    • clearer information about where and what bus to get in the new shelters and upgraded Real Time Passenger Information displays
    • bigger shelters to make it easier for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs to use them. They will have living roofs to support biodiversity
    • an upgraded toucan crossing at Armada Way for pedestrians and cyclists
    • average speed camera system to replace existing static cameras, supporting a safe environment for pedestrians.

    The original budget was estimate at around £5 million based on the information available at the time. With more costs finalised, £7,494,692 has now been secured from the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund and Bus Grant, Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone funding and the Council’s Better Places funding.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester City Council reacts to Government announcement on new Housing Bank

    Source: City of Manchester

    On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Government announced that it was to create a housing bank to drive their ambition to build 1.5m new homes.

    Leader of Manchester City Council, Cllr Bev Craig has responded to this positive news. She said:

    “We welcome the news that the Government will be making an even greater investment in Manchester helping us to build the homes – and at scale – that our city needs. 

    “We have a track record in Manchester of being able to deliver on our commitment to providing new homes for residents and with the prospect of improved future investment alongside our local housing strategy, we are meeting our target of helping to deliver 36,000 new homes by 2032 – at least 10,000 of which will be for social rent, Council housing or genuinely affordable homes.

    “We look forward to continuing a strong partnership with Government and Homes England to help unlock some important residential opportunities in the coming years – including the future phases of the major Victoria North regeneration programme – that will support our residents into quality homes and onto the housing ladder.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Award-winning SEND Next Choices event returns to first direct arena Leeds

    Source: City of Leeds

    The award-winning ‘SEND Next Choices – getting ready for adult life’ event is returning to the First Direct Arena Leeds on Tuesday, June 24.

    Organised by Leeds City Council Employment and Skills service, this year’s event will feature more than eighty exhibitors offering advice on education, training, apprenticeships, support services and career opportunities.

    The fair will also feature a fun zone where visitors can try out exciting activities, including a climbing tower from West Leeds Activity Centre. Visitors to the morning session will also have the chance to meet Henry, Leeds City College’s cava-poo therapy dog. 

    The free-to-attend event, which won the Institute of Economic Development’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Award in 2024, is an opportunity for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, their parents, carers, support workers, and teachers to prepare for the next steps in adult life.

    There will also be the opportunity to attend information sessions and meet people from over eighty organisations who can offer transition support as the children move into adult life. 

    This year’s exhibitors include Leeds City College, University Centre Leeds, Disability Action Yorkshire, Lighthouse Futures Trust, JCT600 Limited, The Kings Trust, Specialist Autism Services and many more.

    Leeds City Council executive member for economy, culture and education, Councillor Jonathan Pryor, said: “Leeds is an inclusive city that has a wealth of opportunities for everyone to achieve their full potential. 

    “The SEND Next Choices event is the perfect way for young people with special educational needs and disabilities to plan toward achieving that potential, as was recently recognised at the 2024 National Institute of Economic Development awards.

    “I encourage any young people with special educational needs and disabilities who are looking at what comes next to book tickets and come along to find out the wide range of options available to them.”

    The SEND Next Choices event is free to attend, but tickets are limited. You can find out more information and book your tickets by visiting: https://www.universe.com/events/send-next-choices-getting-ready-for-adult-life-2025-tickets-4FKVW6?utm_source=schools+and+councillors&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=SEND25

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Blackness Road housing development

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A TENDER to build 24 new flats on a prominent corner site in the West End of Dundee, is set to be discussed by councillors next week.

    More than £8.5m has been set aside to fund the project, at Blackness Road/Glenagnes Road, which could provide six wheelchair accessible one-bedroom flats and 18 two-bedroom properties.

    Kevin Cordell, convener of the neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee said: “There has been a longstanding commitment to redevelop this site, which this tender delivers on.

    “The development goes towards meeting the need for increased investment in affordable housing developments to ensure that all residents have access to secure, energy efficient and sustainable homes suitable now and in the future.”

    Lynne Short, the committee’s deputy convener added: “Developments like this help to deliver our ongoing commitment to our communities by providing wheelchair accessible properties.

    “The resilient and empowered communities we are striving for in Dundee only come about through inclusivity and with quality of life for all our citizens being a key priority, these homes help to achieve that.”

    Following the traditional tenements of its neighbours the proposed design will be sympathetic to the surrounding area and use enhanced foundation detailing and retaining wall structures.

    The development benefits from high performing insulation and a heating system comprising a hybrid air source heat pump and aligns with Dundee City Council’s commitment to providing affordable homes and supporting the wider community.

    Dundee City Council Housing Revenue Account will meet £5,201,918.54 of the £8.527m total, with Scottish Government Affordable Housing Investment Grant provisionally agreeing to fund £2,326,000.00 and Council Tax income from second homes, meeting the rest.

    The neighbourhood regeneration, housing and estate management committee, which meets on Monday, will be asked to approve awarding the tender to Clark Contracts Limited. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –