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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Celebrates Famed American Cyclist Greg LeMond as He Receives Congressional Gold Medal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Senator Cortez Masto helped pass legislation to award former Reno resident Greg LeMond a Congressional Gold Medal

    Washington, D.C. – Following the 2020 passage of the Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act, supported by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-Nev.), Greg LeMond was today awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress. The ceremony was hosted by Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.

    “I’m thrilled that Nevada’s own Greg LeMond – an icon to cycling fans worldwide – has been recognized for not only his contributions to the sport, but to his community,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Exemplifying both Nevadans’ independence and a devotion to community, he has contributed his time and effort to so many important causes, from childhood sports to victims of sexual assault to those suffering from childhood illnesses. Greg is the model for what the Congressional Gold Medal should stand for.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Gregory James LeMond was born in California but raised near Reno, Nevada, where he spent much of his time outdoors. He attended Earl Wooster High School in Reno. At age 18, he became the youngest cyclist in the history of the sport to be selected for the United States men’s Olympic team. Greg first competed in the Tour de France in 1984, finishing third, deputizing himself to boost his teammates toward victory. In the 1986 Tour de France, he defeated the field by more than three full minutes, becoming the first American and the first non-European to win cycling’s most prestigious race. In 1987, while recovering from a broken wrist and collarbone, Greg was tragically shot during a turkey hunting accident, leaving him in intensive care and requiring the removal of over 40 shotgun pellets from his abdomen. Following multiple surgeries, Greg mounted a comeback, winning the 1989 Tour de France by eight seconds in the closest finish in the history of the Tour. Greg went on to win a third Tour de France victory in 1990.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Cut Down on Medicare Waste, Fraud, Abuse

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act which will use predictive modeling to cut down on the waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare system while also protecting people’s privacy and access to care.

    “New technologies allow for innovative ways to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and safeguard taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill takes a common-sense approach to protecting seniors and Medicare as a whole by identifying possible fraudulent activity while also providing appropriate privacy protections, human review, and protection of the benefits that seniors have paid into and deserve.”

    “Artificial intelligence has set our nation at the precipice of the next great American revolution, and harnessing AI’s power to identify potential waste, fraud, and abuse will help strengthen the Medicare system for those who depend on it and ensure our taxpayer dollars are being well spent. I’m glad to lead this bipartisan bill to utilize cutting edge technology to help America’s seniors and protect Medicare benefits,” said Senator Schmitt.

    The Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act would create a pilot program for testing a risk-scoring algorithm to provide oversight of payments for durable medical equipment and clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under the Medicare program. The predictive algorithm would assign a risk score to transactions, which would then be sent for review to the Inspector General’s office. High risk scores would be assigned to claims billed at a rate or style deemed irregular. This would allow human inspectors to prioritize reviews of transactions most likely to be fraudulent. Medicare beneficiaries can opt-in to the program, so Medicare payment data is only obtained by the pilot with consent.

    Senator Hassan is working to cut waste, fraud, and abuse and save taxpayer dollars. In April, in her role as Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, Senator Hassan helped lead a hearing focused on ways to use artificial intelligence and data to improve government efficiency.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Scott, Cassidy, Paul Release Legislative Package Empowering Independent Workers to Access Portable Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Cassidy M.D. (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) unveiled a legislative package modernizing federal labor law to empower 27 million independent workers to access portable workplace benefits, like health care and retirement. The package will also provide consistency and clarity in how an independent contractor is defined, making it easier for workers to find jobs that allow for flexibility and independence. 
    “Empowering our workers with modern tools and flexible opportunities is essential for strengthening our economy and ensuring they can succeed in today’s dynamic job market. The Modern Worker Empowerment Act reflects our commitment to innovation, flexibility, and growth for all Americans,” said Senator Scott. 
    “Outdated labor laws should not prevent workers from receiving health care or saving for a secure retirement,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Modernizing our federal labor laws ensures all independent workers can access workplace benefits without losing their flexibility to work how and when they want.” 
    “The Association Health Plans Act gives small businesses and individuals the leverage to negotiate collectively for lower health insurance and lower drug prices. Additionally, the CBO previously estimated that 400,000 uninsured would gain coverage under AHPs and over 3 million people would switch coverage to AHPs,” said Dr. Paul.
    The vast majority of independent workers prefer alternative work arrangements to traditional [“9 to 5”] employment, and 80 percent of these workers would like access to workplace benefits. Yet decades-old federal labor and employment laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, prevent independent workers from accessing common workplace benefits. 
    The legislative package includes:  
    Cassidy’s Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers Act: Establishes a safe harbor under federal law for companies that would like to voluntarily provide benefits.
    Applies to any benefit or protection commonly provided to full-time employees, such as retirement and health care benefits. It also applies to emerging models where firms may pay into portable accounts, or any combination of those arrangements. 

    Scott’s Modern Worker Empowerment Act: Gives workers clarity and consistency by instituting a single employment test under federal law.  
    Paul’s Association Health Plans Act: Increases affordable health coverage options to millions of self-employed Americans and employees of small businesses by amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to give small business employees, sole proprietors, and gig workers the ability to aggregate together and access health insurance through Association Health Plans (AHPs). 
    Cassidy’s Independent Retirement Fairness Act: Empowers independent workers to participate in retirement plans, like pooled employer plans and single employee pension IRAs, that are already available under federal law. (Note: legislative text will be available shortly on the HELP Committee website)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Warren Demand Answers About Trump Administration Cuts to Agencies That Protect Seniors From Frauds And Scams

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024
    This week, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Elizabeth Warren, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, demanded answers from the Trump administration on the impact of federal cuts to agencies that protect seniors from financial frauds and scams. The senators’ letter follows the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report detailing the need to enhance protections against frauds and scams through coordination among federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Treasury Department, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
    Even after the release of GAO’s report, the Trump administration has continued efforts to gut these agencies. For example, in April, the administration fired about 1,500 CFPB employees—or almost 90% of the agency’s staff. The so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has also attempted to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs, decreasing personnel at the very agencies that GAO agrees are needed to protect older adults.
    “GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out-of-touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults,” the senators wrote. “We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.”
    American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024. Older Americans alone lost a record $4.8 billion to scammers last year, according to the FBI.
    The full text of the letter can be found here or below.
    Dear Mr. Dodaro,
    We write today to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) follow up on its report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams (GAO-25-107088). GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out of touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults. We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.
    American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, and scams can have a particularly devastating impact on the mental and financial health of older adults. Older adults are more likely to have accumulated savings and housing wealth, making them targets for scammers who “steal everything,” and leave the older adults “emotionally and financially ruined.” One older adult testified about a scam that cost her late husband his job, his self-confidence, and forced him to ration his medications – setbacks that contributed to his declining health. Another older adult testified that she could not repair her home, afford air conditioning, and had to turn off her refrigerator and stove after losing $39,000 in a scam. Even as elder scams are devastating, they are also difficult to investigate because of their global nature. Frequently, such scams combine the efforts of overseas criminal organizations with operatives in the United States.
    In April 2025, GAO released a report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams, that highlighted the scope of scams and the weaknesses in the federal government’s efforts to combat them. The report included several recommendations for the federal government, such as the need for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to lead an effort to develop a national strategy to counter scams. Many of the recommendations made it clear that agencies such as FBI, the Department of Treasury, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will need to work together to find solutions. The interagency cooperation envisioned by GAO’s report will require federal agencies that are well resourced and staffed with the proper expertise.
    Although there is a need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, President Trump has empowered efforts to decimate the very agencies leading the response. On January 20, 2025, President Trump established the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). The initial head of the DOGE, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, does not need to worry about his basic needs and lives a life of unfettered influence and power. Yet, Mr. Musk and his cronies at the DOGE set a goal of cutting $1 trillion from agencies that serve working class Americans, older adults, and people with disabilities. Efforts by the DOGE include attempts to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs. DOGE efforts also include drastic cuts at agencies with a role in addressing scams, such as the CFPB, which has been subjected to mass firings. Consequently, we seek GAO’s assistance in understanding how DOGE’s actions affect key agencies’ efforts to address frauds and scams in general and implement GAO’s report recommendations in particular.
    We understand that the DOGE’s efforts are ongoing and its efforts at the FBI, FTC, CFPB, the Department of Treasury, and the Federal Reserve may not be completed for many months. We also understand that GAO may receive some insight into the impact of DOGE’s actions at the five agencies when the agencies submit an action plan to Congress and GAO as part of the formal “180-day Letter” process that is in place for GAO recommendations to federal agencies. Therefore, we ask that GAO defer any work until it receives and initially analyzes the action plans from agencies that were targeted by the recommendations.
    Once the agency action plans have been received and analyzed by GAO, and the DOGE’s efforts are sufficiently completed, we request that GAO examine and report on the following issues:
    1. In its April 2025 report, GAO identified five key agencies that play a role in addressing frauds and scams. Since January 20, 2025, how has the ability of the five agencies to address frauds and scams been impacted by firings, resignations, buyouts, agency restructurings, and other actions undertaken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE?
    a. What changes have occurred at the five agencies a year or less following the actions taken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE, and what, if any, observable impact have those changes had on efforts to address frauds and scams?
    b. What impacts may the changes have over multiple years on the five agencies and their efforts to address frauds and scams?
    2. GAO’s April 2025 report included 16 recommendations for the federal government to improve its response to frauds and scams. How have the changes implemented by the Trump Administration and DOGE impacted the ability of the five agencies identified in the April 2025 report to implement GAO’s recommendations? Further, if efforts are made to reverse the changes at any of the five agencies, please describe the success of those efforts. Please include any barriers the agencies have faced to restaffing and restoring efforts to combat frauds and scams.
    We appreciate your attention to this request. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ranking Member Gillibrand’s staff with the Senate Special Committee on Aging or Ranking Member Warren’s staff with the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: “DONALD TRUMP’S ONE BIG UGLY LAW HURTS EVERYDAY AMERICANS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND REWARDS BILLIONAIRES”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Situation Room where he emphasized that House Democrats will continue pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people by the Trump administration and Rubber Stamp Republicans in Congress.

    WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, thanks so much for joining us. What do you think? What does this say about the relationship between President Trump and the Defense Secretary?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified Defense Secretary in American history, undermines the ability of the Department of Defense to keep the American people safe and Donald Trump should fire him, or Pete Hegseth should tender his resignation. That’s been clear and apparent for months. And it’s shocking to me that this charade continues to go on. Ukraine is an ally. Russia is a sworn enemy of the United States of America. And when you limit Ukraine’s ability to be successful in the war of aggression that Russia has launched against a sovereign country, you undermine America’s national security interests. And that’s highly problematic.

    WOLF BLITZER: Very strong words. Very strong words, I should just say. Trump says he’s now considering supporting a bill in the Senate that would impose punishing sanctions on Russia. Leader Jeffries, what do you make of the President’s change in tone against Russia and Vladimir Putin for that matter? And do you expect that these sanctions, this sanctions bill will ultimately come up for a vote?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s strong and bipartisan support for sanctions against Vladimir Putin and Russia, and it’s unfortunate that the Trump administration has spent months playing footsie with Vladimir Putin and some would suggest bending the knee to an enemy of this country. This war of aggression that Russia has launched against Ukraine is clear. It’s not just about territorial integrity. It’s a battle between democracy and autocracy, between freedom and tyranny, between truth and propaganda. And the United States of America should always stand on the side of democracy and freedom and truth. That means standing on the side of Ukraine until victory is won.

    WOLF BLITZER: So you would support these sanctions if, in fact, they’re passed?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Certainly need to take a look at the specifics of the sanctions, but I am a strong supporter of continuing to escalate and intensify the sanctions that have been previously put into place relative to Russia until they back down and, you know, withdraw from Ukraine and create a situation where Ukraine’s sovereignty can be restored and the killing of innocent civilians stops, including the killing of Ukrainian children that have been targeted by Russia and Vladimir Putin.

    WOLF BLITZER: And the Russians are now launching a record number of drones and other missiles against various civilian targets in Ukraine as we speak right now. I want to turn while I have you, Leader Jeffries, to the President’s major policy bill that he signed into law on July 4. All Congressional Democrats, of course, voted against it. What’s your biggest concern right now about the impact this legislation, which is now the law—he signed it into law—will have?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Law hurts everyday Americans all across the country and rewards billionaires. It’s an unprecedented assault on the healthcare of the American people. Hospitals will close, including in rural America. Nursing homes will shut down. Community-based health clinics will no longer be able to operate. And as a result of so many people losing coverage in different ways, people are going to die all across this country. This bill also rips food away from the mouths of children. And all of this is being done to reward their billionaire donors. And by the way, it’s also going to set us on a course toward possibly bankrupting the nation by adding trillions of dollars to America’s debt, which is already far too high. We’re going to tattoo this law on the foreheads of every single House Republican who voted against the best interests of the people that they represent in doing the bidding of supporting this bill and continuing to rubber stamp Donald Trump’s extreme agenda.

    WOLF BLITZER: Your fellow Democrats have signaled they intend to make the Medicaid cuts—and there are enormous Medicaid cuts in this new law—a key issue in next year’s midterm elections. But the bill was designed so that those cuts won’t actually happen until after the midterm elections. Given that, Leader Jeffries, will this bill really have as big of an impact on the midterms as some Democrats are saying?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, this is not about politics. It’s about policy. And Republicans have supported a policy which involves the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. And by setting this massive cut into motion, it lays the conditions for the collapse of the Medicaid system in many ways. So this is a big challenge. And also, Wolf, it’s important to recognize that this bill also will rip coverage away from millions of Americans because of changes that were made to the Affordable Care Act. It also goes after Medicare, possibly a cut that could be set into motion by more than $500 billion and it also represents an attack on the Children’s Health Insurance Program and on Planned Parenthood. So it’s an all-out assault on healthcare and it is going to have real consequences for the American people, and that will be felt, in many ways, immediately.

    WOLF BLITZER: Many of your Democratic colleagues are facing angry voters back in their districts. According to Axios, some are even being told they need to be more willing to go out there and get shot when fighting—that was a direct quote, get shot—when fighting back against some of Trump’s policies. One House Democrat saying, quote, and I’ll read it to you, ‘Our own base is telling us that what we’re doing is not good enough. There needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public.’ How do you respond to that, Leader Jeffries? Are Democrats not meeting the moment, not doing enough to fight these developments?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we are in a more is more environment in terms of the unprecedented assault on the American way of life and our country that has been launched by Donald Trump and compliant House Republicans—more speeches, more rallies, more protests, more sit-ins, more press conferences, more town hall meetings in Democratic districts and Republican districts. We’re in a more is more environment and we’ll continue to lean in aggressively. At the same period of time, we also are going to span out across the country and talk to the American people about our affirmative vision of making their life better. Imagine a country where everyone can afford to live the good life—a good-paying job, good healthcare, good housing, good education for your children and a good retirement. That’s what Democrats are working hard to bring about. When you work hard in America and when you play by the rules, you should be able to afford to live the good life. And far too many people are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. That’s unacceptable in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.

    WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, I also want to talk to you about Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for Mayor in New York City. CNN has new reporting that some progressives who empowered Mamdani to victory now want to primary you and other Democrats in New York City. The co-chair of New York City’s Democratic Socialists of America says he thinks you’re picking fights, quote, ‘with the left,’ instead of focusing ‘on fighting the right.’ His words. Asked whether Mamdani thinks those incumbent challenges should happen, his Press Secretary told CNN he was declining to comment, at least for now. How do you respond?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: I have no idea what these people are talking about. We are going to continue to focus our efforts, as we did on the House Floor, in connection with Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill, on pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people. It’s clear to us, as House Democrats, it’s clear to us as Members of the New York City delegation, that the problem is Donald Trump and House Republicans who have launched this unprecedented assault on the American way of life, an assault on healthcare. They’re ripping food out of the mouths of children, veterans and seniors. They’re exploding the national debt. They’re unleashing masked agents on law-abiding immigrant communities. It shouldn’t be too difficult for some people to figure out who the problem is in the United States of America.

    WOLF BLITZER: The Democratic Leader, the Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Thanks, as usual, for joining us.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

    Full interview can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Calls for Protection of National Parks; Highlights Threats They Face

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    This week, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), concluded his tenth Climate Change Tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and announced the re-introduction of his National Parks protection legislation, the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act.

    “For a decade, my National Park Climate Change Tours have allowed us a firsthand look at how climate change damages our parks’ plants, wildlife, and waterways. During our visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I visited places like Chilhowee Lake and learned about habitat restoration efforts to protect endangered fish populations and ensure ecological diversity,” said Quigley. “This year, we also spent time visiting with nearby towns that were hit by Hurricane Helene, where we discussed the importance of federal services to rebuilding and fighting severe weather. The Great Smoky Mountains are ultimately just one of the many national treasures threatened by extreme weather, rising carbon emissions, and plastic pollution. We all have to work together to fight that threat.”

    Last month, Trump’s Secretary of the Interior, Doug Bergum, reversed the Interior Department’s policy to phase out single-use plastics across national parks and other public lands. The Biden policy, modeled after Obama-era guidelines, banned the sale and distribution of unnecessary single-use plastic products, like bottles and plastic foam foodware, in protected areas. 

    The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would restore Biden’s policy, codifying a call for the National Park Service to decrease the availability of single-use plastics in parks. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

    “Oregonians and Americans love our national parks, but instead of protecting them from dangerous plastic pollution, Secretary Burgum is dead set on reopening the floodgates to plastic in our parks,” said Senator Merkley, Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. “Single-use plastics threaten our natural treasures and the ability of folks to enjoy their beauty. As the Trump Administration continues to recklessly endanger natural wonders and wildlife nationwide—just like during the first administration—I’ll keep fighting to protect and preserve our parks and public lands so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

    “Our national parks should be full of scenic views and free of plastic pollution,” said Christy Leavitt, Campaign Director at Oceana. “Reducing single-use plastics in our national parks is a win for wildlife and the millions of visitors who come to enjoy these remarkable places. Plastics can persist in our oceans and environment for years and years, fouling the landscape and harming fragile ecosystems. We applaud Sen. Merkley and Rep. Quigley for closing the floodgates of plastic pollution and standing up for plastic-free parks.”

    “We greatly appreciate Rep. Quigley’s enduring leadership in helping to ensure that the National Park Service takes action to reduce plastic disposable waste in our parks, ” said Madeleine Foote, Healthy Communities Program Director at the League of Conservation Voters. “The Park Service had made considerable progress towards their goal of eliminating single-use plastics by 2032, and it’s incredibly disappointing to see this new administration reversing course. We commend Rep. Quigley, and other members like him, who are working to protect our public lands, waters, and special places for generations to come.”

    During his Climate Change Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains, Quigley and U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) saw the impacts of climate change on our National Parks firsthand. They also learned from subject matter experts about the tactics deployed to combat the effects of climate change and the measures that could be implemented going forward to help adapt to coming climate impacts. The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act is just one federal initiative that will help these experts in their mission to preserve our nation’s precious natural treasures.

    “Our national parks are among our most important American treasures,” said Representative Casten. “I was honored to join my colleagues this past week in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see local efforts to preserve crucial ecosystems and ensure that our parks will be around for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. I also appreciated hearing directly from folks managing the recovery and rehabilitation efforts following Hurricane Helene and look forward to taking what we learned back to Washington to help mitigate the next climate-driven extreme weather disaster.”

    “Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park made one thing clear: our national parks represent the best of America — clean air, clear water, thriving wildlife, and shared spaces for all of us to enjoy. But Trump’s Interior Department would rather flood them with single-use plastics than protect these national treasures. We should be investing in resilience, restoration, and partnerships that strengthen these lands—not selling them out to polluters,” said Representative Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “I’m proud to back Rep. Quigley’s Reducing Waste in National Parks Act to keep plastics out of our parks and ensure future generations inherit public lands that are healthy and thriving.”

    The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would:

    • Restore the previous Interior Department policy of phasing out single-use plastic products across national parks and other public lands. 
    • Decrease the availability of single-use plastic products, like bottles and plastic foam foodware, in protected areas by banning their sale and distribution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Statement on the Passage of Trump’s Big Ugly Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement after voting no on the Trump-Republican Big Ugly Bill:

    “There is nothing beautiful about this bill. No American will be untouched by the damage it will do to our communities. Seventeen million Americans will lose access to healthcare. Nine rural hospitals in Illinois are at risk of closing. Over 200,000 Illinois residents will lose access to SNAP food benefits. Illinois families will pay $400 more a year for energy. All of this, while ballooning our national debt by at least $3 trillion.

    “Disturbingly, Republicans seem to know exactly how harmful this bill is because dozens of them pledged to oppose it. Just yesterday, the House came to a standstill for over eight hours because the House Freedom Caucus attempted to negotiate changes to the bill. They failed. Today, those members voted for the unchanged bill anyway.

    “The bottom line is that Republicans are willing to sacrifice their constituents to keep Donald Trump happy. But I am laser-focused on protecting the residents of Illinois’ Fifth District and doing everything I can to safeguard Medicaid, SNAP, and every benefit that keeps Americans safe and healthy.

    “I firmly believe that years from now, we will look back in disbelief and shame at the United States Congress for passing such a harmful bill.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: New Analysis of Five Major U.S. LNG Export Projects Finds Every One Fails the “Climate Test” 

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    For Immediate Release 

    July 9, 2025

    Contacts: Katie Nelson, Greenpeace USA, [email protected], +1 (678) 644-1681, (GMT -8)

    Rebecca Stoner, Oil Change International, [email protected], +1 (917) 561-2607, (GMT -4)

    As the Trump administration barrels forward with its pro-fossil fuel agenda, and European and Asian governments and financial institutions debate whether to increase investments in U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) projects, a report published today by Greenpeace USA, Earthworks, and Oil Change International highlights the climate threats and financial risks posed by five major new liquefied gas export projects proposed for the United States Gulf Coast, all but one of them still awaiting a final investment decision. 

    “What we found was crystal clear – any further investment in LNG is not compatible with a livable climate,” says Andres Chang, Senior Research Specialist at Greenpeace USA and lead author of the report. “The massive growth in infrastructure along the Texas and Louisiana Gulf Coast has already created significant public health and ecosystem impacts, threatening entire coastal communities. But it doesn’t stop there. We believe this report shows that if built, these projects would put global climate goals even further out of reach.” 

    The report analyzes five major U.S. LNG projects – Venture Global CP2, Cameron LNG Phase II, Sabine Pass Stage V, Cheniere Corpus Christi LNG Midscale 8-9 [1], and Freeport LNG Expansion – and finds that each and every one fails a “climate test” derived from models in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2024 LNG Export public interest studies. Contrary to industry claims, the report shows that decreasing methane venting and leaking during gas drilling, transportation, and liquefaction is not enough to make these projects “climate neutral.” 

    “Focusing the Department of Energy’s model on individual US LNG terminals that are yet to be built, we found that they all result in increased greenhouse gas emissions because they pollute the climate, displace renewable energy, and drive up gas demand,” says Lorne Stockman, Oil Change International Research Director and report co-author. “It is very clear that governments, investors, and insurers must stop supporting the reckless LNG buildout now and instead invest in a rapid and just transition to renewable energy that will protect our communities from toxic pollution and climate-fueled superstorms.” 

    Future administrations could revoke export authorizations that were rubber-stamped under Trump based on their failure to pass the DOE “climate test,” which introduces a new layer of uncertainty to these already-risky projects. This report adds to a rapidly growing body of evidence that financing U.S. LNG is not a sound decision for insurers, investors, or purchasers – something the EU and America’s Asian allies must keep in mind as President Trump pressures them to increase their imports of U.S. LNG under threat of sweeping tariffs. “Countries with climate commitments, such as those in the EU, should be very wary of the climate cost of importing US LNG,” says Dr. Dakota Raynes, Senior Manager of Research, Policy, and Data at Earthworks and report co-author.

    “Fossil fuel dependency has long externalized its true costs, forcing communities to bear the burden of pollution, sickness, and economic instability,” says James Hiatt, founder and director of For a Better Bayou. “For decades the oil and gas industry has known about the devastating health and climate impacts of its operations, yet it continues to expand, backed by billions in private and public financing. These harms are not isolated – they’re systemic, and they threaten all of us. This report is a call to conscience. It’s time we stop propping up deadly false solutions and start investing in a transition to energy systems that sustain life, not sacrifice it.”

    Notes:

    Read the full report here. 

    A recording of yesterday’s press briefing with authors, community members, and other subject experts can be found here. 

    [1] As of the drafting of the report, all five were awaiting a final investment decision. On June 24, 2025, Cheniere Corpus Christi LNG announced a positive final investment decision. 

    Greenpeace USA is part of a global network of independent campaigning organizations that use peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. Greenpeace USA is committed to transforming the country’s unjust social, environmental, and economic systems from the ground up to address the climate crisis, advance racial justice, and build an economy that puts people first. Learn more at www.greenpeace.org/usa.

    Oil Change International campaigns to expose the true costs of fossil fuels and facilitate the ongoing transition towards clean energy. Oil Change International is dedicated to identifying and overcoming barriers to that transition.
    Earthworks protects communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Public Service Committee Welcomes Treasury Reviews, Urges Swift Action to Professionalise and Clean Up Government

    Source: APO


    .

    The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration today welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, to institute three critical spending reviews aimed at improving the efficiency, integrity and developmental impact of government expenditure.

    The reviews, announced during the minister’s budget vote debate, will focus on standardising the remuneration of executives and board members of public entities, auditing and eliminating ghost workers and investigating the persistent underspending and delivery failures associated with infrastructure conditional grants at the provincial and municipal levels.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Jan de Villiers, said these reviews are not only welcome but long overdue. They echo the committee’s consistent calls for a professionalised public service, one that is results-based, provides value for public money, and adopts a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, waste and political patronage. “We support the development of a standardised remuneration framework for public entity executives and board members. Salaries must be fair, transparent and directly linked to the entity’s mandate, complexity and performance. There can be no justification for exorbitant pay packages where service delivery is in crisis or entities are failing,” said Mr de Villiers.

    On the issue of ghost workers, the Chairperson reaffirmed the committee’s view that this is not a minor administrative flaw but a form of organised, systemic corruption that siphons off public funds and undermines trust in the state. “These are not invisible names on paper – these are real funds stolen from the public. The committee calls for these audits to lead to consequences. We want to see prosecutions, dismissals and systemic reform. The committee will continue to monitor this process closely, and a joint oversight meeting with Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) is scheduled for the third quarter of 2025,” he said.

    The committee also welcomed broader government efforts to professionalise the state, including the digitisation of human resource and payroll systems, the introduction of lifestyle audits and the rollout of skills audits within departments. This followed a briefing by the DPSA and the National School of Government this morning on government’s progress in digitising the public service and aligning training and upskilling with departmental needs.

    “The creation of a professional, merit-based and non-partisan public service is both constitutionally mandated and essential to improving service delivery for all South Africans. Skills audits are particularly critical as they allow us to assess whether departments are staffed appropriately and whether officials have the qualifications and competencies needed to fulfil their mandates,” said Mr de Villiers.

    Responding to this morning’s briefing, the Chairperson said digitisation and upskilling will help empower officials and drive improved service delivery, particularly in under-resourced areas. “We must know not just who is employed in the public service, but whether they are fit for purpose. Skills audits, alongside digital transformation and standardised pay, create an opportunity to reconfigure departments to meet the needs of the public better. Where upskilling is required, it must be supported. Where restructuring is needed, it must be done responsibly,” he said.

    The committee remains committed to actively overseeing these reviews, focusing on results rather than rhetoric. We are planning a joint meeting with the Department of Public Service and Administration and National Treasury in the third quarter of 2025 to obtain further updates, including a detailed progress update on the ghost worker audit, implementation of lifestyle audits and alignment between performance and pay in the public sector, as well as consequence management for those involved in fraud and maladministration.

    “We will not allow these reviews to become another policy gesture. They must be executed with urgency, rigour and public accountability,” the Chairperson said.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Directive From the Speaker’s Office on General Mkhwanazi’s Allegations

    Source: APO


    .

    The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has received the directive from the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, mandating three committees to consider, on an urgent basis, in terms of their respective mandates, the wide-ranging allegations regarding security matters that have implications for the country’s national security made by the KZN Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and then report to the National Assembly.

    ”The mandate is clear and the committee will endeavour to urgently conclude the necessary processes to determine the parameters, format and structure of the envisaged process,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

    But of outmost importance is the need for urgency in finalising modalities to set the process in motion. To this end, a legal opinion, which has already been requested, is necessary to ascertain the best possible approach.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Support Veterans Exposed to Radiation and Toxins While Serving in Nevada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced a bill to ensure servicemembers and veterans who served at classified locations within the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) since 1951 are able to prove that they served there, and can finally get the PACT Act benefits they deserve following exposure to radiation and toxins. 
    From the 1950s through the 1990s, the NTTR – and the Nevada Test Site contained within it – conducted over 900 explosive nuclear weapons tests and other dangerous, toxic activities. Currently, due to issues with the classified nature of their location while serving, veterans who served at the NTTR are unable to prove their service there to the VA and, therefore, are unable to receive care and benefits connected with exposure to radiation and toxins from burn pits. The Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act would help to correct a historic wrong and inequity by officially recognizing the risk that veterans assumed during their service at the NTTR, and other Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities, where DOE employees are already automatically presumed to have been exposed, while the servicemembers who served alongside them are not. Senator Rosen also worked to secure commitments from multiple high-ranking military officials to address this care gap.
    “Veterans have been exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals as a result of their selfless service to our nation, and the least we can do is ensure they get the treatment they need,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bill to recognize the radiation and toxic exposure experienced at the Nevada Test and Training Range so our veterans can access the care and benefits they deserve. It is unconscionable that one U.S. government agency deems portions of the range as contaminated and their personnel exposed, while another U.S. government agency does not. I’ll continue working to make sure we take care of our veterans and their loved ones.”
    “As a nation, it is our obligation to take care of all veterans once their service has ended,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This is especially true for veterans of the Nevada Test and Training Range, who faced toxic exposure daily as part of their duties and should have parity with their civilian counterparts. I will continue to push for these brave men and women to receive the care and benefits they’re due.”
    “Today, after decades of denial by our own government, the veterans who were exposed to toxic radiation and materials on the Nevada Test and Training Range are closer than ever to getting the recognition and benefits they’ve earned,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of The Invisible Enemy, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans who have experienced toxic exposure at the Nevada Test and Training Range. “We thank Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto for making the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act a legislative priority in the U.S. Senate, and all of our allies in Congress who are dedicated to righting this wrong, and securing justice for the brave men and women who risked their lives and lost their lives fighting this invisible enemy.”
    The FORGOTTEN Veterans Act would: 

    Classify the Nevada Test and Training Range as contaminated.
    Require the Department of Defense (DOD) to document all exposures, including those that occur domestically, into the servicemember’s Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record, so it can be seen by the VA when servicemembers transition to civilian life, while still protecting the classified nature of the location of their service. 
    Require the Secretary of the Air Force to identify all those who served within the NTTR since January 27, 1951, establish a process for servicemembers and veterans to provide proof of their assignment within the NTTR, and make all efforts to identify individuals, without requiring them to submit evidence of their stationing.
    Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for DOD personnel who served at any Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities – such as those within the NTTR – where DOE employees have a presumption of exposure and are covered under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. One such DOE-covered facility within the NTTR is the Tonopah Test Range, which is both a DOE and DOD installation. 
    Add service at military installations within the NTTR to the list of recognized “radiation-risk activities” under VA law, dating back to January 27, 1951, including veterans who participated in the development, construction, operation, or maintenance of military installations at NTTR—beyond just nuclear test observers.
    Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who served on or above NTTR, easing the burden of proof in VA claims.
    Expand presumptive conditions for service connection by adding lipomas and tumor-related conditions to the list of automatically presumed service-connected illnesses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Support Veterans Exposed to Radiation and Toxins While Serving in Nevada

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced a bill to ensure servicemembers and veterans who served at classified locations within the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) since 1951 are able to prove that they served there, and can finally get the PACT Act benefits they deserve following exposure to radiation and toxins. 
    From the 1950s through the 1990s, the NTTR – and the Nevada Test Site contained within it – conducted over 900 explosive nuclear weapons tests and other dangerous, toxic activities. Currently, due to issues with the classified nature of their location while serving, veterans who served at the NTTR are unable to prove their service there to the VA and, therefore, are unable to receive care and benefits connected with exposure to radiation and toxins from burn pits. The Fighting for the Overlooked Recognition of Groups Operating in Toxic Test Environments in Nevada (FORGOTTEN) Veterans Act would help to correct a historic wrong and inequity by officially recognizing the risk that veterans assumed during their service at the NTTR, and other Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities, where DOE employees are already automatically presumed to have been exposed, while the servicemembers who served alongside them are not. Senator Rosen also worked to secure commitments from multiple high-ranking military officials to address this care gap.
    “Veterans have been exposed to radiation and toxic chemicals as a result of their selfless service to our nation, and the least we can do is ensure they get the treatment they need,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing this bill to recognize the radiation and toxic exposure experienced at the Nevada Test and Training Range so our veterans can access the care and benefits they deserve. It is unconscionable that one U.S. government agency deems portions of the range as contaminated and their personnel exposed, while another U.S. government agency does not. I’ll continue working to make sure we take care of our veterans and their loved ones.”
    “As a nation, it is our obligation to take care of all veterans once their service has ended,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This is especially true for veterans of the Nevada Test and Training Range, who faced toxic exposure daily as part of their duties and should have parity with their civilian counterparts. I will continue to push for these brave men and women to receive the care and benefits they’re due.”
    “Today, after decades of denial by our own government, the veterans who were exposed to toxic radiation and materials on the Nevada Test and Training Range are closer than ever to getting the recognition and benefits they’ve earned,” said Dave Crete, Chairman of The Invisible Enemy, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans who have experienced toxic exposure at the Nevada Test and Training Range. “We thank Senators Rosen and Cortez Masto for making the FORGOTTEN Veterans Act a legislative priority in the U.S. Senate, and all of our allies in Congress who are dedicated to righting this wrong, and securing justice for the brave men and women who risked their lives and lost their lives fighting this invisible enemy.”
    The FORGOTTEN Veterans Act would: 
    Classify the Nevada Test and Training Range as contaminated.
    Require the Department of Defense (DOD) to document all exposures, including those that occur domestically, into the servicemember’s Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record, so it can be seen by the VA when servicemembers transition to civilian life, while still protecting the classified nature of the location of their service. 
    Require the Secretary of the Air Force to identify all those who served within the NTTR since January 27, 1951, establish a process for servicemembers and veterans to provide proof of their assignment within the NTTR, and make all efforts to identify individuals, without requiring them to submit evidence of their stationing.
    Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for DOD personnel who served at any Department of Energy (DOE) Covered Facilities – such as those within the NTTR – where DOE employees have a presumption of exposure and are covered under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act. One such DOE-covered facility within the NTTR is the Tonopah Test Range, which is both a DOE and DOD installation. 
    Add service at military installations within the NTTR to the list of recognized “radiation-risk activities” under VA law, dating back to January 27, 1951, including veterans who participated in the development, construction, operation, or maintenance of military installations at NTTR—beyond just nuclear test observers.
    Establish a presumption of toxic exposure for veterans who served on or above NTTR, easing the burden of proof in VA claims.
    Expand presumptive conditions for service connection by adding lipomas and tumor-related conditions to the list of automatically presumed service-connected illnesses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work begins at state-of-the-art weather centre headquarters

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Work begins at state-of-the-art weather centre headquarters

    Construction has begun on the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, marked by a breaking ground ceremony on Wednesday 9 July.

    Left to right: Jonathan Richards – Project Director, Mace, Andy Brown – Director of Research, ECMWF, Mark Bourgeois – CEO, the GPA, Lord Vallance – Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office and President of the ECMWF Council and Professor Van De Noort CBE – Vice Chancellor, University of Reading

    Construction has begun on a new cutting-edge facility for meteorological research and forecasting, marked by a breaking ground ceremony.

    The event took place today (July 9) at the site of the new headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus, led by Lord Vallance, Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology. 

    Also in attendance were key stakeholders in the project including ECMWF Directors, Penny Endersby, CEO of the Met Office and President of ECMWF Council, Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the Government Property Agency (GPA) which is delivering the scheme, and representatives of the University of Reading, Mace – design and build construction partners, project advisors AtkinsRéalis and BDP – the architects.

    Construction of the modern, accessible and highly sustainable headquarters, which is being funded through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), is expected to be ready for occupation in early 2027. 

    ECMWF will move from its existing premises in Reading, where it has been for half a century, to the new headquarters. Once operational the building will accommodate up to 300 scientists and staff to support world-leading work on all aspects of weather prediction systems, forecast production and research into climate change. The state-of-the-art facility will support the use of the latest advances made in areas such as data assimilation, earth system modelling, predictability and reanalysis to improve weather predictions and understanding of climate.

    UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

    The UK is proud to continue to host the headquarters of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. This state-of-the-art facility places the UK at the heart of international efforts that are helping us to make better sense of our weather and climate.

    By improving our weather predictions we can optimise our energy consumption estimates, adjust transport schedules effectively and give our farmers time to prepare for extreme weather – helping people and businesses to save money, cut energy use and stay safe.

    With the university’s Department of Meteorology and parts of the UK Met Office, National Environment Research Council (NERC) National Centre for Atmospheric Sciences and NERC National Centre for Earth Observation all currently located within the university – and now the new ECMWF HQ – means the town of Reading is home to an exceptional cluster of weather, climate research and operational forecasting facilities.

    Florence Rabier, ECMWF Director General said: 

    After 50 years at Shinfield Park in Reading, we are pleased that this move to state-of-the-art sustainable premises will provide excellent facilities for our staff and visitors, and bring us even closer to many colleagues at the university.

    ECMWF is an intergovernmental organisation with 35 member and cooperating states that have built a strong international collaboration with each of these countries’ meteorological services. As well as traditional numerical weather prediction and research, together with our member and cooperating states, we are spearheading the artificial intelligence/machine learning revolution in weather science for the benefit and protection of citizens.

    Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO said:

    It is a landmark occasion to get construction underway of this new facility, which has been designed to industry-leading net zero carbon standards. This project is a perfect example of cross-government collaboration which will deliver a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient headquarters for ECMWF’s forecasting, research and training functions, retaining a world-leading scientific organisation and attracting long-term investment into the region.

    It’s another milestone for us at the GPA to deliver smart, modern, sustainable and digitally connected workplaces that focus on supporting productivity and wellbeing.

    For media enquiries, email: pressoffice@gpa.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM remarks at the British Museum: 9 July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    PM remarks at the British Museum: 9 July 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s remarks at the British Museum.

    It’s really fantastic to see you here and to just really take in this incredible place that is the British Museum, a world-class institution, which I’m really proud to say is also right in the heart of my constituencies, so welcome to my manor.

    Mr President, Emmanuel, Mrs Macron, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, you’re very, very welcome here and it is fantastic to see you. We have thousands of visitors here every day from all over the globe to admire the Museum’s incredible collection of world history all around us here, every single day. So it’s a real pleasure to welcome two special sets of guests this afternoon, our brilliant French guests and friends who are all here, but also young people representing the next generation and that is so important as we contemplate our history because I know just how important access to the arts, to culture and history is for the next generation.

    Its potential to spark the imagination. There’ll be very many people who come here and have their imagination sparked and that has put a light on for them and for so many other people to transform young people’s lives by bringing history and culture and art into it. And opening their eyes to new possibilities and opportunities and encourage them to reach the full extent of their ambitions and their talents. So no matter where you’re from or who you are, it’s here to bring us together to remind us of our shared history but also the common bonds that endure across languages, across borders and cultures – and that’s what today is all about, making sure that everyone can appreciate our incredible history, inviting young people to bridge our past and our future and igniting the passions and the talent of the next generation.

    And we are celebrating a brilliant initiative today. Everybody is walking around here with a smile on their face and when the President yesterday announced to both Houses what was going to be happening here there was a great cheer went up and that was representative I think of how this is being felt across the entire country.

    It is a brilliant initiative because what Emmanuel, my friend, announced yesterday, this cultural exchange between our two nations, two of the great treasures of our history, the priceless artefacts of Sutton Hoo, which we’ve just been to see upstairs, absolutely incredible story, incredible artefacts. And the Bayeux Tapestry, which means so much and again the smiles as people saw just the depiction on the wall behind me as we walked in tells you just how much this means. Because for Sutton Hoo 1,300 years ago in East Anglia, a wealthy man, we don’t know who it was, probably a King, was buried in a lavish funeral ceremony, an Anglo-Saxon era that of course was put to an end 300 years later by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings, but it is an incredible piece of history that we have here just imagining what that must have been like changing our perception of that era of history frankly and bringing so much learning to us, and of course the Battle of Hastings illustrated by the remarkable Bayeux Tapestry – the beginning of a thousand years of shared culture that is now defined by mutual admiration and kinship, as well of course by some healthy competition as anyone who was watching the Euros on Saturday will attest, but that history, that long history forms the foundation of the European continent as we know it today. Now both these treasures contain stories of war and of peace, of power and of politics, alliances and enemies that we still know all too well in our modern world. They show us how connected our countries have always been, they deepen our appreciation of our shared history and enrich the relationship between our two nations today because we are now entering a new era of world history, a time of huge change and turmoil that has led to insecurity for so many people and in this new world our alliances are in my view more important than ever.

    The strength and solidarity of countries that share the same values, the same aims, the same hope for the future so just as we stood together in the last century to bring peace to Europe and it was a real privilege, Emmanuel, to mark Armistice Day in France, walking with you the same route as Churchill and de Gaulle once walked. Thank you so much again for that invitation to be there at that very special moment and today the UK is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with France leading the coalition of the willing to support Ukraine, as well of course us working together to call for a sustainable peace in the Middle East. And at home we’re working together for our shared security and prosperity, creating jobs and growth for our people, tackling irregular migration, strengthening our defences to protect Europe from any threats, growing our economies and collaborating on the technologies of the future, and forging closer connections between our peoples with this cultural exchange, giving people across Britain the chance to admire a Bayeux Tapestry, and there will be so many people who will want to come here to see that as soon as they can, and people across France to enjoy the treasures of ancient England. Well timed for the thousandth anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth in 2027, so as we look back together today we are also inspired to look forward towards the future and remember that it is for us to write our own chapter of history now as two nations who forged peace, made our people better off and remain the strongest of allies and the closest of friends and on that note it is a pleasure to welcome my friend, Mr President, Emmanuel, to speak to you today.

    Thank you so much.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DfT issues warning about scam text messages asking people to pay fines

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    DfT issues warning about scam text messages asking people to pay fines

    People receiving text messages claiming to be from DfT should not click on any links or share financial details.

    The Department for Transport is aware of text messages claiming to be from the department asking people to pay fines for outstanding traffic tickets.

    This is a scam and was not sent by the department.

    Do not click on the link or share personal and financial details.

    If you have received this text or a similar one, please report it to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk or by forwarding it for free to 7726.

    Further advice on how to avoid and report internet scams and phishing is available on GOV.UK.

    News desk enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Parks Canada and British Columbia invest more than $8 million to improve ecological connectivity

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    From Parks Canada: 
    https://www.canada.ca/en/parks-canada/news/2025/07/parks-canada-and-british-columbia-invest-more-than-8-m-to-improve-ecological-connectivity.html

    Today, the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defense procurement, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced $5.3 million in federal funding to support an agreement to advance ecological corridor projects, nature conservation and Indigenous stewardship in British Columbia.

    The Honourable Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, announced that the Province of British Columbia is contributing an additional $3 million, further strengthening this collaborative effort to improve ecological connectivity.

    Many animals need to reach habitat well beyond the boundaries of protected areas to survive, and ecological connectivity is the movement of these wild species and the flow of natural processes through a landscape. With support from both governments, the Stewardship of Ecological Corridors in British Columbia agreement focuses on identifying, planning, and acting to improve movement through ecological corridors — linkages that connect natural habitats, including protected and conserved areas. Ecological corridors provide biodiversity and human well-being benefits and are vital for the long-term health of ecosystems.

    The project will build on existing natural resource programs and partnerships to promote and accelerate stewardship and conservation. It will advance ecological connectivity in areas of shared national, provincial, and Indigenous priority, and strengthen collaboration between all partners. Indigenous leadership and involvement are central to the approach, guiding planning and achieving on-the-ground action.

    This collaborative approach reflects the shared commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and honour Indigenous stewardship. It helps create connections that matter for wildlife, communities and generations to come.

    Through this investment, the Parks Canada National Program for Ecological Corridors and the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship are building a strong foundation for the long-term conservation of the diverse and changing landscapes in British Columbia.

    Quotes:

    The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages –

    “Protecting the rich biodiversity in Canada takes teamwork. The partnership between Parks Canada and the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship of British Columbia supports a core part of our identity as Canadians: nature. By elevating Indigenous stewardship and by working together, this important work on ecological corridors in British Columbia helps wildlife thrive, safeguards the health of ecosystems, and strengthens resilience to climate change for future generations – ensuring a sustainable, resilient future for nature and people across Canada.”

    The Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence procurement and member of Parliament for Kelowna, British Columbia –

    “This investment marks a powerful step forward in safeguarding the natural legacy in Canada and British Columbia. By fostering strong partnerships and uplifting Indigenous-led stewardship, we are not only protecting the land — we are honouring it. Here in Kelowna and across the province, reconnecting natural spaces strengthens ecosystems, supports wildlife, and nurtures a healthier, more resilient future for all who call this land home.”

    The Honourable Randene Neill, B.C. Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship –

    “Prioritizing biodiversity and ecosystem health is about more than protecting our natural spaces – it’s also about helping connect these spaces and removing barriers so that animals can move freely and safely. We’re working with Parks Canada to recognize important corridors, informed by science, Indigenous and local knowledge. Together, with many partners, we’re helping wildlife adapt to a changing climate and taking care of our natural spaces for future generations.”

    Quick Facts:

    • Ecological corridors deliver many benefits beyond biodiversity conservation and climate change adaptation. They contribute to sustainable livelihoods for local communities, they increase opportunities for people to connect with nature, and they promote human-wildlife coexistence.
    • Launched in 2022, Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors promotes the creation of ecological corridors in key areas across Canada.
    • Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors supports Indigenous leadership by recognizing Indigenous stewardship values as a priority goal for corridors. The program also supports Indigenous-led corridor initiatives and other initiatives that are engaging with and collaborating with local Indigenous communities.

    Related links:

    Parks Canada National Program for Ecological Corridors: https://parks.canada.ca/nature/science/conservation/corridors-ecologiques-ecological-corridors

    Ecological connectivity at Parks Canada: https://parks.canada.ca/nature/science/conservation/connectivite-connectivity

    Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/natural-resource-stewardship/tripartite-framework-agreement-on-nature-conservation

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Legislation Protecting Missouri’s Most Vulnerable Citizens

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JULY 9, 2025

    Jefferson City — This morning, Governor Mike Kehoe signed House Bills (HB) 121 and 737, and Senate Bill (SB) 43 into law, highlighting Missouri’s commitment to protecting the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

    “Today’s action on this legislation is about standing up for the most vulnerable Missourians; those who often times cannot advocate for themselves,” said Governor Kehoe. “Protecting these individuals is not just a priority, it’s a responsibility we all share, and we appreciate the General Assembly for sending this legislation to my desk. We must provide safety, support, and dignity to those who need it most.”

    HB 121, sponsored by Representative Jim Murphy and Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman, establishes the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund” for installing newborn safety incubators.  

    • Extends Missouri’s Safe Haven law and creates the “Safe Place for Newborns Fund,” giving parents in crisis a secure and anonymous option to safely surrender their child.
    • Establishes the Zero-Cost Adoption Fund to support families during the adoption process with non-recurring expenses and post-adoption assistance.
    • Expands tax credit programs that support maternity homes and diaper banks.

    HB 737, sponsored by Representative Melissa Schmidt and Senator Jamie Burger, modifies provisions relating to the protection of children.

    • Guarantees federal benefits are securely allocated to individual beneficiaries currently in the foster care system to help establish their future financial stability.
    • Strengthens legal options for families by establishing the “Child and Family Legal Representation Coordinating Commission,” to ensure families have uniform, high-quality legal representation.
    • Improves child and youth placement processes.

    SB 43, sponsored by Senator Travis Fitzwater and Representative Wendy Hausman, modifies provisions relating to protecting vulnerable persons.

    • Increases the protections and rights of children and vulnerable persons in legal proceedings.
    • Strengthens criminal provisions and penalties to help combat sexual abuse and trafficking in Missouri.
    • Expands tax credits to encourage more donations to organizations that help support children and youth.

    Governor Kehoe also signed Senator Ben Brown’s and Representative Jim Murphy’s SB 152, which bans foreign nationals from contributing donations to campaign committees for ballot measures, and Senator Rusty Black’s and Representative Cameron Parker’s SB 218, which modernizes court operations and enhances judicial efficiency, during an in-office signing ceremony.

    For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information bill signings, view Governor Kehoe’s schedule.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: Raising the Bar for Smartphones

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics today announced Galaxy Z Fold7, a device that brings together the best of Galaxy design, camera functionality and AI innovation in the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date. It delivers the premium performance and experience of an ultra smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded. And with the new One UI 8 as its foundation, it seamlessly integrates intelligent, multimodal agents optimized for the foldable form factor.
     

     
    “Galaxy Z Fold7 combines Galaxy AI with powerful hardware to deliver our most advanced smartphone experience yet,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “This next chapter of foldables brings together design and engineering, with AI built specifically for the foldable form. It gives people the ultra experience they want — powerful, immersive, intelligent, and portable all in one.”
     
    Ultra Sleek, Ultra Powerful
    Thinnest, Lightest Galaxy Z Fold
    Galaxy Z Fold7 is crafted for those who want the everyday portability and intuitive feel of a traditional smartphone, combined with the enhanced power and flexibility of a larger, unfolded display — all in one device. With its ultra-thin and light design and wider cover display, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a seamless on-the-go experience that makes typing and browsing effortless when it is folded.
     

    At just 215 grams,1 Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    It is just 8.9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded.2
    The device comes with a 6.5-inch3 Dynamic AMOLED 2X cover display, a wider screen4 with a new 21:9 aspect ratio.

     
    Most Expansive Screen on Galaxy Smartphone
    When unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes more than just a smartphone. It transforms into another device entirely and reveals an expansive screen that expands the workspace for editing, multitasking and immersive viewing — getting more out of Galaxy AI. The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation, providing even more screen real estate for content editing and multitasking across multiple apps.
     

    The 8-inch5 Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display offers ultra-rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant detail that makes everything pop — from movies to tabs open while multitasking.
    With Vision Booster and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, Galaxy Z Fold7 stays brilliantly visible even in direct sunlight.

     
    Looks Sleek, Built Tough
    Thin and light, Galaxy Z Fold7 is built to move with users, confidently. From repeated folding to being tossed in a bag, it’s engineered for everyday durability and built to last longer, with a restructured hinge and foldable display.
     

    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner and lighter,6 thanks to an enhanced water droplet design and newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing and strengthens durability by evenly dispersing stress.
    The cover display is made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2, a new glass ceramic that has crystals intricately embedded within its glass matrix.7 This secures the screen’s durability and crack deflection capabilities and delivers protection in a remarkably thin form factor.
    Advanced Armor Aluminum8 in the frame and hinge housing increases strength and hardness by 10%.
    The main display is restructured to be thinner and lighter — yet stronger. This was achieved by implementing the Titanium plate layer. Additionally, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) was increased to be 50% thicker, making the display tougher.

     
    The Most Powerful Processor Customized for Galaxy
    Under the hood, Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the best-in-class processor used in Galaxy devices. It’s uniquely customized and makes on-device AI processing tasks — like real-time language translation and Generative Edit — faster and more seamless.
     

    The Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy9 delivers performance boosts of 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% in GPU10 compared to the previous generation. This power fuels Galaxy Z Fold7’s ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise.

     
    Ultra 200MP Camera
    Ultra Detailed, Ultra Clear Photos11
    Galaxy Z Fold7 now brings the best of the Galaxy’s pro-grade camera experience to a foldable, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. Its high-resolution camera captures incredible detail, vibrant color and rich texture, pulling users back into every moment. AI-enhanced imaging automatically optimizes lighting, detail and realism, so photos and videos stay sharp and vivid, even in low light settings such as milestone dinners and late-night café scenes.
     

     

    Featuring the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail, producing images that are 44% brighter.
    The 10MP 100° camera on the main display expands the frame, so when users unfold their phone, it’s easy to capture group selfies, valuable moments and more of the world in a single shot.
    Samsung’s next-generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster, enabling every photo and video to be more crisp, vibrant and full of detail.
    With Night Video, intelligent motion detection now separates moving subjects from still backgrounds to reduce noise.
    10-bit HDR provides more color depth. The result is videos with richer color, deeper contrast and more lifelike detail, no matter the time of day.

     
    Creative Editing with Big Screen
    Galaxy Z Fold7 puts a pro-grade creative studio in users’ pocket, with AI-powered tools optimized for its large display. Users can capture stunning photos and videos and then edit with ease. From cleaning up clutter in product shots to removing background noise from café recordings, studio-quality enhancements can be done in a few easy steps. The intuitive and intelligent features on the Galaxy Z Fold7 make it effortless to transform photos and videos into pro-level content, with no extra tools required.
     

    Shots look flawless with Photo Assist,12 which moves, erases or enlarges objects and adjusts angles and fills in backgrounds with AI-powered precision. Users can seize vibrant expressions, including pet profiles with Portrait Studio13 and refine their photos using Galaxy’s enhanced Generative Edit. The ability to seamlessly remove distractions and fill in backgrounds has made Generative Edit a fan favorite, and now it’s even smarter. It offers proactive suggestions with the new Suggest Erases , which automatically detects passersby with the tap of a button.
    Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original enables real-time comparison of original images and edited versions on the large screen, making it easier to decide what to modify and what to keep.
    Audio Eraser14 has also been upgraded to be more intelligent and convenient. There’s a new toggle in Gallery, and it now proactively detects and removes unwanted background noise like wind or traffic from video recordings.

     
    Ultra AI Experience
    The Next Era of Galaxy AI15 on the Large Screen
    Galaxy Z Fold7 harnesses the power of the foldable display to amplify the power and convenience of AI, delivering experiences that are instinctive, adaptive and effortlessly efficient. With the new One UI 8 that is context-aware and naturally responsive, optimized for Galaxy Z Fold7’s flexible format and expansive screen offer a more intuitive and immersive way to interact with AI. There’s less jumping between apps and screens and more frictionless creativity and productivity happening seamlessly in one place.
     

     

    Designed as a true multimodal agent, One UI 816 seamlessly combines large-screen multitasking with intelligent tools that understand what users type, say and even see. And with an AI-powered camera and privacy built into every layer, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes a smart and secure personal assistant, ready to help anytime, anywhere.
    Launching with the all-new One UI 8 on Android 16, Galaxy Z Fold7 debuts Samsung’s latest AI-powered platform on foldables, delivering the latest Android experience straight out of the box.
    Gemini Live17 is now enhanced with multimodal AI that understands what users see, say and do, making it possible to seamlessly type or speak contextual questions and get answers without having to toggle back and forth between apps. And with screen sharing on Gemini Live or camera sharing on Gemini Live, you can simply show Gemini what users are looking at on the screen or on the camera, then ask questions to get instant insights.
    With Circle to Search,18 gaming tips appear exactly when and where you need them. Just circle an item on screen and get instant results, tips or tactics in a floating view that ensures a smooth, uninterrupted experience.
    With Galaxy AI Optimized for Large Screens, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers experiences that maximize the benefits of the expansive foldable display to boost productivity. AI Results View displays results from AI features in a separate Split View or in a Floating View, so the user’s original content remains unobstructed and visible. Users can be more efficient with Drag & Drop AI-generated content, including images and text, directly from Multi Window. With tools like Drawing Assist19 or Writing Assist,20 it’s easier than ever to move ideas and visuals, enabling a smoother creative process.

     
    Future-Ready Mobile Security
    As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalized AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP21). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi22. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.
     
     
    Availability & Offers
    Galaxy Z Fold7 will be available for pre-order starting July 9, with general availability beginning July 25. Galaxy Z Fold7 comes in23 Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack and Mint24 (online exclusive) color options.
     

     

     

     

     
    For your peace of mind, Samsung Care+25 offers comprehensive coverage for accidental damage, repairs, and replacements. Plus, for users who love having the latest technology, Samsung is introducing the New Galaxy Club.
     
    Get expanded access to Google AI Pro26and 2TB of cloud storage for 6 months at no cost with Galaxy Z Fold7.
     
    For more information about the Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE, please visit: Samsung Global Newsroom or Samsung.com.
     
     
    Specifications

    ​ Galaxy Z Fold7

    Display
    Main Screen
    8.0-inch QXGA+*
    Dynamic AMOLED 2X
    (2184 x 1968), 368ppi
    120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

    *Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold7’s Main Screen size is 8.0-inch in the full rectangle and 8.0-inch accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.

    Cover Screen
    6.5-inch FHD+
    Dynamic AMOLED 2X
    (2520 x 1080, 21:9), 422ppi
    120Hz adaptive refresh rate (1~120Hz)

    *Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold7’s Cover Screen size is 6.5-inch in a full rectangle and 6.5-inch accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.

    Dimension & Weight
    Folded
    72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm

    *Thickness of Galaxy Z Fold7 when folded measured from top to bottom of the glasses of Galaxy Z Fold7.

    Unfolded
    143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2mm

    *The thickness of Galaxy Z Fold7 when unfolded does not include the frame of the Main Screen.

    Weight
    215g

    Camera
    Cover Camera
    10MP Selfie Camera
    F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 85˚

    Front Camera
    10MP Main Camera
    F2.2, Pixel size: 1.12μm, FOV: 100˚

    Rear Triple Camera
    200MP Wide-angle Camera
    Quad Pixel AF, OIS, F1.7, Pixel size: 0.6μm, FOV: 85˚

    12MP Ultra-Wide Camera
    Dual Pixel AF, F2.2, Pixel size: 1.4μm, FOV: 120˚

    10MP Telephoto Camera
    PDAF, OIS, F2.4, Pixel size: 1.0μm, FOV: 36˚, 3X optical zoom

    *30X Space Zoom includes 3x Optical Zoom and 10x digital zoom with AI Super Resolution technology. Zooming in past 3x may cause some image deterioration

    AP
    Snapdragon® 8 Elite for Galaxy

    *Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

    Memory & Storage
    16GB Memory with 1TB internal storage
    12GB Memory with 512GB internal storage
    12GB Memory with 256GB internal storage

    *Availability may vary by market or channel. Actual storage space may vary by market, model, file size and format.

    Battery
    4,400mAh (typical) dual battery

    *Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated capacity is 4272mAh for Galaxy Z Fold7. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

    Charging
    Wired Charging*: Up to 50% charge in around 30 min. with 25W Adapter** and 3A USB-C cable***
    Fast Wireless Charging 2.0****
    Wireless PowerShare*****

    *Wired charging compatible with QC2.0 and AFC. Results from internal Samsung lab tests, conducted with 25W Travel Adapter while it has 0% of power remaining, with all the services, features and screen turned off. Actual charging speed may vary depending on the actual usage, charging conditions and other factors.
    **25W Power Adapter sold separately. Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables.
    ***Wireless charging compatible with WPC.
    ****Wireless PowerShare is limited to Samsung or other brand smartphones with WPC Qi wireless charging, such as Galaxy Z Fold7, Z Flip6, Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5, Galaxy Z Fold4, Z Flip4, S22 series, Z Fold3 5G, Z Flip3 5G, S21 FE 5G, S21 series, Z Fold2, Note20 series, S20 series, Z Flip, Note10 series, S10 series, S9 series, S8 series, S7 series, S6 series, Note9, Note8, Note FE, Note5, and wearables such as Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds2, Buds Pro, Buds Live, Watch6, Watch6 Classic, Watch5, Watch5 Pro, Watch4, Watch4 Classic, Watch3, Watch Active2, Watch Active, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Buds. May not work with certain accessories, covers, or other brand devices. May affect call reception or data services, depending on your network environment.

    Water Resistance
    IP48

    *Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1.5 meters of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach or pool use. Rinse residue/dry if wet. Water resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time because of normal wear and tear.

    Glass/Metal
    Cover
    Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2

    Back
    Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2

    Frame
    Advanced Armor Aluminum

    OS
    Android 16
    One UI 8

    Network & Connectivity
    5G*, LTE**, Wi-Fi 7***, Bluetooth® v5.4

    *Requires optimal 5G network connection, available in select markets. Check with your carrier for availability and details. Download and streaming speeds may vary based on content provider, server connection and other factors.
    **Availability of LTE model varies by market and carrier. Actual speed may vary depending on market, carrier, and user environment.
    ***Wi-Fi 7 network availability may vary by market, network provider and user environment. Requires optimal connection and a Wi-Fi 7 router.

    Sensors
    Capacitive Fingerprint sensor (side), Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro sensor, Geomagnetic sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Light sensor

    Security
    Samsung Knox with Samsung Knox Vault

    SIM Card
    Up to two Nano SIM* and Multi eSIM**

    *SIM card sold separately. Availability may vary depending on market and carrier.
    **eSIM availability may vary depending on software version, region and carrier. Check with your carrier if your mobile network plan supports eSIM.

    Colors
    Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet-black*
    [Samsung.com Exclusive] Mint**

    *Availability of color may vary by market, region or carrier.
    **Online exclusive colors only available on Samsung.com.

     
     
    1 Weight may vary by country or region.
    2 The thickness of Galaxy Z Fold7 when unfolded does not include the frame of the Main Screen.
    3 Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold7’s Cover Screen size is 6.5-inch in the full rectangle and 6.5-inch accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is smaller due to the rounded corners and camera hole.
    4 Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold series.
    5 Measured diagonally, Galaxy Z Fold7’s Main Screen size is 8.0-inch in the full rectangle and 8.0-inch accounting for the rounded corners; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.
    6 Compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold series.
    7 Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2 is applied to the front of the device and Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2 is applied to the rear.
    8 Advanced Armor Aluminum frame does not include volume and side keys, SIM tray or camera lens barrel.
    9 Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
    10 AP performance improvements shown compared to Galaxy Z Fold6. Actual performance will depend on user environment, conditions and pre-installed software and applications.
    11 Results may vary depending on shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving subjects.
    12 Generative Edit feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Generative Edit may result in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
    13 Portrait Studio feature for Photo Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Editing with Portrait Studio results in a resized photo. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
    14 Audio Eraser results may vary per video depending on how sounds present in the video. Samsung Account login required. Certain types of sound can be detected such as voices, music, wind, nature, crowd and noise. Compatible with common video/audio formats accessible in Gallery, Samsung Notes, Video Player, Voice Recorder, Call transcription. The actual sound detection may vary depending on audio source, and the condition of the video. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
    15 Samsung Account login may be required to use certain AI features. Samsung does not make any promises, assurances or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the output provided by AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI features may vary depending on the region/country, OS/One UI version, device model and phone carrier.
    16 Some functional widgets may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login. Availability of functions supported within the apps may vary by country.
    17 Gemini is a trademark of Google LLC. Results for illustrative purposes. Gemini Live feature requires internet connection and Google Account login. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Features may differ depending on subscription and results may vary. Compatible with certain features and certain accounts. Currently, you can use a personal Google Account that you manage on your own, or a work or school account for which your administrator has enabled access to Gemini. You must be 13 (or the applicable age in your country) or over to use Gemini with a personal or school Google Account and 18 or over to use Gemini with a work account.
    18 Circle to Search is a trademark of Google LLC. Sequences shortened and simulated. Results for illustrative purposes only. Service availability may vary by country, language, device model. Requires internet connection. Users may need to update Android and Google app to the latest version. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
    19 Drawing assist feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed. Drawing assist feature requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. A visible watermark is overlaid on the image output upon saving in order to indicate that the image is generated by AI. The accuracy and reliability of the generated output is not guaranteed.
    20 Writing Assist requires a network connection and Samsung Account login. Must meet length requirements to activate feature. Service availability may vary by language. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.
    21 Available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 8 or later.
    22 Secure Wi-Fi offers free protection of up to 1024MB per month for Android OS 13 or later, and 250MB per month for Android OS 12 or earlier versions. Availability details may vary by market or network provider and connectivity is subject to applicable network environments.
    23 Color availability may vary depending on country or carrier.
    24 Exclusively available on Samsung.com
    25 Terms and conditions apply. Samsung Care+ coverage, service type and promotion details may vary by country/region and deductible (service fee) may apply. To be eligible for Samsung Care+ promotion benefit, registration may be required. For detailed Samsung Care+ information, please visit https://www.samsung.com/samsung-care-plus/.
    26 Google AI Pro is a trademark of Google LLC. Google AI Pro and Gemini for Gmail, Docs, and more are only available for ages 18+. Gemini for Gmail, Docs and more is available in select languages. Rate limits may apply.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] A First Look at the Galaxy Watch8 Series: Streamlining Sleep, Exercise and Everything in Between

    Source: Samsung

    On July 9, Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy Watch8 series — Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic — at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn. As personal wellness becomes increasingly important, Galaxy Watch8 introduces smarter health features and the thinnest design that support everyday well-being.
     
    Evolving into a personal health coach, the Galaxy Watch8 series helps users build tailored routines with tools for sleep guidance, running coaching, antioxidant and vascular load tracking. A soft-edged cushion design and built-in Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, offer both refined aesthetics and intuitive usability.
     
    Samsung Newsroom got an exclusive early look at the Galaxy Watch8 series during Galaxy Unpacked 2025.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Watch8 series with the Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue
     
    ▲ (From left) The Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue
     
     
    Bedtime Guidance: Say Goodbye to the Monday Blues
    The Monday blues often stem not just from fatigue but from a disrupted weekend sleep cycle. To help recalibrate daily routines, Bedtime Guidance analyzes sleep patterns over the past three days and recommends an ideal time to wind down.
     
    ▲ Bedtime Guidance provides personalized recommendations based on the user’s sleep data from the past three days.
     
     
    Vascular Load: Monitor Cardiovascular Health During Sleep
    Vascular Load tracks stress on the vascular system while the user sleeps.
     
    The feature incorporates related data — such as sleep duration, physical activity and stress levels — to offer a more holistic view of overall wellness.
     
    ▲ Vascular Load monitors for stress on the user’s vascular system during sleep.
     
     
    Running Coach: Improve Performance With Real-Time Feedback
    To help prevent injury while running, proper pacing and real-time, personalized feedback are essential. After a 12-minute run with the Galaxy Watch8 series, Running Coach analyzes performance data, categorizes running ability on a 10-level scale and generates a customized three- to five-week training program.
     
    During runs, the feature provides personalized feedback guidance. Afterward, detailed workout summaries and motivational messages are shared.
     
    ▲ Running Coach creates personalized training programs based on the user’s running data.
     
     
    Antioxidant Index: Track Carotenoid Levels in Seconds
    Healthy aging starts from within. The Galaxy Watch8 series introduces the Antioxidant Index — a first-of-its kind smartwatch feature that measures carotenoid levels in the body.
     
    By placing a thumb on the BioActive Sensor on the back of the watch for five seconds, users receive both a numerical score and a color-coded result representing their antioxidant status. The feature makes it easy to monitor aging-related health, offering intuitive insights into dietary and lifestyle habits. For example, a sky blue reading indicates a sufficient intake of carotenoid-rich foods like leafy greens and carrots.
     
    ▲ A user is measuring their Antioxidant Index.
     
     
    Multimodal AI and One UI 8 Watch: Access Smarter Features
    The Galaxy Watch8 series is the world’s first smartwatch to come equipped with Google’s Gemini. Even when hands are full, voice control allows users to operate key functions — offering intuitive support during workouts and daily routines.
     
    For example, saying “start a 300-calorie circuit training workout” prompts Gemini to launch Samsung Health for seamless exercise tracking.
     
    ▲ Gemini enables hands-free control through voice commands.
     
    Debuting with this release, One UI 8 Watch introduces a redesigned tiles optimized for smaller displays — making essential information easier to view at a glance.
     
    ▲ One UI 8 Watch features a redesigned tiles optimized for smaller displays.
     
     
    Ultra-Slim Cushion Design: Experience All-Day Comfort
    The Galaxy Watch8 series brings innovation to hardware as well. The Galaxy Watch8 features the thinnest design in the series to date, with an ultra-slim 8.6-millimeter profile.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Watch8 has a sleek 8.6-millimeter profile.
     
    The lightweight build reduces strain on the wrist, while a cushion design — first introduced on the Galaxy Watch Ultra — gives the Galaxy Watch8 series a refined, modern look.
     
    The Galaxy Watch8 series includes two models — Galaxy Watch8, with a minimalist design optimized for daily health tracking, and Galaxy Watch8 Classic, combining a rotating bezel and quick button with the appeal of an analog watch. In addition, the Galaxy Watch Ultra will be available in a new Titanium Blue color.
     
    From morning to night, the Galaxy Watch8 series supports full-spectrum health management — spanning exercise to diet and beyond. Powered by AI, the Galaxy Watch8 series marks the beginning of a more personalized wellness journey.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] A First Look at the Galaxy Z Flip7: Refining the Pocketable Foldable

    Source: Samsung

    On July 9, Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 FE at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn — marking another step forward in foldable innovation.
     
    The Galaxy Z Flip7 raises the bar for flip-style smartphones, combining a compact, pocketable design with intuitive AI experiences and the largest cover screen in the Galaxy Z Flip series to date.
     
    Samsung Newsroom got an exclusive early look at the Galaxy Z Flip7 during Galaxy Unpacked 2025.
     

     
     
    Design: Larger Window in a Slimmer Frame
    The Galaxy Z Flip7 introduces the Galaxy Z Flip series’ largest cover screen and its slimmest design yet. The standout 4.1-inch FlexWindow features ultra-thin 1.25-millimeter bezels, allowing the display to span nearly the entire cover — excluding the camera lens — for an expanded viewing experience. Everyday tasks such as checking schedules, replying to messages or using AI-powered features can be done without unfolding the device.
     
    ▲ Ultra-thin bezels allow the FlexWindow to stretch from edge to edge.
     
    When opened, a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display is revealed. Both the FlexWindow and main display support up to 2,600 nits of brightness, a 120-hertz refresh rate and Vision Booster technology for improved outdoor visibility — delivering clear, vivid content anytime, anywhere.
     
    ▲ A larger main display delivers sharper visuals.
     
    Measuring 6.5 millimeters when unfolded, 13.7 millimeters when folded and weighing 188 grams, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest yet — refining the compactness and portability that define the Galaxy Z Flip series.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Z Flip7 is 6.5 millimeters thick when unfolded, shown next to a pen for scale.
     
    A durable Armor Aluminum frame and a thinner, reinforced Armor FlexHinge improve resilience while maintaining the device’s sleek silhouette.
     
    ▲ The Armor FlexHinge provides smooth, reliable folding over extended use.
     
    Inside, a 4,300 mAh battery — the largest ever in the Galaxy Z Flip series — supports up to 31 hours of video playback for extended use with less worry about charging.
     
     
    Multimodal AI and One UI 8: Ready-to-Go Personal Assistant
    In today’s fast-paced world, relying on AI has become second nature. The Galaxy Z Flip7 takes those interactions further — offering a more intuitive, seamless experience through One UI 8, optimized for the expanded FlexWindow and advanced multimodal AI technology.
     
    For example, users planning a trip can check their schedule directly from the FlexWindow through Now Brief.
     

     
    ▲ The FlexWindow displays information such as schedules via Now Brief.
     
    Long pressing the power button launches Google’s Gemini Live, offering travel-ready help including restaurant recommendations, weather updates and outfit suggestions using the camera.
     
    ▲ Gemini Live supports camera screen sharing for real-time assistance.
     
    The Galaxy Z Flip7 moves beyond design innovation, offering an AI experience that fits naturally into everyday routines. With its pocket-friendly size and built-for-anywhere features, the Galaxy Z Flip7 elevates the standard for foldables.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: From 17.1 Millimeters to 8.9 Millimeters: The Journey Behind a 48% Reduction in Thickness

    Source: Samsung

     
     
    From 17.1 Millimeters to 8.9 Millimeters: The Journey Behind a 48% Reduction in Thickness

     
    Unveiled at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in New York on July 9, the Galaxy Z Fold7 is 48% thinner than the original Galaxy Fold. While overall thickness1 declined by 29% across the first six generations — from the Galaxy Fold in 2019 to the Galaxy Z Fold6 in 2024 — a significant 26% reduction was achieved in just the past year. This streamlined design reflects Samsung Electronics’ continued advancements in hinge engineering and product design, delivering a more refined user experience.
     
    To highlight this milestone, Samsung Newsroom explores how the Galaxy Z Fold series has redefined thinness in foldable smartphones from 2019 to today.
     

     

     
    Making its debut in 2019, the Galaxy Fold was Samsung’s first device to introduce the concept of foldable smartphones. With a maximum folded thickness2 of 17.1 mm and a maximum unfolded thickness of 7.6 mm, the device offered the public its first look at foldable display technology. This revolutionary form factor ushered in a new mobile experience, allowing users to enjoy a widescreen display from the palm of their hand.
     

     
    Introduced in 2020, the Galaxy Z Fold2 featured the Hideaway Hinge — consisting of more than 60 internal components for smoother, more flexible folding. The precision-engineered hinge integrated seamlessly into the device’s body, reducing the maximum folded thickness to 16.8mm and a maximum unfolded thickness to 6.9 mm.
     

     
    In 2021, the Galaxy Z Fold3 became even more compact — measuring a maximum thickness of 16.0 mm when folded and 6.4 mm when unfolded — while also introducing support for the S Pen and IPX8-rated water resistance, both firsts for the series. Armor Aluminum was applied throughout the device to boost durability, and the upgraded Sweeper technology helped prevent dust and foreign particles from entering the hinge. These enhancements enabled a thinner, sturdier design without compromising usability.
     

     
    Released in 2022, the Galaxy Z Fold4 brought notable improvements in both weight and thickness. The gear-based hinge was replaced with a linear movement mechanism, reducing internal components and resulting in a maximum folded thickness of 15.8 mm and an unfolded thickness of 6.3 mm. This redesign offered a sleeker profile and improved ergonomics while maintaining the device’s robust performance.
     

     
    In 2023, the Galaxy Z Fold5 introduced the Flex Hinge, an innovative hinge mechanism with four drive shafts that enabled the display to curl inward in a water-drop shape, replacing the traditional Hideaway Hinge. This advancement enabled the two halves of the phone to close more evenly, minimizing the screen crease and eliminating the gap when folded. The result was a more compact form factor, with a folded thickness of 13.4 mm and an unfolded thickness of 6.1 mm.
     

     
    Unveiled in 2024, the Galaxy Z Fold6 delivered an even slimmer silhouette — just 12.1 mm when folded and 5.6 mm when unfolded. Featuring a refined structure and design of a symmetrical dual rail hinge, the device could be folded flat or opened to various angles between 75 and 115 degrees for greater versatility. This streamlined build further enhanced portability and everyday usability.
     

     
    Now the thinnest Galaxy smartphone ever, the Galaxy Z Fold7 embodies years of design evolution. With a folded thickness of just 8.9 mm and an unfolded thickness of 4.2 mm, the device sets a new standard for slim foldables. At the core is the Armor FlexHinge — a new structural innovation that fuses advanced materials with an optimized design for superior durability and compactness. While the cover display of the Galaxy Z Fold6 measures 6.3 inches (158.9 mm), the Galaxy Z Fold7’s cover display extends to 6.5 inches (164.8 mm) to increase usability when the device is folded. The main display3 also spans 8.0 inches (203.1 mm) when unfolded, offering an 11% larger screen area than its predecessor — the biggest in the Z Fold series to date.

     
    With each new generation, the Galaxy Z Fold series has advanced in both form and function — reducing thickness while expanding what’s possible in a mobile device. At the heart of this progress is Samsung’s continuous innovation in hinge technology. As the Galaxy Z Fold series pushes the boundaries of smartphone design, Samsung remains committed to unlocking transformative experiences with next-generation engineering and a foldable form factor like never before.
     
     
    1 Unfolded thickness is measured from the main display to the rear glass. Folded thickness is measured from the cover display to the rear glass.
    2 Maximum folded thickness refers to the thickest point of the device when it is folded shut, which is at its hinge.
    3 Measured diagonally, the Galaxy Z Fold7’s main display size is 203.1 mm in the full rectangle; actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] A First Look at the Galaxy Z Fold7: Unfolding a New Standard in Foldable Design

    Source: Samsung

    On July 9, Samsung Electronics unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold7 at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in Brooklyn — once again redefining innovation in foldable smartphones.
     
    As the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold yet, the Galaxy Z Fold7 features multimodal AI capabilities, a redesigned user interface and the series’ first 200-megapixel camera. With ultra-level refinement across design and technology, the device sets a new standard for foldable smartphones.
     
    Samsung Newsroom got an exclusive early look at the Galaxy Z Fold7 during Galaxy Unpacked 2025.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Z Fold7, the thinnest and lightest in the Galaxy Z Fold series to date
     
     
    Design: Slimmer and Lighter
    The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the thinnest and lightest in the Galaxy Z Fold series to date — measuring 4.2 millimeters when unfolded, 8.9 millimeters when folded and weighing 215 grams. Considering the inclusion of a cover display and a complex folding mechanism, these are breakthrough figures.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Z Fold7 is 4.2 millimeters thick when unfolded, shown next to two U.S. nickels for scale.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Z Fold7 is 8.9 millimeters thick when folded, shown next to a marker for scale.
     
    The hardware innovation is immediately noticeable — significantly slimmer and more lightweight than its predecessors. The device feels closer to a bar-type smartphone in hand and is thinner than the average passport or card wallet, making it exceptionally comfortable to carry.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Z Fold7 is noticeably lighter and more comfortable to hold.
     
    The cover display’s wider 21:9 aspect ratio makes everyday tasks like messaging, browsing and checking email more convenient — all without unfolding the device.
     
    ▲ The Galaxy Z Fold7’s cover display resembles a bar-type smartphone in both form and function.
     
    Design innovation extends to the hinge. The newly applied Armor FlexHinge is thinner while maintaining durability and the upgraded structure significantly reduces the visibility of the crease along the foldable display.
     
    ▲ The thinner and lighter Armor FlexHinge provides durability.
     
    ▲ The upgraded internal hinge structure reduces the appearance of the crease on the display.
     
     
    Camera: Clarity at the Highest Resolution
    The Galaxy Z Fold7 is the first in the Galaxy Z Fold series to feature a 200-megapixel camera — capturing four times the detail compared to its previous 50-megapixel counterpart. Paired with the AI-powered ProVisual Engine, the camera delivers sharper images and more vivid color.
     
    ▲ Details captured with the 200-megapixel camera
     
    Nightography ensures crisp, clear shots even in low light, while the front main camera now offers a wider 100-degree field of view — maximizing the advantages of the large display. From group selfies to sweeping travel scenes, the device helps frame every moment with ease.
     
    ▲ A wide-angle selfie taken with the 100-degree field of view
     
     
    Multimodal AI and One UI 8: Contextual Help in Real Time
    The Galaxy Z Fold7 debuts with One UI 8, introducing Samsung’s new multimodal AI experience.
     
    Thanks to Google’s Gemini Live, users can share their screen in real time while speaking with the AI assistant — enabling contextual requests based on what’s visible.
     
    For example, when a user comes across a photo of an unfamiliar dessert, Gemini can analyze the image, identify it and recommend nearby places that serve something similar.
     
    ▲ Gemini Live supports screen sharing for real-time assistance.
     
    Gemini can then save the restaurant list and set a calendar reminder — completing both tasks simultaneously. There’s no need to switch apps or copy and paste, as the AI assistant integrates seamlessly into daily routines.
     
    ▲ Gemini streamlines planning and coordination.
     
    This feature becomes even more powerful when paired with the Galaxy Z Fold7’s large screen and Multi-Window.
     
    ▲ Multi-Window allows users to perform a variety of tasks using the large screen.
     
    For instance, a user can display a chair on the left screen and a room on the right, then ask Gemini whether the furniture matches the interior. The AI assistant analyzes the context of both screens and offers helpful guidance.
     
    ▲ Gemini analyzes the image of the room, recommends a suitable chair and even converts it into the desired color.
     
    This Galaxy-exclusive user experience enables intuitive, natural communication between users and their devices — not only through text but also via images, voice and live camera input when requesting information or assistance from AI.
     
    The Galaxy Z Fold7 goes beyond a simple evolution in design and technology, setting a new benchmark with an ultra-premium experience that integrates into every part of daily life. From cutting-edge hardware and smarter AI to a best-in-class camera, the Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers the true ultra experience promised by Galaxy.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Macron of France: 9 July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM meeting with President Macron of France: 9 July 2025

    The Prime Minister met the French President Emmanuel Macron in Downing Street.

    The Prime Minister met the French President Emmanuel Macron in Downing Street this afternoon.

    They reflected on the State Visit of the President so far, agreeing that it had been an important representation of the deep ties between our two countries.

    Moving on to discuss joint working, they shared their desire to deepen our partnership further – from joint leadership in support of Ukraine to strengthening our defence collaboration and increasing bilateral trade and investment.

    The Prime Minister welcomed the news that EDF would take a 12.5% stake in Sizewell C leading to lower bills, more jobs and better energy security for the UK.

    The leaders agreed tackling the threat of irregular migration and small boat crossings is a shared priority that requires shared solutions. 

    The Prime Minister spoke of his government’s toughening of the system in the past year to ensure rules are respected and enforced, including a massive surge in illegal working arrests to end the false promise of jobs that are used to sell spaces on boats.

    The two leaders agreed on the need to go further and make progress on new and innovative solutions, including a new deterrent to break the business model of these gangs.

    Finally, they looked ahead to the 37th UK-France Summit taking place tomorrow and agreed to aim for concrete progress on these areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump Announces Presidential Delegation to Osaka, Japan, to Attend the World Expo

    Source: US Whitehouse

    President Donald J. Trump today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Osaka, Japan, to attend the World Expo on July 19, 2025.
     
    The Honorable Secretary Scott Bessent of the United States Department of the Treasury will lead the delegation.
     
    Members of the Presidential Delegation:
     
    The Honorable George Glass, Ambassador of the United States to Japan
     
    The Honorable Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Secretary of the United States Department of Labor
     
    The Honorable Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of State
     
    The Honorable William E. Grayson, Ambassador, USA Pavilion Commissioner General, Expo 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Government Strengthens Mineral Exploration Incentive

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 9, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is expanding the Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive (TMEI) to include more early-stage exploration activities to support mining sector growth and investment.

    Launched in 2018, the TMEI program provides financial assistance in the form of a grant to exploration companies that undertake eligible drilling activities. The TMEI program is being expanded to cover a wider range of exploration activities, such as ground-based and borehole geophysical surveys and important pre-sampling tasks like core logging. These changes aim to increase program uptake and enable more exploration for critical and emerging minerals. Specifically, the changes are expected to improve the ability of smaller companies to raise private sector capital to undertake exploration activities.

    “TMEI has been key to diversifying Saskatchewan’s mining sector by promoting drilling on hard rock mineral exploration projects,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “These changes will help us achieve our goals set out in Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy, specifically, increasing Saskatchewan’s share of Canadian mineral exploration spending to 15 per cent and doubling the number of critical minerals produced in Saskatchewan, all by 2030.” 

    By recognizing a broader scope of the exploration process, this expansion is supporting new mineral discoveries and the diversification of our mining sector. With continuing advancements in helium, lithium, copper and zinc, and record production in uranium and potash, Saskatchewan is responding to growing global demand for critical minerals. 

    “Expanding TMEI funding to include additional generative, early-stage exploration activities will help identify more drill targets, attracting greater investor interest and capital to Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan Mining Association President Pam Schwann said. “The collaborative partnership between government and industry exemplifies why Saskatchewan is a premier exploration and mining destination.”

    In 2024-25, 27 exploration projects were approved for $1.9 million in TMEI funding with companies spending a total of $76.5 million on these projects. Since 2018, 96 projects have received $5.9 million in TMEI funding, resulting in 926 exploration drill holes and $172.5 million in total project expenditures.     

    Saskatchewan has 27 of the 34 critical minerals on Canada’s list and is the largest primary producer of critical minerals in Canada. With a suite of competitive incentive programs including TMEI, a predictable and stable regulatory framework, and an abundance of resources, Saskatchewan is one of the best places in the world to invest in resource development. Clear and stable supports like the TMEI program help build Saskatchewan’s resource sector and strengthen the provincial economy which benefits all Saskatchewan people.

    For more information about the TMEI, visit: Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive.

    To review Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy, visit: Securing the Future: Saskatchewan’s Critical Minerals Strategy.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ministers Chartrand, Alty, and Gull-Masty issue statement on Nunavut Day

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Available in: ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ

    Ottawa, Ontario (July 9, 2025) — The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for CanNor, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, and the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services, issued the following statement today:

    “On Nunavut Day, we celebrate the culture, strength, and achievements of Nunavummiut. This day marks a key moment in our shared history when the Nunavut Agreement was signed, which led to the creation of Nunavut and the protection of Inuit rights to land, culture, and self-determination. 

    Nunavummiut have kept Inuktitut and Inuit traditions strong, and continue to protect the environment while building healthy communities. Their leadership continues to shape a better future for all.

    Together with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, we are working to fully implement the Nunavut Lands and Resources Devolution Agreement, the largest land transfer in Canadian history. This means Nunavummiut will have more control over their land, water, and natural resources and benefit from development that is responsible and sustainable. 

    Today, we honour the leadership of Nunavummiut and commit to building a future based on respect, environmental care, economic growth, and northern-led jobs—a future where Nunavummiut lead the way for generations to come.

    Happy Nunavut Day! Quviasugissi Nunavut ullungani!” 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United Nations Command Marks 75 years Supporting Peace and Security on Korean Peninsula

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea — United Nations Command, which plays a pivotal role in supporting peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and enforces the terms of the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement hosted a ceremony today to mark its 75th anniversary.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IADC Addresses U.S. Offshore Leasing Program through Comments & Trades Coalition Letter

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: IADC Addresses U.S. Offshore Leasing Program through Comments & Trades Coalition Letter

    IADC and fellow associations recently submitted comments on the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program calling for more leasing, exploration, and development of U.S. offshore oil and natural gas resources in all OCS planning areas. This action was taken in response to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) request for information and comments.

    The following associations were involved in the submission:

    • American Petroleum Institute (API)
    • National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA)
    • Offshore Operators Committee (OOC)
    • Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
    • U.S. Oil and Gas Association (USOGA)
    • American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC)
    • International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
    • EnerGeo Alliance
    • Energy Workforce and Technology Council
    • Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA)

    The comments and an accompanying letter were both submitted to Kelly Hammerle, National Program Manager with BOEM. The letter, which was signed by additional associations and organizations, had a total of 117 signees.

    IADC is committed to continuously advocating for its Members. The Association will continue to encourage fair and sensible regulatory reform and provide the drilling contractor perspective where it is helpful and necessary.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IADC Addresses U.S. Offshore Leasing Program through Comments & Trades Coalition Letter

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: IADC Addresses U.S. Offshore Leasing Program through Comments & Trades Coalition Letter

    IADC and fellow associations recently submitted comments on the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Program calling for more leasing, exploration, and development of U.S. offshore oil and natural gas resources in all OCS planning areas. This action was taken in response to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) request for information and comments.

    The following associations were involved in the submission:

    • American Petroleum Institute (API)
    • National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA)
    • Offshore Operators Committee (OOC)
    • Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA)
    • U.S. Oil and Gas Association (USOGA)
    • American Exploration & Production Council (AXPC)
    • International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
    • EnerGeo Alliance
    • Energy Workforce and Technology Council
    • Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association (LMOGA)

    The comments and an accompanying letter were both submitted to Kelly Hammerle, National Program Manager with BOEM. The letter, which was signed by additional associations and organizations, had a total of 117 signees.

    IADC is committed to continuously advocating for its Members. The Association will continue to encourage fair and sensible regulatory reform and provide the drilling contractor perspective where it is helpful and necessary.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Electronic Drilling Rig Safety Inspection Checklist Now Available

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Electronic Drilling Rig Safety Inspection Checklist Now Available

    Safety is vitally important on the rigs. The electronic IADC Drilling Rig Safety Inspection Checklist will help keep the operational integrity of the rig compliant. Regular use of the IADC Drilling Rig Safety Inspection Checklist promotes facility safety by identifying safety concerns before they become hazards. The Safety Inspection Checklist is published under the auspices of the IADC Health, Safety and Environment Committee.

    The forms are available in user-friendly zoomable PDF format imprinted with the unique file number which cannot be edited. Each purchase comprises a month’s supply, providing 31 editable, savable, and easily shareable PDF forms. For further details, reach out to us at bookstore@iadc.org.

    MIL OSI Economics –