NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA-Supported Laboratory Opens to Fight Microplastics in Galapagos Islands

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The Galapagos Islands where the Oceanography and Microplastics Laboratory, supported by the IAEA, was established to monitor and analyse microplastic pollution.

    A new laboratory supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was officially inaugurated this month in the Galapagos Islands to address the growing threat of marine microplastic pollution.

    The Oceanography and Microplastics Laboratory was established by the government in Ecuador, with support from the IAEA, to monitor and analyse microplastic pollution in the Galapagos Islands. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos Islands are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity and unique evolutionary adaptations, shaped by their remote location some 1000 kilometres west of mainland Ecuador.

    While a robust monitoring and cleanup programme is in place to tackle the estimated six tonnes of plastic waste that wash ashore on the islands each year, microplastics — plastic particles smaller than five millimetres — pose a more complex challenge for the Galapagos National Park, a protected area encompassing 97% of the islands.

    Nuclear-derived techniques can help detect and analyse microplastic particles too small for traditional monitoring. The laboratory is now analysing water samples and will be able to analyse sediment, and biota samples from the islands at a microscopic scale to identify the types of polymers and improve the understanding of how they disperse in the marine environment where they can endanger marine life.

    In a video address at the opening ceremony for the laboratory on 17 July, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the laboratory — situated on the Santa Cruz Island — will be an active partner in environmental monitoring and reporting of microplastic pollution for Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.

    “The laboratory offers new opportunities to conduct studies on the environmental impact on the vulnerable and relevant biodiversity of the Islands, helping authorities to take and implement more precise control measures aimed at the protection and conservation of the Galapagos National Park,” he added.

    The new laboratory marks a significant milestone in the IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics initiative, which has supported countries since its launch in 2020 in researching microplastics and applying nuclear techniques to enhance recycling processes. The support to the Galapagos Islands follows the IAEA’s work in Antarctica — another valuable ecosystem — with the launch of microplastics research there in 2024.

    The data generated in the new laboratory will enable local and national authorities to more accurately assess plastic pollution levels and design targeted strategies to mitigate their impact. The information will also feed into the IAEA’s coordinated efforts under the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco to build a global network of laboratories with analytical capacities to monitor and mitigate marine microplastic pollution.

    The IAEA, through its technical cooperation programme, has also strengthened monitoring and analytical capacities in institutions such as the Galapagos National Park and the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) in Guayaquil, to address the growing threat of marine pollution from microplastics in the Galapagos Islands. The IAEA has allocated nearly €1 million to provide the new laboratory with equipment and training for monitoring marine stressors such as ocean acidification, eutrophication, and microplastic pollution — all of which threaten the region’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illicit firearms: Operation Trigger IX nets 14,260 arrests across Latin America

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    18 April 2023

    Drugs worth USD 5.7 billion also seized in INTERPOL-led operation targeting key trafficking routes and organized crime groups

    LYON, France – In the biggest firearms operation ever coordinated by INTERPOL, authorities in Central and South America have made 14,260 arrests and seized some 8,263 illicit firearms, as well as 305,000 rounds of ammunition.

    With illicit firearms used by criminals to commit armed robberies and murder, they are also closely associated with the proliferation of a wide range of other crimes using the same trafficking routes.

    The links between illicit firearms and drug manufacturing and trafficking were thrown into sharp relief, with the seizure of 203 tonnes of cocaine and other drugs together worth some USD 5.7 billion, and 372 tonnes of drug precursors during Operation Trigger IX (12 March – 2 April).

    Law enforcement across INTERPOL’s 195 member countries have reported record drug seizures in the past year and, in many cases, a spike in drug-related violence, fueled by the traffic of illegal firearms.

    The operation, which saw an unprecedented level of cooperation across 15 countries, also identified a range of other crimes such as corruption, fraud, human trafficking, environmental crime and terrorist activities.

    Colombian authorities arrested the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice

    Arrests in Honduras – Operation Trigger IX

    Firearms are closely associated with the proliferation of a wide range of other crimes.

    Border checks – Operation Trigger IX

    Operational hub – Operation Trigger IX

    Marine patrols – Operation Trigger IX

    Operation Trigger IX led to the disruption of 20 organized criminal groups

    Drug seizure – El Salvador

    A woman attempting to smuggle pistols and chargers between Paraguay and Brazil.

    Seizure by Chile – Operation Trigger IX

    Vehicle checks – Operation Trigger IX

    Uruguay saw its largest-ever seizure of ammunition.

    Operational highlights

    INTERPOL gathered firearms experts from participating countries at an operational hub in Foz do Iguaçu in the tri-border area of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, to support frontline actions and ensure the swift exchange and cross-checking of intelligence.

    On the ground, coordinated actions led to the disruption of 20 organized criminal groups, including the arrest of members of Primeiro Comando da Capital, Mara Salvatrucha and the Balkans Cartel, all involved in firearms trafficking.

    In Uruguay, 100,000 pieces of ammunition trafficked internationally by two European nationals were seized by authorities, marking the country’s largest-ever such seizure.

    Authorities in Brazil and Paraguay shut down several firearms dealerships following the identification of irregular transfers and unlicensed sales.

    Other operational results include:

    • 11 victims were rescued in Paraguay, when authorities dismantled a human trafficking ring.
    • In cooperation with Venezuela, police in Colombia arrested a Venezuelan national subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice for terrorism and arms trafficking.
    • A 32 year old woman was arrested at the land border between Paraguay and Brazil with eight pistols and 16 chargers taped to her body.

    Looking ahead, some 30 investigations were opened as a result of actions on the ground, and authorities identified 15 new modus operandi for the illicit manufacturing, trafficking and concealment of firearms, with INTERPOL’s Purple Notice leveraged to help alert member countries.

    Officers perform real-time checks against INTERPOL’s databases during Operation Trigger IX.

    Operational hub – Brazil

    Border checks between Argentina and Brazil

    Seizure by Honduras – Operation Trigger IX

    Police checks by Argentina – Operation Trigger IX

    Authorities shut down several firearms dealerships in Brazil and Paraguay

    Authorities had immediate access to the INTERPOL Ballistic Information Network

    Arrest in Paraguay – Operation Trigger IX

    El Salvador firearms dealership checks – El Salvador

    INTERPOL’s global reach

    “The fact that an operation targeting illicit firearms resulted in such massive drugs seizures is further proof, if needed, that these crimes are intertwined,” said INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock.

    “The results, coming just weeks after our Americas Regional Conference was highlighting the need for greater information sharing on these linked organized crime activities, also demonstrate the unique value of INTERPOL in supporting efforts in the field.  

    “The organized crime networks behind all of these illicit activities have only one priority, which is profit. We, as law enforcement, must be equally determined to dismantle them across every region and globally,” concluded Secretary General Stock.

    Valdecy Urquiza, INTERPOL’s Vice-President for the Americas, highlighted the value of joint initiatives such as Trigger IX in prioritizing national and regional efforts against illicit flows. “Intelligence-led investigations and operations enable police to cooperate internationally and remove illicit firearms from circulation to protect the public,” said Mr Urquiza.

    INTERPOL global tools used by investigators during the operation include the Illicit Arms Records and Tracing Management System (iARMS), the only global database of illicit firearms, including stolen, lost and trafficked/smuggled firearms.

    Authorities also had immediate access to the INTERPOL Ballistic Information Network (IBIN), enabling law enforcement officials to compare images of ballistic fingerprints from fired casings and projectiles to establish links between crimes worldwide.

    Tracing the history and ownership of recovered firearms provides crucial investigative leads. Every firearm is unique and can be identified by its serial number, make, model and calibre as well as by its ballistic ‘fingerprint’. Comparing ballistics evidence of recovered cartridge casings and ammunition is therefore crucial to investigations.

    During the operation, INTERPOL’s Firearms Programme was supported by INTERPOL’s Regional Bureaus in Argentina and El Salvador, its Drugs and Fugitives units, and its Command and Coordination Centre.

    More than 100 national law enforcement agencies were involved in the operation, including the collaboration of US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which supported participating countries.

    Participating countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay.

    Operation Trigger IX was funded by the European Union and carried out under the framework of Project Disrupt.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: NDT Global Announces Strategic Addition of Entegra®

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUÉBEC CITY, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NDT Global, a leading provider of advanced diagnostic inspection and integrity solutions for the energy sector, is proud to announce the acquisition of Entegra, a premium technology company specializing in Ultra-High-Resolution Magnetic Flux Leakage (UHR MFL) in-line inspection services.

    This strategic union brings together two market-leading technology providers significantly enhancing NDT Global’s service portfolio, strengthening its growing position in the gas pipeline market, and reinforcing its continued commitment to delivering the best data driven insights and high-performance integrity solutions. Together, NDT Global and Entegra are affirming their stance in redefining the future of pipeline integrity. By harnessing the power of technology, the complimentary services will act as an enabler for safer, more cost-effective pipeline operations, empowering customers with the insights needed to make smarter, faster decisions for their assets.

    The combination of NDT ILI, Dynamic Risk, and now Entegra brings together highly complementary technology platforms in ultrasonic testing (UT), Acoustic Resonance (ART), UHR MFL, and data management solutions, creating a unique set of solutions for pipeline operators seeking best-in-class data-driven inspection, diagnostic, and integrity services across a diverse asset base.

    “This is a pivotal moment for NDT Global,” said Martin Thériault, CEO and Chairman of NDT Global. “Entegra’s entrepreneurial spirit, technical leadership and excellence, and deep market knowledge make them an ideal fit for our joint vision going forward. The company will work on accelerating the development of next-generation inspection technologies and, in return, deliver an even greater value to customers through enhanced service offerings and global reach.”

    Paul Cooper, President of NDT Global, highlights “The addition of Entegra’s market-leading capabilities to our portfolio allows us to offer a broader, more integrated suite of solutions to our clients. It also helps us to better serve the growing needs of the gas pipeline sector, where Entegra has built a strong reputation for innovation and reliability. All in all, the merged entities will accelerate our joint growth journey based on technology and innovation. It’s a bold step forward in our mission to deepen partnerships and lead the industry with innovation that protects what matters most.”

    “I can’t thank Amberjack Capital enough for their direction and support the past 10 years, and I’m really excited about what we’re going to achieve in the next phase of our growth story as we bring together the two best brands in in-line-inspection” said Mark Olson, Chairman and CEO, Entegra. “Our purpose, our ‘Why’ if you will, is to make better every pipeline with which we interact, and this deal accelerates that quest by several years.”

    The combined entity will benefit from expanded international reach and the ability to deliver joint UT and MFL scopes, axial and now circumferential, to valued clients. This move also supports NDT Global’s and Entegra’s long-term vision of becoming the most trusted partner in pipeline integrity management.

    The transaction was made possible through the continued support of Novacap, the majority shareholder of NDT Global, alongside La Caisse (formerly CDPQ), and NDT Global as well as Entegra founders and executives. Before today’s announcement, Entegra was owned by Amberjack Capital Partners as well as a group of co-founders led by Mark Olson, who played a pivotal role in building the company’s reputation for innovation and excellence in the MFL space. As part of the transaction, the NDT Global and Entegra founders and key management will remain shareholders of the combined company.

    “We are thrilled to unite two leading innovators in the ILI industry, combining world-class technology platforms and talented teams. This partnership enhances NDT’s ability to serve customers and uphold the integrity of critical infrastructure globally. We are proud to continue our partnership with Martin, Paul and the NDT team, and we warmly welcome Mark and the entire Entegra family as we work together to build a stronger, more impactful business together” added David Lewin, Lead Senior Partner Novacap.

    “NDT Global has distinguished itself through its ability to innovate and develop state-of-the-art solutions, becoming a global reference in the integrity and inspection services industry,” adds Kim Thomassin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Québec at La Caisse. “With this investment, La Caisse is strengthening NDT Global’s ambitious growth strategy through both equity and debt financing — building on our recent support to unlock the company’s full potential.”

    Jason Turowsky, Managing Partner of Amberjack Capital Partners, said “Amberjack is proud to have supported Entegra’s exceptional growth, driven by its talented team and commitment to innovation. We are confident the combination with NDT Global will propel further advancements in pipeline integrity solutions, benefiting clients globally. We congratulate Mark and the Entegra team and look forward to their continued success.”

    McCarthy Tétrault LLP and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP acted as legal advisors to NDT Global, while Jefferies LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to NDT Global.

    Sidley Austin LLP acted as legal advisor to Entegra, while Baird acted as its exclusive financial advisor.

    ABOUT NDT GLOBAL

    NDT Global is the leading provider of in-line diagnostic solutions, integrity management and subsea robotics solutions, offering advanced data insights and services that ensure the safety and longevity of energy-sector infrastructure assets. Recognized as the forerunner in ultrasonic inspection innovations—including Pulse Echo, Pitch-and-Catch, Phased Array, and Acoustic Resonance (ART Scan) technologies — the company continues to push technological advancement and the introduction of revolutionary new inspection technologies, including gas pipelines, to ensure the safety of its customers’ critical assets. NDT Global employs approximately 880 people. Learn more at www.ndt-global.com.

    ABOUT ENTEGRA

    Recognized as the industry-leading, trusted supplier of in-line inspection services for corrosion, 3rd party damage, pipe grade classification, hard spot assessment, and for assessing the effectiveness of cathodic protection systems for oil and gas pipelines, Entegra provides the most thorough, clear, and nuanced knowledge about the condition of pipelines inspected. The Company offers ultra-high resolution axial MFL, circumferential MFL, Caliper, low-field, GPS mapping, and cathodic protection current mapping services for critical energy infrastructure. Learn more at www.entegrasolutions.com.

    ABOUT NOVACAP

    Novacap is a leading North American private equity investor and one of Canada’s most experienced private equity firms. Founded in 1981 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs, Novacap focuses on middle market and lower-middle market companies in four core sectors: Technologies, Digital Infrastructure, Industries and Financial Services. Novacap combines deep sector specific expertise and strategic and operational excellence to partner with entrepreneurs and management teams. Since its inception, the firm has made primary and add-on investments in more than 250 companies. With over C$11 billion in assets under management and a presence across offices in Montreal, Toronto, and New York, Novacap accelerates value creation through strategic growth initiatives and a strong focus on execution. For more information, please visit: https://novacapcorp.com.

    ABOUT LA CAISSE

    At La Caisse, formerly CDPQ, we have invested for 60 years with a dual mandate: generate optimal long-term returns for our 48 depositors, who represent over 6 million Quebecers, and contribute to Québec’s economic development.

    As a global investment group, we are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private credit. As at December 31, 2024, La Caisse’s net assets totaled CAD 473 billion. For more information, visit lacaisse.com or consult our LinkedIn or Instagram pages.

    La Caisse is a registered trademark of Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec that is protected in Canada and other jurisdictions and licensed for use by its subsidiaries.

    ABOUT AMBERJACK CAPITAL PARTNERS

    Amberjack Capital is a private equity firm that invests in and partners with entrepreneurs and business owners to build market leaders serving the industrial, infrastructure and environmental services end markets. Often the first institutional investor in founder-led companies, Amberjack has a particular focus on supporting high performing companies undertaking strategic or transformative initiatives. Headquartered in Houston, TX, the firm has raised $2.1 billion of committed capital since its inception in 2006 and has invested in over 50 companies.

    For more information:

    Tracey Murray
    Director, Marketing
    NDT Global
    Tel.: (403) 819-9351
    tmurray@ndt-global.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Fights for America’s Producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, during his weekly press call with Nebraska media, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the One Big Beautiful Bill and his work to secure the future for those who feed and fuel America.

    Watch the video here.

    “Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska,” said Ricketts.  “Family farms, ranches, and agri-businesses are the backbone of communities across our state.  The One Big Beautiful Bill helps producers today and lays the foundation for strong agricultural growth tomorrow. It grows our economy at home and will help gain new markets abroad.”

    TRANSCRIPT:

    Senator Ricketts: “Agriculture is the heart and soul of what we do in Nebraska. 

    “Family farms, ranches, and agri-businesses are the backbone of communities across Nebraska. 

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill helps producers today and lays the foundation for strong agricultural growth tomorrow.  

    “It grows our economy at home and will help gain new markets abroad. 

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) secures the future for those who feed and fuel America—and the world.  

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill backs our way of life. 

    “First of all, the bill avoided a $2,400 tax increase that would have hit the average Nebraska family. 

    “That’s $2,400 that Nebraskans can continue to spend on groceries, electric bills or to save for a family vacation.   

    “The bill also helps farmers plan for the next generation. 

    “Over 80% of Nebraska’s farms are family-owned. 

    “The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act cut in half the number of farm and ranch families that were going to be subject to the Death Tax. 

    “The Big Beautiful Bill ensures the Death Tax exemption will now be permanent and rise with inflation. 

    “This will ensure that over $200 billion in hard-earned family farm assets across the country will go to the next generation and not the government. 

    “Now, more farms will be passed down, not taxed away to Uncle Sam.  

    “The 45Z clean fuel production credit is another major win for Nebraska. 

    “Biofuels are a win for consumers who save money at the pump. 

    “It’s a win for the environment, because it helps clean up our environment, and it’s a win for our farmers and ranchers. 

    “Last year, Nebraskans saved $325 million using ethanol blends. 

    “Last time I fueled up at Hy-Vee with E10, I saved 55 cents per gallon. 

    “The 45Z credit boosts biofuel production and creates value for farmers and ranchers. 

    “It narrows eligible feedstock commodities to North America, protecting Nebraska farmers from foreign competition. 

    “Producers in Communist China should be prevented from receiving American tax subsidies. 

    “All of this boosts demand for row crops and renewable fuel production. 

    “That means more jobs and better prices. 

    “Nebraska’s 25 ethanol plants support 1,300 jobs and have a $6 billion impact. 

    “The credit gives investors the certainty they need to hire and expand. 

    “Nebraska agriculture feeds and fuels the world. 

    “When I was Governor, I led trade missions to places like Japan and Vietnam to build strong relationships between foreign importers and Nebraska producers. 

    “I launched an international trade council to discover new opportunities for overseas markets. 

    “Nebraska’s economy thrives when our producers can reach high-paying global markets. 

    “Recognizing this, the One Big Beautiful Bill strengthens the Supplemental Agricultural Trade Promotion Program. 

    “It provides $285 million annually to promote U.S. agricultural exports. 

    “It doubles funding for the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development program. 

    “That means more demand for Nebraska beef, corn, and soybeans abroad. 

    “Simply put, when agriculture thrives, so does the entire Nebraska economy. 

    “Maintaining current exports and opening up markets under the bill will help get better prices for their products for our producers.

    “The big beautiful bill gives critical support to young farmers and ranchers, as well, taking over the family business or starting out on their own.  

    “The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Benefit was extended from five years to ten years.  

    “That gives new producers access to critical risk management tools.   

    “The bill also supports educational access for rural students.   

    “It excludes agricultural assets from student financial aid calculations. 

    “That means farm kids will not be discriminated against when applying for financial aid.  

    “For young Nebraskans, the bill expands Pell Grant eligibility to short-term job training. 

    “That includes hands-on fields like welding, diesel tech, and irrigation systems. 

    “Now, a young Nebraskan in Scottsbluff, for example, can learn a trade and start working at places like Aulick Industries without piling up debt.  

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill helps Nebraska producers grow and reinvest. 

    “Full expensing is now permanent for property like tractors and other heavy machinery. 

    “A corn grower in Custer County will be able to fully write off a new, more efficient combine. 

    “Another provision in the bill boosts expensing for tools and equipment. 

    “This helps small businesses from welders to seed dealers invest to improve productivity. 

    “The Big Beautiful Bill gives producers needed updates to the farm safety net. 

    “Reference prices now reflect today’s markets. 

    “Drought aid under the Livestock Forage Program has been improved. 

    “Now, producers facing feed losses from grazing shortfalls will see faster relief. 

    “These updates give producers support, stability, and long-term certainty.  

    “Nebraska’s future depends on certainty for farmers, ranchers, and agri-business. 

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill supports agriculture today and protects the next generation of farmers and ranchers. 

    “That is how we keep producing the Good Life.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 07.31.2025 Sen. Cruz Introduces Bill Safeguarding Schools From Influence by Foreign Adversaries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) introduced the Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education (TRACE) Act to enhance transparency for parents regarding foreign funding in K-12 schools.
    Sen. Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party spends vast resources to control what Americans see, hear, and ultimately think. Our foreign adversaries are actively targeting American educational institutions, and the TRACE Act will help protect our classrooms from foreign influence by providing parents with the transparency they deserve. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation without delay.”
    Sen. Lummis said, “The Chinese Communist Party has spread its influence across American life, targeting our farmland, technology, and even school systems. Parents deserve peace of mind knowing their children are learning American values, not propaganda from our foreign adversaries. This legislation prioritizes transparency while protecting our children from harmful foreign agendas.”
    Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL-04).
    Rep. Bean said, “American schools are for education, not espionage. We cannot allow our students—the future of our great nation—to be corrupted by foreign adversaries who are systematically and aggressively attempting to influence our nation’s K-12 schools. That’s why it’s crucial we parents understand the potential impact of foreign influence on our children’s classrooms and take concrete steps to prevent foreign nations from reaching America’s youth. I want to thank Senator Cruz for joining me in this critical effort and spearheading this legislation in the Senate.”
    This bill is supported by the Parents Defending Education Action and Heritage Action.
    Alfonso Aguilar, Director of Federal Affairs for Parents Defending Education Action said, “Senator Cruz’s TRACE Act is extremely necessary. Parents should know if a foreign government or entity is providing funding to their children’s schools, trying to influence what is taught to them or seeking to access important data and intellectual property. A 2023 investigation from our partner organization Defending Education uncovered Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence in numerous public schools and school districts across the nation. Their research showed that entities with ties to the CCP such as the Confucius Institutes have provided curriculum content, funding and Chinese teachers to U.S. public schools. Disturbingly, they also found that the Chinese government efforts appeared to target school districts near over twenty American bases. Our investigation, however, only discovered some or the CCP’s growing involvement in our public schools. The TRACE Act would ensure that parents have a full and continuous accounting of China’s meddling in their children’s education.”
    Read the full text of the bill here.
    BACKGROUND
    The Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education (TRACE) Act will:

    Require schools to allow parents the opportunity to review curriculum that has been provided by or purchased with foreign funds.
    Require that schools notify parents of any foreign contracts or financial transactions they partake in.
    Stipulate parents be notified of how many school employees are being compensated by another country or foreign adversary, and whether foreign nations have donated to the institution.

    Sen. Cruz first introduced this legislation in 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Schumer, Shaheen, & Wyden Announce Intent to Challenge Trump’s Tariffs on Brazil

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced their intent to file privileged legislation to challenge President Donald Trump’s tariffs on goods from Brazil in response to steps Brazil is taking to hold friend of Trump and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro accountable for attempting a coup. The additional tariffs announced by Trump will put the total Trump tariffs on Brazilian exports at 50 percent, raising costs for Americans on basic household goods.

    In an executive order issued yesterday, Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose the tariffs. Any one senator can challenge the use of IEEPA with a privileged resolution, such as the one the lawmakers will file. That means the Senate will be required to vote on the legislation.

    “President Trump has no interest in lowering costs for the American people. If he did, he would not be imposing tariffs and starting senseless trade wars,” said the senators. “We’re particularly concerned about these tariffs on Brazil—which are being put into place to get the Brazilian Supreme Court to stop its prosecution of Trump’s longtime friend Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil’s former president who is facing criminal charges for inciting a violent coup. This is certainly not what tariffs are intended to be used for, and they will raise prices for Americans. That’s why we’ll be introducing legislation to challenge these reckless tariffs against Brazil.”

    Americans import more than $40 billion annually from Brazil, including nearly $2 billion’s worth of coffee. Trade between the U.S. and Brazil supports nearly 130,000 jobs in the U.S., and the U.S. actually has a trade surplus with Brazil. A trade war with Brazil would make life more expensive for Americans, harm both the American and Brazilian economies, and drive Brazil closer to China.

    Last week, Kaine and Shaheen led their colleagues in sending a letter to Trump urging him to end his threats of tariffs on Brazil.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Curtis, And Merkley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Crimes in Brazilian Amazon and Strengthen Regional Stability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Curtis (R-UT), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR), senior members of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, introduced the Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Brazilian Amazon Act. The bipartisan legislation addresses crimes committed by transnational criminal organizations and drug trafficking groups, which are devastating communities in and around the Brazilian Amazon, upending the rule of law, and accelerating environmental degradation and deforestation. Violent deaths in the Brazilian Amazon are significantly higher than in other parts of the country. The bill would provide the U.S. government with more tools to support U.S.-Brazil efforts to address these crimes and prioritize identifying investment opportunities for U.S. companies in the Brazilian Amazon.

    “Addressing cartel violence and deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon is important to protecting our national security, promoting stability in the Western Hemisphere, and preserving the environment,” said Kaine, Ranking Member of the SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. “I’m proud to join with Senators Curtis and Merkley to introduce this bipartisan legislation to expand the United States’ role in cracking down on violence, forced displacement, and environmental degradation in the Amazon.”

    “Criminal networks thrive where the rule of law is weak—and when they do, both people and the planet suffer,” said Curtis, Chair of the SFRC Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. “This bill helps us partner with Brazil to crack down on lawlessness in the Amazon and support a model of conservation that is also rooted in economic opportunity.“

    “The Amazon provides sanctuary for countless wildlife, and the trees of this tropical forest support not only Brazil’s environment, but also the lungs of the planet,” said Merkley, a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.?“As the impacts of climate chaos become deadlier and more frequent—threatening our health, planet, and future—the U.S. must support Brazil’s efforts to stand against the criminal and often violent efforts driving deforestation and environmental degradation in the Brazilian Amazon.”

    Specifically, the bipartisan Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Brazilian Amazon would:

    • Direct the U.S. Secretary of State, in coordination with other U.S. federal agencies, to prioritize supporting Brazil’s efforts to identify and disrupt transnational criminal networks committing environmental crimes.
    • Direct support to local communities and vulnerable areas in the Brazilian Amazon.
    • Recommend the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) place an individual in Brazil responsible for identifying sustainable economic opportunities for U.S. businesses in the Brazilian Amazon.
    • Require the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress regarding drivers of deforestation and environmental degradation in the Brazilian Amazon.
    • Advise the United States to encourage international financial institutions to prioritize promoting sustainable development in the Amazon and oppose loans or programs that would exacerbate environmental crimes in the region.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Judges question whether Trump tariffs are authorized by emergency powers

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. appeals court judges sharply questioned on Thursday whether President Donald Trump’s tariffs were justified by the president’s emergency powers, after a lower court said he exceeded his authority with sweeping levies on imported goods.

    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., is considering the legality of “reciprocal” tariffs that Trump imposed on a broad range of U.S. trading partners in April, as well as tariffs imposed in February against China, Canada and Mexico.

    In hearing arguments in two cases brought by five small U.S. businesses and 12 Democratic-led U.S. states, judges pressed government lawyer Brett Shumate to explain how the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law historically used for sanctioning enemies or freezing their assets, gave Trump the power to impose tariffs.

    Trump is the first president to use IEEPA to impose tariffs.

    The judges frequently interrupted Shumate, peppering him with a flurry of challenges to his arguments.

    “IEEPA doesn’t even say tariffs, doesn’t even mention them,” one of the judges said.

    Shumate said that the law allows for “extraordinary” authority in an emergency, including the ability to stop imports completely. He said IEEPA authorizes tariffs because it allows a president to “regulate” imports in a crisis.

    The states and businesses challenging the tariffs argued that they are not permissible under IEEPA and that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress, and not the president, authority over tariffs and other taxes.

    Neal Katyal, a lawyer for the businesses, said the government’s argument that the word “regulate” includes the power to tax would be a vast expansion of presidential power, Katyal said.

    The arguments – one day before Trump plans to increase tariff rates on imported goods from nearly all U.S. trading partners – mark the first test before a U.S. appeals court of the scope of his tariff authority. The president has made tariffs a central instrument of his foreign policy, wielding them aggressively in his second term as leverage in trade negotiations and to push back against what he has called unfair practices.

    Trump has said the April tariffs were a response to persistent U.S. trade imbalances and declining U.S. manufacturing power.

    He said the tariffs against China, Canada and Mexico were appropriate because those countries were not doing enough to stop illegal fentanyl from crossing U.S. borders. The countries have denied that claim.

    Shumate cited a 1975 appeals court decision that authorized President Richard Nixon’s across-the board surcharge of 10% on imported merchandise to slow inflation. But that decision added that the president did not have authority to impose “whatever tariff rates he deems desirable.”

    Shumate also said that courts cannot review a president’s actions under IEEPA or impose additional limits that are not included in the law. Several judges said that the argument would essentially allow one law, IEEPA, to overwrite all other U.S. laws related to tariffs and imports.

    Katyal said the Trump administration’s argument ignored the more limited nature of Nixon’s tariffs and changes to the law since the 1970s.

    “No trade law in 200 years has been interpreted to give the president this power,” Katyal said.

    The case is being heard by a panel of all of the court’s active judges, eight appointed by Democratic presidents and three appointed by former Republican presidents. The timing of the court’s decision is uncertain, and the losing side will likely appeal quickly to the U.S. Supreme Court.

    TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

    Tariffs are starting to build into a significant revenue source for the federal government, with customs duties in June quadrupling to about $27 billion, a record, and through June have topped $100 billion for the current fiscal year. That income could be crucial to offset lost revenue from Trump’s tax bill passed into law earlier this month.

    But economists say the duties threaten to raise prices for U.S. consumers and reduce corporate profits. Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff threats have roiled financial markets and disrupted U.S. companies’ ability to manage supply chains, production, staffing and prices.

    On May 28, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade sided with the Democratic states and small businesses that challenged Trump. It said that the IEEPA did not authorize tariffs related to longstanding trade deficits.

    The Federal Circuit has allowed the tariffs to remain in place while it considers the administration’s appeal.

    The case will have no impact on tariffs levied under more traditional legal authority, such as duties on steel and aluminum imports.

    The president recently announced trade deals that set tariff rates on goods from the European Union and Japan, following smaller trade agreements with Britain, Indonesia and Vietnam. Trump’s Department of Justice has argued that limiting the president’s tariff authority could undermine ongoing trade negotiations, while other Trump officials have said that negotiations have continued with little change after the initial setback in court.

    Trump has set an August 1 date for higher tariffs on countries that don’t negotiate new trade deals.

    There are at least seven other lawsuits challenging Trump’s invocation of IEEPA, including cases brought by other small businesses and California.

    A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled against Trump in one of those cases, and no judge has yet backed Trump’s claim of unlimited emergency tariff authority.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IAEA-Supported Laboratory Opens to Fight Microplastics in Galapagos Islands

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    A new laboratory supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was officially inaugurated this month in the Galapagos Islands to address the growing threat of marine microplastic pollution.

    The Oceanography and Microplastics Laboratory was established by the government in Ecuador, with support from the IAEA, to monitor and analyse microplastic pollution in the Galapagos Islands. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos Islands are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity and unique evolutionary adaptations, shaped by their remote location some 1000 kilometres west of mainland Ecuador.

    While a robust monitoring and cleanup programme is in place to tackle the estimated six tonnes of plastic waste that wash ashore on the islands each year, microplastics — plastic particles smaller than five millimetres — pose a more complex challenge for the Galapagos National Park, a protected area encompassing 97% of the islands.

    Nuclear-derived techniques can help detect and analyse microplastic particles too small for traditional monitoring. The laboratory is now analysing water samples and will be able to analyse sediment, and biota samples from the islands at a microscopic scale to identify the types of polymers and improve the understanding of how they disperse in the marine environment where they can endanger marine life.

    In a video address at the opening ceremony for the laboratory on 17 July, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the laboratory — situated on the Santa Cruz Island — will be an active partner in environmental monitoring and reporting of microplastic pollution for Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.

    “The laboratory offers new opportunities to conduct studies on the environmental impact on the vulnerable and relevant biodiversity of the Islands, helping authorities to take and implement more precise control measures aimed at the protection and conservation of the Galapagos National Park,” he added.

    The new laboratory marks a significant milestone in the IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics initiative, which has supported countries since its launch in 2020 in researching microplastics and applying nuclear techniques to enhance recycling processes. The support to the Galapagos Islands follows the IAEA’s work in Antarctica — another valuable ecosystem — with the launch of microplastics research there in 2024.

    The data generated in the new laboratory will enable local and national authorities to more accurately assess plastic pollution levels and design targeted strategies to mitigate their impact. The information will also feed into the IAEA’s coordinated efforts under the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco to build a global network of laboratories with analytical capacities to monitor and mitigate marine microplastic pollution.

    The IAEA, through its technical cooperation programme, has also strengthened monitoring and analytical capacities in institutions such as the Galapagos National Park and the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) in Guayaquil, to address the growing threat of marine pollution from microplastics in the Galapagos Islands. The IAEA has allocated nearly €1 million to provide the new laboratory with equipment and training for monitoring marine stressors such as ocean acidification, eutrophication, and microplastic pollution — all of which threaten the region’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: ICYMI: “Trump nailed the biggest trade deal in American history and proved everyone wrong – again!”

    Source: US Whitehouse

    President Donald J. Trump’s trade deal with the European Union has been hailed as among the most consequential trade deals in history — securing massive investments, finally addressing the lopsided trade deficit, securing new market access, and more.

    It’s just the latest example of just how wrong President Trump’s critics have been — a fact highlighted by the New York Post’s Miranda Devine in a new op-ed:

    “When President Trump nailed the biggest deal in history on Sunday with the European Union on trade, you could almost hear the sound of egg splattering all over the faces of experts across the Atlantic.

    Economists, Democrats and Never-Trumpers have confidently predicted economic doom and gloom, ever since the self-proclaimed Tariff Man declared April 2 as ‘Liberation Day,’ fulfilling his long-held personal theory that tariffs are key to economic wealth.

    Trade war! Recession! Stagflation! Skyrocketing inflation! Stock market crash!

    You name it, they predicted Trump’s tariffs would sink the economy.

    Trump was defying economic orthodoxy, so he just had to be wrong.

    But it’s turned out that the lofty group-thinkers were wrong, not that most of them will admit it.”

    Click here to read the full article.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert Amid Increase in Reported Scams Targeting the Military Community

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, July 31, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Does an offer seem too good to be true? Take a tactical pause to evaluate  

    OAKLAND — In recognition of Military Consumer Month, Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert to help protect California service members, veterans, and their family members from targeted common scams and fraud. The military community and their families are often targets for predatory scammers: According to the Federal Trade Commission, military consumers nationwide reported over 99,400 fraud complaints last year — an increase from 2023’s approximately 93,000 complaints — including 44,587 imposter scams that reportedly cost them and their families over $199 million.  

    “More and more often, service members, veterans, and their families are targets for predatory scammers promising everything from home loans to jobs, and continuing education. This is absolutely unacceptable. As part of our commitment to protect those who protect us, my office will continue to bring the full force of the law against those who seek to exploit California’s military community,” said Attorney General Bonta. “If you have fallen victim to a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, get help and share your story so that we can help your fellow service members. You can report fraud to your local military or civilian law enforcement agency, or to the California Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/report.”

    Why is the Military Community Targeted? 

    Military service members, veterans, and their families are frequently targeted by scammers who want access to their pay and benefits, and who know that military members will often pay even fraudulent or over-stated debts to avoid security clearance issues or other disruptions to their military careers. In addition, the camaraderie that unites the military community is often exploited by impostors who claim to be veterans in attempts to perpetrate scams or access personal information for fraudulent purposes.   

    Common Scams Targeting the Military Community:

    Scammers use a variety of tactics to gain trust. Protect yourself by staying up to date on common military- and veteran-targeted scams. Beware of the following: 

    • Charity Scams: Just because a charity includes the word “veteran” in its name doesn’t mean that veterans are members of the group, or that veterans or their families will benefit from a donation. Scammers will use names that sound legitimate or those that mimic the names of well-known charities to create confusion. Take the time to make an informed decision and be wary of aggressive solicitations. Go to oag.ca.gov/charities, under the Resources & Tools section, and click on Registry Verification Search. If a charity is not listed, it should not be soliciting funds in California. If it is listed, you can view its financial reports, including the IRS Form 990 that the charity is required to file with DOJ’s Registry of Charitable Trusts.
    • Predatory Schools: The GI Bill and other military education programs offer you the chance to attend school and plan for your future, but for-profit schools sometimes target service members and veterans with false promises. Slow down and take the time you need to make the right decision. Predatory schools often use high-pressure sales tactics to try to get you to sign up. It’s important to ask for information about the programs, such as graduation rates, job placement, and graduate salary information. Offers that seem too good to be true generally are. Further, don’t forget that educational opportunities at the California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California may be available to you. 
    • Home Loan Scams: Be aware of scammers that — through phone calls or fraudulent mailers — claim to be affiliated with the government, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or your home loan servicer. These fraudsters may attempt to convince you to agree to loan modifications, refinance your home, or make payments on your loans. Be cautious of any individual or lender that contacts you and asks you to pay fees upfront before receiving any services; tells you to cancel your mortgage payment and resend the funds elsewhere; tells you to make payments to someone other than your current loan servicer; or pressures you to sign papers you haven’t had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don’t understand — including asking you to sign over the title to your property. 
    • Identity Theft and Fraud: Some scammers will pretend to be from the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, or other official organizations in order to get your personal information so that they can commit identity theft or fraud. Before you provide any information, always make sure a request is coming from an official organization by doing a quick search on the internet or consulting a trusted source to get the organization’s real contact information. Never trust the contact information given by the person that is asking for your personal information, as scammers often give out fake contact information. Be wary of letters and emails that have misspellings, look unprofessional, or send you to a non-government website for information or action, as these are almost always fake. Lastly, never give out your Social Security number to receive military or veteran discounts. Scammers often promise military or veteran discounts in order to obtain personal information. 
    • Job Scams: Service members looking for new career opportunities after leaving service are a target for scammers posting fictitious job listings with the goal of stealing their personal information and finances. Avoid becoming a victim of job scams by conducting thorough research on the company. Additionally, stick to well-known job search platforms and government career websites when looking for job opportunities. Remember, legitimate employers will never require you to pay fees for applications, interviews, or background checks. You should also look out for fake check scams, which occur when a scammer posing as an employer sends you a counterfeit check to deposit into your account. The scammer will then ask you to send a portion of the funds back to them or a third party, while letting you keep some as payment. Eventually, the bank reverses the fake check, leaving you stuck paying the money back to the bank. If something feels off or suspicious during the job search, trust your instincts and end communication immediately.
    • Pension Scams: Veterans ages 65 and over are targeted by scam financial advisers who try to persuade senior veterans to buy costly annuities or transfer their assets into trusts, or pay unnecessary and illegal fees for help with a veterans pension application. These “advisers” claim to help veterans qualify for Aid and Attendance or other veterans benefits, but may cause you to lose eligibility or access to pension, disability, or healthcare benefits. If you are interested in Aid and Attendance or other veterans benefits, you can get free help from your County Veterans Service Office here.
    • Affinity Fraud: Affinity scams target members of identifiable groups, including the military. The perpetrators are — or pretend to be — members of the targeted group, and use sales pitches that rely on group trust and loyalty. In the military community, this includes exploiting the trust that service members have for their fellow service members, and for veterans who previously served. Don’t make a significant purchase, or an investment decision, based on the salesperson’s supposed military service, or the claim that a business is military-friendly or endorsed by the Armed Forces. Take a tactical pause, and shop around for the best deal.
    • Debt Collection and Illegal Threats: Debt collectors may try to trick or scare service members into making payments on debts. It is illegal for debt collectors to do any of the following: revoke your security clearance; contact your command in order to collect a debt (unless they have your consent, given after the debt came due, to do so); discipline or demote you; or garnish your pay. If a debt collector is trying to collect a debt that you do not owe or have already paid, dispute the debt in writing. Tell the debt collector why you do not owe the debt, include copies of any evidence you have, and mail this dispute to the debt collector using registered mail so that you have proof that the collector received it — and make sure to keep copies of everything for yourself. If you dispute the debt within 30 days after the collector first contacted you, the collector must stop collection until it shows you written proof of the debt.
    • Rental Housing Scams: These scams target military personnel looking for housing near a base, especially prevalent during the Permanent Change of Station season. Scammers pretend to be real estate agents and post fake ads for rental properties on websites, sometimes promising military discounts and other incentives in order to get service members to send them money for fees and deposits upfront. If someone insists on receiving money or other payments before a property has been seen, it is likely a rental scam. Avoid wiring money to reserve apartments, and use your installation housing office or established property management companies to locate potential housing. 
    • Predatory Auto Sales and Financing: Car dealers located near military bases may try to lure service members with promises of special deals for military personnel. Often, these so-called deals conceal the terms of purchase for the vehicle and result in the service member drastically overpaying for both the vehicle and the cost of financing. For example, dealers may insist that military personnel will not qualify for financing unless they purchase overpriced and unnecessary add-ons. Other times, the dealer may tell a service member who just purchased a car that the initial financing fell through and insist on renegotiating for worse terms. You should not rely on oral promises, nor feel pressured to enter into any purchase, without first reading and understanding the contract. If you are looking to purchase a car, you should explore all of your options for financing — including by contacting your bank or credit union — before making a purchase.  

    Protect Yourself from Scams:  

    • Bring a battle buddy when making big decisions, and take a tactical pause: Take your time with big decisions and get advice. A business that pressures you to make a quick decision or to not talk with your family, friends, a military financial counselor, or an officer or NCO that you trust may be out to scam you.
    • Take advantage of free annual credit reports: You are entitled to one free credit report every year from each of the three national credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Your credit history contains information from financial institutions, utilities, landlords, insurers, and others. By checking your credit reports at least once a year, you can identify signs of identity theft, as well errors in your report that could be raising the cost of your credit. Order your free annual credit reports by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-322-8228, or online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
    • Place a Fraud Alert: If your identity is stolen, put a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Also, consider requesting a credit freeze, which will restrict access to your credit file, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Report identity theft right away and get a recovery plan at identitytheft.gov. Additionally, file a police report with your local sheriff or police department and keep a copy for your records.
    • Report Suspicious Activity: Never give out personal information to a lender or servicer that contacts you out of the blue. If you are feeling unsure, hang up and call your loan servicer directly at the number that is listed on your mortgage statement. Report suspicious activity to the Office of the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report and file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
    • Protect your online information and accounts with strong passwords: Protect yourself by using different, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Make sure that the passwords you use are at least eight characters, including a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
    • Check your credit card bills and bank statements often: Look for unauthorized charges, withdrawals, or unexpected bills, and report irregular activity to your bank as soon as you see it. If you notice that a bill didn’t arrive on time, it may mean that someone has changed the contact information on your account in order to hide fraudulent charges. Don’t share personal information: Be careful about what personal information you share, such as your address or financial information.
    • Sign up for the Enhanced Homeowner Notification Program: If you reside in Los Angeles County, you may sign up to receive mailed copies of documents recorded against your home, allowing you to review recorded real estate documents so you are aware of actions taken against your property.

    If you believe you have been the victim or target of a scam, immediately contact your local police department or reach out to your base legal office. For the legal office’s contact information, ask your command or visit to legalassistance.law.af.mil/. California National Guard personnel can also obtain legal help at calguard.ca.gov. You may also file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report. For additional information on military-targeted scams, visit our website at oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/military.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: D.C. Guard Tests Skills With Jamaican, Barbadian Forces

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    Soldiers from the District of Columbia National Guard; Jamaica Defence Force, or JDF; Jamaica National Reserve; and Barbados Defence Force Reserves recently participated in the Caribbean Regional Training Camp 2025, a joint exercise aimed at bolstering regional security, enhancing disaster response capabilities and strengthening interoperability among the participating nations.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: IAEA-Supported Laboratory Opens to Fight Microplastics in Galapagos Islands

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    The Galapagos Islands where the Oceanography and Microplastics Laboratory, supported by the IAEA, was established to monitor and analyse microplastic pollution.

    A new laboratory supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was officially inaugurated this month in the Galapagos Islands to address the growing threat of marine microplastic pollution.

    The Oceanography and Microplastics Laboratory was established by the government in Ecuador, with support from the IAEA, to monitor and analyse microplastic pollution in the Galapagos Islands. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galapagos Islands are renowned for their extraordinary biodiversity and unique evolutionary adaptations, shaped by their remote location some 1000 kilometres west of mainland Ecuador.

    While a robust monitoring and cleanup programme is in place to tackle the estimated six tonnes of plastic waste that wash ashore on the islands each year, microplastics — plastic particles smaller than five millimetres — pose a more complex challenge for the Galapagos National Park, a protected area encompassing 97% of the islands.

    Nuclear-derived techniques can help detect and analyse microplastic particles too small for traditional monitoring. The laboratory is now analysing water samples and will be able to analyse sediment, and biota samples from the islands at a microscopic scale to identify the types of polymers and improve the understanding of how they disperse in the marine environment where they can endanger marine life.

    In a video address at the opening ceremony for the laboratory on 17 July, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the laboratory — situated on the Santa Cruz Island — will be an active partner in environmental monitoring and reporting of microplastic pollution for Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.

    “The laboratory offers new opportunities to conduct studies on the environmental impact on the vulnerable and relevant biodiversity of the Islands, helping authorities to take and implement more precise control measures aimed at the protection and conservation of the Galapagos National Park,” he added.

    The new laboratory marks a significant milestone in the IAEA’s NUTEC Plastics initiative, which has supported countries since its launch in 2020 in researching microplastics and applying nuclear techniques to enhance recycling processes. The support to the Galapagos Islands follows the IAEA’s work in Antarctica — another valuable ecosystem — with the launch of microplastics research there in 2024.

    The data generated in the new laboratory will enable local and national authorities to more accurately assess plastic pollution levels and design targeted strategies to mitigate their impact. The information will also feed into the IAEA’s coordinated efforts under the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratories in Monaco to build a global network of laboratories with analytical capacities to monitor and mitigate marine microplastic pollution.

    The IAEA, through its technical cooperation programme, has also strengthened monitoring and analytical capacities in institutions such as the Galapagos National Park and the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) in Guayaquil, to address the growing threat of marine pollution from microplastics in the Galapagos Islands. The IAEA has allocated nearly €1 million to provide the new laboratory with equipment and training for monitoring marine stressors such as ocean acidification, eutrophication, and microplastic pollution — all of which threaten the region’s unique biodiversity and ecosystems.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Congressman Nathaniel Moran Joins NewsNation to Discuss Israel, Trade with Europe and China

    Source: Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01)

    In case you missed it, Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) joined NewsNation’s Morning in America to weigh in on key national and international issues, including the humanitarian situation in Gaza, trade negotiations with the EU and China.

    Congressman Moran, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, offered the following remarks:

    On the Gaza humanitarian crisis and Israel’s responsibility:

    “I’m glad to see more is being done to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But let’s not forget that the cause of this crisis is Hamas. Hamas is the aggressor and a terrorist organization. It could end this overnight by laying down its arms and choosing peace—but it won’t.”

    On President Trump’s Trade Talks with the EU:

    “President Trump is being very effective. He’s shown power and prowess on the world stage. Because he’s engaged, so many countries are coming to the table. We’re getting closer and closer to finalizing deals that prioritize fair and reciprocal trade.”

    On Treasury-Led Talks with China:

    “I’m glad to see the U.S. Treasury engaging China directly. But we must remember: China sees us as an adversary. Any agreement must include strong enforcement mechanisms—because they will try to circumvent the rules and cheat to their advantage.”

    Watch the full interview HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: European gloom over the Trump deal is misplaced. It’s probably the best the EU could have achieved

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maha Rafi Atal, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in Political Economy, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow

    The trade deal between the US and the European Union, squeezed in days before the re-introduction of Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs, is reflective of the new politics of global trade. Faced with the threat of 30% baseline tariffs from Washington, as well as additional levies on specific sectors, the EU has secured a partial reprieve of a flat 15% tariff on all goods.

    Was this the best the bloc could have achieved? In the time available, it may well have been. The 15% rate is higher than the UK secured earlier this year, but it’s significantly below the level applied to China and Mexico, and on par with Japan.

    The EU has also managed a “zero-for-zero” tariffs deal on some hi-tech goods, notably semiconductors vital for products like phones and laptops. This is something the UK did not push for or secure in its own framework agreed with the US president.



    Read more:
    Donald Trump has reduced tariffs on British metals and cars, but how important is this trade deal? Experts react

    What’s more, EU leaders have argued that agreeing to the deal has security benefits in protecting dwindling US support for European defence. The urgency of Europe’s security concerns in Ukraine made these talks different from trade negotiations in the first Trump administration, when Europe could afford to be more aggressive.

    The biggest winners in this deal are Europe’s carmakers. The US has collapsed various sector-specific duties on goods like aircraft, cars and automotive parts into the 15% ceiling. This effectively reduces tariffs on EU-made cars (from 27.5%).

    American automakers, meanwhile, rely heavily on parts from Mexico and China – still subject to higher tariffs at the time of writing. This makes EU vehicles more competitive for US consumers than “American” cars that rely on overseas parts.

    Most importantly however, like the UK deal before it, the new EU agreement is a statement of understanding between the White House and the European Commission, rather than a formal treaty. A treaty would be subject to parliamentary ratification on both sides.

    But the semi-formal nature of this agreement allows both Trump and European leaders to portray the deal as a “win” by playing fast and loose with what’s actually in it.

    For example, the Trump administration will celebrate an EU commitment to buy US$250 billion (£189 billion) in US energy imports annually. Yet the concession holds no legal weight in the EU. The European Commission, which negotiated with Trump, does not buy any energy nor does it manage the power grid inside its 27 member states.

    The commission can encourage, but cannot compel, those states to buy American. (Indeed, it might want to do so anyway, since it helps it to pivot away from Russian gas). But ultimately, member states and businesses decide where their energy supply comes from, and they are not direct parties to the deal. Only a formal treaty ratified by the European parliament would compel them.

    No guarantees from Trump

    The informal nature of this agreement also allows EU member states to protest against what they see as capitulation to Trump’s demands without real consequence. After all, there is not yet a treaty text they would be required to vote on or implement.

    The Trump administration similarly imposed its sweeping tariff threats in early spring without a vote from Congress, and has been making ad hoc changes to the rates in the same way.

    On the one hand, this means European countries may not ultimately be required to implement some of the deal’s less savoury elements such as the energy purchases or lowering the bloc’s own tariffs on US goods.

    On the other hand, this means the Trump administration – notorious for abrupt changes of turn – can also renege at any time. In reality, there is little the EU can do about this. The question of leverage looms large. Trump’s longstanding antipathy towards the EU – seeing it less as an ally and more as a rival – meant that Brussels was never negotiating from a position of strength.

    The fact that the EU avoided the worst-case scenario, protected key sectors and secured other sector-specific advantages suggests a deal shaped not by triumph, but by containment of Trump. Since the deal was announced, the picture emerging from many European leaders has been one of gloom. True, the EU didn’t win – but it survived. And that, for now, is probably enough.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

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

    – ref. European gloom over the Trump deal is misplaced. It’s probably the best the EU could have achieved – https://theconversation.com/european-gloom-over-the-trump-deal-is-misplaced-its-probably-the-best-the-eu-could-have-achieved-262369

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Will the latest diplomatic moves to end the war in Gaza work?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor, The Conversation

    This article was first published in The Conversation UK’s World Affairs Briefing email newsletter. Sign up to receive weekly analysis of the latest developments in international relations, direct to your inbox.

    It feels as if things are moving at completely different speeds in Gaza and in the outside world. From the embattled Gaza Strip the narrative is depressingly familiar. Dozens more Palestinian civilians have been killed in the past 24 hours as they try to get hold of scarce supplies of food.

    Aid agencies report that despite air drops of supplies and “humanitarian pauses” in the fighting, the amount of food getting through to the starving people of Gaza remains pitifully insufficient.

    Two more children are reported to have died of starvation, bringing the total number of hunger-related deaths to 159, according to Palestinian sources quoted by al-Jazeera.

    US envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Jerusalem for more talks as the US president Donald Trump posted his latest bout of social media diplomacy on his TruthSocial site, a message which appears pretty faithful to the Netanyahu government’s position: “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!”

    Both sides continue to reject the other side’s demands, bringing ceasefire negotiations to an effective standstill.

    In the outside world, meanwhile, events seem to be gathering pace. A “high-level conference” at the United Nations in New York brought together representatives of 17 states, the European Union and the Arab League, resulting in “a comprehensive and actionable framework for the implementation of the two-state solution and the achievement of peace and security for all”.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    What first catches the eye about this proposal, which was signed by Saudi Arabia,
    Qatar, Egypt and Jordan, is that it links a peace deal with the disarming and disbanding of Hamas. It also condemns the militant group’s savage attack on southern Israel on October 23 2023, which was the catalyst for the latest and arguably most grievous chapter of this eight-decade conflict. It’s the first time the Arab League has taken either of these positions.

    The New York declaration, as it has been dubbed, envisages the complete withdrawal of Israeli security forces from Gaza and an end to the displacement of Palestinians. Government will be the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority (PA), and a conference to be scheduled in Egypt will design a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, much of which has been destroyed in the 20-month assault by the Israel Defense Forces.

    It is, writes Scott Lucas, a “bold initiative” which, “in theory could end the Israeli mass killing in Gaza, remove Hamas from power and begin the implementation of a process for a state of Palestine. The question is whether it has any chance of success.”

    Lucas, an expert in US and Middle East politics at the Clinton Institute of University College Dublin, is not particularly sanguine about the short-term prospects for a ceasefire and the alleviation of the desperate conditions for the people of Gaza. But what it represents more than anything else, is “yet another marker of Israel’s increasing isolation”.

    He points to recent announcements that France, the UK (subject to conditions) and Canada will recognise the state of Palestine at the UN general assembly in September. The prospect of normalisation between Israel and Arab states, at the top of the agenda a few short years ago, is now very unlikely. And in the US, which remains Israel’s staunchest ally, a Gallup poll recently found that public opinion is turning against Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.



    Read more:
    New peace plan increases pressure on Israel and US as momentum grows for Palestinian statehood

    But how important are the declarations by France, the UK and Canada of intent to potentially recognise Palestinian statehood, asks Malak Benslama-Dabdoub. As expert in international law at Royal Holloway University of London, who has focused on the question of Palestinian statelessness, Benslama-Dabdoub thinks that the French and British pledges bear closer examination.

    The French declaration was made on July 24 on Twitter by the president, Emmanuel Macron. Macron envisages a “demilitarised” state, something Benslama-Dabdoub sees as a serious problem, as it effectively denies the fundamental right of states to self-determination and would rob a future Palestinian state of the necessary right to self-defence.

    The declaration by the UK prime minister that Britain may also recognise Palestinian statehood in September is framed as a threat rather than a pledge. Unless Israel agrees to a ceasefire, allows the UN to recommence humanitarian efforts and engages in a long-term sustainable peace process, the UK will go ahead with recognising Palestine at the UN.

    You have to consider that the UK government’s statement said that the position has always been that “Palestinian statehood is the inalienable right of the Palestinian people”. So to frame this as a threat rather than a demand is arguably to deny that “inalienable right”.



    Read more:
    UK to recognise Palestinian statehood unless Israel agrees to ceasefire – here’s what that would mean

    Paul Rogers also sees serious problems with the pledges to recognise Palestinian statehood. Demands for Hamas to disarm and play no further role in Palestinian government he sees as a non-starter as is the thought of a demilitarised Palestine. “Neither plan has the slightest chance of getting off the ground.”

    Rogers, who has researched and written on the Middle East for more than 30 years, also thinks that without the full backing of the US there is very little chance that a peace plan could succeed.

    Rogers finds it hard to believe that Washington will change tack on the Palestinian question, “unless the US president somehow gets the idea that his own reputation is being damaged”. There’s always a chance of this. News from the Gaza Strip is relentlessly horrifying and the aforementioned polls suggest many voters are reassessing their views of the conflict. But Trump is heavily indebted for his re-election to the far-right Christian Zionist movement, who wield a great deal of power with the White House.

    The other thing that might influence the conflict is if enough of the IDF’s top brass recognise the futility of waging what has always been an unwinnable conflict. This, writes Rogers, is whispered about in Israel’s military circles and one eminent retired general, Itzhak Brik, has come out and said: “Hamas has defeated us.”

    These, writes Rogers, are currently the only routes to an end to the conflict.



    Read more:
    UK and France pledges won’t stop Netanyahu bombing Gaza – but Donald Trump or Israel’s military could

    Inside Trumpian diplomacy

    We mentioned earlier that the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, has also pledged to recognise the state of Palestine in September. This was immediately greeted by Trump with the threat that he does so it will derail a trade deal with the US. Whether this will cut any ice with Carney, who had to make concessions to get the trade deal done in the first place, remains to be seen.

    But there’s a broader point here, writes Stefan Wolff. As Wolff reports, this week the foreign ministers of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda got together in Washington to sign a ceasefire deal, brokered by the US. Trump also claims to have successfully ended a conflict between India and Pakistan at the end of May and hostilities between Thailand and Cambodia earlier this month.

    Meanwhile his efforts to secure peace deals, or even a lasting ceasefire, in Gaza or Ukraine have been unsuccessful.

    Wolff considers why some countries respond to Trump’s diplomatic efforts while others don’t. There are a number of reasons, principally the US president’s ability to apply leverage through trade deals or sanctions and the differing complexity of the conflicts.

    He also points to the depleted resources of the US state department, Trump’s use of personal envoys with little foreign affairs experience and the US president’s insistence on making all the important decisions himself. He concludes: “The White House simply may not have the bandwidth for the level of engagement that would be necessary to get to a deal in Ukraine and the Middle East.”



    Read more:
    Why Donald Trump has stopped some conflicts but is failing with Ukraine and Gaza

    One US government department whose resources haven’t been depleted under Donald Trump is the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, known as Ice. Part of the Department of Homeland Security, Ice has been responsible for identifying and detaining non-citizens and undocumented migrants.

    Their agents carry guns, wear masks and typically operate in plain clothes, although they often wear military kit. The agency received massive funding via Trump’s One Bzig Beautiful Bill Act earlier this month, which will allow the agency to recruit hundreds, if not thousands, of new agents. The number of arrests is increasing steadily, as is the disquiet their operations are prompting in many American cities, where opposition protests are also growing.

    Dafydd Townley, an expert in US politics at the University of Portsmouth, explains how Ice operates and where it sits in Donald Trump’s plan to deport millions of illegal migrants from the US.



    Read more:
    Masked and armed agents are arresting people on US streets as aggressive immigration enforcement ramps up

    World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get updates directly in your inbox.

    – ref. Will the latest diplomatic moves to end the war in Gaza work? – https://theconversation.com/will-the-latest-diplomatic-moves-to-end-the-war-in-gaza-work-262380

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Classrooms under construction will add nearly 1,500 student spaces

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Construction is underway for new classrooms at seven schools across B.C., creating nearly 1,500 additional student spaces to support rapidly growing communities.

    “Communities across the province are growing, and with that comes the urgent need for more schools and more classroom space,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “We’re building schools faster than we ever have before, and we’re doing it with smart solutions that get students into safe, modern classrooms right in their neighbourhood.”

    New K-12 classrooms are breaking ground this summer in:

    • Chilliwack;
    • Delta;
    • Fort St. John;
    • West Kelowna;
    • Richmond;
    • North Vancouver; and
    • Maple Ridge.

    “Every dollar we invest in education is an investment in our future,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “With modern learning environments, students are better equipped to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”

    The Province has invested approximately $119 million in these classrooms to support growing school districts.

    “The new addition to Westview Elementary supports a healthy and vibrant learning community,” said Linda Munro, chair, North Vancouver school board. “We are excited by the innovative approach to building that will add more space and modern classrooms to better meet students’ needs.”

    Since 2017, the Province has invested more than $6 billion in school construction and renovation, creating nearly 43,000 new student spaces and more than 39,000 seismically safe seats in B.C. schools. As the province grows, government is committed to working with both school districts and municipalities to provide all students with safe, modern and inspiring places to learn.

    Quotes:

    Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston –

    “This project represents an important investment in the future of our communities. I am so excited to see Tomsett Elementary start construction, as well as the other projects underway across Richmond, like the Diefenbaker Elementary school replacement. When we strengthen our schools, we strengthen our neighbourhoods, support working families and create lasting opportunities for the next generation.”

    Susie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour –

    “This is a critical step in meeting the needs of our rapidly growing community. By expanding student spaces, we’re ensuring that every child has access to a quality learning environment close to home.”

    Learn More:

    For more information about K-12 school capital projects in B.C., visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: LYNO Launches Early Bird Presale Phase with 16 Million Tokens at $0.050

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LYNO, a decentralized cross-chain arbitrage protocol powered by artificial intelligence (AI), has officially launched the Early Bird phase of its token presale. This initial phase is offering 16 million $LYNO tokens at the price of $0.050 per token. Once this allocation is sold out, the next phase will see the token price increase to $0.055. This announcement marks the beginning of LYNO’s public sale process as it aims to distribute 28% of its total token supply through a seven-phase community presale.

    This milestone represents a significant step forward in LYNO’s roadmap as it prepares for its official platform deployment. The project’s token sale structure is designed to progressively increase the token price at each stage, incentivizing early participation and distributing value to early supporters.

    Purpose-Built Arbitrage Protocol for DeFi

    LYNO is engineered to automate cross-chain arbitrage opportunities across fragmented decentralized finance (DeFi) markets. Its infrastructure enables users to benefit from price inefficiencies across different blockchain networks, executing profitable trades without requiring any manual intervention. The platform supports over 15 EVM-compatible chains, maximizing market coverage and arbitrage scope.

    The protocol operates on a four-layer architectural model: Data, AI, Execution, and Settlement. This layered system allows LYNO to constantly monitor real-time price feeds, apply machine learning algorithms to identify profitable opportunities, and execute trades using smart contracts and flash loans. This approach aims to deliver high-speed execution and accuracy, setting the stage for a more efficient decentralized trading environment.

    Integration with Leading Blockchain Bridges

    LYNO’s design includes compatibility with several of the leading cross-chain messaging and liquidity bridges. This includes integration with LayerZero, Axelar, Wormhole, and others, which ensures seamless capital movement across networks. By using these bridges, LYNO can minimize slippage, reduce latency, and increase transaction success rates in arbitrage operations. These integrations are essential for real-time cross-chain trading, enabling LYNO to maintain its operational speed and accuracy across diverse DeFi markets.

    Utility and Tokenomics

    The $LYNO token is central to the protocol’s operation. It will serve multiple functions within the LYNO ecosystem, including:

    • Governance participation: Token holders can vote on protocol upgrades, fee structures, and future proposals.
    • Staking: Users can stake tokens to receive a share of the protocol’s profits.
    • Tool access: Holders can unlock AI-based real-time analytics and arbitrage monitoring tools.

    LYNO has implemented a multi-layered tokenomic model designed to align user incentives with the long-term success of the platform. Key features include:

    • Buyback and burn mechanisms to support price stability and reduce circulating supply.
    • Liquidity mining incentives for early liquidity providers.
    • Revenue sharing model distributing up to 60% of platform fees to stakers and participants.

    These mechanisms are intended to increase transparency, support decentralization, and maintain consistent user engagement. The project has been audited by Cyberscope, further enhancing its credibility and focus on smart contract security.

    How to Participate in the Presale

    Investors who wish to take part in the Early Bird presale can do so by connecting their wallets—such as MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or any WalletConnect-compatible wallet—to the LYNO presale platform at https://lyno.ai/#presale. The supported payment options for purchasing $LYNO tokens include ETH, USDC, and USDT. Tokens purchased during the presale will be claimable after the conclusion of all presale phases.

    This Early Bird phase is time-sensitive and available on a first-come, first-served basis. After the initial 16 million tokens are sold, the token price will increase from $0.050 to $0.055 in the next stage. This price progression will continue through the subsequent rounds, designed to reward early contributors before the token listing on exchanges.

    Building a Transparent and Automated DeFi Future

    LYNO is part of a new wave of DeFi protocols aiming to reduce inefficiencies and human error in the arbitrage trading process. By leveraging artificial intelligence, cross-chain compatibility, and fully automated systems, LYNO introduces an alternative to manual DeFi trading strategies.

    With increasing fragmentation in liquidity across blockchains and growing interest in interoperable DeFi solutions, LYNO’s protocol arrives at a time when seamless arbitrage execution is becoming increasingly important. The LYNO platform aims to help users unlock value from market inefficiencies while offering governance and income opportunities via staking and community engagement.

    About LYNO

    LYNO is an AI-powered, decentralized cross-chain arbitrage protocol built to automate real-time profitable trades across multiple EVM-compatible chains. The protocol is designed to optimize DeFi trading by offering speed, transparency, and efficiency while leveraging powerful AI technologies and smart contract automation. LYNO’s infrastructure is compatible with top bridge solutions, making it a versatile and forward-looking solution for decentralized arbitrage.

    For More Information, Please Visit:

    Contact:
    LYNO AI
    Email: contact@lyno.ai

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by LYNO. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7f1c0f27-b1f5-4966-b736-ef6709c13738

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/88ca5dde-10a7-4491-b8c2-fd5abf715a3a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Commemorates the Illustrious Career of Congressman Danny Davis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Commemorates the Illustrious Career of Congressman Danny Davis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson today issued the following statement regarding Congressman Danny Davis’s announcement that he will not seek reelection, marking the conclusion of a truly remarkable career in public service:

    “It is with profound respect and admiration that we acknowledge the impending retirement of my esteemed colleague, Congressman Danny Davis. For decades, Congressman Davis has served the people of Illinois’ 7th Congressional District with unparalleled dedication, embodying a spirit of advocacy that deeply mirrors the African experience of perseverance and progress.

    Chicago is fortunate to call Danny Davis our very own. His journey, beginning in a one-room schoolhouse in Arkansas, is a testament to his extraordinary grit and determination. Rising from such humble beginnings to earn a Ph.D. and become a revered legislator in the halls of Congress, his story is an inspiration to us all. He holds the unique distinction as the only Black person from Arkansas to be in Congress, a powerful symbol of breaking barriers and achieving the impossible.

    Congressman Davis has consistently been a champion for civil rights, affordable housing, prison reentry, and healthcare. His unwavering commitment to his constituents has made him a highest vote getter time and again, reflecting the deep trust and affection he has earned from those he serves. He carries a profound legacy of greatness, built on tireless work and a genuine desire to uplift communities.

    Beyond his legislative achievements, Congressman Davis has always conducted himself with immense grace and undeniable charm. He has been a mentor, a leader, and a beacon of hope for countless individuals. His presence in Congress will be deeply missed, but his impact will resonate for generations.

    We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Davis for his exceptional service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement. His contributions to our nation and to the city of Chicago are indelible.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Budd, Heinrich Introduce Amendment to Crack Down on Illicit Anti-Obesity Drugs Entering the U.S. from China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Bipartisan amendment would help ensure FDA can utilize existing statutory authority to protect Americans from counterfeit, unapproved drugs from unregistered facilities in China

    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) recently introduced an amendment to the 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to ensure the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can activate regulatory and enforcement authorities to prevent the importation of illicit weight loss drugs and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) from the Republic of China and other foreign countries.

    These illicit products, which include unregulated versions of ingredients used in name-brand GLP-1 medicines, are often produced in facilities in China that are not always registered with the FDA and pose serious risks to American consumers, with sometimes fatal consequences.

    “The Chinese Communist Party has proven time and again that it is willing to exploit our supply chain and endanger American lives to advance its own interests,” said Senator Budd. “That includes flooding our country with counterfeit, unapproved weight-loss drugs made in unregulated facilities. It is critically important that the United States maintains the gold standard for safe, effective medicines and we must act decisively to protect American patients. I am glad to partner with Senator Heinrich on this important issue, and I look forward to working with Commissioner Makary and Secretary Kennedy to help ensure the FDA can shut the door on these dangerous products at our borders and hold bad actors accountable.”

    “We have a responsibility to protect Americans from dangerous, counterfeit drugs entering our country,” said Senator Heinrich. “Too many of these unapproved weight-loss drugs are being produced in unregistered facilities in China with no oversight and no regard for safety. That’s why I’m introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Budd to ensure the FDA can crack down on these illicit imports and keep American consumers safe.”

    BACKGROUND

    A recent Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) public service announcement warned that counterfeit weight loss products have been found to contain both “drugs with high levels of impurities” and “unsafe or unapproved drugs” with misbranded or adulterated packaging. To protect America’s supply chain from these potential threats, actions from the FDA may include refusing the entry of illicit drugs and API, issuing warning letters to foreign suppliers, and initiating civil enforcement actions.

    This amendment follows a bipartisan letter Representative Richard Hudson (R-N.C.-09) led in sending to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, which urged immediate action against the rising threat of illegal, counterfeit anti-obesity medications entering the United States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lee Introduces Protecting American Jobs Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced legislation today to ensure unbiased due process for American workers and businesses in labor practice complaints. The Protecting American Jobs Act blocks the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from prosecuting and adjudicating cases – returning adjudicatory power to the U.S. Courts where it belongs and eliminating biased court decisions.

    “Business disputes should be given a fair trial – not biased decisions from federal bureaucrats cosplaying as judges,” said Senator Mike Lee. “The NLRB should never be allowed to adjudicate the very cases it is prosecuting. My legislation will restore the right to a fair trial for workers and businesses as outlined by the Constitution, providing them due process and protection from biased bureaucrats.” 

    Background:

    The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) currently investigates and adjudicates union representation disputes, unfair labor practice complaints, and contract disputes with federal court review only allowed in limited circumstances. This means that the NLRB acts as investigator, prosecutor, and judge with an unelected and unaccountable membership that turns over every few years – a structure poorly suited to ensure due process for either employees or employers. This bureaucratic and political mess results in delayed complaint resolutions, a damaged economy, and stalled business decisions which in turn stunt job growth.

    Congress should return the adjudicatory functions of the NLRB to the U.S. Courts as designed by the Constitution and revoke the Board’s power to prosecute unfair labor practice charges. Under this system, victims of unfair labor practices could still bring forth complaints for the NLRB to investigate, but the power to hear and adjudicate complaint cases would remain with the U.S. Court system, as in the adjudication of all other disputes between private parties. 

    Removing the influence of a politically charged federal agency would remove the “thumb on the scale” in these proceedings, providing both workers and businesses with a simplified and unbiased method for resolving disputes and a consistent set of regulations to follow.

    The Protecting American Jobs Act:

    • Removes the NLRB General Counsel’s power to issue complaints related to unfair labor practices.
    • Limits the Board’s rulemaking authority to rules concerning the internal functions of the Board.
    • Removes the Board’s power to bring charges of unfair labor practices and to adjudicate those charges and instead provides the Board with the authority to investigate unfair labor practices.
    • Moves relief of unfair labor practices to the courts where an aggrieved party may bring a civil action.
    • Requires the NLRB to review and revise its regulations to comply with these changes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Speakers Stress Economic and Social Council’s Key Role in Responding to Today’s Global Challenges, as 54-Member Organ Begins 2026 Session, Elects Bureau

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    The Economic and Social Council commenced its 2026 session today, and as Canada handed its presidency to Nepal, speakers pointed to the important role that the organ must play in responding to the myriad challenges of the moment.

    Opening the meeting, Robert Rae (Canada), the Council’s President for its 2025 session, noted that “we hear a lot in the UN discourse about how things are broken, how things have fallen apart, how things are unhinged”.  While not disagreeing with those assessments, he emphasized:  “Our job is not to give speeches saying how terrible things are — our job is to roll up our sleeves and fix things.”  He added that no UN agency or body “has more of a responsibility to do that than the Economic and Social Council”.

    Urging that body to take its responsibilities seriously, he recalled some of the problems that the Council addressed over the past year — the role of artificial intelligence, the situation in Haiti and development in the UN context.  “I think this Council helped,” he stated.  He also pointed out that current questions regarding the UN’s relevance are not new — some even raised them when the Organization was founded — and spotlighted, as a counterpoint, the important discourse concerning the State of Palestine during the recent high-level conference on the two-State solution.

    President Appointed, Vice-Presidents Elected for 2026 Session 

    He concluded that the new Bureau will face new challenges ahead — “that’s how the world works” — and the Council then elected, by acclamation, Lok Bahadur Thapa (Nepal) as President of the Council at its 2026 session.

    Taking his seat at the podium, Mr. Thapa directed the Council to proceed to the election of the other Bureau members for that session.  The body then elected — also by acclamation — Amar Bendjamaa (Algeria), Paruyr Hovhannisyan (Armenia), Wellington Darío Bencosme Castaños (Dominican Republic) and Héctor Gómez Hernández (Spain) to serve as Vice-Presidents.

    Mr. Thapa then delivered his inaugural statement, emphasizing:  “For Nepal, this is a historic moment.”  Recalling that his country was admitted to the UN 70 years ago, he said that assuming Presidency of the Council for the first time is a “testament to our enduring commitment to multilateralism and our aspiration to contribute meaningfully to build trust, strengthen multilateral cooperation and achieve a more just, inclusive, equitable and resilient world”.

    Yet, “the world today is navigating a ‘polycrisis’” of conflict, climate disruption, economic uncertainty and deepening inequality, he said, also pointing to renewed great Power competition, escalating cyberthreats, an off-track 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, surging humanitarian needs and a $4 trillion annual financing gap for developing countries.  “In this context, the role of ECOSOC has never been more relevant and important,” he stated.

    Under ‘Delivering Better’ Motto, President Outlines Priorities for Session

    Noting that his Presidency will be guided by the motto of “Delivering Better”, he underscored that doing so “is not an option — it is an imperative”.  Detailing what that motto means for Nepal, he underlined the need to strengthen multilateralism and rebuild trust, accelerate the 2030 Agenda, ensure effective coordination and coherence within the UN system, strengthen partnerships and ensure implementation and follow-up.  “ECOSOC must evolve from convening dialogue to driving measurable impact,” he urged.

    He also outlined several priorities for his presidency, including transforming agriculture and food systems to strengthen food security and rural resilience; championing digital inclusion and youth entrepreneurship; and advancing climate action and resilience.  On the latter, he said that special focus will be placed on mitigating glacial lake outburst floods and protecting vulnerable communities.  Among other initiatives, he said that his presidency will also give “due priority to promoting the interests of countries in special situations”, as “their unique vulnerabilities demand tailored solutions”.

    “ECOSOC is our place,” he stressed, encouraging all present to “bring forward your vision, your ideas and your transformative solutions”.  He added: “We must send a clear and united message — multilateralism delivers, and it delivers for everyone.”

    Following that statement, the newly elected Vice-Presidents — the representatives of Algeria, Armenia, Dominican Republic and Spain — as well as delegates from China, Australia, Djibouti, Republic of Korea, South Africa and the European Union, took the floor to thank the outgoing Bureau and express support for the incoming one.  Many specifically thanked Mr. Rae for his work over the past year.

    Speakers also acknowledged the challenges ahead and underlined the Council’s important role in addressing them at this critical juncture for development.  An observer for the Major Groups and Other Stakeholders Coordination Mechanism, for her part, underlined the need for civil society to be heard during that endeavour.

    Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Says Urgent Action, Stronger Cooperation Key to Advance Sustainable Development Goals

    “Through its convening power — across segments, forums and special meetings — the Council has shown its continued relevance,” said Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.  Today’s interconnected world demands stronger cooperation to achieve sustainable solutions, he pointed out, calling for “urgent” action to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as only 35 per cent of targets are currently on track.

    “ECOSOC’s role is central,” he stressed, “to forge consensus, provide policy guidance and mobilize coordination action and follow-up.”  Its eightieth anniversary invites reflection, and upcoming reviews are key opportunities to ensure the realization of its full potential.  He concluded:  “I urge all Member States to continue actively engaging with the Council to advance the implementation of its mandates and the realization of the SDGs.”

    Council Adopts Provisional Agenda, Working Arrangements for Session

    Following that, the Council adopted, without a vote, its provisional agenda (document E/2026/1) and working arrangements (to be issued as document E/2026/L.1) for 2026.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ONRETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OFREP. DANNY DAVIS

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

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement after Congressman Danny Davis announced he would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

    Throughout his historic career as an educator and community organizer and later as a distinguished public servant, Congressman Davis has never wavered in his commitment to serving those back home. Whether on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, the Chicago City Council or in the United States Congress, Congressman Davis has been a tremendous champion for racial, social and economic justice and a fierce fighter for the people he is privileged to represent in Chicago. 

    For more than three decades in the Congress, including as a Member of the exclusive Ways and Means Committee and the top Democrat on the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee, Danny has worked to ensure our tax code lifts up the least, lost and left-behind in Chicago and across our nation. He introduced and ushered through the transformative Second Chance Act to help returning citizens with services to rebuild their futures. Danny has been a co-chair and leader of the Congressional Caucus on Black Men and Boys where he advocated for solutions to systemic racism, police brutality and income inequality.  

    Danny forged a remarkable legacy and made clear his commitment to public service. The House Democratic Caucus family will miss Danny deeply and wish him and his family the best in this next chapter. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Early-Career Spotlight: From Astrophysics to Applied Artificial Intelligence, Hilary Egan Charts a Creative Path Through Science

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    Welcome to the Materials, Chemical, and Computational Science (MCCS) Early-Career Spotlight, a monthly feature showcasing NREL’s early-career researchers’ interests, motivations, and achievements. This month, features Hilary Egan, who has been a data scientist at NREL since 2020.

    When not in the lab solving AI problems, Hilary Egan enjoys outdoor activities like paddleboarding, climbing, and biking. Photo by Hilary Egan, NREL

    For Hilary Egan, a data scientist at NREL, a career in science was not a straight line but rather one shaped by curiosity, adaptability, and a deep interest in computational problem-solving.

    “I was born in Germany to Canadian parents, and we moved around a lot throughout Canada and the United States,” Egan said. “When it came time for college, I landed at Michigan State University, majoring in physics with minors in math and computer science. I dabbled in experimental physics and worked in a laser lab early on, but honestly, I was a little too clumsy for it. I wanted something that connected all my interests.”

    That desire to connect the dots led Egan to computational physics, where she found her stride.

    “I started working at the high-performance computing center on campus and eventually joined an astronomy lab doing computational research—I absolutely loved it,” she said. That experience inspired her to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics and planetary science at the University of Colorado Boulder, with a strong focus on computation.

    From Fellowship to National Laboratory Career

    Egan’s graduate work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship, a pivotal experience that introduced her to the national laboratory system.

    “Through the fellowship, I had the opportunity to intern at NREL. I wanted to challenge myself and get outside my comfort zone, and NREL’s mission really resonated with me,” she said. “I was also curious about artificial intelligence (AI), which was just starting to gain momentum. During my internship, I worked on using AI to predict data center loads and align them with renewable energy availability. It was a great experience, and I was lucky to come back to NREL after finishing my Ph.D. I’ve been here ever since.”

    Today, Egan applies her expertise in AI and computational science to a wide range of energy challenges.

    “My work spans applied AI and computational methods across NREL’s mission space—from enhancing energy efficiency in data centers to using AI to accelerate building retrofits to developing autonomous laboratory systems,” she said.

    This year, she is on detail to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, where she is helping coordinate an agencywide AI strategy.

    Embracing Growth, in Science and Beyond

    What Egan enjoys most about her work is the constant opportunity to learn.

    “I love getting to be a bit of a scientific dilettante,” she said. “I wasn’t interested in narrowing my focus to one small corner of science for my entire career. At NREL, I get to explore new areas and work with incredibly smart, passionate people who care deeply about the mission. It’s really inspiring.”

    Egan credits strong communication skills as one of the most valuable tools in her professional toolkit.

    “To me, scientific communication means understanding your audience, writing clearly, and giving compelling presentations,” she said. “I’ve developed those skills through everything from taking writing-focused liberal arts courses in college to writing science blogs and even doing community theater. Getting feedback from different audiences is key—it teaches you where the message isn’t landing and why.”

    Outside the lab, Egan brings the same curiosity and enthusiasm to her free time.

    “I’m definitely a serial hobby picker-upper,” she said. “I love climbing, mountain biking, birding, and paddleboarding. I also read constantly, and I’ve spent years playing and coaching competitive ultimate frisbee. Lately, I’ve been sewing and just started pottery classes. I kind of run my free time like a kid at summer camp!”

    From astrophysics to AI-driven energy solutions, Egan exemplifies the spirit of scientific exploration and innovation that drives NREL forward.

    Learn more about NREL’s computational science and AI research.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Convenes Section 8 & 9 Townhall to Discuss Trump Administration’s Threats to Affordable Housing

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Goldman Joined by Representatives from NYCHA, NYC Housing Preservation and Development, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal  

     

    View a Recording of the Event Here 

    New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) hosted a Section 8 & 9 townhall at Grand St. Settlement to discuss how the Trump administration’s policies are affecting Section 8 and 9 housing in New York and help inform tenants on how city and state housing agencies may be impacted. The Congressman was joined by representatives from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), New York City Housing Preservation and Development, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal. 

    “Programs like Section 8 and 9 are a vital lifeline for over one million New York residents who are already struggling to make ends meet, and as the Trump administration slashes funding and fires critical staff, I was proud to bring local officials together and give tenants a platform to ask questions and get answers,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “With New York City set to remain in this administration’s cross-hairs, I will continue working at all levels of government to protect Section 8 and 9 tenants and ensure every single one has the safe, dignified, and affordable housing that they deserve.”  

    Since taking office, the Trump Administration has proposed sweeping changes to federal housing programs like Section 8 and Section 9 that would devastate low-income households. While they have not yet succeeded in enacting the most extreme policies, they’ve already caused serious harm, most notably by gutting HUD’s workforce by 30%. The administration’s budget proposals have called for drastic cuts to rental assistance, a two-year cap on support for able-bodied adults, and expanded work requirements that would jeopardize housing for thousands of working families, caregivers, and students. These changes, if implemented, would lead to mass evictions, overwhelming paperwork burdens, and a significant increase in homelessness—particularly in high-cost areas like New York City. Fortunately, Congress has so far rejected many of these proposals, but the threat remains real and ongoing. 

    In March, Goldman led 13 of his New York Delegation colleagues in sending a letter to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner demanding that he reverse the Trump Administration’s decision to drastically reduce staffing at regional HUD field offices. The Administration’s “fork in the road” scheme and their potentially illegal firing of probationary workers had already left HUD field offices short-staffed and vulnerable. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman’s Bipartisan Legislation Supporting Families of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Passes Senate

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Senate Adoption Tees Up Final Passage by the House in the Fall 

    ‘Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act’ Ensures Those Who Give the Ultimate Sacrifice Are Not Unjustly Denied Benefits 

    Read the Bill Here 

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) today celebrated the Senate’s passage of his bipartisan ‘Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act,’ which would ensure the families of law enforcement officers who are killed as a result of their work on behalf of their communities are not unjustly denied benefits due to arbitrary retirement status restrictions. Under current law, families of officers who have retired but are later targeted and killed because of their past service are denied death benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ (PSOB) program. The unanimous Senate vote sets the legislation on a glide path to final passage by the House when members come back in session in September. Congressman Goldman introduced the legislation with Congressman Barr (KY-06) in February.  

    “We have an obligation to care for those who pay the ultimate price while serving in the line of duty, even after they have retired,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “At a time when partisan gridlock is grinding Congress to a halt, I’m encouraged that both parties came together to pass this commonsense legislation honoring our fallen heroes. I urge Republican leadership to bring this bill to the House Floor in September and ensure that any law enforcement officers killed or injured in the line of duty receive the benefits they deserve—regardless of retirement status.” 

    Chief Herbert D. Proffitt dedicated his life to serving others, first as a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and then as a law enforcement officer for 55 years before retiring in 2009 as Chief of the Tompkinsville, Kentucky Police Department. On August 28, 2012, Chief Proffitt was tragically shot and killed in his driveway by an individual he had arrested a decade earlier. Although his murder was a direct retaliation for his service in uniform, his family was denied benefits under the PSOB program simply because he had retired. 

    Congressman Dan Goldman has made safeguarding public safety officers and first responders a key priority of his time in office.   

    In the Winter of 2024, Goldman publicly condemned the House Republican’s rejection of the bipartisan budget bill, which would have fully funded the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).  
    In the Summer of 2024, Goldman, alongside other New York lawmakers, introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill to address any funding gap or shortfall for World Trade Center Health Program. The ‘9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act of 2024’ intended to secure permanent and mandatory funding for the WTCHP, to prevent any future funding shortfall.   
    In the Fall of 2023, Goldman joined Congressman Bill Pascrell (NJ-09), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) in introducing the ‘Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act’ (Honor Act). This legislation would recognize occupational cancer deaths as line-of-duty deaths, and ensure fire fighters, police, and EMS personnel receive benefits under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Urges U.S. Air Force to Bring New Space Force Mission to Fort Huachuca

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

    SIERRA VISTA, AZ – In a letter to U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and two of his House colleagues say there is no better place for this U.S. Space Force mission than Fort Huachuca.

    The lawmakers are urging the Department of the Air Force to select Fort Huachuca in Cochise County, Arizona, as the site of a new U.S. Space Force mission aimed at enhancing space domain awareness and early threat detection.

    Ciscomani is joined on the letter by Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-05) and Rep. Abe Hamadeh (AZ-08).

    “Fort Huachuca provides a strategically sound, operationally ready, and cost-effective location for this critical Space Force capability,” they wrote in the letter. “Unlike other locations, the Fort already has the supporting infrastructure, quality of life, with the opportunity for joint operations. We respectfully urge your full consideration as the Department moves forward with its basing process.”

    Community leaders echoed Ciscomani’s call for a new Space Force mission.

    “Bringing a new U.S. Space Force mission to Fort Huachuca would be a game-changer for Sierra Vista and our surrounding region. This mission would not only strengthen our national defense posture but also create high-quality jobs, attract new talent, and reinforce our city’s long-standing partnership with the Department of Defense. I appreciate Congressman Ciscomani’s advocacy and leadership in championing Fort Huachuca as the right place for this important investment for our future.”

    — Clea McCaa, Mayor of Sierra Vista 

    Congressman Ciscomani’s leadership in advocating for Fort Huachuca as a site for a new U.S. Space Force mission reflects a clear understanding of Arizona’s strategic value to our nation’s defense. Fort Huachuca’s unique capabilities, geographic advantages, and history of supporting joint operations make it an ideal choice. The University of Arizona has long collaborated with Fort Huachuca and is recognized nationally for its expertise in space science and astronomy, optics, and space domain awareness. Together with the unique advantages Southern Arizona offers for innovation in astronomy and space science, this initiative aligns directly with our research strengths and our commitment to advancing U.S. leadership in space security.”

    —  Dr. Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President of Research and Innovation at The University of Arizona 

     

    View full letter here.

     

    On July 15, 2025, Ciscomani announced his strong support for Fort Huachuca’s selection as the U.S. Department of the Air Force considers basing a new space mission at one of four installations nationwide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Remarks at Markup for FY26 Labor-HHS Funding Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s remarks. 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered remarks at a full Appropriations Committee markup on the FY26 Labor-HHS funding bill.

    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Capito as prepared for delivery:

    “Thank you, Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray.

    “I applaud your steadfast commitment to returning to regular order, and I hope that our work continues to the Senate floor.

    “As we near the end of these subcommittee markups, I’d like to thank all my fellow committee members for their input.

    “We received 12,548 total member requests for the Labor-H appropriations bill. This bill is always one of the most difficult appropriations bills to negotiate.

    “This is the third year Senator Baldwin and I have been at the helm of the Labor-H Subcommittee, and I’m pleased to once again present a bipartisan bill to the Full Committee.

    “The Labor-H bill allocates limited taxpayer resources to key bipartisan priorities at a lower level than fiscal year 2025.

    “The bill includes a number of bipartisan member priorities such as greater investments in America’s biomedical research, child care, education, mental and rural health, and continued efforts to combat the opioid epidemic.

    “As we work to right-size the federal government, the bill also includes careful, targeted decreases, while ensuring that agencies have appropriate staffing levels to carry out their statutory responsibilities.

    “The bill also maintains long-standing riders and excludes any new controversial riders.

    “I have heard from many West Virginians throughout this process about questions they have regarding funding for programs throughout the state. I am proud that this bill provides critical funding for those worthy initiatives.

    “Our legislation seeks to provide more certainty and support for the work being done in my home state that help improve the lives of so many West Virginians.

    “Our bill provides an increase for the National Institutes of Health to continue prioritizing biomedical research in the United States.

    “This investment includes targeted increases for research in specific areas such as Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, Parkinson’s, women’s health, maternal health, rare diseases, and cancer.

    “We have also maintained funding for NIH’s IDeA program, that provides funding to 23 states that historically had lower levels of NIH funding, including my state of West Virginia.

    “The IDeA state program has been so important for research at West Virginia institutions like WVU and Marshall University.

    “Today’s bill also builds on our efforts to combat substance abuse, which remains a serious problem in West Virginia, by providing funding for addiction treatment, prevention, research, and recovery programs. 

    “This bill also provides resources to support our health workforce, including nurses, geriatric providers, and professionals to respond to the addiction crisis, which will help providers in West Virginia. 

    “The Labor-HHS bill again prioritizes our children starting with early childhood all the way through postsecondary education to make sure our students are prepared for jobs today and in the future.

    “The bill also makes critical investments in our workforce to improve outcomes for workers looking to upskill and advance in their careers.

    “The bill includes funding for apprenticeship grants, including those designed to boost the utility sector workforce, to support the administration’s goal of creating 1 million active apprenticeships.

    “The bill maintains important funding to support workers’ rights and ensure the safety of our workplaces.

    “I’ve just described several bipartisan programs we have included to improve the lives of Americans, and I encourage my colleagues to support this Labor-H bill.

    “I want to briefly thank all the staff that worked to put this product together.

    “On Senator Baldwin’s staff: Mike Gentile, Mark Laisch, Meghan Mott, Kathryn Toomajian, Erin Dugan, Amanda Beaumont, and Janie Dulaney.

    “On my Labor-HHS staff: Emily Slack, Catherine Knowles, Elizabeth Joseph, Heather Wadyka, and Jordan Lawlor.

    “And, I’d like to thank those on the Full Committee staff that help all of our subcommittees: Clint Trocchio, Ben Hammond, and the wonderful GPO team led by Valerie Hutton.

    “Thank you again Chair Collins and Vice Chair Murray.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • US appeals court scrutinizes Trump’s use of tariffs as trade deadline looms

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. appeals court judges sharply questioned on Thursday whether President Donald Trump’s tariffs were justified by the president’s emergency powers, as lawyers for states and businesses challenging the measures argued he exceeded his authority.

    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., is considering the legality of “reciprocal” tariffs that Trump imposed on a broad range of U.S. trading partners in April, as well as tariffs imposed in February against China, Canada and Mexico.

    In hearing arguments in two cases brought by five small U.S. businesses and 12 Democratic-led U.S. states, judges pressed government lawyer Brett Shumate to explain how the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a 1977 law historically used for sanctioning enemies or freezing their assets, gave Trump the power to impose tariffs.

    Shumate said that the law allows the president to have “extraordinary” authority in an emergency, including the ability to stop imports completely. He said IEEPA authorizes tariffs because it allows a president to “regulate” imports in a crisis.

    The judges seemed dubious of this sweeping argument.

    “IEEPA doesn’t even say tariffs, doesn’t even mention them,” Judge Jimmie Reyna said.

    The arguments – one day before Trump plans to increase tariff rates on imported goods from nearly all U.S. trading partners – mark the first test before a U.S. appeals court of the scope of his tariff authority. The president has made tariffs a central instrument of his foreign policy, wielding them aggressively in his second term as leverage in trade negotiations and to push back against what he has called unfair practices.

    The court adjourned after about an hour-and-a-half of oral arguments. The judges did not say when they would rule, and the losing side will almost certainly appeal quickly to the U.S. Supreme Court.

    Trump, the first president to use IEEPA to impose tariffs, has said the April tariffs were a response to persistent U.S. trade imbalances and declining U.S. manufacturing power.

    He said the tariffs against China, Canada and Mexico were appropriate because those countries were not doing enough to stop illegal fentanyl from crossing U.S. borders, a claim the countries have denied.

    The states and businesses challenging the tariffs argued that they are not permissible under IEEPA and that the U.S. Constitution grants Congress, and not the president, authority over tariffs and other taxes.

    “No trade law in 200 years has been interpreted to give the president this power,” Neal Katyal, a lawyer for the businesses, said.

    Judge Kimberly Moore challenged Benjamin Gutman, representing the state of Oregon, on his argument that the U.S. trade deficit is not an “unusual and extraordinary” threat that would trigger IEEPA’s emergency powers, noting that Trump said the trade deficit contributed to compromised military readiness.

    “That bothers me – I’m a little concerned about compromised military readiness,” Moore said. “How about you?”

    The case is being heard by a panel of all of the court’s active judges, eight appointed by Democratic presidents and three appointed by former Republican presidents.

    TRADE NEGOTIATIONS

    Tariffs are starting to build into a significant revenue source for the federal government, with customs duties in June quadrupling to about $27 billion, a record, and through June have topped $100 billion for the current fiscal year. That income could be crucial to offset lost revenue from Trump’s tax bill passed into law earlier this month.

    But economists say the duties threaten to raise prices for U.S. consumers and reduce corporate profits. Trump’s on-again, off-again tariff threats have roiled financial markets and disrupted U.S. companies’ ability to manage supply chains, production, staffing and prices.

    On May 28, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade said IEEPA did not authorize tariffs related to longstanding trade deficits.

    The Federal Circuit has allowed the tariffs to remain in place while the litigation continues.

    The case will have no impact on tariffs levied under more traditional legal authority, such as duties on steel and aluminum imports.

    Trump’s Department of Justice has argued that limiting the president’s tariff authority could undermine ongoing trade negotiations, while other Trump officials have said that negotiations have continued with little change after the initial setback in court.

    The president recently announced trade deals that set tariff rates on goods from the European Union and Japan, following smaller trade agreements with Britain, Indonesia and Vietnam.

    Trump has set an August 1 date for higher tariffs on countries that don’t negotiate new trade deals.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Thursday that Trump would pause new tariffs set to go into effect on the U.S.’s southern neighbor and a 90-day period to work on a trade deal.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergey Kiriyenko and Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated the winners of the Big Change contest

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 31, the final stage of the Big Break competition for schoolchildren in grades 5–7 was held at the Artek International Children’s Center. More than 700 students from 67 regions of Russia took part in it.

    First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the closing ceremony of the competition and congratulated the winners.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a welcoming address to the participants of the “Big Change”, in which the head of state, in particular, noted: “The legendary “Artek” is once again becoming a center of attraction for gifted, active, generous with extraordinary ideas children from different regions of our country and foreign countries. At all stages of the competition, you fully demonstrated your talents and abilities, learned to work in a team, found true friends. And today, in a fair fight with worthy opponents, strive to become the leaders of the “Big Change”.

    “You have an opportunity to realize the dream with which you came to the “Big Change” competition. This year our competition is dedicated to a dream, and it, just like the friendship that is born in “Artek”, only becomes stronger over the years. I want to wish that the dream with which you came here, to “Artek”, and which appeared in you here, also becomes stronger. And that you yourself become stronger and can not only dream, but also realize your dream,” said Sergei Kiriyenko.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko also addressed the children: “Dear children! The Big Change competition, launched on the initiative of President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, is coming to an end. This competition is truly a huge change, because this year it has become part of the national project Youth and Children. It has already united 7 million participants from all over the country. You must understand that you are not just winners here – you have a mission: everything that you have seen and learned here, you must implement in life.”

    300 winners of the Big Change competition among schoolchildren in grades 5–7 will receive the main prize – a Dream Trip on the Big Change train from Moscow to Vladivostok and back.

    “This year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, and the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland is being held at the initiative of the President of Russia. Servicemen of the special military operation, participants of the presidential program “Time of Heroes” handed over the Eternal Flame, lit for the first time in history at the North Pole, to the youth of Russia in memory of the Heroes of the Great Patriotic War. And now it is here, in “Artek”, at the final of the competition “Big Change”. We want every Artek child to share the feeling of pride in our country and preserve the memory of our heroes,” said the head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also talked to the finalists of the Big Change competition. Among them are young scientists, media professionals, musicians, winners and prize winners of Olympiads at various levels, and activists of the Movement of the First.

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted that Russia has all the opportunities to realize the potential of children and adolescents, largely thanks to the national project “Youth and Children”.

    The guys told Dmitry Chernyshenko about their projects and ideas, covering topics from an inclusive environment to developments to improve the agricultural sector, and also read a poem of their own composition dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.

    An interesting example of the use of artificial intelligence was the project of Semyon Veretennikov from the Belgorod region. Developed for his grandfather, a beekeeper, an interactive hive with AI allows remote monitoring of the condition of bees and control of the hive via messenger.

    The Deputy Prime Minister suggested integrating Semyon’s idea into the “Berloga” project – a series of useful video games about the world of bear engineers, which teaches schoolchildren to think like programmers, introduces them to technologies and helps them become participants in next-level technology clubs.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko also spoke with the first “ambassador of peace” of the USSR, Ekaterina Lycheva, who is often called the Soviet Samantha Smith. In the 1980s, she, like Samantha Smith, became a symbol of children’s diplomacy and the desire for peace between the USSR and the USA.

    Ekaterina Lycheva spoke about the international children’s program “The World of BRICS – the World of the Future”, which is currently taking place in Artek. As a result of the program, more than 3,200 Artek children from more than 69 countries will adopt a joint declaration-appeal to all heads of state “For Peace” and invite five children from each country to the International Children’s Center “Artek” in 2026.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also visited the DNA Isolation laboratory, where technology is used to isolate DNA from various living objects for further genetic research.

    The All-Russian competition “Big Change” is the flagship project of the “Movement of the First”. The competition is held with the support of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –