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Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 419, Reauthorizing Support and Treatment for Officers in Crisis Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 419 would reauthorize the appropriation of $7.5 million annually over the 2025-2029 period for the Department of Justice to make grants to state and local law enforcement agencies and other organizations to provide family support and mental health services to law enforcement personnel. Under current law, the authorization for those grants expired at the end of 2024.

    Based on historical spending patterns for similar programs, CBO estimates that implementing S. 419 would cost $35 million over the 2025-2030 period, and an additional $3 million after 2030, assuming appropriation of the authorized amounts.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 1316, Strong Communities Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 1316 would amend the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to permit the Department of Justice (DOJ) to award competitive grants to local law enforcement agencies for training programs for their recruits and officers. To be eligible, recruits and officers would need to serve in a local law enforcement agency within seven miles of their residence, or within 20 miles if they live in a county with fewer than 150,000 people, for at least four of the eight years after they complete the training program. The bill would require officers or recruits to repay the training costs if they do not meet the service requirements. Lastly, the bill would require DOJ to report to the Congress annually on the grants it awards under the bill.

    Most underlying authorizations for the COPS program expired in 2009. The Congress has continued to provide funding for the program and provided $417 million for the program in 2025. In this estimate, CBO is estimating the cost of the amounts necessary to implement the new activities specified in the bill and not the cost of reauthorizing the COPS program.

    Using information from DOJ about awards in recent years under the COPS program, CBO expects that about 40 law local law enforcement agencies would receive grants each year under the bill, with an average of five recruits or officers per agency. On average, CBO estimates that it costs about $25,000 to train a recruit or officer. On that basis and based on the historical spending pattern for the program, CBO estimates that implementing the grant program would cost $10 million over the 2025-2030 period. CBO expects that the reporting requirement would cost less than $500,000 over the same period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Manual Resuscitator Recall: SunMed Holdings, LLC Removes Adult Manual Resuscitator Devices Due to Incorrect Assembly of B/V Filter

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it. 
    Affected Product

    Product Names: Adult Manual Resuscitator with Medium Adult Mask, Bag Reservoir, Filter, Manometer and 7 ft Oxygen Tubing
    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Model: Each: 10884389164822, Case: 40884389164823
    Lot/Serial Numbers: 526782, 526790, 526796, 526797, 526798, 526800, 526802, 526804, 526805, 526806, 26807, 526808, 526809, 526810, 526814, 526815, 526816, 526811, 526817, 526818  

    What to Do  

    Stop using and quarantine all affected product immediately.
    Document quantity on hand and arrange to return or destroy affected units.

    On May 1, 2025, SunMed Holdings, LLC sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall notice recommending the following actions:

    Check your inventory for the affected product.
    Stop using the product immediately and quarantine it.
    Document the amount of product on hand and return or destroy affected units.
    Distribute the recall notice to any customers who received the product from you.
    Complete and return response form via e-mail to productquality@myairlife.com as soon as possible.
    If you need urgent assistance or replacement, contact SunMed directly.
    Notify all affected personnel in your organization of recall.

    Reason for Recall
    SunMed Holdings, LLC is recalling Adult Manual Resuscitator devices due to incorrect assembly of the B/V filter.
    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including lack of oxygen to the body (hypoxia), build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia), organ failure, and death.  
    There have been no reported injuries. There have been no reports of death.  
    Device Use  
    The manual resuscitator is used to provide emergency respiratory support to adult patients. It includes a face mask, bag reservoir, filter, manometer, and oxygen tubing, and is used during situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure to manually deliver breaths.
    Contact Information  
    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact SunMed Holdings, LLC at 1-800-433-2797.
    Additional FDA Resources (listed in order of most to least recent):    

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)  
    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.  

    How do I report a problem?  
    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    Content current as of:
    07/18/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LANCASTER – Department of Conservation Natural Resources to Unveil New Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan at 2nd Annual Outdoors for All Day at Culliton Park

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    July 20, 2025 – Lancaster, PA

    ADVISORY – LANCASTER – Department of Conservation Natural Resources to Unveil New Statewide Outdoor Recreation Plan at 2nd Annual Outdoors for All Day at Culliton Park

    Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz, Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner, and DCNR Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Arlene Marshall-Hockensmith will join Lancaster officials, Let’s Go 1-2-3, SoWe, environmental groups, and outdoor industry leaders to celebrate the Commonwealth’s second annual Outdoors for All Day and release a new statewide plan for outdoor recreation.

    The plan, Outdoor Places, Shared Spaces, outlines 14 goals and 55 action steps to meet the outdoor recreation needs of all Pennsylvanians. Outdoors for All Day is part of the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s work to make sure all Pennsylvanians – of all abilities and backgrounds – have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

    WHO:
    DCNR Deputy Secretary Claire Jantz
    Pennsylvania Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner
    DCNR Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Arlene Marshall-Hockensmith
    Lancaster Public Works Director Stephen Campell
    Let’s Go 1-2-3 Executive Director Keisha Scovens
    SoWe Communications and Engagement Manager Jacquie Morges

    WHEN:
    Saturday, July 20, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Speakers will deliver remarks at 1:00 PM

    WHERE:
    Culliton Park
    200 South Water Street
    Lancaster, PA 17603

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Wesley Robinson, werobinson@pa.gov, 717.877.6315

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chetak LLC Group Recalls Sprouted Moth and Mung Due to Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that Chetak LLC Group recalled frozen Deep Sprouted Mat (Moth) and Deep Sprouted Moong (Mung), and RIDOH is advising businesses to not sell or serve the recalled products. These products are associated with a multi-state salmonella outbreak. Currently, there are no Rhode Island cases associated with this recall.

    Product The recalled products were distributed nationwide in retail stores and through mail orders and include: — Deep Sprouted Mat (Moth) in 1-pound (16 oz.) packages with the following lot codes printed on the back of the bag: IN 24330, IN 25072, IN 25108, IN 24353, IN25171, IN 24297, IN 25058,IN 25078, IN 24291, IN 25107, IN 24354, and IN 24292. — Deep Sprouted Moong (Mung) in 1-pound (16 oz.) packages with the following lot codes printed on the back of the bag: IN 24330, IN 25072, IN 25108, IN 24353, IN 25171, IN 24297, IN 25058, IN 25078, IN 24291, IN 25107, IN 24354, and IN 24292.

    Symptoms of Salmonella infection Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating food that is contaminated with Salmonella, and the symptoms usually last four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections.

    Recommendations — Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled products. — Consumers, restaurants, and retailers who bought or received the recalled products should wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after handling the recalled products. Follow FDA’s safe handling and cleaning advice and use extra care in cleaning and sanitizing any surfaces and containers that may have come in contact with these products to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. — Check your refrigerators and freezers for recalled products. If you have any recalled products, throw they away or return them to the store where you bought them. — Contact your healthcare professional if you think you may have symptoms of a Salmonella infection after eating the recalled products.

    More information and pictures of the recalled products are available on FDA’s website.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Burke signs Regulations to give effect to EU Directive on cutting red tape and simplifying the obligations on business in relation to corporate sustainability reporting

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    18th July 2025

    The Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, has signed a Statutory Instrument to give legal effect in Ireland to the EU’s “Stop the Clock” Directive on Corporate Sustainability Reporting. These Regulations will provide much-needed legal certainty to Irish business, and will ensure that the original Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will not apply to so-called Wave 2 and Wave 3 companies for a further two years respectively, while the European Commission’s Omnibus proposal is being negotiated and agreed.

    Minister Burke remains strongly supportive of the Simplification and Burden Reduction agenda at EU level, which has led the Commission to introduce a number of Omnibus Directives – these are Directives which propose to simplify multiple regulatory regimes through one combined legislative instrument.

    In late February, the European Commission announced a number of changes to the scope and timing of both the CSRD and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requirements for certain categories of companies, as part of the Commission’s First Omnibus Directive on Sustainability.

    The proposals by the Commission will remove approximately 80% of companies from the scope of CSRD, focusing the sustainability reporting obligations on the largest companies which are more likely to have the biggest impacts on people and the environment. For large companies, who are the main category currently within scope of CSRD, the Omnibus proposal would restrict the application of the requirements to only those companies having 1,000 employees, as opposed to 250 employees under the current law. The proposed changes will also ensure that sustainability reporting requirements on large companies do not burden smaller companies in their value chains.

    Further, the CSRD aspect of the “Stop the Clock” Directive, which is being transposed into Irish law in this Statutory Instrument, will also postpone by two years the reporting requirements for companies currently in the scope of the original CSRD and which would have been required to report for the first time in 2026 or 2027.

    The Regulations also make some technical clarifications to the existing Irish legislation governing CSRD, to further clarify and reduce the scope of companies covered. These Regulations will thereby deliver legal certainty for business at all levels in Ireland.

    Minister Burke said:

    “I ensured that Ireland transposed the original CSRD Directive, on time, in July of last year, and Ireland was one of a small number of Member States to achieve this by the required deadline. I have also supported the European Commission’s simplification agenda, and in particular I have supported the early adoption of the Stop the Clock Directive, to give businesses in Ireland the legal certainty that they need, at the earliest opportunity.

    The Stop the Clock Directive moved at a very fast pace at EU level. It was initially proposed at the end of February, and was adopted by Member States one month later, at the end of March. It was approved by the European Parliament with a massive majority. I am very happy that it is now becoming law in Ireland in early July, and that Irish companies will have the certainty that they need at this point.

    I have said before that, while the core principle of the EU’s original corporate sustainability reporting regime was well-founded, in the context of the EU’s Green Deal, I recognise that the level of administrative burden associated with the original CSRD was excessive, both for large companies and especially for small and medium companies.

    I continue to strongly support the simplification and burden reduction agenda at European level, to maximise the competitiveness of businesses in Ireland and in the EU, in the evolving global trading environment. These proposed changes will significantly help enterprise in Ireland, and most of all our SMEs.”

    ENDS

    Notes for Editors 

    The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (EU) 2022/2464 (CSRD) was the EU’s response to the global reframing of company reporting to include environmental, social and governance matters. It entered into force in January 2023 and arises from the European Green Deal and the EU Action Plan for Financing Sustainable Growth. The aim of the CSRD was to harmonise the EU rules for sustainability reporting by companies and to put this on the same footing as financial reporting, giving investors and other stakeholders access to information to assess investment risks arising from climate change and other sustainability issues. 

    The CSRD was transposed, on time, in Ireland on 5 July 2024 by S.I. No. 336/2024 – European Union (Corporate Sustainability Reporting) Regulations 2024. A small number of technical clarificatory amendments were required, and the Minister signed a short amending instrument on 1 October 2024, S.I. 498/2024.

    The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (EU) 2024/1760 (CSDDD) places legal obligations on companies within scope to address the adverse environmental and human rights impacts arising from their operations. Companies must conduct risk-based human rights and environmental due diligence to identify actual or potential adverse impacts and prevent / mitigate / minimise the extent of such impacts. Companies are also required to adopt a climate transition plan.

    The Stop the Clock Directive (Directive EU 2025/794) was published in the Official Journal of the EU on 14 April 2025. It postpones by two years the entry into scope of CSRD reporting requirements for so-called Wave 2 and Wave 3 companies, for two years respectively, to 2027 and 2028, while negotiations are progressing at EU level to agree substantive changes to the scope of CSRD and CSDDD, under the main Omnibus proposal, which is expected to be agreed by end 2025. The Stop the Clock Directive has a required transposition date by Member States of 31 December 2025.

    For further information please contact Press Office, Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: F-15EX visit offers first look at Indo-Pacific airpower evolution

    Source: United States Spaceforce

    Two F-15EX Eagle II aircraft deploy to Kadena Air Base, setting the stage for the permanent arrival of 36 more aircraft in spring 2026 – part of a long-term transformation to maintain U.S. air dominance in a dynamic theater.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Beyond Holding: PFMCrypto Launches Zero-Hardware XRP Liquidity Cloud Mining with Daily Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the crypto market heats up and XRP edges toward the $2.3 milestone, PFMCrypto is redefining how everyday users and professionals earn mining rewards. The company has officially launched “XRP Liquidity Mining”, the world’s first AI-powered multi-asset cloud mining vault, enabling users to mine multiple cryptocurrencies simultaneously—while dynamically reallocating computing power to maximize real-time returns.
    Now live on both web and mobile platforms, this innovative service offers a fully automated crypto earnings strategy that mines XRP, BTC, DOGE, ETH, and other major assets. No hardware, technical setup, or prior experience is required—users can get started with just $10 and begin receiving stable daily payouts from day one.

    Why XRP Liquidity Mining Is a Game-Changer for Passive Crypto Income?
    Unlike traditional mining models that lock users into a single coin or fixed contract, PFMCrypto’s Liquidity Mining is powered by its proprietary AI engine, AURA. This intelligent system continuously analyzes key variables such as asset price, mining difficulty, network demand, and energy costs—automatically reallocating resources to the most profitable cryptocurrencies in real time.
    “Liquidity Mining is like putting your crypto earnings on autopilot,” said PFMCrypto’s CEO. “Whether XRP is surging or Bitcoin’s network adjusts, our system instantly adapts—ensuring your capital is always working at peak efficiency.”

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s XRP Liquidity Mining:
    –  Multi-Asset Mining: A single deposit mines XRP, BTC, DOGE, ETH, and more.
    –  AI Revenue Optimization: Smart resource allocation for maximum daily yield.
    –  Low Entry Barrier: Start with just $10 (plus a $10 welcome bonus for new users).
    –  Stable Daily Returns: Earnings paid in stablecoins or your preferred crypto.
    –  Fully Cloud-Based: No mining rigs, no noise, no heat—100% remote access.
    –  Institutional-Grade Security: Multi-layer custody infrastructure to safeguard user assets.

    Investor Demand Surges as XRP Momentum Builds
    Ripple’s recent $125 million settlement with the U.S. SEC has revived investor confidence in XRP’s long-term prospects. Analysts are now forecasting a 95% likelihood of an XRP ETF approval by early Q4—potentially unlocking billions in institutional capital.
    “PFMCrypto’s XRP Liquidity Mining couldn’t be better timed,” said the company’s Chief Market Strategist. “This offering provides diversified exposure and stable income—without the volatility of direct trading.”

    Sample Liquidity Mining Plans:
    $100 Plan – 2-Day Term – Earn $3.00 per day (plus $2 bonus)
    $1,000 Plan – 9-Day Term – Earn $13.10 per day
    $5,000 Plan – 30-Day Term – Earn $78.50 per day
    $10,000 Plan – 40-Day Term – Earn $180.00 per day
    All contracts guarantee full principal return upon maturity, and users may withdraw profits instantly at any time—providing maximum flexibility with minimal risk.

    Trusted by Over 9.2 Million Users in 192 Countries
    Since its founding in 2018, PFMCrypto has earned a reputation for delivering high-performance, transparent mining solutions. Today, its platform supports over 9.2 million users globally, offering both beginners and institutions access to secure, AI-optimized passive income streams.

    Get Started with Liquidity Mining in 3 Simple Steps:
    1.  Sign Up – Create an account and receive a $10 welcome bonus.
    2.  Choose a Mining Plan – Select your preferred term and budget
    3.  Start Earning Daily – Sit back as PFMCrypto’s AI engine mines for you

    About PFMCrypto
    PFMCrypto is a global pioneer in AI-powered cloud mining and decentralized finance solutions. Founded in 2018, the platform enables remote mining for XRP, BTC, ETH, DOGE, LTC, and SOL—offering high-yield, low-risk opportunities for users across 192 countries.

    Start your smarter mining journey today: https://pfmcrypto.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EverCommerce Announces Date of Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EverCommerce Inc. (NASDAQ: EVCM), a leading provider of SaaS solutions for service SMBs, will report its second quarter 2025 financial results after the U.S. financial markets close on Thursday, August 6, 2025.

    Management will host a conference call on Wednesday, August 6 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time to discuss the Company’s financial results and provide a business update. Please visit the “Investor Relations” page of the Company’s website (https://investors.evercommerce.com/) for both telephonic and webcast access to this call; a replay will be archived on the website as well.

    About EverCommerce

    EverCommerce (Nasdaq: EVCM) is a leading service commerce platform, providing vertically-tailored, integrated SaaS solutions that help more than 725,000 global service-based businesses accelerate growth, streamline operations, and increase retention. Its modern digital and mobile applications create predictable, informed, and convenient experiences between customers and their service professionals. With its EverPro, EverHealth, and EverWell brands specializing in Home, Health, and Wellness service industries, EverCommerce provides end-to-end business management software, embedded payment acceptance, marketing technology, and customer experience applications. Learn more at EverCommerce.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Brad Korch
    SVP and Head of Investor Relations
    720-796-7664
    ir@evercommerce.com

    Press Contact:
    Jeanne Trogan
    VP of Corporate Communications
    512-705-1293
    press@evercommerce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sophos Named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OXFORD, United Kingdom, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sophos, a global leader of innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, today announced that it has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP), marking the 16th consecutive time the company has received this recognition. Sophos has been recognized in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) since the inaugural publication for this category in 2007. 

    Sophos’ market-leading endpoint security solutions include Sophos Endpoint powered by Intercept X, Sophos Extended Detection and Response (EDR/XDR), and Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR). Over 300,000 organizations trust Sophos endpoint security solutions to defend against cyberthreats, including advanced remote ransomware attacks and active adversaries. Unique to Sophos, the solution includes adaptive defenses that automatically disrupt attackers by dynamically adjusting protection levels based on threat context. 

    “Sophos’ strength lies in its prevention-first strategy, designed to stop breaches before they start, adapt defenses in real time, and strengthen detection and response when it matters most,” said Kyle Falkenhagen, SVP, Product Management, Sophos. “We believe that receiving this recognition in the highly competitive endpoint security market for 16 consecutive reports reflects our relentless focus on developing innovative solutions that stay ahead of the global threat landscape and the adversaries we face every day.”  

    Sophos and Secureworks: The future of protection, detection, and response 
    Following Sophos’ acquisition of Secureworks in February 2025, combining two leading and complementary portfolios to offer a comprehensive suite of solutions for small, midmarket and enterprise organizations. Secureworks Taegis XDR customers can use Sophos Endpoint to elevate their cyber defenses — at no additional charge — delivering both improved protection and return on investment.  

    The integration of Secureworks also adds a new Counter Threat Unit (CTU) to the Sophos X-Ops advanced threat response joint task force, further expanding the rich threat intelligence that informs all customers’ defenses. Backed by Sophos’ advanced security technologies and a broad network of intelligence contacts and partners, the CTU plays a critical role in identifying and tracking threat actors and analyzing anomalous activity, uncovering new attack techniques, threats, and major shifts in the threat landscape. 

    Additional Sophos Recognitions 
    In addition to this most-recent recognition, Sophos has also been named a “Customers’ Choice” vendor in the 2025 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer Report for Endpoint Protection Platforms for the fourth consecutive year and in the inaugural Voice of the Customer Report for Extended Detection and Response. This makes Sophos the only vendor to be named a “Customers’ Choice” in both reports.  

    For more about Sophos’ recognition in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Endpoint Protection Platforms, visit the Sophos blog, read the full report, or check out Sophos Endpoint Protection Platform website. 

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms, Evgeny Mirolyubov, Deepak Mishra, Franz Hinner, 14 July 2025 
      
    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, Magic Quadrant and PEER INSIGHTS are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.  
     
    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.  

    Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. 

    About Sophos  
    Sophos is a global leader and innovator of advanced security solutions for defeating cyberattacks. The company acquired Secureworks in February 2025, bringing together two pioneers that have redefined the cybersecurity industry with their innovative, native AI-optimized services, technologies and products. Sophos is now the largest pure-play Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider, supporting more than 30,000 organizations. In addition to MDR and other services, Sophos’ complete portfolio includes industry-leading endpoint, network, email, and cloud security that interoperate and adapt to defend through the Sophos Central platform. Secureworks provides the innovative, market-leading Taegis XDR/MDR, identity threat detection and response (ITDR), next-gen SIEM capabilities, managed risk, and a comprehensive set of advisory services. Sophos sells all these solutions through reseller partners, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) worldwide, defending more than 600,000 organizations worldwide from phishing, ransomware, data theft, other every day and state-sponsored cybercrimes. The solutions are powered by historical and real-time threat intelligence from Sophos X-Ops and the newly added Counter Threat Unit (CTU). Sophos is headquartered in Oxford, U.K. More information is available at www.sophos.com.  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Idaho Wins with One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    $3,600 to $6,400 increase in wages, 35,000 jobs protected

    Washington, D.C.–According to estimates from the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will raise real wages in Idaho by $3,600 to $6,400 over the next four years. The CEA also finds hundreds of thousands of Idahoans will benefit from the bill’s tax benefits for seniors, no tax on tips and no tax on overtime. The legislation will also protect 35,000 jobs in Idaho that would have been at risk if the Trump tax cuts had expired.

    Idaho wages and take-home pay:

    • OBBB will raise wages in Idaho by an inflation-adjusted range of about $3,600 to $6,400 over the next four years.
    • A typical family with two children in Idaho can expect to see higher take-home pay of about $7,200 to $10,200 with OBBB compared to if it had not passed.
    • 300,000 seniors in Idaho could benefit from tax relief for seniors in the legislation.
    • Around 24 percent of all employees in Idaho regularly work overtime and could benefit from the no tax on overtime.

    Idaho jobs, businesses and housing:

    • OBBB will protect about 35,000 full-time equivalent jobs in Idaho over the next four years, relative to if the Trump tax cuts had expired.
    • 41,000 firms in Idaho could be eligible for the law’s permanent small business deduction, or about 45 percent of all firms.
    • OBBB makes the Opportunity Zone program permanent, which will lead to increased investment in low-income communities across Idaho.

    Read the CEA’s summary HERE on how the OBBB will help Idaho.

    Click HERE to learn more about the Finance Committee provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Delivers Tax Relief, Family Affordability, Healthcare Security, and Economic Growth for Montana

    Source: US Congressman Ryan Zinke (Western Montana)

    Congressman Zinke voted to pass the Big Beautiful Bill after successfully leading an effort to remove public land sales from the legislation

    Washington, D.C – On July 3rd, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke voted to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), a historic piece of legislation delivering major wins for Montana families, workers, seniors, and small businesses. The bill was signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4th, cementing expanded tax relief, protection for critical healthcare and food security programs, strengthened border security, and a growth economy for Montanans and all American citizens. 

    “From protecting Montana jobs to increasing take-home pay and supporting small businesses, the One Big Beautiful Bill will deliver real results for Montana,” said Zinke. “This bill not only prevented the largest tax hike in American history but expanded tax relief for Social Security recipients, overtime earners, and tipped service industry workers. It reflects the core American promise: if you work hard, you should get what you earn. This legislation keeps that promise, while also reaffirming our support for those who need it most.”

    Key Wins for Montana in the OBBB:

    Wage Growth – Due to legislative provisions and tax cuts in the bill, wages in Montana will rise by an inflation-adjusted amount of $3,400 to $6,100 over the next four years.

    Take Home Pay – A typical family with two children can expect $7,000 to $9,900 more in take-home pay with the OBBB in place.

    Jobs Protected – The bill helps safeguard 22,000 full-time Montana jobs that would have been at risk if previous tax cuts were allowed to expire.

    No Taxes on Social Security – With new deductions, the average Montana senior will pay zero taxes on their Social Security benefits, delivering tax relief to over 200,000 seniors in the state.

    No Taxes on Overtime – Roughly 24% of Montana workers regularly work overtime and will see real benefits in their paychecks. As much as 64% of Montana workers are eligible for this relief.

    No Taxes on Tips – About 4% of Montana’s labor force work in tipped industries and will see direct tax relief.

    Death Tax Relief – The bill extends higher estate tax exemptions, protecting Montana’s family farms, ranches, and small businesses from being unfairly taxed at death.

    No Sale of Public Lands – Congressman Ryan Zinke was successful in stripping a provision selling more than 450,000 acres of public land from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”.  

    Protecting Healthcare Access and Food Security for Rural and Vulnerable Montanans:

    No Cuts to Medicare – The OBBB does not touch Medicare benefits. Not a single dollar is cut from services seniors rely on.

    Strengthening Medicaid and SNAP– The bill protects Medicaid and SNAP for pregnant women, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families. By removing illegal aliens from the rolls and requiring able bodied adults to work part time to receive benefits, it eliminates pathways for fraud and abuse, ensures only eligible Americans receive coverage, and strengthens the system for the truly vulnerable, not illegal immigrants and fraudsters.

    Support for Rural Hospitals – OBBB includes expanded protections for rural hospitals with $50 billion in targeted rural health grants under the “Rural Health Transformation Program” and gives states flexibility to support local providers, ensuring continued access to care in small towns and underserved areas. 

    Boosting Montana’s Economy:

    Small Business Support – The bill extends the 199A small business tax deduction to about 29,000 Montana firms, nearly 45% of all businesses in the state.

    Manufacturing Incentives – Targeted provisions support Montana’s manufacturing sector, which makes up 5% of total employment.

    Opportunity Zones Made Permanent – Montana has 25 Opportunity Zones, including 10 on tribal land, which have already created 3,000 jobs and led to the construction of 500 new housing units.

    Protecting the Northern and Southern Borders:

    Tackles the Opioid Epidemic – Fights the flow of illicit fentanyl and deadly drugs across the southern border, helping combat the opioid crisis devastating Montana families and tribal communities.

    Builds and Secures the Border Wall – Constructs hundreds of miles of new border wall and barriers to stop drug smuggling and human trafficking operations that reach Montana communities and Tribal Nations.

    Funds Immigration, Customs, and Border Agencies at Record Levels – Provides resources for over 18,000 new frontline enforcement personnel, including 10,000 new ICE officers, 5,000 Customs officers, and 3,000 Border Patrol agents. This will helping secure both the southern and northern borders, which were left dangerously exposed under the Biden administration.

    For additional information on the OBBB, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/obbb/

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean Applauds Passage of Landmark Crypto Bills

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    Contact: Riley Pingree 

    (July 18, 2025) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) voted in favor of the GENIUS Act and the CLARITY Act, two landmark bills that lay the foundation for a safer, more innovative, and forward-looking financial future.

    The CLARITY Act creates a long-overdue regulatory framework for digital assets by prioritizing consumer protection, offering market certainty, and supporting American innovation through clear oversight and stronger safeguards.

    The GENIUS Act establishes a federal structure for payment stablecoins, aiming to protect consumers, encourage innovation, and strengthen the U.S. dollar’s role as the world’s reserve currency.

    Congressman Kean said, “Clear and responsible rules around digital assets, are essential to helping them reach their full potential while keeping American consumers safe. I am glad to see these bipartisan bills move forward and pass the House with support from both sides of the aisle. They provide the confidence and transparency businesses need to innovate, create new opportunities, and grow—in New Jersey and across the nation. With strong safeguards in place, we can ensure that America remains a global leader in the future of finance and digital payments. I look forward to seeing these bills reach President Trump’s desk and be signed into law.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks Votes to Pass Defense Bill That Delivers Raise for Service Members, Strengthens National Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Last night, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026, which fully funds the U.S. military, delivers a well-deserved pay raise for our servicemembers, and reinforces America’s military superiority at home and abroad.

    “This bill gives our troops the pay raise they deserve and the resources they need to defend this country,” said Miller-Meeks. “It protects jobs at home, advances our refueling capabilities, and preserves our military history. I’ll keep fighting to strengthen our national defense, support Iowa’s workforce, and put America’s security first.”

    Miller-Meeks Amendments Included in H.R. 4016:

    The legislation includes two amendments authored by Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks that protect defense jobs in Iowa and invest in next-generation aerial refueling technology to enhance combat effectiveness and operational safety. The bill also ensures the Rock Island Arsenal Museum remains open to preserve our military history and honor the service of generations of Americans.

    Miller-Meeks Amendment 235 – Preserving Military History

    • Blocks any funding from being used to close the Rock Island Arsenal Museum, one of the oldest military museums in the country, protecting a vital part of America’s military heritage.

    Miller-Meeks Amendment 453 – Advancing Next-Generation Aerial Refueling Systems

    • Transfers funding to support the development of advanced air-to-air refueling technologies that improve pilot safety, increase mission effectiveness, and reduce fuel usage.

    Miller-Meeks is also working closely with Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41) to strengthen the workforce protections in Amendment 234 and close any potential loopholes that could harm Army arsenals. A revised version of the amendment will be offered during conference negotiations.

    More on the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026:

    Troop Support:

    • Increases basic pay 3.8% for all military personnel effective January 1, 2026.
    • Continues historic FY25 pay raises for junior enlisted service members.

    Ending Woke and Wasteful Spending:

    • Codifies President Trump’s orders to end DEI programs.
    • Prohibits taxpayer funding for sex-change surgeries, abortion-related travel, drag shows, and COVID mandates.
    • Codifies DoD cooperation with the DOGE Office and streamlines Pentagon management.

    Restoring Combat Readiness and Military Superiority:

    • Boosts funding for 5th and 6th generation aircraft like the F-35, F-47, and F/A-XX.
    • Modernizes the nuclear triad, including the B-21 Raider, Columbia Class Submarine, and Sentinel.
    • Provides $13 billion for missile defense and space programs and over $2.6 billion for hypersonics.

    Border Security and Counter-Drug Operations:

    • Provides $1.15 billion for counterdrug programs, $245 million above the request.
    • Increases National Guard Counterdrug Program funding.
    • Moves Mexico from NORTHCOM to SOUTHCOM for better threat coordination.

    Countering Adversaries and Supporting Allies:

    • $500 million for Taiwan Security Cooperation.
    • $500 million for Israeli Missile Defense.
    • $7 billion for classified space superiority programs.

    A 24-year Army veteran, Congresswoman Miller-Meeks has consistently fought to protect our defense workforce, safeguard key installations like Rock Island Arsenal, and ensure taxpayer funds support mission-critical operations. Her amendments to the FY26 defense appropriations bill reflect that mission.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cammack Applauds Passage of $9 Billion Recissions Package

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

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate-amended version of H.R. 4, the Recissions Act of 2025, which eliminates $9 billion in wasteful spending uncovered by DOGE. This legislation now heads to President Trump’s desk for his signature. 
     
    “The American people are tired of footing the bill for unchecked government agencies, watching their hard-earned money shipped overseas, and funding woke nonsense disguised as policy,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “This rescissions package is just the beginning, but it’s a critical step toward restoring fiscal sanity in Washington and putting American taxpayers back in the driver’s seat. I’m proud to stand with President Trump and my Republican colleagues to ensure our federal budget works for the American people—not against them.”
     
    Background:
    Congresswoman Cammack has championed the fight to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, by co-authoring the Defund NPR Act alongside Senator Jim Banks to stop the flow of taxpayer dollars to politically biased media outlets. The Rescissions Act of 2025 builds on that effort, clawing back billions in federal funding identified as waste by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including:

    • $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), including NPR and PBS
    • $135 million to the World Health Organization
    • $18 million to improve gender diversity in Mexican street lighting
    • $4.4 million for a Melanesian Youth Climate Corps
    • $3.9 million for LGBTQI+ advocacy in the Western Balkans
    • $2.5 million to teach children about environmentally friendly “reproductive health” choices
    • $300,000 for a pride parade in Lesotho
    • $500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda
    • $500,000 for a gender equality and empowerment hub
    • $33,000 for LGBT programming in the Caribbean
    • $8,000 to promote vegan food in Zambia

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Germany: New issue of a 30-year Federal bond 2025 (2056)

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    A digital euro would be a digital form of central bank money, specifically the euro. It could be used by the general public in much the same way as cash, only in virtual form. Alongside cash, the Eurosystem would thus supply households with an additional form of central bank money that can be used quickly, easily and securely.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI German News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2285, DHS Basic Training Accreditation Improvement Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2285 would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to report annually to the Congress on whether its basic training programs for law enforcement positions are accredited by an independent organization. The reporting requirement would end after all programs are accredited. The bill also would require DHS to inform the Congress when a program’s accreditation lapses. Lastly, H.R. 2285 would require the department to carry out research and development of technologies to enhance the preparedness of state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies to respond to terrorist threats.

    Based on the costs of similar activities, CBO estimates that implementing the reporting requirements in H.R. 2285 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Under current law, DHS already conducts research and development activities similar to those required in the bill. On that basis, CBO estimates that any costs to implement that provision would be insignificant. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 2158, Countering Transnational Repression Act of 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 2158 would establish the Transnational Repression Working Group within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The task force would monitor and analyze actions by foreign governments that threaten or intimidate citizens, residents, or other people present in the United States, as well as any related terrorism threats. The bill would require the working group to report annually to the Congress about incidents of transnational repression and related terrorism threats from the previous year. Under the bill, the working group would terminate seven years after enactment. The bill also would require DHS to conduct, to the extent practicable, research and development on technology to enhance the department’s support to federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments in countering transnational repression.

    Based on the costs of similar activities, CBO expects that DHS would need five employees at an average annual cost of $180,000 per employee to staff the working group and complete the bill’s reporting requirements. Because DHS already conducts research and development to enhance its security and intergovernmental awareness, CBO expects that implementing that provision would cost less than $500,000. On that basis, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 2158 would cost $5 million over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1569, CATCH Fentanyl Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1569 would require Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish a pilot program to test technological enhancements for inspecting vehicles and cargo at land ports of entry. The bill would require CBP to evaluate the effectiveness of at least five technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum information sciences, to detect contraband and increase the efficiency of inspections. H.R. 1569 also would require CBP to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the technologies in the program and their effect on privacy and civil rights and liberties.

    Using information from CBP, CBO estimates that the agency currently deploys three technologies that are compliant with the bill’s requirements and would need to evaluate two additional types of technologies. Based on the costs of similar projects, CBO estimates that CBP would incur additional costs of about $8 million annually to procure, deploy, and evaluate those technologies. Additionally, CBO estimates that it would cost less than $500,000 to comply with the bill’s reporting requirements. In total, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1569 would cost $42 million over the 2025-2030 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 750 (administration of justice).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under H.R. 1569
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    Estimated Authorization

    *

    8

    8

    9

    9

    9

    43

    Estimated Outlays

    *

    7

    8

    9

    9

    9

    42

    * = between zero and $500,000.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Jeremy Crimm. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arkansas First-Degree Murder Suspect Captured in Memphis by U.S. Marshals

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Memphis, TN – On July 17, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) captured Arkansas murder suspect Travis Boyd, 30, in Memphis, Tennessee.

    On November 8, 2024, Orlando Garza was shot and killed after exiting a casino in West Memphis, AR. An arrest warrant was issued in Crittenden County, Arkansas, charging Travis Boyd with First-Degree Murder.

    On December 2, 2024, the case was adopted by the USMS Eastern Arkansas Fugitive Task Force. When the investigation indicated that Boyd was hiding out in the Memphis area, the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task (TRVFTF) in Memphis was requested to assist.

    Today, Investigators with the TRVTF developed information and went to a residence in the 3900 block of Watkins in Memphis to search for Boyd. He was located and taken into custody without incident. He is being held at the Shelby County Jail awaiting extradition back to Arkansas.

    The U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: F-15EX visit offers first look at Indo-Pacific airpower evolution

    Source: United States Air Force

    Two F-15EX Eagle II aircraft deploy to Kadena Air Base, setting the stage for the permanent arrival of 36 more aircraft in spring 2026 – part of a long-term transformation to maintain U.S. air dominance in a dynamic theater.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: G20 members commit to addressing debt vulnerabilities

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Members of the G20 have pledged to address the mounting debt pressures in low and middle-income economies amid the global financial turbulence.

    This is according to Deputy Finance Minister Dr David Masondo who addressed a media briefing on Friday following the third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting held in Kwa-Zulu Natal this week.

    Developing and emerging economies – particularly those in Africa – are grappling with high and rising debt vulnerabilities, shrinking fiscal flexibility and high borrowing costs.

    “[Members]…reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the implementation of the G20 Common Framework. To give effect to this, the G20 FMCBG endorsed the G20 Note on Lessons Learned from the Initial Common Framework Cases and the G20 Note on Steps of a Debt Restructuring under the Common Framework.

    “These documents have been published on the G20 website. In addition, fact sheets on the Common Framework country cases for Chad, Zambia and Ghana have also been published on the G20 and Paris Club websites to improve information sharing,” he said.

    WATCH | Closing media briefing

    [embedded content]

    In further discussions, the members also acknowledged the G20 Note on Special drawing rights [SDRs] which, the Deputy Minister said, “highlights the achievement of exceeding $100 billion in voluntary channelling of SDRs or equivalent contributions for countries in need.”

    The pledges to this currently stand at some $113.8 billion coming from 35 countries. 

    “Members also underscored the need for enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in decision-making in MDBs [Multilateral Development Banks]and other international economic and financial institutions.

    “Members recognised the relative resilience of capital flows in Emerging Market and Developing Economies [EMDEs] despite heightened global policy uncertainty – underscored by strong macroeconomic fundamentals and sound policy frameworks.

    “They also highlighted the growing influence of non-bank financial institutions [NBFIs] and stressed the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of their impact on these flows. Members further emphasised the significance of structural reforms in fostering long-term sustainable capital flows to EMDEs,” said the Deputy Minister.

    Energy transitions

    Regarding energy transitions, Masondo said during the meeting, Ministers and central bank Governors considered key recommendations for “enhancing collaboration among Vertical Climate and Environment Funds, Multilateral Development Banks, National Development Banks and the private sector”.

    “Members reaffirmed the urgency of scaling up financing for adaptation and just transitions and reflected on key recommendations emerging from a comprehensive analysis undertaken by multiple knowledge partners. These included guidance on integrating adaptation into voluntary transition planning, addressing insurance protection gaps, scaling financing mechanisms, and strengthening enabling environment.

    “[They] also received an update on the work of the Climate Data Steering Committee, which has developed a set of principles for the development of a Common Carbon Credit Data Model aimed at promoting interoperability and improving transparency of carbon markets. 

    “They noted that the draft data model is currently undergoing a public consultation with both the private and public sectors,” the Deputy Minister said.

    The full communique of the third FMCGB meeting is available at https://www.treasury.gov.za/comm_media/press/2025/3rd%20G20%20FMCBG%20Communique.pdf and on the g20.org website. 

    READ | Fair trade is key cog in global economy 

    The Third Meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) took place on 17 and 18 July 2025 in Durban.

    READ | Global challenges require ‘bold, cooperative leadership’ – Godongwana

    The National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank are jointly responsible for overseeing the work of the G20 Finance Track under the co-chairship of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.
    – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Fair trade is a key cog in global economy

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Amidst the global economy facing heightened uncertainty and complex challenges, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr David Masondo, has emphasised the importance of fair trade.

    The global economy is experiencing ongoing wars and conflicts, geopolitical and trade tensions, disruptions to global supply chains, high debt levels, and frequent extreme weather events and natural disasters, which affect economic growth, financial and price stability.

    To address the existing and emerging risks to the global economy, the Group of Twenty (G20) Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting that was held in Durban this week, pledged to strengthen multilateral cooperation to address existing and emerging risks to the global economy.

    The meeting also recognised the importance of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to advance trade issues and the agreed-upon rules in the WTO as an integral part of the global trading system. 

    It also recognised that the WTO has challenges and needs meaningful, necessary, and comprehensive reform to improve all its functions, through innovative approaches in order to be more relevant and responsive in light of today’s realities.

    “We are living in a globalised economy. Multinational companies are producing in different sovereigns in geographic spaces and as they produce you don’t want them to find it difficult to have access to markets.

    “If it is difficult for them to get access to the market, they are not going to realise profits and they won’t reinvest into the growth of the economy. This meeting emphasised that it [is]important for us to be a rules-based world. It’s important for us to run our global economy through multilateral platforms,” the Deputy Minister said on Friday at a media briefing held at the conclusion of the FMCBG.

    WATCH | Closing media briefing

    [embedded content]

    The Ministers and Governors agreed to bolster long-term growth potential by pursuing growth-oriented macroeconomic policies, while building fiscal buffers, ensuring fiscal sustainability, encouraging public and private investments, undertaking productivity-enhancing reforms and safeguarding central bank independence to maintain price stability.

    “Structural reforms are essential for generating strong economic growth and creating more and better jobs.

    “All excessive imbalances should be further analysed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and, if necessary and, without discrimination, addressed through country-specific reforms and multilateral coordination, in a way that contributes to an open global economy and without compromising sustainable global growth,” the FMCBG communique said.

    Central banks affirmed a strong committed to ensuring price stability, consistent with their respective mandates and will continue to adjust their policies in a data-dependent manner. 

    “Central bank independence is crucial to achieving this goal,” the communique said. 

    Meanwhile, members of the G20 have pledged to address the mounting debt pressures in low and middle-income economies amid global financial turbulence.

    READ | G20 members commit to addressing debt vulnerabilities

    This as developing and emerging economies – particularly those in Africa – are grappling with high and rising debt vulnerabilities, shrinking fiscal flexibility and high borrowing costs.
    –SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Merkley, Van Hollen, Sanders Denounce Threats to West Bank Communities 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States last week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in issuing the following statement in response to the Israeli Higher Planning Council’s directive on June 18 to reject all zoning and building permits in Masafer Yatta that are not compliant with Israeli military training needs: 
    “We are deeply alarmed by the Israeli Higher Planning Council’s decision to reject all planning and zoning requests in Masafer Yatta that do not align with the Israeli Defense Force’s training needs. This directive places at least 12 Palestinian villages under the threat of imminent demolition – all while illegal Israeli outposts in the area remain untouched. 
    “For decades, the Israeli government has denied residents of Masafer Yatta building permits, confiscated their agricultural lands, and demolished key infrastructure. Taken as a whole, the Council’s decision as well as the recent announcement of 22 new settlements across the West Bank, rising extremist settler violence, and a petition from cabinet ministers urging Netanyahu to apply Israeli sovereignty and law over the West Bank before the end of the month, advance a broader project of de jure and de facto Israeli annexation aimed at preventing the formation of a future Palestinian state. Forced evictions, demolitions, settler violence, and rapid settlement expansion all exacerbate tensions in an already volatile region and put any peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians further out of reach. 
    “With the ceasefire between Israel and Iran still tenuous and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza already dire, the Netanyahu government’s continued reckless policy in the West Bank is deeply alarming. The Masafer Yatta directive is part of that trajectory, one that pushes us further from a future Palestinian state living peacefully alongside the state of Israel and toward permanent occupation. 
    “We refuse to look away from the injustice unfolding in Masafer Yatta and the escalating violence in the West Bank at large, which has now claimed the lives of five Palestinian Americans since October 7. To ensure lasting peace and stability in the region, we call on the Israeli government to revoke the Higher Planning Council’s directive, impose an immediate moratorium on all demolitions and evictions, halt further military training exercises in Masafer Yatta, and take immediate action to de-escalate the growing violence in the West Bank.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: EB5 Capital’s Aspen Mountain Hotel (JF43) Project Receives I-956F Approval from USCIS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EB5 Capital is excited to announce that its Aspen Mountain Hotel (JF43) project was approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on May 19, 2025, after pending for approximately three months. This Form I-956F approval confirms that USCIS has assessed and verified the compliance of the project and its related documents. Now that the project is approved by USCIS, investors who filed I-526E conditional green card petitions in this project can anticipate receiving individual petition adjudications in the coming months. This marks EB5 Capital’s 14th I-956F approval from USCIS.

    Located in a Rural TEA, Aspen Mountain Hotel (JF43) is a redevelopment project in Aspen, Colorado, transforming the iconic Mountain Chalet Aspen into a 59-key luxury hotel. The project will preserve the original chalet’s historic charm while incorporating modern features. Positioned near the center of town and close to the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort, the hotel will offer year-round access to Aspen’s fine dining, shopping, and outdoor activities.

    “We are pleased with this quick project approval from USCIS and are especially excited about this project,” said Natalia Pronina, Vice President of Investor Relations at EB5 Capital. “We’ve had the opportunity to experience the improvement in processing times for I-956F applications firsthand and look forward to future approvals.”

    To date, EB5 Capital has raised investor funds across over 45 EB-5 projects throughout the United States. JF43 is EB5 Capital’s fourth rural TEA project and third in the state of Colorado.

    About EB5 Capital

    EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5 Visa Program). As one of the country’s oldest and most active Regional Center operators, the firm has raised more than one billion dollars of foreign capital across over 45 EB-5 projects. Headquartered in Washington, DC, EB5 Capital’s distinguished track record and leadership in the industry has attracted investors from over 75 countries. Please visit www.eb5capital.com for more information.

    Contact:

    Katherine Willis
    Director, Marketing & Communications
    media@eb5capital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EB5 Capital’s Aspen Mountain Hotel (JF43) Project Receives I-956F Approval from USCIS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WASHINGTON, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EB5 Capital is excited to announce that its Aspen Mountain Hotel (JF43) project was approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on May 19, 2025, after pending for approximately three months. This Form I-956F approval confirms that USCIS has assessed and verified the compliance of the project and its related documents. Now that the project is approved by USCIS, investors who filed I-526E conditional green card petitions in this project can anticipate receiving individual petition adjudications in the coming months. This marks EB5 Capital’s 14th I-956F approval from USCIS.

    Located in a Rural TEA, Aspen Mountain Hotel (JF43) is a redevelopment project in Aspen, Colorado, transforming the iconic Mountain Chalet Aspen into a 59-key luxury hotel. The project will preserve the original chalet’s historic charm while incorporating modern features. Positioned near the center of town and close to the Aspen Mountain Ski Resort, the hotel will offer year-round access to Aspen’s fine dining, shopping, and outdoor activities.

    “We are pleased with this quick project approval from USCIS and are especially excited about this project,” said Natalia Pronina, Vice President of Investor Relations at EB5 Capital. “We’ve had the opportunity to experience the improvement in processing times for I-956F applications firsthand and look forward to future approvals.”

    To date, EB5 Capital has raised investor funds across over 45 EB-5 projects throughout the United States. JF43 is EB5 Capital’s fourth rural TEA project and third in the state of Colorado.

    About EB5 Capital

    EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5 Visa Program). As one of the country’s oldest and most active Regional Center operators, the firm has raised more than one billion dollars of foreign capital across over 45 EB-5 projects. Headquartered in Washington, DC, EB5 Capital’s distinguished track record and leadership in the industry has attracted investors from over 75 countries. Please visit www.eb5capital.com for more information.

    Contact:

    Katherine Willis
    Director, Marketing & Communications
    media@eb5capital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Foreign Secretary’s remarks, July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Foreign Secretary’s remarks, July 2025

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke at the UK Post Ministerial Conference with ASEAN member states, highlighting achievements under the UK’s Dialogue Partnership.

    Thank you all. Minister Bui, we’re grateful for Vietnam’s support as our country coordinator. And Minister Mohamad, it’s such a pleasure to be here in your beautiful country.

    Last year, I told ASEAN I wanted to reconnect Britain with the world. Today, I’m the first British Foreign Secretary to return to one of these meetings since we became your newest Dialogue Partner.

    I hope this consistency is welcome right now. The world feels no less volatile than it did a year ago.

    Rapid technological change is remaking our societies, rewiring our economies, reshaping the global balance of power.

    I agree countries like ours need to respond with resilience, with innovation and dynamism, and by putting people – our citizens – first.

    Those are the values of your Community Vision 2045, precisely what we hope partnership with Britain can achieve.

    As our recently published Trade Strategy set out, we believe this region offers real potential for our businesses to expand. We are working with you to unlock that.

    That’s why we backed CPTPP’s decision in May to work towards a dialogue this year with ASEAN, why we’ve been supporting development of the ASEAN Power Grid, why we’re backing British firms to scale up their investments here.

    Likewise, as our recently published National Security Strategy stressed, our region’s security and your region’s security are inextricably linked.

    Russia illegally invaded Ukraine – that has consequences for markets here in Asia. North Korean troops fight for Russia – that has consequences for our Ukrainian friends on the European frontline. Smugglers or scammers ply their criminal trade – that has consequences for all our citizens and, ultimately, our tax revenues.

    At the heart of our security cooperation is a shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The recent visit of Britain’s Carrier Strike Group and this Dialogue Partnership are just 2 examples of how, together, we can support this goal.

    We stand firmly behind ASEAN centrality, recognising it underpins peace, prosperity and stability across the region.

    All told, we’ve done a lot on both growth and security this past year. Nearly 95% of our Action Plan on track for delivery, the commitments we made last year in our first joint ministerial statement well under way.

    Our job now is to go further, ahead of the fifth anniversary of this partnership next year and a new Action Plan to guide our cooperation to 2030.

    I’m looking forward to discussing how we do so.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sovereign Base Areas Specialised Committee meeting: joint statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Sovereign Base Areas Specialised Committee meeting: joint statement

    Joint statement following the sixth meeting of the Withdrawal Agreement Specialised Committee on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Cyprus

    The sixth meeting of the Specialised Committee on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol relating to the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus was held on 3 July 2025, co-chaired by officials from the European Commission and the UK Government.

    The Committee was established by the Withdrawal Agreement to facilitate the implementation and application of the Protocol. The co-chairs reviewed the operational phase of the implementation of the Protocol since its last meeting in December 2023. This review showed that implementation is operating well in most areas.  

    Both sides reaffirmed their continued commitment to the smooth implementation of the Protocol and agreed to finalise further technical discussions with the objective of reaching a common understanding on the correct implementation of the Protocol in the area of taxation (Article 3 of the Protocol) and fisheries (Article 6 of the Protocol) as a matter of priority. The Specialised Committee will revert to this issue immediately afterwards.

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    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK statement: response to E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK statement: response to E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank

    The UK has issued a statement in response to the announcement by Israel’s Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank

    A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) spokesperson said:

    The UK strongly opposes the announcement by the central planning bureau of Israel’s Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan, frozen since 2021.

    This plan would build over 3000 houses to the east of Jerusalem, dividing a future Palestinian state in two, and marking a flagrant breach of international law.

    If implemented, the E1 settlement plan would critically undermine the two-state solution – the only route to a lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.

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    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: On the road in war-torn Gaza

    Source: United Nations 2

    Moving around Gaza has become ever more difficult amid the ongoing 21-month-long war.

    Mr. Saad, who was displaced from the town of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, was waiting for the vehicle pulling the cart he was sitting in to move.

    “Transportation is very difficult and unsafe,” he told UN News. “The roads are exhausting. We pray to God to grant us patience and to return home.”

    This was on Rashid Street, west of the city, which connects the north and south of the Strip. It is crowded with carts, cars and three-wheeled motorcycles that have also been converted into means of transportation.

    The area is interspersed with tents of displaced people, all surrounded by the rubble of buildings destroyed by war on both sides of the road.

    War and evacuation orders have left many in Gaza scrambling for transportation to safety.

    A luxury not for everyone

    “People can barely find enough to eat, so how will they pay for transportation?” Umm Haytham Al-Kulak asked while waiting in a passenger compartment attached behind a motorcycle,

    “We walk mostly; we can’t take public transportation,” she said.

    “May God help the drivers. Fuel prices are high, and all the people are exhausted and overwhelmed.”

    In Gaza, many people have no choice but to use risky ways to get around during the ongoing war.

    Sky high fuel costs

    Drivers are paying skyrocketing prices for fuel, which is a heavy burden, Abdel Karim Abu Asi said as he waited for his car to be fully loaded with passengers.

    “The price of a litre of diesel has reached 100 shekels [around $27],” he said. “What should we do? We’re trying to use locally produced fuel, but it causes significant damage to cars and a lot of problems.”

    This isn’t the only problem facing drivers. Mr. Abu Asi said the prices of spare parts are very high. A part that used to cost around 100 shekels now sells for around 2,000 shekels, or around $560.

    “We also suffer from the destruction of the streets, and no matter how hard the municipalities try to repair them, the problem is not solved because they require a large number of bulldozers to clear them,” he said.

    “People must be helped with transportation costs and many other aspects.”

    Fuel vendors sell their products at sharply inflated prices, with a litre of fuel reaching around 100 shekels.

    Only option

    Despite all the challenges, people there continue to go about their daily lives, even if it takes all day to get from one place to another. That’s what happened to Hussein Al-Hamarneh, who was waiting in a car to travel to the southern Gaza Strip.

    Mr. Al-Hamarneh believes that most of these means of transportation are “uncomfortable, such as tuk-tuks [three-wheeled motorcycles] and carts pulled by cars, which are primarily designed to transport goods or animals, not people”.

    “This is the only option for those who do not own cars,” he said.

    Tayseer Abu Asr, who arranges for passengers to board a cart pulled by a car, stood on the section of the road.

    “We’re trying to help people get around,” he said. “These carts have become our only means of transportation after the destruction of buses and taxis.”

    On top of these challenges during the ongoing war, the Gaza Strip is facing a fuel crisis.

    UN agencies warned earlier this week that the fuel shortage in Gaza has reached critical levels. They said if supplies run out, it will place an unbearable new burden on the population.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –