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Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI: Intermap Announces Jack Hild Retires as Director

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DENVER, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intermap Technologies Corporation (TSX: IMP; OTCQB: ITMSF) today announced that John (Jack) Hild has retired as an independent member of the Company’s Board of Directors and Director of Intermap Federal Services Inc. (IFSI). Since joining Intermap’s board, Jack has been an important contributor to the Company’s growth by supporting the strategic planning, recruiting and training in advanced defense analysis for the execution team in our federal services segment.

    “We are profoundly grateful to Jack for his leadership, vision and unwavering commitment to Intermap’s mission,” said Patrick A. Blott, Intermap Chairman and CEO. “His unparalleled insight into the defense and intelligence community has strengthened our strategic direction and deepened our engagement with key government partners. On a more personal level, I have benefitted greatly from Jack’s wonderful support, judgement, and friendship.”

    Mr. Hild dedicated three decades to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), serving over ten years in senior executive roles. After his distinguished career at the NGA, he became CIO and Vice President of Defense and Intelligence Strategy at DigitalGlobe before establishing his consulting practice. His significant contributions to the geospatial field are widely recognized. In 2020, Mr. Hild was inducted into the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Geospatial Intelligence Hall of Fame, one of the industry’s highest honors. He also received the NGA Distinguished Civilian Award and the Norwegian Defense Medal.

    “It has been an honor and privilege to serve on Intermap’s Board and support the Company’s work in delivering mission-critical solutions to the U.S. and Allied civil, defense and intelligence communities,” said Mr. Hild. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. Intermap’s sensors are unrivaled in the cloud belt, and its commercial flood mapping product is one of the most innovative elevation data and data management services I’ve seen. Intermap’s role with Low Latency Foundation Data has also addressed my decades-old quest to focus attention on foundational geospatial data maintenance processes across the user communities. My expectation is that Intermap will continue to grow with innovative customers and partners that leverage its talented and dedicated team on an increasingly broader range of advanced geospatial intelligence activities.”

    The Board of Directors and management team extend their gratitude to Mr. Hild for his extraordinary service and enduring legacy. His leadership and integrity have left an indelible mark on the Company.

    Intermap Reader Advisory 
    Certain information provided in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements. Words such as “will”, “upcoming” and other similar words and expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Although Intermap believes that these statements are based on information and assumptions which are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are necessarily subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Intermap’s forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. While the Company makes these forward-looking statements in good faith, should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary significantly from those expected. Accordingly, no assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that the Company will derive therefrom. All subsequent forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, attributable to Intermap or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities law.

    About Intermap Technologies 
    Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Intermap (TSX: IMP) is a global leader in geospatial intelligence solutions, focusing on the creation and analysis of 3D terrain data to produce high-resolution thematic models. Through scientific analysis of geospatial information and patented sensors and processing technology, the Company provisions diverse, complementary, multi-source datasets to enable customers to seamlessly integrate geospatial intelligence into their workflows. Intermap’s 3D elevation data and software analytic capabilities enable global geospatial analysis through artificial intelligence and machine learning, providing customers with critical information to understand their terrain environment. By leveraging its proprietary archive of the world’s largest collection of multi-sensor global elevation data, the Company’s collection and processing capabilities provide multi-source 3D datasets and analytics at mission speed, enabling governments and companies to build and integrate geospatial foundation data with actionable insights. Applications for Intermap’s products and solutions include defense, aviation and UAV flight planning, flood and wildfire insurance, disaster mitigation, base mapping, environmental and renewable energy planning, telecommunications, engineering, critical infrastructure monitoring, hydrology, land management, oil and gas and transportation. 

    For more information, please visit www.intermap.com or contact:
    Jennifer Bakken
    Executive Vice President and CFO
    CFO@intermap.com
    +1 (303) 708-0955

    Sean Peasgood
    Investor Relations
    Sean@SophicCapital.com
    +1 (647) 260-9266

    The MIL Network –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: EU Moves Fast: Unity, Deals & Strategic Confidence

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    As the United States pushes its trade deadline to 1 August, the European Union stays ahead of the curve working proactively to secure a deal sooner. 
     
    With strong industry backing and united action, Europe is pushing to finalize key deals fast. We’re sticking to our principles, defending our interests, and preparing for every outcome. Diplomacy with direction.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lr-ozRaPih0

    MIL OSI Video –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray Sounds Alarm Over RFK Jr. Postponing U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Meeting, Threat to Coverage of Preventive Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ICYMI: Senator Murray, Former ACIP Member from WA State Raise Alarm Over Purge of Entire CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee

    ICYMI: Murray Calls for Kennedy to Reinstate Fired ACIP Members or Delay Meeting Until New Members Appropriately Vetted

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Patty Murray, a senior member and former chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, released the following statement regarding the postponement of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) meeting that was scheduled to take place tomorrow. USPSTF is an independent advisory panel of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The USPSTF is made up of 16 unpaid, volunteer members serving four-year terms. USPSTF is supported by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) staff, but that agency has lost roughly half of their support staff due to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s mass firings across HHS.

    The Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, Inc. on June 27th ruled that USPSTF members are “inferior officers” consistent with the Appointments Clause to the Constitution, therefore affirming their authority to determine coverage of preventive services. The Affordable Care Act Democrats passed gave USPSTF recommendations the force of law for the first time—ensuring that mammograms, colonoscopies, and screenings for depression, osteoporosis, lung cancer, and other recommended preventive care would be covered by insurance at no cost to patients.

    “The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is essential to ensuring cancer screenings and other lifesaving preventive services are covered by insurance at no cost to patients—and the abrupt postponement of tomorrow’s task force meeting should set off alarm bells for everyone worried about what our conspiracy-promoting Health Secretary is up to next. I’m concerned Secretary Kennedy may be taking the first steps to dismantle the Preventive Services Task Force and attack its mission and commitment to scientific evidence, just like he has done at the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee and across our nation’s public health agencies.

    “The Preventive Services Task Force is made up of independent national experts in preventive medicine and primary care—they are volunteers who serve the public interest. In no world should experts be replaced with unqualified anti-science cronies of RFK Jr. who will make preventive health care more expensive and harder to get over baseless conspiracy theories or debunked disinformation.

    “I implore every one of my colleagues who believes Americans should be able to get lifesaving preventive care without worrying about cost to speak out now, and to my Republican colleagues: pick up the phone and tell Secretary Kennedy to keep his hands off preventive care.”

    Senator Murray forcefully opposed RFK Jr.’s nomination to lead HHS and has been a leading voice in the Senate pushing back against his systematic dismantling of our nation’s premiere public health agency, from the unprecedented mass firing of qualified HHS employees and the closure of critical regional offices, to Secretary Kennedy’s purge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Last month, Senator Murray called on Secretary Kennedy to reinstate the fired ACIP members and held a press call with Washington state-based Dr. Helen Chu, one of the 17 ACIP members abruptly fired by Secretary Kennedy without cause.

    Senator Murray has sent countless oversight letters and hosted numerous press conferences and events to lay out how the administration’s reckless gutting of HHS is risking Americans’ health and safety and will set our country back decades—and lift up the voices of HHS employees who were fired for no reason and through no fault of their own.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following fatal crash in Ashburton

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Senior Sergeant Janine Bowden,

    Police are appealing for information from the public following a fatal crash on Burnett Street in Ashburton.

    On Saturday 5 July, Police received a report of a crash involving a car and a person in an electric wheelchair at around 1pm.

    One person was located with injuries and was transported to hospital.

    Sadly, the person passed away in hospital last night.

    We offer our condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time.

    While our investigation into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing, Police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash.

    We would also like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage in the Burnett Street and Park Street areas.

    If you have information that may assist in our enquiries, please contact Police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or call 105.

    Please use the reference number 250706/8918.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illegal Alien from Honduras Sentenced to Prison in Vast Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced today in the Western District of Texas for his leadership role in a massive alien smuggling conspiracy that spanned three years and involved thousands of aliens from over 11 different countries.

    Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, also known as Chino, 34, of Olancho, Honduras, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in smuggling thousands of aliens into the United States for financial gain. He was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine.

    Co-defendants Monica Hernandez-Palma, 33, of Mexico, and Allyson Elsires Alvarez-Zuniga, 26, of Honduras, entered guilty pleas on April 7, 2025, and Aug. 21, 2023, respectively, and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Genyi Arguenta-Flores, 32, of Comayagua, Honduras was sentenced to five years in prison on May 12. A final co-defendant is in custody in Mexico pending an extradition request from the United States.

    “Mejia-Zuniga and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars off the backs of thousands of people whom they smuggled into the United States,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case represents the epitome of the ruthless and sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our borders for personal financial gain. The Criminal Division will not stop investigating these cases until all human smuggling organizations are eradicated and the criminals who operate them are prosecuted.”

    “In an effort to satisfy his greed, Mejia-Zuniga facilitated the illegal movement of thousands of Middle Easterners into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “His actions put our national security at risk. However, thanks to our many federal law enforcement partners, Mejia-Zuniga will no longer be allowed to enrich himself to the detriment of this country.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit our immigration system for personal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “For more than three years, these individuals operated a transnational smuggling ring driven by greed, moving illegal aliens from 11 countries in blatant disregard of the law. The sentencing in this case is a testament to HSI’s commitment to upholding national security. Human smuggling undermines the security of our borders and disrupts lawful immigration processes. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our national security.”

    “United States Border Patrol’s (USBP) Intelligence and Information Task Force played a critical role in supporting Operation Red Tide through extensive research and analysis,” said Scott Good, Chief of USBP Law Enforcement Operations Directorate. “Our team’s exploitation of subpoena returns and identification of key financial patterns helped bring these smugglers to justice. The USBP will continue working with law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to dismantle criminal networks and secure our nation’s borders.”

    According to court documents, from November 2020 through March 2023, the Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization (ASO) smuggled aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Colombia, through Eagle Pass, Texas. Aliens primarily contracted with a Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil to be transported to the United States. In turn, the Brazilian-based smuggler worked with Mejia-Zuniga, who was based in San Antonio, Texas, to facilitate travel of the aliens from South America to the United States. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations of the ASO and paid drivers, armed “coyotes,” and stash house operators.

    Mejia-Zuniga admitted to smuggling between 2,500 to 3,000 aliens into the United States in just two years. The organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien. Mejia-Zuniga admitted that he made $30,000 for every ten illegal aliens who made it to the Rio Grande River and another $30,000 if those ten illegal aliens made it to San Antonio.

    One of the smuggled aliens reported paying the organization $20,000 to be brought illegally into the United States along with his brother. The Mejia-Zuniga ASO directed that alien to a stash house in Monterrey, Mexico, where it housed him with 10 other aliens. The ASO later moved the same alien to a stash house in Piedras Negras, Mexico, with another 20 to 25 aliens. Ultimately, an armed coyote guided the group of aliens across the Rio Grande River. Once across the Rio Grande, the Mejia-Zuniga ASO transported the aliens to a hotel in San Antonio. 

    In addition to witness statements, other evidence gathered during the investigation included wire transfers, customer ledgers, foreign identification documents, and photographs of members of the Mejia-Zuniga ASO with firearms.

    Defendant Mejia-Zuniga with semi-automatic high-capacity firearms.

    Photographs of alien smuggling proceeds and an armed “coyote” in the bush.

    Mejia-Zuniga pleaded guilty to three counts of bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain and aiding and abetting.

    HSI Del Rio engaged in an extensive, years-long investigation in Operation Red Tide, which led to the development of this case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, HSI Monterrey, HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation and arrests of the defendants in Operation Red Tide were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS George Washington Departs Manila

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    MANILA, Philippines – Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), the flagship of the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWA CSG), with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 embarked, departed Manila, Philippines, following a scheduled port visit, July 7, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Azerion announces definitive agreement with DoubleDown Interactive for the sale of Whow Games Company sharpens focus on digital advertising, cloud services and AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amsterdam, 9 July 2025 – Azerion, a leading European digital advertising platform, today announces the sale of its subsidiary Whow Games, the lion’s share of its Premium Games segment, to DoubleDown Interactive, part of South Korea-based DoubleUGames, for a total consideration of €65 million. The deal consists of an upfront payment of €55 million and an earn-out of up to €10 million, subject to customary adjustments.

    The transaction marks another significant step in Azerion’s strategy, a journey the company has been on for some years now, reinforcing digital advertising as the company’s core business. In addition, Azerion continues to expand into cloud infrastructure and AI-driven solutions.

    The sale follows a series of portfolio optimisations, including the divestment of its social card games portfolio in 2023 for €81.3 million. With a strong position as one of Europe’s most innovative players in digital advertising, Azerion is now also addressing growing European demand for scalable cloud and AI alternatives to large US providers. After more than 10 years of developing AI software and cloud services for its own use, Azerion is now offering these services to clients. This puts it in markets where many European companies are currently seeking an alternative to the American tech giants.

    Founded in the Netherlands in 2014, Azerion has grown into a major player in digital advertising through a series of strategic acquisitions. Listed on Euronext Amsterdam since February 2022, the company generated €551 million in revenue in 2024, up 7% year-on-year. Revenue guidance for 2025 is in the range of €600–650 million. In Q1 2025, the company reported EBITDA growth of 68% compared to the same period last year thanks to a continued focus on efficiency and profitability.

    Reinforcing digital advertising

    “We are excited to take this further step to strengthen our digital advertising business.” said Sebastiaan Moesman, Chief Strategy Officer of Azerion. “This sale enables us to dedicate even more resources and attention on realizing our growth and expansion plans. We are also demonstrating once again that our investment strategy can create long-term value for our shareholders.”

    Azerion recently launched Azerion Intelligence, a platform offering affordable and independent cloud hosting as well as access to a range of open-source AI tools. “Across Europe, companies and public institutions are increasingly looking to bring their data closer to home to be less reliant on one partner,” said Moesman. “While this desire is not new, we’re seeing a clear shift in priority. Organisations are now actively seeking alternatives to major cloud providers. At the same time, demand for local, cost-efficient AI services is on the rise. Azerion is well positioned to support organisations ready to take the next step in digital sovereignty.”

    The MIL Network –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: How to Use DRML Miner’s Cloud Mining Strategy: A Simple Guide with Direction and Goals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DRML Miner has redefined cloud mining, making it straightforward and profitable for anyone to participate. Forget about bulky hardware or high electricity bills. Everything through DRML Miner is managed in the cloud, providing a great way to earn crypto each and every day. Plus, as a bonus, new users are rewarded with $10 just for signing up, and getting you started.

    Why Set Goals Before You Start Mining?

    Clear objectives are the foundation of a strong mining strategy. Before diving in, decide what you want:

    • Are you looking for quick daily profits?
    • Do you prefer long-term gains and compounded growth?

    When you know your goals, choosing the right DRML Miner plan becomes much easier. Each contract offers different returns, timelines, and levels of risk. Knowing your aim helps you stay disciplined and focused.

    Explore DRML Miner’s Flexible Cloud Mining Plans

    DRML Miner stands out for offering plans that suit all types of investors. Whether you’re a beginner testing the waters or an experienced crypto enthusiast, there’s an option for you.

    • Short-term contracts: Perfect if you want fast payouts and to rotate profits into new plans.
    • Long-term contracts: Designed for those looking to maximize returns over months or even years.

    All plans come with transparent terms, live performance stats, and full control. You can track exactly how your investment grows day by day.

    Register and Claim Your $10 Reward

    Getting started is incredibly simple. Visit DRML Miner’s official site and sign up. You’ll only need an email and a secure password. Once verified, your account is activated instantly. As a welcome bonus, you’ll receive $10 credited to your account, which you can use toward your first mining contract. This bonus lowers your initial cost and gets you mining right away.

    Securely Fund Your Account

    After claiming your $10 reward, you can add more funds to grow your mining capacity. DRML Miner accepts deposits in top cryptocurrencies, including:

    • Bitcoin (BTC)
    • Ethereum (ETH)
    • Tether (USDT)
    • Litecoin (LTC)

    Always double-check wallet addresses to avoid mistakes. DRML Miner uses industry-leading encryption and wallet security to protect your deposits.

    Launch Your Mining Contract with Ease

    Once funded, it’s time to start mining. Choose a plan that matches your goals and activate it with a single click. DRML Miner’s systems then begin mining on your behalf. You don’t have to worry about hardware crashes or software glitches — the platform takes care of everything.

    Track Your Mining in Real Time

    A great tool when using DRML Miner is the live dashboard. You can literally see your earnings grow hour-for-hour. This can help you trust the system and keep you up-to-date on what you’re developing.

    You can then use this information to modify how you do things going forwards. If crypto prices are trending up, you could consider putting your profit into a larger contract. If prices are going down, you may want to hold off on more investing and take your profits.

    Withdraw Your Profits Quickly

    When your balance hits the minimum payout amount, you can withdraw your earnings anytime. DRML Miner processes withdrawals promptly, sending your funds to your chosen crypto wallet. Keep your withdrawal addresses updated to ensure a smooth transaction.

    Maximize Profits by Staying Informed

    Successful cloud mining isn’t just about buying a contract and waiting. Stay plugged into crypto news and DRML Miner’s updates. By watching market trends, you can:

    • Decide the best time to start new contracts
    • Adjust your reinvestment strategy
    • Take profits when markets peak

    DRML Miner also shares platform updates that may include new coins or promotional offers, which you don’t want to miss.

    Advantages of Choosing DRML Miner

    • $10 free reward: Lower your first investment costs immediately.
    • No equipment hassle: DRML’s professional facilities do the work.
    • 24/7 live stats: Always know how much you’re earning.
    • Low entry barrier: Get started mining with as little money as possible.
    • Safe and secure: Sophisticated protections help ensure your assets and information stay protected.
    • Multiple coins supported: Easily diversify your mining portfolio.

    Conclusion: Start Your Mining Journey with Confidence

    DRML Miner has made cloud mining simple, whether you want to start from scratch, or grow your existing crypto portfolio. Just set your goals, pick your plan, and make use of the $10 sign-up incentive to get you started.

    With https://drmlminers.com/ professional approach, you can focus on building passive income while the platform handles the technical side. Sign up today, claim your reward, and watch your crypto grow.

     

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Attachment

    • image-20250709-204940

    The MIL Network –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BSTDB Concludes the 27th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Yerevan

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 09-Jul-2025

    Governors Reaffirm Support for BSTDB and Approve New Strategic Branding

    The Board of Governors of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) held its 27th Annual Meeting under the Chairmanship of Mr. Artur Javadyan, BSTDB Governor for the Republic of Armenia.

     The Meeting brought together high-level representatives from BSTDB’s eleven member states, along with BSEC leaders and the Bank’s Observers.

    The Governors evaluated the Bank’s operational activity and unanimously approved the Financial Statements for 2024. They praised BSTDB’s sustained role as a reliable partner for regional economic advancement.

    During the Meeting, the Board of Governors extended the term of Dr. Serhat Köksal as President of BSTDB by two years.

    Mr. Artur Javadyan, Chairman of the Board of Governors, commented: “Amid challenging economic times, BSTDB continued to deliver tangible results, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for sustainable regional growth”.

    Dr. Serhat Köksal, President of BSTDB, noted: ‘This meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of our member countries for a resilient and inclusive Black Sea region, underpinned by responsible finance.” Dr. Köksal expressed his gratitude to the Governors, stating: “I am deeply honored by the renewed trust placed in me. I thank the Board of Governors for their continued confidence and support, and I remain committed to advancing our collective vision for a resilient and inclusive Black Sea region, grounded in responsible finance.” 

    The BSTDB President also acknowledged the excellent organization and warm hospitality extended by Governor Javadyan and the host country.

    The Board also elected Mr. Sahil Babayev, Governor for the Republic of Azerbaijan, as the new Chair of the Board of Governors for the upcoming one-year term. Governors for the Republic of Bulgaria and Georgia were elected as Deputy Chairpersons. The 28th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors will be held in Azerbaijan. The exact date and venue of the Meeting will be determined in due course.

    In addition, the Board approved BSTDB’s new visual identity, reflecting the institution’s strategic orientation and commitment to modernization. The new brand will be officially unveiled in the coming weeks.

     

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

     

    Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Economics –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BSTDB Concludes the 27th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Yerevan

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 09-Jul-2025

    Governors Reaffirm Support for BSTDB and Approve New Strategic Branding

    The Board of Governors of the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) held its 27th Annual Meeting under the Chairmanship of Mr. Artur Javadyan, BSTDB Governor for the Republic of Armenia.

     The Meeting brought together high-level representatives from BSTDB’s eleven member states, along with BSEC leaders and the Bank’s Observers.

    The Governors evaluated the Bank’s operational activity and unanimously approved the Financial Statements for 2024. They praised BSTDB’s sustained role as a reliable partner for regional economic advancement.

    During the Meeting, the Board of Governors extended the term of Dr. Serhat Köksal as President of BSTDB by two years.

    Mr. Artur Javadyan, Chairman of the Board of Governors, commented: “Amid challenging economic times, BSTDB continued to deliver tangible results, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for sustainable regional growth”.

    Dr. Serhat Köksal, President of BSTDB, noted: ‘This meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of our member countries for a resilient and inclusive Black Sea region, underpinned by responsible finance.” Dr. Köksal expressed his gratitude to the Governors, stating: “I am deeply honored by the renewed trust placed in me. I thank the Board of Governors for their continued confidence and support, and I remain committed to advancing our collective vision for a resilient and inclusive Black Sea region, grounded in responsible finance.” 

    The BSTDB President also acknowledged the excellent organization and warm hospitality extended by Governor Javadyan and the host country.

    The Board also elected Mr. Sahil Babayev, Governor for the Republic of Azerbaijan, as the new Chair of the Board of Governors for the upcoming one-year term. Governors for the Republic of Bulgaria and Georgia were elected as Deputy Chairpersons. The 28th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors will be held in Azerbaijan. The exact date and venue of the Meeting will be determined in due course.

    In addition, the Board approved BSTDB’s new visual identity, reflecting the institution’s strategic orientation and commitment to modernization. The new brand will be officially unveiled in the coming weeks.

     

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

     

    Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Economics –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Materials for the Government meeting on July 10, 2025.

    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.

    The following issues are planned to be considered at the meeting:

    1. On the national report on the progress and results of the implementation in 2024 of the State Program for the Development of Agriculture and Regulation of Agricultural Products, Raw Materials and Food Markets

    The national report is presented by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia and is a public form of reporting and monitoring of the implementation of the goals, objectives, indicators and targets of the state program.

    2. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 924067–8 “On Amendments to the Budget Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at clarifying the provisions of the draft federal law adopted by the State Duma in the first reading.

    3. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 782260–8 “On Amendments to Part One of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and Articles 12 and 30 of the Federal Law “On Enforcement Proceedings”

    The draft amendments are aimed at taking into account the comments and suggestions made during the consideration of the bill in the first reading in the State Duma.

    4. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of establishing additional grounds for reviewing court decisions that have entered into legal force)

    The adoption of the bill will bring the provisions of the Civil Procedure Code, the Arbitration Procedure Code and the Code of Administrative Procedure into line with the legal position of the Constitutional Court.

    5. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 487723–8 “On Amendments to Articles 194 and 202 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at improving the procedure for granting a license to carry out entrepreneurial activity in the management of apartment buildings.

    6. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in 2025 for the provision of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Tula Region in 2025

    The draft order is aimed at co-financing the expenditure obligations of the Tula region arising from the implementation of measures to create the infrastructure of the innovative scientific and technological center “Innovative Scientific and Technological Center “Composite Valley”.

    Moscow, July 9, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    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 –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 23).

    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.

    1. On the national report on the progress and results of the implementation in 2024 of the State Program for the Development of Agriculture and Regulation of Agricultural Products, Raw Materials and Food Markets

    The national report is presented by the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia and is a public form of reporting and monitoring of the implementation of the goals, objectives, indicators and targets of the state program.

    2. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 924067–8 “On Amendments to the Budget Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at clarifying the provisions of the draft federal law adopted by the State Duma in the first reading.

    3. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 782260–8 “On Amendments to Part One of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and Articles 12 and 30 of the Federal Law “On Enforcement Proceedings”

    The draft amendments are aimed at taking into account the comments and suggestions made during the consideration of the bill in the first reading in the State Duma.

    4. On the draft federal law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” (in terms of establishing additional grounds for reviewing court decisions that have entered into legal force)

    The adoption of the bill will bring the provisions of the Civil Procedure Code, the Arbitration Procedure Code and the Code of Administrative Procedure into line with the legal position of the Constitutional Court.

    5. On the draft amendments of the Government of the Russian Federation to the draft federal law No. 487723–8 “On Amendments to Articles 194 and 202 of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation”

    The draft amendments are aimed at improving the procedure for granting a license to carry out entrepreneurial activity in the management of apartment buildings.

    6. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in 2025 for the provision of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Tula Region in 2025

    The draft order is aimed at co-financing the expenditure obligations of the Tula region arising from the implementation of measures to create the infrastructure of the innovative scientific and technological center “Innovative Scientific and Technological Center “Composite Valley”.

    Moscow, July 9, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    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 –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Red tape relief making a difference for businesses

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee says that small businesses will benefit from upcoming reforms to New Zealand’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) laws, as the Government moves to make compliance more proportionate and practical for low-risk operators.

    Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has announced Cabinet’s approval to draft a new Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (Omnibus) Amendment Bill to overhaul the existing system.

    Under current rules, even small businesses and professionals, such as real estate agents, face complex and time-consuming checks, often regardless of how much risk they face,” Mrs McKee says. 

    “This level of scrutiny is overkill for a small business dealing with law abiding New Zealanders and it’s an example of why our AML laws need to be smarter and more risk-based,” Mrs McKee says. 

    “These reforms will enable simplified customer due diligence (CDD) where businesses have assessed the risk of money laundering or terrorist financing to be low and have appropriate controls in place to manage risk. This will support a wide range of small businesses to reduce costs for their customers.

    “For example, currently, families selling their home must undergo enhanced customer due diligence if the home is held within a family trust.

    “Even when there are clear low risk indicators, such as a property being owned for over a decade and held in a non-trading trust, real estate agents are still required to collect extensive personal and legal information.

    “For real estate agents, this would mean taking a common-sense approach to low-risk customers, for example only needing to verify the homeowners’ identity documents and their role as trustees, and retaining a copy of the trust deed.

    “Similarly, share brokers and bookkeepers may be able to reduce the level of CDD required for low-risk customers and businesses where there are appropriate restrictions and conditions put in place, such as transaction limits.”

    The Government has also directed the future AML/CFT supervisor to issue clear guidance so that businesses like bookkeepers, real estate agents, lawyers, and banks know exactly how to apply these simplified checks without fear of penalty.

    “This Government is serious about targeting criminals, not clogging up legitimate businesses and everyday people with red tape.

    “We’ve heard from parents who’ve been unable to set up bank accounts for their kids because they can’t prove where their child lives. We’ve heard from elderly Kiwis who, after the death of a spouse, find they can’t open an account in their own name due to a lack of documentation. That’s not a system based on risk, that’s bureaucracy getting in the way of people’s lives.”

    As well as making things easier for small business, the bill will enable:

    • Simplified CDD for low-risk individuals and activities such as opening children’s bank accounts and using digital wallets.
    • Simplify compliance for small businesses in rural areas.
    • Grant new powers to combat criminal activity, such as a $5,000 cap on payments of cash for international transfers and banning crypto ATMs.

    “Since 2019, the global financial landscape has shifted dramatically, and New Zealand is overdue for a clear and modern national strategy, one that protects against organised crime, while also making compliance easier for those doing the right thing,” Mrs McKee says.

    “We want New Zealand to be the safest place in the world to do business legitimately, and the hardest place for criminals to operate.

    “By the time we’re finished, New Zealand will have a world-class AML/CFT regime – one that hits criminals hard, not ordinary New Zealanders.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Available to Texas Private Nonprofits Affected by July Storms and Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas affected by severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding beginning July 2.

    The disaster declaration covers the Texas County of Kerr.

    Under this declaration, PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature impacted by physical damages or financial losses directly related to the disaster are eligible to apply for both business physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. Examples of eligible non-critical PNP organizations include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools, and colleges.

    PNPs may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.

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

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

    Interest rates are as low as 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA will set loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

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

    The deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 4, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 6, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon With 17 Firearms Pleads Guilty

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Latchman Singh (31, Orlando) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Singh faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2025.

    According to court documents, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office were executing a search warrant at Singh’s residence in connection with state auto theft charges when they discover that Singh, a previously convicted felon, had 17 firearms in his closet, bedroom and kitchen:

     

    At least two of the firearms were stolen, one firearm did not have a serial number, and one of the firearms had a silencer attached to it. As a previously convicted felon, Singh is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    Singh has agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition, which were involved in the offense. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien from Honduras Sentenced to Prison in Vast Alien Smuggling Conspiracy

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Honduran national unlawfully residing in the United States was sentenced today in the Western District of Texas for his leadership role in a massive alien smuggling conspiracy that spanned three years and involved thousands of aliens from over 11 different countries.

    Enil Edil Mejia-Zuniga, also known as Chino, 34, of Olancho, Honduras, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in smuggling thousands of aliens into the United States for financial gain. He was also ordered to pay a $4,500 fine.

    Co-defendants Monica Hernandez-Palma, 33, of Mexico, and Allyson Elsires Alvarez-Zuniga, 26, of Honduras, entered guilty pleas on April 7, 2025, and Aug. 21, 2023, respectively, and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Genyi Arguenta-Flores, 32, of Comayagua, Honduras was sentenced to five years in prison on May 12. A final co-defendant is in custody in Mexico pending an extradition request from the United States.

    “Mejia-Zuniga and his co-conspirators made millions of dollars off the backs of thousands of people whom they smuggled into the United States,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This case represents the epitome of the ruthless and sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our borders for personal financial gain. The Criminal Division will not stop investigating these cases until all human smuggling organizations are eradicated and the criminals who operate them are prosecuted.”

    “In an effort to satisfy his greed, Mejia-Zuniga facilitated the illegal movement of thousands of Middle Easterners into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “His actions put our national security at risk. However, thanks to our many federal law enforcement partners, Mejia-Zuniga will no longer be allowed to enrich himself to the detriment of this country.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit our immigration system for personal profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “For more than three years, these individuals operated a transnational smuggling ring driven by greed, moving illegal aliens from 11 countries in blatant disregard of the law. The sentencing in this case is a testament to HSI’s commitment to upholding national security. Human smuggling undermines the security of our borders and disrupts lawful immigration processes. HSI will continue to work tirelessly to protect our national security.”

    “United States Border Patrol’s (USBP) Intelligence and Information Task Force played a critical role in supporting Operation Red Tide through extensive research and analysis,” said Scott Good, Chief of USBP Law Enforcement Operations Directorate. “Our team’s exploitation of subpoena returns and identification of key financial patterns helped bring these smugglers to justice. The USBP will continue working with law enforcement agencies at home and abroad to dismantle criminal networks and secure our nation’s borders.”

    According to court documents, from November 2020 through March 2023, the Mejia-Zuniga alien smuggling organization (ASO) smuggled aliens from Afghanistan, Yemen, Egypt, India, Pakistan, and Colombia, through Eagle Pass, Texas. Aliens primarily contracted with a Pakistani smuggler based in Brazil to be transported to the United States. In turn, the Brazilian-based smuggler worked with Mejia-Zuniga, who was based in San Antonio, Texas, to facilitate travel of the aliens from South America to the United States. Mejia-Zuniga directed operations of the ASO and paid drivers, armed “coyotes,” and stash house operators.

    Mejia-Zuniga admitted to smuggling between 2,500 to 3,000 aliens into the United States in just two years. The organization charged between $6,500 to $12,000 per alien. Mejia-Zuniga admitted that he made $30,000 for every ten illegal aliens who made it to the Rio Grande River and another $30,000 if those ten illegal aliens made it to San Antonio.

    One of the smuggled aliens reported paying the organization $20,000 to be brought illegally into the United States along with his brother. The Mejia-Zuniga ASO directed that alien to a stash house in Monterrey, Mexico, where it housed him with 10 other aliens. The ASO later moved the same alien to a stash house in Piedras Negras, Mexico, with another 20 to 25 aliens. Ultimately, an armed coyote guided the group of aliens across the Rio Grande River. Once across the Rio Grande, the Mejia-Zuniga ASO transported the aliens to a hotel in San Antonio. 

    In addition to witness statements, other evidence gathered during the investigation included wire transfers, customer ledgers, foreign identification documents, and photographs of members of the Mejia-Zuniga ASO with firearms.

    Defendant Mejia-Zuniga with semi-automatic high-capacity firearms.

    Photographs of alien smuggling proceeds and an armed “coyote” in the bush.

    Mejia-Zuniga pleaded guilty to three counts of bringing an alien to the United States for financial gain and aiding and abetting.

    HSI Del Rio engaged in an extensive, years-long investigation in Operation Red Tide, which led to the development of this case, with assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector, HSI Monterrey, HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force.

    Trial Attorney Jenna E. Reed of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Kass for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

    The investigation and arrests of the defendants in Operation Red Tide were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos Select Quick Custom Intelligence Enterprise Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) and Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos are thrilled to announce their strategic partnership that is set to transform the gaming and hospitality landscape in the Minnesota market. This dynamic collaboration represents an exciting fusion of advanced technology and exceptional guest experiences, with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos leading the charge. By leveraging QCI’s cutting-edge data analytics platform, the partnership aims to redefine how casinos operate, providing unparalleled insights into player behavior, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering personalized guest experiences like never before. This bold move positions Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos at the forefront of innovation, setting a new standard in how technology can drive the future of gaming and hospitality.

    This partnership marks the beginning of a new era, where the seamless integration of artificial intelligence, data-driven decision-making, and world-class service will create an unmatched environment for entertainment and hospitality in the region.

    Morgan Fritzinger, Director of Marketing for the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos, shared her excitement about this partnership, stating, “We are excited to embark on this transformative journey with QCI. The QCI platform is truly a game-changer for our host and marketing departments, and we’re confident it will not only optimize our operations but also enhance the quality of service and entertainment we provide to our valued guests. With QCI’s innovative solutions, we’re poised to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience in the Minnesota market. This partnership perfectly aligns with our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

    Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of QCI, expressed his satisfaction with this newly established partnership, stating, “We place immense value on partnerships that are built on mutual respect, a shared vision, and a strong commitment to innovation. Our collaboration with Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos exemplifies this kind of relationship. From the very beginning, we have been deeply impressed by the Black Bear and Fond Du Luth Casinos team’s dedication, their passion for excellence, and their relentless focus on delivering extraordinary guest experiences. I am incredibly proud of what we have already achieved together and even more excited for the future. This partnership represents a unique opportunity to set new benchmarks in the Minnesota market, and I am confident that together, we will redefine what’s possible in the gaming and hospitality industry.”

    ABOUT Black Bear Casino and Fond Du Luth Casinos
    Black Bear Casino Resort, located in Carlton, Minnesota, and Fond-du-Luth Casino, situated in the heart of downtown Duluth near Lake Superior’s vibrant tourist district, are premier gaming and entertainment destinations owned and operated by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Together, these properties offer a dynamic blend of gaming, dining, lodging, and live entertainment, while honoring the cultural heritage and economic strength of the Fond du Lac Band. Committed to excellence in guest service and community impact, both casinos serve as proud tributes to the resilience and vision of the Ojibwe people. For more information, visit www.blackbearcasinoresort.com or call (218) 878-BEAR (2327) or www.fondduluthcasino.com and (218) 720-5100.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas
    Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

    Contact:
    Laurel Kay, Quick Custom Intelligence
    Phone: 858-349-8354

    The MIL Network –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Marc Botham of Jamf Honored as a 2025 Inclusive Channel Leader

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF), the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, today announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has recognized Marc Botham, Vice President, Global Channel Sales, as an Inclusive Channel Leader for 2025. This CRN list spotlights vendor, distributor, and solution provider executives helping to create greater equity across the IT channel.

    Each of the honorees is dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion within their organizations, the IT channel, and the entire industry. With this list, CRN highlights the importance of championing and building diversity and belonging in the channel ecosystem.

    “The honorees on this year’s Inclusive Channel Leaders list set a powerful example,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, The Channel Company. “They advance meaningful change by amplifying a multitude of voices and fostering company cultures where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We’re inspired by their impact and appreciate their efforts to lead the way in advancing inclusion and building a stronger IT channel.”

    “Marc’s recognition as a CRN Inclusive Channel Leader reflects his unwavering commitment to building an inclusive channel ecosystem that empowers partners of all backgrounds,” said Liz Benz, Chief Sales Officer, Jamf. “His leadership has been crucial in strengthening a channel program that not only drives business success but also promotes equity and inclusion across our partner network. This recognition validates our ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive technology community.”

    The 2025 Inclusive Channel Leaders list will be featured in the August issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.CRN.com/Inclusive-Leaders.

    About Jamf

    Jamf’s purpose is to simplify work by helping organizations manage and secure an Apple experience that end users love and organizations trust. Jamf is the only company in the world that provides a complete management and security solution for an Apple-first environment that is enterprise secure, consumer simple and protects personal privacy. To learn more, visit www.jamf.com.

    About The Channel Company

    The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

    Investor Contact:
    Jennifer Gaumond
    ir@jamf.com

    Media Contact:
    media@jamf.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Spartan Capital Securities, LLC Serves as Placement Agent in Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc.’s $1.5 Million Registered Direct Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Spartan Capital Securities, LLC, a premier investment banking firm, is pleased to announce the closing of a $1.5 million registered direct offering for Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: LIXT), in which it served as the exclusive placement agent.

    Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on cancer drug development, completed the offering on July 8, 2025. The offering consisted of the sale of an aggregate of 974,026 shares of Common Stock (or Pre-Funded Warrants in lieu thereof). The public offering price per share of Common Stock was $1.54, and $1.53999 per Pre-Funded Warrant, which includes an exercise price of $0.00001.

    The Company received gross proceeds of approximately $1.5 million. The net proceeds, together with the Company’s existing cash, will be used for general corporate purposes and working capital.

    “This transaction reflects our continued focus on aligning innovative biotech companies with the strategic capital they need to advance breakthrough therapies,” said John Lowry, CEO of Spartan Capital Securities. “We are pleased to support Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, LLC in this important stage of their clinical development and look forward to seeing the impact of their work in the oncology space.”

    Lixte was represented by TroyGould PC, while Spartan Capital Securities was represented by Kaufman & Canoles, P.C.

    The offering was made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-278874) previously filed with and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2, 2024. A final prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov.

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Spartan Capital Securities, LLC
    Spartan Capital Securities, LLC is a premier full-service investment banking firm offering a comprehensive range of advisory services to institutional clients and high-net-worth individuals. Known for its expertise in capital raising, strategic advisory, and asset management, Spartan Capital delivers tailored solutions to meet clients’ financial goals.

    For more information, visit www.spartancapital.com.

    About Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc.
    Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing cancer therapies based on novel biological pathways. Its lead compound, LB-100, a first-in-class PP2A inhibitor, has shown promise in enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Clinical trials are currently underway for Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma, Metastatic Colon Cancer, and Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

    For more information, visit www.lixte.com.

    Contact:
    Spartan Capital Securities, LLC
    45 Broadway, 19th Floor
    New York, NY 10006
    investmentbanking@spartancapital.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Goldman, Raskin Lead Judiciary Democrats in Demanding AG Bondi Release Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Report on Trump’s Mishandling of Classified Documents, Epstein Files

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    AG Bondi’s Politicized DOJ Has Refused to Release Documents Containing Damaging Information on the President 

     

    Read the Letter Here 

    Washington, D.C. — Congressmen Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee Jamie Raskin (MD-08) led Committee Democrats in an oversight letter demanding Attorney General Pam Bondi release the entirety of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on President Donald Trump’s refusal to return classified documents after he left office, along with any evidence in the Epstein files mentioning Trump, that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) have withheld from the public. 

    “Five months ago, the Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed the pending case against Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, depriving the American public of an opportunity to hear the evidence of how they conspired with Donald Trump to help him stash hundreds of highly classified records at his Mar-a-Lago Club, defy subpoenas, obstruct law enforcement, hide evidence, and lie about his continuing retention of these records. Since then, you have continued to conceal the evidence against Donald Trump and his co-conspirators by refusing to release the report of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into this matter. You have done so even as House Judiciary Committee Republicans continue to make baseless claims of bias and misconduct on the part of Special Counsel Smith and compel testimony from members of his team—all without a shred of evidence. Your conduct is particularly worrisome as it appears to be part of a pattern of using the DOJ to cover up evidence of criminal wrongdoing by President Trump, including information allegedly contained in the Epstein files. We write today to demand that you release the Smith report immediately, as well as any evidence mentioning or referencing Donald Trump in the Epstein files,” the Members wrote. 

    Volume I of the Special Counsel’s report was released publicly by Attorney General Merrick Garland in January, but DOJ did not release Volume II at that time due to a pending case against Trump co-defendants Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira. The case was dismissed in February after Trump’s DOJ moved to drop it, but Attorney General Bondi has sought to indefinitely block the disclosure of the remainer of the report. 

    While refusing to release the full report, DOJ is cooperating with House Republicans’ continued probe of Special Counsel Smith’s investigation and prosecution of President Trump in a desperate and failed effort to find evidence of bias or misconduct. DOJ has acquiesced to Chairman Jim Jordan’s requests for testimony of line-level prosecutors in Special Counsel Smith’s office, without objections or restrictions—a position at odds with the Department’s longstanding policy to protect line prosecutors and prosecutorial deliberations. 

    The Trump Administration has consistently hidden from the public materials and information that may be damaging to Trump. Earlier this month, former senior administration official Elon Musk posted on X that President Trump “is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.” 

    In February, DOJ and the FBI came under intense public criticism for releasing a “first phase” of the Epstein files that consisted largely of information that was already public. Despite reportedly ordering hundreds of agents to work marathon sessions in order to prepare more batches of records for public release, Attorney General Bondi has not released additional records. Just this week, the FBI stated that it has determined “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.”   

    “The American people deserve uncensored answers and authentic transparency from this Administration and a full understanding of Mr. Trump’s actions. We call on you to stop protecting your boss and former client, release the Smith report in full without redactions immediately, and publicly release all documents in the Epstein files that mention or reference Donald Trump,” the Members concluded. 

    Today’s letter follows a months-long push by House Judiciary Democrats for the full public release of Special Counsel Smith’s report. In February, Congressman Goldman and Ranking Member Raskin led Democrats in a letter to Attorney General Bondi urging her to release Volume Two of Special Counsel Smith’s report. In January, Congressman Goldman and Ranking Member Raskin led House Judiciary Democrats in sending a letter to then-Attorney General Garland, urging him to take all necessary steps to ensure the reports’ release. 
    Read the letter here or below. 

    Dear Attorney General Bondi:

    Five months ago, the Department of Justice (DOJ) dismissed the pending case against Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, depriving the American public of an opportunity to hear the evidence of how they conspired with Donald Trump to help him stash hundreds of highly classified records at his Mar-a-Lago Club, defy subpoenas, obstruct law enforcement, hide evidence, and lie about his continuing retention of these records. Since then, you have continued to conceal the evidence against Donald Trump and his co-conspirators by refusing to release the report of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into this matter. You have done so even as House Judiciary Committee Republicans continue to make baseless claims of bias and misconduct on the part of Special Counsel Smith and compel testimony from members of his team—all without a shred of evidence. Your conduct is particularly worrisome as it appears to be part of a pattern of using the DOJ to cover up evidence of criminal wrongdoing by President Trump, including information allegedly contained in the Epstein files. We write today to demand that you release the Smith report immediately, as well as any evidence mentioning or referencing Donald Trump in the Epstein files.

    Attorney General Merrick Garland publicly released Volume I of Mr. Smith’s report in January, consistent with DOJ regulations, longstanding precedent, and the orders of both Judge Aileen Cannon and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. At that time, the DOJ did not publicly release Volume II of Special Counsel Smith’s report—regarding his investigation into Mr. Trump’s retention of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago Club after his first term in office—to avoid any prejudice to President Trump’s co-defendants, Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, while the criminal case against them was still ongoing. The DOJ has since dropped the case against Mr. Nauta and Mr. De Oliveira, and their case was dismissed on February 11, 2025. Yet, according to DOJ’s court filing in March 2025, you have sought to indefinitely block the disclosure of the remainder of the report.

    This position is plainly impossible to reconcile with the Department’s regulations and longstanding practice of publicly releasing reports by special counsels. Your predecessor Attorney General Garland released, in full and without any redactions, three special counsel reports written during his tenure: Special Counsel Robert Hur’s report on President Joe Biden’s possession of classified documents, Special Counsel David Weiss’ report on Hunter Biden’s tax and gun offenses, and V olume One of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on President Trump’s efforts to remain in power after losing the 2020 presidential election. Attorney General Garland also released Special Counsel John Durham’s report on the origins of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) investigation of links between Russian officials and Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.

    Your approach is also at odds with your decision to cooperate with House Republicans’ continued probe of Special Counsel Smith’s investigation and prosecution of President Trump in their failed effort to find any evidence of bias or misconduct. Thus far, Chairman Jordan has taken the deposition of Jay Bratt, Counselor to Special Counsel Smith, who asserted his Fifth Amendment privilege due to reasonable concerns that he was being targeted by the Trump Administration for doing his duty as a prosecutor. Committee Republicans have also requested and obtained the testimony of two additional former line-level prosecutors in Special Counsel Smith’s office, which Chairman Jordan baselessly accused of having “orchestrated a partisan and politically motivated prosecution of President Donald J. Trump and his co-defendants.” Your DOJ has acquiesced to these requests without objections or restrictions, taking a highly unusual position at odds with decades of longstanding DOJ policy to protect line prosecutors and prosecutorial deliberations.

     It is particularly instructive that you have apparently decided to allow prosecutors to testify about their years long investigation of President Trump, even as you refuse to release the fruit of that investigation, forcing the prosecutors to defend themselves essentially with hands tied behind their backs. DOJ officials have also repeatedly sought to disparage and discredit Special Counsel Smith’s investigation. Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove —in his confirmation hearing for his nomination by President Trump to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals attacked Mr. Smith’s office as weaponized and falsely claimed that members of Mr. Smith’s team “act[ed] based on their political beliefs as opposed to the law.” Just as revealing, Chairman Jordan has refused to join our calls for the release of the full Smith report— presumably a key piece of evidence in his investigation—although he professed in his March 17, 2025, letter to you to “share your commitment to restoring accountability and transparency to the Department.”

     This Administration has repeatedly claimed that President Trump is “the most transparent and accessible president in American history.” So far, your DOJ has not only failed to live up to this promise, but you have also consistently hidden from the American public materials and information that may be damaging to President Trump. Earlier last month, Elon Musk, the former senior advisor to President Trump and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, posted on his social media website, X, that President Trump “is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public.” His tweet, which has since been deleted, was clearly referring to records related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, in the possession of the FBI and DOJ.

    At his confirmation hearing, Director Patel vowed to release the Epstein files, stating that he would “make sure the American public knows the full weight of what happened.”17 In February 2025, you came under intense public criticism after releasing the “first phase” of roughly 200 pages of the Epstein files that consisted largely of information that was already public. Subsequently, you reportedly ordered hundreds of FBI agents, many of whom were usually focusing on national security matters, to review the Epstein files. Agents that were assigned for this review reportedly “clocked more than 100 hours of work over the most recent two-week pay period, including a marathon session last weekend, during which they slept on desks while waiting for new batches of Epstein records to process.” In April, you claimed the FBI was reviewing “tens of thousands of videos” of Mr. Epstein “with children or child porn.” Despite this immense effort, no additional Epstein records have been released, and just this week, the FBI stated that it has determined “no further disclosure would be appropriate or warranted.” This raises the question of whether the White House has moved to prevent the declassification and public release of the full Epstein files because they implicate President Trump, and whether these massive redaction efforts and the withholding of the files were intended to shield your boss from embarrassing revelations within those files.

    It is not a coincidence that President Trump installed his personal legal team to top positions at the DOJ, appointing you, Todd Blanche, Emil Bove who all served as his defense counsel at one time or another—to the three most senior positions at DOJ, and Stanley Woodward, defense counsel for Mr. Trump’s co-defendant Waltine Nauta in the classified documents case, as the Associate Attorney General, another top position at the DOJ. By doing so, DOJ has all but turned into President Trump’s personal law firm, ensuring that damaging information about him would remain hidden from public view. The American people deserve uncensored answers and authentic transparency from this Administration and a full understanding of Mr. Trump’s actions. We call on you to stop protecting your boss and former client, release the Smith report in full without redactions immediately, and publicly release all documents in the Epstein files that mention or reference Donald Trump. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cityland: Congressman Goldman Outlines Solutions to Lack of Public Trust in Government

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    New York, NY – In June, Congressman Dan Goldman delivered the keynote speech at the New York Law School’s 199th CityLaw Breakfast, titled: “Democracy on the Brink: Corruption and the Public Trust.” In his keynote, Goldman outlined the damage being done by rampant public corruption to public confidence in government and the social contract. Goldman then outlined a pathway forward that ranged from changes in broader civic culture to specific legislative items. 

    Read coverage of the keynote from CityLand here and below, read Goldman’s remarks as prepared here, and watch Goldman’s full speech here. 
    CityLand: Congressman Goldman Outlines Solutions to Lack of Public Trust in Government 

    By Ili Pecullan 

    July 8, 2025 

    According to Congressman Dan Goldman, a second-term Democrat representing New York’s 10th Congressional District, the fundamental principles of American democracy are being tested like never before. But even as he identifies abuses of power by President Donald Trump and the self-inflicted fraying of checks and balances thanks to decisions by Republicans who have the majority in both houses of Congress and decisions by the conservative-led Supreme Court, Goldman also sees bipartisan problems that shake public trust in government. And he is calling for action to reverse worsening trends while planning to rewrite the public corruption rulebook. 

    On June 17, Goldman appeared at New York Law School, where he was the featured speaker for the school’s 199th CityLaw Breakfast hosted by its Center for New York City and State Law. Goldman’s speech, which was followed by a brief audience Q&A, was titled, “Democracy on the Brink: Corruption and the Public Trust.” 

    Goldman is a former federal prosecutor as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York and served as the lead counsel in the first impeachment of President Donald Trump, which revolved around his efforts to leverage aid to Ukraine for his personal political purposes. His district includes Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, and was newly drawn in the post-Census redistricting process earlier this decade. 

    In his talk, Goldman outlined many ways in which he sees Trump abusing his power and not being held to account by Republicans in Congress or the Supreme Court, but also several other examples of both Democrats and Republicans betraying the public trust. He provided a series of recommendations for legislative action Congress could take to prevent corruption across the three branches of the federal government and down through other levels as well, and explained how he is working to advance solutions. 

    Goldman cited, for example, Trump accepting a luxury jet from the royal family of Qatar without the consent of Congress and selling VIP White House tours to the top buyers of his cryptocurrency to advance his own financial interests. According to Goldman, Trump’s actions in this term and his prior one are both cause and effect of the public’s growing assumption that all politicians are corrupt, the broader loss of trust in government, Republicans’ failure to hold their own accountable, and both parties’ failure to fix the system. 

    “When those in power use their position to enrich themselves, to favor their allies, or to punish their enemies, that social contract begins to dissolve, and that broken trust is in my view what has paved the way for the resurrection of the current president of the White House,” Goldman said. 

    During his speech, Goldman expressed shock and dismay over ways in which the Legislature and Supreme Court have reduced their own power to allow Trump to have more. He also referenced recent corruption cases involving Democrats, like former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez, who was convicted on public corruption charges, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was indicted on public corruption charges that were then dismissed at the Trump administration’s behest in a widely criticized deal. 

    Among Goldman’s suggested solutions to the practices that have put U.S. democracy in a precarious state are changes in broader civic culture to specific legislative items. He stressed the need for a “renewed commitment to ethical government from candidates,” including holding themselves and members of their own party to a higher standard. For example, members of Congress should not buy individual stocks and should provide full transparency into their campaign finances, helping voters see that politicians are in office to advance the interests of their constituents, not their own personal gain. These actions, which Congress should work to make required by law, he said, would increase public trust in elected officials and provide new checks on their behavior. He referenced putting his own vast investment portfolio into a blind trust upon taking office in 2023. 

    “We can no longer trust that our elected officials, especially our president, will view the plain language of the Constitution as binding,” Goldman said, pointing to the need for new laws. Congress must pass legislation to clearly codify elements of the Constitution that prevent corruption, such as the Hatch Act and the Emoluments Clause, he said. Additionally, Goldman said, “I believe we must draft legislation to codify the independence of the Department of Justice from personal influence by the President.” 

    Goldman also said he is in the process of rewriting federal public corruption laws, in order to ensure that all politicians have a “clear and uniform understanding of what is and is not official corruption.” Not only is there a lack of clarity in the current public corruption laws, he said, but the Supreme Court has also narrowed the reach of federal corruption laws through several rulings. These changes, which he indicated he will propose in the near future, would not only help restore more balance of power in the federal government, he said, but show voters that they can better trust candidates, elected officials, and government. 

    Goldman closed his speech by also addressing the important role that voters play in preventing government corruption and holding politicians accountable.  “We can, we must, we will do better,” he said. “History is watching us.” 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman Introduces Legislation to Bolster Anti-Gun Trafficking Efforts

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    ‘ATF DATA Act’ Requires ATF to Publish Comprehensive Data on Recovered Illicit Firearms to Inform Anti-Trafficking Strategies 

     

    93% of Guns Used in NYC Crimes are From Out of State 

     

    Read the Bill Here 

     
     

    Washington D.C. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) introduced the ‘ATF DATA Act’ which would require the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Agency to publish an annual report detailing illegal firearm recoveries and a variety of aggregated trace data to better inform anti-gun trafficking strategies by law enforcement. A companion bill was introduced by Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the Senate.  

    “To effectively tackle America’s escalating gun violence epidemic, we must first understand the full scope and extent of illegal gun trafficking,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “The ‘ATF DATA Act’ is a vital step towards increasing public transparency by requiring law enforcement to publish comprehensive data on gun seizures and related arrests. This information will help identify communities facing heightened gun trafficking, how these weapons are used, and where they’re being purchased. Answering these questions is crucial for developing effective gun violence prevention and intervention strategies, and for ensuring resources reach the communities that need them most.” 

    By collecting the make, model, caliber, and serial number of these firearms through a system known as eTrace, the National Tracing Center (NTC) can establish the chain of custody of the firearm from their importer or manufacturer to their last known purchaser and the licensed firearms dealer (FFL) where the weapon was sold. The data in the annual report would include:  

    • Data related to characteristics of FFLs to which crime guns were traced in the preceding year. 

    • Data on the types of firearms being recovered, including the most common manufacturers, models, finishes and/or colors, and barrel lengths of traced firearms, and data on privately made firearms, commonly known as “ghost guns. 

    • Data on how firearms are being purchased and diverted to the illegal market, including data on multiple sales and lost or stolen firearms.  

    • Geographical data on recovered crime guns, both domestic and international, including their sources, their recoveries, and the recovering agencies, disaggregated data from the areas in the country with the highest homicide rates and the highest total homicides, as well as trace data from the law enforcement agencies that request the most traces. 

    As a member of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Congressman Goldman has been a leading advocate in the fight against gun violence.   

    This month, Congressman Goldman jointly introduced the  ‘Firearm Destruction Licensure Act,’ alongside Senator Schiff (CA). This legislation would close a gun loophole that is allowing firearms designated for destruction to be sold back into American communities and potentially into the hands of bad actors.  
    This week, Congressman Goldman and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the ‘Preventing Pretrial Gun Purchases Act,’ which would address flaws in the background check process and keep firearms out of the hands of individuals that courts determine pose a risk of harm to others. Senator Booker introduced the companion bill in the Senate. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung UK Takes Over Outernet London with Immersive Experiences, Creator Sessions and Workshops

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced a takeover of Outernet London, transforming the space into an immersive cultural destination for a limited time. Visitors can expect to find interactive zones, exclusive talks, a deep dive into Korean culture, and a chance to win unmissable prizes.
     
    Open to the public from 9th July to 10th August at Outernet London, Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold7 Devices and ZFlip7 devices will be available for a hands-on experience, where visitors can be amongst the first to try out everything they have to offer. The space will immerse visitors in Samsung’s latest innovations and also play host to a series of exciting special events. Here are the top five things you can expect to find at Samsung’s Galaxy Experience Space:

    Dive into K-culture
    From learning your Korean zodiac sign to perfecting your K-pop content captures, visitors can join six unique sessions, each with a different theme to explore how the Galaxy Z Fold7 Series and Galaxy ZFlip7 Series can help you connect more deeply with culture and express your creativity.
     
    Chances to win
    All visitors to the Samsung Experience Space have the chance to win big, including Samsung Galaxy products and digital vouchers for discounts at local businesses. To be in with a chance, visitors will need to scan a QR code and complete three themed zones throughout the space – each of which gives you the chance to experience different Galaxy technologies.
     
    Embrace your interests
     There’s something for everyone at the Galaxy Experience Space. Gaming fans can enjoy a tournament which will allow them to experience Samsung tech at its best. Or for something a bit different, join content creator community UK Shooters for a workshop on how to be the best photographer using Samsung’s newest devices.
     
    Level up your content game
    Join Stefani Nurding, Team Samsung Galaxy Skateboarding ambassador, and content creator K Jordy for advice on creating viral videos and insights into how to level up your social media game. These special ticketed sessions will take place on 11th July, 18th July and 8th August.
     
    See yourself on the big screen
     As well as the Outernet site, Samsung will also host Galaxy Hangouts at iconic London locations for the duration of the takeover, where visitors can discover more about the Samsung Galaxy portfolio and submit a photo to be featured on the big screen at Outernet.
     
    For more information, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/store/samsung-kx/discover/Galaxy-experience-space-london.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost jobs as UK and France reboot defence relationship

    A new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will support thousands of UK jobs across projects including air-to air missiles

    Britain and France are to order more highly lethal Storm Shadow cruise missiles, while stepping up work on its replacement as part of a new refreshed agreement signed today (Thursday 10 July). 

    The new agreement will see the UK and France commit to launch the next phase of their joint project for both deep strike and anti-ship missiles – a step closer to selecting a final design for Storm Shadow’s replacement. 

    The joint development effort will sustain 1,300 highly skilled jobs across the UK, boosting the economy in line with the Government’s Plan for Change. Upgrading the existing Storm Shadow production lines will support more than 300 jobs at manufacturer MBDA. 

    The Prime Minister and President Emmanuel Macron will also today agree to deepen their nuclear cooperation and work more closely than ever before on nuclear deterrence.

    In an important step forward for the UK-France nuclear partnership – a newly signed declaration will state for the first time that the respective deterrents of both countries are independent but can be co-ordinated, and that there is no extreme threat to Europe that would not prompt a response by both nations.

    As such, any adversary threatening the vital interests of Britain or France could be confronted by the strength of the nuclear forces of both nations. Co-operation between both countries on nuclear research will also deepen, while working together to uphold the international non-proliferation architecture.

    The UK and France are Europe’s only nuclear powers, with deterrents that contribute significantly to the overall security of NATO and the Euro-Atlantic.

    Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    From war in Europe, to new nuclear risks and daily cyber-attacks – the threats we face are multiplying.

    As close partners and NATO allies, the UK and France have a deep history of defence collaboration and today’s agreements take our partnership to the next level. 

    We stand ready to use our shared might to advance our joint capabilities – equipping us for the decades to come while supporting thousands of UK jobs and keeping our people safe. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said:   

    The UK and France are stepping up together to meet today’s threats and tomorrow’s challenges. We are committed to driving defence as an engine for growth, delivering better fighting capabilities faster, and ensuring our armed forces can operate side by side – from the High North to the Black Sea. 

    This partnership strengthens our leadership in Europe, ensures continued support for Ukraine, and sends a clear signal to our adversaries that we stand stronger, together.

    By deepening defence industrial cooperation with France, it will boost the UK’s own national resilience, ability to deter against attacks, and defend against threats, reinforcing the contribution to NATO.

    The new partnerships will be developed under the refreshed Lancaster House agreement through a new ‘Entente Industrielle’ making defence an engine for growth. 

    These partnerships include:   

    • Agreeing to build the next generation of deep strike, anti-ship missiles, replacing the lethally effective Storm Shadow. This new joint effort will sustain 1,300 high skilled jobs in the UK, boosting the UK economy in line with the Government’s Plan for Change
    • Upgrading the existing Storm Shadow cruise missile production lines in Stevenage to bolster national stockpiles, supporting more than 300 jobs within MBDA and the wider supply chain and making defence investment an engine for growth
    • Jointly developing the next generation of beyond visual range air-to-air missiles for the Royal Air Force’s fighter jets 
    • Starting work on new advanced weapons to give an advantage against adversaries. This will include a new partnership to develop high-tech radiofrequency weapons such as microwave weapons and jammers that could be used to shoot down threats like drones and missiles 
    • The UK and France will also look to harness the power of AI to make their missiles and drones more lethal, by developing algorithms for synchronised strikes

    Under an ambitious new package of defence cooperation under the Lancaster House 2.0 declaration, both countries’ militaries will work closer together than ever before. Recognising the increased threat to European security, the UK and France will expand its jointly deployable force, refocusing it on defending Europe, moving to warfighting readiness to deter, and countering any adversaries. 

    The Combined Joint Force will be able to command a Combined UK/French Corps for the first time – the highest scale of deployed ground forces from a command perspective – made up of thousands of troops and working side-by-side with NATO allies.  

    For the first time it will also integrate space and cyber to counter new threats, boosting the abilities of the UK and France’s joint forces to quickly respond to developments on the battlefield through increased awareness and responsiveness supported by data from beyond just the ground, sea, and air.

    The Combined Joint Force is a crucial step forward in the UK and France stepping up their leadership within NATO, setting a clear path to meet the Government’s Strategic Defence Review commitment of NATO’s strategic Reserve Corp and stepping up on European security. 

    The UK and France will reaffirm their joint leadership of the Coalition of the Willing – a group of over 30 nations working together to coordinate military support for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire. The CJF structures provide the bedrock for the coalition, enabling allies to operate under UK-French leadership.  

    This will include cooperating further on an integrated missile system to defend Europe. The UK-led DIAMOND initiative will improve NATO’s integrated air and missile defence by ensuring that the different air defence systems across the Alliance operate better and more jointly across the alliance. 

    These new agreements will continue to build on the Government’s first priority of keeping the country safe, which is a foundation of the Plan for Change.

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    Published 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: From robotic trucks to smart bins: how technology is helping cities sort their waste problem

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Breno Nunes, Associate professor in Sustainable Operations Management, Aston University

    Since early January 2025, residents of Birmingham in the UK have been caught in the dispute between the city council and the Unite union over pay, terms and conditions for waste and recycling collectors. The latest attempt at talks broke down in acrimony.

    At one point during the crisis, there were 17 tonnes of uncollected rubbish in Birmingham. Businesses and residents face public health and safety risks including pest infestations and the spread of disease and fire hazards.

    These have tainted the reputation of the city and hurt its chances of hosting events and attracting visitors. The news of cat-sized rats in Birmingham has made headlines from the US to Australia.



    Read more:
    Birmingham bin strikes: a threat to public health

    Workers’ pay is being negotiated between the union and the council in Birmingham. However, this is a fairly dangerous job and, with an ageing population, it may become more difficult to hire new workers. We argue that a more fair approach would be to use technology to help transition workers (including through training) towards better paid and safer positions.

    This would be an opportunity to build more sustainable waste management in the UK’s second largest city and beyond. Advances in robotics and AI are making automated refuse collection a reality, for example. Some cities in the US, Canada and parts of Europe already use robotics-enabled equipment in their refuse collection systems.

    A shortage of skilled personnel threatens the transition towards a greener economy. People have to be at the centre of the solution. In this case, skilled workers are needed to keep different types of waste separate and so improve recycling rates.

    The recovery value can be high for certain products such as electronics, automotive parts, as well as materials like plastic and metal. This is still difficult for machines to do.

    Smart bins and automated trucks

    Birmingham city council has already proposed improvements to waste collection. Based on publicly available information, it aims at increasing the number of rubbish trucks, reducing the number of collection days and retraining refuse collectors. But it has yet to take full advantage of existing advanced technologies.

    The plan, for instance, proposes improving communication with residents about collection day via text messages. While welcome, this is rather basic. It was only during the pandemic that all recycling centres started using online booking systems. Prior to that, endless queues were common – wasting time and increasing emissions with traffic jams.

    We argue that a whole-systems approach is needed to make the most of the opportunities new technology affords. Automated side loader trucks and smart bins are already used in various cities – the latter use sensors to monitor waste volumes and predict when collection is needed. The council could analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each technology in different areas of the city.

    Side loader trucks, which can lift up large bins and empty them, automate a dangerous process and are already considered a mature technology, used in cities across the US, Canada and Sweden. These trucks are difficult to drive in narrow streets. But, where appropriate, their benefits include increased productivity, reduced collection costs and greater worker safety.

    Sensors embedded in the vehicle, including from cameras, can provide data on the distribution of waste in different areas. This helps to produce a waste map. AI algorithms can analyse the data and provide customised collection schedules that optimise the use of trucks in the collection fleet. The algorithms can learn and be continuously revised to improve the service.

    In busy areas of the city, information from smart bins can prevent rubbish accumulating. Advanced machine learning techniques can then be employed to further optimise the collection schedule by detecting, for instance, anomalies such as a sudden increase in some types of waste. Such systems can provide more adaptable solutions and increase the productivity of officers.

    Recent improvements in imaging techniques and chemical analysis can help to identify different waste materials and allow automatic sorting, and the identification of hazardous waste.

    Other technological solutions, such as the use of smart underground large storage containers as communal bins allow for less frequent collections, but they may require significant changes to both infrastructure and trucks. These already exist in parts of Spain.

    Pneumatic waste collection systems have been tested in Wembley, a suburb in northwest London. In this system, waste is sucked through underground pipes by a fan system at speeds approaching 50mph to a central point, where it is stored in airtight containers until further treatment takes place. More than 30 countries adopt this system.

    Educating the public is vital too. Reducing waste in the first place is a good way to save money and would reduce pressure on waste collection systems.

    As far as Birmingham goes, overlooking advanced technologies won’t make the council’s task of satisfying residents and waste collection teams any easier. We think a lot of people would be happier to see more robotics trucks and smart bins than more rats in the streets.

    Breno Nunes receives funding from InnovateUK for a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project on sustainable manufacturing strategy.

    Roberto Castro Alamino 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. From robotic trucks to smart bins: how technology is helping cities sort their waste problem – https://theconversation.com/from-robotic-trucks-to-smart-bins-how-technology-is-helping-cities-sort-their-waste-problem-260023

    MIL OSI –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Sound recordings can give us an animals’ eye view of the war in Ukraine

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Janine Natalya Clark, Professor of Transitional Justice and International Criminal Law, University of Birmingham

    The documentary film, Animals in War, tells the story of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine from the point of view of the animals affected by the conflict. Sota Cinema Group

    The 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York included a world premiere of War Through the Eyes of Animals (also known as Animals in War). The documentary gives an animals-eye view of Russia’s war against Ukraine and features the wartime experiences of several different species, including a cow, a rabbit and a wolf.

    Throughout history, animals have been affected by war and exposed to its many dangers. Despite this, war is usually discussed from human-centred perspectives that marginalise animal experiences.

    My own work on the Russia-Ukraine war uses sound as a way of thinking about some of the war’s environmental impacts and the experiences of animals. The idea that sound can provide ecological information is not new. Research has shown how the sounds, for example, of plants and animals can tell us a lot about how their environment is changing. What is new is exploring this in the context of war.

    Trailer for War Through the Eyes of Animals.

    For my research project I interviewed more than 30 Ukrainians, including botanists, ornithologists, herpetologists (who study reptiles and amphibians) and a marine biologist. I also asked them to make short recordings of their local soundscapes.

    A scientist working in Tuzlivski Lymany National Park in the Odesa region of southern Ukraine made a recording of Iranian Shahed drones flying over his office and explained that these “abnormal” sounds greatly affect some species of birds.

    Shahed drones.
    Interviewee recording879 KB (download)

    In 2024, for example, there was a large colony of nesting flamingos in Tuzlivski Lymany. However, noise caused them to abandon their nests, leaving their eggs vulnerable to predators. No chicks were born in the flamingo colony that year. Research in peacetime has found that drones can lead to significant breeding failures among some birds.

    A herpetologist, meanwhile, shared his recording of natterjack toads and European tree frogs that he made in the Volyn region of northern Ukraine the year before the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

    Amphibian chorus.
    Interviewee recording985 KB (download)

    What he wanted to convey was that he may never hear this particular “amphibian chorus” again. The area is close to the border with Belarus, and it is unclear what impact the construction of Ukrainian defensive fortifications has had on local animal and plant life.

    I also asked interviewees whether the war has helped nature in any way. In response, they frequently talked about reduced anthropogenic (human-made) pressures on the environment. An example is the ban on hunting, first imposed at the start of the war in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

    Summer meadow.
    Interviewee recording281 KB (download)

    One interviewee recorded a nighttime summer meadow in Kyiv region and captured the distant sound of a fox calling. The prohibition on hunting has enabled foxes to thrive

    Another interviewee made a recording near the Kaniv Nature Reserve in central Ukraine. Alongside birdsong are the barking sounds of roe deer, another species that has benefited from the hunting ban.

    Roe deer.
    Interviewee recording3.98 MB (download)

    Of course, such population increases are not necessarily beneficial to wider ecosystems, as ecologist Aldo Leopold discussed in his classic Thinking like a Mountain (1949). Leopold found that uncontrolled numbers of deer due to the mass killing of wolves in the United States during the first part of the 20th century took a huge toll on the environment. “I have seen every edible bush and seedling browsed”, he wrote”, “first to anaemic desuetude, and then to death”.

    The fact that the Russia-Ukraine war has contributed to reducing some anthropogenic pressures does not in any way minimise the enormity of harm done to nature, including forests, soil and marine ecosystems. Yet it is too narrow to think about the environment only in terms of harms done to it.

    Nature’s recovery

    The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone (CEZ) created following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986 is often cited as an example of nature’s ability to recover. One of the ornithologists whom I interviewed made a recording of birdsong from within the CEZ, in northern Ukraine.

    Chornobyl.
    Interviewee recording1.97 MB (download)

    When I listen to the recording I am reminded of research which has found that birds have adapted physiologically to radiation exposure within the CEZ.

    Another example of recovery relates to the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in June 2023. When Russian aggressors breached the dam, water drained from the Kakhovka reservoir, leaving it dry. Today, there is a young willow forest growing on the site of the former reservoir.

    To emphasise the resilience of nature, one of my interviewees made an audio recording from the Yelanets Steppe Nature Reserve in the Mykolaiv region in southern Ukraine. Against the acoustic backdrop of wind gusting through the grasslands are the repeated calls of the common pheasant.

    Common Pheasant.
    Interviewee recording2.18 MB (download)

    These sounds of the wild steppe awakening in early spring, the interviewee stressed, are also the sounds of nature getting on with life.

    Birdsong is clearly audible in a recording made by soldiers near the frontline in Kharkiv region.

    Near frontline.
    Made by Ukrainian soldiers801 KB (download)

    Similarly, birds continued to sing over the trenches during the first world war. Some interviewees also pointed out that certain species of birds, including cormorants, herons and white storks, have adapted to the sounds of war, becoming less sensitive to them.

    Justice and reparations

    I am particularly interested in the significance of nature’s sounds in the context of transitional justice – and especially reparations.

    Discourse on environmental reparations focuses on repairing harms done to nature – and sounds can provide useful insights into some of these harms.

    But what is missing from existing scholarship on reparations is attention to some of the ways that ecosystems can and do regenerate and recover. Moving forward, therefore, it is essential to think about how reparations can support (and not disturb) these natural ecosystem processes.

    Janine Natalya Clark receives funding for this research from the Leverhulme Trust (RF-2024-137)

    – ref. Sound recordings can give us an animals’ eye view of the war in Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/sound-recordings-can-give-us-an-animals-eye-view-of-the-war-in-ukraine-260519

    MIL OSI –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: From Ancient Bones to Modern Insights: Argentinian Scientist Uncovering History of Disease in Paris

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    In the heart of Paris, an international researcher explores ancient DNA to uncover the history of infectious diseases and how they shaped humanity. With support from the European Research Council (ERC), his lab investigates pathogens from the Americas before and after European contact, revealing insights into how diseases emerged and spread. Surrounded by a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of scientists, he reflects on Europe’s unique balance between research freedom, collaboration, and personal well-being. This is a story of discovery, opportunity, and the transformative power of science across borders.

    00:00 Finding New Opportunities
    00:12 A Thriving Scientific Community
    00:32 Balancing Work and Life
    00:49 Digging Into the Past
    01:43 Freedom to do Research in Europe

    Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMH1mvS8tEQ

    MIL OSI Video –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: General Assembly Adopts Decision on Themes of Interactive Dialogues for 2026 United Nations Water Conference

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The General Assembly in a decision adopted by consensus today made public the themes of the six interactive dialogues for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.

    Defined “without any particular order of priority”, the themes include:  the human rights to water and sanitation; the promotion of integrated and sustainable water resource management; the “source-to-sea” approach; transboundary and international cooperation; water in multilateral processes; and investment in water.

    The adopted text (A/79/L.101) was introduced by the United Arab Emirates, co-hosting the conference with Senegal, which will take place from 2 to 4 December 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.

    Reservations from United States and Argentina

    The representative of the United States expressed regret that the proposed themes include “red lines” for the United States Administration, particularly the first theme regarding the human right to water and sanitation.  These rights refer to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which the United States is not party to and, consequently, are not recognized by United States courts, the delegation argued.

    The United States also distanced itself from the third theme due to its reference to climate.  “We prefer to refer to specific environmental threats, such as wastewater or sea-level rise,” the delegation said, suggesting that the word “environment” alone would sufficiently guide the dialogue.  Similarly, it rejected the term “inclusive” used in the fourth theme, arguing that it prioritizes certain specific groups.  The delegation also reiterated that, for the United States, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) “promote a governance agenda incompatible with United States sovereignty and that infringes upon the rights and interests of Americans”.  For these reasons, it dissociated itself from themes 1, 3, 4 and 5, and called on Member States to focus on “concrete and pragmatic” goals.

    The representative of Argentina also dissociated itself from all references to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Furthermore, regarding the theme on water treatment, it stressed that the right to water and sanitation is “a human right that each State must guarantee to individuals under its jurisdiction, not to other States”.  It also opposed the use of non-agreed concepts such as “water diplomacy” and “water governance”, which it said contradict its national position.

    Türkiye Fears Politicization of Cooperation Theme

    The delegate of Türkiye expressed disappointment that, unlike the other five themes, the one on cooperation had not been re-evaluated.  While agreeing that water can foster cooperation rather than conflict, it voiced concern over the potential politicization of water-related issues during the 2026 Conference.  Despite the reservations, Türkiye’s delegate said it trusted the co-hosts to handle the theme in a way that ensures a “balanced and impartial” outcome.

    According to the Turkish delegation, the dialogues at the conference should consider the presentation made by the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water, which outlines the challenges developing countries face in achieving SDG 6 on water and sanitation.  “Rather than creating ambitious and unrealistic goals, each thematic discussion should focus on the needs of developing countries, particularly in terms of financing, technology and capacity-building,” the delegation said, welcoming the fact that the sixth theme addresses these “priority” issues.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Next stage of engagement begins on Heritage Conservation Act improvements

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province, in partnership with First Nations, is moving to the third stage of consultation and engagement on improving the Heritage Conservation Act, which was last substantively updated 30 years ago, in 1996.

    Project background

    For many years, people and organizations that interact with the act – First Nations, industry, landowners, professional archeologists, heritage organizations and more – have raised challenges with the act and its administration.

    These include a lack of awareness of the presence of heritage on properties, lack of clarity regarding First Nations’ role in the management of their cultural heritage, unintended impacts to protected heritage sites, and project delays.

    A number of recent improvements have been made under the current act to address challenges raised, including revisions to existing processes and policies that have reduced the act’s permitting timelines for residential projects by 24% since January 2024 and will see reduction in turnaround times across all sectors; as well as improving resources for landowners navigating rebuilding after disasters. Some administrative amendments were also made to the act in 2019.

    However, it has been broadly recognized that substantive amendments to the act and the regulations it enables are necessary to address key deficiencies in the current state of protection, management and conservation of heritage in B.C., including:

    • lack of awareness of the presence of protected heritage sites that leads to preventable impacts, permitting delays and project uncertainty;
    • the administration of multiple act permits, each averaging 300 days for review and processing with the need for permits often discovered mid-project, that leads to costly work stoppages and unanticipated delays; and
    • significant changes in the recognition and interpretation of First Nations rights, authority and jurisdiction since the act was last substantively updated in 1996 and the passage of the Declaration Act.

    In 2021, the minister of forests was mandated to partner with First Nations through the joint working group on First Nations Heritage Conservation to engage broadly with First Nations and stakeholders to improve the act.

    Mandating process

    The minister was given a mandate for two project phases with broad engagement, prior to returning to cabinet for a mandate to conduct a third phase of engagement to refine potential legislative and regulatory changes and, ultimately, develop updates to the legislation. Phase 1 engagement was undertaken in 2022–23, with feedback from 108 First Nations and 188 stakeholder organizations. Engagement included 12 audience-specific sessions to understand specific needs of archeology and heritage professionals, the land and resource development sector, the construction and real estate industry, and local and federal government agencies, seven First Nations sessions, written submissions and an online survey.

    Phase 2 engagement was undertaken in 2023, with feedback from 43 First Nations and 184 organizations. Engagement included stakeholder and First Nations sessions.

    A mandate has now been given to undertake Phase 3 engagement between July and early October 2025 with First Nations, stakeholder organizations with interest in the act, and the general public.

    Following Phase 3 engagement, legislative amendments will be developed in consultation and co-operation with First Nations and with feedback from stakeholders, with a goal to table updated legislation in spring 2026.

    What we heard

    Feedback received to date can be distilled into four core needs:

    1. Speed up permitting decisions, prevent unanticipated and unnecessary delays, and reduce costs for project work under the act.
    2. Help people and communities rebuild quicker after disasters, such as wildfires and floods.
    3. Protect heritage more effectively, reducing the risk of accidental damage to sacred or historic sites.
    4. Strengthen the role of First Nations in decision-making about their own heritage and ancestors, consistent with the Declaration Act. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 10, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Rare book collection returns to EIT

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    27 seconds ago

    After surviving Cyclone Gabrielle and more than two years in chilled, climate-controlled care, a rare and irreplaceable collection of books has returned to EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus.

    The 225 books, which include out-of-print and culturally significant works of Māori and New Zealand history, were removed from the library following the February 2023 floods to protect them from humidity and further damage.

    With support from MTG Hawke’s Bay, the collection was packed into eight boxes and transferred into the museum’s chilled, climate-controlled archival facility.

    Heather Pilbeam, EIT Library and Learning Support Manager, with a rare collection of books that have been in safe keeping at MTG.

    Heather Pilbeam, EIT Library and Learning Support Manager, said the books are significant taonga that could not be replaced.

    “They include important Ngāti Kahungunu histories and other titles that are out of print and incredibly hard to find. And they inform our postgraduate programmes.”

    Many of the books were saved thanks to their position inside a cabinet, which kept them above the flood line as water and mud swept through the library.

    “The bottom of the cabinet got wet, but the books inside stayed dry. We were incredibly lucky.”

    Last week, the books were returned to the refurbished Tim Twist Building, formerly the Twist Library and now EIT’s central student hub Te Parongo.

    The rare collection joins the other books from EIT’s wider physical library collection that have now been returned to the shelves.

    In the months following the cyclone, staff packed the 30,000-book collection into boxes, stored them in apple bins, and moved them to dry storage at the far end of campus. Over three months, each book was unpacked, assessed, cleaned, scanned and repackaged.

    Heather said 13.7 per cent of the books were damaged in some way.

    “We thought there would be more damage after so long, but we were really lucky. I think it came down to the care we took in those early months.”

    A second three-month phase of work earlier this year saw the collection re-sequenced and returned to the library shelves.

    Heather acknowledged the many staff across campus who played a role in restoring and returning the books to the library, and thanked MTG Hawke’s Bay for stepping in when it was needed most.

    Ondene van Dulm, Executive Director for Student and Academic Services, also expressed her appreciation for the work of those within and outside of EIT.

    “The support from MTG in caring for these books while EIT facilities have gradually been rebuilt is a shining example of how community comes together in the face of adversity.

    “Just as we have been welcoming staff and students back onto campus over the last 18 months, it’s now a huge pleasure to have this rare book collection back in its rightful home.”

    While the majority of EIT’s library collection is now digital, Heather said print books still play an important role for students.

    “The library has a much more significant online collection these days, with databases covering subjects like nursing, health sciences, computing, business and all of our degree programmes.

    “But there are some titles that aren’t available as e-books, and some students simply prefer using print when they can.”
    The team is now looking forward to welcoming students back for the start of the new semester.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    July 10, 2025
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