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  • MIL-OSI Banking: Copilot updates in Power BI: More ways to see, learn from and ask about your report data

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Copilot updates in Power BI: More ways to see, learn from and ask about your report data

    We’re introducing new capabilities that expand how and where you can use Copilot for Power BI to engage with report data. Whether you’re chatting with your data, receiving a report subscription email, or even viewing reports in PowerPoint, Copilot helps you see key takeaways, learn what matters most, and ask meaningful questions, all while remaining grounded in the trusted report visuals.

    Updates in this blog include:

    • Ask data questions to your reports in ‘chat with your data’ experience.
    • Superlative (aka ranking) question support for report questions.
    • Narrative summaries in subscription emails.
    • Narrative visual enabled in export to PDF/PPT static scenarios (subscriptions).

    The idea behind these updates is that they allow users to ask about and read about report data across many surfaces.  Narrative report capabilities will meet you where you’re at.

    Let’s check out what’s new:

    Ask Questions and Get Answers in Chat with Your Data

    We recently announced the chat with your data experience. We’ve expanded the experience to make it even more useful and report aware. Previously, Copilot could provide high-level summaries of report data and answer questions from the semantic model. Now, it goes a step further:

    • You can ask Copilot natural language questions directly about report data, and it will generate answers using the actual visuals from your report – those same visuals that authors intentionally designed to answer real business questions.
    • Copilot will render report visuals in the chat with your data experience as part of the responses for clarity and transparency, making it easy to trace insights back to the data.
    • Report answers/summaries can now handle superlative/ranking questions more intelligently (e.g., ‘Which product had the highest sales?’). If visuals in your report can be sorted (like bar charts, tables, or matrices) Copilot can sort and surface that data to answer with accuracy.

    Smarter Email Subscriptions: Copilot Summaries + Narrative Visuals

    Recently, we announced that report subscriptions can be enhanced with Copilot summaries. Subscription emails can include a Copilot-generated summary at the top, offering a high-level overview of major trends, patterns, and KPIs. This summary is automatically tailored to the report content and provides helpful context before diving into the report.

    We’re excited to announce that in addition, any narrative visuals embedded in the report will now render inline in the body of the subscription email. These narrative visuals are key parts of reports and provide targeted, human-readable insights, making it easier to digest the report at a glance.

    Whether you’re a stakeholder scanning your inbox or a user looking for quick insights, these updates reduce the time it takes to get oriented and increase the value of your subscriptions.

    Narrative Visuals Now Included in Exported Reports

    Lastly, we’re making it easier to preserve narrative insights when sharing reports externally. The narrative visual is now supported in PDF and PowerPoint exports via the “Export as screenshot” (static data) options in Power BI.

    This means reports that include smart narrative summaries can now carry that context forward when exported, ensuring that the story behind the data remains intact for all audiences.

    Available now in static/screenshot exports.
    Live connect exports support coming.

    These updates are part of our broader vision to make Copilot a seamless companion throughout your Power BI experience, helping you quickly understand, navigate, and communicate the value of your data. More exciting updates are on the way, including one of the most anticipated: filtered report responses. Copilot will be able to understand filters in your questions and respond with filtered data. Stay tuned!

    We can’t wait to see how you’ll use these new capabilities to unlock even more value from your reports.

    Next steps

    Learn more with the Find content with Power BI Copilot search documentation.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More flexibility for development charges will unlock more homes for people

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    George V. Harvie, mayor of Delta – 

    “On behalf of the City of Delta, I want to thank the Government of B.C. for introducing this timely and much-needed change. Delta council and I have been advocating to allow local governments more flexibility to support housing development, while continuing to deliver the infrastructure our growing communities depend on. This smart, balanced policy shift will support both growth and sustainability.” 

    Brenda Locke, mayor of Surrey – 

    “Reducing upfront costs for homebuilders is a progressive approach to encourage more housing creation. When developers have fewer financial barriers, they can get projects off the ground faster and accelerate construction timelines, which means homes become more affordable for families. Everyone deserves a safe, welcoming place to call home and this step will help build stronger, more vibrant communities where people can truly thrive.” 

    Mike Hurley, mayor of Burnaby – 

    “It’s encouraging to see the Province providing more tools and flexibility to accelerate the creation of new housing. These changes demonstrate the collaborative approach we’re taking to address the housing crisis, and we look forward to more solutions in the near future.”

    Tom Dyas, mayor of Kelowna – 

    “Incentivizing development supports our economy and helps build homes faster in Kelowna. Modernizing outdated regulations is a positive step. Locally, we have taken bold action to create and incentivize new housing, and we look forward to working with the Province and industry to advance key projects.” 

    Nathan Pachal, mayor, City of Langley –  

    “In a housing crisis, we must look at every and any innovative way to ensure cities can deliver on much-needed infrastructure, while providing more flexible financial options for home builders. Langley City is piloting on-demand surety bonds today and it is exciting to see this being rolled out provincewide.” 

    Anne McMullin, president and CEO, Urban Development Institute –

    “The requirement to pay development fees up front has become increasingly onerous for builders, especially as fees rise and access to capital tightens. By shifting payment to occupancy, the provincial government is enabling more projects to move forward. This policy lowers early-stage financing costs, frees up capital for construction and helps builders reinvest in new housing.” 

    Neil Moody, CEO, Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC – 

    “Our association has long advocated for flexibility in managing upfront development costs, which present significant financial barriers to homebuilders. The ability to defer a portion of development charges and use on-demand surety bonds is a practical measure to address the current economic realities of building housing across British Columbia. This announcement reflects significant collaboration that will help unlock capital, ease cost pressures and support the delivery of more homes.” 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Torres Fights to Protect Californians from Harmful Republican Cuts in the Big Ugly Bill By Introducing Key Amendments

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Norma Torres (35th District of California)

    July 02, 2025

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres introduced critical amendments to the House Republican-led reconciliation package to protect Americans from the bill’s most harmful provisions and ensure policies that would serve working families.

    Trump and Republicans have loaded this package with measures that gut healthcare, nutrition assistance, and state tax relief programs—stripping essential support from millions of working families, seniors, and children across the country. In response, Congresswoman Torres introduced several amendments that would  protect California’s most vulnerable.

    “The American people are not bargaining chips for partisan politics,” said Congresswoman Torres. “This Republican mega-bill is nothing short of a targeted attack on working families, healthcare access, and basic nutrition programs. I fought to include amendments that defend Californians, especially those in the Inland Empire, from these reckless cuts.”

    The Amendments Congresswoman Torres is introducing include: 

    • Amendment  #1 – Removes the harmful provisions that (1) cut the Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal in California, and (2) change the Affordable Care Act, protecting health care and lowering health insurance costs for tens of millions of Americans.

    • Amendment #2 – Removes the harmful provisions that cut SNAP benefits, known as CalFresh in California, that tens of millions of Americans rely on to put food on the table.

    • Amendment #3 – Eliminates the $10,000 cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) Deductions that unfairly penalizes Californians, removing the  cap on August 1, 2025.

    • Amendment #4 – Protects states from politically motivated federal funding cuts.

    • Amendment #5 – This amendment prohibits FEMA from canceling grants that have already been awarded, except in cases of fraud or noncompliance, and requires reporting to Congress if a cancellation occurs.

    • Amendment  #6 – This amendment prohibits ICE agents from using chemical irritants against Members of Congress and imposes criminal penalties for violations.

    • Amendment #7 – This amendment requires ICE agents to visibly display badges and present official identification during enforcement actions to prevent impersonation and ensure public accountability.

    • Amendment #8 – Prohibits the use of federal funds to deport non-citizen U.S. military veterans unless they have had access to legal counsel and a fair hearing before an immigration judge. It also requires the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress within 180 days on the number of such veterans in removal proceedings, their case outcomes, and whether they had legal representation.

    “These amendments aren’t just policy—they’re personal,” Torres continued. “They reflect the lives and needs of the people I represent. I’ll continue fighting to make sure Congress protects—not punishes—the American people.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: JACKSON MAN SENTENCED TO 103 MONTHS FOR BEING A FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

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

    JACKSON, MS – A Jackson, Mississippi man was sentenced on Monday, June 23rd to 103 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm to be served consecutively to 11 years remaining on a state sentence for armed robbery.

    According to court documents, Romelo Walker, 27, was found by Capitol Police officers to be in possession of a firearm on August 9, 2024, in Hinds County. Court records indicate that Walker fled a traffic stop in his vehicle at a high rate of speed through a neighborhood before being arrested after a foot chase. Walker had previous state convictions for armed robbery and domestic violence as recently as 2022. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

    Walker was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 24, 2025.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement.

    The ATF investigated the case with the assistance of the Capitol Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) 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 transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: TSplus Joins the First Sino-French Economic Meetings in Amiens

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AMIENS, France, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TSplus proudly participated in the first-ever Sino-French Economic Meetings, held on June 9–10 in Amiens. This landmark event gathered key public and private figures from France and China to foster dialogue, innovation, and business collaboration between the two countries. For TSplus, it marked a unique opportunity to strengthen its presence in China and reinforce its commitment to international development.

    Over two days, the event brought together a wide array of Chinese and French stakeholders, with highlights including roundtable discussions, innovative showcase stands, and speed business meetings. The program was rich in insight and networking opportunities, designed to unlock future commercial cooperation.

    TSplus was represented by a dedicated team:

    • Dominique Benoit, Founder and President
    • François Stoop, International Sales Director
    • Mariam Essafi, Customer Success Manager
    • Yi Zheng, Presales engineer

    “This event was a fantastic opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with influential members of the Chinese economic scene. We believe in building bridges and creating lasting partnerships,” said Dominique Benoit.

    Forging New Partnerships and Opening Doors to the Chinese Market

    Throughout the event, the TSplus team had the pleasure of meeting several high-profile Chinese officials, including:

    • HU JunYing, Deputy Director, Shanghai Minhang District Commission of Commerce
    • JIANG Bo, President, Centre des Entreprises Françaises/Francophones
    • ZHANG Bin, Deputy Director, Shanghai Hongqiao International CBD Administrative Committee
    • CHEN Zhongyu, Director, Division of Commerce Development, Shanghai Hongqiao International CBD
    • CHEN Wei, Deputy Director, Chenjiaqiao Sub-District Office, People’s Government of Changning District

    These valuable connections reflect the growing interest in collaborations between Chinese institutions and innovative French companies like TSplus.

    The event also featured a prestigious Franco-Chinese gastronomic lunch, organized by the Somme Business Club and hosted by renowned culinary figures including M. Collet (MOF 1998) and M. Ho, President of the Chinese Gastronomy Academy. Cultural highlights such as the presence of a descendant of Jules Verne brought a rich symbolic dimension to the gathering.

    On the second day, TSplus attended the roundtable:
    “Do French Entrepreneurial Initiatives Have a Place in the Chinese Market?”
    The session offered valuable perspectives on how French companies can adapt and thrive within China’s economic landscape. The day concluded with a B2B lunch, allowing the TSplus team to exchange ideas and explore synergies with Chinese entrepreneurs.

    TSplus: Committed to Global Growth, with a Focus on China

    Participation in this historic event aligns with TSplus’ broader strategy: investing in strategic markets and cultivating long-term international partnerships. With a strong presence in over 140 countries, TSplus continues to expand its reach by engaging directly with key actors on the ground.

    Are you a Chinese business looking to collaborate with a trusted French tech partner?
    Explore the TSplus Partner Program and discover our secure, powerful remote access solutions tailored for modern businesses.

    Check the photo carousel from the event!

    ——

    About TSplus
    TSplus is a global software company specializing in secure remote access, application delivery, and IT infrastructure solutions. Our suite of products—Remote Access, Remote Support, Advanced Security, and Server Monitoring—is designed to help businesses of all sizes simplify their IT operations while improving flexibility and security. Trusted by over 500,000 companies across more than 140 countries, TSplus empowers organizations to succeed in the age of hybrid work and digital transformation.

    Press Contact:

    Caleb Zaharris

    Marketing Director at TSplus

    Caleb.zaharris@tsplus.net

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f37ed77-8b4d-4a40-b027-d379e4541c43

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission with Nigeria


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    The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV Consultation with Nigeria.(1)

    The Nigerian authorities have implemented major reforms over the past two years which have improved macroeconomic stability and enhanced resilience. The authorities have removed costly fuel subsidies, stopped monetary financing of the fiscal deficit and improved the functioning of the foreign exchange market. Investor confidence has strengthened, helping Nigeria successfully tap the Eurobond market and leading to a resumption of portfolio inflows. At the same time, poverty and food insecurity have risen, and the government is now focused on raising growth.

    Growth accelerated to 3.4 percent in 2024, driven mainly by increased hydrocarbon output and vibrant services sector. Agriculture remained subdued, owing to security challenges and sliding productivity. Real GDP is expected to expand by 3.4 percent in 2025, supported by the new domestic refinery, higher oil production and robust services. Against a complex and uncertain external environment, medium-term growth is projected to hover around 3½ percent, supported by domestic reform gains.

    Gross and net international reserves increased in 2024, with a strong current account surplus and improved portfolio inflows. Reforms to the fx market and foreign exchange interventions have brought stability to the naira.

    Naira stabilization and improvements in food production brought inflation to 23.7 percent year-on-year in April 2025 from 31 percent annual average in 2024 in the backcasted rebased CPI index released by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics. Inflation should decline further in the medium-term with continued tight macroeconomic policies and a projected easing of retail fuel prices.

    Fiscal performance improved in 2024. Revenues benefited from naira depreciation, enhanced revenue administration and higher grants, which more-than-offset rising interest and overheads spending.

    Downside risks have increased with heightened global uncertainty. A further decline in oil prices or increase in financing costs would adversely affect growth, fiscal and external positions, undermine financial stability and exacerbate exchange rate pressures. A deterioration of security could impact growth and food insecurity.

    Executive Board Assessment (2)

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They commended the authorities on the successful implementation of significant reforms during the past two years and welcomed the associated gains in macroeconomic stability and resilience. As these gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians, and with heightened economic uncertainty and significant downside risks, Directors emphasized the importance of agile policy making to safeguard and enhance macroeconomic stability, creating enabling conditions to boost growth, and reducing poverty.

    Directors agreed that the Central Bank of Nigeria is appropriately maintaining a tight monetary policy stance, which should continue until disinflation becomes entrenched. They welcomed the discontinuation of deficit monetization and ongoing efforts to strengthen central bank governance to set the institutional foundation for inflation targeting. Directors also welcomed steps taken by the authorities to build reserves and support market confidence and praised reforms to the foreign exchange market that supported price discovery and liquidity. They called for implementation of a robust foreign exchange intervention framework focused on containing excess volatility, stressing that the exchange rate is an important shock absorber. Directors also agreed with staff’s call to phase out existing capital flow management measures in a properly timed and sequenced manner.

    Directors called for a neutral fiscal stance to safeguard macroeconomic stabilization with priority given to investments that enhance growth. Directors also called for accelerating the delivery of cash transfers to assist the poor. They commended the authorities on advancing the tax reform bill, an important step towards enhancing revenue mobilization and creating fiscal space for development spending, while preserving debt sustainability.

    Directors recognized actions to strengthen the banking system, including the ongoing process of increasing banks’ minimum capital. They welcomed the authorities’ efforts to boost financial inclusion and promote capital market development, while emphasizing the importance of moving to a robust risk‑based supervision for mortgage and consumer lending schemes as well as the fintech and crypto sectors. Directors welcomed progress made in strengthening the AML/CFT framework and stressed the importance of resolving remaining weaknesses to exit the FATF grey list.

    To lift Nigeria’s growth outlook, improve food security, and reduce fragility, Directors highlighted the importance of tackling security, red tape, agricultural productivity, infrastructure gaps, including boosting electricity supply, as well as improved health and education spending, and making the economy more resilient to climate events. They noted that addressing structural impediments to private credit extension is also needed to support growth. Directors welcomed the IMF’s capacity development to support authorities’ reform efforts and agreed that enhancing data quality is critical for sound, data‑driven policymaking.

    Table 1. Nigeria: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2023–26

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    5/8/2025 13:03

    Act.

    Est.

    Proj.

    Proj.

     National income and prices

    Annual percentage change

    (unless otherwise specified)

    Real GDP (at 2010 market prices)

    2.9

    3.4

    3.4

    3.2

    Oil GDP

    -2.2

    5.5

    4.9

    2.3

    Non-oil GDP

    3.2

    3.3

    3.3

    3.3

    Non-oil non-agriculture GDP

    3.9

    4.1

    3.7

    3.7

    Production of crude oil (million barrels per day)

    1.5

    1.5

    1.7

    1.7

    Nominal GDP at market prices (trillions of naira)

    234

    277

    320

    367

    Nominal non-oil GDP (trillions of naira)

    221

    260

    303

    351

    Nominal GDP per capita (US$)

    1,597

    806

    836

    887

    GDP deflator

    12.6

    14.5

    11.4

    11.4

    Consumer price index (annual average)

    24.7

    31.4

    24.0

    23.0

    Consumer price index (end of period)

    28.9

    15.4

    23.0

    18.0

    Investment and savings

    Percent of GDP

    Gross national savings

    31.8

    39.6

    37.5

    37.7

    Public

    -0.1

    3.9

    2.2

    1.7

    Private

    31.9

    35.7

    35.3

    36.1

    Investment

    30.0

    30.4

    30.5

    33.1

    Public

    3.2

    4.8

    5.4

    5.5

    Private

    26.8

    25.6

    25.1

    27.6

    Consolidated government operations

    Percent of GDP

    Total revenues and grants

    9.8

    14.4

    14.2

    13.8

    Of which: oil and gas revenue

    3.3

    4.1

    5.1

    4.9

    Of which: non-oil revenue

    5.8

    9.2

    8.8

    8.8

    Total expenditure and net lending

    13.9

    17.1

    18.9

    18.7

    Overall balance

    -4.2

    -2.6

    -4.7

    -4.9

    Non-oil primary balance

    -4.9

    -4.9

    -7.2

    -6.9

    Public gross debt1

    48.7

    52.9

    52.0

    50.8

    Of which: FX denominated debt

    18.1

    25.5

    25.8

    24.8

    FGN interest payments (percent of FGN revenue)

    83.8

    41.1

    47.3

    49.2

    Money and credit

    Contribution to broad money growth
    (unless otherwise specified)

    Broad money (percent change; end of period)

    51.9

    42.7

    17.9

    22.3

    Net foreign assets

    10.5

    30.4

    2.1

    7.2

    Net domestic assets

    41.3

    12.3

    15.8

    15.1

         Of which: Claims on consolidated government

    20.1

    -11.9

    6.2

    4.1

    Credit to the private sector (y/y, percent)

    53.6

    30.1

    17.9

    18.2

    Velocity of broad money (ratio; end of period)

    2.7

    3.3

    2.2

    2.1

    External sector

    Annual percentage change

    (unless otherwise specified)

    Current account balance (percent of GDP)

    1.8

    9.2

    7.0

    4.6

    Exports of goods and services

    -12.8

    -4.5

    -6.0

    1.3

    Imports of goods and services

    -4.4

    -0.8

    -6.8

    8.4

    Terms of trade

    -6.1

    -0.6

    -7.4

    -3.3

    Price of Nigerian oil (US$ per barrel)

    82.3

    79.9

    67.7

    63.3

    External debt outstanding (US$ billions)2

    102.9

    102.2

    105.9

    110.2

    Gross international reserves (US$ billions, CBN definition)3

    33.2

    40.2

    36.4

    39.1

    Equivalent months of prospective imports of G&S

    5.4

    5.7

    7.5

    7.7

    Memorandum items:

      Implicit fuel subsidy (percent of GDP)

    0.8

    2.1

    0.0

    0.0

    Sources: Nigerian authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1 Gross debt figures for the Federal Government and the public sector include overdrafts from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    2 Includes both public and private sector.

    3 Based on the IMF definition, the gross international reserves were US$8 billion lower in December 2024.

    (1) Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. Staff hold separate annual discussions with the regional institutions responsible for common policies in four currency unions—the Euro Area, the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union, the Central African Economic and Monetary Union, and the West African Economic and Monetary Union. For each of the currency unions, staff teams visit the regional institutions responsible for common policies in the currency union, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the currency union’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis of discussion by the Executive Board. Both staff’s discussions with the regional institutions and the Board discussion of the annual staff report will be considered an integral part of the Article IV consultation with each member. 

    (2) At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm. The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The African Development Bank and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) scale up drive for sustainable urbanization in Africa


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    The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance collaboration and accelerate action on sustainable urban transformation across the continent.

    Under the agreement, the organizations will jointly develop action plans that combine technical assistance, policy support, capacity-building, and knowledge exchange to local governments in four key spheres: urban governance, housing, municipal finance, and infrastructure development.

    The agreement was formalized on 1 July 2025 on the sidelines of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain.

    The Memorandum of Understanding renews an agreement signed in 2006 by the two entities to collaborate in the water and sanitation sector.

    The African Development Bank and UN-Habitat also plan to coordinate their efforts to tap into key regional and global platforms to mobilize resources for urban development in Africa, including the World Urban Forum and the Africa Investment Forum.

    “I believe that there are ways that we can use the capital markets to develop cities much better,” said African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina. “I am delighted that the Bank and UN-Habitat are partnering on the development of cities – I am very excited about this partnership.”

    “Cities are the engine of growth, and we need to mobilize a lot more private capital in the development of cities, which will require a different approach from the conventional public sector capital,” he added.

    The Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Anacláudia Rossbach, said: “Urbanization in Africa can either be a driver of prosperity or a deepening of poverty and exclusion. Through this renewed collaboration with the African Development Bank, we aim to help cities become engines of resilience, equity, and climate action, leaving no one behind.”

    The African Development Bank Group has significantly expanded its urban portfolio in recent years, including through the creation of a dedicated urban development division and the Urban and Municipal Development Fund to support African cities in delivering transformative, climate-resilient urban solutions. Most recently, UN-Habitat and the Bank Group signed a service agreement to prepare the Eswatini EcoCity Masterplan under an integrated urban and agricultural initiative that aims to deliver sustainable housing and create economic opportunities for over 100,000 people in Eswatini.

    Africa’s rapid growth and urbanization – the continent’s population is projected to reach 2.4 billion by 2050 –presents both opportunities and challenges. With more than half of urban residents living in informal settlements lacking basic services, adequate housing, and climate-resilient infrastructure, local governments are under increasing strain. Through this renewed partnership, the African Development Bank and UN-Habitat are joining forces to help cities respond to these challenges and harness urban growth as a driver of sustainable development.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Contacts:
    UN-Habitat
    Katerina Bezgachina
    Chief of Communications
    ekaterina.bezgachina@un.org

    Gonzalo Ruiz
    Partnerships Officer
    Ruiz.gonzalo@un.org
    +254 714228562

    unhabitat-info@un.org

    African Development Bank
    Olufemi Terry
    Communications and External Relations
    media@afdb.org

    About UN-Habitat:
    UN-Habitat is the United Nations entity working for sustainable urbanization. With pro-grammes in over 90 countries, it supports policymakers and communities to create socially and environmentally sustainable cities and towns. UN-Habitat promotes transformative change in urban areas through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance, and collaborative action. To know more, visit https://UNHabitat.org/ or follow us on social media @ UNHABITAT.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Congratulates Summer Interns on Service to Arkansas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    U.S. Senator John Boozman pictured with his Washington, D.C. interns on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the college students who served as interns?in his Washington, D.C. and state offices during the first summer session.
    “These bright, energetic young people did a great job supporting Arkansans through their work in my Capitol Hill and Natural State offices this summer. Their contributions benefited my staff as we provided important constituent services and represented our state’s voices in the Senate. I am proud of them and have confidence that this experience has strengthened their understanding of the legislative process as well as encouraged a continued interest in public service,” Boozman said.?
    Harrison McCarty, Alyxander Logan, Ryann Richards, Alex Siwiec, Travis Thrailkill and Reese Turner completed a five-week internship in Boozman’s Washington office. Constituent relations were their primary duty. Additionally, they assisted the legislative and communications teams with various projects and each was also able to shadow the senator for a day –– a unique opportunity?giving them?rare insight into the inner workings of the U.S. Senate.

    U.S. Senator John Boozman pictured with his Arkansas interns at an event in Atkins in May.
    Rhealyn Schmidt, Kyra Chanthakhot and Braden Carr supported Arkansans through internships in the senator’s state offices in Jonesboro, Fort Smith and Little Rock, respectively. They primarily helped with outreach to local communities and learned more about the senator’s casework services for constituents in need of assistance with issues involving federal agencies.
    Harrison McCarty is from Little Rock and graduated from Pulaski Academy in 2022. He is a rising senior at Georgetown University. Harrison attends Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service, where he studies culture and politics while pursuing minors in economics and Spanish. He interns with the Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union in addition to being a member of the Blue and Gray Tour Guide Society and creating content for Georgetown’s social media pages. 
    Alyxander Logan is from Fort Smith and a 2022 graduate of Southside High School. He is an incoming senior at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma. He is double majoring in communication/leadership pre-law and English with a minor in Bible. He is the president of his Social Club, Delta Gamma Sigma, and is senior class president. Upon graduation, Alyx plans to attend law school.
    Ryann Richards is from Bentonville and graduated from Bentonville High School in 2022. She is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas. She is majoring in advertising and public relations, with minors in marketing and communication. Ryann is the Vice President of the University of Arkansas Panhellenic Council, overseeing operations for the 2025 Panhellenic Community. She is also a member of Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society and Public Relations Student Society. 
    Alex Siwiec is from Rogers and a 2022 graduate of Rogers Heritage High School. She is a rising senior at Pepperdine University majoring in marketing. Alex is an active member of the Waves Marketing Club, which provides full-service strategies to local businesses and clients, and holds the role of Director of Dialogues in Delta Gamma. She has enriched her education through courses at Parsons School of Design as well as studying abroad in Florence, Italy. 
    Travis Thrailkill is from Mena and graduated from Mena High School in 2022. He is an incoming senior at the University of Arkansas and is double majoring in political science and history. He is an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and participates in community outreach and philanthropy. Following his graduation, Travis plans to attend law school with a concentration in the corporate field.
    Reese Turner is from Cabot and graduated from Cabot High School in 2022. She is a rising senior at the University of Arkansas. She is majoring in political science and history with a minor in legal studies. Reese is involved with the University’s Associated Student Government Senate and the Student Ambassador program. She is an active member of Chi Omega Psi, where she has served on both the sisterhood and recruitment committees. After graduating, Reese plans to attend law school. 
    Rhealyn Schmidt is from Walnut Ridge. She is a graduate of Walnut Ridge High School and currently attends the University of Arkansas where she studies political studies and agribusiness pre-law, with minors in English and legal studies. She is involved in the Agribusiness Club, Associated Student Government and Student Ambassadors on campus. She also serves as Director of Philanthropy of her sorority, Delta Delta Delta. After graduating, Rhealyn plans to attend law school. 
    Kyra Chanthakhot is from Fort Smith. She graduated from Northside High School and currently attends the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, where she is studying biology with a minor in political science. Upon graduation, Kyra plans to attend law school.
    Braden Carr is from Paragould where he graduated from Greene County Tech High School. He is a rising junior at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. A member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program, Braden is double majoring in political science and criminal justice. He is a member of the UALR Student Government Association and chair of the Arkansas Federation of College Republicans. Upon graduation, Braden plans to pursue a career in public service. 
    Learn more about internship opportunities in Boozman’s Washington and state offices here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Cheers, chants and drums: PM Modi receives rousing welcome from Indian community in Ghana

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received an enthusiastic welcome from members of the Indian community in Accra, marking the start of his landmark visit to Ghana — the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades.

    Shortly after landing in the West African nation, PM Modi was greeted by hundreds of Indians and locals at a hotel in Accra. The crowd chanted “Modi-Modi”, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” as the Prime Minister interacted with the diaspora and held a child in his arms, drawing loud applause.

    Local artists played an instrumental version of ‘Jai Ho’ using traditional drums and instruments, while another group joined Indian families in chanting “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama”, which PM Modi acknowledged with applause.

    Ghana is home to a thriving Indian community of over 15,000, including fourth-generation families who have lived in the country for more than 70 years. Many have acquired Ghanaian citizenship, while others work with multinational companies and local businesses. The community is served by Hindu temples, a Gurudwara, an ISKCON temple largely run by Ghanaians, and an Art of Living centre.

    Earlier, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama received PM Modi at Kotoka International Airport in a special gesture underlining the significance of the visit. The Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport before the two leaders held brief discussions at the Jubilee Lounge.

    “Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and ECOWAS. I look forward to exchanges that will deepen our historical ties and open new avenues of cooperation in investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to address Ghana’s Parliament,” PM Modi said before departing New Delhi.

    Ghana is the first stop on PM Modi’s five-nation tour, which will also cover Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia. Delegation-level talks are scheduled in Accra later on Wednesday, during which the two sides will review bilateral ties and explore ways to expand cooperation. The Prime Minister will also hold one-on-one talks with President Mahama, followed by a banquet in his honour.

    On Thursday, PM Modi will address Ghana’s Parliament and interact again with the Indian community.

    Briefing reporters ahead of the visit, Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said the timing of the visit — early in President Mahama’s term after his landslide election win in January — would help both sides build continuity and deepen ties.

    India and Ghana share longstanding ties dating back to Ghana’s independence in 1957. “We supported Ghana’s cause at the UN much before its independence, and the relationship has evolved into a multi-faceted partnership,” Ravi said.

    Economic cooperation is expected to dominate the talks, with Ghana seeking to attract investments and strengthen ties as it undergoes economic restructuring. Bilateral trade stands at around $3 billion, largely due to India’s gold imports. Indian investments in Ghana are estimated at $2 billion, split between the private sector and government lines of credit.

    The two sides are also expected to discuss defence cooperation, critical minerals, digital public infrastructure and plans to develop a vaccine hub for West Africa.

    The visit, the MEA said, reaffirms India’s commitment to deepen ties with Ghana and strengthen its engagement with ECOWAS and the African Union.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Calls for Investigation Into Paramount Settlement with Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 02, 2025

    Warren: “This could be bribery in plain sight.”

    “I will soon introduce new legislation to rein in corruption through presidential library donations.”

    Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to the news that Paramount Global (Paramount) settled President Trump’s “meritless” lawsuit against 60 Minutes for $16 million paid to his future presidential library, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) released the following statement:

    “With Paramount folding to Donald Trump at the same time the company needs his administration’s approval for its billion-dollar merger, this could be bribery in plain sight. Paramount has refused to provide answers to a congressional inquiry, so I’m calling for a full investigation into whether or not any anti-bribery laws were broken.”

    “This settlement exposes a glaring need for rules to restrict donations to sitting presidents’ libraries. I will soon introduce new legislation to rein in corruption through presidential library donations. The Trump administration’s level of sheer corruption is appalling and Paramount should be ashamed of putting its profits over independent journalism.”

    In May 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote to Shari Redstone, Chair of Paramount, with concerns regarding whether Paramount may be engaging in potentially illegal conduct involving the Trump Administration in exchange for approval of its megamerger with Skydance Media (Skydance).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Scanlon Announce Bicameral Legislation to Crack Down on Fraudulent Firearm Sales

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Scanlon Announce Bicameral Legislation to Crack Down on Fraudulent Firearm Sales

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the gun violence epidemic continues to devastate American communities, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05) announced a bicameral bill to make the fraudulent sale, advertising, or transfer of firearms a federal crime. The Stopping the Fraudulent Sale of Firearms Act would close this dangerous loophole and address a critical gap in gun safety enforcement, including online listings that deceptively evade tech companies’ terms of service.

    Federal law requires background checks for gun sales by licensed dealers, and 22 states extend that requirement to unlicensed sellers. Still, individuals who would fail a routine background check — such as those with felony convictions, domestic violence restraining orders, or a history of severe mental illness — frequently obtain firearms through online marketplaces that lack meaningful oversight. According to Everytown, nearly 1 in 9 prospective buyers who respond to online ads from unlicensed sellers would fail a background check.

    Cracking down on fraudulent sellers would reduce the illegal flow of firearms to individuals prohibited from possessing them and strengthen efforts to protect communities from preventable violence.

    “Background checks save lives by keeping guns out of the wrong hands, but fast-growing online marketplaces are making it easier to dodge these critical protections,” said Senator Padilla. “Fraudulent sales on these online marketplaces create a backdoor for dangerous individuals — even in states with strong gun laws. By prohibiting fraudulent transactions and holding deceptive sellers accountable, our bill would reinforce background check requirements and help prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.”

    “Background checks work, and everyone who tries to buy a gun should have to pass one,” said Representative Scanlon. “It’s time to crack down on deceptive online sales practices that give dangerous people unchecked access to guns and make our communities less safe. I’m proud to lead this common sense legislation that would make these misleading practices illegal – one solution of many that we know will reduce gun violence and save lives.”

    As the online firearm marketplace has emerged as a growing venue for anonymous gun purchases, criminals and other prohibited purchasers have gained easier access to firearms. In response, Meta, YouTube, and other technology companies have banned firearm sales on their platforms. However, sellers frequently circumvent these restrictions by fraudulently disguising listings. For example, on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, guns may be advertised as “stickers” featuring firearm brand logos, while the actual weapons are sold off the record. These tactics allow sellers to sidestep platform rules and legal requirements, enabling dangerous individuals to acquire firearms undetected. As long as online platforms remain vulnerable to abuse through disguised listings and fraudulent sales tactics, individuals intent on doing harm will continue to exploit them, putting public safety and community well-being at risk.

    To address this growing loophole, the Stopping the Fraudulent Sale of Firearms Act would amend the federal criminal code to prohibit the fraudulent importation, manufacture, and sale of firearms or ammunition, as well as the transmission of any communication related to such fraudulent activity. Violators could face a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.

    The Stopping the Fraudulent Sale of Firearms Act is endorsed by Brady United, Everytown, GIFFORDS, and Newtown Action Alliance.

    “All too often, unlicensed gun dealers circumvent firearm sale restrictions set by technology companies and create fake listings to covertly sell firearms and ammunition. This practice violates companies’ terms of service and enables widespread gun trafficking. By addressing the dangerous practice of false advertisements that facilitate firearm sales online, the Stopping the Fraudulent Sale of Firearms Act will address the realities of the 21st century and prevent deceitful gun sales. Brady is grateful to Senator Padilla for championing this critical legislation,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy, Brady.

    “Online gun traffickers are exploiting deadly loopholes to put firearms into the hands of dangerous individuals—without background checks, oversight, or accountability. The Stopping the Fraudulent Sale of Firearms Act will help close one of the internet’s most lethal black markets by cracking down on deceptive online sales. If tech platforms won’t stop these fraudulent listings, Congress must. We applaud Senator Padilla for taking bold action to protect our communities from preventable gun violence,” said Po Murray, Chairwoman, Newtown Action Alliance.

    “Gun trafficking and bypassed background checks pose a threat to public safety and to law enforcement. Deceptively selling firearms and ammunition online will result in dangerous weapons falling into the hands of dangerous individuals who should not have them. I want to thank Senator Padilla for highlighting this important issue, and for putting forth this crucial bill to address it,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS.

    Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) are cosponsoring the bill.

    Senator Padilla is a strong advocate for commonsense, lifesaving gun safety reforms. Last week, Padilla introduced bicameral legislation to prevent the federal government from contracting with federally licensed firearms dealers that have a documented history of selling a disproportionate number of guns that end up being used to commit violent crimes. Earlier this year, Padilla co-led the bicameral reintroduction of the Assault Weapons Ban of 2025, legislation to reinstate a nationwide ban on military-style assault weapons. He also led 18 Senators in introducing the Age 21 Act, legislation to raise the minimum age to purchase assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines from 18 to 21, the same age requirement that already applies to purchasing handguns from federally licensed dealers. In June 2022, Padilla voted to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun safety legislation in almost 30 years. In 2023, Padilla joined 27 of his Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Keep Americans Safe Act, renewing efforts to ban the importation, sale, manufacturing, transfer, or possession of gun magazines that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.

    A one-pager on the bill is available here.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Public advisory on Blue Green Algae

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    With the summer holidays underway, now is a good time to highlight the dangers posed to humans and pets by blue-green algae and the importance of reporting any sightings of the algae.

    As a precautionary measure, warning signage will be erected at sites where blue-green algae has been detected, to warn visitors of its presence and advise that adults, children, and animals should avoid contact with the algae and the water close to it due to its harmful effects.

    Swallowing the water can cause stomach upsets or severe illness to people and death to animals. Contact with the water or the blue-green algae can also cause rashes and skin problems.

    HOW TO REPORT BLUE-GREEN ALGAE

    Members of the public are advised to report concerns using the Bloomin’ Algae App to help provide a rapid and more comprehensive picture of harmful algal blooms in the area and inform the relevant environment agency, local authority or landowner. Alternatively you can visit, click here: https://www.ceh.ac.uk/our-science/projects/bloomin-algae

    WHAT IS BLUE-GREEN ALGAE?

    Blue-green algae are natural inhabitants of many inland waters, estuaries and the sea. Although referred to as algae they are, in fact, a type of bacteria (known as cyanobacteria) with the ability to use the sun’s energy to make food in the same way that many plants do. They may be found in suspension, attached to rocks and other surfaces at the bottom of shallow waterbodies and along the edges of lakes and rivers. The term blue-green algae includes a number of different species.

    All species of blue-green algae need nutrients – nitrates and phosphates – to grow. If the water is enriched with nutrients and there is calm, sunny and warm weather conditions, then the growth may become excessive resulting in algal blooms.

    These algal blooms cause the water to appear discoloured green, blue-green or greenish-brown and some species can produce a musty odour. When the blooms die, they break down, using up oxygen in the water and cause problems for other aquatic life, such as fish. In calm, warm weather some bloom-forming species will rise to the water surface and form a scum which may again be coloured.

    For reasons not fully understood, some bloom and scum-forming blue-green algae are capable of producing toxins. Although many blue-green algae blooms are not toxic, some produce nerve or liver toxins and it is therefore safest to assume toxins could be present

    In their most dangerous form, both in quantity and species, blooms have caused death in cows, sheep and dogs drinking significant concentrations at the water’s edge.

    WHO IS AT RISK AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

    Human health risk from exposure to blue-green algae toxins can arise through swallowing or inhaling water containing the algae and through prolonged direct contact with exposed parts of the body including the skin, and sensitive areas such as ears, eyes, mouth and throat.

    Different groups of water users are at different levels of risk, depending on the amount of time they are likely to spend in/close to the affected water. Participants in descending order of likely risk are as follows:

    Swimmers, paddlers, children playing at the water’s edge, dogs, other animals including some farm animals, fishermen using the bank and water’s edge.

    Windsurfers whose level of competence puts them at risk in the prevailing wind conditions of becoming immersed in or blowing into areas of algal scum.

    Dinghy sailors, catamaran sailors, canoeists and windsurfers competent for the prevailing conditions.

    Other boat users and fishermen fishing from a boat or pontoon.

    Essentially the more likely you are to come into direct contact with the algal scum, the greater the risk of effects of exposure. Symptoms of those affected could be easily confused with a range of other illnesses so it is important to be aware of the risk of blue-green algae as a contributory factor.

    Swallowing and/or inhalation can result in mouth and nose ulcers, blistering of the lips, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscular pains, sore throat, dry cough, headaches, hay fever symptoms, dizziness and fatigue.

    For further information, please visit The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Angling Just Got Reel: Saskatchewan’s Free Fishing Weekend is July 12 And 13

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 2, 2025

    The Ministry of Environment invites everyone to enjoy Saskatchewan’s beautiful lakes and rivers by trying out recreational fishing – no licence needed – during the province’s annual summer Free Fishing Weekend July 12 and 13. Grab your gear, gather your family and friends and have fun!

    “Saskatchewan is renowned for its world-class sportfishing, and we encourage everyone to enjoy a truly remarkable experience,” Environment Minister Travis Keisig said. “Free Fishing Weekend is the ideal time to discover the province’s incredible fishing opportunities and enjoy the outdoors.” 

    During Free Fishing Weekend, anglers can cast a line without a licence on any public waters open to sport fishing. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind: the event does not apply within national parks, a valid licence is required to take fish out of the province, and all other fishing regulations, including possession limits, remain in effect.

    2025 marks the 36th year of Free Fishing Weekend, which began in 1989 to increase public awareness about the diverse angling opportunities in the province. A winter Free Fishing Weekend was added in 2015.

    For more information about fishing in Saskatchewan, check the ministry’s Anglers Guide, available wherever fishing licences are sold, or online at saskatchewan.ca/fishing. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Southbound travel plan announced

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Transport & Logistics Bureau announced today that the Southbound Travel Scheme is targeted to be launched in November.

    The automated carparks of the Airport Authority at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port form part of the Southbound Travel Scheme, providing “park and fly” arrangements before the Hong Kong control point, while Guangdong vehicles entering into the urban area are required to undergo vehicle inspection and other procedures.

    Secretary for Transport & Logistics told reporters this afternoon that the target is to achieve simultaneous implementation of the entry of Guangdong vehicles into Hong Kong and the parking of the vehicles in the Airport Authority’s automated car park.

    Ms Chan noted the simultaneous implementation of both parts of the scheme will be in November, adding that the exact timing will be subject to follow-up discussions between the Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities.

    The Airport Authority’s “park and fly” carpark has 1,800 spaces and it has developed a booking system. For entry into the urban area, it will start with a 100 daily booking quota to test the system and procedural arrangements.

    From now till November, the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong will actively formulate the arrangements for the Southbound Travel Scheme in a prudent and orderly manner, including management arrangements, system interface, construction works, facilitation measures, port clearance, monitoring measures, insurance arrangements, publicity work and full-scale drills.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) on July 1 announced the selection of the Ronald Reagan Building complex in Washington, D.C., as the new location for FBI Headquarters.

    The announcement follows nearly two decades of attempts to find the needed space to meet the FBI’s mission and workforce requirements. Previous efforts focused on constructing a new suburban campus, which would have cost the taxpayers billions of dollars and would have taken years to construct. In support of the administration’s goal to optimize the federal real-estate portfolio, the GSA and FBI identified an existing federal property. The Ronald Reagan Building complex provides a world-class facility that supports the FBI’s critical mission and saves money for taxpayers.

    “FBI’s existing headquarters at the Hoover building is a great example of a government building that has accumulated years of deferred maintenance, suffering from an aging water system to concrete falling off the structure,” said GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian. “I am proud of the GSA’s commitment to working with Director Patel and his FBI team to find a building that best supports their mission and their people.”

    “This is a historic moment for the FBI,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Through our strong partnerships with members of Congress and GSA, we are ushering FBI Headquarters into a new era and providing our agents of justice a safer place to work. Moving to the Ronald Reagan Building is the most cost effective and resource efficient way to carry out our mission to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution.”

    “This move not only provides a world-class location for the FBI’s public servants, but it also saves Americans billions of dollars on new construction and avoids more than $300 million in deferred maintenance costs at the J. Edgar Hoover facility,” said GSA Public Buildings Service Commissioner Michael Peters. “We are proud to partner with Director Patel to drive efficiency and improve the quality of space for a productive workforce in service to national security and taxpayers.”

    The Reagan Building complex is currently home to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other tenants. The GSA will continue to support and work with CBP on space that allows them to fulfill their mission while the transition of the FBI to the Reagan Building commences.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Sunlight Simplify Awarded Mcare IT Modernization Contract by PA Insurance Department

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunlight Simplify is excited to announce it has been awarded the Mcare IT Modernization Program contract by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

    Under this initiative, Mcare‘s systems will be replaced with a secure, configurable, digital-first, and cloud-based solution designed to streamline and automate operations across coverage, rate, claims, fiscal, and compliance functions. In addition, Simplify will deliver a modern external web portal. Health care providers and insurers will have self-service capabilities to streamline key processes.

    Development is already underway and includes configuration, document and email generation, document management, reporting, an external web portal, and data conversion. Simplify is committed to delivering a seamless ecosystem that empowers Mcare with lasting operational excellence.

    Simplify has quickly become a go-to InsurTech partner for organizations seeking a flexible, innovative, digital-first solution supporting complex and highly specialized insurance operations. The Mcare engagement marks a major milestone and a powerful validation of its product-first, people-centric, outcome-driven approach that stretches beyond the traditional insurance carrier engagements.

    “This isn’t just another implementation, it’s a defining chapter for us, allowing for a broader footprint expansion into adjacent verticals,” said Bernadette Leh, President of Simplify. “We started Simplify with a belief that even the most complex operations deserve exceptional technology, real partnerships, and a team that truly cares. Even as we have grown, we remain committed to upholding and fulfilling that core promise.”

    About Sunlight Simplify Sunlight Simplify is a cloud-based, modern Policy Administration software solution for Insurance Carriers, MGAs, and beyond. The enterprise suite is tailored to support the specific requirements of the Professional Liability Insurance line of business. The highly flexible, multi-language, multi-currency configurable solution allows for quick implementation across states, territories, and countries.

    About Mcare Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Fund (Mcare) was created by Act 13 of 2002 (“Mcare Act”) and signed into law on March 20, 2002. It is a special fund within the State Treasury established, among other things, to ensure reasonable compensation for persons injured due to medical negligence. Compensation is provided in excess of basic insurance coverage (“primary coverage”) provided by professional liability insurance entities (“primary insurers”) or self-insurers.

    Contacts:

    Martin Kowal
    Sunlight Simplify
    mkowal@sunlightsolutions.com
    708-668-3794
    www.sunlightsimplify.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sunlight Simplify Awarded Mcare IT Modernization Contract by PA Insurance Department

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla., July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunlight Simplify is excited to announce it has been awarded the Mcare IT Modernization Program contract by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

    Under this initiative, Mcare‘s systems will be replaced with a secure, configurable, digital-first, and cloud-based solution designed to streamline and automate operations across coverage, rate, claims, fiscal, and compliance functions. In addition, Simplify will deliver a modern external web portal. Health care providers and insurers will have self-service capabilities to streamline key processes.

    Development is already underway and includes configuration, document and email generation, document management, reporting, an external web portal, and data conversion. Simplify is committed to delivering a seamless ecosystem that empowers Mcare with lasting operational excellence.

    Simplify has quickly become a go-to InsurTech partner for organizations seeking a flexible, innovative, digital-first solution supporting complex and highly specialized insurance operations. The Mcare engagement marks a major milestone and a powerful validation of its product-first, people-centric, outcome-driven approach that stretches beyond the traditional insurance carrier engagements.

    “This isn’t just another implementation, it’s a defining chapter for us, allowing for a broader footprint expansion into adjacent verticals,” said Bernadette Leh, President of Simplify. “We started Simplify with a belief that even the most complex operations deserve exceptional technology, real partnerships, and a team that truly cares. Even as we have grown, we remain committed to upholding and fulfilling that core promise.”

    About Sunlight Simplify Sunlight Simplify is a cloud-based, modern Policy Administration software solution for Insurance Carriers, MGAs, and beyond. The enterprise suite is tailored to support the specific requirements of the Professional Liability Insurance line of business. The highly flexible, multi-language, multi-currency configurable solution allows for quick implementation across states, territories, and countries.

    About Mcare Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error Fund (Mcare) was created by Act 13 of 2002 (“Mcare Act”) and signed into law on March 20, 2002. It is a special fund within the State Treasury established, among other things, to ensure reasonable compensation for persons injured due to medical negligence. Compensation is provided in excess of basic insurance coverage (“primary coverage”) provided by professional liability insurance entities (“primary insurers”) or self-insurers.

    Contacts:

    Martin Kowal
    Sunlight Simplify
    mkowal@sunlightsolutions.com
    708-668-3794
    www.sunlightsimplify.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 9th Annual Afognak Youth Charity Golf Tournament Welcomes Lofa Tatupu

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Thursday, July 10th, the 9th Annual Afognak Youth Charity Golf Tournament will be held at the Anchorage Golf Course and will feature celebrity guest, Lofa Tatupu.

    As a former Seattle Seahawk, Tatupu’s NFL career included a Super Bowl appearance and three Pro Bowl selections as a linebacker. Tatupu is committed to education and training as was evident when he went on to serve as an assistant coach with the Seahawks where he demonstrated healthy habits, hard work, and perseverance.

    Tatupu will help kick off the inaugural youth golf clinic this year following the Tournament to celebrate and encourage Alutiiq youth to stay active and participate in community activities.

    To date, the Tournament has raised over $500,000 for Tribal youth programs operated by the Native Village of Afognak and the Native Village of Port Lions in the Kodiak Archipelago. Tournament hosts support the following Tribal youth development programs as part of a responsibility to strengthen Ag’wanermiut “Afognak people”:

    • Dig Afognak Camp – Alutiiq youth culture camp established in 1998 for youth ages nine to 14 and families; Alutiiq Language & Music Camp and Harvesting & Survival Camp are highlights of the summer camp season.
    • Afterschool & Alutiiq Week Cultural Activities
    • Cultural Workshops – traditional food preparation and processing
    • Alutiiq Language Resources – supports family language nights and other programs
    • Preschool Program Activities – supports preschool graduation and other activities
    • Family Activities Program – supports youth activities with family engagement several times per week

    These programs are an invaluable way for young people to learn the Alutiiq language and to practice traditional harvest, survival skills, and healthy relationships. They provide intergenerational opportunities for the Alutiiq community to share cultural learning, skill building in their homelands, and to celebrate and invest in Alutiiq youth.

    The Tournament provides a great networking opportunity for participants to connect with leaders of Alaska Native Corporations, the resource development industry, large financial institutions, and many other Alaska business leaders, such as GCI, Koniag, Inc., KeyBank, Delta Airlines, Southern Glazers, and Odom. To learn more or to become a valued sponsor, visit the Afognak Youth Charity Golf Tournament webpage at www.afognakgolf.com.

    Afognak Native Corporation is an Alaska Native village corporation serving the Kodiak Alutiiq people of Afognak and Port Lions.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 9th Annual Afognak Youth Charity Golf Tournament Welcomes Lofa Tatupu

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On Thursday, July 10th, the 9th Annual Afognak Youth Charity Golf Tournament will be held at the Anchorage Golf Course and will feature celebrity guest, Lofa Tatupu.

    As a former Seattle Seahawk, Tatupu’s NFL career included a Super Bowl appearance and three Pro Bowl selections as a linebacker. Tatupu is committed to education and training as was evident when he went on to serve as an assistant coach with the Seahawks where he demonstrated healthy habits, hard work, and perseverance.

    Tatupu will help kick off the inaugural youth golf clinic this year following the Tournament to celebrate and encourage Alutiiq youth to stay active and participate in community activities.

    To date, the Tournament has raised over $500,000 for Tribal youth programs operated by the Native Village of Afognak and the Native Village of Port Lions in the Kodiak Archipelago. Tournament hosts support the following Tribal youth development programs as part of a responsibility to strengthen Ag’wanermiut “Afognak people”:

    • Dig Afognak Camp – Alutiiq youth culture camp established in 1998 for youth ages nine to 14 and families; Alutiiq Language & Music Camp and Harvesting & Survival Camp are highlights of the summer camp season.
    • Afterschool & Alutiiq Week Cultural Activities
    • Cultural Workshops – traditional food preparation and processing
    • Alutiiq Language Resources – supports family language nights and other programs
    • Preschool Program Activities – supports preschool graduation and other activities
    • Family Activities Program – supports youth activities with family engagement several times per week

    These programs are an invaluable way for young people to learn the Alutiiq language and to practice traditional harvest, survival skills, and healthy relationships. They provide intergenerational opportunities for the Alutiiq community to share cultural learning, skill building in their homelands, and to celebrate and invest in Alutiiq youth.

    The Tournament provides a great networking opportunity for participants to connect with leaders of Alaska Native Corporations, the resource development industry, large financial institutions, and many other Alaska business leaders, such as GCI, Koniag, Inc., KeyBank, Delta Airlines, Southern Glazers, and Odom. To learn more or to become a valued sponsor, visit the Afognak Youth Charity Golf Tournament webpage at www.afognakgolf.com.

    Afognak Native Corporation is an Alaska Native village corporation serving the Kodiak Alutiiq people of Afognak and Port Lions.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Telnyx launches RCS Business Messaging for branded, interactive customer engagement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Austin, TX, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Telnyx, the connectivity platform for real-time communications, today announced the general availability of its RCS Business Messaging through its global RCS API. The launch comes as Apple introduces RCS support in iOS 18, unlocking a unified standard for rich business messaging across Android and iPhone users.

    With Telnyx RBM, businesses can deliver branded, interactive messages—featuring carousels, suggested replies, rich media, and verified sender identities—directly to native messaging apps. Unlike OTT channels, RCS requires no downloads, offers seamless fallback to SMS, and reaches customers in the app they already trust for day-to-day conversations.

    “This is a tipping point for business messaging,” said David Casem, CEO of Telnyx. “For the first time, brands can reach nearly every smartphone user with interactive, trusted messages in the default messaging app. Our RCS launch delivers the infrastructure, compliance, and developer experience to make that happen at scale.”

    Purpose-built for developers. Trusted by businesses.

    Telnyx’s RCS implementation supports:

    • Verified business messaging with sender authentication
    • Multimedia support, including images, videos, suggested replies, and carousels
    • Interactive features like embedded payments, calendar events, and location sharing
    • Global reach via direct-to-carrier connectivity and fallback-to-SMS logic
    • Unified API integration with full analytics, webhooks, and developer tooling

    Telnyx RCS is available through a dedicated API built for rich messaging—complementing the Telnyx Messaging suite while offering the same real-time reliability, flexible architecture, and global infrastructure developers expect.

    A New Era of Engagement

    The launch positions Telnyx as a leading infrastructure-first provider of next-generation messaging. With RCS now supported on Android and rolling out across iOS, businesses can finally reach the majority of smartphone users with branded, interactive messaging.

    “We see RCS not as a replacement for SMS or OTT channels, but as a powerful layer that enhances them,” said Juan Hidalgo, Director of Messaging Connectivity at Telnyx. “Whether it’s a clickable product carousel or a real-time order update, RCS gives brands the ability to create moments of engagement that feel native, personalized, and secure.”

    Telnyx is already onboarding brands across industries with a variety of use cases—supporting everything from agent setup and message design to fallback handling and compliance best practices, so teams can launch quickly and reach customers with confidence.

    Availability

    RCS Business Messaging is available today via the Telnyx RCS API. To get started, reach out to our team to begin the agent setup process at telnyx.com/contact-us.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Planisware: Monthly information relating to the total number of shares and voting rights making-up the share capital – June 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Monthly information relating to the total number of shares and voting rights making-up the share capital

    Information mensuelle relative au nombre total d’actions et de droits de vote composant le capital social

    Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial code and article 223-16
    of the AMF General Regulation

    Article L. 233-8-II du Code de commerce et article 223-16 du Règlement général de l’AMF

    Name and address of the Company:         Planisware SA
    Dénomination sociale de l’émetteur :        200 avenue de Paris
    92320 Châtillon
    France
    (ISIN code : FR001400PFU4)

    Date Total number
    of shares
    Nombre total d’actions composant le capital    		 Number of theorical
    voting rights
    Nombre de droits
    de vote théoriques    		 Number of effective
    voting rights*
    Nombre de droits
    de vote effectifs*
    30/06/2025 70,238,894 70,238,894 70,238,894

    *Treasury shares excluded / Actions auto-détenues exclues

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Planisware: Monthly information relating to the total number of shares and voting rights making-up the share capital – June 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Monthly information relating to the total number of shares and voting rights making-up the share capital

    Information mensuelle relative au nombre total d’actions et de droits de vote composant le capital social

    Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial code and article 223-16
    of the AMF General Regulation

    Article L. 233-8-II du Code de commerce et article 223-16 du Règlement général de l’AMF

    Name and address of the Company:         Planisware SA
    Dénomination sociale de l’émetteur :        200 avenue de Paris
    92320 Châtillon
    France
    (ISIN code : FR001400PFU4)

    Date Total number
    of shares
    Nombre total d’actions composant le capital    		 Number of theorical
    voting rights
    Nombre de droits
    de vote théoriques    		 Number of effective
    voting rights*
    Nombre de droits
    de vote effectifs*
    30/06/2025 70,238,894 70,238,894 70,238,894

    *Treasury shares excluded / Actions auto-détenues exclues

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Celebrates Senate Passage of President Trump’s Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), released the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the reconciliation bill, President Donald Trump’s signature piece of legislation, which will deliver on numerous key promises made to the American people.
    “President Trump promised more money in your pocket, a secure border, and a strong national defense, and today the Senate delivered,” said Senator Marshall. “The House should immediately take up the Republican reconciliation bill and get it to the President’s desk by July 4th. This is just the beginning of America’s great Golden Age.”
    Key wins from the reconciliation bill include:

    Delivering the largest tax cut for middle- and working-class Americans in history.
    Securing bigger paychecks, boosting the take-home pay for hardworking, typical families by over $10,000 a year.
    Renewing and expanding 45Z, which extends the tax credit and gives the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the U.S. to be less reliant on foreign fuel, opens new markets for farmers, and increases ethanol production across the Midwest.
    Funding and resources to continue deporting illegal aliens, securing our border, and supporting law enforcement.
    Supporting our Border Patrol and ICE agents, including a $10,000 bonus annually over the next four years.
    Cutting taxes on tips, overtime, and social security.
    Providing much-needed reinforcements— hiring 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new Customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
    Securing $12.5 billion to overhaul air traffic control, replacing obsolete technology dating back to the 1960s with modern systems that improve safety, speed, and efficiency.
    Updating the FAA’s deteriorating towers and radar systems, and upgrading telecommunications.

    Ending the weaponization of energy permitting and unlocking domestic oil, gas, and nuclear power, which will unleash American energy, drive down the cost of living, and restore energy independence.
    Rescinding billions of taxpayer dollars poured into the ‘Green New SCAM,’ ending handouts to special interests and radical climate activists.

    Background:

    Senator Marshall introduced legislation that was included in the bill text or inspired text in the legislation, including:

    TheOvertime Wages Tax Relief Act,whichcreates an income tax deduction for overtime wage earners, targeted to help lower and middle-income Americans, and defines overtime to include a wide range of workers such as law enforcement officers, nurses, trade workers, factory employees, and other eligible professions.
    TheFarmer First Fuel Incentives Actwould protect American farmers by restricting the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks.
    The bill will prohibit taxpayer funding for gender transition procedures covered by Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Affordable Care Act. The bill would also deny the medical expense tax deduction for gender transition procedures.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Celebrates Senate Passage of President Trump’s Reconciliation Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), released the following statement after the Senate voted to pass the reconciliation bill, President Donald Trump’s signature piece of legislation, which will deliver on numerous key promises made to the American people.
    “President Trump promised more money in your pocket, a secure border, and a strong national defense, and today the Senate delivered,” said Senator Marshall. “The House should immediately take up the Republican reconciliation bill and get it to the President’s desk by July 4th. This is just the beginning of America’s great Golden Age.”
    Key wins from the reconciliation bill include:

    Delivering the largest tax cut for middle- and working-class Americans in history.
    Securing bigger paychecks, boosting the take-home pay for hardworking, typical families by over $10,000 a year.
    Renewing and expanding 45Z, which extends the tax credit and gives the ethanol industry the time and financial incentive to build up the infrastructure needed for the U.S. to be less reliant on foreign fuel, opens new markets for farmers, and increases ethanol production across the Midwest.
    Funding and resources to continue deporting illegal aliens, securing our border, and supporting law enforcement.
    Supporting our Border Patrol and ICE agents, including a $10,000 bonus annually over the next four years.
    Cutting taxes on tips, overtime, and social security.
    Providing much-needed reinforcements— hiring 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new Customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
    Securing $12.5 billion to overhaul air traffic control, replacing obsolete technology dating back to the 1960s with modern systems that improve safety, speed, and efficiency.
    Updating the FAA’s deteriorating towers and radar systems, and upgrading telecommunications.

    Ending the weaponization of energy permitting and unlocking domestic oil, gas, and nuclear power, which will unleash American energy, drive down the cost of living, and restore energy independence.
    Rescinding billions of taxpayer dollars poured into the ‘Green New SCAM,’ ending handouts to special interests and radical climate activists.

    Background:

    Senator Marshall introduced legislation that was included in the bill text or inspired text in the legislation, including:

    TheOvertime Wages Tax Relief Act,whichcreates an income tax deduction for overtime wage earners, targeted to help lower and middle-income Americans, and defines overtime to include a wide range of workers such as law enforcement officers, nurses, trade workers, factory employees, and other eligible professions.
    TheFarmer First Fuel Incentives Actwould protect American farmers by restricting the eligibility of the 45Z Tax Credit to renewable fuels made only from domestically sourced feedstocks.
    The bill will prohibit taxpayer funding for gender transition procedures covered by Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Affordable Care Act. The bill would also deny the medical expense tax deduction for gender transition procedures.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, King, Collins and Budzinski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Our Troops and Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 02, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Mike Bost (R-IL-12) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) are introducing legislation to ensure our troops are wearing high quality, safe and reliable footwear as part of their uniforms all while strengthening our national security and creating good-paying jobs. The Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act would expand current uniform regulations to ensure the combat boots worn by our servicemembers are entirely manufactured in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials.

    “Ensuring our military’s readiness means every part of our servicemembers’ uniforms must be functional, reliable and safe—and that we can surge supplies in crisis or conflict,” Duckworth said. “Mandating that all optional combat boots be American made means not only that our troops wear high-quality footwear, it also means we’re reducing our reliance on foreign supply chains, bolstering our defense industrial base and creating good-paying jobs for small and large manufacturers in communities right here at home. I’m proud to introduce this commonsense legislation.”

    “Our military depends on the availability, accessibility, safety and quality of the uniforms worn by our servicemembers,” said King. “The bipartisan BOOTS Act will ensure that all combat boots and parts worn by the American military are made in the USA—both boosting our domestic economy and ensuring the safety of the boots supply chain. Thank you to my colleagues for putting our servicemembers first.”

    “Requiring our servicemembers’ combat boots to be produced in the United States with American materials improves military readiness and strengthens our defense industrial base,” said Collins. “This bipartisan bill would help avoid supply disruptions in times of crisis, create more jobs and investment domestically, and better outfit our nation’s troops.”

    “Belleville Boots has been crafting top-quality military footwear for our service members since World War I. But like so many American manufacturers, they’re facing unfair competition from a flood of cheap, low-quality imports—often from countries like China. This not only undercuts American jobs, it poses real risks to troop readiness and our national security,” said Budzinski. “The BOOTS Act is a strong, bipartisan response to that threat. This legislation will safeguard our service members while good-paying manufacturing jobs in Belleville and across the country.” 

    “As a Marine, the father of a Marine, and the grandfather of a Marine, I know firsthand how important it is that our troops have the high-quality boots required to face tough terrain,” said Bost. “This legislation will better protect our troops by ensuring their equipment is consistent, safe, and produced on American soil.”

    “American warfighters should be supplied American gear, including footwear,” said Golden. “Ensuring domestic suppliers are first in line to provide equipment to our service members is good for troops, good for the jobs, and good for domestic manufacturing. I’m proud to cosponsor the BOOTs Act to provide American-made footwear to the men and women who volunteer to defend America.”

    The BOOTS Act would mandate that all optional combat boots worn by U.S. military servicemembers are Berry Amendment-compliant, or 100 percent made in the United States with U.S.-sourced materials.

    Currently, Department of Defense (DoD) regulations permit soldiers to purchase foreign-made boots that mimic the appearance of regulation boots but fall far short in quality and durability. This loophole has allowed for a major increase in low quality, foreign-made boots that has led to a significant decline in demand from American companies, which in turn reduces domestic manufacturing capabilities and undermines our domestic defense supply chain. In the event of a major conflict, the current clothing and textile supply chain would be too fragile to meet demand.

    This legislation is endorsed by A&E, American Sole, Belleville Boot Co., Draper Knitting, Emtex Global, G-Form, Glacial Lakes Rubber and Plastics, Grassland Stamping, Hope Global Manufacturing, Mississippi TanTec, McRae Footwear, Meramec, Meridian, Milliken, New Balance Athletics, PolyLabs, Rubberlite, Signet Mills, SX Industries, Thorogood, Unifi, Vibram Corporation, W.L. Gore and Associates, Worthen Industries, YKK USA, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), U.S. Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA) and Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC).

    “The BOOTs Act closes a gap in the Berry Amendment by requiring all military footwear sold through Department of Defense exchanges to be domestically sourced. Currently, foreign-made boots undermine military readiness and disadvantage American manufacturers, weakening the U.S. supply chain. This commonsense change ensures uniform consistency, reduces confusion for servicemembers, and supports the domestic industrial base as manufacturers rebuild capacity,” said Bill McCann, Executive Director of the United States Footwear Manufactures Association.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, King, Collins and Budzinski Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Our Troops and Strengthen Domestic Manufacturing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 02, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Mike Bost (R-IL-12) and Jared Golden (D-ME-02) are introducing legislation to ensure our troops are wearing high quality, safe and reliable footwear as part of their uniforms all while strengthening our national security and creating good-paying jobs. The Better Outfitting Our Troops (BOOTS) Act would expand current uniform regulations to ensure the combat boots worn by our servicemembers are entirely manufactured in America and made with U.S.-sourced materials.

    “Ensuring our military’s readiness means every part of our servicemembers’ uniforms must be functional, reliable and safe—and that we can surge supplies in crisis or conflict,” Duckworth said. “Mandating that all optional combat boots be American made means not only that our troops wear high-quality footwear, it also means we’re reducing our reliance on foreign supply chains, bolstering our defense industrial base and creating good-paying jobs for small and large manufacturers in communities right here at home. I’m proud to introduce this commonsense legislation.”

    “Our military depends on the availability, accessibility, safety and quality of the uniforms worn by our servicemembers,” said King. “The bipartisan BOOTS Act will ensure that all combat boots and parts worn by the American military are made in the USA—both boosting our domestic economy and ensuring the safety of the boots supply chain. Thank you to my colleagues for putting our servicemembers first.”

    “Requiring our servicemembers’ combat boots to be produced in the United States with American materials improves military readiness and strengthens our defense industrial base,” said Collins. “This bipartisan bill would help avoid supply disruptions in times of crisis, create more jobs and investment domestically, and better outfit our nation’s troops.”

    “Belleville Boots has been crafting top-quality military footwear for our service members since World War I. But like so many American manufacturers, they’re facing unfair competition from a flood of cheap, low-quality imports—often from countries like China. This not only undercuts American jobs, it poses real risks to troop readiness and our national security,” said Budzinski. “The BOOTS Act is a strong, bipartisan response to that threat. This legislation will safeguard our service members while good-paying manufacturing jobs in Belleville and across the country.” 

    “As a Marine, the father of a Marine, and the grandfather of a Marine, I know firsthand how important it is that our troops have the high-quality boots required to face tough terrain,” said Bost. “This legislation will better protect our troops by ensuring their equipment is consistent, safe, and produced on American soil.”

    “American warfighters should be supplied American gear, including footwear,” said Golden. “Ensuring domestic suppliers are first in line to provide equipment to our service members is good for troops, good for the jobs, and good for domestic manufacturing. I’m proud to cosponsor the BOOTs Act to provide American-made footwear to the men and women who volunteer to defend America.”

    The BOOTS Act would mandate that all optional combat boots worn by U.S. military servicemembers are Berry Amendment-compliant, or 100 percent made in the United States with U.S.-sourced materials.

    Currently, Department of Defense (DoD) regulations permit soldiers to purchase foreign-made boots that mimic the appearance of regulation boots but fall far short in quality and durability. This loophole has allowed for a major increase in low quality, foreign-made boots that has led to a significant decline in demand from American companies, which in turn reduces domestic manufacturing capabilities and undermines our domestic defense supply chain. In the event of a major conflict, the current clothing and textile supply chain would be too fragile to meet demand.

    This legislation is endorsed by A&E, American Sole, Belleville Boot Co., Draper Knitting, Emtex Global, G-Form, Glacial Lakes Rubber and Plastics, Grassland Stamping, Hope Global Manufacturing, Mississippi TanTec, McRae Footwear, Meramec, Meridian, Milliken, New Balance Athletics, PolyLabs, Rubberlite, Signet Mills, SX Industries, Thorogood, Unifi, Vibram Corporation, W.L. Gore and Associates, Worthen Industries, YKK USA, American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), U.S. Footwear Manufacturers Association (USFMA) and Warrior Protection and Readiness Coalition (WPRC).

    “The BOOTs Act closes a gap in the Berry Amendment by requiring all military footwear sold through Department of Defense exchanges to be domestically sourced. Currently, foreign-made boots undermine military readiness and disadvantage American manufacturers, weakening the U.S. supply chain. This commonsense change ensures uniform consistency, reduces confusion for servicemembers, and supports the domestic industrial base as manufacturers rebuild capacity,” said Bill McCann, Executive Director of the United States Footwear Manufactures Association.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investigation into Admiral Sir Ben Key

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Investigation into Admiral Sir Ben Key

    Following a full investigation, Admiral Sir Ben Key’s behaviour has been found to have fallen far short of values and standards expected of Service Personnel.

    This has resulted in termination of service and his commission.

    Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said:

    We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our Service Personnel and our Civil Servants.

    We investigate all allegations of inappropriate behaviour and will take robust action against anyone found to have fallen short of our standards, regardless of their seniority.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The international community needs to support the Haitian government’s efforts to re-establish security and stability: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    The international community needs to support the Haitian government’s efforts to re-establish security and stability: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Fergus Eckersley, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on Haiti.

    Mr President, the UK condemns, without reservation, the violence that continues to undermine efforts to restore democratic rule in Haiti. 

    Coordinated gang attacks on civilian communities, public buildings and the security services continue to destabilise the Haitian state. 

    The gangs’ use of sexual and gender-based violence as a tool to control the population is abhorrent.

    We stand with the survivors, and we fully support efforts by BINUH and OHCHR to strengthen law enforcement efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

    The international community, including this Council, need to support the Haitian government’s efforts to re-establish security and stability. 

    We thank the pen holders for their efforts, and we stand ready to renew the mandate of the Special Political Mission to Haiti. 

    It is clear that more is needed, and the Haitian security forces and the Multinational Security Support mission should be adequately supported in order to stabilise the security situation.

    The UK pays tribute to Kenya for its continued leadership of the MSS mission in support of the Haitian Police. 

    It is important now for this Council to agree a process to consider the Secretary-General’s recommendations to deliver enhanced UN security support to Haiti, as a matter of urgency. 

    This action must be matched by Haitian efforts to advance the restoration of democratic rule.

    We note the recent publication of decrees to facilitate constitutional reform and the establishment of an electoral framework. 

    This is a positive step, but more action is needed to lay the groundwork for inclusive and credible elections. 

    We recognise the complex security environment and the considerable pressures facing the Transitional Presidential Council, and we encourage Haitian authorities to continue this work, while prioritising security and justice efforts to stabilise the country.

    The UK firmly rejects those seeking to undermine such a transition and is committed to maintaining accountability, including through the implementation of sanctions on those who seek to destabilise Haiti.

    Mr President, the people of Haiti deserve stability and a lasting peace.

    Collectively, we must find a way to deliver that.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “We were able to outperform IT company teams of 15–20 people”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On June 5, the best projects were defended within the hackathon “Marathon of Digital Solutions” on the case of forecasting and assessing lost sales. The first place was taken by the combined team Faculty of Computer Science HSE and the University of Science and Technology MISIS, consisting of six students.

    Hackathon participants could choose a case of easy, medium or difficult level. The peculiarity of the MCR was the focus on implementing solutions in practice.

    The winners of the KUDO track for forecasting and evaluating lost sales were the MISIS x HSE Microgit team, which included:

    Artem Sokolov, 2nd year bachelor’s student “Software Engineering” HSE Faculty of Computer Science;

    Vladislav Eliseev, 2nd year bachelor’s degree “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science” HSE Faculty of Computer Science;

    Tatyana Zavarykina, 1st year student at MISIS;

    Dmitry Kaykov, 2nd year student at MISIS;

    Rodion Naumov, 2nd year student at MISiS;

    Khabibullin Adil, 2nd year MISIS.

    As a solution, the students presented a web platform that helps managers forecast sales. Forecasts are made by DeepAR and ChronosZeroShot machine learning models with an accuracy of up to 97%.

    Artem Sokolov

    “We had a case from KUDO, we needed to develop a test version of a platform for demand forecasting, as well as create a product recommendation system for customers based on their behavior.

    We decided to participate in the hackathon rather impulsively. This is not our first time participating in such competitions, so we already have a rough idea of what and who to take on. We prepared: we studied the reports of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, talked to businessmen and collected a lot of different data on the topic, which definitely helped us get closer to victory.

    Despite the fact that there were only a few of us, we were able to beat teams of IT specialists from 15–20 people and win.”

    Text: Alexandra Sytnik

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 2 July 2025 News release WHO launches bold push to raise health taxes and save millions of lives

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today has launched a major new initiative urging countries to raise real prices on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through health taxes in a move designed to curb chronic diseases and generate critical public revenue. The “3 by 35” Initiative comes at a time when health systems are under enormous strain from rising noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), shrinking development aid and growing public debt.

    The consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks are fueling the NCD epidemic. NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, account for over 75% of all deaths worldwide. A recent report shows that a one-time 50% price increase on these products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.

    “Health taxes are one of the most efficient tools we have,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control, WHO. “They cut the consumption of harmful products and create revenue governments can reinvest in health care, education, and social protection. It’s time to act.”

    The Initiative has an ambitious but achievable goal of raising US$1 trillion over the next 10 years. Between 2012 and 2022, nearly 140 countries raised tobacco taxes, which resulted in an increase of real prices by over 50% on average, showing that large-scale change is possible.

    From Colombia to South Africa, governments that have introduced health taxes have seen reduced consumption and increased revenue. Yet many countries continue to provide tax incentives to unhealthy industries, including tobacco. Moreover, long-term investment agreements with industry that restrict tobacco tax increases can further undermine national health goals. WHO encourages governments to review and avoid such exemptions to support effective tobacco control and protect public health.

    Strong collaboration is at the heart of the “3 by 35” Initiative’s success. Led by WHO, the Initiative brings together a powerful group of global partners to help countries put health taxes into action. These organizations offer a mix of technical know-how, policy advice, and real-world experience. By working together, they aim to raise awareness about the benefits of health taxes and support efforts at the national level.

    Many countries have expressed interest in transitioning toward more self-reliant, domestically funded health systems and are turning to WHO for guidance.

    The “3 by 35” Initiative introduces key action areas to help countries, pairing proven health policies with best practices on implementation. These include direct support for country-led reforms with the following goals in mind:

    1. Cutting harmful consumption by reducing affordability;

      Increase or introduce excise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to raise prices and reduce consumption, cutting future health costs and preventable deaths.

    2. Raising revenue to fund health and development;

      3. Mobilize domestic public resources to fund essential health and development programmes, including universal health coverage.

    3. Building broad political support across ministries, civil society, and academia;

      4. Strengthen multisectoral alliances by engaging ministries of finance and health, parliamentarians, civil society, and researchers to design and implement effective policies.

    WHO is calling on countries, civil society, and development partners to support the “3 by 35” Initiative and commit to smarter, fairer taxation that protects health and accelerates progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –