Category: DJF

  • Baltic News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025

    Baltic News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Announces Members of Independent Scientific Panel on Effects of Nuclear War
    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council NEW YORK, 18 July (United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) — On 17 July, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of an independent scientific panel of experts tasked with examining the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in […]

    MIL-OSI Economics: Members call for reinvigorated work on technology transfer, elect new Chair
    Source: WTO Headline: Members call for reinvigorated work on technology transfer, elect new Chair Members welcomed the election of Ambassador Eheth, who succeeded Ambassador Raimondas Ališauskas of Lithuania, and expressed appreciation for the outgoing Chair’s leadership over the past year in advancing the Group’s work. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Eheth underscored the continued relevance […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – 21-23 July: INTA Delegation to Brazil – 21-07-2025 – Committee on International Trade
    Source: European Parliament A delegation of 10 Members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) will travel to Brazil from 21 to 23 July and will visit Brasília and São Paulo. The mission will focus on advancing dialogue on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and strengthening trade relations between the European Union and Brazil. During the […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 21-23 July: INTA delegation to Brazil – Committee on International Trade
    Source: European Parliament A delegation of 10 Members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) will travel to Brazil from 21 to 23 July and will visit Brasília and São Paulo. The mission will focus on advancing dialogue on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement and strengthening trade relations between the European Union and Brazil. During the […]

    MIL-OSI: LHV Group’s own share acquisition transactions
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) AS LHV Group announces that during the period 11.-17.07.2025, it has acquired the company’s own shares on the Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange as follows: Date Aggregated volume Weighted average price per day (EUR) 11.07.2025 3,800 3.670 14.07.2025 3,700 3.670 15.07.2025 13,600 3.665 16.07.2025  13,600  3.615 17.07.2025 10,140 3.626677 LHV Group is acquiring […]

    MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee publishes findings on Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain, and Viet Nam
    Source: APO . The UN Human Rights Committee today issued its findings on Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam, following its review of these States parties during its 144th session. The findings highlight positive developments and outline key concerns and recommendations regarding each country’s implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights […]

    MIL-OSI: Coop Pank held an investor webinar to introduce unaudited results of Q2 2025
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) On Friday, 18 July 2025 at 9 am (EET), Coop Pank held an investor webinar, where the Interim Chairman of the Management Board, Heikko Mäe, and the Chief Financial Officer, Paavo Truu, introduced the bank’s unaudited financial results of Second Quarter of 2025. Webinar was held in Estonian language.  Coop Pank would […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Statement of condemnation by the North Atlantic Council concerning Russian malicious cyber activities
    Source: NATO 1. We strongly condemn Russia’s malicious cyber activities, which constitute a threat to Allied security. We stand in solidarity and recognise that Estonia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States have recently attributed malicious cyber activity targeting several NATO Allies and Ukraine to Russia’s military intelligence service (GRU).  We recall that in […]

    MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Presale Surges Past $6.6M as Altcoin Season Heats Up, Launch Target Set at $20
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) TALLINN, Estonia, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As altcoin season accelerates, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) is rapidly emerging as a standout project, attracting over 14,200 users and surpassing $6.6 million raised during its presale. With its official launch scheduled for July 31, 2025, Bitcoin Solaris has locked in a target launch price […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boost for travelers and businesses as Germany opens up eGates
    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments Press release Boost for travelers and businesses as Germany opens up eGates UK and Germany agree to phased opening of German eGates for UK travellers Germany agrees to phased opening of e-gates for the over 3 million Brits visiting each year Follows UK-EU Summit in May and […]

    MIL-OSI: Coop Pank unaudited financial results for Q2 2025
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) By the end of the Q2 2025, Coop Pank had 218,000 customers, increased by 5,000 customers in the quarter (+2%) and by 22,000 in the year (+11%). The bank had 103,600 active customers, increased by 1,800 (+2%) in the quarter and by 8,300 (+9%) in the year. In Q2 2025, volume of […]

  • Ukraine – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025

    Ukraine News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Marks Two Major Milestones For Project Ultra, Outlines Future Of Drone & Counter-Drone Initiative
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven 07.18.25 Senator Highlights Weekly Unmanned Cargo Flights Between Grand Forks & Cavalier, Secured Increased $100 Million Contract Ceiling for Project ULTRA EMERADO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today outlined two major milestones for Project ULTRA, which further solidify North Dakota’s leadership in unmanned […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Georgia’s ruling party condemns Western pressure and stresses country’s independent foreign policy
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News TBILISI, July 18 (Xinhua) — Georgian Dream Party Chairman and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday made […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Armenian National Extradited to the United States Faces Federal Charges for Ransomware Extortion Conspiracy
    Source: US FBI PORTLAND, Ore.—An Armenian national extradited from Ukraine to the United States faces federal charges for his role in Ryuk ransomware attacks and extortion conspiracy targeting companies throughout the United States, including a technology company operating in Oregon. Karen Serobovich Vardanyan, 33, an Armenian national, has been charged with conspiracy, fraud in connection […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Votes Against Republican Defense Spending Bill
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District) Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) released the following statement after voting against Republicans’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Department of Defense funding bill: “At a time when the United States should be showing strength and moral leadership on the global stage, this […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: EU adopts 18th package of sanctions against Russia
    Source: European Commission European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 Jul 2025 The European Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of the 18th Russia sanctions package, aimed at further ramping up pressure on the country and supporting EU’s goal of achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. MIL OSI Europe News –

    MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Champagne concludes successful G7 and G20 meetings in South Africa
    Source: Government of Canada News (2) July 18, 2025 – Durban, South Africa – Department of Finance Canada With global political and economic uncertainty abounding, strong relationships and cross-continental collaboration with reliable nations has never been more important. Canada is spearheading a new era of collaboration and partnership with nations it can trust and whose […]

    MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ joins international condemnation of Russian cyber attacks
    Source: New Zealand Government New Zealand has echoed international condemnation of malicious cyber activity by the Russian Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says.  “Russia’s hostile behaviour in cyberspace continues to threaten global cyber security and undermine agreed international rules and norms,” he says.  Mr Peters’ comments follow UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s statement today that outlined […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Cognitive warfare: why wars without bombs or bullets are a legal blind spot
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Gisselsson Nord, Professor, Division of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University Master1305/Shutterstock Imagine waking up to the news that a deadly new strain of flu has emerged in your city. Health officials are downplaying it, but social media is flooded with contradictory claims from “medical experts” […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘People who spent years saving lives are now struggling to survive’ – how we witnessed Trump’s USAID cuts devastate health programmes in Kenya
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael Eastham, Lecturer in Young People’s Health Inequalities, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University Homabay, Kenya, in February 2025. Rachael Eastham, CC BY My phone wouldn’t stop ringing – nurses, social workers, young mothers – all begging for help. ‘I’ve lost my job,’ ‘I have no food,’ ‘What […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: V. Zelensky discussed Ukraine’s defense needs with the French President
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News KYIV, July 18 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram on Friday that he had […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Foreign Secretary’s remarks, July 2025
    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3 Speech ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting: Foreign Secretary’s remarks, July 2025 Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke at the UK Post Ministerial Conference with ASEAN member states, highlighting achievements under the UK’s Dialogue Partnership. Thank you all. Minister Bui, we’re grateful for Vietnam’s support as our country coordinator. […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK tightens Oil Price Cap in blow to Putin’s war machine
    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments Press release UK tightens Oil Price Cap in blow to Putin’s war machine The UK and EU will lower the crude Oil Price Cap. UK and EU lower the crude Oil Price Cap, striking at the heart of Putin’s oil revenues new measure will drive down the […]

    MIL-OSI Canada: Statement on Russia’s malicious cyber activity affecting the United Kingdom
    Source: Government of Canada News July 18, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence; and the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, today issued the following statement: “Canada strongly condemns Russia’s malicious cyber activities targeting the […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Aid cuts leave refugee agency unable to shelter six in 10 fleeing war in Sudan
    Source: United Nations 4 Globally, $1.4 billion of the agency’s programmes are being shuttered or put on hold, UNHCR said in a new report. “We can’t stop water, you can’t stop sanitation, but we’re having to take decisions when it comes, for example, to shelter,” said UNHCR Director of External Relations, Dominique Hyde. “We’re have […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Statement of condemnation by the North Atlantic Council concerning Russian malicious cyber activities
    Source: NATO 1. We strongly condemn Russia’s malicious cyber activities, which constitute a threat to Allied security. We stand in solidarity and recognise that Estonia, France, the United Kingdom and the United States have recently attributed malicious cyber activity targeting several NATO Allies and Ukraine to Russia’s military intelligence service (GRU).  We recall that in […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts 18th package of economic and individual measures
    Source: Council of the European Union The Council adopted its 18th package of economic and individual restrictive measures designed to target vital sectors of the Russian economy such as energy and banking, further weakening the regime’s ability to wage its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine. MIL OSI Europe News –

    MIL-OSI Europe: OLAF played key role in Ukraine’s uncovering of massive underground pesticide production
    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice Press release 20/2025 PDF version A far-reaching investigation coordinated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has played a central part in uncovering a sophisticated criminal network in Ukraine which engaged in mass production and counterfeiting of agrochemical products. These were falsely labelled under some of the leading agrochemical brands in Europe and […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funding going to Putin’s military allies in his war against Ukraine – E-002847/2025
    Source: European Parliament Question for written answer  E-002847/2025to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security PolicyRule 144Hermann Tertsch (PfE) The same Ukrainian intelligence sources that warned that North Korean soldiers had been deployed to the Russian front[1] are now warning that soldiers from the Lao People’s […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: As war rages on in Ukraine, organised crime is taking new forms
    Source: United Nations 2 Since February 2022, both legal and illegal economies in Ukraine have been severely disrupted by the war.  The report examines the evolution of organised crime structures in the country and focuses on six distinct areas: drug trafficking and production, online scams and fraud, arms trafficking, economic crime, trafficking in persons, and […]

    MIL-OSI China: Ukrainian parliament approves new cabinet
    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News The Ukrainian parliament on Thursday approved the formation of a new cabinet, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported. The decision followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, which led to the automatic dismissal of the entire government. The new cabinet, led by newly-appointed Prime Minister […]

  • Palestine – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025

    Palestine News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    Ukraine – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025
    Ukraine News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    New Zealand News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025
    New Zealand News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    Energy News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025
    Energy News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    India – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025
    India: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    South America – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025
    South America: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Humanitarians report more deaths, displacement and desperation in Gaza
    Source: United Nations 2 “Every day brings more preventable deaths, displacement and desperation,” the agency said in a humanitarian update. On Friday, Israeli authorities issued another displacement order, this time for parts of North Gaza. OCHA said it continues to receive deeply troubling reports of malnourished children and adults being admitted to hospitals with insufficient resources […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Helps Advance First Four Spending Bills with Alaska Wins
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski 07.18.25 Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, voted to advance four bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) that contain significant investments for Alaska. The four appropriations bills that passed committee are for Agriculture, Rural […]

    MIL-OSI: Lake Shore Bancorp Announces Closing of Conversion Transaction
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) DUNKIRK, N.Y., July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lake Shore Bancorp, Inc. (“Lake Shore Bancorp”) (NASDAQ: LSBK), the new holding company for Lake Shore Bank (the “Bank”), announced that the conversion of Lake Shore, MHC from mutual to stock form, the related stock offering by Lake Shore Bancorp and the Bank’s conversion […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: German Chancellor Calls Situation in Gaza ‘Unacceptable’
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BERLIN, July 18 (Xinhua) — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called the current situation in the […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Pocan, Krishnamoorthi, Amo, 49 Colleagues Slam Rubio’s Decision to Incinerate Food Aid
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark Pocan (2nd District of Wisconsin) WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), and Gabe Amo (RI-01) led a letter with 49 of their colleagues to Secretary of State Marco Rubio opposing his decision to withhold nearly 500 metric tons of emergency food aid […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Eleven Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions, Fills One County Vacancy
    Source: US State of Missouri JULY 18, 2025 Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced eleven appointments to various boards and commissions and filled one county vacancy. Beth Banker, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Board. Ms. Banker is the clinical director for the Child Protection Center. She previously served as […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Virginia The Only State In America Where The Unemployment Rate Rose In June, Per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today reported that the unemployment rate in Virginia rose again in June, to 3.5 percent. The BLS report notes that “Virginia had the only rate increase” in the month of June. This was the sixth consecutive increase in […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘People who spent years saving lives are now struggling to survive’ – how we witnessed Trump’s USAID cuts devastate health programmes in Kenya
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael Eastham, Lecturer in Young People’s Health Inequalities, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University Homabay, Kenya, in February 2025. Rachael Eastham, CC BY My phone wouldn’t stop ringing – nurses, social workers, young mothers – all begging for help. ‘I’ve lost my job,’ ‘I have no food,’ ‘What […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio Announces $194,000 Federal Grant to Support New Homeowners in Western PA
    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA) CARNEGIE, PA – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) announced that $194,000 in NeighborWorks America Flexible Impact Grants have been awarded to NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania network sites headquartered in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. The grant will support efforts to help new homeowners, with the goal of lowering the cost of housing, […]

    MIL-OSI Security: Law Enforcement Officers and Louisiana Business Owner Indicted on Charges of Bribery, Conspiracy to Commit Visa Fraud, and Mail Fraud
    Source: US FBI LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook,  Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eric Delaune, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, announced that a federal grand jury in the Western District […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: On the road in war-torn Gaza
    Source: United Nations 2 Moving around Gaza has become ever more difficult amid the ongoing 21-month-long war. Mr. Saad, who was displaced from the town of Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip, was waiting for the vehicle pulling the cart he was sitting in to move. “Transportation is very difficult and unsafe,” he told […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK statement: response to E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank
    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments News story UK statement: response to E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank The UK has issued a statement in response to the announcement by Israel’s Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Merkley, Van Hollen, Sanders Denounce Threats to West Bank Communities 
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States last week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in issuing the following statement in response to the Israeli Higher Planning […]

    MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Strongly Condemns Israeli Plan to Seize Control of Ibrahimi Mosque
    Source: Government of Qatar Doha – July 18, 2025 The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Israeli occupation’s plan to transfer the administration and supervision of the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and the Hebron Municipality to the Jewish Religious Council in the Kiryat Arba settlement. Qatar views this […]

    MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Met reiterates warning on support for proscribed organisations ahead of Saturday protests
    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday when a number of protests are due to take place. A march organised by the Palestine Coalition will go from Victoria Embankment to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand. Speeches will take place in Whitehall […]

  • Israel – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025

    Israel News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    Palestine – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025
    Palestine News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    Defence News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025
    Defence News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Humanitarians report more deaths, displacement and desperation in Gaza
    Source: United Nations 2 “Every day brings more preventable deaths, displacement and desperation,” the agency said in a humanitarian update. On Friday, Israeli authorities issued another displacement order, this time for parts of North Gaza. OCHA said it continues to receive deeply troubling reports of malnourished children and adults being admitted to hospitals with insufficient resources […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz, Díaz-Balart, Gonzales, Espaillat Lead Latino-Jewish Caucus in Marking Anniversary of AMIA Jewish Center Bombing, Demand Accountability
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) “More than three decades after the tragic AMIA Jewish Center bombing, and there’s still no justice for the 85 victims, the hundreds of injured, and countless people who were traumatized by this attack,” said Wasserman Schultz. “With antisemitism skyrocketing around the world, this […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: German Chancellor Calls Situation in Gaza ‘Unacceptable’
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BERLIN, July 18 (Xinhua) — German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called the current situation in the […]

    MIL-OSI: Value Line, Inc. Declares a Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.325 Per Common Share
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Value Line, Inc. (NASDAQ: VALU) announced today that its Board of Directors declared on July 18, 2025 a quarterly cash dividend of $0.325 per common share, payable on August 11, 2025, to stockholders of record on July 28, 2025. The Company has 9,409,522 shares of […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Israel is exploiting the vacuum left by southern Syria’s sectarian clashes and a weak state
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rob Geist Pinfold, Lecturer in International Security, King’s College London Several days of bitter sectarian fighting in the south of Syria has brought the fledgling government in Damascus dangerously close to direct conflict with Israel, after Israeli warplanes launched strikes against government buildings in the Syrian capital, Damascus, […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Miller-Meeks Votes to Pass Defense Bill That Delivers Raise for Service Members, Strengthens National Security
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks’ (IA-02) Washington, D.C. – Last night, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026, which fully funds the U.S. military, delivers a well-deserved pay raise for our servicemembers, and reinforces America’s military superiority at home and abroad. “This bill […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK statement: response to E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank
    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments News story UK statement: response to E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank The UK has issued a statement in response to the announcement by Israel’s Civil Administration to reintroduce the E1 settlement plan in the occupied West Bank A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Merkley, Van Hollen, Sanders Denounce Threats to West Bank Communities 
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States last week, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in issuing the following statement in response to the Israeli Higher Planning […]

    India-UAE Partnership Eyes Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technology as Next Breakthrough Sectors
    Source: Government of India Source: Government of India (4) India and the United Arab Emirates are solidifying their strategic partnership, setting their sights on nuclear energy and advanced technology as the next frontiers for collaboration. This move comes as bilateral trade has already surged past the $100 billion mark, five years ahead of schedule, cementing […]

    MIL-OSI Africa: Qatar Strongly Condemns Israeli Plan to Seize Control of Ibrahimi Mosque
    Source: Government of Qatar Doha – July 18, 2025 The State of Qatar strongly condemns the Israeli occupation’s plan to transfer the administration and supervision of the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs and the Hebron Municipality to the Jewish Religious Council in the Kiryat Arba settlement. Qatar views this […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mann Invests in Military Families, U.S. National Security
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas, 1) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) voted to advance H.R. 4016, the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act. The bill, which appropriates funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) for the 2026 fiscal year, affirms President Trump’s commitment to achieving peace through strength while improving […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Syria crisis: Hundreds killed in ongoing violence, hospitals overwhelmed
    Source: United Nations 4 Briefing reporters in Geneva, UN human rights office, OHCHR, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani highlighted “credible” reports of “widespread violations and abuses, including summary executions and arbitrary killings, kidnappings, destruction of private property and looting of homes” in the city of Sweida. “Among the reported perpetrators were members of the security forces and […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Alford: Our Defense Appropriations Bill is a Commitment to Strength
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Alford (Missouri 4th District) Alford: Our Defense Appropriations Bill is a Commitment to Strength Washington, July 18, 2025 Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026. […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Allen Votes to Fund U.S. Military Superiority
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Allen (R-GA-12) Congressman Allen Votes to Fund U.S. Military Superiority Washington, July 18, 2025 Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026. This legislation serves as the vehicle to provide funding for the Department of Defense (DoD) and […]

    MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Swift Launches Presale with Programmable Proof-of-Yield Mining and AI-Driven Smart Contract Ecosystem
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) LUXEMBOURG, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Swift (BTC3), has officially launched its presale phase, introducing a programmable Proof-of-Yield (PoY) mining mechanism and AI-integrated governance model designed to reshape participation in blockchain networks. The presale, which began on July 14, features a $1.00 entry price in Stage 1, with rewards issued […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: Holy See Press Office Press Release: Telephone conversation of the Holy Father with the Prime Minister of Israel
    Source: The Holy See Holy See Press Office Press Release: Telephone conversation of the Holy Father with the Prime Minister of Israel, 18.07.2025 This morning, in his residence at Castel Gandolfo, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV spoke by telephone with His Excellency Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, following yesterday’s military attack by the Israeli […]

    MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/HOLY LAND – Following the Israeli attack on the parish, Pope Leo telephones the Patriarchs of Jerusalem during their visit to Gaza
    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI Photo Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) – In the aftermath of the grievous strike on the Holy Family Church compound in Gaza, which left three dead and at least nine wounded (see Fides, 17/7/2025), His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, together with His Beatitude […]

    MIL-OSI NGOs: Ireland: Amnesty’s head urges Irish government to press ahead with Occupied Territories Bill
    Source: Amnesty International – Following a two-day visit in which she met with Ireland’s head of state and head of government, among other senior officials, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said: “While the EU has betrayed its principles through its shameful decision not to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement, we applaud Ireland for its […]

  • University News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025

    University News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    MIL-OSI USA: Oregon State Treasury Announces Hiring of New Director of Private Market Investments
    Source: US State of Oregon he Oregon State Treasury announced today the hiring of Tad Fergusson, CFA, as Director of Private Market investments. Fergusson will start at Treasury in his new role on July 28. Fergusson joins Treasury with nearly three decades of experience in institutional investing and portfolio management. In his position, he will […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Helps Advance First Four Spending Bills with Alaska Wins
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski 07.18.25 Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, voted to advance four bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) that contain significant investments for Alaska. The four appropriations bills that passed committee are for Agriculture, Rural […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Mfume, Senator Alsobrooks Introduce Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) introduced the Jordan McNair Student Athlete Heat Fatality Prevention Act in the United States House of Representatives. Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) simultaneously introduced the companion legislation in the United States Senate, with Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) as an […]

    MIL-OSI Australia: Vitamin D deficiency increases risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation
    Source: 19 July 2025 There is a clear link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of being hospitalised by COVID-19 As the latest wave of COVID-19 shows no signs of abating, University of South Australia experts say it’s not just booster shots that could offer protection – healthy levels of vitamin D […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Bill to Support Maine’s Lobster Industry Clears Appropriations Committee
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins Published: July 18, 2025 Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she advanced significant funding and key language to support Maine’s lobster industry in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Announces Members of Independent Scientific Panel on Effects of Nuclear War
    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council NEW YORK, 18 July (United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) — On 17 July, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of an independent scientific panel of experts tasked with examining the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in […]

    MIL-OSI USA: What You Need to Know About NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 Mission
    Source: NASA Four crew members are preparing to launch to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 mission to perform research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance activities aboard the orbiting laboratory.During the mission, Crew-11 also will contribute to NASA’s Artemis campaign by simulating Moon landing scenarios that astronauts may encounter near the lunar […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Senator Peters Secures Funding to Strengthen Public Safety, Michigan Manufacturing, and Great Lakes Protections in Appropriations Bill
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) helped secure funding in the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act to fund Michigan priorities, high-impact local projects, and federal programs that support manufacturing, our environment and Great Lakes, public safety, […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova visited the Kaluga region on a working trip.
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova and Kaluga Region Governor Vladislav Shapsha opened a children’s and adult polyclinic in Kaluga. The new facility is designed for 650 visits per […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Bacon Announces Priorities Included in Defense Appropriations Bill
    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska) Bacon Announces Priorities Included in Defense Appropriations Bill Secures over $2.3B for Nebraska Defense Research and Air Force Investments  Washington – Today, Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) announced the successful inclusion of over $2.3 billion in critical Nebraska priorities in the Defense Appropriations bill passed by the House of Representatives with a […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: How the ‘big, beautiful bill’ will deepen the racial wealth gap – a law scholar explains how it reduces poor families’ ability to afford food and health care
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Beverly Moran, Professor Emerita of Law, Vanderbilt University President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio watch Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on television after the House passed the bill on July 3, 2025. Joyce N. Boghosian/White House via AP President Donald Trump has said the […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Eleven Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions, Fills One County Vacancy
    Source: US State of Missouri JULY 18, 2025 Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced eleven appointments to various boards and commissions and filled one county vacancy. Beth Banker, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the Child Abuse and Neglect Board. Ms. Banker is the clinical director for the Child Protection Center. She previously served as […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: The US Environmental Protection Agency’s retreat from science endangers the health of people and the planet
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Glaberman, Associate Professor of Comparative Toxicology, University of Birmingham Andromeda stock/Shutterstock Pollution causes more illness and early death than any other environmental threat, accounting for one in six deaths worldwide. For decades, the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) has driven many […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Decoding hints that Xi Jinping may be under pressure to relinquish some of his power
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham Political and economic pressures might force Chinese president and overall leader Xi Jinping to delegate some of his powers to his deputies in a highly significant move. This has prompted some observers and media outlets to speculate […]

    MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Releases Black Youth Suicide Action Plan to Tackle Rising Number of Suicides Among Black Youth, Young Adults
    Source: US State of North Carolina Headline: NCDHHS Releases Black Youth Suicide Action Plan to Tackle Rising Number of Suicides Among Black Youth, Young Adults NCDHHS Releases Black Youth Suicide Action Plan to Tackle Rising Number of Suicides Among Black Youth, Young AdultsjawernerFri, 07/18/2025 – 10:15 In response to a sharp increase in suicide rates […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: HSE University Educational Programs for Top AI and IT Specialists
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. The site may not display correctly in older browser versions. For optimal site experience, we recommend using a modern browser. We use cookies to improve the HSE website and make it more convenient […]

    MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Capito Celebrates Career, Legacy of Outgoing WVU President Gordon Gee
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito [embedded content] Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Capito’s remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) delivered a speech on the Senate floor celebrating the career and legacy of West Virginia University’s (WVU) outgoing president […]

    MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council awarded significant grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
    Source: City of Coventry Coventry City Council has won a major grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, securing nearly £1 million to transform the city’s green and blue spaces. The transformation will particularly occur in areas with limited nature through the ‘Green for All’ scheme. This will significantly improve public health and boost the […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Leaders in India, Hungary and the US are using appeals to nostalgia and nationalism to attack higher education
    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Riyad A. Shahjahan, Professor of Higher, Adult and Life Long Education, Michigan State University Two scholars argue that nostalgia and resentment fuel government attacks on universities. Rick Friedman/AFP Harvard University is under siege by the Trump administration – and the world is watching. But this case isn’t […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: The State University of Management will provide expert and analytical support in organizing the activities of the commissions of the State Council of Russia
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: Official website of the State – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. On July 17, 2025, the State University of Management was visited on a working visit by GUU graduates: Anton Ageyev, General Director of the ANO “Expert Coordination Center of the Commissions of the State […]

  • Analysis – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025

    Analysis: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on July 19, 2025.

    MIL-OSI Submissions: How the ‘big, beautiful bill’ will deepen the racial wealth gap – a law scholar explains how it reduces poor families’ ability to afford food and health care
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Beverly Moran, Professor Emerita of Law, Vanderbilt University President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio watch Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on television after the House passed the bill on July 3, 2025. Joyce N. Boghosian/White House via AP President Donald Trump has said the […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Israel is exploiting the vacuum left by southern Syria’s sectarian clashes and a weak state
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rob Geist Pinfold, Lecturer in International Security, King’s College London Several days of bitter sectarian fighting in the south of Syria has brought the fledgling government in Damascus dangerously close to direct conflict with Israel, after Israeli warplanes launched strikes against government buildings in the Syrian capital, Damascus, […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: The US Environmental Protection Agency’s retreat from science endangers the health of people and the planet
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Glaberman, Associate Professor of Comparative Toxicology, University of Birmingham Andromeda stock/Shutterstock Pollution causes more illness and early death than any other environmental threat, accounting for one in six deaths worldwide. For decades, the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) has driven many […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Decoding hints that Xi Jinping may be under pressure to relinquish some of his power
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham Political and economic pressures might force Chinese president and overall leader Xi Jinping to delegate some of his powers to his deputies in a highly significant move. This has prompted some observers and media outlets to speculate […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Cognitive warfare: why wars without bombs or bullets are a legal blind spot
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Gisselsson Nord, Professor, Division of Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University Master1305/Shutterstock Imagine waking up to the news that a deadly new strain of flu has emerged in your city. Health officials are downplaying it, but social media is flooded with contradictory claims from “medical experts” […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Exercise could ease symptoms for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) – new study
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Bartlett, Senior Lecturer of Exercise Immunology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Surrey Ground Picture/Shutterstock Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is the most common adult blood cancer in the western world, and it predominantly affects older adults. Most people are diagnosed after the […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Testosterone gel: what happens if it rubs off on other people
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry, Sheffield Hallam University Marc Bruxelle/Shutterstock.com A case that first appeared in a medical journal several years ago has recently resurfaced in the media, highlighting an unexpected risk of hormone therapies: a baby girl in Sweden developed unusually large genitals after lying on […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: A brief art history of adultery
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natalie Hanley-Smith, Teaching fellow in early modern history, University of Warwick The Stolen Kiss by Jean Honore Fragonard (1787). Hermitage Museum A stolen glance across a crowded room, a shadowy figure slipping through a doorway, a lover hidden behind a curtain – adultery has long been a drama […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: It doesn’t have to be welfare versus warfare. Changes that make tax fairer could fund both
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Giray Gozgor, Associate Professor of Economics & Finance, School of Management, University of Bradford Historically, UK spending on defence has often been pitted against welfare, education and local government. But at a time when the government has pledged to meet Nato’s target for defence spending – 5% of […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Cynthia Erivo will be the most talked about Jesus of 2025 – but women have long retold the gospel
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sarah Parkhouse, British Academy Research Fellow, Centre for Biblical Studies, University of Manchester Cynthia Erivo, the award-winning actor and star of Wicked, will play Jesus Christ at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles between August 1 and 3 2025. Unsurprisingly perhaps, the casting of the Wicked star as […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: ‘People who spent years saving lives are now struggling to survive’ – how we witnessed Trump’s USAID cuts devastate health programmes in Kenya
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rachael Eastham, Lecturer in Young People’s Health Inequalities, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University Homabay, Kenya, in February 2025. Rachael Eastham, CC BY My phone wouldn’t stop ringing – nurses, social workers, young mothers – all begging for help. ‘I’ve lost my job,’ ‘I have no food,’ ‘What […]

    MIL-OSI Analysis: Automatic voter registration: a huge step forward for democracy – and a chance to bring missing millions into elections
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Toby James, Professor of Politics and Public Policy, University of East Anglia Shutterstock/Melinda Nagy The UK government has announced planned changes to elections which it claims to be “the boldest and most ambitious change to our democracy for decades”. This includes extending the franchise to 16- and 17-year-olds […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: How to understand the row between Angela Rayner and Unite – and what it means for Labour’s relationship with the unions
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Eric Shaw, Honorary Research Fellow in Politics, University of Stirling At its recent conference in Brighton, the union Unite voted overwhelmingly to expel deputy prime minister Angela Rayner from membership. The successful motion denounced the way Birmingham’s Labour council has handled a pay dispute with the city’s bin […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Going on holiday? Here’s how to make sure your trip is sustainable
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sayed Elhoushy, Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Queen Mary University of London Anna Om/Shutterstock With the rise of sustainable tourism (travelling in a way that minimises harm to the environment, and benefits local communities), words such as “sustainable”, “”eco” and “green” appear on countless holiday brochures. From five-star hotels […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Bluetongue outbreak endangers UK livestock – what you need to know about the virus
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cate Williams, Knowledge Exchange Fellow at Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University Bluetongue causes illness and death in cattle, sheep, goats and other ruminants. Juice Flair/Shutterstock A tiny midge, no bigger than a pinhead, is bringing UK farming to its knees. The culprit? A strain […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Going on holiday? What you need to know about taking your meds with you
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV/Shutterstock As summer holidays begin, many travellers are packing more than just swimsuits and sunscreen – for millions, medicines are essential. But taking them abroad isn’t always simple. From legal pitfalls to temperature-sensitive drugs, here’s how to travel […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Afghan data leak: how selective state secrecy and cover-ups can harm civilians
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Victoria Canning, Professor of Criminology, Lancaster University In 2022, somebody in the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) mistakenly shared a spreadsheet containing the personal information associated with 18,714 Afghans and their family members. This data breach, and the efforts to cover it up, raises serious questions about state […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Lions rugby tour: why visual training, including juggling, can be a secret weapon in elite sports
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Zoe Wimshurst, Senior Lecturer of Sport Psychology, Health Sciences University Odua Images/Shutterstock Much of the pre-series attention on the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia has been on injuries, player omissions and personal rivalries. One of those rivalries involves the Australian sensation Joseph-Akuso Suaalii facing Lions […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Britain’s ban on lead ammunition could save tens of thousands of birds from poisoning
    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Deborah Pain, Visiting Academic, University of Cambridge; Honorary Professor, University of East Anglia, University of Cambridge CHUYKO SERGEY/Shutterstock The UK’s environment minister Emma Hardy has announced a ban on toxic lead ammunition to protect Britain’s countryside. This ban includes the sale and use for hunting of both lead […]

    MIL-OSI Submissions: Florida plan to deputize National Guard officers as immigration judges at Alligator Alcatraz would likely violate constitutional rights
    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Raquel Aldana, Professor of Law, University of California, Davis President Donald Trump visits Alligator Alcatraz in Ochopee, Florida on July 1, 2025. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images Seeking to expand Florida’s role in federal immigration enforcement, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in May 2025 submitted the state’s Immigration Enforcement […]

  • Technology – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025

    Technology News – A Roundup of Significant Articles on ForeignAffairs.co.nz for July 19, 2025

    MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada to support Northern Super League’s inaugural championship event
    Source: Government of Canada News (2) Northern Super League’s three-day championship event in November to celebrate women’s sports and fans  July 18, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario Across Canada, sports tourism serves as a cornerstone in strengthening local economies and elevating communities. Sport brings people together, fostering a sense of community and shared pride while attracting […]

    MIL-OSI: Innovatively implement the “Genius Act”, Mint Miner supports the use of XRP and BTC to start cloud mining
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Chicago, Illinois, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — “Crypto Week” is the third day of today, and the bill has been officially passed, which will affect the regulatory framework of cryptocurrencies such as XRP. The provisions of the bill address key industry issues such as token classification, stablecoin framework, and the competitiveness […]

    MIL-OSI: Thomson Reuters Corp to Join the Nasdaq-100 Index® Beginning July 28, 2025
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) NEW YORK, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today announced that Thomson Reuters Corp (Nasdaq: TRI), will become a component of the Nasdaq-100 Index® (Nasdaq: NDX®) and the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXE™) prior to market open on Monday, July 28, 2025. Thomson Reuters Corp will replace ANSYS, […]

    MIL-OSI: Ethereum Surges to $3,400 as ALL4 Mining Fuels a New Era of Crypto Investors in 2025
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Houston, Texas, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ethereum (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has broken past the significant $3,400 mark, signaling renewed confidence in the blockchain giant. As Ethereum powers forward with smart contract innovations and ecosystem dominance, platforms like ALL4 Mining are playing a crucial role in allowing […]

    MIL-OSI: The Genius Act is approved: Mint Miner opens a new era of cloud mining for all, turning cryptocurrency into daily income
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Chicago, Illinois, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the wave of technological democratization sweeps the world, the concept of “everyone has the right to participate in technological innovation” advocated by the “Genius Act” is accelerating in the crypto industry. Mint Miner, the world’s leading green cloud mining platform, officially announced the […]

    MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces July 2025 Distributions
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) TORONTO, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce distributions for the month of July 2025 for its open-end exchange traded funds and closed-end funds (“the Funds”). The ex-distribution date for all Open-End Funds is July 29, 2025. The ex-distribution date for all closed-end funds is […]

    MIL-OSI USA: FDA Requests Sarepta Therapeutics Suspend Distribution of Elevidys and Places Clinical Trials on Hold for Multiple Gene Therapy Products Following 3 Deaths
    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3 For Immediate Release:July 18, 2025 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it has placed Sarepta Therapeutics investigational gene therapy clinical trials for limb girdle muscular dystrophy on clinical hold following three deaths potentially related to these products and new safety concerns that the […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski Helps Advance First Four Spending Bills with Alaska Wins
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski 07.18.25 Washington, DC – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, voted to advance four bills for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) that contain significant investments for Alaska. The four appropriations bills that passed committee are for Agriculture, Rural […]

    MIL-OSI: 2025’s Most Efficient Crypto Mining Platform? AIXA’s AI Has the Answer
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) New York City, NY, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, one constant remains: the need for reliable, consistent, and scalable ways to grow digital assets. As 2025 unfolds, the industry has moved beyond speculation-driven investments and entered a phase of strategic, technology-backed wealth generation. Enter […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Heinrich, Neguse, Moore Introduce Bill to Expand and Improve Access to Clean Water in Tribal Communities
    US Senate News: Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado Half of households on Native American reservations lack access to reliable water sources, clean drinking water, or adequate sanitation WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper, Michael Bennet, and Martin Heinrich alongside Representatives Joe Neguse and Gwen Moore recently introduced the Tribal Access to Clean […]

    MIL-OSI: reAlpha Tech Corp. Announces Closing of $2 Million Public Offering
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) DUBLIN, Ohio, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) (the “Company” or “reAlpha”), an AI-powered real estate technology company, today announced the closing of its previously announced public offering of an aggregate of 13,333,334 shares of its common stock, together with Series A-1 warrants to purchase up to […]

    MIL-OSI: Beneficient Receives Nasdaq Listing Determination
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) DALLAS, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beneficient (NASDAQ: BENF) (the “Company”), a technology-enabled platform providing exit opportunities and primary capital solutions and related trust and custody services to holders of alternative assets through its proprietary online platform AltAccess, today announced that on July 16, 2025, the Company was notified by The […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Legislation considered under suspension of the Rules of the House of Representatives during the week of July 21, 2025
    Source: US Congressional Budget Office The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote. At […]

    MIL-OSI: Topnotch Crypto Launches Revolutionary AI-Powered Cloud Mining Platform Ahead of 2025 Cryptocurrency Surge
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) Houston, Texas, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Topnotch Crypto, a visionary leader in blockchain innovation, today proudly announces the launch of its revolutionary AI-powered cloud mining platform. This cutting-edge platform promises to redefine cryptocurrency mining by leveraging artificial intelligence and cloud computing to deliver unparalleled efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability. As cryptocurrency […]

    MIL-OSI Canada: Enhancing trade corridors in the Pacific Northwest
    Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen will attend this year’s Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit and take part in a panel discussion and fireside chat to highlight the importance of economic corridors to facilitating Alberta’s mutually beneficial trade with the region.   Associate Minister of Water Grant Hunter will participate in […]

    MIL-OSI: Matador Technologies Provides Contract Details for CTO Engagement
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) TORONTO, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Further to its March 31, 2025 announcement welcoming Antoine De Vuyst as Chief Technology Officer (“CTO”) and lead designer of the forthcoming Digital Gold Platform on Bitcoin, Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV: MATA, OTCQB: MATAF, FSE: IU3) (“Matador” or the “Company”) is providing the following summary […]

    MIL-OSI: Bowen Acquisition Corp Receives NASDAQ Delisting Notification for Failure to Comply with Listing Requirements
    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) New York, NY, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bowen Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: BOWN) (“BOWN”), a special purpose acquisition company, announced that on July 15, 2025, it received a delisting determination letter (the “Delisting Determination Letter”) notifying BOWN that its securities are subject to delisting from the Nasdaq Global Market. The Delisting […]

    MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Announces Members of Independent Scientific Panel on Effects of Nuclear War
    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council NEW YORK, 18 July (United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs) — On 17 July, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of an independent scientific panel of experts tasked with examining the physical effects and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in […]

    MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese authorities have promised to take measures to regulate the NEV market
    Translation. Region: Russian Federal Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article. Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities on Friday held a meeting with representatives of the new […]

    MIL-OSI USA: Stay Cool: NASA Tests Innovative Technique for Super Cold Fuel Storage
    Source: NASA In the vacuum of space, where temperatures can plunge to minus 455 degrees Fahrenheit, it might seem like keeping things cold would be easy. But the reality is more complex for preserving ultra-cold fluid propellants – or fuel – that can easily overheat from onboard systems, solar radiation, and spacecraft exhaust. The solution […]

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Cambodia: Scamming crisis survivors must be protected amid mass crackdown

    Source: Amnesty International

    Responding to reports and Cambodian government announcements that a crackdown on scamming compounds in the country is under way, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director Montse Ferrer said:

    “A coordinated government response to Cambodia’s scamming crisis is long overdue. However, it is vital that authorities respect the human rights of individuals found in these locations, where we have documented slavery, torture and other abuses carried out by criminal gangs.

    “Emerging reports and social media footage raise concerns that police may not be using a human rights-based approach to who is being detained and who is being treated as a victim of human trafficking. Victims must be properly identified and protected, and the government should share details about the detention centres where they may now be held.

    “Finally, police should not only focus on the individuals carrying out scams, but on those controlling them. Any legitimate crackdown must include the investigation and questioning of compound landlords and managers, as well as the security guards and companies who have assisted them.”

    Background

    According to research published last month by Amnesty International, the Cambodian government has been deliberately ignoring a litany of human rights abuses including slavery, human trafficking, child labour and torture being carried out by criminal gangs on a vast scale in more than 50 scamming compounds located across the country.

    Amnesty’s findings suggested there had been coordination and possibly collusion between Chinese compound bosses and the Cambodian police, who have failed to shut down compounds despite the slew of human rights abuses taking place inside.

    Since the publication of the report, the Cambodian authorities appear to have undertaken a crackdown on scamming compounds. On Wednesday 16 July authorities said they had arrested more than 1,000 people in raids on compounds in at least five provinces. Reports of more raids have continued, with dramatic social media footage showing scenes of people running from compounds in the middle of the night with suitcases.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top financial regulator pledges strengthened support for economic growth

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 18 — China’s top financial regulator on Friday pledged strengthened support for economic growth and the achievement of the country’s full-year economic and social development goals in 2025.

    In a statement on its website, the National Financial Regulatory Administration said that it will enhance financial support for high-quality urban development and the implementation of consumption-boosting initiatives.

    Measures will also be taken to boost support for effective investment and financing, improve financial services to stabilize businesses and foreign trade, and step up support for the development of new quality productive forces, according to the statement.

    The administration called for the coordination of work to guard against risks, strengthen regulation and promote high-quality development, and the prevention and defusion of risks in key sectors.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Donalds And Lee County Sheriff’s Office Co-Host Personal Safety Workshop In Fort Myers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    Donalds And Lee County Sheriff’s Office Co-Host Personal Safety Workshop In Fort Myers

    Washington, July 18, 2025

    FORT MYERS, Fla. – Yesterday, the Office of Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), in collaboration with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, co-hosted a free, personal safety workshop at the Fort Myers Regional Library.

    Attendees were informed of key safety issues affecting residents of the Southwest Florida region and proactive measures that can be taken to ensure self-protection in various scenarios.

    The third installment of the Office of Congressman Byron Donalds Community Workshop Summer Series, entitled “Spotting Scams,” will take place on Monday, July 28th at the Bonita Springs Library from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Votes To Pass First Round Of DOGE Cuts: Defunds USAID, NPR, And PBS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    Donalds Votes To Pass First Round Of DOGE Cuts: Defunds USAID, NPR, And PBS

    Washington, July 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Last night, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) voted to pass H.Res. 590 – the first round of DOGE cuts. This critical legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a party-line vote of 216-213 and will head to President Trump’s desk to be signed-into law.

    H.Res. 590 slashes $9 billion in waste, fraud, and abuse from federal spending and specifically defunds politicized federal agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), National Public Radio (NPR), and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Congressman Donalds released the following statement:

    “For years, our federal agencies were weaponized by rogue, unelected bureaucrats in order to serve the political interests of leftist ideologues. This waste, fraud, and abuse stretches deep into our federal government and has been exposed to the world through USAID’s farcical expenditures and the egregious politicization of reporting at federally-funded news outlets. Our hard-earned taxpayer dollars never should have been funding this disgraceful conduct and I look forward codifying additional rounds of DOGE cuts in the future.”

    Watch passage of H.Res. 590 here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Votes To Create Digital Asset Framework For America And Block CBDC Tyranny

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    Donalds Votes To Create Digital Asset Framework For America And Block CBDC Tyranny

    Washington, July 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) voted to pass a landmark financial services package that blocks the formation of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in America and creates a clear framework for the growing proliferation of digital assets.

    The legislative package included three bills: (1) H.R. 3633 – “The CLARITY ACT,” (2) S. 1582 – “The GENIUS Act,” (3) H.R. 1919 – “The Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act.” While H.R. 3633 and H.R. 1919 advanced to the U.S. Senate for consideration, this afternoon, S. 1582 was signed into law by President Trump. Congressman Donalds released the following statement:

    “Central Bank Digital Currency would give unelected bureaucrats in our federal government absolute control over your money. This is wrong, this is a dangerous threat to freedom, this is un-American, and immediate action had to be taken. I am proud to have joined my colleagues in voting to block this globalist tyranny from infiltrating our nation and ensure there’s a clear framework for the proliferation of digital assets in America.”

    Background on H.R. 3633 – “The CLARITY Act”:

    • Passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote of 294-134.
    • The CLARITY Act, sponsored by House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (AR-02) and House Committee on Agriculture Chairman G.T. Thompson (PA-15) was introduced on May 29, 2025. The bill advanced out of both Committees with bipartisan support on June 10, 2025. The CLARITY Act establishes clear, functional requirements for digital asset market participants, prioritizing consumer protection while fostering innovation. By providing strong safeguards and long-overdue regulatory certainty, this legislation advances U.S. innovation and reinforces U.S. leadership in the global financial system.
    • Read the full text of the legislation HERE.
    • See Congress.gov bill profile HERE.


    Background on S. 1582 – “The GENIUS Act”:

    • Passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote of 308-122.
    • Signed-into law by President Trump on July 18, 2025.
    • The GENIUS Act, introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), provides a clear regulatory framework for the issuance of payment stablecoins, a payment product that is currently offered in the United States with little, if any, federal oversight. The GENIUS Act prioritizes consumer protection, fosters innovation, and strengthens the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status. The GENIUS Act passed the U.S. Senate by a bipartisan vote of 68-30 on June 17, 2025.
    • Read the full text of the legislation HERE.
    • See Congress.gov bill profile HERE.


    Background on H.R. 1919 – “The Anti-CBDC Surveillance Act”:

    • Passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote of 219-210.
    • The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, sponsored by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), prohibits unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. from issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) that undermines Americans’ right to financial privacy. Unlike decentralized digital assets, CBDCs are digital forms of sovereign currency issued and controlled by government, with transactions occurring on a government-managed ledger. In short, a CBDC is government-controlled, programmable money that, if not designed to mimic cash, could provide the federal government with detailed transaction data on individual users and the ability to program the CBDC to suppress politically unpopular activities.
    • Read the full text of the legislation HERE.
    • See Congress.gov bill profile HERE.

    Watch House passage of H.R. 3633, S. 1582, and H.R. 1919 HERE.

    Watch President Trump sign S. 1582 into law HERE

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weatherIn addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and overweight people are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:
     ​”Heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

    Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above):
     ​If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

    ​The public may obtain more information from the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat strokeIssued at HKT 7:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supporting Autistic Adults

    Source: Scottish Government

    Fund allocated to third sector organisations.

    Nine organisations working with autistic adults are to benefit from a £2.5 million multi-year fund.

    The Autistic Adult Support Fund, launched in 2023, supports third sector organisations to help autistic adults reach their full potential – supporting them, their families and their carers to understand what neurodivergence means for them and improve their wellbeing.

    Among the latest recipients of the fund is The Anchor charity in Greenock, which is being awarded £247,450 to help autistic adults at risk of suicide or self-harm.

    Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said:

    “I am pleased to announce the recipients of this funding to provide support to autistic adults and their families and carers.

    “All successful projects will meaningfully involve autistic people in the development, design, and delivery of the support. Autistic adults will be helped to thrive – the projects will support them to access services and improve their general wellbeing so they can get involved in and truly feel part of their community.

    “Our commitment to multi-year funding will ensure that funded projects have the security and space to develop and grow high quality support, making the most of the skills and experiences of autistic people they support.”

    Chris Paul, Chief Executive of The Anchor said:

    “We are delighted to have secured this funding, bringing the opportunity to support autistic adults in our community at new levels. As a local grassroots organisation with big ambition, we are looking forward to taking this project forward.”

    Celia Tennant, Chief Executive Officer at Inspiring Scotland said:

    “Everyone in Scotland should have the same opportunity to lead happy and healthy lives and ensuring there is support to understand an autistic diagnosis or identity is important in making that possible.

    “The volume of applications received to this fund further demonstrates not just the need for investment in this area but also the vital role that the third sector is providing in supporting autistic adults to understand their autism to improve wellbeing.

    “In managing the application process for this new fund, we were pleased to be supported by a panel of autistic people and professionals from relevant areas, ensuring the fund decisions were informed by lived experience.” 

    Background

    Autistic Adult Support Fund – Inspiring Scotland

    Full list of funded organisations:

    Applicant

    Type of Support

    Area of Delivery

    Requested Amount

    HOPE for Autism

    Group support, coaching, workshops

    North Lanarkshire

    £101,639.52

    Autism Initiatives

    Post diagnostic course, peer groups, one to one

    Scotland

    £486,756.00

    SWAN Autism (Scotland)

    Post diagnostic course, one to one, group support, counselling, workshops

    Scotland

    £305,989.00

    Home-Start Orkney

    Peer led support groups and resource development

    Orkney

    £72,342.05

    Into Work

    Autistic wellbeing and work programme

    East Lothian; Edinburgh City;
    Midlothian

    £186,043.39

    The National Autistic Society

    Post-diagnostic course and one t one support

    National

    £453,417.33

    The Salvesen Mindroom Centre

    One to one support

    Scotland

    £389,433.25

    The Anchor SCIO

    One to one support

    Argyll & Bute; Inverclyde

    £247,450.00

    Lucy Faithfull Foundation

    Group work, one to one support, training for professionals

    Scotland

    £205,577.00

    Total

       

    £2,448,647.54

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New medicine to protect higher-risk babies from RSV

    Source: Scottish Government

    Single injection to help prevent the common winter virus.

    More babies who are born very prematurely will now be protected against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) with the introduction of a new single injection which lasts throughout the winter season.

    Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the single dose long-acting antibody medicine, nirsevimab (Beyfortus®) will replace the five monthly jabs which were previously offered to higher-risk infants between October and February.

    In addition, the existing programme for higher risk infants is being expanded to include very preterm infants, born before 32 weeks.

    Minister for Public Health Jenni Minto:

    “RSV can be life-threatening to babies born very early.

    “That is why I am pleased the single jab will be offered by all NHS Boards across Scotland from this September, helping to protect these high-risk infants over winter.

    “We will continue to work hard to protect Scotland’s most vulnerable groups against the respiratory illnesses which circulate throughout the colder months. Our various prevention programmes help reduce avoidable admissions to hospital and therefore the pressure on our NHS.”

    Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation at Public Health Scotland, said:

    “The last year has seen significant progress in efforts to protect those most vulnerable to RSV, including the introduction of the maternal RSV vaccine which is offered at 28 weeks of pregnancy and helps protect newborn babies from serious illness. Babies born prematurely are at highest risk of serious complications from RSV and we welcome this programme expansion, which will help to ensure that even more babies are protected during their most vulnerable early months.”

    BACKGROUND

    RSV can lead to life-threatening pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, a lung infection.

    The current RSV maternal vaccine (for infant protection) is given at 28 weeks, so the expansion of the programme to all infants born before 32 weeks gives protection to those babies who are unlikely to benefit from maternal vaccination.

    The new injection for babies is the latest development in efforts to protect those most vulnerable to RSV and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions over the busy winter period. Last August, Scotland was the first nation in the UK to introduce another new RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, for pregnant women and older adults – more than 70% of eligible older adults took up the offer, leading to a Public Health Scotland study, published in the Lancet, showing a 62% reduction in RSV related hospitalisations among this group.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Overnight closures of Highway 99 at Steveston Highway for girder placement

    Highway 99 northbound and southbound will be closed to traffic overnight for up to eight consecutive nights beginning Friday, July 18, 2025, for Steveston Interchange construction.  

    During the closures, vehicles travelling on Highway 99 will be detoured using the on- and off-ramps at Steveston Highway.

    The closures are needed so heavy-lift cranes can lift the main-span concrete girders into place to form part of Phase 2 of the new five-lane Steveston Interchange spanning Highway 99. Each of the 11 main-span girders weighs 50 tonnes and is 35 metres long.   

    To minimize traffic interruptions, work will only take place during the following times:

    • July 18-19: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
    • July 20-25: 10 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

    As is currently the case, the Steveston Highway northbound loop ramp onto Highway 99 will remain closed, with traffic rerouted to access the north side on-ramp via left turn lanes. East/west travel on Steveston Highway will be maintained for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

    Existing transit stops will be maintained in all directions. Drivers can expect minor delays and are asked to use caution through the detour.

    The Steveston Interchange Project is on track to be completed in fall 2025.

    For updates, check: https://www.drivebc.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Celebrates Delivery of $280 Million in Drought Assistance for South Texas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) today lauded the rollout of more than $280 million in emergency assistance deliveries for South Texas farmers and ranchers impacted by the water shortage as part of a grant program U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Sen. Cornyn, and others secured for the region late last year:
    “The delivery of $280 million in drought assistance to South Texas will provide much-needed relief to farmers and ranchers in the Valley who have suffered from Mexico’s repeated refusal to provide the water it owes under the Water Treaty,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I was proud to work alongside Secretary Rollins and lead several of my colleagues from Texas in the mission to secure this funding, and I look forward to continuing to partner with the Trump administration and state leaders to provide every resource necessary for our agriculture community.”
    Background:
    Sen. Cornyn has led the charge in Congress to boost Texas’ water supply and ensure Mexico fulfills its treaty obligations to provide annual deliveries of water to South Texas farmers and ranchers. In addition to successfully securing more than $280 million in emergency assistance for Rio Grande Valley farmers and producers affected by the water shortage, he led a request earlier this year to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asking for renewed efforts to push Mexico to comply with the 1944 Water Treaty while also securing Secretary Rubio’s commitment to hold Mexico accountable for delays.
    Last year, Sens. Cornyn and Cruz raised alarms after a Rio Grande sugarcane mill closed due to acute water shortages, cosponsored a resolution supporting diplomacy, and sent a letter to then-U.S. Secretary of State Blinken urging the Department to engage on Mexico’s violation of the intent of the treaty. Senator Cornyn also led a letter to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State and Foreign Operations urging them to withhold designated funds from Mexico until they enter into an agreement with the U.S. to balance the deficit of the water deliveries, which the House Appropriations Committee included in their funding bill.
    Under the Treaty Relating to the Utilization of Waters of the Colorado and Tijuana Rivers and of the Rio Grande, Mexico is obligated to deliver an average of 350,000-acre feet of water annually over a five-year cycle as its contribution to the Rio Grande’s water supply. However, Mexico has consistently delayed fulfilling its water obligation until the end of the five-year cycle, which hinders South Texas farmers’ ability to plan for and grow crops as well as ranchers’ ability to provide water to livestock. The current cycle ends in October and so far, Mexico has paid less than 700,000 acre-feet of water — less than half of what it owes, according to IBWC data.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Receives Healthcare Champion of Change Policymaker Award 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) received the Healthcare Champion of Change Policymaker Award from the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) in recognition of her bipartisan leadership and advocacy for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities across the nation. 

    The APIAHF’s Healthcare Champions of Change honors administrative, community, and organizational leaders for their efforts to support quality care for and address the unique needs of AANHPI communities.  

    Rep. Kim was recognized for her extensive work to reduce barriers and expand access to health care, including through her leadership on the Veterans and Family Information Act, Health CARE Act, and SPEAK Act.   

    “Language barriers should not stand between Americans and their health,” said Rep. Young Kim. “This award is especially meaningful to me as a Korean American and the representative of a vibrant Asian American and Hispanic community. I will continue to work across the aisle to ensure that quality health care is accessible across our communities.” 

    Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-2), the Oklahoma Micronesian Coalition, and the Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation were also recognized by APIAHF for their contributions to improving health outcomes for AANHPI communities. 

    Learn more about APIAHF HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Requests Sarepta Therapeutics Suspend Distribution of Elevidys and Places Clinical Trials on Hold for Multiple Gene Therapy Products Following 3 Deaths

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 18, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced it has placed Sarepta Therapeutics investigational gene therapy clinical trials for limb girdle muscular dystrophy on clinical hold following three deaths potentially related to these products and new safety concerns that the study participants are or would be exposed to an unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury. The FDA has also revoked Sarepta’s platform technology designation.
    The FDA leadership also met with Sarepta Therapeutics and requested it voluntarily stop all shipments of Elevidys today. The company refused to do so.  
    “Today, we’ve shown that this FDA takes swift action when patient safety is at risk.” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “We believe in access to drugs for unmet medical needs but are not afraid to take immediate action when a serious safety signal emerges.”
    The three deaths appear to have been a result of acute liver failure in individuals treated with Elevidys or investigational gene therapy using the same AAVrh74 serotype that is used in Elevidys. One of the fatalities occurred during a clinical trial conducted under an investigational new drug application for the treatment of Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.
    “Protecting patient safety is our highest priority, and the FDA will not allow products whose harms are greater than benefits. The FDA will halt any clinical trial of an investigational product if clinical trial participants would be exposed to an unreasonable and significant risk of illness or injury,” said Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Vinay Prasad, M.D., M.P.H.
    Elevidys is an adeno-associated virus vector-based gene therapy using Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.’s AAVrh74 Platform Technology for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). It is designed to deliver into the body a gene that leads to production of Elevidys micro-dystrophin, a shortened protein (138 kDa, compared to the 427 kDa dystrophin protein of normal muscle cells) that contains selected domains of the dystrophin protein present in normal muscle cells. The product is administered as a single intravenous dose.
    Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare and serious genetic condition which worsens over time, leading to weakness and wasting away of the body’s muscles. The disease occurs due to a defective gene that results in abnormalities in, or absence of, dystrophin, a protein that helps keep the body’s muscle cells intact.
    Further, today, the FDA revoked the platform technology designation for Sarepta’s AAVrh74 Platform Technology because, among other things, given the new safety information, the preliminary evidence is insufficient to demonstrate that AAVrh74 Platform Technology has the potential to be incorporated in, or utilized by, more than one drug without an adverse effect on safety.
    Elevidys received traditional approval for use in ambulatory DMD patients 4 years of age and older with a confirmed mutation in the DMD gene on June 20, 2024. It was approved for non-ambulatory patients on June 22, 2023 under the accelerated approval pathway. This pathway can allow earlier approval based on an effect on a surrogate endpoint or intermediate clinical endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit, while the company conducts confirmatory studies to verify the predicted clinical benefit. Continued approval for non-ambulatory patients is contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. Given the new safety information, The FDA has notified the company that the indication should be restricted to use in ambulatory patients. The FDA is committed to further investigating the safety of the product in ambulatory patients and will take additional steps to protect patients as needed.
    The FDA is continuing to investigate the risk of acute liver failure with serious outcomes, including those such as hospitalization and death, following gene therapies using Sarepta’s AAVrh74 Platform Technology, and the need for further regulatory actions.
    More information:

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Content current as of:
    07/18/2025

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: CCTV footage released following murder of Rene Graham in Ladbroke Grove

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Rene Graham almost a year ago say that the answers sit within a “small pocket of the community”.

    A murder investigation was launched after Rene was killed in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park at around 19:20hrs on Sunday, 21 July.

    CCTV footage showed the suspect walking calmly towards the busy park before he entered via the children’s play area and shot Rene in the chest. Rene sadly died at the scene.

    Footage also showed that after shooting Rene, the suspect chased and attempted to shoot a second victim, before fleeing the area. Detectives have released some of the CCTV today to assist their investigation and independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information.

    Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation said: “Rene was tragically shot dead during a busy music festival. Since the launch of the investigation, officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and taken numerous statements from witnesses.

    “Rene’s family have continued to be supported throughout these enquiries, and they remain understandably devastated about his death.

    “Recently, a man in his 20s was interviewed under caution in relation to Rene’s murder and we continue to investigate all lines of enquiry.”

    The footage released today shows the suspect walking in the direction of the park, appearing to pull a gun from his pocket and then running from the area shortly after the shooting.

    DCI Foxwell added: “The person responsible for Rene’s murder opened fire in a busy park where dozens of people, including very young children, were enjoying themselves.

    “Officers have appealed to the local community on multiple occasions – we believe there are people sitting on the name of the person responsible.

    “This person, who was willing to take the life of Rene and risk the lives of others, remains in your community. Now is the time to get in touch with us to give Rene’s family the peace they deserve.

    “Our thoughts, remain as ever, with them.”

    Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for Rene’s murder.

    Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Rene, was very sadly murdered last year in broad daylight with over two hundred people present.

    “The significant and lasting impact on his family, friends, and the local community, cannot be underestimated and our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones.

    “We believe someone who either witnessed the incident or knows of someone who was there on the day, will have information. No matter how insignificant they think it could be, it could help bring those responsible to justice. You can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously – we won’t ask for your name and are unable to identify your telephone number or IP address if you are reporting online.

    “We don’t record calls, so once you have contacted our Charity there is no further involvement. Your information is passed anonymously on to the Police with no questions asked. Please do the right thing to find justice for Rene, who was only 15 years-old at the time of his death. Your information could make a real difference, and you may be eligible for a reward.”

    Crimestoppers urges anyone with information regarding Rene’s murder or any details that could assist the investigation to come forward. Information can be passed on anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

    Any information can be provided to police by calling 101 or messaging @MetCC on X, providing the reference CAD 6343/21Jul.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/17/2025 Blackburn, Skrmetti Call for FTC Investigation Into Questionable Online Marketing of Alternatives to FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Andrew Ferguson, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), urging the FTC to investigate shady online marketing practices of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
    These drugs are increasingly being advertised as alternatives to FDA-approved weight loss medications like Ozempic and are being advertised in ways that mislead consumers and undermine both public health and the integrity of the pharmaceutical marketplace.
    Foreign Criminals and Con Artists Are Hijacking the FDA-Approved Weight Loss Drug Market
    “The FDA-approved GLP-1 medications are life-changing for millions of patients and resulted from decades of research and testing. Amid the unprecedented demand for these miracle medicines, foreign criminals and con artists are defrauding and endangering Americans by selling and shipping counterfeit or deceptively-marketed GLP-1 drugs and active ingredients. Many sellers of these drugs advertise directly to consumers on social media, claiming that their products are an easier and more affordable way to obtain GLP-1 drugs.”
    Study Finds Most Websites Do Not Disclose GLP-1 Drugs Aren’t FDA-Approved

    “Federal law requires that advertising for drugs be ‘truthful, non-misleading and accurate.’ A recent peer-reviewed analysis… reviewed online sales advertising for compounded GLP-1 medications between July and September 20243. The findings of the analysis were disturbing. The authors of the study report that ‘most websites did not disclose that compounded GLP-1 RAS were not FDA approved, although some suggested these drugs were FDA approved. Many websites provided limited safety information and unauthorized efficacy claims. Some websites did not disclose that these medications were compounded or incorrectly referred to them as generic.’ More than a third of the sites failed to include precautions, warnings, or contraindications. Fourteen percent even failed to disclose adverse effects. Moreover, many of these sites employed aggressive and manipulative marketing tactics that closely resemble those used in unscrupulous supplement sales, including celebrity endorsements, discount countdown timers, and testimonial-heavy landing pages. Consumers are often directed through low-barrier ‘consultations’ that circumvent the more thorough medical evaluation such a prescription should require.”
    Manipulative Marketing Has Resulted in Severe Harm to Unsuspecting Consumers 

    “These illicit activities have already resulted in severe harm to unsuspecting users. To date, there have been over 900 adverse events associated with compounded versions of the two leading therapies in this class – trizepitide and semaglutide – including at least 17 deaths. These are not isolated incidents. What we are seeing is a growing commercial ecosystem that relies on the facade of legitimacy, all the while sidestepping appropriate regulatory oversight. Consumers seeking to improve their health are funneled through online evaluations and presented with products that may well pose genuine medical risks, all while being told they are receiving the same benefits as prescription medications that have passed FDA review.”

    The FTC Should Investigate These Marketing Practices

    “Traditionally the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays an important complementary role alongside the FDA in protecting consumers from false advertising practices related to drugs. Your authority is clear under Section 5 of the FTC Act. We urge the Commission to initiate a formal investigation into these advertising practices by companies marketing GLP-1 drugs-whether compounded, counterfeit, or otherwise misrepresented-and consider enforcement actions where warranted. We also encourage the FTC to work with the FDA to issue clear guidance regarding the marketing of compounded pharmaceuticals, particularly those marketed as substitutes for regulated medications. The risks to consumers are real and growing. As an elected representative of the people of Tennessee and the State’s chief legal officer, we know that deceptive marketing practices like these undermine consumer trust and put people at serious risk. Swift action will help protect public health and reaffirm the Commission’s role in ensuring ‘truthful, non-misleading and accurate’ advertising of sensitive products consumers are putting into their bodies.”

    Click here to read the full letter.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/18/2025 Blackburn, Harris Lead Fight to Hold National Education Association Accountable for Putting Politics Over Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and U.S. Representative Mark Harris (R-N.C.) introduced the National Education Association Charter Repeal Act to revoke the congressional charter of the nation’s largest teachers’ union and the only labor union with a federal charter:

    “Time and again, teachers’ unions have shown they’ll put their political agenda ahead of students’ needs,” said Senator Blackburn. “The National Education Association has made it crystal clear it’s a partisan organization, and it shouldn’t be rewarded with a federal charter that platforms woke gender ideology, antisemitism, and left-wing propaganda. Our students deserve better.”

    “Congress established the NEA in 1906 to support America’s teachers and strengthen our schools, but it has abandoned that mission in favor of a radical agenda,” said Representative Harris. “From branding President Trump a fascist to embracing divisive gender ideology and walking away from efforts to fight antisemitism, the NEA has become nothing more than a partisan advocacy group. Since the NEA is clearly not prioritizing students, parents or even teachers, it’s time to remove Congress’ seal of approval from this rogue organization.”
    BACKGROUND
    Last week, the National Education Association (NEA) voted to fight against President “Trump’s embrace of fascism,” promote LGBTQ events in public schools, and sever all ties with the Anti-Defamation League. These latest examples of NEA’s blatant political bias, along with its recent promotion of hatred and antisemitism, are a clear departure from the organization’s intended purpose.
    The NEA has a long list of egregious violations of public trust:
    In the 2024 election cycle, 98 percent of NEA political donations went to Democrats. 
    In 2023, the NEA partnered with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), who collaborated with the Target Corporation to promote an obscene, radical agenda in their stores.
    In July 2021, the NEA adopted measures to support critical race theory.
    The NEA stood in the way of reopening schools in 2020 and 2021 by threatening strikes and influencing CDC guidance process to make it harder for schools to reopen.

    THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION CHARTER REPEAL ACT
    The National Education Association Charter Repeal Act would:
    Eliminate the congressional authorization of the NEA; and
    Formally remove Congress’ “seal of approval” and the suggestion that the government is responsible for the NEA’s operations.
    Click here for bill text.
    ENDORSEMENTS
    The National Education Association Charter Repeal Act is endorsed by Moms for Liberty, Heritage Action, Young America’s Foundation, American Principles Project, and the National Right to Work.

    “It’s incredibly sad that the nation’s largest teachers union has put woke politics before America’s children. The NEA’s embrace of radical left policies and antisemitism combined with their rejection of parental rights has forced moms and dads across America to condemn this organization. Moms For Liberty is incredibly thankful for Congressman Mark Harris, and his bold stand to remove the NEAs congressional charter. While other members just talk, Mark stepped up and took action,” said Tina Descovich, CEO of Moms for Liberty.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Marks Two Major Milestones For Project Ultra, Outlines Future Of Drone & Counter-Drone Initiative

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    07.18.25
    Senator Highlights Weekly Unmanned Cargo Flights Between Grand Forks & Cavalier, Secured Increased $100 Million Contract Ceiling for Project ULTRA
    EMERADO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today outlined two major milestones for Project ULTRA, which further solidify North Dakota’s leadership in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technology development:
    Project ULTRA has started conducting unmanned cargo flights between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Cavalier Space Force Station.
    Under this initiative, the project partners will fly unmanned aircraft carrying up to 25 pounds of cargo between the two military installations on a weekly basis for the next year.
    Importantly, this is the first such UAS operation on a military base flying through the national airspace (NAS) and without a chase plane.
    By conducting such operations on a routine basis, Project ULTRA is writing the playbook for similar UAS operations at bases across the country.

    Hoeven has secured an agreement in principle with the Department of Defense (DoD) to increase the contract ceiling for Project ULTRA to $100 million, up from $18 million.
    The higher funding ceiling creates the opportunity for all military services to connect with expertise in the private sector utilizing Project ULTRA.
    This will enable DoD to more cost-effectively and quickly develop the capabilities it needs, including counter-drone technology.

    All of Project ULTRA’s funding is made available through annual defense appropriations legislation, which Hoeven helps write as a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee. These efforts are further bolstered by legislation Hoeven drafted authorizing the Air Force to conduct a pilot project that would use drones to resupply remote facilities that support nuclear missiles, like those in Minot. Hoeven’s legislation is included in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.
    “Today marks two major milestones for Project ULTRA – the beginning of weekly UAS cargo flights between two military bases and an increase of the initiative’s contract ceiling to $100 million,” said Senator Hoeven. “We’re leveraging this funding and the ecosystem we’ve been building in our state since 2005 to connect all of our military branches with even more private sector partners to realize a wide range of new capabilities, from innovative and efficient uses of UAS to protecting our military bases against threats from drones. That’s a big deal, because drone technology is front and center everywhere you look, whether in Ukraine and Russia, the Middle East, our military or the civilian sector. North Dakota will continue leading the way, due in large part to the good work of GrandSKY, the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and their partners to deliver results for our military that are on-time and on-budget.”
    The Project ULTRA partners undertaking the unmanned cargo flights include:
    GrandSKY.
    The Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
    Grand Forks County.
    Skyways, which is providing the aircraft.
    Simulyze, which is providing the traffic management system.
    Representatives from the Air Force, Navy and NASA.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: Department of Education to Release After-School Funds

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    07.18.25
    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Education will release funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which supports after-school programs in North Dakota. Upon hearing about the issue from Bismarck Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Fastnacht and Mackenzie County Public Schools Superintendent Steve Holen, Hoeven worked to release the funds, outlining the importance of the funding to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    “We heard about the importance of these after-school programs from North Dakota superintendents, and worked with OMB to get the funding released. These funds help provide quality after-school programs for North Dakota students while enabling their parents to work, which is vital for students but also local economies,” said Hoeven.

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  • MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Boosts Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers targeted relief to America’s small businesses, making their tax deduction permanent, repealing onerous IRS reporting regulations and enabling workers to benefit from businesses’ success.
    “Freeing small businesses from onerous reporting requirements and providing them certainty through a permanent small business deduction allows them to expand and invest,” said Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho). “That means more jobs and higher wages in our local communities, on top of new provisions that allow taxpayers to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks.”
    Key wins:
    Permanent small business deduction, enabling job creation and spurring local economic activity.
    No tax on tips for millions of tipped workers.
    No tax on overtime for millions of America’s hourly workers.
    Repeals the Democrats’ onerous IRS reporting requirements on gig workers.
    Increases the 1099-MISC threshold, reducing the paperwork burden for small businesses and workers.
    What they are saying:
    “H.R. 1 extends the pro-growth policies from the TCJA and builds on their success, expanding key incentives from the 2017 law while introducing new provisions that further support manufacturing investment in the United States.” – National Association of Manufacturers
    “Making the small business deduction permanent is NFIB’s number one legislative priority and the most important thing Congress can do to help small businesses and their workers.” – National Federation of Independent Businesses
    “The ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill,’ now on its way to President Donald J. Trump for his signature, includes tax policies that will strengthen the restaurant and foodservice industry, enabling restaurant owners and operators across the country to create jobs, invest in their business and provide certainty for their local economies.” – National Restaurant Association

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement of Senate Intel Vice Chair Warner on DNI Gabbard’s sham claims about a “treasonous conspiracy” at the highest levels of government

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on DNI Gabbard’s unfounded claims of a coup: 

    “It seems DNI Gabbard is unaware that the years-long Russia investigation carried out by the Senate Intelligence Committee reaffirmed that ‘the Russian government directed extensive activity against U.S. election infrastructure’ ahead of the 2016 election, and that it ‘used social media to conduct an information warfare campaign’ in order to benefit Donald Trump. This conclusion was supported on a unanimous basis by every single Democrat and Republican on the committee. 

    “It is sadly not surprising that DNI Gabbard, who promised to depoliticize the intelligence community, is once again weaponizing her position to amplify the president’s election conspiracy theories. It is appalling to hear DNI Gabbard accuse her own IC workforce of committing a ‘treasonous conspiracy’ when she was unwilling to label Edward Snowden a traitor. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Humanitarians report more deaths, displacement and desperation in Gaza

    Source: United Nations 2

    “Every day brings more preventable deaths, displacement and desperation,” the agency said in a humanitarian update.

    On Friday, Israeli authorities issued another displacement order, this time for parts of North Gaza.

    OCHA said it continues to receive deeply troubling reports of malnourished children and adults being admitted to hospitals with insufficient resources available to treat them.

    Fuel crisis deepens

    The energy crisis in Gaza is also deepening, despite the resumption of limited fuel imports as the quantities that are entering – while critical for continuity – “remain at lower levels than what we were previously able to extract from dwindling internal reserves, which have now been fully depleted”.

    The situation has forced solid waste collection to be paused in recent days, and additional wells have had to shut down, particularly in Deir Al-Balah.

    “While specific health services, including dialysis, have reduced or shut down, others could go on for a few more days before they too will have to go dark,” OCHA warned.

    “With every day that passes, people have less clean water and healthcare and more sewage flooding ground floors.”

    Since the limited entry of fuel entry supplies resumed on 9 July, the UN has managed to send just over 600,000 litres of diesel to Kerem Shalom. On Thursday,

    it was able to send 35,000 litres of much-needed benzene for the first time.

    OCHA said these volumes are limited because Israel has allowed only 14 trucks over the past week. 

    The agency stressed that to maintain lifesaving operations, hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel are needed every day. The limited fuel currently entering is primarily allocated to health, water and communications services as well as to power vehicles.

    Humanitarian movements curtailed

    Humanitarian movements inside Gaza also continue to be restricted.

    On Thursday, seven out of 13 attempts to coordinate the movement of aid workers and supplies with the Israeli authorities were facilitated.

    Teams were able to retrieve some fuel, collect some water, relocate generators, provide supplies related to hygiene and sanitation and transfer much-needed medical supplies.

    The six remaining attempts were either outright denied or approved initially, but then faced obstacles on the ground.

    End international media ban

    Meanwhile, the head of the UN Palestine refugee agency UNRWA called on Friday for the ban on international media entering Gaza to be lifted.

    “650 days of atrocities against civilians with no international media allowed in,” Philippe Lazzarini wrote in social media post, adding that over 200 Palestinian journalists have been killed during this time.

    “Media ban fuels dis-information campaigns questioning first-hand data and accounts from eyewitnesses and international humanitarian organizations,” he said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Violence in Haiti, rising insecurity in DR Congo, expert panel on nuclear war

    Source: United Nations 2

    Displaced Haitians are dispersed among the 250 active displacement sites across the country, most of which are informal. Just over a fifth of these sites are managed by humanitarian organizations, meaning that many are living in precarious conditions.  

    In June alone, more than 200 alerts were reported across displacement sites, over 80 per cent of which were related to essential needs such as lack of water, food, shelter or healthcare.

    OCHA noted that nearly 1.3 million people are now internally displaced in Haiti, the highest number ever recorded in the country due to violence.

    Constrained UN response

    The UN and partners have supported more than 113,000 displaced Haitians this year, providing essential services such as water, shelter, sanitation and healthcare.

    The humanitarian response is severely constrained by limited funding and persistent insecurity, hampering humanitarian access to the most affected areas and delaying the delivery of aid. 

    Despite the challenges, the agency continues to work closely with Haitian authorities and humanitarian partners to coordinate relief efforts and mobilise additional resources to support displaced communities. 

    DR Congo: Ongoing violence in the east drives displacement, impedes aid delivery

    Ongoing violence in North and South Kivu provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to claim the lives of civilians and to trigger new displacement. 

    In North Kivu, UN partners on the ground in Rutshuru and Lubero territories reported that fighting between M23 and other armed groups was ongoing until Tuesday, resulting in eight civilian deaths and 42,500 displaced people as of earlier this week. 

    Since early July, heavy clashes between M23 and other armed groups in South Kivu have also persisted, as local partners said the fighting has displaced at least 37,000 people from their homes. 

    Aid access restrictions 

    The surge in violence is making it harder for humanitarians to deliver assistance to vulnerable communities. 

    While partners and teams on the ground are doing their best to maintain services for those affected, access restrictions and severe funding shortages pose significant obstacles. 

    A humanitarian convoy coordinated by OCHA along the road between the provincial capital Bukavu and the city of Uvira, primarily planned for this Friday, has been postponed due to a lack of security guarantees on that route. 

    Many UN partners on the ground are forced to scale back their operations, disrupting essential services for those in need. 

    OCHA called on the international community to take urgent action to address these severe funding gaps and avert a humanitarian tragedy. 

    New panel to examine the effects of a nuclear war

    The UN Secretary-General has appointed an independent scientific panel of 21 experts to examine the physical and societal consequences of a nuclear war on a local, regional and planetary scale in the days, weeks and decades following such an event.

    The creation of the panel, mandated by a General Assembly resolution, comes at a time when nuclear guardrails are being eroded and “the risk of nuclear war is higher than at any point since the depths of the Cold War,” UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said on Friday during the daily media briefing from Headquarters in New York. 

    The panelists will seek input from a wide range of stakeholders – including international and regional organizations, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), civil society and affected communities. 

    Members will hold their first meeting in September and will submit a final report to the General Assembly in 2027. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jayapal Welcomes Home Americans, While Condemning Trump Administration’s Unlawful Removals

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (7th District of Washington)

    SEATTLE, W.A. — U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Immigration, Integrity, Security, and Enforcement, issued the following statement regarding the reported deal between the United States, El Salvador, and Venezuela:

    “I am grateful that United States citizens held by the oppressive Maduro regime are finally able to come home and be reunited with their loved ones. Many of these Americans had been unjustly detained for years.

    “At the same time, I am outraged that President Trump and his administration continue to lie to the American people. For months, the Trump administration had been telling U.S. courts. They claimed that the individuals he had shipped off to El Salvador with no due process were under the complete control of the El Salvadoran government, and the administration had no ability to bring them back to the United States for their fair day in court.  Today’s announcement shows that it was false.

    “I am also devastated for the many Venezuelans who came to the U.S., who never committed a crime, and many of whom were fleeing persecution from the Maduro regime, are now being sent back into the hands of their persecutors.  These individuals, like Andry Hernandez Romero, were never able to present their asylum claim and were sent out of this country in violation of our constitution and our laws.

    “We will hold this administration accountable for its continued lawlessness.”

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    Issues: Civil Rights, Immigration

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, McGovern, Project Bread Sound Alarm on Republicans’ Devastating Food Assistance Cuts, Harm to Massachusetts Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Massachusetts Families Fear Worsening Hunger Crisis Amid Trump’s Cuts to SNAP in Big, Ugly Bill

    Photos (DropBox)

    EAST BOSTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02) convened a listening session in East Boston with Project Bread, the leading statewide food security organization in Massachusetts, to highlight the devastating impacts that Trump’s Big, Ugly Bill will have on Massachusetts families who rely on federal food assistance.

    “No one in Massachusetts – no child, student, parent, or senior – should go hungry.,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley. “Trump and Republicans’ Big, Ugly Bill is a shameful betrayal of our shared humanity and will make communities in the Massachusetts 7th and across the country hungrier, poorer, and sicker. SNAP is a lifeline, especially for families facing other insecurities, and for Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ households that face the highest rates of food insecurity. Listening to families directly impacted by this crisis is essential as we chart a path forward, and I’m grateful to fight alongside Rep. McGovern, Project Bread, state and local leaders, and critical food assistance, nutrition, and farming advocates to ensure food justice for all.”

    “Federal nutrition assistance programs put food on the table for families across Massachusetts. Today, we heard directly from some of those families about how the Trump’s Big Ugly Bill and DOGE cuts will make families more hungry and less healthy. Forty-two million people – the vast majority of which are working people, kids, seniors, and people with disabilities – will see their SNAP benefits cut and families with teenagers, older adults, veterans, former foster youth, and homeless people could lose their benefits altogether,” said Rep. James P. McGovern, Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Kids will have less nutritious food at school and families utilizing food pantries will have less access to fruits and vegetables. I can’t think of anything more cruel than taking food away from hungry families all to fund tax breaks for billionaires.” 

    “Project Bread hears from over 25,000 families every year just how critical food assistance programs are. People experiencing hunger share how they are working hard to provide for their families, navigating work challenges, health crises, family concerns, and much more, and it is important that we listen and uplift the real stories of food insecurity in Massachusetts,” said Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread. “We invest in building connections with those directly experiencing hunger because that lived expertise is central to how we develop and implement sustainable community solutions. Hunger is a policy choice. In Massachusetts, we are lucky to have powerful congressional and community leaders ready to listen, learn, and lead in the fight to ensure everyone can put food on the table.”

    Congresswoman Pressley, Congressman McGovern, and Project Bread discussed the stories of people with lived experience in the Massachusetts 7th, as well as partners and advocates, including Ricardo Henry, Community Leader of Neighborhood Food Action Collaborative; Sandra Nijjar, Founder of East Boston Community Soup Kitchen; Carlos Morales, Food Access Manager of La Colaborativa; Michelle Doyle, Meals Program Director of Prospect Hill Academy Charter School; Alexandra Mello, Project Bread Council of Experts; Janin Otero, Project Bread Council of Experts, and others. Also joining them were state and local officials, including State Representative Adrian Madaro, State Senator Lydia Edwards, State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata; Jeffrey McCue, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance; Julianne Stelmaszyk, Director of the Division of Food Security at the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources; Allison Bovell-Ammon, Assistant Undersecretary for Children and Family Services at the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services; and Aliza Wasserman, Director of the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Food Justice.

    Photo from the listening session are available here.

    Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has been a champion for food security and justice and ensuring families have the essential food assistance they deserve. She has been an outspoken critic of the Big, Ugly Bill since its inception and Republicans’ harmful cuts to SNAP and other government service programs.

    • Rep. Pressley joined colleagues at a press conference imploring the House to reject the cruel and harmful legislation.
    • Rep. Pressley joined the Congressional Black Caucus and over 100 colleagues in stalling a vote on the Big, Ugly Bill.  
    • Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Senate’s passage of the Big, Ugly Bill and vowing to continue fighting it using every tool available.
    • Rep. Pressley rallied with advocates from Caring Across Generations, Care Can’t Wait, and partner organizations to protest Trump’s and Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill that proposes disastrous cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs and would leave communities sicker, poorer, and more vulnerable.
    • Ahead of the House’s vote on the bill, Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned speech on the House floor in which she made a direct appeal to her Republican colleagues to oppose this cruel and harmful bill.
    • Rep. Pressley delivered a floor speech in which she slammed the bill’s proposed Medicaid cuts, which would decimate reproductive healthcare in America and worsen maternal health outcomes.
    • Rep. Pressley co-hosted a press conference with Color of Change to oppose the Republicans’ cruel and harmful budget reconciliation package, which would gut critical programs like Medicaid and SNAP.
    • In the House Oversight Committee’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Rep. Pressley demanded Republicans answer to the families who would go hungry by way of this reconciliation bill – and she was met with silence.
    • In an impassioned speech on the House floor, Rep. Pressley slammed Republicans’ cruel and callous budget resolution that would slash Medicaid, SNAP, and other critical government services to pay for trillions of dollars in tax giveaways for Donald Trump’s billionaire donors.

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