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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joe Wicks and government join forces to get children moving

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Joe Wicks and government join forces to get children moving

    New animated series for kids, known as Activate, will get more children across the country moving more and encouraging a healthier lifestyle.

    • Children to be inspired to get physically active over summer as Joe Wicks, MBE, launches Activate, a new animated series for kids
    • Created by Joe and produced by Studio AKA, Activate aims to tackle inactivity among children through fun, five-minute workouts – led by Joe as an animated character
    • Programme backed by government funding as part of Plan for Change to give children the best start in life

    Children across the country are being inspired to move more this summer following the launch of a new series from fitness coach, Joe Wicks MBE, backed by the government as part of a new partnership to reach schools and families across the country.

    The innovative animated Activate series features five-minute episodes which combine animation with upbeat music, courtesy of Universal Music UK, encouraging children to enjoy short bursts of movement that easily fit into their day and can be transformational for their physical and mental health. The government will be backing the programme to fund a further ten episodes.

    The series has been co-created by Joe and BAFTA award-winning Studio AKA (creators of Hey Duggee), bringing the nation’s favourite fitness coach to life through animation for the first time.

    Activate is backed by the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which is already hitting the ground running with its pledge to work with influencers and changemakers across society to shift the NHS from treating illness to preventing it.

    The new animated series was unveiled at Ripple Primary School in Barking, east London, where Joe Wicks and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, met teachers and parents to discuss keeping kids moving over the summer holidays and beyond.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 

    Childhood obesity robs our young people of their future, and inactivity is one of the biggest culprits. That’s why it’s crucial to start building healthy habits from a young age.

    Our 10 Year Health Plan sets out how we would tackle obesity through prevention and today demonstrates how we’re taking action. In the spirit of mission-driven government, we’re building a coalition of the willing to tackle the obesity epidemic head-on. 

    This initiative directly supports our focus on giving children the best start in life—a cornerstone of our Plan for Change. By investing in prevention today, we’re building a healthier generation for tomorrow.” 

    Being physically active is good for physical and mental health and helps relieve pressure on the NHS, preventing an additional £10.5 billion worth of treatment a year. Despite that, inactivity levels remain stubbornly high for adults and children, with huge inequalities across the country. The Activate programme represents a collaborative approach to tackling this growing health challenge. 

    The first episode is now available on Joe Wicks’ The Body Coach YouTube channel, with further episodes set to be released weekly over the summer holidays. 

    The series is released five years after Wicks united the nation with PE With Joe, which received over 100 million views online. Now, Joe is on a renewed mission to get children moving through this series.

    Joe Wicks said:

    Activate is the natural next step in everything I’ve worked towards over the past decade. From my early YouTube workouts, to ‘PE with Joe’ during the pandemic, my goal has always been to get children moving and feeling good – physically and mentally.

    This project brings together everything I am most passionate about, and everything I’ve learned on my journey – going back to my own childhood where I discovered movement as a way to cope with the challenges of living with parents with drug addiction and mental health issues.

    Activate is designed to make movement fun and inclusive for every child, with short, high-energy workouts that fit into everyday life – these can be enjoyed in the living room, the garden, in the classroom, or anywhere else!

    As a dad, I know how important it is to make movement something kids enjoy, not something they have to do. That’s exactly what Activate is all about so I hope it can be a real support for busy families, this summer and beyond.

    Earlier this month, the government launched its 10 Year Health Plan, which outlined how a shift from sickness to prevention will safeguard the nation’s health and put forward a range of measures to tackle growing rates of childhood obesity. 

    Obesity rates have doubled since the 1990s, including among children. A forthcoming report by the Chief Medical Officer will show that more than 1 in 5 children are living with obesity by the time they leave primary school, rising to almost 1 in 3 in areas with higher levels of poverty and deprivation. 

    Measures included in the 10 Year Health Plan include:

    • Launching a world-first partnership with food retailers and manufacturers to help families make healthier choices
    • Restricting junk food advertising targeted at children
    • Reforming the soft drinks industry levy to drive reformulation 

    This two-pronged approach of encouraging active lifestyles and healthy diets aims to tackle the UK’s most preventable chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, whilst tackling the £11.4 billion bill that obesity costs the NHS a year.     

    Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said:

    I know what a difference sport and physical activity make in shaping a young person’s life. It’s why we’re investing £400 million in grassroots facilities for all, joining up schools with sports clubs across the country and backing major events that inspire.

    For too long, it has felt as if we have hit a ceiling on participation in this country, and for too long the dial on inactivity has gone unmoved. Together, through initiatives like this, we will put that right and deliver on our Plan for Change.

    With Universal Music UK as the exclusive music partner, each episode features upbeat tunes from UK artists, including Becky Hill and Bastille. Each track has been chosen for its appeal to parents and children alike.

    Sue Goffe, Chief Executive at Studio AKA, said:

    We’re thrilled to bring the world of Activate to life through animation. Collaborating with Joe Wicks has been a joy, and we’re proud to be part of this creative project to inspire movement and wellbeing in children.

    Sarah Boorman, General Manager, Youth Strategies at Universal Music UK, said:

    Our shared goal with Joe was to make being active feel like something children genuinely want to do, powered by great music which is appropriate for them and loved by families too.

    Alison Lomax, Managing Director for YouTube UK & Ireland, said:  

    We’re so excited that Joe Wicks is bringing his new kids’ fitness show Activate to YouTube just in time for the holidays. Joe’s fun, energetic approach to getting kids moving has already made a huge impact on our platform, and Activate is set to become a go-to for families looking to keep active over the summer. It’s great to see YouTube being used in such a positive way – bringing free, accessible, and family-friendly fitness to homes everywhere.

    About the programme

    Created by Studio AKA, the BAFTA-winning creators of Hey Duggee, the Activate series sees Joe Wicks brought to life through animation alongside six loveable new characters, ‘The Activators’, accompanied by upbeat music from top UK artists. Together, they make movement feel personal, playful, and inclusive – so every child can find a character to connect with.

    Joe and the Activators lead children through fun, five-minute bursts of movement, that can be easily integrated into their day – whether at home, at summer clubs or on the go.

    With Wicks appearing as an animated character (a first for the family fitness coach), each short episode offers a burst of movement, fun, and energy to get kids’ hearts pumping and minds engaged. These include easy-to-follow exercises like jogging, squats, and burpees, wrapped up in a playful, gamified format that can keep kids active over the summer holidays and beyond.

    But Activate isn’t just for the summer holidays. It will also be available to schools during term time, to help build confidence, support mental wellbeing, and help children develop healthy habits for life.

    Joe added:

    Being turned into an animated character has been a surreal and wonderful experience, and my dream is that it connects with millions of kids and families across the UK and beyond.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to NICE final draft guidance and NHS rollout of Alyftrek for children and adults with some forms of cystic fibrosis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on NICE final draft guidance and the NHS rollout of Alyftrek for Cystic Fibrosis.

    David Ramsden, Cystic Fibrosis Trust Chief Executive, said:

    “Today’s announcements are a positive step in the journey to better treatments for more people with cystic fibrosis – a lifelong, life-limiting condition without a cure. It’s thanks to the incredible hard work and support of the CF community and everyone we work with that modulator drugs are now a treatment option for many, but not all people with CF.

    “Cystic fibrosis continues to make lives too tough and too short, which is why we will continue funding vital research to work towards a future where everyone can benefit from a life unlimited by CF.”

     

    Prof Kevin Southern, Professor of Child Health, Chair, UK CF Medical Association, said:

    “The CFMA welcome the approval of Alyfrek, which may offer an important alternative for some people with CF who are already treated with Kaftrio, or be an option for a small number of people who are not eligible for current therapies or have not been able to tolerate them. CF remains a condition without a cure and while improvements to therapies is good news, ongoing challenges exist for people with the condition. CF clinical teams will continue to work to achieve excellent health outcomes and quality of life for all, and we hope that in the future, new therapies will become available for people with CF, particularly for those who do not respond to existing therapies.”

    The NICE final draft guidance on Alyftrek was published on the NICE website at 00:01 UK time on Tuesday 15 July. 

    https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ta11430/documents  

    Declared interests

    No reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Introduces Bill to Require Clear Identification for Law Enforcement Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, helped introduce legislation to require law enforcement officers conducting immigration enforcement activities to clearly display identification during public-facing operations to enhance safety, transparency, and accountability. 

    Without visible identification – such as badges, names or insignia – members of the public cannot reliably confirm whether they are engaging with legitimate government officials, creating safety and operational risks for the public and for law enforcement. There have been documented incidents where criminals have impersonated officials and killed, assaulted, or kidnapped individuals.
     
    “Clear identification is a basic but essential safeguard that ensures accountability, strengthens public confidence, and protects the safety of both officers and members of the public,” said Senator Peters. “This legislation ensures federal officers display visible identification to support professional, safe, and transparent operations.” 
     

    The Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act of 2025 would help prevent impersonation, reduce confusion, and enhance public cooperation during enforcement operations by requiring DHS personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other deputized local law enforcement officers and agents, to display clearly legible identification — such as agency name or initials and a name or badge number. These identifications must be plainly visible and unobscured by gear.

    Last month, Peters questioned U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing about widespread reports of federal law enforcement officers conducting enforcement operations without visible identification. Peters warned that the lack of identification could lead to confusion and escalate tensions during enforcement actions that could endanger both the public and the officers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, EU hold high-level environment, climate dialogue

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

    Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, hold the sixth China-EU High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue jointly in Beijing, capital of China, July 14, 2025.  [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, July 14 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang held the sixth China-EU High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue jointly with Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President of the European Commission, on Monday in Beijing.

    Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, urged both sides, under the strategic guidance of their leaders, to strengthen practical cooperation on the environment and climate and make greater contributions to sustainable development in China, the EU and the world.

    He said that China attaches great importance to ecological and environmental protection and responding to climate change, has formulated and implemented a series of practical measures, and has achieved remarkable results in the comprehensive green transformation of its economic and social development.

    China will firmly promote green and low-carbon development and take effective measures to participate in global environmental and climate governance, Ding said, adding that China is willing to work with the EU to maintain high-level dialogue and exchanges, build greater consensus and deepen the green partnership.

    He said China stands ready to work with the EU to uphold mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, continuously expand cooperation in key areas such as energy and the circular economy, and jointly support the green and low-carbon development of other developing countries.

    China is also willing to work with the EU to promote the establishment of a fair, reasonable, cooperative and win-win global environmental and climate governance system, he added.

    Ribera said the EU is willing to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the EU and China as an opportunity to further consolidate existing cooperation with China, strive to find more new opportunities for cooperation, adhere to multilateralism, and promote the effective implementation of the Paris Agreement.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Power bank recalls on the rise due to serious burn and property damage risks

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC is urging consumers to be alert to a growing list of recalled wireless power banks, which have the potential to cause serious burns and property damage.

    Power banks, also known as portable battery packs, are portable battery chargers commonly powered by rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer batteries.

    They are designed to charge mobile phones and other portable electronic devices on the go.

    Since 2020, there have been 17 power bank recalls published on ACCC Product Safety website. Of these, 9 were recalled in the last 16 months.

    The ACCC is concerned about these recalls because together they include around 34,000 recalled power banks that are still with consumers.

    “Some consumers have suffered serious burn injuries, and some have had their property damaged because of power banks overheating and catching fire,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

    “Most incidents have occurred when the power bank is charging a phone or other device, which makes it more likely that they will be close to the user when they fail, increasing the likelihood of injuries.”

    The ACCC urges consumers who own a recalled power bank to stop using it immediately and follow the instructions on the recall notice to receive a remedy. You can check if your power bank is subject to a recall by visiting the ACCC Product Safety website.

    “Consumers who own a recalled power bank shouldn’t be concerned about being left out of pocket. Suppliers are offering a full refund or free replacement under these recalls,” Ms Lowe said.

    The ACCC encourages anyone using any power bank that contains lithium-ion batteries to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and to store the devices in a cool, dry place.

    Lithium-ion batteries can be highly flammable. Incorrectly manufactured, handled, stored or disposed of products can catch fire, explode or vent toxic gas. 

    “It’s important that people use the correct charger to charge their power bank and check that it is in good condition,” Ms Lowe said.

    “We urge consumers not to charge power banks on flammable materials such as beds, sofas or carpet, and to never use power banks that are damaged, overheating, swelling, leaking or venting gas.”

    “Setting timers as a reminder to unplug devices may help monitor device charging times, as it’s important to disconnect products from chargers when they are fully charged,” Ms Lowe said.

    Check the ACCC’s Product Safety lithium-ion batteries guide for more safety information.

    Recalled power banks that the ACCC is monitoring closely

    Anker Power Bank Model: A1257, A1647, A1681, A1689 – Anker Innovations Limited

    Published: 8 July 2025

    Reason for the recall: The power bank may overheat and catch fire.

    Hazard to consumers: Risk of serious burn injuries and/or property damage if the power bank catches fire. Incidents have occurred overseas, resulting in property damage.

    Baseus power bank 65W 30000 mAh (model number: BS-30KP365) – Shenzhen Baseus Technology Co., Ltd

    Published: 23 May 2025

    Reason for the recall: The power bank may overheat when charging or being used, posing a fire hazard.

    Hazard to consumers: Risk of serious burn injuries and property damage if the lithium-ion battery in the power bank overheats and catches fire.
    Baseus has received 76 reports of incidents involving the portable chargers, including 72 reports of bulging and four reports of fire, including three reports of property damage.

    SnapWireless PowerPack Slim (Gen 1) – SnapWireless

    Published: 21 May 2025

    Reason for the recall: The power bank can overheat and catch fire when used.

    Hazard to consumers: Risk of serious burn injuries or death and property damage. Incidents have occurred.

    Quad lock MAG battery pack – Annex Products Pty Ltd trading as Quad Lock

    Published: 12 Nov 2024

    Reason for the recall: The battery pack can overheat and catch fire.

    Hazard to consumers: There is a risk of serious injury, damage to property or both if the battery pack overheats and catches fire. This can occur even when the product is not in use. Battery packs have overheated and caused property damage.

    BoostCharge Pro fast wireless charger for Apple watch + power bank 10K – Belkin Ltd

    Published: 6 Nov 2024

    Reason for the recall: The lithium-ion cell may overheat and catch fire.

    Hazard to consumers: There is a risk of serious injuries, burns and property damage if the cell overheats and catches fire.

    Anker power bank A1647 – Anker Innovations Limited

    Published: 2 Oct 2024

    Reason for the recall: The battery in the power bank can overheat and catch fire.

    Hazard to consumers: There is a risk of serious injury from burns and/or property damage if the power bank overheats and melts or catches fire. Two incidents have caused injuries and property damage, which occurred overseas.

    Baseus magnetic wireless charging power banks 6000mAh 20W – Shenzhen Baseus Technology Co. Ltd

    Published: 12 July 2024

    Reason for the recall: The power banks contain a lithium-ion battery that can overheat, swell and/or bulge posing a fire hazard.

    Hazard to consumers: There is a risk of injury from burns and/or property damage if the battery starts a fire. There have been incidents resulting in injury and damage to property.

    MagMove 5K Power Bank – Cygnett Pty Ltd

    Published: 26 March 2024

    Reason for the recall: The battery pack can overheat and catch fire.

    Hazard to consumers: Risk of serious burn injuries or property damage. People have been seriously injured and property has been damaged from power banks overheating and catching on fire.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: African Development Bank Project Enhances Water Access in Malawi Town

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    In the green hills of Rumphi, northern Malawi, the hum of progress can be heard at the newly established Rumphi Technical College. With its modern buildings, new equipment, and a sense of optimism, the college has quickly become a symbol of opportunity.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: African Development Bank and CIF to launch report on increasing business opportunities, access to credit for women in renewable energy in Uganda,…

    Source: African Development Bank Group

    What:        Launch of report: Increasing Business Opportunities and Access to Credit for Women in Renewable Energy in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda  

    Who:         African Development Bank and Climate Investment Funds

    When:       July 14, 2025 – 2:00pm – 4:00 pm EAT

    Where:     Zoom: https://afdb.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gFMNsnCCSMy_ovBU0N7HxA

    The African Development Bank will launch a new report, Increasing Business Opportunities and Access to Credit for Women in Renewable Energy in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda.

    The report, developed under the Climate Investment Funds (CIF)-supported Scaling Up Renewable Energy Program in collaboration with the African Development Bank, sheds light on the challenges and immense untapped potential of women entrepreneurs driving growth in the region’s dynamic renewable energy sector.

    While women comprise over 50% of the population in Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, they lead less than 20% of renewable energy businesses in these nations. A significant barrier remains access to finance, with women entrepreneurs in renewable energy accessing only 7% of available commercial capital. This disparity highlights a critical need for targeted interventions to unlock their full economic potential and accelerate the sustainable energy transition in East Africa.

    Report Highlights

    • Barriers to Accessing Business Opportunities and Finance: The study identifies structural, and gender-specific barriers that hinder women entrepreneurs from securing business opportunities and financing.
    • Untapped Opportunities for Women Entrepreneurs: Beyond traditional roles, the report underscores vast opportunities for women to expand their engagement across entire renewable energy value chains.
    • Existing Interventions and Critical Gaps: The report reviews current financing mechanisms, capacity-building programs, technical assistance, and policy interventions designed to support women entrepreneurs in renewable energy.
    • Actionable Recommendations: The report provides concrete recommendations for policymakers, financial institutions, development partners, and large private and public sector companies.

    Join the Conversation

    Engage with key findings, learn from shared stakeholder experiences, and collaborate on practical steps to empower women in renewable energy.

    For more information, click: [email protected]

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Turning the Tide: Democratic Republic of Congo’s Emergency Food Production Project Sows Resilience, Plants Hope

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    In the early morning, the fields stretch as far as the eye can see, bathed in the soft light of the rising sun. In Kwilu, Kasai, and Tshopo provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rural communities are reclaiming their land with renewed energy. Here, every furrow in the earth tells a story of resilience…

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Statement on the Passing of Henry L. Thompson

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    FRESNO, Calif. – Congressman Jim Costa released the following statement after learning the passing of Henry L. Thompson, Director of Aviation for the City of Fresno. “I am deeply saddened to learn the passing of Henry L. Thompson, Director of Aviation for the City of Fresno. As a dedicated public servant, Henry’s leadership was instrumental in strengthening our region’s infrastructure,” said Congressman Costa. “I had the privilege of working alongside him to expand and modernize Fresno Yosemite International Airport, where I saw his leadership firsthand. His contributions to our community will have a lasting impact. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Ten Bills into Law

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JULY 14, 2025

    Jefferson City — This afternoon, Governor Mike Kehoe signed ten pieces of legislation into law: Senate Bills (SB) 105, 133, 145, and 271, and House Bills (HB) 145, 147, 225, 262, 595, and 596.

    “Our bill signings this afternoon marked the official conclusion of an incredibly successful legislative session,” said Governor Kehoe. “We appreciate the members the General Assembly for sending several pieces of common-sense legislation to my desk that will positively impact Missouri families and communities.”

    SB 105, sponsored by Senator Mike Bernskoetter and Representative Bruce Sassmann, modifies provisions relating to invasive plants.

    • Combats the proliferation of nonnative invasive plant species in Missouri.
    • Prohibits nurseries and nursery dealers from knowingly and intentionally importing, exporting, buying, selling, transporting, distributing, or propagating certain nonnative invasive species in Missouri.
      • Plants affected: Climbing Euonymus (Fortune’s spindle), Japanese Honeysuckle, Sericea Lespedeza, Perilla Mint, Burning Bush, and Callery Pear. 
         

    SB 133, sponsored by Senator Travis Fitzwater and Representative Josh Hurlbert, modifies and creates new provisions relating to underground facilities.

    • Makes critical updates to Missouri’s 811 system to evolve with technological advancements and the modern needs of both excavators and underground facility owners.
      • Updates statute to align with Common Ground Alliance best practices.
      • Requires underground facilities to be installed with detectible underground tracking systems.
      • Reduces liability for excavators when proper standards were followed but they were given incorrect information.
      • Increases 811 Board representation for contractors and underground facility owners. 
         

    SB 145, sponsored by Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman and Representative David Casteel, modifies provisions relating to the taxation of certain businesses.

    • Promotes youth entrepreneurship by exempting businessowners 18 years or younger from certain municipal corporation and charter city licensing fees and requirements. 
       

    SB 271, sponsored by Senator Rusty Black and Representative Dane Diehl, modifies provisions relating to emergency services.

    • Establishes that no fire protection or fire prevention ordinances shall impose regulations of farm buildings or farm structures.
    • Updates emergency medical services standards to provide more training and require audits of ambulance districts.
    • Expands the protection to any unpaid person who helps during an emergency under the Good Samaritan law.
       

    HB 145, sponsored by Representative Bill Falkner and Senator Mike Henderson, modifies provisions of the Judicial Privacy Act and the Missouri Sunshine Law.

    • Expands privacy protections for court-related officers.
    • Adds Sunshine Law exemptions to protect minors, park visitors, and endangered species locations.
    • Updates rules for public record requests, including upfront fees.

    HB 147, sponsored by Representative Barry Hovis and Senator Rusty Black,  modifies provisions relating to retirement.

    • Creates new avenues for funding the Sheriffs’ Retirement System.
    • Restricts Missouri Public Employee Retirement Systems from investing in entities that are sanctioned by the United States.
    • Prohibits the investment fiduciary of a public employee retirement system from considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
       

    HB 225, sponsored by Representative Jeff Myers and Senator Justin Brown, modifies provisions relating to public safety.

    • Increases the compensation for a line of duty death from $25,000 to $100,000, extends the statute of limitations for when someone must file for the compensation from one year to two, and adds that families can be compensated if a first responder dies of an illness that was contracted in the line of duty. The death must occur within three hundred weeks of when the illness was contracted.
    • Modifies requirements for police vehicles to no longer have to use their lights and sirens when the vehicle is being used to get evidence of a speeding violation, respond to a suspected crime in progress, or conduct surveillance of a vehicle.
    • Establishes the offense of interference with a first responder making it a Class B Misdemeanor.
       

    HB 262, sponsored by Representative Chris Brown and Senator Rick Brattin, establishes the “Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment and Recovery Act.”

    • Creates provisions relating to alternative therapies for veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, allowing for any facility that does hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treatment of PTSD to receive reimbursement of that treatment at no charge to the veteran depending on the availability of funding.

    HB 595, sponsored by Representative Chris Brown and Senator Nick Schroer, modifies provisions relating to real estate transactions.

    • Protects private property rights.
      • Prohibits local governments from limiting what factors landlords can or cannot consider in rental-related decisions, including source of income, credit scores, and rental and criminal history.
      • Prevents enactment of security deposit ceilings.
    • Requires real estate brokers and buyers/tenants to enter into an agreement prior to broker representation beginning. 
       

    HB 596, sponsored by Representative Chris Brown and Senator Nick Schroer, modifies a provision relating to brokerage services by requiring brokers have a written agency agreement with buyers prior to engaging in real estate transactions.

    For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Eighth Former Correctional Officer Sentenced on Federal Civil Rights Charges in Connection with Death of Inmate at West Virginia Jail

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    A former correctional officer from the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced today for his role in an assault that resulted in the death of an inmate, identified by the initials Q.B., on March 1, 2022. Andrew Fleshman, 22, was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.

    According to his plea agreement, Fleshman responded to a call for officer assistance after Q.B. tried to push past another correctional officer and leave his assigned pod. When Correctional Officer Fleshman arrived at the pod, Q.B. was on the floor as force was being used against him. The officers restrained and handcuffed Q.B. Officer Fleshman and other members of the conspiracy then escorted Q.B. to an interview room, where, aided and abetted by each other, they struck and injured Q.B. while he was restrained, handcuffed and posed no threat to anyone. Fleshman admitted that he and the members of the conspiracy struck and injured Q.B. to punish him for attempting to leave his assigned pod.

    Fleshman pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk on Nov. 2, 2023. That same day, former correctional officer Steven Nicholas Wimmer also pleaded guilty to conspiring to use unreasonable force against Q.B. On May 8, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk sentenced Wimmer to nine years in prison.

    On Nov. 29, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted six other defendants in connection with the death of Q.B. In November 2024, Mark Holdren, Corey Snyder, and Johnathan Walters each pleaded guilty in connection with the use of unreasonable force against Q.B., resulting in his death. On July 9, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin sentenced Holdren to 20 years in prison and Walters was sentenced to 21 years in prison. On July 10, Judge Goodwin sentenced Snyder to 19 years and seven months in prison.

    In August 2024, Ashley Toney and Jacob Boothe each pleaded guilty to failing to intervene to protect Q.B. from the officers’ assault. On June 9, Judge Goodwin sentenced Toney to six and a half years in prison. On July 10, Judge Goodwin sentenced Boothe to three years in prison.

    On Jan. 27, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict at trial for the sixth indicted defendant, Chad Lester, a former Lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail, finding him guilty on three obstruction of justice charges for his role in conspiring to cover up the death of Q.B. On May 15, Judge Goodwin sentenced Lester to 17 and a half years in prison.

    Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia made the announcement.

    The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, Charleston Resident Agency, investigated the case.

    Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: DOT Awards Minot Corridor Project More Than $4 Million

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    07.14.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Committee, announced that $4,050,000 has been awarded to Ward County for the corridor project in Minot. The funding was awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. This grant will be used to plan and design for three road corridors and their intersections, designed to provide alternative routes for emergency responders and heavy freight to bypass downtown Minot, and relieve congestion. The project includes work on the Outer Connector, which runs from US Highway 2/52 to US Highway 83 along County Roads 14 and 16, and the Inner Connector, which runs from US Highway 2/52 to County Road 14 along 30th Street SW.

    “As Minot and North Dakota continue to grow, this funding provides the city with the resources to develop a transportation system that keeps up with demand. It enables the planning and design of key road connections that will improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support future development. These alternative routes will be vital links to help keep Minot—and the region—moving forward,” said Hoeven.

    Earlier this year, Hoeven led the delegation in sending a letter in support of the City of Minot and Ward County’s project application.

    .

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Secures IVF Coverage Expansion for Servicemembers and Military Families in Committee-Passed NDAA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 14, 2025

    The Senator’s NDAA provisions would ensure our servicemembers receive the same level of IVF coverage that Members of Congress and other federal workers already have

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and had both of her daughters through in vitro fertilization (IVF)—successfully secured a provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) approved last week which would require TRICARE coverage of fertility services, including IVF for servicemembers who rely on it to build their families. Duckworth’s provision—which mirrors her IVF for Military Families Act that she introduced earlier this year—would ensure servicemembers and their families have access to the same level of IVF coverage that Members of Congress and other federal workers already receive. The SASC-passed bill will soon be considered by the full Senate. 

    “Even before I was wounded, I had made the difficult decision to delay building a family because I knew getting pregnant would impact my ability to be an Army aviator and to advance in the career I loved. Because of the miracle of IVF—and my access to reproductive healthcare through the VA—I’m now a mom to two beautiful girls. The reality is that members of the uniformed services face unique challenges when trying to start or build a family, and studies show that servicemembers and Veterans have higher rates of infertility compared to the general population. Given how much we ask of our heroes, we should do what we can to support them in building their families. 

    “After successfully securing this provision in last year’s bill that passed through committee, I’m so proud my colleagues helped me build on this progress to include it in this year’s bill as well. It’s past time our nation provides uniformed servicemembers with the same access to IVF that all Members of Congress already have and ensure our heroes can access the fertility treatment they need to start the families they’ve dreamed of.”

    This is the second time Duckworth secured this provision in an NDAA bill that passed through committee. Last year, Republicans blocked Duckworth’s IVF amendment from the final NDAA bill—after the same amendment was included in the committee-passed version.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Joins Durbin, Colleagues in Pressing Trump Administration on Weaponizing Immigration Court Hearings to Trap, Arrest, Deport Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 11, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and 20 Senate Democrats in pressing the Trump Administration on its recent initiatives to weaponize immigration court hearings as an inhumane trap to arrest immigrants who are just trying to follow the law by terminating their immigration court cases and deporting them without adequate due process. In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, the Senators condemned these actions as an affront to due process.

    “We are extremely concerned by reports of a recent initiative to arrest and detain noncitizens at their immigration court hearings, and in many cases, dismiss their immigration cases without advance notice and while hiding the government’s intent to arrest them,” wrote the Senators. “These actions prevent noncitizens from having their fair day in court and raise serious legal and due process concerns. They also make clear that this Administration is not targeting the worst criminals and threats to public safety, instead redirecting staff and resources away from drug trafficking and human trafficking and towards these operations targeting noncriminal immigrants who are following the law and showing up for their day in court.”

    Slamming the Administration for endangering due process and putting immigrants into a horrible situation with no benefit to our country, the Senators continued, “These actions also place noncitizens in an impossible position. If noncitizens who fear arrest do not attend their immigration court hearing, they may receive an in absentia removal order that will newly subject them to swift detention and removal. If they do attend, they risk arrest, detention, and a swift deportation, possibly to South Sudan, Libya, or El Salvador—countries they may have no connection to. This manipulation of existing laws to enact this Administration’s mass deportation agenda is creating chaos in our immigration system while doing nothing to make our communities safer.”

    Along with Duckworth, Durbin, Kelly and Padilla, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Full text of the letter is available below and on Senator Duckworth’s website.

    Dear Secretary Noem, Attorney General Bondi, and Acting Director Lyons:

    We are extremely concerned by reports of a recent initiative to arrest and detain noncitizens at their immigration court hearings, and in many cases, dismiss their immigration cases without advance notice and while hiding the government’s intent to arrest them. Some reports indicated that plain-clothed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel stationed outside of immigration courtrooms had lists of cases marked for dismissal and even photos of the individuals they intended to arrest. Upon the granting of this request by an immigration judge, ICE officers have reportedly arrested individuals or families outside the courtrooms and placed them in a fast-track removal process known as expedited removal (ER). These actions prevent noncitizens from having their fair day in court and raise serious legal and due process concerns. They also make clear that this Administration is not targeting the worst criminals and threats to public safety, instead redirecting staff and resources away from drug trafficking and human trafficking and towards these operations targeting noncriminal immigrants who are following the law and showing up for their day in court.

    ER historically has applied only to a noncitizen who “is arriving in the United States” and certain other noncitizens apprehended close to the border less than days after arrival in the United States. Individuals subject to ER are mandatorily detained and can be summarily deported without a hearing before a judge, administrative appeal or federal court review, unlike regular removal proceedings. The ER process offers very limited administrative review and no meaningful opportunity for a noncitizen to challenge whether they can legally be placed in ER. There is no real opportunity to provide documentation, for example, that would demonstrate they have continuously resided in the United States for more than two years, or that they were, in fact, admitted or paroled into the United States and therefore not subject to ER. ICE is now expanding the application of ER to noncitizens in the interior of the United States who have developed significant ties to the United States, including by lawfully working and attending school. Arresting law-abiding individuals and placing them in ER deprives them of the opportunity to have their fair day in court with the due process protections in immigration court proceedings.

    Nevertheless, we understand that ICE attorneys have been instructed to look for immigration court cases that can be dismissed and then orally request, without prior notice, that removal proceedings be dismissed or the Notice to Appear be withdrawn. ICE often did not inform immigration judges or the noncitizens that the purpose of their request was not relief from removal, but instead that ICE intended to arrest and place the individual in fast-track removal without a hearing. It has been a longstanding practice to dismiss cases that are not a priority for enforcement or that ICE chooses not to prosecute, allowing noncitizens to instead pursue immigration applications affirmatively through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here, however, many noncitizens were not notified that their cases were being dismissed for a different purpose—to place them in ER—and effectively deny them access to a decision from an immigration judge as well as affirmative applications through USCIS. Because noncitizens did not understand the purpose of their dismissal, they did not, through counsel or otherwise, have an opportunity to take steps to oppose the ICE attorneys’ motions to terminate or withdraw.

    Immigration judges—who are not part of an independent judiciary but housed under the Executive Office of Immigration Review within the Department of Justice—have also received guidance encouraging immigration judges to grant the ICE attorneys’ motion to dismiss “with no additional documentation or briefing” or opportunity for a noncitizen to respond. In some cases, immigration judges were not made aware of the purpose of the dismissal. As a result, immigration judges could not take into account in their dismissal determination that the noncitizen will immediately be placed in ER. In some cases, the immigration judge did not give noncitizens adequate time to respond to ICE motions to dismiss, or ensure those appearing pro se were informed of the consequences of their cases being dismissed. And in some cases, the immigration judge dismissed the case over the strong objections from the noncitizen who wished for their immigration case to continue with the court.

    Noncitizens whose removal proceedings are abruptly dismissed in this manner lose the ability to request relief in immigration court for which they are otherwise eligible, such as asylum or adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident, or to request that an immigration judge hold their case while they pursue an immigration status with USCIS, such as classification as a Special Immigrant Juvenile. Many of these noncitizens who had their cases dismissed had reportedly already submitted an asylum application or other forms of relief to the immigration court, raising serious concerns that their applications were wrongfully denied any consideration.  For example, a Mexican transgender woman with no criminal history who came to the United States in 2023 after being subject to abduction and rape by members of the Knights Templar drug cartel in Mexico, had applied for asylum; upon her appearance for her court hearing in Portland, Oregon, ICE moved to dismiss her case, the court granted the request, and she was subsequently arrested by ICE agents in the lobby. In another case, ICE requested the dismissal of a case of a Cuban man who entered the United States in 2021 and had an asylum application pending; an immigration judge in the Miami Immigration Court told the asylum seeker he could seek asylum affirmatively from USCIS after the dismissal; instead, ICE arrested and detained him.

    The U.S. Supreme Court recently stated, “[w]e have long held that no person shall be removed from the United States without opportunity, at some time, to be heard. Due process requires notice that is reasonably calculated, under all the circumstances, to apprise interested parties and that affords[s] a reasonable time…to make an appearance.” Here, it appears that the ICE attorneys are being told to dismiss immigration cases and place noncitizens in expedited removal.  At the same time, immigration judges are being told that they may dismiss such cases without any briefing or opportunity to respond.  In addition, often noncitizens have not been notified of the purpose of their dismissal, in order to respond or contest the dismissal of their immigration cases, or the placement of their case into expedited removal.  Taken together, these actions raise serious due process concerns.

    These actions also place noncitizens in an impossible position. If noncitizens who fear arrest do not attend their immigration court hearing, they may receive an in absentia removal order that will newly subject them to swift detention and removal. If they do attend, they risk arrest, detention, and a swift deportation, possibly to South Sudan, Libya, or El Salvador—countries they may have no connection to. This manipulation of existing laws to enact this Administration’s mass deportation agenda is creating chaos in our immigration system while doing nothing to make our communities safer.

    We request responses to the following questions by July 25, 2025:

    1. What specific guidance has DHS or DOJ/EOIR issued regarding the dismissal of standard 240 removal proceedings and the facilitation of enforcement actions in and around immigration courtrooms? Please provide a copy of the relevant guidance, email, memorandum, or other directives associated with this policy.
    1. How many individuals have been detained and placed in ER following dismissal of their cases from January 20th to May 19th, 2025? How many have been detained and placed in ER following dismissal since May 20, 2025?  Provide the total number of individuals arrested and detained by week, and disaggregate by country of origin, gender, and age.
      1. What number of the total individuals detained and placed in ER following the dismissal of their removal proceedings have been referred for a credible fear interview (CFI)?  How many have passed that interview with the asylum officer and how many did not? Of the total negative CFIs by an asylum officer, how many were reviewed by an Immigration Judge and reversed?
      2. Of the total individuals detained and placed in ER following dismissal of their cases, how many had applications pending with the immigration court in INA 240 proceedings at the time that the ICE attorney moved for dismissal?   How many had applications pending with USCIS (e.g. adjustment of status, SIJ classification, T or U visa)?  Of those with applications pending in immigration court, how many were asylum applications and how many were for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident?
      3. Of those individuals who had asylum applications pending in immigration court when the ICE attorney requested the dismissal of proceedings, how many were subsequently given a CFI after dismissal and their placement in ER?  Of those, how many passed that interview with the Asylum Officer and were placed back into proceedings to again pursue their asylum claim?  Of those with an asylum application pending who were subsequently given a CFI after dismissal and their placement in ER, how many had a negative CFI with an asylum officer which was subsequently reversed by an IJ and were placed back into proceedings?
      4. What number of the total individuals detained and placed in ER following the dismissal of their removal proceedings have been placed back into INA 240 proceedings for any reason?
    1. Are immigration judges being monitored or tracked on how they respond to ICE motions to dismiss the cases or to withdraw the NTA? If so, how is that information being utilized?
    2. There are reports of cases where the immigration judge did not immediately grant ICE’s motion to dismiss and did give the noncitizen additional time to respond, but ICE detained the noncitizen anyway.
      1. Since May 20th, in how many cases has an ICE attorney orally requested a dismissal, and the IJ has either denied such a motion or granted additional time for the noncitizen to respond?
      2. In how many of those cases did ICE arrest and detain the noncitizen despite the removal proceedings not being dismissed?
      3. In how many of those cases did ICE request a Change of Venue to a detained docket?
      4. For the subset of cases moved to the detained docket, in how many cases has ICE moved to dismiss again before a different immigration judge in order to place the noncitizen in ER?
    1. Of the total detained and placed in ER after the dismissal of their court cases, how many had a criminal conviction?
    1. Of the total detained and placed in ER after dismissal of their court cases, how many were continuously present in the United States for more than two years?  Provide an explanation of the legal basis for their placement in ER.
    1. Of the total detained and placed in ER after dismissal of their court cases, how many were in removal proceedings after having been initially paroled into the United States at a port of entry?  Provide the total number and disaggregate by country of origin, gender and age.  Also, provide the total number of individuals who were initially paroled more than two years prior to the issuance of the I-860 ER order.
    1. Provide a complete list of all the immigration courts where ICE courthouse arrests and placements into ER have occurred since May 20, 2025. At each of these immigration courts, disaggregated by each individual court, have in abstentia removal orders increased and if so, by what percentage of the total scheduled court hearings? Provide a daily accounting of the number of in absentia removal orders issued in each immigration court since January 1, 2025, disaggregated by court.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Secures Provisions to Strengthen Public Trust in the Military and Enhance Civil Rights in Committee-Passed NDAA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 14, 2025

    The Senator also secures provision to require servicemembers be trained on rules regarding use of force on U.S. soil

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—successfully secured a provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that SASC approved last week and the full Senate will now consider that would strengthen public trust of the military, enhance civil rights and curb misuse of our military for civilian law enforcement. As the Trump Administration continues to send federal agents and our nation’s military into our communities to intimidate their fellow Americans, the Senator’s provision—which is a modified version of her Military in Law Enforcement Accountability (MiLEA) Act—would ensure that servicemembers identify themselves properly to avoid public misunderstanding about who is providing logistical support versus conducting arrests or law enforcement duties.?

    “In my own experience serving in the National Guard, I saw firsthand the difference drawing a bright line between the roles of our military and law enforcement can make in terms of maintaining public trust in our military,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud my colleagues agreed that this is a necessary requirement to provide accountability to the public during tense moments when troops might be interacting with citizens, from protests to natural disasters to humanitarian crises, and I hope the rest of my colleagues in the Senate do too.”?

    In addition to this provision, Senator Duckworth also secured a provision that would require the Department of Defense to provide legal training to all servicemembers, including a refresher within 90 days of any mobilization or deployment, on their responsibilities under the law of armed conflict, rules of engagement, defense support for civil authorities and standing rules for the use of force within the United States. This provision would ensure all servicemembers know their legal obligations during deployments both at home as well as abroad and protect American civil rights especially in light of the Trump Administration’s increasing misuse of troops to support law enforcement within the United States.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Secures Over $6.9 Million in Federal Investments for New Mexico Communities in Committee-Passed Appropriations Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, announced the Appropriations Committee’s bipartisan passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Senator Luján secured over $6.9 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for key local projects that will strengthen fire and emergency response capabilities, renovate community infrastructure, and expand early childhood education services in rural New Mexico.

    “These investments reflect what I hear from New Mexicans every day: the need for stronger infrastructure, safer communities, and more opportunities for the next generation,” said Senator Luján. “From strengthening public safety in Rio Arriba County to expanding early childhood classrooms in Luna County, I fought for this funding because it will improve people’s lives. It means quicker response times during emergencies, better education for our kids, and more spaces where communities can come together.”

    “Every community in New Mexico matters, and that’s why I’ve worked to deliver investments to all 33 counties during my time in the Senate. I’ll keep fighting to bring home the federal dollars and resources our families and communities deserve,” continued Senator Luján.

    The Committee process is the first step, and the appropriations bills will next be considered by the full U.S. Senate.

    Senator Luján Secured Over $6.9 Million for the Following Local Projects:

    Fire and Emergency Response in Northern New Mexico:

    • $1,100,000 for Rio Arriba County to modernize and upgrade firefighting communications equipment, including radios and repeater towers, to ensure timely emergency responses. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
    • $750,000 for the Truchas Volunteer Fire Department to enhance the department’s ability to respond to emergencies. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.
    • $1,000,000 for San Juan County to purchase a new fire ladder truck. Secured by Senator Luján, Senator Heinrich, and Representative Leger Fernández in the House-companion bill.

    Community Infrastructure in Central and Southern New Mexico:

    • $1,513,000 for the Town of Estancia to renovate their town hall and community center. Secured by Senator Luján.
    • $1,000,000 for the Town of Mesilla to renovate its town hall complex. Secured by Senator Luján, Senator Heinrich, and Representative Vasquez in the House-companion bill.

    Early Childhood Education in Southwestern New Mexico:

    • $1,575,000 for HELP New Mexico, Inc. to expand their early childhood education campus in Luna County. Secured by Senator Luján and Senator Heinrich.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Announces Vaquito, the Work Zone Safety Dog, as Honorary ALEA Trooper

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced the newest addition to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Vaquito the work zone safety dog.

    Vaquito delivered the oath of office and was officially sworn in as an honorary ALEA Trooper during a special ceremony held at the Alabama State Capitol. Governor Ivey and Vaquito were joined by ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Colonel Jonathan Archer and Vaquito’s handler Morris King.

    Vaquito is a graduate of Guide Dogs of America, a certified service dog and the official safety dog of the Alabama Associated General Contractors (AGC). Vaquito took the leash from his predecessor Millie, who was the first Work Zone Safety K-9 to be sworn in by Governor Ivey on Dec. 14, 2023.  Like Millie, who retired February 2025, Vaquito will travel the state with Morris King and ALEA Troopers to deliver life-saving messages concerning work zone safety and distracted driving, specifically through community outreach events and school programs.

    “Today, I had the pleasure of welcoming Vaquito to our work zone safety team – a symbol of Alabama’s commitment to protecting the hardworking men and women who build and maintain our nationally recognized infrastructure,” said Governor Ivey. “Vaquito is more than a member of our team, but he is a reminder that keeping our road crews safe is a job for all of us. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and today, one of the just happens to have four legs and a wagging tail.”

    ALEA Secretary Taylor said, “Millie helped build a bridge between law enforcement and the public through education and outreach. Vaquito is already proving to be a worthy successor. Today’s ceremony marks not just a new chapter, but a continued commitment to safety across Alabama.”

    “Millie set the standard when it came to safety outreach, and now Vaquito is ready to build on that foundation,” Director of ALEA DPS Colonel Jonathan Archer said. “His presence will help us continue to connect with citizens of all ages in a meaningful way.”

    Vaquito’s official duties will include appearances during National Work Zone Awareness Week, school safety programs, and other traffic safety initiatives. With his approachable demeanor and service training, he is uniquely suited to help ALEA Troopers connect with the public and reinforce the Agency’s mission of saving lives.

    Also in attendance were members of the Alabama Associated General Contractors, including Carol Harris, who coordinates and manages the school safety programs across the state with Morris King and K-9 Vaquito.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Announces Vaquito, the Work Zone Safety Dog, as Honorary ALEA Trooper

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced the newest addition to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Vaquito the work zone safety dog.

    Vaquito delivered the oath of office and was officially sworn in as an honorary ALEA Trooper during a special ceremony held at the Alabama State Capitol. Governor Ivey and Vaquito were joined by ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor, ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Colonel Jonathan Archer and Vaquito’s handler Morris King.

    Vaquito is a graduate of Guide Dogs of America, a certified service dog and the official safety dog of the Alabama Associated General Contractors (AGC). Vaquito took the leash from his predecessor Millie, who was the first Work Zone Safety K-9 to be sworn in by Governor Ivey on Dec. 14, 2023.  Like Millie, who retired February 2025, Vaquito will travel the state with Morris King and ALEA Troopers to deliver life-saving messages concerning work zone safety and distracted driving, specifically through community outreach events and school programs.

    “Today, I had the pleasure of welcoming Vaquito to our work zone safety team – a symbol of Alabama’s commitment to protecting the hardworking men and women who build and maintain our nationally recognized infrastructure,” said Governor Ivey. “Vaquito is more than a member of our team, but he is a reminder that keeping our road crews safe is a job for all of us. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and today, one of the just happens to have four legs and a wagging tail.”

    ALEA Secretary Taylor said, “Millie helped build a bridge between law enforcement and the public through education and outreach. Vaquito is already proving to be a worthy successor. Today’s ceremony marks not just a new chapter, but a continued commitment to safety across Alabama.”

    “Millie set the standard when it came to safety outreach, and now Vaquito is ready to build on that foundation,” Director of ALEA DPS Colonel Jonathan Archer said. “His presence will help us continue to connect with citizens of all ages in a meaningful way.”

    Vaquito’s official duties will include appearances during National Work Zone Awareness Week, school safety programs, and other traffic safety initiatives. With his approachable demeanor and service training, he is uniquely suited to help ALEA Troopers connect with the public and reinforce the Agency’s mission of saving lives.

    Also in attendance were members of the Alabama Associated General Contractors, including Carol Harris, who coordinates and manages the school safety programs across the state with Morris King and K-9 Vaquito.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement on Supreme Court Ruling

    Source: US State of New York

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    July 14, 2025

    Albany, NY

    “The Supreme Court just greenlit Trump’s continued assault on the Department of Education and every student, teacher and parent across the country.

    “As Governor, I’m determined to ensure every New Yorker can access a quality, affordable education — and that every teacher has the support they need to help students succeed.

    “Today’s ruling pushes that promise further out of reach by opening the door to devastating layoffs, deeper funding cuts and worse outcomes for our kids.”

    You are leaving the official State of New York website.

    The State of New York does not imply approval of the listed destinations, warrant the accuracy of any information set out in those destinations, or endorse any opinions expressed therein. External web sites operate at the direction of their respective owners who should be contacted directly with questions regarding the content of these sites.

    Visit Site

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement on Supreme Court Ruling

    Source: US State of New York

    Official websites use ny.gov

    A ny.gov website belongs to an official New York State government organization.

    Secure ny.gov websites use HTTPS

    A lock icon or https:// means you’ve safely connected to a ny.gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

    July 14, 2025

    Albany, NY

    “The Supreme Court just greenlit Trump’s continued assault on the Department of Education and every student, teacher and parent across the country.

    “As Governor, I’m determined to ensure every New Yorker can access a quality, affordable education — and that every teacher has the support they need to help students succeed.

    “Today’s ruling pushes that promise further out of reach by opening the door to devastating layoffs, deeper funding cuts and worse outcomes for our kids.”

    You are leaving the official State of New York website.

    The State of New York does not imply approval of the listed destinations, warrant the accuracy of any information set out in those destinations, or endorse any opinions expressed therein. External web sites operate at the direction of their respective owners who should be contacted directly with questions regarding the content of these sites.

    Visit Site

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Hegseth Thanks German Counterpart for Stepping Up to Defense Challenges

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Germany committed to a permanent brigade in Lithuania, a sizable purchase of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, an increase in defense spending and being a key nexus for providing support to Ukraine during a meeting with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Saddened by Passing of Muhammadu Buhari, Secretary-General Praises Former Nigerian President’s Key Role Promoting Regional Peace, Security in West Africa

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    SG/SM/22728

    The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

    The Secretary-General is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

    During his tenure, President Buhari demonstrated a deep commitment to the sovereignty, stability and development of his country.  He also played a key role in promoting regional peace and security in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin.  He was also a strong advocate for multilateral and regional cooperation.

    The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to his family, the Government, and the people of Nigeria during this time of national mourning.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Better safeguards, transparency for homebuyers

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People buying a home will soon be better protected by new rules and regulations for the mortgage services industry.

    “Buying a home is often one of the biggest financial decisions people make in their lifetimes, and it’s important that they have peace of mind,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. “The new framework for the Mortgage Services Act raises standards across the mortgage industry, improves accountability and helps protect both home buyers and lenders, while supporting efforts to crack down on money laundering.”

    The Mortgage Services Act and its newly approved regulations respond to recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia (the Cullen commission). In 2022, the commission identified gaps and vulnerabilities in the regulation of mortgage brokering. The new act expands regulatory requirements and provides the BC Financial Services Authority (BSFSA) with enhanced tools to regulate the industry, such as tools to investigate, license and set standards of conduct.

    This means homebuyers can be confident that they are getting fair, safe and transparent mortgage advice.

    The act, introduced in November 2022, replaces the Mortgage Brokers Act, put in place in 1972. Although it has been amended several times, it has not kept pace with the changes in the financial-services market and evolving standards for consumer protection and anti-money-laundering initiatives.

    “The mortgage market has changed dramatically in the 50 years since the Mortgage Brokers Act was passed,” said Tolga Yalkin, CEO and chief statutory officer, BCFSA. “It is larger, more complex and operates at a much faster pace. The Mortgage Services Act will reflect the realities of today’s market to address current risks and will be adaptable to address emerging ones to ensure we can better protect everyone involved.”

    The framework for the Mortgage Services Act sets out more explicit requirements for mortgage brokers to provide homebuyers with honest, transparent advice so that they are not unknowingly entering into risky or unfair mortgage agreements.

    It also protects the housing market by deterring criminals from using real estate to launder money by increasing oversight, making suspicious transactions easier to detect and investigate. Brokers will also be required to follow tighter anti-money-laundering rules.

    New mortgage services rules set out four categories of licensing:  

    • dealing in mortgages;
    • trading in mortgages;
    • administering mortgages; and
    • mortgage lending.

    “Mortgage Professionals Canada is supportive of the overhaul of the regulatory framework for mortgage brokers, the first significant change in 50 years,” said Lauren van den Berg, president and CEO, Mortgage Professionals Canada. “We, as an industry, are in strong support of enhancing consumer protection and combating fraud in the real-estate sector, including income-document fraud and money laundering. This has been one of our top advocacy issues not just in British Columbia, but at a national level.”

    Recent approval of a regulatory framework for the new Mortgage Services Act brings it into force in fall 2026, providing the industry and regulator with a 14-month period to prepare. The Province and BCFSA are working together to achieve a smooth transition to the new rules, ensuring industry workers have time to learn about the changes.

    “CMBA-BC supports the principles of consumer protection and a strong, professional mortgage-broker industry in British Columbia,” said Rebecca Casey, president, Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association – BC (CMBA-BC). “We look forward to reviewing the final details of the new Mortgage Services Act’s rules and regulations, and emphasize the importance of modernizing the regulatory framework to reflect today’s housing and lending environment. We are committed to working collaboratively with BCFSA and the provincial government to ensure the implementation of the act supports mortgage brokers in helping British Columbians achieve their homeownership goals.”

    Information about the transition, including support provided by BCFSA and action required from mortgage brokers, is available on BCFSA’s Mortgage Services Act webpage, linked below.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Province’s introduction of the Mortgage Services Act in November 2022 is a key response to the Cullen commission recommendations.
    • The Mortgage Services Act aligns closely with other financial services legislation in B.C., including the Real Estate Services Act, allowing for efficient regulation and encouraging responsible business conduct.
    • There are more than 7,000 registered mortgage brokers and sub-mortgage brokers in B.C.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about transition process to the Mortgage Services Act, visit:
    https://www.bcfsa.ca/industry-resources/mortgage-broker-resources/mortgage-services-act  

    To read the Cullen commission final report, visit:
    https://cullencommission.ca/files/reports/CullenCommission-FinalReport-Full.pdf

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fresh look for remote Trains Hut

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Date:  15 July 2025

    Trains Hut is a well-loved, six-bunk hut used regularly by trampers and hunters, reached by a 15 km tramp along the rugged Trains Track. This remote and rewarding backcountry track takes visitors through regenerating native forest, rugged ridgelines, and across several swing bridges.

    DOC Ranger Rhydian Lewis, who led the project, says support from the Backcountry Trust allowed the DOC team to expand the scope of work beyond essential repairs.

    “Alongside basic maintenance, a new wood burner has been installed, the deck extended, and an L-shaped veranda constructed, all improving comfort and shelter for visitors.”

    “Working with the Trust, we were able to go beyond basic maintenance and give Trains Hut the attention it deserved. These upgrades make a big difference, especially for those staying in tough weather conditions,” says Rhydian.

    The project is part of the Community Huts Programme, a collaboration between DOC and the Backcountry Trust to support volunteers to care for highly valued backcountry huts and tracks. Announced in January, the $4.2 million dollar boost comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

    Renovations were completed in June by a team of five, with a helicopter used to transport materials to the remote location.

    Backcountry Trust Manager Rob Brown says the partnership with DOC Whanganui has enabled important work on backcountry places valued by the community.

    “As well as this work on Trains Hut, we collaborated to complete much needed maintenance on two of the huts on the Matemateonga Walkway.

    “When we get teams of passionate people from DOC and BCT together, we get through a lot of field work in a short amount of time.”

    Rhydian says Trains Hut is important to many backcountry explorers.

    “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and expertise to ensuring the hut will continue to serve the next generation of outdoor adventurers. DOC can’t do it alone.”

    Waitotara Conservation Area sits to the south-west of Whanganui National Park between Whanganui and Stratford, and features stunning mature rimu, tōtara and northern rātā. Occasional regenerating scrubland and forest is a lingering reminder of failed settlement attempts.

    Trains Track is an advanced track which can be heavily impacted by wet conditions, visitors are reminded to carry appropriate gear and be ready for changeable weather. Always check track conditions and hut availability on the DOC website before heading into the backcountry.

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Bennet, Colleagues Press Trump Admin on Weaponizing Immigration Court Hearings to Arrest Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Hickenlooper – Colorado
    According to recent reports, the administration has targeted noncriminal immigrants who show up for their court hearings
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet joined 22 of their Senate colleagues to call out the Trump administration’s recent efforts to arrest noncriminal immigrants at their immigration court hearings and deport them without adequate due process.
    “This manipulation of existing laws to enact this Administration’s mass deportation agenda is creating chaos in our immigration system while doing nothing to make our communities safer…” wrote the senators. “They also make clear that this Administration is not targeting the worst criminals and threats to public safety, instead redirecting staff and resources away from drug trafficking and human trafficking and towards these operations targeting noncriminal immigrants who are following the law and showing up for their day in court.”
    The senators sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons. They condemned the admin’s efforts that undermine due process and intimidate and discourage people from attending their immigration court hearings.
    This February, Hickenlooper and Bennet helped introduce the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, which would limit immigration arrests at sensitive locations like courthouses, schools, hospitals, and places of worship.
    Full text of the letter available HERE and below.
    Dear Secretary Noem, Attorney General Bondi, and Acting Director Lyons:
    We are extremely concerned by reports of a recent initiative to arrest and detain noncitizens at their immigration court hearings, and in many cases, dismiss their immigration cases without advance notice and while hiding the government’s intent to arrest them. Some reports indicated that plain-clothed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel stationed outside of immigration courtrooms had lists of cases marked for dismissal and even photos of the individuals they intended to arrest. Upon the granting of this request by an immigration judge, ICE officers have reportedly arrested individuals or families outside the courtrooms and placed them in a fast-track removal process known as expedited removal (ER). These actions prevent noncitizens from having their fair day in court and raise serious legal and due process concerns. They also make clear that this Administration is not targeting the worst criminals and threats to public safety, instead redirecting staff and resources away from drug trafficking and human trafficking and towards these operations targeting noncriminal immigrants who are following the law and showing up for their day in court.
    ER historically has applied only to a noncitizen who “is arriving in the United States” and certain other noncitizens apprehended close to the border less than 14 days after arrival in the United States. Individuals subject to ER are mandatorily detained and can be summarily deported without a hearing before a judge, administrative appeal or federal court review, unlike regular removal proceedings. The ER process offers very limited administrative review and no
    meaningful opportunity for a noncitizen to challenge whether they can legally be placed in ER. There is no real opportunity to provide documentation, for example, that would demonstrate they have continuously resided in the United States for more than two years, or that they were, in fact, admitted or paroled into the United States and therefore not subject to ER. ICE is now expanding the application of ER to noncitizens in the interior of the United States who have developed significant ties to the United States, including by lawfully working and attending school. Arresting law-abiding individuals and placing them in ER deprives them of the opportunity to have their fair day in court with the due process protections in immigration court proceedings.
    Nevertheless, we understand that ICE attorneys have been instructed to look for immigration court cases that can be dismissed11 and then orally request, without prior notice, that removal proceedings be dismissed or the Notice to Appear be withdrawn. ICE often did not inform immigration judges or the noncitizens that the purpose of their request was not relief from removal, but instead that ICE intended to arrest and place the individual in fast-track removal without a hearing. It has been a longstanding practice to dismiss cases that are not a priority for enforcement or that ICE chooses not to prosecute, allowing noncitizens to instead pursue immigration applications affirmatively through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here, however, many noncitizens were not notified that their cases were being dismissed for a different purpose—to place them in ER—and effectively deny them access to a
    decision from an immigration judge as well as affirmative applications through USCIS. Because noncitizens did not understand the purpose of their dismissal, they did not, through counsel or otherwise, have an opportunity to take steps to oppose the ICE attorneys’ motions to terminate or withdraw.
    Immigration judges—who are not part of an independent judiciary but housed under the Executive Office of Immigration Review within the Department of Justice—have also received guidance encouraging immigration judges to grant the ICE attorneys’ motion to dismiss “with no additional documentation or briefing” or opportunity for a noncitizen to respond. In some cases, immigration judges were not made aware of the purpose of the dismissal. As a result, immigration judges could not take into account in their dismissal determination that the noncitizen will immediately be placed in ER. In some cases, the immigration judge did not give noncitizens adequate time to respond to ICE motions to dismiss, or ensure those appearing pro se were informed of the consequences of their cases being dismissed. And in some cases, the immigration judge dismissed the case over the strong objections from the noncitizen who wished for their immigration case to continue with the court.
    Noncitizens whose removal proceedings are abruptly dismissed in this manner lose the ability to request relief in immigration court for which they are otherwise eligible, such as asylum or adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident, or to request that an immigration judge hold their case while they pursue an immigration status with USCIS, such as classification as a Special Immigrant Juvenile. Many of these noncitizens who had their cases dismissed had
    reportedly already submitted an asylum application or other forms of relief to the immigration court, raising serious concerns that their applications were wrongfully denied any consideration. For example, a Mexican transgender woman with no criminal history who came to the United States in 2023 after being subject to abduction and rape by members of the Knights Templar drug cartel in Mexico, had applied for asylum; upon her appearance for her court hearing in Portland, Oregon, ICE moved to dismiss her case, the court granted the request, and she was subsequently arrested by ICE agents in the lobby. In another case, ICE requested the dismissal of a case of a Cuban man who entered the United States in 2021 and had an asylum application pending; an immigration judge in the Miami Immigration Court told the asylum seeker he could seek asylum affirmatively from USCIS after the dismissal; instead, ICE arrested and detained him.
    The U.S. Supreme Court recently stated, “[w]e have long held that no person shall be removed from the United States without opportunity, at some time, to be heard. Due process requires notice that is reasonably calculated, under all the circumstances, to apprise interested parties and that affords[s] a reasonable time …to make an appearance.” Here, it appears that the ICE attorneys are being told to dismiss immigration cases and place noncitizens in expedited removal. At the same time, immigration judges are being told that they may dismiss such cases
    without any briefing or opportunity to respond. In addition, often noncitizens have not been notified of the purpose of their dismissal, in order to respond or contest the dismissal of their immigration cases, or the placement of their case into expedited removal. Taken together, these actions raise serious due process concerns.
    These actions also place noncitizens in an impossible position. If noncitizens who fear arrest do not attend their immigration court hearing, they may receive an in absentia removal order that will newly subject them to swift detention and removal. If they do attend, they risk arrest, detention, and a swift deportation, possibly to South Sudan, Libya, or El Salvador—countries they may have no connection to. This manipulation of existing laws to enact this Administration’s mass deportation agenda is creating chaos in our immigration system while doing nothing to make our communities safer.
    We request responses to the following questions by July 25, 2025:
    What specific guidance has DHS or DOJ/EOIR issued regarding the dismissal of standard 240 removal proceedings and the facilitation of enforcement actions in and around immigration courtrooms? Please provide a copy of the relevant guidance, email, memorandum, or other directives associated with this policy.
    How many individuals have been detained and placed in ER following dismissal of their cases from January 20th to May 19th, 2025? How many have been detained and placed in ER following dismissal since May 20, 2025? Provide the total number of individuals arrested and detained by week, and disaggregate by country of origin, gender, and age.
    What number of the total individuals detained and placed in ER following the dismissal of their removal proceedings have been referred for a credible fear interview (CFI)? How many have passed that interview with the asylum officer and how many did not? Of the total negative CFIs by an asylum officer, how many were reviewed by an Immigration Judge and reversed?
    Of the total individuals detained and placed in ER following dismissal of their cases, how many had applications pending with the immigration court in INA 240 proceedings at the time that the ICE attorney moved for dismissal? How many had applications pending with USCIS (e.g. adjustment of status, SIJ classification, T or U visa)? Of those with applications pending in immigration court, how many were asylum applications and how many were for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident?
    Of those individuals who had asylum applications pending in immigration court when the ICE attorney requested the dismissal of proceedings, how many were subsequently given a CFI after dismissal and their placement in ER? Of those, how many passed that interview with the Asylum Officer and were placed back into proceedings to again pursue their asylum claim? Of those with an asylum application pending who were subsequently given a CFI after dismissal and their placement in ER, how many had a negative CFI with an asylum officer which was subsequently reversed by an IJ and were placed back into proceedings?
    What number of the total individuals detained and placed in ER following the dismissal of their removal proceedings have been placed back into INA 240 proceedings for any reason?
    Are immigration judges being monitored or tracked on how they respond to ICE motions to dismiss the cases or to withdraw the NTA? If so, how is that information being utilized?
    There are reports of cases where the immigration judge did not immediately grant ICE’s motion to dismiss and did give the noncitizen additional time to respond, but ICE detained the noncitizen anyway.
    Since May 20th, in how many cases has an ICE attorney orally requested a dismissal, and the IJ has either denied such a motion or granted additional time for the noncitizen to respond?

    In how many of those cases did ICE arrest and detain the noncitizen despite the removal proceedings not being dismissed?
    In how many of those cases did ICE request a Change of Venue to a detained docket?
    For the subset of cases moved to the detained docket, in how many cases has ICE moved to dismiss again before a different immigration judge in order to place the noncitizen in ER?
    Of the total detained and placed in ER after the dismissal of their court cases, how many had a criminal conviction?
    Of the total detained and placed in ER after dismissal of their court cases, how many were continuously present in the United States for more than two years? Provide an explanation of the legal basis for their placement in ER.
    Of the total detained and placed in ER after dismissal of their court cases, how many were in removal proceedings after having been initially paroled into the United States at a port of entry? Provide the total number and disaggregate by country of origin, gender and age. Also, provide the total number of individuals who were initially paroled more than two years prior to the issuance of the I-860 ER order.
    Provide a complete list of all the immigration courts where ICE courthouse arrests and placements into ER have occurred since May 20, 2025. At each of these immigration courts, disaggregated by each individual court, have in absentia removal orders increased and if so, by what percentage of the total scheduled court hearings? Provide a daily accounting of the number of in absentia removal orders issued in each immigration court since January 1, 2025, disaggregated by court.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National two-minute silence to mark VJ Day 80

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    National two-minute silence to mark VJ Day 80

    National two-minute silence will be held at 12 noon on 15 August 2025 to honour the 80th anniversary of VJ Day

    • Event at National Memorial Arboretum to honour VJ veterans will be broadcast live
    • Red Arrows will join historic Spitfire and Hurricane aircraft for flypast over national VJ Day 80 commemorations

    Members of the public are encouraged to participate in a national two-minute silence on Friday 15 August to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. 

    A Service of Remembrance will honour and remember those who fought and died during the Second World War in the Far East at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, which will be broadcast live on BBC1 from midday. 

    It will host a spectacular tribute to veterans involving 400 members of the Armed Forces, the Red Arrows and historic aircraft from The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

    This follows four days of events in May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marked the end of the Second World War in Europe. 

    However, at that time 80 years ago, thousands of British and Commonwealth military personnel continued to fight Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific for a further three months when Victory over Japan (VJ Day) was declared on 15 August 1945, following Imperial Japan’s surrender to Allied Forces. Alongside British Armed Forces, hundreds of thousands of people served in the Far East from countries including pre-partition India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nepal and from African nations.

    The Service of Remembrance will be run in partnership with the Royal British Legion and will be attended by Second World War veterans, VJ association members, senior politicians, and military personnel. It will pay tribute to the British, Commonwealth and Allied veterans who served in the Far East theatres of war, the Pacific and Indian Ocean territories.

    The event will include a guard of honour of Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force and music provided by military bands. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will lead a breathtaking flypast featuring the historic Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircrafts. 

    Veterans attending will include Burma Star recipients, British Indian Army veterans and those involved in the Battles of Kohima and Imphal, as well as Prisoners of War held across the region and veterans stationed in the UK or Commonwealth countries, who contributed to the war effort. 

    The service is a ticketed event, but members of the public visiting the Arboretum on the day are invited to observe the two-minute silence and watch the service on large screens at a nearby public viewing area.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: 

    Those who continued to fight bravely in Asia and the Pacific in those last few months of the Second World War must never be forgotten. 

    It is so important for us as a nation to come together on this important anniversary to remember our VJ Day veterans and hear their stories first-hand so we can ensure that their legacy is passed on to future generations and their sacrifice is never forgotten.

    Defence Secretary John Healey said: 

    VJ Day was the final victory in a war that changed the world, and we honour those who served in the Far East with enduring gratitude. 

    Just as we proudly marked VE Day, we reflect on the courage, sacrifice and resilience shown by so many to secure peace. 

    Their legacy must never be forgotten, and it’s our duty to pass their stories on to future generations.

    Mark Atkinson, Director General of the Royal British Legion, said: 

    We encourage everyone across the country to take a moment to reflect during the two-minute silence on VJ Day, to watch the Service of Remembrance live on the BBC or at the Arboretum, and pay tribute to those from Britain and across the Commonwealth who fought in the Far East in the Second World War. 

    It was so moving to see the nation come together for VE80 and to be putting veterans at the heart of these commemorations – now we have one of our last chances to honour all those VJ Day veterans whose service and sacrifice finally brought an end to the War.

    Second World War veteran and RBL ambassador Tom Berry, 101, from Cheshire, who was serving on HMS Tartar in the Pacific when Japan surrendered, said:

    For veterans like me and all those who carried on fighting until VJ Day was announced, this will be a very emotional day – a moment in history. I’ll be watching the service at home, and I’d ask the country to do the same – to stop and remember all those who gave so much for our freedoms, and those who never made it back.

    The national commemorations will commence with a government reception to celebrate VJ Day with veterans.  

    Government buildings and High Commissions across the globe will also be lit up on 15 August to commemorate VJ Day. 

    In addition, Imperial War Museums (IWM) will be screening I Saw The World End, a digital public artwork by celebrated artist and designer Es Devlin, at Piccadilly Circus on Wednesday 6th August to commemorate the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 

    IWM will also invite visitors to reflect on the events leading up to the end of the Second World War through paper dove and crane making activities at IWM London and IWM North.  

    On VJ Day itself, IWM will premiere a new contemporary film exploring the events and significance of VJ Day and the war in Asia and the Pacific. The film, which can be seen at IWM North and outdoor screens in locations across the UK, is produced in partnership with SODA (School of Digital Arts), part of Manchester Metropolitan University. A new augmented reality experience at IWM North will also engage audiences in a deeper exploration of the Second World War in Asia and the Pacific and its significance, bringing to life some of the personal stories, sound and film from IWM’s collection.

    Following the success of IWM’s VE Day Letters to Loved Ones initiative, the public are asked to delve into their family history to find letters sent by relatives to loved ones that provide fresh insight and first-hand testimonies of VJ Day and the war in the Far East. Digital copies can be uploaded onto the official VE/VJ80 website.

    Minister Steph Peacock shares her family story, remembering her Grandad and all those he served alongside

    James Taylor, IWM’s Principal Curator of Public History said: 

    The story of the Second World does not finish with VE Day on 8 May 1945, with intense fighting in Asia and the Pacific continuing for another three months, and the destruction of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Through this varied programme of activities, we will shine a light on these often-overlooked stories from the final months of the Second World War. Through public film screenings, digital experiences, and artist commissions, IWM will give people the opportunity to delve deeper into the significance of the war in Asia and the Pacific and its lasting global impact.

    The Government is working with partners across the UK, including the Devolved Governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to ensure commemorations are inclusive and UK-wide. 

    The Commonwealth War Graves will continue their Every Story For Evermore campaign through events, new content, and augmented reality tours at international sites. These will include Commonwealth War Graves Cemeteries at Nairobi in Kenya, Sai Wan in Hong Kong, Kranji in Singapore, Kanchanaburi in Thailand, and Yokohama in Japan. This will enable international audiences to learn about the men and women who continued to serve in the Second World War after VE Day.

    Director of Education, Engagement and Volunteering at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Simon Bendry, said:

    As part of the anniversary commemorations marking the end of the Second World War, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is encouraging people around the world to pause and reflect on the human cost of conflict.

    We commemorate more than 580,000 casualties who died during the Second World War, and we invite the public to ensure their stories are never forgotten by exploring and contributing to our online story collection, For Evermore, and by joining commemorative events taking place across the globe. From sites in the UK to Japan, from Kenya to Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, local communities will have opportunities to honour and remember those who gave their lives and acknowledge the huge sacrifices made in pursuit of peace.

    Notes to editors: 

    • Access to the service at the base of the Arboretum’s Armed Forces Memorial will be strictly by event ticket only.
    • Members of the public can participate in the commemorations by attending a live screening at the nearby Naval Review and observe the two-minute national silence; pre-booking of car parking via the National Memorial Arboretum website is strongly recommended to guarantee entry.
    • For further information about VJ Day 80 and to pre-book parking, visit: https://thenma.org.uk/what’s-on/events/remembering-vj-day-80-years-on-national-commemorative-event
    • Visit the dedicated interactive website ve-vjday80.gov.uk for latest information and ways to get involved.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Joint Statement from Senators Graham and Blumenthal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Lindsey Graham

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) today made this joint statement after President Trump made a series of announcements regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, including his intention to impose secondary tariffs on Russia if they do not agree to a ceasefire in the next 50 days.

    Graham and Blumenthal have introduced the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which would impose secondary tariffs and sanctions on countries that continue to fund Putin’s barbaric war in Ukraine. Their legislation has 85 cosponsors in the Senate.

    “President Trump and his team have made a powerful move, implementing a new approach to end this bloodbath between Russia and Ukraine.

    “Selling American-manufactured weapons to NATO – that will be used by Ukraine to defend themselves – is smart military policy and will enormously benefit the U.S. economy. Not only will these weapons be made in America, creating jobs for Americans, but they also will be purchased by the Europeans. This is a win-win scenario.

    “However, the ultimate hammer to bring about the end of this war will be tariffs against countries, like China, India and Brazil, that prop up Putin’s war machine by purchasing cheap Russian oil and gas. President Trump’s decision to announce the implementation of 100 percent secondary tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas if a peace agreement is not reached in the next 50 days is a real executive hammer to drive the parties to the negotiating table. The goal is not more tariffs and sanctions – the goal is to entice Putin to come to the peace table. 

    “It is long overdue for the financial backers of Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine to pay a price for buying cheap energy products and marking it up in order to benefit their economies. The days of doing this without consequences are coming to an end.

    “Finally, as President Trump indicated, we will join our colleagues in continuing to work with the White House on our bipartisan Russia sanctions legislation that would implement up to 500 percent tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil and gas, and do not help Ukraine. The congressional legislation authorizing tariffs and sanctions would truly be a sledgehammer for President Trump to end this war, and it will allow for maximum flexibility to achieve that end. The benefit of our approach is that it blends congressional authorization of tariffs and sanctions with flexibility for presidential implementation, making it rock solid legally and politically.

    “This bill has 85 cosponsors in the Senate and it would pass incredibly quickly. We will continue to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate, and with the Trump team to have this legislation ready to go at a moment’s notice.

    “The combination of more American-made, European-purchased weapons for Ukraine and tariffs on the financial backers of Putin’s brutal war has changed the game. We sincerely believe President Trump has set in motion a new approach that has the highest likelihood yet of ending this bloodbath in the right way.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Blasts Republicans for Cutting Funding to Combat HIV/AIDS 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) will submit a Statement for the Congressional Record blasting Senate Republicans for attempting to advance President Trump’s rescission request, which claws back congressionally-appropriated funding, and his FY26 budget, which also threatens funding for HIV/AIDS and other life-saving global health programs.  
    In his statement, Senator Welch warns that the White House’s drastic cuts in funding to sustain the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and fulfill the United States’ pledges to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will hurt the world’s most vulnerable. Senator Welch says that if Congress advances these cuts, the legislative body will share responsibility for sabotaging one of the great, bipartisan public health achievements of this century. 
    “I can’t help but wonder why? Why is the White House walking away from these life-saving programs that everyone agrees have been a huge success story? It would be one thing if HIV/AIDS had been eradicated. But we are a very long way from that. There are an estimated 1.3 million new HIV infections every year,” said Senator Welch. “We cannot let down our guard. We cannot be so shortsighted to think that we would save money by cutting funding for PEPFAR and the Global Fund. Prevention is far less expensive than treatment. If Congress does not reject these funding cuts there will almost immediately be more infections, not fewer. More Americans will get sick. Mother to child transmission will exponentially increase. Many more people will die needlessly.” 
    Welch concluded: “A drug developed by an American biopharmaceutical company that can prevent HIV/AIDS finally exists. Let’s do again what President Bush did nearly a quarter century ago and show the world that the United States can be the world’s leader in saving lives from a deadly disease.” 
    Read the full Statement for the Record here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bergman Secures Major Wins in NDAA to Boost Military Readiness, Energy Independence, and Housing for Servicemembers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

    Bergman Secures Major Wins in NDAA to Boost Military Readiness, Energy Independence, and Housing for Servicemembers

    Washington, July 14, 2025

    Washington – Today, Rep. Jack Bergman, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, issued the following statement in support of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

    “This NDAA puts our warfighters first. Modernizing their tools, improving safety, and delivering on our promises to military families. It’s about cutting waste, building strength, and putting America First,”said Rep. Bergman. “As Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I fought alongside my colleagues to ensure this bill addresses the real challenges facing our servicemembers. We’re delivering results that will make our military stronger, safer, and better prepared for the fight.”

    Key provisions in the FY26 NDAA include:

    • Toxic Exposure Accountability: Builds on the momentum of the recently introduced Military PFAS Transparency Act by incorporating key provisions requiring detailed cleanup plans, risk assessments, and safeguards to protect military families from harmful chemicals at Camp Grayling, Wurtsmith Air Force Base, and military installations nationwide.

    • Indo-Pacific Strategy: Streamlines contested logistics, enhances Air Mobility Command’s readiness, and expands additive manufacturing near forward-operating locations.

    • Military Construction Reform: Cuts red tape and construction costs by eliminating outdated mandates, allowing faster, more cost-efficient construction of barracks and childcare facilities, and investing $120 million in new military labs.

    • Servicemember Housing: Adds $240 million for new barracks, strengthens oversight of private military housing, and demands DOD accountability on health and safety obligations.

    • Energy Independence: Advances next-generation nuclear energy by expanding deployment on military bases, investing $20 million in advanced nuclear fuel, and streamlining DOD nuclear energy initiatives.

    • Military Aviation Safety: In response to deadly trends, this year’s NDAA mandates an independent safety review and key reforms to improve rotary wing training and maintenance safety practices.

    • Training Innovation: Accelerates use of cutting-edge simulators, extended reality, and synthetic environments to improve readiness and reduce costs.

    • Maintenance & Readiness: Addresses F-35 parts shortages, boosts amphibious ship maintenance funding, and demands accountability for aircraft mission-capable rates.

    • Made in America: Protects U.S. supply chains by prohibiting taxpayer funds from flowing to adversaries and requiring American-made military food and energy supplies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter Celebrates House Passage of Bill to Make Permanent the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter Celebrates House Passage of Bill to Make Permanent the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today celebrated unanimous House passage of his bipartisan bill with Rep. Brittany Pettersen (D-CO), the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) Codification Act. The bill strengthens the statutory authority of the ITS testing center, which is essential for informing the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) spectrum policy decisions. 

    The bill also directs ITS to establish an important and potentially life-saving initiative to develop emergency communication and tracking technologies for use in locating people trapped in areas where mobile connectivity may not be available due to natural disasters and other devastating events.

    “The ITS is critical to achieving our goal of beating China by having effective, workable, and innovative spectrum policies and practices. I’m proud to co-lead this effort with Rep. Pettersen and am thrilled that the House unanimously voted to send this important, life-saving bill to the Senate. I’m calling on my Senate colleagues to quickly get this bill to President Trump’s desk, so we can ensure mobile connectivity during natural disasters and other devastating events,” said Rep. Carter.

    “The incident at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine in my District last October was a devastating cautionary tale about what can happen in an emergency situation when people end up trapped where cell service isn’t available,” said Rep. Pettersen. “This bipartisan bill will enhance emergency communications for critical moments like the Gold Mine accident. Ensuring rescuers can effectively communicate can make all the difference in successfully saving lives.”

    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –