NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: Social Security War Room Debunks Latest Social Security Administration Lies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    July 09, 2025
    Social Security leadership touts false “milestones” while beneficiaries struggle with long wait times, tech glitches
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, debunked misleading claims that Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration (SSA) touted in a recent press release.
    “Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration is a customer service disaster. Commissioner Bisignano should stop rewriting history and focus on making it easier for Americans to get help with their monthly checks,” said Senator Warren.
    The SSA claimed it “achieved key milestones” in a so-called “customer service transformation.” In reality, beneficiaries have struggled with hours-long wait times, online glitches, and persistent threats of mass staff firings and field office closures.
    SSA CLAIM #1: “Complet[ed] over 3.1 million payments to all who were entitled under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) five months ahead of schedule.”
    FACT: Reporting revealed that SSA forced employees to stop working on critical issues including overpayment reconsideration, updating direct deposit information, checking on monthly payment rates, and Medicare billing related issues in order to complete SSFA payments. Employees warned that thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks as a result of the backlog.
    SSA CLAIM #2: “Continuing to upgrade SSA’s telephone technology nationwide, deploying the platform to 841 field offices, representing 70 percent of field offices nationwide.”
    FACT: SSA’s new phone system has created new challenges for Americans trying to get help. Beneficiaries have reported AI doom loops and glitches that have prevented them from getting help.
    SSA CLAIM #3: “Reducing the average speed of answer (ASA) on the 800 Number to 13 minutes, a 35 percent reduction compared to this time last year and over a 50 percent reduction compared to last year’s annual average.”
    FACT: A recent Social Security War Room investigation revealed that SSA’s public claims about wait times are false — the actual average wait time on the 800 number is 102 minutes, nearly eight times higher than SSA’s claims. SSA’s claim that call times are just 13 minutes is even inconsistent with its own data, which shows that just 7.6 % of callers wait less than 15 minutes, and over half of callers wait more than two hours—if their call gets answered at all. 
    SSA CLAIM #4: “Optimizing technology on the 800 Number so that 90 percent of calls handled are now served via automated self-service options or convenient callbacks, minimizing hold times.”
    FACT: SSA’s own data shows only 40.7% of calls are currently handled through automation — not 90%.
    SSA CLAIM #5: “Upgrading the mySocial Security online portal to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 access to customers starting mid-July.”
    FACT: This “upgrade” comes after months of intermittent service blackouts — including glitches that told millions of beneficiaries that they were no longer receiving benefits.
    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: Social Security War Room Debunks Latest Social Security Administration Lies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 09, 2025

    Social Security leadership touts false “milestones” while beneficiaries struggle with long wait times, tech glitches

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, debunked misleading claims that Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration (SSA) touted in a recent press release.

    “Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration is a customer service disaster. Commissioner Bisignano should stop rewriting history and focus on making it easier for Americans to get help with their monthly checks,” said Senator Warren.

    The SSA claimed it “achieved key milestones” in a so-called “customer service transformation.” In reality, beneficiaries have struggled with hours-long wait times, online glitches, and persistent threats of mass staff firings and field office closures.

    SSA CLAIM #1: “Complet[ed] over 3.1 million payments to all who were entitled under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) five months ahead of schedule.”

    FACT: Reporting revealed that SSA forced employees to stop working on critical issues including overpayment reconsideration, updating direct deposit information, checking on monthly payment rates, and Medicare billing related issues in order to complete SSFA payments. Employees warned that thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks as a result of the backlog.

    SSA CLAIM #2: “Continuing to upgrade SSA’s telephone technology nationwide, deploying the platform to 841 field offices, representing 70 percent of field offices nationwide.”

    FACT: SSA’s new phone system has created new challenges for Americans trying to get help. Beneficiaries have reported AI doom loops and glitches that have prevented them from getting help.

    SSA CLAIM #3: “Reducing the average speed of answer (ASA) on the 800 Number to 13 minutes, a 35 percent reduction compared to this time last year and over a 50 percent reduction compared to last year’s annual average.”

    FACT: A recent Social Security War Room investigation revealed that SSA’s public claims about wait times are false — the actual average wait time on the 800 number is 102 minutes, nearly eight times higher than SSA’s claims. SSA’s claim that call times are just 13 minutes is even inconsistent with its own data, which shows that just 7.6 % of callers wait less than 15 minutes, and over half of callers wait more than two hours—if their call gets answered at all. 

    SSA CLAIM #4: “Optimizing technology on the 800 Number so that 90 percent of calls handled are now served via automated self-service options or convenient callbacks, minimizing hold times.”

    FACT: SSA’s own data shows only 40.7% of calls are currently handled through automation — not 90%.

    SSA CLAIM #5: “Upgrading the mySocial Security online portal to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 access to customers starting mid-July.”

    FACT: This “upgrade” comes after months of intermittent service blackouts — including glitches that told millions of beneficiaries that they were no longer receiving benefits.

    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: Social Security War Room Debunks Latest Social Security Administration Lies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    July 09, 2025

    Social Security leadership touts false “milestones” while beneficiaries struggle with long wait times, tech glitches

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), part of Senate Democrats’ Social Security War Room, debunked misleading claims that Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration (SSA) touted in a recent press release.

    “Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration is a customer service disaster. Commissioner Bisignano should stop rewriting history and focus on making it easier for Americans to get help with their monthly checks,” said Senator Warren.

    The SSA claimed it “achieved key milestones” in a so-called “customer service transformation.” In reality, beneficiaries have struggled with hours-long wait times, online glitches, and persistent threats of mass staff firings and field office closures.

    SSA CLAIM #1: “Complet[ed] over 3.1 million payments to all who were entitled under the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) five months ahead of schedule.”

    FACT: Reporting revealed that SSA forced employees to stop working on critical issues including overpayment reconsideration, updating direct deposit information, checking on monthly payment rates, and Medicare billing related issues in order to complete SSFA payments. Employees warned that thousands of Americans could see delays or even stopped checks as a result of the backlog.

    SSA CLAIM #2: “Continuing to upgrade SSA’s telephone technology nationwide, deploying the platform to 841 field offices, representing 70 percent of field offices nationwide.”

    FACT: SSA’s new phone system has created new challenges for Americans trying to get help. Beneficiaries have reported AI doom loops and glitches that have prevented them from getting help.

    SSA CLAIM #3: “Reducing the average speed of answer (ASA) on the 800 Number to 13 minutes, a 35 percent reduction compared to this time last year and over a 50 percent reduction compared to last year’s annual average.”

    FACT: A recent Social Security War Room investigation revealed that SSA’s public claims about wait times are false — the actual average wait time on the 800 number is 102 minutes, nearly eight times higher than SSA’s claims. SSA’s claim that call times are just 13 minutes is even inconsistent with its own data, which shows that just 7.6 % of callers wait less than 15 minutes, and over half of callers wait more than two hours—if their call gets answered at all. 

    SSA CLAIM #4: “Optimizing technology on the 800 Number so that 90 percent of calls handled are now served via automated self-service options or convenient callbacks, minimizing hold times.”

    FACT: SSA’s own data shows only 40.7% of calls are currently handled through automation — not 90%.

    SSA CLAIM #5: “Upgrading the mySocial Security online portal to provide uninterrupted, 24/7 access to customers starting mid-July.”

    FACT: This “upgrade” comes after months of intermittent service blackouts — including glitches that told millions of beneficiaries that they were no longer receiving benefits.

    Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room is a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PM Modi calls for stronger ties, deeper Global South cooperation in Namibia Parliament address

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Parliament of Namibia during his state visit, calling for closer cooperation between the two democracies and reiterating India’s commitment to the progress of Africa and the Global South.

    Speaking at the invitation of National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa, the Prime Minister described the opportunity to speak before the Namibian lawmakers as a “special gesture” that added meaning to his trip.

    Addressing the Parliament, the PM conveyed greetings from the “Mother of Democracy” and the world’s largest democracy to the members of the House and the people of Namibia. Recalling the historic bonds between the two nations and their parallel struggles for freedom, PM Modi paid homage to Namibia’s founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma, calling him a towering figure in the global fight for liberation and justice.

    The Prime Minister said that the democratic values championed by the founding fathers of both India and Namibia continue to illuminate the path of development. He also lauded Namibia’s efforts in strengthening its democratic institutions, and the role played by its government and citizens in deepening democracy.

    PM Modi expressed gratitude to the people of Namibia for conferring on him the country’s highest national honour. Calling it a tribute not just to him but to the achievements of Indian and Namibian democracies, the PM described both nations as “sentinels of freedom, equality and justice.”

    The Prime Minister urged the two countries to work closely for the betterment of the Global South and to ensure that the voices, hopes and aspirations of its people are fully realized. 

    Citing India’s G-20 presidency, during which the African Union was granted permanent membership, PM Modi said the move underscored India’s long-standing commitment to Africa’s rise.

    “India will always work for the progress of Africa,” PM Modi said, adding that New Delhi is proud to share its development experiences with Namibia and other countries on the continent. He reaffirmed India’s support for Africa’s Agenda 2063 and said that the partnership will focus on building capacity, developing skills, encouraging local innovation, and fostering inclusive growth.

    Thanking the Namibian Speaker for the honour of addressing the House, the Prime Minister made a pitch for enhanced people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. “Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but also the future we will build together,” he said.

  • PM Modi calls for stronger ties, deeper Global South cooperation in Namibia Parliament address

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Parliament of Namibia during his state visit, calling for closer cooperation between the two democracies and reiterating India’s commitment to the progress of Africa and the Global South.

    Speaking at the invitation of National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa, the Prime Minister described the opportunity to speak before the Namibian lawmakers as a “special gesture” that added meaning to his trip.

    Addressing the Parliament, the PM conveyed greetings from the “Mother of Democracy” and the world’s largest democracy to the members of the House and the people of Namibia. Recalling the historic bonds between the two nations and their parallel struggles for freedom, PM Modi paid homage to Namibia’s founding President Dr. Sam Nujoma, calling him a towering figure in the global fight for liberation and justice.

    The Prime Minister said that the democratic values championed by the founding fathers of both India and Namibia continue to illuminate the path of development. He also lauded Namibia’s efforts in strengthening its democratic institutions, and the role played by its government and citizens in deepening democracy.

    PM Modi expressed gratitude to the people of Namibia for conferring on him the country’s highest national honour. Calling it a tribute not just to him but to the achievements of Indian and Namibian democracies, the PM described both nations as “sentinels of freedom, equality and justice.”

    The Prime Minister urged the two countries to work closely for the betterment of the Global South and to ensure that the voices, hopes and aspirations of its people are fully realized. 

    Citing India’s G-20 presidency, during which the African Union was granted permanent membership, PM Modi said the move underscored India’s long-standing commitment to Africa’s rise.

    “India will always work for the progress of Africa,” PM Modi said, adding that New Delhi is proud to share its development experiences with Namibia and other countries on the continent. He reaffirmed India’s support for Africa’s Agenda 2063 and said that the partnership will focus on building capacity, developing skills, encouraging local innovation, and fostering inclusive growth.

    Thanking the Namibian Speaker for the honour of addressing the House, the Prime Minister made a pitch for enhanced people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. “Let our children not only inherit the freedom we fought for, but also the future we will build together,” he said.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Collaboration Between NREL and CubicPV Pushes Perovskite Minimodule Performance to New Heights

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    NREL and CubicPV researchers collaborated on a record-setting perovskite minimodule. Photo by Shuai You, NREL

    A collaborative effort between NREL and CubicPV has yielded a perovskite minimodule that belongs in the record books.

    The 24.0% certified efficiency marks the first time a U.S. effort has set a record in the perovskite minimodule category.

    The researchers at NREL and at CubicPV, a company based in the Boston area, made the minimodule consisting of multiple interconnected cells, with several steps in the fabrication sequence done at each location.

    Kai Zhu, a senior scientist in NREL’s Chemistry and Nanoscience Center has previously collaborated with CubicPV. Zhu said the complementary expertise of the two organizations is a testament not only to technical excellence, but to the accelerated impact of combining complementary strengths.

    “It’s really the strength from both parties that creates the environment for record setting,” he said. “Both teams can achieve great results —but collaboration amplifies our impact and sets new device benchmarks.” CubicPV’s focus is on tandem solar devices, using perovskites on top of silicon to make a solar panel that captures more photons and continues to lower the cost of energy, while NREL’s focus is on advancing manufacturing, durability, and efficiency of perovskite-enabled tandems. The collaboration amplifies each partner’s strengths.

    Unlike silicon, perovskites are created by using a low-temperature (less than 200°C) ink-based printing or vacuum coating process with primarily earth-abundant materials. The technology has proven to be efficient at small scale, and work to improve durability and efficiency on larger-area devices, which are prerequisite for commercial adoption, continues. Perovskites hold the promise of diversifying the supply chain and increasing domestic production of solar photovoltaic modules.

    Adam Lorenz, chief technology officer of CubicPV, said future efforts will focus on demonstrating durable performance outdoors and producing larger area perovskite modules. “We are committed to leveraging U.S. technical leadership and collaborating with the top researchers in the world to drive cutting-edge perovskite science toward scalable, commercially viable, and durable products,” he said.

    The previous record for a perovskite minimodule, published in May 2025, was 23.9%. The solar cell efficiency tables are published twice a year in the journal Progress in Photovoltaics. The next iteration will appear near year’s end, which gives NREL and CubicPV time to surpass their current record.

    The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office funded the research.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Bondi, Secretary McMahon Announce DOJ Suit Against California for Violating Title IX

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division today filed suit to enforce Title IX and protect California female student athletes from unfair competition and reckless endangerment by male participation on female high-school sports teams.

    Related:

    Press Release: Justice Department Sues California for Violating Title IX, Denying Girls Athletic Opportunities

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS Hosts International Rig IQ Showdown

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS Hosts International Rig IQ Showdown

    The IADC Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS Student Chapter recently hosted the International Rig IQ Showdown (IRIS) 2025. This remarkable flagship competition brought together bright minds from universities across Malaysia to compete in a test of drilling knowledge, strategy, and innovation. Competing teams joined from UCSI University, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP). 

    Over the course of 3 days, students participated in:

    • An insightful training session on drilling well control 
    • A written test to showcase their grasp of well control fundamentals
    • An engaging well control simulator hands-on training
    • A practical exam on the Well Control Simulator

    Congratulations to the winners! 

    1st place: ODOM Drilling (UTP)
    1st Runner-up: Top Drive (UTP)
    2nd Runner-up: UiTM DRILLGEIST (UiTM)

    The IADC UTP Student Chapter expressed: 

    “A massive congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding performance, and to every team for showcasing incredible skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the competition.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Drew Acosta’s Story

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Drew Acosta’s Story

    The following is part of IADC’s 85th anniversary campaign, “Many Stories, One Voice,” which aims to showcase the real human stories behind the drilling industry. 

    The following story is from Drew Acosta, former IADC Missouri S&T Student Chapter Vice President, 2024 IADC Student Chapter scholarship recipient and Drilling Engineer at Chevron.

    Growing up in rural East Texas, I always associated oil and gas with opportunity. However, I never anticipated the impact it would have on my life. As a kid, I dreaded the smell of crude oil that filled the dry desert air during trips to Odessa to visit my cousins. Watching family and friends leave for a few weeks to work on rigs was a routine part of life.

    My introduction to IADC came in spring 2022, during my second semester at Missouri S&T. I had just transferred to play baseball and study petroleum engineering after spending two years studying business at another university. Encouraged by friends, I attended the IADC Annual General Meeting in Austin in fall 2023. The warm welcome I received from the IADC community was unforgettable and unlike any other conference experience I had as a student. It was then that I knew I wanted to pursue a career in drilling.

    I took on a leadership role within my university’s IADC chapter and never looked back. The fellowship and support I got from IADC was invaluable. In 2024, IADC awarded me a scholarship that was crucial in helping me complete my education as a first-generation college student. Additionally, I organized a WellSharp certification class for fellow students, with IADC providing the necessary resources.

    In February 2025, I began my full-time role as a Drilling Engineer at Chevron in Houston. This position allows me to stay involved in events for young professionals and attend many more conferences in the future. Now, I’m the family or friend heading out to the rig for a few weeks, eagerly waiting for the plane to land at the Midland airport so I can feel the sandy, crude-scented wind and continue working on the next phase of my career.

    Reflecting on my journey, IADC has been a pivotal factor in bridging those two points of my life, supporting me every step of the way. 

    Drew at the IADC Annual General Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, in November 2024.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Attorney General Bondi, Secretary McMahon Announce DOJ Suit Against CA for Violating Title IX

    Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)

    Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced that the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division today filed suit to enforce Title IX and protect California female student athletes from unfair competition and reckless endangerment by male participation on female high-school sports teams.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phx3jXwbclg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Kennedy in the New York Post: The clock is ticking on the Senate to chop $9.4 billion of waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)

    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in the New York Post urging the Senate to approve President Trump’s rescission request to permanently cut funding to wasteful foreign aid programs and public broadcasting.

    Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:

    “Under former President Joe Biden, our federal government agreed to spend $3 million on an Iraqi version of ‘Sesame Street,’ $3 million on circumcisions and vasectomies in Zambia, $500,000 on electric buses in Rwanda and $67,000 to feed insect powder to children in Madagascar. You read that right. Insect powder.

    “It wasn’t all bugs, though. A group of male prostitutes in Haiti got $3.6 million to run free pastry-cooking classes, cyber cafés and ‘dance focus groups.’

    “These spending decisions make Americans want to jump out of a moving car.”

    . . . 

    “The House of Representatives already approved these spending cuts. It’s the Senate’s turn now — and we must move quickly: The Impoundment Control Act only gives Congress 45 days to approve a rescission request. We need to get this to the president’s desk by July 18. 

    “If my colleagues still think this spending is necessary, they should vote no on his request. But here on planet Earth, the American people know they could be spending this money far better than the deeply weird, woke bureaucrats they’ve already voted out of office.”

    Read Kennedy’s op-ed here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: One Big Beautiful Bill Will Help Make U.S. Energy Dominant

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    07.07.25

    Senator Outlines OBBB Policies to Help Stabilize the Grid, Secure the Future of American Energy

    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today held a press conference with Representative Julie Fedorchak and Senator Kevin Cramer, where Hoeven outlined how the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) will help make the U.S. energy dominant. The senator discussed how the legislation incentivizes the coal and oil and gas industries to work together to help stabilize the electrical grid and produce more energy from America’s abundant resources. The bill:

    • Unlocks access to taxpayer-owned oil, gas and coal reserves. To this end, the legislation requires the Interior Department to:
      • Hold quarterly lease sales for oil and gas.
      • Take prompt action on new coal lease applications.
      • Open for leasing an additional 4 million acres of known recoverable federal coal reserves.
    • Rolls back Green New Deal policies imposed under the Biden administration, including:
      • Stopping the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) fee on oil and gas production, also known as the Natural Gas Tax, for 10 years. Hoeven led the effort in the Senate to block implementation of President Biden’s Natural Gas Tax.
      • Reducing federal royalty rates for oil, gas and coal production to their pre-IRA levels.
      • Aligning incentives to encourage partnerships between coal and oil producers, helping coal-fired power plants to stay online longer, while maximizing the potential of oil and gas wells, including in the Bakken.

    “Between the regulatory and tax relief we’ve provided in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, we’re securing the future of energy production in North Dakota, supporting the stability of our electrical grid by keeping our coal plants online and helping make the U.S. truly energy dominant,” said Hoeven. “Importantly, we’re stopping the Green New Deal policies from the last administration and taking the handcuffs off of energy production on federal lands. At the same time, we’re supporting partnerships between coal, oil and gas producers that will secure the future of energy production in North Dakota and across the nation. That’s how you ensure we can meet the demands of emerging industries, like AI, while ensuring affordable and reliable energy for American consumers and businesses.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven: USDA to Begin Accepting Applications for Weather-Related Ag Disaster Assistance On July 10

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    07.09.25

    Senator Secured Funding to Help Producers Recover from Wildfire, Disaster Losses in 2023 and 2024

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications on July 10 for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), which will provide $16 billion to help producers recover from weather-related losses occurring in 2023 and 2024. The program comes as part of the $33.5 billion in disaster relief funding that Hoeven secured in the year-end legislation passed in December.

    SDRP stage one is open to producers with eligible crop losses who received assistance either under crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) during 2023 and 2024.

    • Prefilled applications are being mailed to producers today, which then may be submitted in person at county Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices starting tomorrow.
      • This follows Hoeven’s work encouraging Agriculture Secretary Rollins to utilize a streamlined application process to help ensure an efficient and timely process.
    • Stage one payments are based on the coverage level the producer purchased for the crop.
      • A payment factor of 35% will be applied to all stage one payments. If additional SDRP funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.
    • Eligible disasters include wildfires, floods, winter storms, excessive moisture and qualifying drought, among other events.

    SDRP stage two covers eligible shallow or uncovered losses, with signup beginning in early fall. Additional information on the weather-related assistance can be found on FSA’s website here.

    “Our farmers faced severe hardship from disasters over the past two years, which are compounded by the difficulties resulting from challenging markets and trade negotiations. As such, this weather-related disaster assistance that we worked to fund and advance will be a welcome relief,” said Hoeven. “At the same time, the improvements we secured to the farm safety net will build upon this assistance, while reducing the need for future ag disaster funding. That’s a win for both producers and taxpayers over the long-term.”

    Today’s announcement builds upon the market-based assistance and livestock assistance that Hoeven worked to fund and advance, for which applications and payments continue to be processed. North Dakota producers have since received more than $570 million under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) and more than $11 million under the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Opens Application Period for Program to Enhance Tribal Access to National Crime Information Databases

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    The Department of Justice is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia to participate in the Tribal Access Program (TAP) for National Crime Information. TAP improves public safety by providing federally recognized Tribes the ability to access and exchange data with national crime information databases for authorized criminal justice and non-criminal justice purposes, including the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

    The program provides software, hardware, and training, as well as a web-based application and biometric/biographic kiosk workstations to process fingerprints, take mugshots, and submit information to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems.  The Department will accept TAP applications from July 9 to August 29. Tribes selected to participate will be notified in September. There are currently 149 federally recognized Tribes participating in TAP.

    Using TAP, Tribes have shared information about missing persons; entered domestic violence orders of protection for nationwide enforcement; registered convicted sex offenders; run criminal histories; located fugitives; entered bookings and convictions; and completed fingerprint-based record checks for non-criminal justice purposes such as screening employees or volunteers who work with children.

    “As a TAP Pilot Tribe, the Cherokee Nation has been participating in TAP for many years,” said Suzanne Drywater, Senior Director of Justice Services for the Cherokee Nation.  “From sex offender registrations, law enforcement, foster home certification, human resources, and child support, our tribe has been able to exercise our sovereignty, and TAP has proven to be an invaluable resource that we use daily in a multitude of ways.”            

    For Tribes that are considering applying, TAP staff will be conducting informational webinars describing the program and its capabilities. Webinars will be offered throughout July and August. For more information about TAP, including webinar dates, times and access information, visit www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap.

    To qualify for funding, federally recognized Tribes must have – and agree to use TAP for – at least one of the following:

    • A Tribal sex offender registry authorized by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act,
    • A Tribal law enforcement agency that has arrest powers,
    • A Tribal court that issues orders of protection, or
    • A Tribal government agency that screens individuals for foster care placement or that investigates allegations of child abuse/neglect.

    TAP is funded by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking; the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office on Violence Against Women. TAP is co-managed by the department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and Office of Tribal Justice. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Tags that help players identify accessibility features now available across all digital Xbox experiences

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Tags that help players identify accessibility features now available across all digital Xbox experiences

    Created in collaboration with the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), Electronic Arts, Google, Nintendo of America, Ubisoft and other gaming companies as part of the newly formed Accessible Games Initiative, the Accessible Games Initiative tags help the more than 429 million players with some form of disability identify the accessibility features available in a specific game, before they make a purchase.

    This transition to the new Accessible Games Initiative tags is a continuation of the work Xbox started in 2021 by releasing the Xbox Game Accessibility Feature tags.  Any Xbox Game Accessibility Feature tags that do not have equivalent Accessible Games Initiative tags will remain on our platform. This new combination of tags will make it even easier for players with disabilities to learn about available accessibility features and find their next great game. 

    We caught up with Brannon Zahand, Senior Technical Program Manager at Xbox, and Steve Saylor, content creator and gaming accessibility advocate, to discuss the work towards greater standardization of accessibility in games, what these tags mean for players today, and why this work is important.

    You can also head over to the Microsoft Game Developer Blog to check out an interview with Phil Crabtree, Technical Director & Co-founder of Kaizen Game Works, about his team’s work designing games with accessibility in mind and the importance of the Accessibility Game Initiative tags.

    Interview with Brannon Zahand, Senior Technical Program Manager at Xbox, and Steve Saylor, Content Creator and Gaming Accessibility Advocate

    Today’s a big day! What does it mean to you, on a personal level, to have the new Accessible Games Initiative tags available across all digital Xbox experiences?

    Brannon Zahand: This work has been over half a decade in the making, so finally seeing these new tags in our store experiences is incredibly exciting. And it’s been amazing to see not just the positive community sentiment, but the rapid adoption we’ve had from game developers.

    Steve Saylor: I’m very excited! As more and more accessible games are being released, being able to find them via tags that cater to my accessibility needs is fantastic. I’ll be able to find my next favourite game or find that rare gem that I would’ve missed.

    Where exactly can players find these new tags, and will the Xbox Game Accessibility Feature Tags still be available?

    Zahand: On console, these tags can be found in many places, including the Xbox Store and filters in “My Games & Apps.” They are also available in the Xbox PC app, Xbox Mobile app, as well as on Xbox.com. In total, players will find more than 4,000 tags across all these experiences, which we’re really proud of. As for the original Xbox Game Accessibility Tags, we kept the tags which didn’t have Accessible Games Initiative equivalents as we heard from the community that they still found these very helpful. Those tags are “Accessibility on launch,” “On-demand tutorials,” “Pausable,” “Adjustable input sensitivity,” and “Single stick gameplay.”

    Why are these new tags being introduced, when Xbox already had its own tagging system?

    Zahand: Obviously, we love our Xbox Game Accessibility Tags. Developers and consumers alike both told us they gained a lot of value from them. But, at Xbox, we really view accessibility through the lens of collaboration, not competition. We realized we can do more good for our community and the developers that support them if we can align with other industry leaders to create a consistent language for developers to share information about what accessibility features their games have, regardless of platform or storefront. It reduces the amount of effort developers have to make to try to support different tagging systems, and makes it easier for the community by reducing the number of tagging systems they have to learn.

    As a founding member of the Accessible Games Initiative, what was it like to work with not only the ESA, but other industry partners, on these tags?

    Zahand: It was such an amazing experience. There are so many passionate accessibility experts and advocates in our industry now, and having the opportunity to tackle such a transformative initiative with them was so rewarding. My sincere thanks go out to each and every one of them for all the effort they poured into making the Accessible Games Initiative a reality.

    The Accessible Games Initiative marks a significant step in the standardization of accessibility in video games. Why is this important?

     Zahand: For years, people spoke about accessibility using similar terms but with very different meanings and expectations. For example, a long time back, I remember seeing a game that advertised itself as having subtitles. I was excited to try it out until I realized the subtitles were white text… and a decent chunk of the game was played in a snowy environment. There were points where it was impossible to read the text. Now, I was fortunate that I didn’t need the subtitles; for me, they were a “nice to have.” But I can imagine that those who rely on subtitles, like players in from the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, were likely frustrated by this. With these new tags, individuals buying a game tagged with “Large & Clear Subtitles” can be certain that the subtitles will have an adjustable background ensuring they’ll be able to read text regardless of the  game environment in the background. And if you think about it, this makes it easier for game developers as well. It gives them a clear place to start when they think about what types of accessibility features they may want to implement and the “minimum bars” that make those features useful and enjoyable.

    Saylor: It’s important because right now accessibility information about a game is rare. We get some info here and there, but we often won’t know if a game is accessible until we buy it and play it ourselves. With these tags it’s a great step forward for the industry to at least have a baseline of information so we can make our purchasing decisions wisely.

    What do you hope these tags signal to the rest of the industry?

    Zahand: I hope these tags are a reminder to developers, publishers, and consumers alike that accessibility is a win-win. Accessible games are good for everyone. For gamers, they give those who need these features an opportunity to take part, and those who simply enjoy customizing their gaming experience more options to do so. For developers, it allows their art to be enjoyed by more people. And since the use of these tags and implementation of these features isn’t mandatory, it gives them the freedom to do what they think is best for their game and players.

    Saylor: I hope it’s a signal to the industry that accessibility is not a daunting thing. Yes, it can be a lot of work. But, instead of being a mysterious thing, developers can look at the tags and say, “Oh that’s how you do it? That can totally be done.” It’s not the whole picture but it at least sets a standard going forward.

    If I am a game developer hearing about these tags for the first time, how can I get involved?

    Zahand: For Xbox developers, I’d recommend checking out our developer documentation on both the Accessible Games Initiative tags and Xbox Accessibility Feature Tags at https://aka.ms/afts. And for those developing on other platforms, a great place to get started is the Accessible Games Initiative website at https://www.accessiblegames.com. 

    Finally, are there any games that have surprised and delighted you with their accessibility options, and how are those represented in the new AGI tags?

    Zahand: It’s amazing to see how many titles have adopted these tags since they became available. I was really happy to see that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, South of Midnight, and Doom: The Dark Ages all implemented some great accessibility features, including features covered by both the Accessible Games Initiative tags and Xbox Accessibility Feature tags.

    Saylor: A game that surprised me the most this year was Atomfall. Not only is it a great game to play on Game Pass, but it has a large amount of accessibility that made it so much fun to play. It has multiple tags already that include Clear and Large Text, Large and Clear Subtitles, Playable with Keyboard, or Touch controls, and more. I definitely recommend giving it a try!

    Visit www.accessiblegames.com to explore the tags and learn more. 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Microsoft Edge sets a new standard for speed and responsiveness

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft Edge sets a new standard for speed and responsiveness

    Microsoft Edge is continuing to blaze a trail toward an even faster and more responsive browser UI, and through a cumulation of efforts of the past few months, we have reached a major milestone of achieving a global First Contentful Paint (FCP) below 300ms1.

    We set this ambitious performance target because industry research shows that waiting longer than 300 to 400ms for the initial content can significantly impact user satisfaction. By meeting this critical threshold, we ensure that the most used browser features appear almost instantly, letting you engage with the content sooner.

    This achievement not only aligns with widely recognized web performance standards but also underscores our commitment to delivering industry-leading speed. With Microsoft Edge, you get a smooth, enjoyable online experience with minimal delays, faster access to content, and a real sense of instant responsiveness.

    Since our previous blog post, we have dramatically reduced load times by an average of 40%, and achieved greater responsiveness, for 13 browser features, such as:

    • Settings: you can now more quickly load and navigate to the browser settings and customize your browsing experience.
    • Read aloud: to experience AI-powered reading of webpages in more languages, accents, and voices—all with reduced startup time and smoother playback.
    • Split screen: effortlessly switch between tasks and windows with near-instant navigation and less loading delays.
    • Workspaces: from the moment you open a page, tasks feel more responsive and intuitive, allowing you to dive into your work without delay.

    To get a better sense for the improvements, here is a video showing how much faster the Settings UI now loads in Microsoft Edge:

    Looking ahead

    While we’re proud of these advancements, our work is far from finished. In the coming months, expect additional performance improvements across more features, including Print Preview, Extensions, and more.

    Every update is designed to ensure a browsing experience that remains fast, fluid, and enjoyable—whether you’re working, playing, or exploring online.

    We’d love you to try Microsoft Edge and let us know what you think. Tell us about your experience by sending feedback directly from Edge: go to Settings and more (…) > Help and feedback > Send feedback.

    Happy browsing!

    FCP measures how quickly the various feature UIs of Microsoft Edge visually load.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Microsoft unveils Elevate, putting people first in AI transformation

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft unveils Elevate, putting people first in AI transformation

    For a student wondering what to study, a teacher rethinking how to teach, or a business owner managing a workforce—artificial intelligence is no longer theoretical. It’s personal. And it’s why we believe some of the most important work ahead isn’t just building smarter machines—it’s ensuring those machines help people thrive.

    That’s why today we’re announcing Microsoft Elevate and the AI Economy Institute—to ensure that as AI transforms our world, we’re putting people first by equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and tools to thrive with AI.

    Microsoft Elevate brings into one organization our technology support, donations, and sales for schools, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations. It is the successor to and expands upon the longstanding work of Microsoft Philanthropies and the Tech for Social Impact team that supports nonprofits.

    More broadly, this represents our next chapter for corporate philanthropy and our non-commercial business model. As we have with Tech for Social Impact, we will run this new business with commitments to reinvest a share of our profits into nonprofit programs. We are announcing today that over the next five years, we will donate on a global scale more than $4 billion in cash and AI and cloud technology to K-12 schools, community and technical colleges, and nonprofits to help advance their missions.

    Microsoft Elevate will also pursue the next phase of our global skilling programs and initiatives. Through the Microsoft Elevate Academy, it will help bring AI education and skills to people around the world. In the next two years, the Microsoft Elevate Academy will help 20 million people earn an in-demand AI skilling credential ranging from foundational fluency to advanced technical training. Working in close coordination with other groups across Microsoft, including LinkedIn and GitHub, Microsoft Elevate will deliver AI education and skilling at scale. And it will work as an advocate for public policies around the world to advance AI education and training for others.

    Microsoft will partner with governments on a national, state, and local basis, as we have with the largest state in Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia. It will focus on advancing AI education and training with schools, community colleges, and nonprofits. It will launch new and innovative initiatives, including the support we’re announcing today for a new “Hour of AI” with Code.org. It will build on our existing partnerships with leading labor organizations, as we announced yesterday with the American Federation of Teachers. And we will pursue many more partnerships to come. Put together, these efforts represent a bold step to create the skilling infrastructure the world will need to put AI to work.

    A moment to reflect

    Today’s tech sector is in an AI race—with some aiming to be the first to reach artificial general intelligence or even superintelligence. But what do we really hope to create at the supposed finish line?

    The best time to ask hard questions about AI’s future is now—before it becomes even more powerful and pervasive. History shows that technology can empower creativity, expand knowledge, and connect people. But it can also deepen divides. Nearly 150 years after Thomas Edison lit his first light bulb, hundreds of millions still lack electricity. And in just 15 years, social media has gone from what people saw as a promising tool to spread democracy to a weapon of disinformation.

    As we look ahead, we must ask ourselves: Are we building machines to replace people, or to help people thrive? Are we trying to create AI that will outsmart humanity—or elevate it?

    At Microsoft, we’re putting a clear stake in the ground: we believe in advancing AI by putting people first.

    Elevating the humanity of work

    This initiative is part of a broader commitment to help people shape the future of work, not just react to it.

    Work has always been more than a paycheck. It’s how people contribute, grow, and find meaning in their lives. It’s a source of identity, purpose, and dignity. This isn’t a new idea. Two thousand years ago, Aristotle called it eudaimonia—the ability to flourish through purposeful activity. That idea still resonates today, especially as AI begins to reshape the nature of work itself.

    AI is a powerful tool that can help us learn and be more productive. But as with any tool, it needs to be used in the right ways and with a broad perspective. This is one of the lessons from the use of social media. We’ve probably all experienced someone connecting on their phone with a friend far away while ignoring a family member sitting in the same room. We need to use AI to think more, not less. And this is a function not only of technology but culture and habits. It will require thoughtful conversations in homes, schools, and in the workplace about how we make the best use of AI.

    Ultimately, the conversation about AI and jobs must begin with people—not just productivity. Machines can process data, but only humans can exercise judgment. Machines can mimic language, but only humans can offer empathy. Machines can optimize, but only humans can care. The goal isn’t to build machines that replace us—it’s to build machines that help us do more and do it better.

    One key to success will be partnerships, so a broad array of stakeholders can have input into where AI is going. That means working with governments, educators, labor unions, employers, and community leaders to ensure AI reflects human values and serves human needs.

    This is why we have been deepening our partnerships with labor organizations like the AFL-CIO and, as announced yesterday, with the American Federation of Teachers, or AFT, to deliver AI training to union members, apprenticeship instructors, and educators—including a new National Academy for AI Instruction and a summer skilling series across the building trades. We’re also working with policymakers to encourage public policies that support lifelong learning, workforce readiness, and equitable access to AI education.

    A new corporate think tank: Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute

    It’s important to acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers to the new questions that AI will pose for societies around the world. No one does.

    To support our work with deeper research and policy insight, Microsoft Elevate will work in close coordination with the Microsoft AI Economy Institute. We started work this past January on what is a new kind of corporate think tank—one designed to bridge the gap between technological innovation and societal impact.

    Housed within the AI for Good Lab and building on the best traditions of Microsoft Research, the Institute sponsors and convenes researchers to explore how AI is reshaping work, education, and productivity. It’s focused on turning those insights into real-world solutions that inform Microsoft’s strategy and public policy engagement.

    The Institute supports academic research that explores the transformative potential of AI around the world. Current projects, representing academics from universities across the globe, began earlier this year and span from investigating how generative AI can drive transdisciplinary academic innovation to addressing policy gaps in African higher education to evaluating the real-world labor market value of AI skills and micro-credentials. This work underscores the Institute’s commitment to inclusive, evidence-based insights that shape responsible and globally relevant AI futures. With fast publication cycles and a commitment to open collaboration, the Institute ensures that its research reaches not only internal teams but also the public and policymakers around the world.

    The Institute’s work will directly inform Microsoft Elevate’s skilling programs and initiatives, helping to create the training programs, partnerships, and policy frameworks needed to prepare people for the AI economy.

    Through workshops, convenings, and applied research, the AI Economy Institute is poised to become a leading voice in the global conversation on AI and economic transformation—ensuring that the benefits of AI are broadly shared and that the infrastructure for inclusive growth is built alongside the technology itself.

    This is part of an even broader ongoing effort to advance AI as a tool for good around the world. This will include the evolution of our AI for Good Lab, which advances applied research projects to use AI to meet societal needs. It also includes our support for responsible AI with a wide variety of partners, including universities, nonprofits, and the AFL-CIO and its members. It also includes faith-based organizations, including the Vatican and its Rome Call for AI Ethics. And important intergovernmental organizations, including key United Nations agencies.

    Building on a 50-year legacy

    More than any other tech company, Microsoft’s 50-year history gives us a unique appreciation for what it takes for people and technology to flourish together. Because the PC and our operating systems have always functioned as open platforms, we understand how to support a broad global ecosystem of software developers and innovators. And because Microsoft strived early on to put “a computer on every desk and in every home” when that seemed like an implausible dream, we appreciate what technology success truly requires. It’s based not only on great innovations but also critical work to make these innovations accessible and to equip people with the skills needed to use them in their daily lives.

    This is the work ahead—not just building the next generation of AI but building the next generation of opportunity. With Microsoft Elevate, we’re investing in people, institutions, and ideas that will ensure AI serves everyone. Because AI shouldn’t strip away the humanity of work—it should elevate it.

    Tags: AI, digital skills

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The power of game-based learning with Minecraft Education

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: The power of game-based learning with Minecraft Education

    Engage students through game-based learning with Minecraft Education—explore this collection of subject-spanning, skill-building learning experiences.

    Engaging students across subjects can be challenging. Game-based learning with Minecraft Education offers a powerful way to bridge that gap and create real-world impact. Minecraft Education helps educators connect students’ passion with purpose—making learning feel like play. With ready-to-use, standards-aligned resources in coding and AI, science, history, math, and more, this immersive platform brings lessons to life through creativity, collaboration, and exploration.

    Minecraft Education promotes critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving while helping students develop digital skills for their future. It can also help motivate learning, improve attendance, and build student agency. Educators use it for everything from building AI literacy through immersive lessons to sustainable design challenges and esports programs.

    Explore this collection of Minecraft Education experiences designed to support your instruction, boost engagement, and inspire creativity in the classroom. Parents and caregivers can also support their child’s learning outside of school with Minecraft Education. With materials like a digital safety family toolkit, you’ll find ways to use Minecraft to explore important topics at home, too. Discover Minecraft Education resources for parents and families today.

    Digital citizenship, coding, and AI

    Today’s students are growing up in a world shaped by digital tools, AI, and rapid technological change. Minecraft Education helps prepare them to navigate that world responsibly and confidently. With Minecraft Education, students can engage in hands-on experiences that help them strengthen digital citizenship, explore responsible AI use, and build coding fluency all within a familiar and playful learning space that connects to their everyday lives.

    Check out these Minecraft Education worlds designed to help students explore, create, and grow as digital citizens.

    Discover CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper
    • CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper – Build digital citizenship and AI literacy skills with CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper. This engaging adventure challenges students to go beyond the surface and explore responsible AI, critical thinking, and data literacy. Don’t just accept AI at face value—dig deeper and discover the power of mindful technology use!
    • Hour of Code: The Show Must Go On – Step into a vibrant theater world to help save the day in Minecraft’s Hour of Code 2024: The Show Must Go On. In this adventure, students will explore the theater to find the missing star, the Agent, while solving fun coding puzzles and interacting with lively characters. They’ll unlock hidden gags, customize the show, and plan an unforgettable performance.
    • GameCode – Empower creative coding with this dynamic curriculum where students create their own arcade-style mini-games and learn computer science along the way. This immersive and innovative approach to coding will ignite the passion for programming in students as they become inventive game designers, empowered to shape their digital landscapes.

    These experiences introduce students to essential digital concepts while allowing them to iterate and build in a safe, creative environment. Demystify complex subjects like AI and coding with your students through game-based learning with Minecraft.

    Core subjects and STEM

    It can be challenging to make abstract academic concepts feel exciting, relevant, and accessible. That’s where Minecraft Education comes in. These standards-aligned experiences are designed to help students connect with core instruction in ways that are hands-on and meaningful. From environmental science and astronomy to math and history, these worlds help students engage deeply with content through inquiry, experimentation, and creativity.

    Explore these worlds to help your students apply academic concepts across subject areas.

    Explore Ocean Heroes
    • Ocean Heroes – Embark on a marine conservation adventure in Ocean Heroes, presented by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and Voice of the Ocean. Students will investigate ocean ecosystems alongside scientists and help them tackle environmental challenges in mangrove forests, coral reefs, and kelp forests. Along the way, they’ll encounter amazing creatures, enhance their ocean literacy, and develop critical problem-solving skills.
    • Data Explorers – Build data science and sustainability skills in this world, created by ReWrite Edu in collaboration with NetApp and World’s Largest Lesson. This choose-your-next-path style game takes students across five different ecosystems in search of scientists who help them use data to solve specific environmental problems. Along the way, students can hone their data collection and analysis skills, as well as see how scientists apply data to real-world problems.
    • Ratio Riddles – Introduce the concepts of ratio, proportion, fractions, and scale through a series of three engaging games designed for students ages 8-14. This is an easy-to-teach lesson designed to engage learners in foundational mathematics principles while fostering curiosity and confidence.
    • Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage – Step into the heart of history! Peter is Here: AI for Cultural Heritage is a captivating experience where students journey through 2,000 years of architectural innovation. Inspired by real-world preservation efforts, this immersive project lets young explorers use simulated AI tools to restore ancient wonders, from Roman engineering to Baroque masterpieces, and explore the history of St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City.
    • James Webb Space Telescope Challenge – Explore the universe with NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia (NSW) science curricula, this immersive lesson lets students learn about the telescope’s mission, star formation, and galaxies, culminating in a solar system build challenge. Inspire future astronomers with this cosmic adventure!

    These experiences support cross-curricular connections and help students build a deeper understanding of academic content and inspire curiosity through game-based learning. Get started and explore immersive content in core subjects for students of all ages.

    Creative classroom fun

    Sometimes the best learning happens when students are free to explore, experiment, and play. Minecraft Education’s open-ended experiences empower students to express themselves, collaborate with peers, and build creative confidence. These activities are perfect for community-building, project-based learning, or moments when your classroom needs a spark of joy.

    Try these student-centered worlds to foster classroom culture and creativity.

    Spin the Wheel of Steve
    • Wheel of Steve – Spin the Wheel of Steve in this educational adventure inspired by A Minecraft Movie. Created for students aged 8-14, Wheel of Steve supports play for up to eight learners at a time. Two teams will compete against each other in five cooperative minigames designed to strengthen key skills including creativity, collaboration, communication, community, and critical thinking.
    • Renewtopia – Explore a unique island and learn about four different types of renewable energy: solar, tidal, wind, and geothermal. This interactive build challenge teaches learners about sustainable energy sources by building an exhibit for a sustainable energy fair. Their goal is to teach others about one or more of the renewable power sources found on the island.

    These experiences are great for building relationships, strengthening classroom community, and letting students lead their own learning in joyful, meaningful ways. Engage your students’ creativity and strengthen future-ready skills in your classroom.

    Get support and inspiration for game-based learning with Minecraft

    No matter where you are in your Minecraft Education journey, there’s a community and a collection of free resources ready to help you succeed. Connect with fellow educators, participate in special events, and explore learning modules, challenges, and ideas to bring Minecraft into your classroom:

    Whether you’re helping students understand responsible technology use, reinforce academic content, or build a thriving classroom culture, Minecraft Education offers immersive worlds that make learning engaging and meaningful. These experiences aren’t just lessons—they’re launchpads for curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

    Get started with Minecraft Education

    Check out Minecraft Education to explore the full collection of lessons, access educator resources, and start teaching with the power of play today.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 27 people have died in the water in Mongolia since the start of the swimming season

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    ULAN BATOR, July 9 (Xinhua) — Since the start of the swimming season in Mongolia, 27 people, including eight minors, have died in the water, the General Administration of Emergency Situations of Mongolia said on Wednesday.

    Tragic incidents on the water were recorded in Ulaanbaatar and some Mongolian aimags.

    According to experts, the main causes of accidents were the inability to swim, as well as violation of rules of conduct when swimming and boating. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Enchanting, but Not Magical: A Statement on the Tokenization of Securities

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Blockchain technology has unlocked novel models for distributing and trading securities in a “tokenized” format. Tokenization may facilitate capital formation and enhance investors’ ability to use their assets as collateral. Enchanted by these possibilities, new entrants and many traditional firms are embracing onchain products. As powerful as blockchain technology is, it does not have magical abilities to transform the nature of the underlying asset. Tokenized securities are still securities. Accordingly, market participants must consider—and adhere to—the federal securities laws when transacting in these instruments.

    Sometimes an issuer tokenizes its own security. For example, an operating company or an investment company could tokenize its shares. Alternatively, an unaffiliated third party with custody of securities issued by another entity might, for instance, issue a new tokenized security tied to the securities it holds or may tokenize the “security entitlements” that investors hold against the custodian. Purchasers of these third-party tokens may face unique risks, such as counterparty risks.

    Distributors of tokenized securities must consider their disclosure obligations under the federal securities laws and may wish to refer to the Division of Corporation Finance’s recent staff statement on this topic.[1]

    Market participants who distribute, purchase, and trade tokenized securities also should consider the nature of these securities and the resulting securities laws implications. For example, depending on the particular facts and circumstances, a token could be a “receipt for a security,” which is itself a security but is distinct from the underlying security held by the distributor of the token. Alternatively, a token that does not provide the holder with legal and beneficial ownership of the underlying security could be a “security-based swap” that cannot be traded off exchange by retail persons. While blockchain-based tokenization is new, the process of issuing an instrument representing a security is not. The same legal requirements apply to on- and off-chain versions of these instruments.

    Market participants, as they structure their tokenization product offerings, should consider meeting with the Commission and its staff.[2] When unique aspects of a technology warrant changes to existing rules or where regulatory requirements are outdated or unnecessary, we stand ready to work with market participants to craft appropriate exemptions and modernize rules.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Secures Ruling to Allow Idaho Forest Landscape Resilience Project to Proceed

    Source: US State of California

    Last week, a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho cleared the way for the Forest Service’s Buckskin Saddle Project on the Panhandle National Forest to proceed. The forest is in northwest Idaho’s panhandle region, and the project area includes approximately 13,000 acres of timber harvest and approximately 6,500 acres of noncommercial fuel reduction treatment.

    The district court rejected a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) challenge to the project, which is designed to reduce fire hazards and improve forest landscape resilience. Specifically, the court found that the Forest Service complied with NEPA in all respects, including its summary of how the proposed treatments would meet the tree-size and composition goals set by the forest plan for the project area and its assessment of the effects of the project on wildlife species that rely on large tree habitat. The decision is subject to appeal in the Ninth Circuit.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement.

    Trial Attorney Hayley Carpenter of ENRD’s Natural Resources Section handled the case. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Secures Ruling to Allow Idaho Forest Landscape Resilience Project to Proceed

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Last week, a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho cleared the way for the Forest Service’s Buckskin Saddle Project on the Panhandle National Forest to proceed. The forest is in northwest Idaho’s panhandle region, and the project area includes approximately 13,000 acres of timber harvest and approximately 6,500 acres of noncommercial fuel reduction treatment.

    The district court rejected a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) challenge to the project, which is designed to reduce fire hazards and improve forest landscape resilience. Specifically, the court found that the Forest Service complied with NEPA in all respects, including its summary of how the proposed treatments would meet the tree-size and composition goals set by the forest plan for the project area and its assessment of the effects of the project on wildlife species that rely on large tree habitat. The decision is subject to appeal in the Ninth Circuit.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) made the announcement.

    Trial Attorney Hayley Carpenter of ENRD’s Natural Resources Section handled the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: We’re hiring: Culture & Society Editor

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kim Honey, CEO|Editor-in-Chief, The Conversation Canada

    The Conversation Canada is looking for a Culture & Society editor for a 10-month contract position. (Sandra Seitamaa/Unsplash)

    The Conversation Canada is seeking a dynamic and thoughtful Culture & Society Editor with a background in critical race scholarship to join our editorial team. This remote, full-time, 10-month contract position is ideal for an experienced editor who is passionate about shaping public discourse through rigorous, accessible journalism.

    As the Culture & Society Editor, you will work closely with academics from across Canada, and sometimes globally, to commission, edit and publish articles that explore the intersections of culture, identity, race, media, politics and society. You will play a key role in ensuring our coverage reflects a diversity of voices and perspectives, particularly those grounded in critical race theory, decolonial thought, Indigenous studies and other transformative frameworks that challenge dominant narratives.

    Your responsibilities will include identifying timely and relevant story ideas, working collaboratively with academics to develop their ideas into clear, compelling content and upholding The Conversation Canada’s editorial standards of evidence-based, non-partisan journalism. You will also help expand our network of contributors from equity-deserving communities and ensure inclusive representation in our content, and will work closely and collaboratively with team members to publish stories in a timely fashion.

    This role offers the opportunity to influence national conversations by bringing scholarly expertise into the public sphere, especially on matters of racial justice, cultural expression and societal transformation.

    DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: August 5, 2025

    The ideal candidate will have:

    • A degree in the humanities, social sciences or journalism
    • Demonstrated experience in editing
    • A strong grasp of current debates in race, identity, culture and power
    • Excellent editorial judgment
    • A network of academic and news contacts
    • An understanding of audience development, including SEO practices, web analytics, social media and newsletter engagement
    • Strong organizational skills, with an ability to edit to daily deadlines, manage multiple tasks and work as part of a collaborative team
    • Care and attention to detail
    • Bilingualism is an asset
    • Must be based in Canada

    About The Conversation Canada

    The Conversation Canada is a successful news startup in its eighth year of operation, which has a French-language sister site, La Conversation, in Quebec. It is a unique collaboration between academics and professional journalists, and we belong to a global network with eight other editions covering Africa, Australia, Brazil, France, Indonesia, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S. The Conversation Canada has editors in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Victoria, and we offer a friendly working environment with a passionate and mission-driven team.

    How to apply

    Please send applications, including a cover letter, CV, three writing and/or editing samples and three story ideas to Kim Honey at kim.honey@theconversation.com and Lee-Anne Goodman at lee-anne.goodman@theconversation.com.

    Please note only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

    We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.

    – ref. We’re hiring: Culture & Society Editor – https://theconversation.com/were-hiring-culture-and-society-editor-260789

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Celebrates Famed American Cyclist Greg LeMond as He Receives Congressional Gold Medal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Senator Cortez Masto helped pass legislation to award former Reno resident Greg LeMond a Congressional Gold Medal

    Washington, D.C. – Following the 2020 passage of the Greg LeMond Congressional Gold Medal Act, supported by U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s (D-Nev.), Greg LeMond was today awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award bestowed by the United States Congress. The ceremony was hosted by Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.

    “I’m thrilled that Nevada’s own Greg LeMond – an icon to cycling fans worldwide – has been recognized for not only his contributions to the sport, but to his community,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “Exemplifying both Nevadans’ independence and a devotion to community, he has contributed his time and effort to so many important causes, from childhood sports to victims of sexual assault to those suffering from childhood illnesses. Greg is the model for what the Congressional Gold Medal should stand for.”

    BACKGROUND:

    Gregory James LeMond was born in California but raised near Reno, Nevada, where he spent much of his time outdoors. He attended Earl Wooster High School in Reno. At age 18, he became the youngest cyclist in the history of the sport to be selected for the United States men’s Olympic team. Greg first competed in the Tour de France in 1984, finishing third, deputizing himself to boost his teammates toward victory. In the 1986 Tour de France, he defeated the field by more than three full minutes, becoming the first American and the first non-European to win cycling’s most prestigious race. In 1987, while recovering from a broken wrist and collarbone, Greg was tragically shot during a turkey hunting accident, leaving him in intensive care and requiring the removal of over 40 shotgun pellets from his abdomen. Following multiple surgeries, Greg mounted a comeback, winning the 1989 Tour de France by eight seconds in the closest finish in the history of the Tour. Greg went on to win a third Tour de France victory in 1990.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Cut Down on Medicare Waste, Fraud, Abuse

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act which will use predictive modeling to cut down on the waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare system while also protecting people’s privacy and access to care.

    “New technologies allow for innovative ways to root out waste, fraud, and abuse and safeguard taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill takes a common-sense approach to protecting seniors and Medicare as a whole by identifying possible fraudulent activity while also providing appropriate privacy protections, human review, and protection of the benefits that seniors have paid into and deserve.”

    “Artificial intelligence has set our nation at the precipice of the next great American revolution, and harnessing AI’s power to identify potential waste, fraud, and abuse will help strengthen the Medicare system for those who depend on it and ensure our taxpayer dollars are being well spent. I’m glad to lead this bipartisan bill to utilize cutting edge technology to help America’s seniors and protect Medicare benefits,” said Senator Schmitt.

    The Medicare Transaction Fraud Prevention Act would create a pilot program for testing a risk-scoring algorithm to provide oversight of payments for durable medical equipment and clinical diagnostic laboratory tests under the Medicare program. The predictive algorithm would assign a risk score to transactions, which would then be sent for review to the Inspector General’s office. High risk scores would be assigned to claims billed at a rate or style deemed irregular. This would allow human inspectors to prioritize reviews of transactions most likely to be fraudulent. Medicare beneficiaries can opt-in to the program, so Medicare payment data is only obtained by the pilot with consent.

    Senator Hassan is working to cut waste, fraud, and abuse and save taxpayer dollars. In April, in her role as Ranking Member of the Joint Economic Committee, Senator Hassan helped lead a hearing focused on ways to use artificial intelligence and data to improve government efficiency.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Scott, Cassidy, Paul Release Legislative Package Empowering Independent Workers to Access Portable Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Bill Cassidy M.D. (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) unveiled a legislative package modernizing federal labor law to empower 27 million independent workers to access portable workplace benefits, like health care and retirement. The package will also provide consistency and clarity in how an independent contractor is defined, making it easier for workers to find jobs that allow for flexibility and independence. 
    “Empowering our workers with modern tools and flexible opportunities is essential for strengthening our economy and ensuring they can succeed in today’s dynamic job market. The Modern Worker Empowerment Act reflects our commitment to innovation, flexibility, and growth for all Americans,” said Senator Scott. 
    “Outdated labor laws should not prevent workers from receiving health care or saving for a secure retirement,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Modernizing our federal labor laws ensures all independent workers can access workplace benefits without losing their flexibility to work how and when they want.” 
    “The Association Health Plans Act gives small businesses and individuals the leverage to negotiate collectively for lower health insurance and lower drug prices. Additionally, the CBO previously estimated that 400,000 uninsured would gain coverage under AHPs and over 3 million people would switch coverage to AHPs,” said Dr. Paul.
    The vast majority of independent workers prefer alternative work arrangements to traditional [“9 to 5”] employment, and 80 percent of these workers would like access to workplace benefits. Yet decades-old federal labor and employment laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, prevent independent workers from accessing common workplace benefits. 
    The legislative package includes:  
    Cassidy’s Unlocking Benefits for Independent Workers Act: Establishes a safe harbor under federal law for companies that would like to voluntarily provide benefits.
    Applies to any benefit or protection commonly provided to full-time employees, such as retirement and health care benefits. It also applies to emerging models where firms may pay into portable accounts, or any combination of those arrangements. 

    Scott’s Modern Worker Empowerment Act: Gives workers clarity and consistency by instituting a single employment test under federal law.  
    Paul’s Association Health Plans Act: Increases affordable health coverage options to millions of self-employed Americans and employees of small businesses by amending the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to give small business employees, sole proprietors, and gig workers the ability to aggregate together and access health insurance through Association Health Plans (AHPs). 
    Cassidy’s Independent Retirement Fairness Act: Empowers independent workers to participate in retirement plans, like pooled employer plans and single employee pension IRAs, that are already available under federal law. (Note: legislative text will be available shortly on the HELP Committee website)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Warren Demand Answers About Trump Administration Cuts to Agencies That Protect Seniors From Frauds And Scams

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024
    This week, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Elizabeth Warren, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, demanded answers from the Trump administration on the impact of federal cuts to agencies that protect seniors from financial frauds and scams. The senators’ letter follows the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report detailing the need to enhance protections against frauds and scams through coordination among federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Treasury Department, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
    Even after the release of GAO’s report, the Trump administration has continued efforts to gut these agencies. For example, in April, the administration fired about 1,500 CFPB employees—or almost 90% of the agency’s staff. The so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has also attempted to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs, decreasing personnel at the very agencies that GAO agrees are needed to protect older adults.
    “GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out-of-touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults,” the senators wrote. “We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.”
    American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024. Older Americans alone lost a record $4.8 billion to scammers last year, according to the FBI.
    The full text of the letter can be found here or below.
    Dear Mr. Dodaro,
    We write today to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) follow up on its report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams (GAO-25-107088). GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out of touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults. We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.
    American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, and scams can have a particularly devastating impact on the mental and financial health of older adults. Older adults are more likely to have accumulated savings and housing wealth, making them targets for scammers who “steal everything,” and leave the older adults “emotionally and financially ruined.” One older adult testified about a scam that cost her late husband his job, his self-confidence, and forced him to ration his medications – setbacks that contributed to his declining health. Another older adult testified that she could not repair her home, afford air conditioning, and had to turn off her refrigerator and stove after losing $39,000 in a scam. Even as elder scams are devastating, they are also difficult to investigate because of their global nature. Frequently, such scams combine the efforts of overseas criminal organizations with operatives in the United States.
    In April 2025, GAO released a report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams, that highlighted the scope of scams and the weaknesses in the federal government’s efforts to combat them. The report included several recommendations for the federal government, such as the need for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to lead an effort to develop a national strategy to counter scams. Many of the recommendations made it clear that agencies such as FBI, the Department of Treasury, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will need to work together to find solutions. The interagency cooperation envisioned by GAO’s report will require federal agencies that are well resourced and staffed with the proper expertise.
    Although there is a need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, President Trump has empowered efforts to decimate the very agencies leading the response. On January 20, 2025, President Trump established the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). The initial head of the DOGE, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, does not need to worry about his basic needs and lives a life of unfettered influence and power. Yet, Mr. Musk and his cronies at the DOGE set a goal of cutting $1 trillion from agencies that serve working class Americans, older adults, and people with disabilities. Efforts by the DOGE include attempts to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs. DOGE efforts also include drastic cuts at agencies with a role in addressing scams, such as the CFPB, which has been subjected to mass firings. Consequently, we seek GAO’s assistance in understanding how DOGE’s actions affect key agencies’ efforts to address frauds and scams in general and implement GAO’s report recommendations in particular.
    We understand that the DOGE’s efforts are ongoing and its efforts at the FBI, FTC, CFPB, the Department of Treasury, and the Federal Reserve may not be completed for many months. We also understand that GAO may receive some insight into the impact of DOGE’s actions at the five agencies when the agencies submit an action plan to Congress and GAO as part of the formal “180-day Letter” process that is in place for GAO recommendations to federal agencies. Therefore, we ask that GAO defer any work until it receives and initially analyzes the action plans from agencies that were targeted by the recommendations.
    Once the agency action plans have been received and analyzed by GAO, and the DOGE’s efforts are sufficiently completed, we request that GAO examine and report on the following issues:
    1. In its April 2025 report, GAO identified five key agencies that play a role in addressing frauds and scams. Since January 20, 2025, how has the ability of the five agencies to address frauds and scams been impacted by firings, resignations, buyouts, agency restructurings, and other actions undertaken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE?
    a. What changes have occurred at the five agencies a year or less following the actions taken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE, and what, if any, observable impact have those changes had on efforts to address frauds and scams?
    b. What impacts may the changes have over multiple years on the five agencies and their efforts to address frauds and scams?
    2. GAO’s April 2025 report included 16 recommendations for the federal government to improve its response to frauds and scams. How have the changes implemented by the Trump Administration and DOGE impacted the ability of the five agencies identified in the April 2025 report to implement GAO’s recommendations? Further, if efforts are made to reverse the changes at any of the five agencies, please describe the success of those efforts. Please include any barriers the agencies have faced to restaffing and restoring efforts to combat frauds and scams.
    We appreciate your attention to this request. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ranking Member Gillibrand’s staff with the Senate Special Committee on Aging or Ranking Member Warren’s staff with the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES ON CNN: “DONALD TRUMP’S ONE BIG UGLY LAW HURTS EVERYDAY AMERICANS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND REWARDS BILLIONAIRES”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries appeared on CNN’s The Situation Room where he emphasized that House Democrats will continue pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people by the Trump administration and Rubber Stamp Republicans in Congress.

    WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, thanks so much for joining us. What do you think? What does this say about the relationship between President Trump and the Defense Secretary?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified Defense Secretary in American history, undermines the ability of the Department of Defense to keep the American people safe and Donald Trump should fire him, or Pete Hegseth should tender his resignation. That’s been clear and apparent for months. And it’s shocking to me that this charade continues to go on. Ukraine is an ally. Russia is a sworn enemy of the United States of America. And when you limit Ukraine’s ability to be successful in the war of aggression that Russia has launched against a sovereign country, you undermine America’s national security interests. And that’s highly problematic.

    WOLF BLITZER: Very strong words. Very strong words, I should just say. Trump says he’s now considering supporting a bill in the Senate that would impose punishing sanctions on Russia. Leader Jeffries, what do you make of the President’s change in tone against Russia and Vladimir Putin for that matter? And do you expect that these sanctions, this sanctions bill will ultimately come up for a vote?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: There’s strong and bipartisan support for sanctions against Vladimir Putin and Russia, and it’s unfortunate that the Trump administration has spent months playing footsie with Vladimir Putin and some would suggest bending the knee to an enemy of this country. This war of aggression that Russia has launched against Ukraine is clear. It’s not just about territorial integrity. It’s a battle between democracy and autocracy, between freedom and tyranny, between truth and propaganda. And the United States of America should always stand on the side of democracy and freedom and truth. That means standing on the side of Ukraine until victory is won.

    WOLF BLITZER: So you would support these sanctions if, in fact, they’re passed?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Certainly need to take a look at the specifics of the sanctions, but I am a strong supporter of continuing to escalate and intensify the sanctions that have been previously put into place relative to Russia until they back down and, you know, withdraw from Ukraine and create a situation where Ukraine’s sovereignty can be restored and the killing of innocent civilians stops, including the killing of Ukrainian children that have been targeted by Russia and Vladimir Putin.

    WOLF BLITZER: And the Russians are now launching a record number of drones and other missiles against various civilian targets in Ukraine as we speak right now. I want to turn while I have you, Leader Jeffries, to the President’s major policy bill that he signed into law on July 4. All Congressional Democrats, of course, voted against it. What’s your biggest concern right now about the impact this legislation, which is now the law—he signed it into law—will have?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Law hurts everyday Americans all across the country and rewards billionaires. It’s an unprecedented assault on the healthcare of the American people. Hospitals will close, including in rural America. Nursing homes will shut down. Community-based health clinics will no longer be able to operate. And as a result of so many people losing coverage in different ways, people are going to die all across this country. This bill also rips food away from the mouths of children. And all of this is being done to reward their billionaire donors. And by the way, it’s also going to set us on a course toward possibly bankrupting the nation by adding trillions of dollars to America’s debt, which is already far too high. We’re going to tattoo this law on the foreheads of every single House Republican who voted against the best interests of the people that they represent in doing the bidding of supporting this bill and continuing to rubber stamp Donald Trump’s extreme agenda.

    WOLF BLITZER: Your fellow Democrats have signaled they intend to make the Medicaid cuts—and there are enormous Medicaid cuts in this new law—a key issue in next year’s midterm elections. But the bill was designed so that those cuts won’t actually happen until after the midterm elections. Given that, Leader Jeffries, will this bill really have as big of an impact on the midterms as some Democrats are saying?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, this is not about politics. It’s about policy. And Republicans have supported a policy which involves the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. And by setting this massive cut into motion, it lays the conditions for the collapse of the Medicaid system in many ways. So this is a big challenge. And also, Wolf, it’s important to recognize that this bill also will rip coverage away from millions of Americans because of changes that were made to the Affordable Care Act. It also goes after Medicare, possibly a cut that could be set into motion by more than $500 billion and it also represents an attack on the Children’s Health Insurance Program and on Planned Parenthood. So it’s an all-out assault on healthcare and it is going to have real consequences for the American people, and that will be felt, in many ways, immediately.

    WOLF BLITZER: Many of your Democratic colleagues are facing angry voters back in their districts. According to Axios, some are even being told they need to be more willing to go out there and get shot when fighting—that was a direct quote, get shot—when fighting back against some of Trump’s policies. One House Democrat saying, quote, and I’ll read it to you, ‘Our own base is telling us that what we’re doing is not good enough. There needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public.’ How do you respond to that, Leader Jeffries? Are Democrats not meeting the moment, not doing enough to fight these developments?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Well, we are in a more is more environment in terms of the unprecedented assault on the American way of life and our country that has been launched by Donald Trump and compliant House Republicans—more speeches, more rallies, more protests, more sit-ins, more press conferences, more town hall meetings in Democratic districts and Republican districts. We’re in a more is more environment and we’ll continue to lean in aggressively. At the same period of time, we also are going to span out across the country and talk to the American people about our affirmative vision of making their life better. Imagine a country where everyone can afford to live the good life—a good-paying job, good healthcare, good housing, good education for your children and a good retirement. That’s what Democrats are working hard to bring about. When you work hard in America and when you play by the rules, you should be able to afford to live the good life. And far too many people are struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. That’s unacceptable in the wealthiest country in the history of the world.

    WOLF BLITZER: Leader Jeffries, I also want to talk to you about Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for Mayor in New York City. CNN has new reporting that some progressives who empowered Mamdani to victory now want to primary you and other Democrats in New York City. The co-chair of New York City’s Democratic Socialists of America says he thinks you’re picking fights, quote, ‘with the left,’ instead of focusing ‘on fighting the right.’ His words. Asked whether Mamdani thinks those incumbent challenges should happen, his Press Secretary told CNN he was declining to comment, at least for now. How do you respond?

    LEADER JEFFRIES: I have no idea what these people are talking about. We are going to continue to focus our efforts, as we did on the House Floor, in connection with Donald Trump’s One Big Ugly Bill, on pushing back against the extremism that has been unleashed on the American people. It’s clear to us, as House Democrats, it’s clear to us as Members of the New York City delegation, that the problem is Donald Trump and House Republicans who have launched this unprecedented assault on the American way of life, an assault on healthcare. They’re ripping food out of the mouths of children, veterans and seniors. They’re exploding the national debt. They’re unleashing masked agents on law-abiding immigrant communities. It shouldn’t be too difficult for some people to figure out who the problem is in the United States of America.

    WOLF BLITZER: The Democratic Leader, the Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries. Thanks, as usual, for joining us.

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Thank you.

    Full interview can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Calls for Protection of National Parks; Highlights Threats They Face

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    This week, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Co-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), concluded his tenth Climate Change Tour of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and announced the re-introduction of his National Parks protection legislation, the Reducing Waste in National Parks Act.

    “For a decade, my National Park Climate Change Tours have allowed us a firsthand look at how climate change damages our parks’ plants, wildlife, and waterways. During our visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I visited places like Chilhowee Lake and learned about habitat restoration efforts to protect endangered fish populations and ensure ecological diversity,” said Quigley. “This year, we also spent time visiting with nearby towns that were hit by Hurricane Helene, where we discussed the importance of federal services to rebuilding and fighting severe weather. The Great Smoky Mountains are ultimately just one of the many national treasures threatened by extreme weather, rising carbon emissions, and plastic pollution. We all have to work together to fight that threat.”

    Last month, Trump’s Secretary of the Interior, Doug Bergum, reversed the Interior Department’s policy to phase out single-use plastics across national parks and other public lands. The Biden policy, modeled after Obama-era guidelines, banned the sale and distribution of unnecessary single-use plastic products, like bottles and plastic foam foodware, in protected areas. 

    The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would restore Biden’s policy, codifying a call for the National Park Service to decrease the availability of single-use plastics in parks. U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

    “Oregonians and Americans love our national parks, but instead of protecting them from dangerous plastic pollution, Secretary Burgum is dead set on reopening the floodgates to plastic in our parks,” said Senator Merkley, Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee. “Single-use plastics threaten our natural treasures and the ability of folks to enjoy their beauty. As the Trump Administration continues to recklessly endanger natural wonders and wildlife nationwide—just like during the first administration—I’ll keep fighting to protect and preserve our parks and public lands so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

    “Our national parks should be full of scenic views and free of plastic pollution,” said Christy Leavitt, Campaign Director at Oceana. “Reducing single-use plastics in our national parks is a win for wildlife and the millions of visitors who come to enjoy these remarkable places. Plastics can persist in our oceans and environment for years and years, fouling the landscape and harming fragile ecosystems. We applaud Sen. Merkley and Rep. Quigley for closing the floodgates of plastic pollution and standing up for plastic-free parks.”

    “We greatly appreciate Rep. Quigley’s enduring leadership in helping to ensure that the National Park Service takes action to reduce plastic disposable waste in our parks, ” said Madeleine Foote, Healthy Communities Program Director at the League of Conservation Voters. “The Park Service had made considerable progress towards their goal of eliminating single-use plastics by 2032, and it’s incredibly disappointing to see this new administration reversing course. We commend Rep. Quigley, and other members like him, who are working to protect our public lands, waters, and special places for generations to come.”

    During his Climate Change Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains, Quigley and U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Maxine Dexter (OR-03) saw the impacts of climate change on our National Parks firsthand. They also learned from subject matter experts about the tactics deployed to combat the effects of climate change and the measures that could be implemented going forward to help adapt to coming climate impacts. The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act is just one federal initiative that will help these experts in their mission to preserve our nation’s precious natural treasures.

    “Our national parks are among our most important American treasures,” said Representative Casten. “I was honored to join my colleagues this past week in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see local efforts to preserve crucial ecosystems and ensure that our parks will be around for our children and grandchildren to enjoy. I also appreciated hearing directly from folks managing the recovery and rehabilitation efforts following Hurricane Helene and look forward to taking what we learned back to Washington to help mitigate the next climate-driven extreme weather disaster.”

    “Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park made one thing clear: our national parks represent the best of America — clean air, clear water, thriving wildlife, and shared spaces for all of us to enjoy. But Trump’s Interior Department would rather flood them with single-use plastics than protect these national treasures. We should be investing in resilience, restoration, and partnerships that strengthen these lands—not selling them out to polluters,” said Representative Huffman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “I’m proud to back Rep. Quigley’s Reducing Waste in National Parks Act to keep plastics out of our parks and ensure future generations inherit public lands that are healthy and thriving.”

    The Reducing Waste in National Parks Act would:

    • Restore the previous Interior Department policy of phasing out single-use plastic products across national parks and other public lands. 
    • Decrease the availability of single-use plastic products, like bottles and plastic foam foodware, in protected areas by banning their sale and distribution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Statement on the Passage of Trump’s Big Ugly Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement after voting no on the Trump-Republican Big Ugly Bill:

    “There is nothing beautiful about this bill. No American will be untouched by the damage it will do to our communities. Seventeen million Americans will lose access to healthcare. Nine rural hospitals in Illinois are at risk of closing. Over 200,000 Illinois residents will lose access to SNAP food benefits. Illinois families will pay $400 more a year for energy. All of this, while ballooning our national debt by at least $3 trillion.

    “Disturbingly, Republicans seem to know exactly how harmful this bill is because dozens of them pledged to oppose it. Just yesterday, the House came to a standstill for over eight hours because the House Freedom Caucus attempted to negotiate changes to the bill. They failed. Today, those members voted for the unchanged bill anyway.

    “The bottom line is that Republicans are willing to sacrifice their constituents to keep Donald Trump happy. But I am laser-focused on protecting the residents of Illinois’ Fifth District and doing everything I can to safeguard Medicaid, SNAP, and every benefit that keeps Americans safe and healthy.

    “I firmly believe that years from now, we will look back in disbelief and shame at the United States Congress for passing such a harmful bill.”

    MIL OSI USA News –