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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI Global: Kenya police brutality – it will take more than laws and public anger to change behaviour

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Oscar Gakuo Mwangi, Adjunct Associate Professor, Departnent of Social Sciences, Pwani University

    Kenya has once again been reminded of brutality within its police force. Two events in mid-June 2025 pointed to the grave challenge that Kenya must confront to reform the service.

    The first was the death in police custody of a teacher and blogger. A few days later a bystander at the scene of a protest in Nairobi was shot and severely injured by police.

    The use of excessive force to disperse and arrest peaceful demonstrators has got worse since the nationwide protests by young Kenyans in June 2024. Police have also been behind disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

    Excesses by the National Police Service have prompted action in the past. Repressive laws have been repealed and mechanisms are in place to identify, report and punish police excesses.

    Wide-ranging policing reforms mandated by the 2010 constitution have also been carried out since 2013. As part of these reforms, the Independent Police Oversight Authority was set up to investigate police wrong-doing. The conviction and dismissal rates are low, however, because of defective prosecutions, poor investigations, witnesses fearing retribution or victimisation, lack of evidence, and lengthy court trials.

    I am a political scientist with a focus on Kenya’s security sector. It is my view that the quest to change police behaviour in Kenya must go beyond the rule book, recriminations and repeated political proclamations of police reform.

    In my view real change will come about only if the state, firstly, puts funds into the recurrent and development expenditures of the police. The aim should be to ensure these institutions are able to enforce compliance and accountability. Secondly, the state needs to strengthen its partnership with local-level civil society organisations affected by policy brutality. And lastly, it must set up digital channels that people can confidently use to lodge their complaints.

    Funding gaps

    The National Police Service is underfunded. This has constrained its ability to maintain law and order. It has:

    • inadequate and poorly maintained equipment and gear

    • insufficient monthly fuel allocations for patrols and other critical functions

    • poor training and operational physical facilities.

    Added to these constraints are dehumanising working conditions and deplorable living conditions. This undermines their morale and ability to deliver quality services.

    Another blow to police morale is the entrenched culture of corruption. Corrupt practices skew recruitment, transfers, deployments, promotions and procurement.

    At the same time, the police service is expected to deal with a host of domestic and global security challenges. These include cybercrimes, cross-border security, violent extremism and terrorism.

    Money needs to be allocated to improve facilities, equipment and gear. This should also enhance its logistical and technological capabilities, and provide affordable and decent housing and medical cover for its officers.

    Providing adequate resources can also counter the culture of corruption, which is often driven by poor renumeration and working conditions.

    Budget allocations should sustain police reforms. This should include:

    • expanding and supporting and active participation of stakeholders such as civil society organisations and social services entities

    • improving operational efficiency

    • increasing accountability

    • strengthening compliance with human rights obligations.

    Partnerships with communities

    Community policing in Kenya makes a significant contribution to local-level security. This form of policing is citizen-centred with an emphasis on addressing crime risk factors by encouraging citizen participation.

    Also known by its Kiswahili name, Nyumba Kumi, meaning “Ten Households”, the key strategy is anchoring community policing at the household level. Despite several problems associated with formulation and implementation, community policing in Kenya has improved local-level police-community relations in some areas of the country.

    The community policing strategy is aimed at addressing emerging security needs such as infiltration by terrorist groups. It serves the whole of Kenya in terms of local-level security and is viewed as one of the key areas of police reform and a shift to democratic policing.

    Community involvement can address the lack of trust between citizens and police officers due to police bias or brutality. But this is a gradual process that happens through daily interactions between communities and the police.

    Public participation channels

    Public participation is enshrined in Kenya’s constitution as one of the principles and values of good governance. By establishing a complaints and redress mechanism, public participation can become an integral component of promoting effective handling of complaints.

    The constitution has created different institutions to address public complaints. These include the Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, and the Independent Police Oversight Authority. Some of these have digital public complaints systems, which provide more confidentiality and better access for people.

    Other channels of handling complaints include civil society actors and the media. Civil society organisations provide civic education and mobilise citizens to take part in monitoring and evaluation government’s performance.

    Making these channels more effective could help absorb public anger that could turn into violence.

    Conclusion

    Police brutality in Kenya has arisen through historical, social, economic and political factors. Mitigating it therefore requires a long-term, combined top-down and bottom-up approach.

    Genuine political support from the country’s political leaders is essential to instil positive attitudes about Kenya’s political and security institutions. It also requires genuine support from local-level or grassroots communities. This, in turn, entails communities trusting each other and building social cohesion.

    Oscar Gakuo Mwangi does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Kenya police brutality – it will take more than laws and public anger to change behaviour – https://theconversation.com/kenya-police-brutality-it-will-take-more-than-laws-and-public-anger-to-change-behaviour-259327

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Kenya police brutality – it will take more than laws and public anger to change behaviour

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Oscar Gakuo Mwangi, Adjunct Associate Professor, Departnent of Social Sciences, Pwani University

    Kenya has once again been reminded of brutality within its police force. Two events in mid-June 2025 pointed to the grave challenge that Kenya must confront to reform the service.

    The first was the death in police custody of a teacher and blogger. A few days later a bystander at the scene of a protest in Nairobi was shot and severely injured by police.

    The use of excessive force to disperse and arrest peaceful demonstrators has got worse since the nationwide protests by young Kenyans in June 2024. Police have also been behind disappearances and extrajudicial killings.

    Excesses by the National Police Service have prompted action in the past. Repressive laws have been repealed and mechanisms are in place to identify, report and punish police excesses.

    Wide-ranging policing reforms mandated by the 2010 constitution have also been carried out since 2013. As part of these reforms, the Independent Police Oversight Authority was set up to investigate police wrong-doing. The conviction and dismissal rates are low, however, because of defective prosecutions, poor investigations, witnesses fearing retribution or victimisation, lack of evidence, and lengthy court trials.

    I am a political scientist with a focus on Kenya’s security sector. It is my view that the quest to change police behaviour in Kenya must go beyond the rule book, recriminations and repeated political proclamations of police reform.

    In my view real change will come about only if the state, firstly, puts funds into the recurrent and development expenditures of the police. The aim should be to ensure these institutions are able to enforce compliance and accountability. Secondly, the state needs to strengthen its partnership with local-level civil society organisations affected by policy brutality. And lastly, it must set up digital channels that people can confidently use to lodge their complaints.

    Funding gaps

    The National Police Service is underfunded. This has constrained its ability to maintain law and order. It has:

    • inadequate and poorly maintained equipment and gear

    • insufficient monthly fuel allocations for patrols and other critical functions

    • poor training and operational physical facilities.

    Added to these constraints are dehumanising working conditions and deplorable living conditions. This undermines their morale and ability to deliver quality services.

    Another blow to police morale is the entrenched culture of corruption. Corrupt practices skew recruitment, transfers, deployments, promotions and procurement.

    At the same time, the police service is expected to deal with a host of domestic and global security challenges. These include cybercrimes, cross-border security, violent extremism and terrorism.

    Money needs to be allocated to improve facilities, equipment and gear. This should also enhance its logistical and technological capabilities, and provide affordable and decent housing and medical cover for its officers.

    Providing adequate resources can also counter the culture of corruption, which is often driven by poor renumeration and working conditions.

    Budget allocations should sustain police reforms. This should include:

    Partnerships with communities

    Community policing in Kenya makes a significant contribution to local-level security. This form of policing is citizen-centred with an emphasis on addressing crime risk factors by encouraging citizen participation.

    Also known by its Kiswahili name, Nyumba Kumi, meaning “Ten Households”, the key strategy is anchoring community policing at the household level. Despite several problems associated with formulation and implementation, community policing in Kenya has improved local-level police-community relations in some areas of the country.

    The community policing strategy is aimed at addressing emerging security needs such as infiltration by terrorist groups. It serves the whole of Kenya in terms of local-level security and is viewed as one of the key areas of police reform and a shift to democratic policing.

    Community involvement can address the lack of trust between citizens and police officers due to police bias or brutality. But this is a gradual process that happens through daily interactions between communities and the police.

    Public participation channels

    Public participation is enshrined in Kenya’s constitution as one of the principles and values of good governance. By establishing a complaints and redress mechanism, public participation can become an integral component of promoting effective handling of complaints.

    The constitution has created different institutions to address public complaints. These include the Commission on Administrative Justice (Office of the Ombudsman), Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, and the Independent Police Oversight Authority. Some of these have digital public complaints systems, which provide more confidentiality and better access for people.

    Other channels of handling complaints include civil society actors and the media. Civil society organisations provide civic education and mobilise citizens to take part in monitoring and evaluation government’s performance.

    Making these channels more effective could help absorb public anger that could turn into violence.

    Conclusion

    Police brutality in Kenya has arisen through historical, social, economic and political factors. Mitigating it therefore requires a long-term, combined top-down and bottom-up approach.

    Genuine political support from the country’s political leaders is essential to instil positive attitudes about Kenya’s political and security institutions. It also requires genuine support from local-level or grassroots communities. This, in turn, entails communities trusting each other and building social cohesion.

    – Kenya police brutality – it will take more than laws and public anger to change behaviour
    – https://theconversation.com/kenya-police-brutality-it-will-take-more-than-laws-and-public-anger-to-change-behaviour-259327

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Prevents the Largest Tax Hike in History and Unleashes Economic Growth

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL DELIVERS FOR THE AMERICAN WORKER: The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers the largest tax cut for working- and middle-class Americans in history. Put simply, President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will unleash our economy and deliver a Blue-Collar BOOM.
    Bigger Paychecks: Hardworking Americans and families will see an average increase in take-home pay of OVER $10,000 per year.
    Historic Tax Relief for Workers: 15% tax cut for Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000 per year.
    No Taxes on Overtime or Tips: Saves overtime and tipped workers nearly $2,000 annually.
    Historic Tax Breaks for Seniors: Introduces unprecedented financial relief for seniors.
    Made-in-America Tax Breaks: Interest deduction for loans on new American-made vehicles.
    Large Standard Deduction: Keeps the doubled standard deduction used by 91% of taxpayers, ensuring taxpayers keep more of their money with a simpler tax break.
    Provides Historic Relief for Working Families
    Bolsters Child Tax Credit: Increases and makes permanent the child tax credit, supporting over 40 million families.
    Supports Working Families: Expands childcare access and makes the paid leave tax credit permanent.
    Establishes Trump Investment Accounts for Newborns: Creates savings accounts to secure financial futures for every American child from birth.
    Improves Housing Affordability: Expands the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to incentivize the construction of affordable homes for American families.
    Supports Family Farms: Raises death tax exemption, Increasing the amount family farms can inherit without paying taxes—protecting two million family farms from excessive taxation.
    Empowers School Choices: Enhances 529 savings accounts to make education affordable and empower American families and students to choose the education that best fits their needs.
    Drives Economic Growth Through America First Tax Policies
    Incentivizes Made-in-America Manufacturing: Full expensing for new factories and improvements to unleash domestic production.
    Expands Opportunity Zones: Permanently renews program, unlocking $100B+ for rural and distressed communities.
    Boosts American Businesses: The bill delivers full 100% expensing for new factories, equipment, and machinery.
    Puts Main Street Over Wall Street
    Promotes Growth: Helps small businesses keep more money by making permanent—and enhancing—the small business tax deduction, making it easier to grow and hire.
    Doubles Small Business Expensing: Raises the limit for small businesses to immediately deduct up to $2.5 million in equipment and property costs, helping them hire more workers and expand.
    President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill lowers tax rates to keep more money in Americans’ pockets—PREVENTING THE LARGEST TAX HIKE IN HISTORY.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 25, 2025

  • Tunnel projects worth Rs 3 lakh crore to be built in next 10 years as part of big infra push: Gadkari

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that the government has drawn up plans to build tunnel projects worth Rs 2.5–3 lakh crore over the next 10 years as part of the country’s infrastructure development.

    Speaking at the inauguration of the International Workshop on ‘Sustainable Tunnelling for Better Life’ at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), the minister said, “India is entering a golden era of infrastructure development, with tunnels playing a crucial role in connectivity, safety, and sustainability.”

    Gadkari highlighted the need to reduce construction costs without compromising quality. “That means using new technologies and sustainable fuels like CNG, ethanol, hydrogen, and electric alternatives to diesel. We should also refurbish old tunnelling machines, import used ones from European countries like Austria, Norway, and Spain, and eventually manufacture our own,” he explained.

    The minister pointed out that India’s geology varies by region, so research and training are essential. Industry experts and experienced engineers should guide students alongside faculty.

    “My ministry is ready to support this initiative with equipment and training. Together, with innovation, research, and commitment, we can make India self-reliant in tunnelling technology and infrastructure development,” Gadkari said.

    He also lauded MIT-WPU for taking the first step towards research in sustainable tunnelling technology, which is the need of the hour for a developing country like India.

    Earlier, Gadkari inaugurated the International Workshop on ‘Sustainable Tunnelling for Better Life’ at MIT-WPU. The two-day event was organised in collaboration with the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association’s Committee on Education and Training (ITA-CET).

    The workshop brought together global experts from India, Europe, the UK, and the US.

    A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence for Tunnelling and Underground Construction at MIT-WPU — India’s first-of-its-kind facility featuring a Tunnel Monitoring Laboratory and a Drilling and Blasting Laboratory. The Centre of Excellence, set up in collaboration with Sandvik and Tata Projects Ltd, aims to support advanced research and training in underground construction technologies.

    The workshop featured technical sessions, keynote addresses, and panel discussions led by eminent experts such as Arnold Dix (Past President, International Tunnelling Association) and other noted figures in the field.

    Dix said, “This Centre of Excellence is of global importance, as it addresses the disconnect between engineering expertise and practical skills. Too often, young workers are placed at risk because they lack the training needed to safely construct what has been so carefully designed.”

    —IANS

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley Marks Third Somber Anniversary of Dobbs Decision, Reaffirms Commitment to Abortion Justice

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

    Pressley Repro Caucus, Dem. Leadership to Hold a Presser Today to Mark Three Years Since the Disastrous Dobbs Decision

    Pressley Convening Leaders, Fighting for Reproductive Freedom, and Uplifting Abortion Storytellers

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, issued the following statement marking the third anniversary of the devastating Dobbs decision that dismantled the right to abortion care in America. Later today, Rep. Pressley will join House Democratic Leadership for a press conference to mark the somber anniversary and renew her calls for comprehensive legislation to protect abortion and expand access to reproductive healthcare.

    Congresswoman Pressley will spend the week convening leaders and impacted families, renewing her calls for comprehensive legislation to protect and restore abortion care in America, and uplifting the experiences of people impacted by cruel abortion bans and denials of essential medical care.

    “Three years ago today, the Supreme Court denied us our bodily autonomy and ripped away the fundamental right to abortion care in this country. Since that cruel decision, we have witnessed devastating and deadly consequences for patients across the nation. Abortion bans are denying families basic medical care. The Black maternal health crisis has worsened drastically. Republicans’ attacks on our basic reproductive freedom are a risk to every person who calls this country home and have disproportionately impacted our Black, brown, immigrant, disabled, and LGBTQ+ communities.

    “Now, we face a hostile Administration doubling down on ripping away essential healthcare. Trump and Republicans are pushing their Big, Ugly Bill—cruel legislation that would destroy Medicaid as we know it, defund Planned Parenthood health centers, ban abortion coverage in private insurance plans on the ACA marketplace, and put essential care further out of reach for millions.

    “This unjust and worsening status quo is not an inevitability. Today, we recommit not only to protecting and defending reproductive healthcare, but to advancing an affirmative vision for a just America where abortion justice is realized and everyone—no matter their zip code, income, or immigration status—can access the care they need with dignity in their own community. That means stopping Republicans’ reconciliation bill in its tracks, and advancing, comprehensive policies like my Abortion Justice Act, the Women’s Health Protection Act, and the EACH Act to protect and expand abortion access and affirm our fundamental rights.”

    “As we mark this somber anniversary, I look forward to partnering with Co-Chair DeGette and our colleagues of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus to affirm our commitment to using every tool we have to protect and restore access to abortion care, center impacted families, and continue building the more just America our constituents demand and deserve.”

    Yesterday, Rep. Pressley and Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05), Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts President Dominique Lee for a press conference in solidarity with Planned Parenthood as they collectively fight to stop Republicans’ latest attack on reproductive freedom in the GOP’s Big, Ugly Bill.

    Today, Congresswoman Pressley will meet with abortion storytellers from Massachusetts, join the Reproductive Freedom Caucus and House Democratic Leadership for a press conference marking the somber Dobbs Anniversary, and join members of the Tri-Caucus for a bicameral convening with abortion storytellers led by Rep. Jennifer McClellan and the Reproductive Freedom Caucus.

    On Wednesday, June 25, Congresswoman Pressley will participate in a Freedom for All panel discussion, and join the Reproductive Freedom Caucus for a virtual roundtable on how we can legislate to protect abortion care as the necessary essential healthcare that it is.

    On Thursday, June 26, Congresswoman Pressley, the Reproductive Freedom Caucus and the Democratic Women’s Caucus will lead a shadow hearing on reproductive healthcare in America.

    Media interested in covering any of the events above can email Pressley.Press@mail.house.gov.

    Congresswoman Pressley has been outspoken in demanding justice for Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old pregnant mother who was declared brain dead in February and was forced to remain on life support due to Georgia’s abortion ban. Rep. Pressley delivered an impassioned floor speech in which she underscored that Adriana’s case is far too common in the unjust history of denying Black women their dignity, humanity, and right to bodily autonomy – and that GOP abortion bans such as Georgia’s deepen this pain and bar critical healthcare freedom. Last week, Rep. Pressley issued a statement after Adriana’s infant son Chance was delivered via emergency Cesarean section and Adriana was taken off life support.

    Throughout her time in Congress, Rep. Pressley has fought persistently to protect fundamental reproductive and sexual healthcare rights. 

    • On the first anniversary of the Dobbs decision, Rep. Pressley introduced the Abortion Justice Act, sweeping, intersectional legislation to address access to abortion care and put forth a comprehensive vision of a just America where abortion care is readily available—without stigma, shame or systemic barriers—for all who seek it, regardless of zip code, immigration status, income, or background.
    • Rep. Pressley is a lead co-sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act (WHPA), bicameral federal legislation to guarantee equal access to abortion care, everywhere. 
    • Rep. Pressley is also a lead co-sponsor of the EACH Act, bold legislation to repeal the Hyde Amendment and help guarantee abortion coverage—regardless of how a patient gets their health insurance.
    • Shortly before the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rep. Pressley led a group of her Black women colleagues in writing to President Biden urging him to declare a public health emergency amid the unprecedented threats to abortion rights nationwide. 
    • Rep. Pressley condemned the Supreme Court’s leaked draft opinion to overturn Roe v. Wade., and implored the Senate to protect abortion rights and slammed the white supremacist roots of anti-abortion efforts.
    • In October 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on Josseli Barnica, who died on Sept. 3, 2021 after being denied emergency abortion care in Texas as she suffered a miscarriage.
    • In September 2024, in a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee Hearing, Rep. Pressley highlighted the harmful and deadly impact of abortion bans in America to date, and outlined in detail the shameful circumstances under which Amber Nicole Thurman died after being denied necessary abortion care in Georgia.
    • In June 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Supreme Court’s ruling in Idaho v. United States; Moyle v. United States – the case about whether emergency abortion care is included under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). 
    • In May 2024, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on a Louisiana bill that would classify medication abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances. 
    • In April 2024, at a House Oversight Committee hearing, Rep. Pressley played “Fact or Fiction” with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf to emphasize the safety and efficacy of medication abortion drug mifepristone.
    • In August 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement on the Fifth Circuit Court decision in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA.
    • In July 2023, Rep. Pressley, alongside Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), reintroduced the Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, legislation to help people with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—get better access to reproductive healthcare and the informed care they need to control their own reproductive lives.
    • In July 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of over-the-counter birth control.
    • In May 2023, Rep. Pressley applauded the FDA Advisory Committee’s unanimous, 17-0 vote to recommend the approval of the first-ever application for over-the-counter birth control. She and Senator Murray also held a press conference applauding the decision and urging the FDA to approval over-the-counter birth control without delay.
    • In May 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Ami Bera, MD (CA-06) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), reintroduced their bicameral Affordability is Access Act to ensure that once the FDA determines an over-the-counter birth control option to be safe, insurers fully cover over-the-counter birth control without any fees or out-of-pocket costs.
    • In April 2023, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Texas court ruling on mifepristone, and discussed the Texas case in a recent floor speech in which she affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care and access to mifepristone as essential. She later joined Governor Maura Healey, Senator Elizabth Warren (D-MA), and local leaders in announcing action to protect Mifepristone in Massachusetts.
    • In March 2023, Rep. Pressley, along with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. Schakowsky, Lee, DeGette, Torres and Strickland, reintroduced the Abortion is Healthcare Everywhere Act harmful and discriminatory Helms Amendment and expand abortion access globally.
    • In March 2023, Rep. Pressley and Senator Hirono led their colleagues in reintroducing a bicameral congressional resolution honoring abortion providers and clinic staff. 
    • In March 2023, Rep. Pressley delivered a speech in which she discussed the pending court case in Texas, which aims to restrict access to medication abortion across the entire nation. In her remarks, Rep. Pressley affirmed medication abortion as routine medical care, and accessibility to the abortion pill mifepristone as essential.
    • In September 2021, Rep. Pressley issued a statement condemning the Supreme Court’s inaction on SB-8, Texas’ restrictive abortion law. Later that month, she participated in a House Oversight Committee hearing to examine the threat posed by abortion bans and underscored the urgency of the Senate passing the Women’s Health Protection Act. 
    • In April 2021, Rep. Pressley, along with Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA-13), Diana DeGette (CO-01) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), led a group of 131 Democratic members in reintroducing the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance Act or the EACH Act, which would repeal the Hyde Amendment and ensure that all people, regardless of income, insurance or zip code, can make personal reproductive healthcare decisions without interference from politicians. She re-Introduced the legislation In January 2023.
    • Rep. Pressley has led calls in Congress for the FDA to remove medically unnecessary restrictions on the medication abortion drug mifepristone, and applauded the FDA’s action in January 2023 to allow retail pharmacies to dispense abortion medication pills.
    • As Chair of the Pro-Choice Caucus’s Abortion Rights and Access Task Force, Congresswoman Pressley has led the fight to repeal the Hyde Amendments from annual Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bills and in July 2020 published a Medium post on the importance of doing so. She applauded the removal of the Hyde Amendment in President Biden’s FY2022 budget.
    • In May 2020, she led more than 155 Members of Congress in calling on House Democratic leadership to ensure that any future COVID-19 relief packages rejected Republican efforts to use the public health crisis to diminish abortion access.
    • In August 2021, Rep. Pressley, Oversight Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney, and Pro-Choice Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Diana DeGette and Barbara Lee led more than 70 of their House Democratic colleagues in introducing a resolution in support of equitable, science-based policies governing access to medication abortion care. 
    • In January 2023, Rep. Pressley introduced a resolution to condemn all forms of political violence in the U.S., regardless of its target or intent. That same day, she delivered a powerful speech on the House floor slamming Republicans’ harmful, misleading anti-abortion resolution.
    • In September 2022, Rep. Pressley hosted U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra at the Codman Square Health Center in Dorchester for a convening on their work to address the Black maternal health crisis and the criminalization of abortion care in states across the nation following the harmful U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health. 
    • In May 2019, she led more than 100 colleagues in introducing H.Con.Res.40, a resolution reaffirming the House of Representative’s support for Roe v. Wade.
    • In June 2019, Rep. Pressley introduced H.R. 3296, the Affordability is Access Act, to make oral contraception available without a prescription. 
    • In September 2016, as a member of the Boston City Council, Pressley championed a resolution calling on Congress and President Obama to repeal the Hyde Amendment and reinstate insurance coverage for abortion services.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Memory Lift Supplement: Launching Our Exclusive Brand to Support Memory, Clarity, and Cognitive Function

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Memory Lift Supplement Officially Launches: A Revolutionary Step Toward Enhanced Cognitive Health in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Beyond

    In response to the growing global demand for natural cognitive enhancement solutions, Memory Lift Supplement is proud to announce its official launch across the United States, Australia, Canada, and other international markets. This cutting-edge nootropic formula is designed to support brain health, boost memory function, and enhance overall cognitive performance, offering a safe and effective alternative to traditional stimulants. For more information, Visit Official Website of Memory Lift.

    A Natural Approach to Cognitive Enhancement

    Memory Lift Supplement is a meticulously crafted blend of natural ingredients known for their cognitive benefits. Unlike synthetic drugs or prescription-based cognitive enhancers, Memory Lift relies on plant-based compounds, vitamins, and adaptogens to deliver noticeable results without harmful side effects. The supplement is suitable for individuals seeking to:

    ·         Enhance short and long-term memory

    ·         Increase mental clarity

    ·         Improve problem-solving ability

    ·         Stay focused for longer durations

    ·         Support brain health as they age

    Key Ingredients Backed by Science

    The efficacy of Memory Lift Supplement lies in its scientifically researched ingredients:

    ·         Bacopa Monnieri: An ancient Ayurvedic herb known to boost memory and cognitive function by reducing anxiety and supporting neuron communication.

    ·         Ginkgo Biloba: Improves blood flow to the brain and acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping enhance mental performance.

    ·         Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF), promoting brain cell regeneration and neuroplasticity.

    ·         Rhodiola Rosea: An adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress while improving energy, mood, and focus.

    ·         L-Theanine: Enhances focus and mental clarity without the jitteriness associated with caffeine.

    These ingredients work synergistically to support neurotransmitter function, increase brain blood flow, reduce oxidative stress, promote neurogenesis, and enhance focus and energy levels.

     Visit Official Website

    A Safe and Effective Solution

    Memory Lift Supplement offers a non-habit-forming alternative to prescription medications for memory enhancement and cognitive support. It is designed to be safe for daily use, with no known side effects when taken as directed. The supplement is free from harmful chemicals, fillers, and additives, ensuring a clean, effective solution for cognitive enhancement.

    Availability and Accessibility

    With the official launch, Memory Lift Supplement is now available for purchase through its official website and various online retailers. The product will also be available at select health food stores and pharmacies in the United States, Australia, Canada, and other countries. For those looking for convenience and reliability, purchasing through the official website ensures the best pricing and access to special deals.

    Benefits of Memory Lift Supplement

    Memory Lift Supplement provides a range of cognitive benefits that can greatly enhance an individual’s daily life. Here are the key benefits that users can expect from this ground-breaking product:

    ·         Enhanced Memory Retention

    ·         Increased Focus and Concentration

    ·         Mental Clarity

    ·         Reduced Cognitive Decline

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    The MIL Network –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Indicators of Global Climate Change 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    June 18, 2025

    Indicators of Global Climate Change 2024 is the third in a series of annual updates on the state of the climate system and human influence.

    The report, published in Earth System Science Data, was compiled by an international team of climate scientists and serves as an annual synthesis of key climate measures inbetween the IPCC assessment reports. According to the authors, they follow methods as closely as possible to those used in the IPCC AR6 Working Group 1 report.

    The report provides estimates for key climate indicators related to forcing of the climate system:

    • emissions of greenhouse gases and short-lived climate forcers
    • greenhouse gas concentrations
    • radiative forcing
    • the Earth’s energy imbalance
    • surface temperature changes
    • warming attributed to human activities
    • the remaining carbon budget
    • estimates of global temperature extremes
    • global land precipitation
    • global mean sea level rise

    Journalists came to this online SMC briefing to hear from some of the report’s authors.

    Speakers included:

    Prof Piers Forster, Director of the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures, University of Leeds

    Prof Joeri Rogelj, Director of Research at the Grantham Institute and Professor of Climate Science & Policy at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London

    Dr William Lamb, Senior Scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

    Dr Matthew Palmer, Joint Director of the UK National Climate Science Partnership (UKNCSP) at Met Office Hadley Centre, and Associate Professor at the University of Bristol

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crowds flock to first Tak£500+ event in Banbridge!

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Crowds of people flocked to the first Tak£500+ Market Stall and Decision Making event last weekend in Banbridge – and the next event takes place this Saturday 28th June, 10am – 2pm in Armagh City Hotel.

    Come along and check out all the projects within the Armagh area and vote for your favourite to receive up to £1000! See you there!

    Previous articleCelebration of Zero Waste Schools in ABC Borough










    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Schools should guard nat’l security

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Schools have the responsibility to play a good gate-keeper role and enhance the sensitivity of teachers and students to national security, the Education Bureau said today in response to media enquiries.

    Whilst safeguarding national security is the Government’s responsibility as well as the obligation of the whole community of Hong Kong, the bureau noted that safeguarding national security is also part and parcel of the routine school work in promoting national security education.

    The bureau also said it has adopted a “multipronged and co-ordinated” approach to strengthen students’ understanding of Chinese culture, the Constitution and the Basic Law, and their awareness of law-abiding in promoting patriotic education.

    Detailed administrative and educational guidelines have been issued to schools, requiring them to establish school-based mechanisms and formulate appropriate measures according to their own circumstances and needs to implement various tasks related to safeguarding national security and national security education.

    In addition, the bureau provided schools with an updated “National Security: School Self-evaluation Checklist” in April, which sets out suggestions of refinement and good practices of different areas of work, covering national security work planning, monitoring mechanisms, learning and teaching and related resources, school activities, personnel management and training, and home-school co-operation, in order to effectively prevent and suppress acts and activities that endanger or are detrimental to national security.

    The bureau remarked that schools offering non-local curricula also have the responsibility to help their students, regardless of their ethnicity and nationality, acquire a correct and objective understanding and appreciation of the concept of national security and the National Security Law as well as the duty to cultivate a law-abiding spirit among their students. It elaborated that these schools should devise and continuously review relevant strategies and measures in light of their school-based circumstances and needs, with a view to maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment and promoting students’ effective learning and healthy development.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Legacy of Leadership and Love: First Sergeant Charles Olivas Retires After 36 Years of Service

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming National Guard

    By Joseph Coslett

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. — A hush fell over the auditorium as the final notes of the national anthem rang out. Then, surrounded by family, fellow Soldiers, and senior leaders from across the Wyoming Military Department, First Sergeant Charles A. Olivas Jr. stepped into a moment that marked the end of a 36-year journey and the beginning of a new chapter.

    For more than three decades, Olivas served as a steady anchor in the Wyoming Army National Guard, known as much for his logistical expertise as for his servant-hearted leadership. His career spanned deployments, state activations, leadership transformations and cultural shifts across the force. Yet through it all, one constant remained: His commitment to service and family.

    “This is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s Adjutant General. “When you look at the slideshow and hear his story, it becomes clear—Charles Olivas’s life is about two things: service and family. Every role he’s taken has been about giving of himself. Whether it was food service, equal opportunity, or sexual assault prevention, he always showed up—not for himself, but for the people around him.”

    Olivas’s military journey began in 1988 as a junior in high school, when he enlisted through the Split Option Program. He went on to serve in a long list of units including the 289th General Supply Company, 22nd Support Command during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, the 115th Field Artillery Brigade, 94th Troop Command, and multiple deployments to Kuwait. Over the years, he filled nearly every NCO leadership billet, culminating in his final post as the G4 Superbird Logistics Management Specialist.

    His service wasn’t confined to uniforms and formations. Olivas’s parallel civilian role as a federal technician allowed him to impact the Guard’s day-to-day operations while his community engagement amplified his reach. He taught English as a second language, coached baseball for 17 years, led parent-teacher organizations, facilitated faith formation classes and served on statewide boards and prevention coalitions.

    During the ceremony, laughter and reverence interwove as family members recalled his sense of humor and relentless commitment. From teaching others to lead to turning “stupid but effective” ideas into policy, Olivas embraced both the science and art of military life. “I got lucky,” he said. “I got to be part of military science and military art. When those two come together, they make music, and I got to be the conductor.”

    Lt. Col. Robert Lejeune, Wyoming Army National Guard chief of staff, said Olivas was more than a logistics expert, he was a mentor who influenced generations of Soldiers.

    “In all the chaos and turbulence of the last four decades: Desert Storm, the Twin Towers, Iraq, Afghanistan, Charles was the one steady point we could count on,” Lejeune said. “There were times when I was off base, and he brought me back in. I wouldn’t be here today without his mentorship.”

    That sentiment echoed across the ceremony. Col. Kristina Tweedy, Wyoming Air Guard director of staff-air, recounted long conversations with Olivas during his time in human resources, calling him a “servant leader” whose unique perspective and integrity left a permanent mark.

    “When someone makes a real impact on your career, you never forget them,” she said. “Charles is the kind of person whose legacy is the number of people he’s touched, Army, Air. It doesn’t matter. They all know who he is.”

    Throughout his career, Olivas received dozens of honors, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation and Achievement Medals with multiple Oak Leaf Clusters, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, and the Army Meritorious Unit Citation. He was also a recipient of the Order of Saint Barbara—recognizing his connection to the field artillery—and a long-standing member of the Wyoming Military Funeral Honors Team.

    But for Olivas, the awards were always secondary to the relationships.

    “Be the leader you want leading you,” he said during his final remarks. “When it’s your time to lead—lead. When it’s your time to follow—be a good follower too.”

    In true first sergeant fashion, he left the crowd with one final exercise: “Put your hands out like you’re going to clap,” he grinned. “On the count: 1… 2… 3… CLAP. That’s leadership. You see how I led you? You are now qualified.”

    A standing ovation followed.

    As the benediction closed the ceremony, Father Emilio offered a final prayer: “May Saint Michael, protector in battle, watch over you and your loved ones. May you never doubt that your service is remembered.”

    1st Sgt. Charles A. Olivas Jr. introduces his family during the ceremony, June 16, 2025. He credited his wife and children as the foundation behind his long career of service. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)
    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter presents the Meritorious Service Medal to 1st Sgt. Charles A. Olivas Jr. during the retirement ceremony in Cheyenne, Wyo., June 16, 2025. The award recognized Olivas’s leadership in logistics and organizational improvement. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)
    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, presided over 1st Sgt. Charles Olivas, Wyoming Army National Guard Soldier, retirement ceremony in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on June 18, 2025.
    Guests watch a slideshow highlighting the life and service of 1st Sgt. Charles A. Olivas Jr. during the ceremony in Cheyenne, Wyo., June 16, 2025. The photos reflected deployments, family memories, and decades of leadership. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)
    Theresa Olivas is escorted to the stage and honored with a certificate of appreciation during the ceremony in Cheyenne, Wyo., June 16, 2025. Her steadfast support was a key part of Olivas’s successful career. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)
    Guests watch a slideshow highlighting the life and service of 1st Sgt. Charles A. Olivas Jr. during the ceremony in Cheyenne, Wyo., June 16, 2025. The photos reflected deployments, family memories, and decades of leadership. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Inquest Into the Death of Ronald Herman

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 24, 2025

    A public inquest into the death of Ronald Herman will be held Monday, July 21 to 25, 2025, at the Court of King’s Bench, Courtroom #5, 520 Spadina Crescent East, in Saskatoon.

    The first day of the inquest is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. Subsequent start times will be determined by the presiding coroner.

    Herman, 36, was observed at a residence in Saskatoon in possession of a firearm on October 27, 2022. Saskatoon Police Service members attended the residence, and Mr. Herman was shot after an altercation with police. Mr. Herman was transported to the Royal University Hospital by ambulance, where he was later pronounced deceased.

    Section 19 of The Coroners Act, 1999 states that the Chief Coroner may direct that an inquest be held into the death of any person.

    The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths. The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner’s jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

    Coroner Timothy Hawryluk, K.C. will preside at the inquest.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Scientists join classrooms to inspire teenagers to become innovators

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

    Peking University life sciences professor Zhang Yan, who has been researching Alzheimer’s disease for two decades, has taken on a new mission this semester: educating young teens.

    Beyond lectures and experiments, Zhang is committed to giving her young students an authentic glimpse into the world of scientific research. She believes such hands-on learning should begin early in basic education, and as a scientist, she sees it as her responsibility to contribute.

    Zhang is one of thousands of researchers to be appointed as a “vice principal of science” — a position introduced by China’s Ministry of Education two years ago, in an initiative aiming to ensure every primary and secondary school engages the services of at least one scientific researcher from a university, research institute or technology company to strengthen science education.

    Scientist-led classes

    Dressed in a T-shirt and jeans, sipping milk tea and switching seamlessly between Chinese and English, Zhang teaches her middle school students much like she does her doctoral candidates in university labs.

    This casual approach is the first message she hopes to convey: scientists are not always solemn, bookish or eccentric. During her first lecture at Beijing Guangqumen Middle School in late May, she said that in reality, many scientists have diverse interests, lead balanced lives and possess both intellectual and emotional intelligence.

    Similarly, Zhang seeks to dispel another common misconception about careers in science: success comes solely from hard work, much like scoring high in college entrance exams.

    “You may spend years with few breakthroughs, and that is the first challenge scientists must face — learning to deal with frustration,” she said in English during a recent class.

    Her students listened carefully, not distracted by phones or computers. They are preparing to enter senior high school after their summer vacation, and in three years, they will choose a university and a major.

    “The earlier they learn, the more they benefit,” Zhang said, noting that understanding scientific careers as teens will help them make choices in the future.

    Using examples ranging from the discovery of penicillin to the gene-editing of white mice in labs, Zhang also encouraged her young students to develop habits of critical thinking, questioning authority and pursuing lifelong learning.

    Next month, she plans to take them to her university lab, where they will observe and conduct basic scientific experiments.

    “They will experience real scientific work,” she said.

    National push

    To make classes more engaging, researchers nationwide are adopting diverse approaches. Besides lab experiments, some organize field expeditions or showcase models of scientific facilities such as lunar probes, submarines and large telescopes.

    The study of emerging technologies like AI and humanoid robots has also made its way into classrooms, becoming part of the content being taught by scientists.

    Tasked with more than teaching, these vice principals of science also help schools with science curriculum planning, teacher training and bringing in scientific resources, forming part of the country’s broader picture of science education.

    Since 2023, under a national “double reduction” policy launched in 2021 to ease the burdens of excessive homework and off-campus tutoring that students face in their compulsory education years, greater emphasis has been placed on enhancing science education and nurturing young people with both the potential to become scientists and aspirations to dedicate themselves to scientific research.

    According to a January report by the state broadcaster CCTV citing the latest data from the Ministry of Education, 45 percent of primary and secondary schools have appointed a vice principal specializing in science over the past two years.

    Schools are also striving to nurture their own science teaching staff. Beijing Haidian Aerospace Tuqiang Primary School, for example, employs 15 full-time or part-time science teachers. The number of science teachers in the country’s junior high schools has increased by more than 8,400 nationwide, and by over 28,000 in senior high schools.

    And technology firms are also joining this national push for improved science education. Leading AI company iFlytek has launched study tour programs to showcase its voice-recognition tools and robots to students, and carmaker Geely has opened its workshops to students, allowing young people to learn about the manufacturing process of new energy vehicles.

    Duty of educators

    However, serving as a school educator does not offer extra pay or benefits for her research work, Zhang said. “It is purely driven by a sense of duty.”

    China has intensified efforts to encourage scientist participation in science education. A revised Science and Technology Popularization Law came into effect last year and introduced concrete measures, such as those on professional recognition and evaluation, to reward researchers for public engagement.

    Zeng Fankui, a researcher at the Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is passionate about popularizing his potato studies and serves as vice principal of science at three local schools.

    He applauds the progress the country has made in science education, but points to some problems: many rural schools lack proper science equipment and specialized teachers, and traditional mindsets that prioritize rote learning over scientific thinking remain.

    Xiong Bingqi, dean of the 21st Century Education Research Institute, said that the goal of the vice principal of science role is to cultivate true scientific literacy.

    “If science classes only assign mechanical exercises, AI could replace them,” he warned, adding that science education should shift focus from knowledge delivery to the cultivation of self-directed learning and nurturing innovation.

    Students crammed with scientific knowledge alone will find it difficult to adapt to the rapid changes of the future, Xiong said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s poverty eradication role model for other countries: Timor-Leste president

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

    China’s poverty eradication efforts will serve as a role model for other countries to follow suit, Jose Ramos-Horta, president of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, has told Xinhua.

    Speaking following a ceremony to mark the bestowment of an honorary professorship to him by Malaysia’s Taylor’s University here last week, Ramos-Horta also commended China’s progress in food security and the support it has extended to Timor-Leste, particularly in boosting agricultural productivity.

    During his first state visit to China last July, Ramos-Horta said, he appealed for support in improving the island nation’s poverty eradication and agricultural efforts.

    Noting “We have a strong relationship with China,” he said he believes China’s expertise can help boost Timor-Leste’s efforts in poverty reduction.

    “And in a very typical Chinese way of doing things — fast action, talk and act. (Chinese) engineers for water and infrastructure were mobilized,” he said, adding that with Chinese support, the agriculture output has increased and can go up even further. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: AIIB’s first decade marks a path of multilateral, sustainable development

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

    As the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) marks its 10th anniversary, the multilateral development bank is playing an increasingly prominent role in advancing connectivity, green growth, and sustainable development across regions.

    Founded in 2015, AIIB has grown from 57 founding members to 110 across six continents, covering 81 percent of the world’s population and 65 percent of global GDP.

    Over the past decade, it has approved over 60 billion U.S. dollars in financing for 320 projects, leveraging more than 200 billion U.S. dollars in infrastructure investment.

    From electrifying rural Bangladesh to building roads in Cote d’Ivoire, AIIB-supported projects are narrowing infrastructure gaps and improving lives across continents.

    Infrastructure transforming lives

    In Padmo Para village near Dhaka, Bangladesh, local resident Najma Aktar recalls a time when her family studied by the light of a kerosene lamp. That changed in 2016, when the AIIB provided a 165 million U.S. dollar loan to upgrade the local power grid.

    As the bank’s first standalone financed investment, it brought electricity to 12.5 million rural residents, transforming their daily lives.

    By the end of 2024, AIIB has supported over 51,000 kilometers of transport infrastructure — enough to circle the Earth more than once — and benefited more than 410 million people.

    In Indonesia, AIIB supported the upgrading of urban slums, improving the lives of nearly 10 million people. In China’s Yunnan Province, airport expansion enhanced flower exports and boosted farmers’ incomes by 25 percent. In Uzbekistan, AIIB helped extend access to clean water for 660,000 residents.

    “AIIB’s concrete actions have effectively helped bridge global infrastructure investment gaps, advanced regional development, and contributed positively to global economic growth,” said Lu Feng, professor at Peking University.

    Multilateral platform for cooperation

    “AIIB was established on the principles of multilateralism and high international standards,” the bank’s president Jin Liqun told Xinhua in a recent interview, noting that these principles have enabled the bank to earn broad trust and participation across the globe.

    AIIB’s investments span not only Asia but also Africa, Latin America, and beyond, reflecting its commitment to promoting global sustainable development.

    “Asia cannot thrive in isolation,” Jin said, noting that while the bank’s primary focus is Asia, its work also supports broader cooperation that contributes to meaningful development outcomes around the world.

    Reflecting this vision, AIIB has actively expanded its global partnerships and collaborative financing efforts. It is now the largest co-financing partner of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, and has built partnerships with over 100 organizations, including multilateral and regional institutions, policy banks, private sector players and philanthropy foundations.

    On the capital markets side, AIIB had issued over 54 billion U.S. dollars equivalent bonds in multiple currencies as of the end of May, and has consistently maintained triple-A credit ratings from Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch. Moody’s, for instance, credited the bank’s top rating to its strong financial footing, well-performing assets, and ample liquidity.

    “AIIB has become a new model for multilateral cooperation through its innovative operations and collaborative approach,” said Bai Chong’en, dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tsinghua University, noting its flexible and pragmatic support for infrastructure development in developing countries.

    Investing in infrastructure for tomorrow

    Amid rising global challenges, AIIB is positioning itself as a future-oriented development bank that supports both traditional and digital infrastructure for the long haul.

    In 2020, the bank launched its corporate strategy themed “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” with priorities including green infrastructure, technology-enabled infrastructure, connectivity and cross-border cooperation, and private capital mobilization.

    By 2025, at least 50 percent of its approved financing was expected to support climate-related projects, a target the bank achieved in 2022, three years ahead of schedule.

    In Cote d’Ivoire, an AIIB-financed rural road project approved in 2023 has made it easier for villagers to reach hospitals and sell cashews and cocoa, even during flood seasons. Local project coordinator Gilbert Ekpini said residents were thrilled with the changes.

    By the end of 2024, AIIB-supported projects had added 21.3 gigawatts of installed power generation capacity of renewable energy, helping to reduce nearly 30 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions annually.

    The bank is increasingly helping its members embrace the digital era. Last year, AIIB launched InfraTech Portal, a digital platform that shares comprehensive, neutral and free information on infrastructure technologies.

    “Artificial intelligence holds vast potential and offers developing countries an opportunity to leap ahead in their development,” Jin said.

    “That’s why our infrastructure investments must evolve with the times. We should ensure that emerging technologies like AI help narrow, but not widen, the digital divide, especially for the developing world,” he added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/NIGERIA – Catholic priest killed: He tried to mediate a family dispute

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Abuja (Agenzia Fides) – A Catholic priest was killed in Nigeria while attempting to mediate a family dispute. Father Godfrey Oparaekwe, parish priest of St. Ambrose Church in Ubakala (Umuahia South LGA), in Abia State (southern Nigeria), died on the evening of June 17. According to information from the Diocese of Umuahia and sent to Fides, the priest, accompanied by the couple’s daughter and another man, had gone to the man’s house to recover a motorcycle belonging to the girl. The couple had been in a crisis for some time, to the point where the woman and children had left the house, leaving the man alone. Father Oparaekwe had tried to mediate but was threatened by the man. On the evening of June 17, the man stabbed Father Oparaekwe several times, seriously injuring him, and then threatened other people with the same weapon. The attacker was immobilized, and Father Oparaekwe was taken to hospital. However, the priest died from his injuries a few hours after his arrival.Father Godfrey was born on October 4, 1953, in Ulakwo, Owerri, Nigeria. He was ordained priest in 1983 at the St. Joseph Seminary of Ulakwo, Oweni, Nigeria, in the Diocese of Umuahia. In 2000, he received a Master’s degree in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville, Arizona. From 2002 to 2012, he held various positions in the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona (USA), and then returned to Nigeria. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – End of the academic year at the Sheshan Seminary. Bishop Shen Bin encourages students to read “the signs of the times”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    xinde.org

    Shanghai (Agenzia Fides) – This year’s study courses at the Sheshan Seminary, in the Diocese of Shanghai concluded with the awarding of six degrees to six seminarians from the 2019 class and diplomas to the religious sisters who participated in the second formation course for Religious.The conclusion of the academic year was celebrated on Saturday, June 21, with a solemn ceremony attended by Bishop Joseph Shen Bin of Shanghai, Bishop Francis Xavier Jing Yangke of Ningbo, Sister Wang Min, Superior General of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Presentation, and representatives of the civil authorities.Bishop Shen Bin, who is also the Rector of the Sheshan Seminary, awarded the diplomas to the seminarians and religious sisters and thanked all the teachers and families of the seminarians, priests, and nuns who participated in the courses. Bishop Shen Bin also urged the graduates to “follow the signs of the times, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence and the changing international scenario.”Fr. Francis Fang Buke, Vice-Rector of the Seminary, addressed the students, urging them all to dedicate themselves to the mission, to proclaim the Gospel and bear witness to their faith in Christ, to actively participate in social works, and to approach all people according to the Church’s spirit of mercy. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 24/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Connection between generations: a memorial exhibition was opened at the State University of Management in honor of the 140th anniversary of the beginning of the educational process

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On June 23, the State University of Management held a grand opening of a memorial and historical exhibition dedicated to the 145th anniversary of the founding of the Aleksandrovsky Commercial School and the 140th anniversary of the beginning of the educational process

    The tour for the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev and the university vice-rectors was conducted by the head of the Museum of the History of the University and the Development of Management in Russia Nikita Yudanov.

    Vladimir Stroev emphasized the importance of preserving historical truth in order to establish a dialogue between generations.

    “Today we are opening a permanent exhibition related to the history of the university, which has been undeservedly forgotten. And this is not because we want to increase the history of the State University of Management. We already have a glorious and long history, compared to other universities. It is worth remembering that when any historical part is forgotten, it leads to disastrous consequences. We have restored both the continuity of generations and the connection of the university with the greatest people of the era. This should not only be on posters and in history, we must also pass on this knowledge to students, that we must be worthy of our glorious ancestors. Today this is especially relevant, when we have taken a course on business and entrepreneurship. After all, representatives of all merchant families studied at the Alexandrovsky Commercial School. The exhibition is not just a tribute to memory, this is our history, let’s remember it, study it,” Vladimir Vitalyevich urged.

    Advisor to the rector’s office Sergei Chuev noted that it was the rector who acted as “the initiator, driver and inspiration for the restoration of the history of the State University of Management”:

    “The staff has done serious work on studying historical documents. We have restored dozens of names, and this research has not yet ended, this list can and should be continued. We have already added more than twenty undeservedly forgotten great figures who are related to our university to the Alley of Honor. Among them, for example, are academicians O. T. Bogomolov and A. G. Granberg, long-term head of the Department of Economics and Organization of Urban Economy (now the State Medical University) V. G. Davidovich, professor B. B. Veselovsky, born in 1880, the year the school was founded. With this exhibition, we pay tribute to historical justice,” concluded Sergei Vladimirovich.

    Olga Kharlamova, Director of the Scientific Library of the State University of Management, spoke about the history of the library’s development from the times of the Alexander School to the present day, and Sergei Chuev spoke in detail about the role of the Soviet scientist Nikolai Nekrasov in the development of science in general and the State University of Management in particular.

    You can see the exhibition stands on the first floor of the flow building from PA-11 to the cloakroom and in the hall of the scientific library of the State University of Management, and on the second floor of the building there is an alley of fame for the teachers of the State University of Management.

    On the Walk of Fame you can learn more about the lives and achievements of such outstanding scientists as:

    Nikolay Pestov is a chemist, a leading specialist in the field of mineral fertilizer technology, dean of the chemistry department, deputy director for academic and scientific work at Moscow Institute of Power Engineering (now State University of Management). Eduard Satel is the founder of the domestic scientific school of mechanical engineering technology, one of the pioneers in the development of flow production methods in the mechanical engineering industry. Under his direct leadership, the following plants were radically reconstructed and reorganized: Krasny Proletariy, Frezer, Serp i Molot, Borets, Kompressor, Krasnaya Presnya, and others. Kirill Plotnikov is a corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, head of the industrial financing department at Moscow Institute of Power Engineering (now State University of Management). He developed the theory of the state budget, the theory of money and money circulation, credit, pricing, and business accounting. From the 1940s to the 1990s, he carried out management, advisory, and research work on public finances.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM International President Brian Bryant Joins Bernie Sanders Rally with Fiery Call to Fight Oligarchy

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    In a powerful show of labor solidarity and grassroots energy, IAM International President Brian Bryant joined U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke, and U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) at a packed rally in Fort Worth, Texas, sending a clear message: it’s time to take our country back from the billionaire class and put working people first.

    With scores of IAM Union members in attendance from across the Dallas-Fort Worth region, Bryant brought the crowd to its feet with a passionate call for economic justice and democracy. Fort Worth, home to thousands of IAM members working in defense, aerospace, airlines and more, served as the perfect backdrop for a rally built around the theme of workers versus oligarchs.

    WATCH: IP Bryant Fires Up Fort Worth in Call to Stop Oligarch Takeover

    “Brothers, Sisters, and Siblings, we gather here at a moment when everything we care about is on the line,” said Bryant. “CEOs make 268 times more than the average worker. The greedy oligarchs want to cut Medicare and Social Security, slash Medicaid, take food from hungry kids, and destroy our freedom to organize. So, do we stand with the workers or the billionaires?” Bryant asked the crowd, triggering a thunderous response: “THE WORKERS!”

    Bryant’s remarks reflected a growing national frustration with economic inequality and a political system tilted in favor of the wealthy elite. His speech wasn’t just about policy—it was about power. The kind of power that comes from organized labor, solidarity, and collective action.

    The IAM Union, which represents more than 600,000 active and retired members, has been ramping up its organizing, bargaining, and political engagement across the country, and especially in Texas, where union energy is building momentum.

    The rally was part of that movement—bringing together workers from all walks of life who are tired of being left behind.

    “They want to crush unions because they fear our power,” said Bryant. “But I have news for them: the labor movement isn’t going anywhere. We will fight every day, every hour, every minute — and we will win. We will win because we have something they’ll never understand. We have solidarity. We have unity. We have power in numbers.”

    The crowd—union members, students, retirees, teachers, and activists—roared in approval. For IAM Union members present, the rally was more than symbolic. It was a declaration of their role in the fight to reshape the future of Texas and the country.

    The post IAM International President Brian Bryant Joins Bernie Sanders Rally with Fiery Call to Fight Oligarchy appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Direct support for Dundee University

    Source: Scottish Government

    Public funding in response to unprecedented situation.

    Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth has confirmed up to £40 million funding in principle for the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to support the University of Dundee’s recovery.

    Funding will be provided to the SFC over two academic years or three financial years. This is in addition to the £25 million funding announced by Ministers in February for the SFC to support universities facing financial challenges, of which the University of Dundee received £22 million. This means total additional funding made available for the University by the Scottish Government via the SFC is up to £62 million.

    The SFC and Scottish Government will work together to develop appropriate conditions for the funding, which is subject to further due diligence. Funding will only be released once a sustainable, long-term recovery plan is put in place by the University that leverages commercial and private investment.

    The statement follows Professor Pamela Gillies’ Independent Review into the University of Dundee’s finances, which highlighted that the University had failed to operate in line with the SFC’s Financial Memorandum and Code of Good Higher Education Governance. Ministers have held early discussions with SFC to consider options to strengthen governance in institutions.

    Confirming the funding in a statement to Parliament, Ms Gilruth said:

    “The Scottish Government is determined to do everything we can to secure a positive and thriving future for Dundee University.

    “Since issues at the University came to light in November, the thoughts of Ministers have continued to be with staff and students who have faced a period of real anxiety and uncertainty. This additional £40 million funding support will help return the university to the thriving institution it should be.

    “Scotland’s universities are independent and autonomous institutions. In normal circumstances, decisions on the allocation of funding to individual institutions are the responsibility of the SFC. However, this is a unique and unprecedented set of circumstances, which requires a unique and unprecedented response.

    “It is vitally important that the University works to secure a sustainable, long-term plan which will allow for commercial lending to support some, or all of the remaining liquidity ask. We will consider all avenues and other support we can provide to achieve that end.”

    Background

     Scottish Ministers have powers under section 25 of the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005 to direct the Scottish Funding Council Ministers to target a direct settlement to the University of Dundee, and to place specific conditions on that funding. This is the first time that these powers have been used. Ministers will work closely with the SFC on the provision of the funding.

    £40 million in-principle funding is subject to further due diligence prior to provision of the funding. The Scottish Government is in the process of procuring expert auditors to assist with due diligence, which is due to conclude in the coming days.

    Additional funding provided to the SFC for Dundee University will not impact on the funding available from the SFC to other institutions.

    The Strategic Advisory Taskforce established by Ministers is now undertaking a series of workshops to engage in detail on themes including income generation, shared services and the city, region and community.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Double Mac success for Anglia Ruskin illustrators

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Marguerite Davidson, left, pictured with Joanna Prior, CEO of Pan Macmillan and one of the award judges

    Illustrators from the Children’s Book Illustration MA course at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) have won the top two prizes at the national Macmillan Prize for Illustration.

    First prize and a cheque for £1,000 went to Marguerite Davidson, while Carol Law, who graduated from the ARU course last summer, received the runner-up award and a prize of £500.

    Known as the “Mac Prize”, the award was established in 1985 and is open to all non-professional illustrators based in the UK. This year the prestigious competition, which is celebrating its 40th birthday, received almost 400 entries.

    Marguerite, who is originally California and holds degrees in Studio Arts and in Film Production from San Diego State University, won for her picture book Do You Want To Play? She received the award from Joanna Prior, CEO of Pan Macmillan, at a ceremony held at Pan Macmillan’s London offices and will graduate from ARU’s Children’s Book Illustration MA course next month.

    “I love creating stories with warmth, silliness, and cheeky animal characters. I work with a multitude of different media, but my current favourite is screen printing. I enjoy using a limited palette and building up layers of colour, texture, and shape.

    “The initial idea for Do You Want To Play? came from a recurring image in my sketchbook of a stampede of animals all pushing and shoving their way out of the pages. I am fascinated by books that engage the reader in surprising ways, so I set about creating a story where the reader is trying to help the characters escape the book.

    “I love to make people laugh with my stories, and that is at the heart of this project. My tutors encouraged me to enter the Macmillan Prize for Illustration, and I am thrilled to have won! It is such a great honour to win this competition especially with this project, which is so close to my heart.”

    Marguerite Davidson

    “Marguerite’s winning entry Do You Want To Play? caught the judges’ attention immediately with its vibrant colour and flowing illustration style. Add to that a concept that invites the reader to interact with the book itself made this entry irresistible fun.

    “Making a book entertaining, full of life and interactive in a physical way is ambitious, but Marguerite brought all of these aspects together in an elegant, accessible and visually stunning form. The judges all felt that this book would be a great book for adults and children to read and enjoy together, making it a joyful experience for all.”

    Chris Inns, Art Director at Macmillan Children’s Books and Chair of Judges

    “This year was another strong year for the Mac Prize with work submitted by a fabulous range of talented illustrators. As a judging panel, we enjoyed seeing the variety of styles and the many dazzling imaginations at play on the page.”

    Joanna Prior, CEO of Pan Macmillan and judge

    “As the Mac Prize celebrates 40 years, we have been delighted to see such a strong mix of voices and range of styles and themes coming through in the entries. We are always looking for picture books that speak to a child’s experience of their world and the Prize brings fantastic new talent to the surface that we are proud to publish on our Macmillan and Two Hoots lists.” 

    Alison Ruane, MD of Macmillan Children’s Books

    “The Macmillan Prize is always such a special event. Chris Inns goes round the room telling the winners why their work was chosen, which judges championed particular projects and sometimes even giving a piece of advice for the future.

    “It’s such a thrill for our students and also for us, as tutors, to see them honoured. We couldn’t be more pleased to see Marguerite and Carol recognised, and to have 14 of the 20 highly commended projects also coming from students and graduates of our course, that was the icing on the cake!”

    Shelley Jackson, Associate Professor and Course Director for the MA in Children’s Book Illustration at ARU

    Examples of Marguerite’s work are available on the MA Degree Show website here https://www.cambridgemashow.com/marguerite-davidson

    Meanwhile, Will Knight, who is also graduating from the MA course this summer, has been named as the winner of the Children’s Illustration category at the Batsford Prize 2025. And as with the Macmillan Prize, ARU enjoyed a one-two at the awards, run by independent trade publishers Batsford, with Will’s fellow student Vannysha Chang receiving the runner-up prize.

    Will impressed the judges with his work The House Dragon, a story about a child left behind accidently when his family move home, and the dragon who protects him. 

    “We’re delighted to award the children’s illustration prize to Will Knight for The House Dragon. This submission impressed all the judges with its mix of media – from a video showing a physical 3D model of the dragon, through working sketches and the final finished art. The illustrations are very accomplished, visually stunning and show an inventive range of perspectives – and it’s a funny story too.”

    Founder of Spring Literary and award judge Neil Dunnicliffe

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: ICE Arrests 11 Iranian Nationals Illegally in the U.S. Over the Weekend

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Criminal illegal aliens arrested include an individual with admitted ties to Hezbollah, a known or suspected terrorist, and an alleged former sniper for the Iranian army 

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 11 Iranian nationals illegally in the United States over the weekend. ICE also arrested a U.S. citizen who threatened to kill ICE law enforcement while harboring an illegal alien from Iran. The weekend arrests reflect the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) commitment to keeping known and suspected terrorists out of American communities.  

    “Under Secretary Noem, DHS has been full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists that illegally entered this country, came in through Biden’s fraudulent parole programs or otherwise,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out—and we are. We don’t wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland.”  

    • On June 22, ICE Atlanta arrested Ribvar Karimi in Locust, Alabama. Karimi reportedly served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021 and at the time of his arrest, in his possession, he had an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card. He entered the U.S. on a K-1 visa, which is reserved for aliens engaged to be married to American citizens, in October 2024 under the Biden administration. Karimi never adjusted his status — a legal requirement — and is removable from the United States. He’s currently in ICE custody, where he’ll remain pending removal proceedings. 
    • On June 22, ICE Houston officials arrested Behzad Sepehrian Bahary Nejad, an alien with a final order of removal, who was carrying a loaded 9mm pistol at the time of his arrest. Sepehrian entered the U.S. in Houston on Dec. 9, 2016, on an F-1 student visa. On Aug. 19, 2017, Harris County police arrested him for assaulting a family member by impeding breathing; his wife told the local assistant district attorney that Sepehrian was threatening her and obtained a restraining order against him. She also alleged he was threatening her family in Iran. On July 23, 2018, the University of Texas terminated Sepehrian’s status after he was placed on academic suspension. An immigration judge ordered him removed on Oct. 10, 2019, after he was released on an immigration bond; he filed a motion to reopen his case, which a Department of Justice immigration judge denied. Sepehrian is in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.  
    • Also in Houston, ICE arrested Hamid Reza Bayat, an Iranian national an immigration judge ordered removed nearly 20 years ago, on Aug. 4, 2005. Twice convicted of drug crimes and once convicted of driving on a suspended license, Bayat served time before receiving his final order of removal. He’s now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.  
    • On June 22, in Tempe — a Phoenix, Arizona suburb — ICE agents arrested Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, an Iranian citizen with a final order of removal convicted of threatening a law enforcement officer and being an alien in possession of a firearm. Eidivand entered the U.S. in San Ysidro, California, in June 2012. In August 2013, an immigration judge granted him a voluntary departure, which allows an alien to leave the country without a formal ICE removal, but he never left. Eidivand will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 
    • At the same residence, officials arrested Linet Vartaniann, a United States citizen, for threatening a law enforcement officer and harboring Eidivand, an illegal alien. Vartaniann threatened to open fire on ICE officials if they entered her home, then said she would go outside and “shoot ICE officers in the head.” ICE officials obtained a search warrant for the residence and arrested the pair, who are now charged with federal crimes.
    • On June 22, in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, ICE officers and agents arrested Yousef Mehridehno, an Iranian national and former lawful permanent resident. The U.S. government terminated Mehridehno’s residency in October 2017 after determining he lied on his original visa application and committed potential marriage fraud. In February, Mehridehno was listed as a known or suspected terrorist, and he’s now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 
    • On June 22, in Colorado Springs, ICE officials arrested Mahmoud Shafiei and Mehrdad Mehdipour — two illegally present Iranian nationals living together. Immigration officials first encountered Shafiei in Seattle, Washington, in January 1981; a judge ordered him removed in January 1987. His criminal history includes state and federal convictions for drug crimes and arrests for assault and child abuse. U.S. Border Patrol encountered Mehdipour in June 2023 during the Biden administration near Rio Grande Valley, Texas, and processed him as an expedited removal. Both men are in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 
    • On June 22, in St. Paul, Minnesota, ICE arrested Mehran Makari Saheli, a 56-year-old Iranian national. He was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Minneapolis, where he was sentenced to 15 months in prison. He is a former member of off the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with admitted connections to Hezbollah. An immigration judge ordered him removed June 28, 2022, under the Biden administration, but he illegally remained in the U.S. Saheli is now in ICE custody pending removal. 
    • On June 22, ICE San Francisco arrested Bahman Alizadeh Asfestani, a 62-year-old Iranian national, with a criminal history that includes a 1994 conviction for petty theft and a 1995 conviction of possession of a controlled substance for sale. Asfestani was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for the drug conviction and is now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 
    • On June 23, ICE Buffalo arrested Mohammad Rafikian, a 65-year-old Iranian national convicted of grand larceny, schemes to defraud, criminal impersonation and practicing as an attorney.  
    • On the same date, ICE San Diego arrested Arkavan Babk Moirokorli, a 57-year-old Iranian national convicted of forging an official seal. Both are in ICE custody pending removal proceedings. 

    You can report crimes and suspicious activity by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form. 

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: US approves twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention – what you need to know about lenacapavir

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Owen, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Liverpool

    The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved lenacapavir, an injectable drug that offers long-lasting protection against HIV infection. Administered once every six months, this new treatment marks a major advancement in expanding prevention options for people at risk of HIV infection.

    Most HIV prevention drugs are daily pills (known as PrEP), which many people struggle to take regularly for various reasons, including inconvenience, price, stigma and side-effects. Lenacapavir works differently. It’s a new type of drug that attacks HIV’s protective shell, stopping the virus from copying itself at multiple stages.

    In recent years, two other long-acting medicines have been developed for HIV, but neither of them offers protection for a full six months like lenacapavir.

    People using the long-acting lenacapavir injection take pills for a short time – either two weeks before the shot or for the first days after – to ensure they are protected while the injection starts working.

    After that, just one injection under the skin keeps the drug working and protects people for six months. This makes a big difference for those who find it hard to take a pill every day because of a busy life, forgetting or because of the stigma they face. Discretion can sometimes be an important factor, and people receiving long-acting medicines don’t need to carry pills or explain them to others.

    Even though lenacapavir is highly effective at preventing HIV, it doesn’t offer protection from other sexually transmitted infections, so using condoms and getting regular screening for sexually transmitted diseases remains important.

    Two breakthrough HIV cases in the second pivotal study of lenacapavir were linked to a virus mutation that made it resistant to the drug. That is rare, but it demonstrates why regular check-ups remain important to ensure the drug continues working effectively.

    Most people don’t experience serious side-effects when using long-acting lenacapavir for prevention. The most common side-effect is mild discomfort at the injection site – things like redness, swelling or soreness – which usually resolves quickly on its own.

    A few people have reported feeling nauseous, but this is uncommon. The drug can interact with some other medicines, so it must only be used under medical supervision.

    Lenacapavir doesn’t provide protection against STIs, so condoms should still be used.
    Wongsakorn 2468/Shutterstock.com

    Global roll out? Price will be a big factor

    Regulatory agencies in different regions work independently to scrutinise medicines and so approval by one is not a guarantee of approval by another. However, it could be approved for use in the UK later in 2025, and the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is already evaluating lenacapavir.

    The price of lenacapavir will be a big factor in how widely it is used globally. In the US, it’s currently priced at around US$28,000 per year (£22,000), but the cost of medicines often differs in different countries.

    Since the overwhelming majority of people affected by HIV live in low- and middle-income countries, a twice-yearly prevention could have a profound effect and it is contingent on everyone working in global health to help ensure that happens quickly.

    Some researchers have estimated that generic manufacturers supplying low- and middle-income countries could make lenacapavir for as little as US$25 a year if it were made in large enough quantities. But achieving this will require major investment and coordination to ensure the drug reaches the regions where HIV is still a major public health challenge.

    Earlier this year, Gilead, the pharmaceutical company behind lenacapavir, also presented data on a once-yearly version of the drug, so even longer protection may become available in the future.

    Lenacapavir is a major step forward in HIV prevention. With just two injections a year, it is a simple and highly effective option for people who need protection but find daily pills difficult. It’s not a replacement for other forms of protection – condoms and regular testing are still important – but it could be life changing for many people.

    If it becomes widely available around the globe, it could help make HIV prevention more accessible, more adaptable and easier to deliver for a wide range of people.



    Read more:
    HIV prevention: why a new injectable drug could be such a breakthrough – podcast

    Andrew Owen is a Director and CSO for Tandem Nano Ltd. and a co-inventor of patents relating to long-acting medicines. He has consulted Gilead Sciences. Shionogi and Assembly Biosciences, and has been an investigator on grant income received by his institutions from from Tandem Nano Ltd., Gilead Sciences, ViiV Healthcare, and Bicycle Therapeutics.

    – ref. US approves twice-yearly injection for HIV prevention – what you need to know about lenacapavir – https://theconversation.com/us-approves-twice-yearly-injection-for-hiv-prevention-what-you-need-to-know-about-lenacapavir-259467

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Postgraduate student of SPbGASU is the winner of the All-Russian engineering competition

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Mikhail Lobovsky

    Fourth-year postgraduate student Mikhail Lobovsky became the winner of the All-Russian Engineering Competition (VIC) 2024/2025, organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

    This year, 10,000 participants competed for the title of the best engineers in the country, of which only 110 made it to the final. The final stage took place in Moscow, where the finalists presented their projects to experts from leading industry companies.

    Mikhail presented research on the topic of “Improving the method for calculating the stability of through two-branch elements of steel structures”, carried out under the supervision of Doctor of Technical Sciences, Honored Scientist of Russia, Professor-Consultant of the Department of Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Structures of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering Grigory Ivanovich Bely.

    “The existing methods for calculating the overall stability of lattice elements, presented in SP 16.13330.2017 “Steel structures”, have a number of assumptions that do not allow for taking into account the actual loading along the length of the element, the influence of defects and damage, and also lead to an underestimation of the bearing capacity of building structures. Therefore, in order to determine the actual bearing capacity of operated and designed through two-branch elements, modern calculation methods require improvement,” Mikhail said about the topic of his work.

    VIC is one of the most prestigious platforms for young engineers. Winners receive support from key industry players, including Rosatom, Roscosmos, Rostec, RusHydro, Russian Railways and other corporations. In addition to diplomas and valuable prizes, the competition laureates have advantages when entering the next level of education.

    According to Mikhail, he plans to continue research and implement developments in real projects.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Nykredit Realkredit A/S – Extraordinary General Meeting on 24 June 2025 and changes to the Executive Board

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S – Extraordinary General Meeting on 24 June 2025 and changes to the Executive Board

    At Nykredit Realkredit’s Extraordinary General Meeting held on Tuesday 24 June 2025, Lasse Nyby was elected member of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors further includes Merete Eldrup, Preben Sunke, Olav Bredgaard Brusen, Michael Demsitz, Rasmus Fossing, Per W. Hallgren, Kathrin Helene Hattens, Jørgen Høholt, Torsten Hagen Jørgensen, Vibeke Krag, Mie Krog and Inge Sand.

    At the meeting of the Board of Directors immediately following the Extraordinary General Meeting, the Board of Directors elected Merete Eldrup as its Chair and Preben Sunke and Lasse Nyby as its Deputy Chairs.

    Also at the subsequent meeting of the Board of Directors, Martin Kudsk Rasmussen joined the Group Executive Board. The Group Executive Board of Nykredit Realkredit A/S now consists of Group Chief Executive Michael Rasmussen and Group Managing Directors Anders Jensen, David Hellemann, Martin Kudsk Rasmussen, Pernille Sindby and Tonny Thierry Andersen.

    Information about Martin Kudsk Rasmussen’s education, professional experience and other directorships and executive positions is provided in Appendix 1.

    Copenhagen, 24 June 2025

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S
    Board of Directors

    Contact
    Questions may be addressed to Press Relations, tel +45 31 21 06 39.

    Appendix 1 – CV of Martin Kudsk Rasmussen

    Martin Kudsk Rasmussen
    Year of birth: 1978

    Career  
    2020 – Managing Director, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2016 – 2020 Head of Corporate Banking, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2012 – 2016 Head of Special Credits, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2010 – 2012 Managing Director, Credits, Sparbank A/S
    2009 – 2010 Head of Corporate Accounts, Sparbank A/S
    2008 – 2009 Head of Credits, Jyske Bank A/S
    2008 – 2008 Acting Head of Corporate Accounts, Sparbank A/S
    2005 – 2008 Credit Adviser, Sparbank Vest A/S
    2002 – 2005 Accountant, PwC
       
    Education  
    2019 Executive education from Insead
    2003 – 2007 Master (Business Economics and Auditing), University of Southern Denmark
    1999 – 2002 Bachelor (Economics and Business Administration), Herning Institute of Business Administration and Technology 
       
    Directorships and other positions (current)  
    Aktieselskabet Skelagervej 15 (Board Member)  
    Nærpension Forsikringsformidling (Board Member)  
    SNB IV Komplementar ApS (Board Member)  
    Vækst-Invest Nordjylland A/S (Board Member)  
       
    Directorships and other positions (previous)  
    Egnsinvest Tyske Ejendomme A/S (Deputy Chair)  
    Letpension Forsikringsformidling A/S (Board Member)  
    BI Asset Management Fondsmæglerselskab A/S (Deputy Chair)  
    BI Holding A/S (Deputy Chair)                   
    SNB II Komplementar ApS (Board Member)  
       

    Attachment

    • Decisions of extraordinary general meeting and changes to the Executive Board – Nykredit Realkredit AS – 24062025

    The MIL Network –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Nykredit Bank A/S – changes to the Executive Board

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen

    Nykredit Bank A/S – changes to the Executive Board

    As of 24 June 2025, Carsten Levring Jakobsen and Martin Kudsk Rasmussen have joined the Executive Board of Nykredit Bank A/S. The Executive Board of Nykredit Bank A/S now consists of Carsten Levring Jakobsen, Martin Kudsk Rasmussen, Dan Erik Krarup Sørensen and Søren Kviesgaard.

    Information about Carsten Levring Jakobsen’s and Martin Kudsk Rasmussen’s education, professional experience and other directorships and executive positions is provided in Appendix 1.

    Copenhagen, 24 June 2025

    Nykredit Bank A/S
    Board of Directors

    Contact
    Questions may be addressed to Press Relations, tel +45 31 21 06 39.

    Appendix 1 – CVs of Martin Kudsk Rasmussen and Carsten Levring Jakobsen

    Martin Kudsk Rasmussen
    Year of birth: 1978

    Career    
    2020 – Managing Director, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2016 – 2020 Head of Corporate Banking, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2012 – 2016 Head of Special Credits, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2010 – 2012 Managing Director, Credits, Sparbank A/S
    2009 – 2010 Head of Corporate Accounts, Sparbank A/S
    2008 – 2009 Head of Credits, Jyske Bank A/S
    2008 – 2008 Acting Head of Corporate Accounts, Sparbank A/S
    2005 – 2008 Credit Adviser, Sparbank Vest A/S
    2002 – 2005 Accountant, PwC
       
    Education  
    2019 Executive education from Insead
    2003 – 2007 Master (Business Economics and Auditing), University of Southern Denmark
    1999 – 2002 Bachelor (Economics and Business Administration), Herning Institute of Business Administration and Technology 
       
    Directorships and other positions (current)  
    Aktieselskabet Skelagervej 15 (Board Member)  
    Nærpension Forsikringsformidling (Board Member)  
    SNB IV Komplementar ApS (Board Member)  
    Vækst-Invest Nordjylland A/S (Board Member)  
       
    Directorships and other positions (previous)  
    Egnsinvest Tyske Ejendomme A/S (Deputy Chair)  
    Letpension Forsikringsformidling A/S (Board Member)  
    BI Asset Management Fondsmæglerselskab A/S (Deputy Chair)  
    BI Holding A/S (Deputy Chair)                   
    SNB II Komplementar ApS (Board Member)  
       

    Carsten Levring Jakobsen
    Year of birth: 1970

    Career    
    2023 – Managing Director, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2019 – 2023 Chief Risk Officer (CRO), Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2006 – 2019 Financial Manager, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2005 – 2006 Chief Controller, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2005 Business Controller, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    2002 – 2005 Business Controller, Danske Bank A/S
    1998 – 2002 Business Analyst, Danske Bank A/S
       
    Education  
    2010 – 2012 Master of Business Administration, MBA Strategy, Business Institute Denmark  
    1992 – 1998 Msc (Economics and Finance), Aarhus University  
       
    Directorships and other positions (current)  
    Aktieselskabet Skelagervej 15 (Board Member)  
       
    Directorships and other positions (previous)  
    DLR Kredit A/S (Deputy Chairman)  
       

    Attachment

    • Changes to the Executive Board – Nykredit Bank AS – 24062025

    The MIL Network –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Canada Day: Resurrecting John A. Macdonald statues ignores critical lessons about Canada’s history

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Eric Strikwerda, Associate Professor, History, Athabasca University

    “We’re freeing John A.,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently announced, unveiling plans to return a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald to its place of prominence overlooking the south lawn of the Ontario legislature at Queen’s Park.

    The statue’s return comes five years after activists, disgusted by the first Canadian prime minister’s racist policies, sprayed pink paint over the statue’s base.

    Ford’s announcement was welcome news to the mostly conservative historians, editorialists and assorted pundits who have decried Macdonald’s “cancellation.”

    Their objections have been part of passionate debates about whether racist and harmful figures from the past should be celebrated through statues, school and state institution names and public infrastructure projects.

    For these conservatives, the issue is simple. Dismantling statues is dismantling Canada’s history.



    Read more:
    Canada needs to reckon with the relics of its colonial past, including racist statues

    On the other side of the debate are those who argue that Macdonald’s active and integral role in creating the aggressively assimilationist Gradual Civilization Act, the infamous Indian Residential Schools system, the Reserve and Pass Systems and the Indian Act were all meant to make Indigenous Peoples disappear.

    Macdonald was no man to celebrate, they contend, and his statue is nothing more than a symbol of racism and Canada’s dark colonial past.



    Read more:
    ‘Clearing the plains’ continues with the acquittal of Gerald Stanley

    Flurries of commemoration

    Both sides to the debate, of course, are correct in their assessments of Canada’s first prime minister. Like all historical figures from the past, Macdonald was a complex human being operating at a particular historical moment. And his actions had important historical implications for the way Canada developed.

    Was Macdonald, as proponents of his statue suggest, a visionary nation-builder? Maybe. But he was also a racist colonizer who used his position and his power to advance clearly racist goals in the most awful ways.

    And yet, the debate misses a deeper and much more interesting set of questions about how we understand Canadian history, how we describe Canada’s past and ultimately how Canadians tell stories about themselves to each other.

    It’s important to recognize from where and in what historical contexts Canada’s statues, commemorations and public infrastructure names come. Statues of figures like Macdonald, as well as the naming of public buildings, bridges and roads in his honour, appeared principally at two separate times.

    The first came in the late 19th century, mostly commemorating Macdonald’s death in 1891. But statues were being erected during this period amid rising nationalism. They signalled a celebration of Canada’s membership in the British Empire, then at the zenith of its power and influence.

    The second flurry of Macdonald commemoration was in the mid-1960s, another moment of heightened nationalism and Canadian pride. It coincided with Canada’s centenary in 1967, the Montréal Expo that same year, a new Canadian flag and a newfound confidence in the world through its active participation in international peacekeeping efforts.

    Canada was also at that time grappling with a deeply dissatisfied Québec and its place in Confederation, a state of affairs that eventually resulted in a divisive sovereignty referendum in 1980 that threatened the very fabric of Canada.

    Respecting the dissent

    But just as Canadians need to understand the historical contexts in which citizens of the past have celebrated people like Macdonald, so too do they need to grasp the historical contexts in which Canadians past and present have questioned his legacy.

    In 2013, the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States sparked critical re-evaluations of statues of Civil War-era figures from the American South and the continued use in some southern states of the highly offensive Confederate flag, along with many other symbols of racism, division and hatred.

    The release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) final report a decade ago similarly forced Canadians to confront some the darkest chapters of the country’s past.

    The point often missed here is that historical markers — like the TRC Commission and the Black Lives Matter movement — themselves become artefacts of the ongoing project involving how people tell stories about themselves to themselves, what those stories say about them in the present and how they want to define themselves in the future.

    A more fulsome engagement with history demands Canadians refrain from conflating the story of John A. Macdonald, the statue, with the story of John A. Macdonald, the man, any more than we’d conflate a drawing of an apple with the one on our counter.

    A true examination of Macdonald

    It’s not a question of who Macdonald was or wasn’t. Instead, it’s about the historical context in which the commemorations of him were installed. But it’s also part of the continuing story of how we see ourselves today.

    Claims that dismantling public statues and renaming roads and schools somehow erases Canadian history are ridiculous and profoundly misunderstand how history works.

    As Canada Day approaches, it’s important to remember that Macdonald’s story and legacy live on exactly where they should — in the pages of history books, museums and classrooms, where his life and times can be examined, interpreted and debated with the kind of depth and nuance that Canadian history deserves.

    Eric Strikwerda does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Canada Day: Resurrecting John A. Macdonald statues ignores critical lessons about Canada’s history – https://theconversation.com/canada-day-resurrecting-john-a-macdonald-statues-ignores-critical-lessons-about-canadas-history-259351

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Canada Day: Resurrecting John A. Macdonald statues ignores critical lessons about Canada’s history

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Eric Strikwerda, Associate Professor, History, Athabasca University

    “We’re freeing John A.,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently announced, unveiling plans to return a statue of Sir John A. Macdonald to its place of prominence overlooking the south lawn of the Ontario legislature at Queen’s Park.

    The statue’s return comes five years after activists, disgusted by the first Canadian prime minister’s racist policies, sprayed pink paint over the statue’s base.

    Ford’s announcement was welcome news to the mostly conservative historians, editorialists and assorted pundits who have decried Macdonald’s “cancellation.”

    Their objections have been part of passionate debates about whether racist and harmful figures from the past should be celebrated through statues, school and state institution names and public infrastructure projects.

    For these conservatives, the issue is simple. Dismantling statues is dismantling Canada’s history.



    Read more:
    Canada needs to reckon with the relics of its colonial past, including racist statues

    On the other side of the debate are those who argue that Macdonald’s active and integral role in creating the aggressively assimilationist Gradual Civilization Act, the infamous Indian Residential Schools system, the Reserve and Pass Systems and the Indian Act were all meant to make Indigenous Peoples disappear.

    Macdonald was no man to celebrate, they contend, and his statue is nothing more than a symbol of racism and Canada’s dark colonial past.



    Read more:
    ‘Clearing the plains’ continues with the acquittal of Gerald Stanley

    Flurries of commemoration

    Both sides to the debate, of course, are correct in their assessments of Canada’s first prime minister. Like all historical figures from the past, Macdonald was a complex human being operating at a particular historical moment. And his actions had important historical implications for the way Canada developed.

    Was Macdonald, as proponents of his statue suggest, a visionary nation-builder? Maybe. But he was also a racist colonizer who used his position and his power to advance clearly racist goals in the most awful ways.

    And yet, the debate misses a deeper and much more interesting set of questions about how we understand Canadian history, how we describe Canada’s past and ultimately how Canadians tell stories about themselves to each other.

    It’s important to recognize from where and in what historical contexts Canada’s statues, commemorations and public infrastructure names come. Statues of figures like Macdonald, as well as the naming of public buildings, bridges and roads in his honour, appeared principally at two separate times.

    The first came in the late 19th century, mostly commemorating Macdonald’s death in 1891. But statues were being erected during this period amid rising nationalism. They signalled a celebration of Canada’s membership in the British Empire, then at the zenith of its power and influence.

    The second flurry of Macdonald commemoration was in the mid-1960s, another moment of heightened nationalism and Canadian pride. It coincided with Canada’s centenary in 1967, the Montréal Expo that same year, a new Canadian flag and a newfound confidence in the world through its active participation in international peacekeeping efforts.

    Canada was also at that time grappling with a deeply dissatisfied Québec and its place in Confederation, a state of affairs that eventually resulted in a divisive sovereignty referendum in 1980 that threatened the very fabric of Canada.

    Respecting the dissent

    But just as Canadians need to understand the historical contexts in which citizens of the past have celebrated people like Macdonald, so too do they need to grasp the historical contexts in which Canadians past and present have questioned his legacy.

    In 2013, the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States sparked critical re-evaluations of statues of Civil War-era figures from the American South and the continued use in some southern states of the highly offensive Confederate flag, along with many other symbols of racism, division and hatred.

    The release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) final report a decade ago similarly forced Canadians to confront some the darkest chapters of the country’s past.

    The point often missed here is that historical markers — like the TRC Commission and the Black Lives Matter movement — themselves become artefacts of the ongoing project involving how people tell stories about themselves to themselves, what those stories say about them in the present and how they want to define themselves in the future.

    A more fulsome engagement with history demands Canadians refrain from conflating the story of John A. Macdonald, the statue, with the story of John A. Macdonald, the man, any more than we’d conflate a drawing of an apple with the one on our counter.

    A true examination of Macdonald

    It’s not a question of who Macdonald was or wasn’t. Instead, it’s about the historical context in which the commemorations of him were installed. But it’s also part of the continuing story of how we see ourselves today.

    Claims that dismantling public statues and renaming roads and schools somehow erases Canadian history are ridiculous and profoundly misunderstand how history works.

    As Canada Day approaches, it’s important to remember that Macdonald’s story and legacy live on exactly where they should — in the pages of history books, museums and classrooms, where his life and times can be examined, interpreted and debated with the kind of depth and nuance that Canadian history deserves.

    Eric Strikwerda does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Canada Day: Resurrecting John A. Macdonald statues ignores critical lessons about Canada’s history – https://theconversation.com/canada-day-resurrecting-john-a-macdonald-statues-ignores-critical-lessons-about-canadas-history-259351

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Tech poised to change the world: Top Ten Emerging Technologies 2025

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    For the 13th consecutive year, the World Economic Forum releases its report on the top ten technologies set to change the world for the better. These technologies will speed our efforts to tackle everything from the energy transition and neurodegenerative diseases. Based on expert nominations and rigorous foresight evaluation, the solutions drive home to leaders the increasing ways that technologies are converging and building on each other and showcase the importance of technology foresight as a key strategic tool to make meaningful change, integration and investment happen. Guests guiding us through this report for the fifth year include Bernie Meyerson, chief innovation officer emeritus at IBM, and Mariette DiChristina, Dean and professor of the practice of journalism at Boston University College of Communication.

    This interview was recorded in May 2025 in the New York office of the World Economic Forum.

    Top 10 Emerging Technologies for this year:
    – Structural Battery Composites
    – Collaborative Sensing
    – Green Nitrogen Fixation
    – Generative Watermarking
    – Engineered Living Therapeutics
    – GLP-1s for Neurodegenerative Diseases
    – Autonomous Biochemical Sensing
    – Next-Gen Nuclear Energy
    – Osmotic Power Systems
    – Nanozymes

    About this episode:

    Top 10 Emerging Technologies Report 2025: https://wef.ch/emergingtech25

    These are the top 10 emerging technologies of 2025: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/06/top-10-emerging-technologies-of-2025/

    Transcript: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/top-ten-emerging-tech-2025

    Mariette DiChristina, Boston University: https://www.bu.edu/com/profile/mariette-dichristina/
    Bernie Meyerson: https://www.ibm.com/history/bernard-meyerson

    Related podcasts:
    Top 10 Emerging Technologies 2024: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/top-10-emerging-technologies-2024/

    Beyond AI: the top-10 tech of 2023 set to change our lives: https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/top-10-emerging-technologies-2023/The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

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

    MIL OSI Video –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Global offshore wind conference 2025: keynote speech by Ed Miliband

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Global offshore wind conference 2025: keynote speech by Ed Miliband

    Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, speaks at the RenewableUK conference.

    Thank you, Jane [Cooper]. I just want to say how brilliant it is to be here today, it’s a real privilege. I read my old speech from a year ago, about 15 days before the general election, and it holds up reasonably well to history.

    I felt an incredible sense of excitement back then about having a chance to be Secretary of State, and today I feel an incredible sense of privilege. One of the reasons I feel that sense of privilege is because of all of you, because of the incredibly inspiring things you are doing for energy security, for jobs, around the country, and to tackle the climate crisis.

    I also want to pay tribute to Jane, you are doing an absolutely brilliant job championing this industry – you and the RenewableUK team are truly outstanding.

    Can I say at the same time we are delighted to have secured our superstar signing Dan McGrail as interim CEO of Great British Energy – it’s fantastic to have him and Juergen Maier both here, as well as my colleague Michael Shanks, Minister for Energy who many of you will have met and is doing an absolutely brilliant job, and it’s a privilege to work alongside.

    As I walked into the conference today and saw the banner ‘Mission: Possible’, I felt a real sense of excitement.

    Because when I look around the exhibition hall and this room, I feel that overwhelming sense of possibility, as the slogan suggests.

    Huge economic and industrial opportunities for Britain, huge chances to transform our country. Challenges of course, but as I say I am incredibly proud of this industry, and for 5 years we have worked together on a shared agenda.

    For energy security, lower bills, good jobs and climate.

    I think it is an inspiring and exciting vision of a new era of clean energy abundance for Britain, getting off the rollercoaster of fossil fuels – and we’re reminded by geo-political events all the time how important that is.

    And at the Spending Review last week we committed to the most significant programme of investment in homegrown clean energy in the UK’s history.

    On Tuesday, we announced the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation, creating jobs in Suffolk, Nottinghamshire and across the UK.

    On Thursday, investment in kickstarting carbon capture in Aberdeenshire and the Humber.

    On Friday, half a billion pounds of funding for Britain’s first hydrogen network to help drive industrial renewal.

    And today we go further with a genuinely transformative package of investment in offshore wind supply chains and jobs.

    I truly believe we are witnessing the coming of age of Britain’s green industrial revolution as we build this new era.

    I think it demonstrates above all what an active and strategic government working in the closest partnership with industry can achieve.

    So I want to talk today about the clarity of mission we’re seeking to provide, the way we’re breaking down the barriers to success – barriers you talked a lot with us about when in opposition – the role of catalytic public investment – which is partly about the announcement I’m making today – and then a bit about what I would ask from you as an industry.

    First, I know it has been a tough time for the industry.

    Offshore wind is not immune from the global economic challenges we have seen in the last few years, many of which remain present today.

    My response and my responsibility is to ensure that you have the clarity and certainty you need to make future investment decisions, because I know the biggest enemy of investment is uncertainty.

    We want Britain to be a safe haven for investment.

    That is why from day one we have offered a clear sense of direction, with our goals to deliver clean power by 2030 and accelerate to net zero across the economy.

    Just 6 months after we came to office we published our 2030 Clean Power Action Plan.

    Setting out for the first time the different pathways for deployment of different technologies.

    Offshore wind, onshore wind, solar, nuclear, batteries, hydrogen, CCUS.

    To give developers and investors clarity about the direction of travel.

    When we came to office we also took decisions around AR6 to make it a record-breaking auction.

    But we have also listened hard to the industry about how we can improve the auction process – particularly for fixed and floating offshore wind.

    And we will shortly confirm key decisions for the AR7 auction. I want to say to you very clearly, as far as that decision is concerned and all other decisions, my overriding priority is to give you confidence and certainty because I know these are essential ingredients for you to make the long-term investments we need.

    Second, for years clean energy projects have been held back by barriers and blockages.

    You told us we needed to deal with them.

    So over the last 11 months, that’s what we have gone about doing.

    On planning, we lifted the onshore wind ban within 72 hours of coming to office.

    We’ve introduced the Planning and Infrastructure Bill – the biggest reform of planning in a generation.

    And we’ve sped up planning decisions, including consenting enough clean energy to power the equivalent of almost 2 million homes.

    On grid, we’ve ended the first come first served connections queue which wasn’t serving our country well, prioritising the power projects we need.

    And we’ve brought forward plans to ensure communities benefit from hosting clean energy infrastructure.

    We’re also working with Defra on improving environmental consenting.

    On radar, we’ve worked with the Ministry of Defence to resolve funding issues that have plagued this sector for years.

    On skills, we’ve backed industry’s skills passport for oil and gas workers.

    And set up the Office for Clean Energy Jobs to ensure we have the skilled workforce we need and to do that planning with our colleagues at the Department for Education.

    In addressing these long-standing issues, we are trying to break down those barriers, which again get in the way of your investment and try to make progress step by step and demonstrating each day what a mission driven government means.

    My observation from the first 11 months in office is having this as one of the Prime Minister’s 5 missions makes all the difference in driving through Whitehall and working with others.

    Third, alongside clarity, certainty and breaking down the barriers we are delivering catalytic public investment to secure jobs and supply chains as part of our long-term industrial strategy.

    This is the right choice for Britain because we want those jobs, it’s also the right choice for our energy security and resilience – and the right long-term way I believe to deal with some of the pressures the industry faces.

    I think it’s fair to say we know that for too long governments have not focused enough on ensuring our success in offshore wind generation leads to the jobs our country needs.

    This government is different.

    There is a global race for these jobs, and we are determined to create them in Britain.

    You told us public investment could unlock funding from the private sector – and you’re right.

    With Great British Energy that is what we are committed to do.

    And today we are announcing a truly historic partnership between public and private investors.

    Hundreds of millions of public funding from Great British Energy crowding in many hundreds of millions more from the offshore wind industry and The Crown Estate.

    Enabling us to today announce a total of £1 billion of supply chain funding to bring offshore wind jobs to Britain.

    It’s designed, this fund, to turbocharge the brilliant work of the sector’s Industrial Growth Plan to invest in ports and factories, so we make turbine towers, blades, foundations and cables here in the UK.

    Helping to drive the clean energy rollout at home and capture a growing export market abroad – including seizing the opportunities of being an early mover in floating offshore wind.

    And this is just the start, with Great British Energy bringing together a wider group of public and private investors to build our offshore wind supply chains and I am incredibly excited about the work that Juergen and Dan are doing at GBE.

    Today I can also confirm we have released the results of the first Clean Industry Bonus round.

    Again here, you told us that the private sector would step up, if we showed the importance of building supply chains here in the UK, and again you were right.

    We were delighted by the response of developers to this scheme.

    Showing that when government leads with ambition, industry is ready to match it.

    We calculate that every pound of public money could unlock up to £17 of private investment.

    The Clean Industry Bonus unleashing the potential of billions of private investment in factories and ports from the North East to East Anglia to Scotland.

    When we talk about catalytic investment, this is what we mean.

    Public investment crowding in, not crowding out, the private capital we need.

    And giving you the confidence to build a long-term industrial base for Britain.

    So look, these are some of the steps we’re taking. Government doesn’t get everything right, but what we are seeking to do is deliver on the promises we made to you in opposition about how we can work together – a true partnership.

    Now often the industry asks me, how can we help you to deliver this mission? Let me just give you a few thoughts on that.

    On jobs, you have a crucial role in reversing decades of failure to invest in our industrial communities and creating a new generation of good jobs at decent wages.

    You have shown your commitment to building supply chains in Britain.

    And my ask of you is to ensure you deliver the 95,000 jobs this industry says it could support in the UK by the end of the decade.

    On trade unions, there is important work on union recognition in some renewables companies.

    But I want to be clear: this government considers trade unions as an essential part of a modern workplace and economy.

    So I ask you to recognise the huge value of partnering with trade unions in all parts of the industry.

    And finally, I would say this:

    I am one of your biggest champions because I know that this mission is the route to building a more secure energy system that can bring down bills for good.

    As we consider the multiple pathways to clean power, my mandate to Chris Stark as head of our 2030 Mission Control, is to deliver at least cost to billpayers and taxpayers and the most economic benefit to the country.

    So in AR7, AR8, AR9 and beyond, value for money for billpayers is our priority, recognising that while the market needs to make a return, we also need to deliver a fair price for consumers.

    Once again, this must be a partnership between us.

    We are doing everything we can, as I have set out, to help the industry continue its strong record in bringing down costs.

    And I urge you to continue to drive forward with innovation and competition to deliver for the country.

    Let me end with this before we get into questions.

    I think over the last 11 months we have shown that Britain is back in the race for the jobs and industries of the future.

    And above all we have shown one thing fundamentally, which is we are serious about delivering. When we said it, we meant it. When we said becoming a clean energy superpower would become one of the Prime Minister’s 5 missions, we meant it. I have my regular meetings with the Prime Minister about this issue and he is incredibly inspired by what you are delivering.

    What we’re seeking to do is have a plan to deliver.

    Clear and consistent leadership.

    Breaking down the barriers.

    Catalytic public investment.

    A true partnership between government, trade unions and industry.

    We believe this is how we build the age of clean energy abundance.

    This is how we boost our energy independence and bring down bills for families and businesses.

    This is how we seize the economic and industrial opportunity of our time.

    And this is how we face up to the greatest long-term challenge we face as a country and as a world, the climate crisis.

    My final thought is this: of course, the industry faces challenges that I am aware of. Nobody believed this was going to be easy, the kind of transformation we are talking about in our economy and in our energy system.

    The thing I feel above all, after 11 months in this role, is more of a sense of optimism about what we can achieve together, more of a sense of optimism that this is the right path for energy security, more of a sense of optimism that this can be the jobs driver of the 21st century for our country.

    Going round the country, there’s nothing more inspiring than seeing those jobs being created and the opportunity for young people doing apprenticeships and being part of this industry.

    I am more certain than ever this is the right path to tackle the biggest long-term threat to humanity, the climate crisis.

    Thank you so much for what you do for our country, thank you so much for your partnership with government.

    And I look forward to continuing to work together to do great things in the months and years ahead.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 25, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Louis Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Shootings and Carjacking

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

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a convicted felon who committed an armed 2018 carjacking, a 2021 shooting and two other crimes involving guns to 25 years in prison.

    Darnell L. Clemons left a string of victims terrified and traumatized, according to testimony at Monday’s sentencing hearing.

    On May 16, 2018, Darnell L. Clemons and a nephew robbed and carjacked the manager of a University City, Missouri restaurant. Clemons stole the victim’s 2015 Toyota Corolla, cash and her phone after placing the muzzle of a handgun to her forehead and stomach.

    On July 29, 2021, Clemons’ nephew spotted a gun in a bag belonging to a customer at a Florissant, Missouri gas station and convenience store. The nephew tried to steal the gun, triggering a struggle. Clemons spotted the struggle, ran into the store and shot the victim in the back, resulting in permanent injury. He fired another shot from outside of the store.

    On Aug. 4, 2021, following a shootout with unknown individuals in a car, Clemons jumped through a stranger’s window in the O’Fallon neighborhood in St. Louis. Police found a stolen 9mm pistol with the slide locked back and no ammunition, indicating that Clemons had fired it recently. Clemons initially gave his brother’s name to police and claimed that officers planted the gun they found. A witness saw Clemons with the gun and his fingerprint was on the pistol’s magazine, however.

    On Dec. 8, 2021, Clemons was arrested on outstanding warrants by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Fugitive Unit with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. After a foot chase through the Delmar Loop, officers found a 9mm Glock loaded with a large capacity drum magazine. Clemons again gave his brother’s name and falsely claimed that police had planted the gun. He later told police he “should have shot it out with you all” rather than surrendering, and threatened to kill an officer that he recognized, and that officer’s mother.

    Clemons was a “one-man crime wave” for 20 years before that arrest, placing him in the highest criminal history category, according to a sentencing memo. That crime wave included a carjacking committed by Clemons and his nephew at a church and resisting-arrest convictions dating back to age 16. Clemons also “capped off months of domestic abuse by throwing his pregnant girlfriend through a table, causing her to miscarry his own child,” the memo says. He also shot her, the memo says. In a letter to Judge Autrey, Clemons’ former girlfriend said Clemons’ gun went off while he was pistol-whipping her on Mother’s Day. “Hurting people made you laugh, and that’s where you found your joy in life,” she wrote in her letter. “To this day, I still deal with not feeling safe, not even when the police would come, because you have successfully broken into my house countless times. Not only are you my worst nightmare, but also the mother of a child’s worst nightmare as well.”

    “This was a career criminal with no regard for human life and demonstrated a willingness to terrorize communities with violence,” said Mark Zito, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City. “This is exactly the kind of dangerous offender HSI targets: armed, repeat violent criminals who think they can operate without consequence. Let this sentencing serve as a clear warning – if you prey on the public with guns and fear, we will find you, we will build the case, and we will make sure you face the full weight of the justice system.”

    Clemons, 38, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in January in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of carjacking, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

    The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the University City Police Department, the Florissant Police Department and the St. Louis County Crime Lab investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Bluestone and Matthew Martin prosecuted the case.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 25, 2025
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