NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Behind the headlines: the hidden toll on journalists during the pandemic era

    Source:

    24 June 2025

    Getty Images

    New research has revealed the trauma faced by journalists during the height of the pandemic, caused by exposure to online threats, disturbing information and disrupted work routines that exacerbated an industry already under pressure from the rise of social media and online news.

    Journalism and media experts from the University of South Australia have explored the impact of online trauma and threats faced by media professionals during lockdown and restriction periods of the pandemic.

    Findings suggest that while journalists were able to work from home, their reliance on online and digital tools increased, exposing them to potential threats such as trolling, cyber stalking, graphic content, fake news and disturbing information, as well as disrupted work routines.

    A survey of 60 people from around the world found that journalists’ reliance on online resources significantly increased during COVID-19. Before the pandemic only 9% of surveyed journalists spent less than two hours per day online for work. By the time lockdowns occurred, that figure rose to 100%. Almost two-thirds of journalists said fake news and dangerous information was the most potent online danger following the height of the pandemic.

    Lead researcher PhD student Amantha Perera has worked as a journalist for more than 20 years, his work appearing in TIME, Reuters, The Washington Post, The Guardian and al-Jazeera.

    He says the pandemic left journalists in a constant state of uncertainty and feeling anxious and nervous for long periods of time. They also felt they lacked the effective resources and skills to create relief from that environment.

    “The traditional journalism practices like tight deadlines, attention to detail and the competition to report stories before others made it more difficult for journalists to switch off. Those we surveyed described COVID-19 as an intense, fast-moving and dynamic story with constant emphasis that it was global and potentially fatal. The threat of infection was always present,” Perera says.

    “An overwhelming 97.6% of the survey participants agreed that more resources should be diverted to help journalists build skills to mitigate online trauma which can include disturbing information, graphic content, and abuse and threats.”

    One survey participant described the isolation of working and living in a hyper-active information environment and being connected 24/7.

    “I was alone a lot in front of the computer. I could not move around in my city. I felt trapped, often interviewing people in very difficult situations. That made things more pronounced for me, and I couldn’t escape it by doing things I usually enjoyed as I was stuck at home,” they said.

    The exponential rise in social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, as well as other online resources, have made it easier for audiences to engage immediately with the news cycle and journalists themselves.

    “Social media, messaging groups and user comments on stories make it easy for readers to be anonymous and this has created a new digital challenge for journalists who work online,” Perera says.

    “The more time that journalists spend inside social media communities, means the more exposure to online toxicity. This is combined with journalists being required to produce often lifesaving public safety information while working long hours and often in remote workspaces during the height of COVID-19.

    “This challenging reporting environment resulted in feelings of fatigue, frustration and anxiety – all of which can manifest in journalists reporting under other potentially traumatic situations like natural disasters.”

    UniSA PhD student Amantha Perera, right, reports on the post-conflict impact of drought and climate extremities in a rural Sri Lanka village Andigama in 2017.

    Perera has proposed the development of a ‘digital flak jacket’ for journalists – a suite of tools and training which adequately prepares journalists for work in digital spaces. His idea was influenced by time he spent reporting the war in Sri Lanka. Every time Perera entered an active conflict zone, he would put on a flak jacket, which is a form of body armour.

    “I did this to make sure that I was prepared and relatively safe from potential hazardous reporting situations. In a similar vein, the digital flak jacket proposes a digital equivalent; a set of resources and interventions, which would allow journalists to report within digital or hybrid workspaces safely. For the digital flak jacket to be effective, the individual journalist needs to assess the current threat exposure levels and decide on the most suitable interventions,” he says.

    While COVID-19 restrictions have long eased, urgent humanitarian situations in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Israel and Gaza leave journalists to face similar and potentially dangerous working situations while reliant on online resources.

    “Our ongoing work investigating current work conditions faced by journalists in the Asia Pacific has shown that journalism is now functioning in a hybrid workspace where the online and the offline interchange seamlessly,” he says.

    “This has in turn increased the exposure levels to what we now define as technology facilitated threats. There is also heightened concerns over the impact of generative AI from job losses to fake content to eroding trust. The digital flak jacket is an essential work tool now.”

    Contact for interview: Amantha Perera, PhD student, UniSA E: m_b_r_amantha.perera@mymail.unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Melissa Keogh, Communications Officer, UniSA M: +61 403 659 154 E: Melissa.Keogh@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Joint Statement on the Visit to Ottawa of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, June 23, 2025

    The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, hosted His Highness, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for a visit to Canada from June 19 to 20, 2025. The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Canada and the UAE to deepen bilateral cooperation across trade, investment, innovation, people-to-people ties, international development, and regional peace and security.

    During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, met with the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada. The two sides discussed the growing ties between Canada and the UAE. On behalf of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended to Prime Minister Carney an invitation to visit the UAE this year.

    Canada and the UAE will continue to deepen their bilateral relationship by exploring new opportunities for cooperation, with particular emphasis on economic ties. Both countries welcomed the launch of the Dubai Chambers office in Toronto—the organization’s first in North America—which will serve as a strategic platform to foster deeper commercial ties. The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, attended the launch of the International Dubai Chambers alongside His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, the UAE Foreign Minister’s Envoy to Canada. The new office comes as part of the Dubai Global initiative and deepening economic ties with Canada. This opening reflects a shared ambition to unlock new opportunities for collaboration in priority sectors, including artificial intelligence, energy and infrastructure, and underscores Canada’s important role in the UAE’s global trade and investment strategy.

    Both countries also recognized the important role of the Canada-UAE Business Council in bringing together business leaders from both countries to develop actionable business opportunities and advance national economic objectives. Building on the strong foundation of institutional partnerships—exemplified by the global collaboration between Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and DP World across 15 ports and logistics parks—both countries expressed their intent to pursue new avenues for strategic investment and long-term economic engagement. Canada and the UAE reiterated their commitment to the swift conclusion of the ongoing negotiations for a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).

    The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade, and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, co-led a business round table on June 19, 2025, organized by the Canada-UAE Business Council.

    Artificial Intelligence, Emerging Technologies, and Digital Innovation: Recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), both countries reaffirmed their interest in exploring collaboration in this critical domain. Canada, home to one of the world’s most dynamic AI ecosystems, recently appointed its first Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, reflecting a renewed national commitment to responsible AI leadership. The UAE, a global leader in AI and the first to appoint a Minister of State for AI, has articulated a dedicated foreign policy position on AI, emphasizing principles of international cooperation, sustainable development and responsible governance. In this regard, the UAE continues to invest in talent development, infrastructure and technology-access frameworks.

    The Ministers welcomed ongoing dialogue between institutions and stakeholders to explore cooperation in AI and emerging technology research, commercialization, and responsible deployment. Both sides emphasized the importance of inclusive, secure, responsible, and sustainable AI development that supports innovation and economic growth.

    Water: Both countries recognized that water lies at the core of climate action, affirming their shared commitment to addressing global water challenges. Both sides underscored the need to strengthen international cooperation, highlighting the upcoming 2026 UN Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, as a key opportunity to advance global water efforts. They also stressed the importance of investing in water technology and innovation to scale up water-scarcity solutions, as exemplified by the UAE’s launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative in early 2024. 

    Energy and Natural Resources: Canada and the UAE reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing energy security and accelerating a just transition to a low-carbon economy. The UAE’s growing investment footprint in Canada demonstrates the strong commercial foundation for future cooperation. Canada welcomed the UAE’s interest in formalizing energy collaboration. Canada recognized the UAE’s pioneering efforts in the energy sphere and welcomed the UAE’s interest in promoting greater energy collaboration on an international level. Canada also expressed support for continued dialogue on joint initiatives in decarbonization, liquified natural gas, nuclear, hydrogen, and critical mineral value chains. In this context, Canada and the UAE highlighted their dedication to build on their current ties in the fields of energy and critical energy-transition minerals, while including a focus on promoting investment opportunities and enhancing mutual investment attraction.

    International Peace and Security: Canada and the UAE reiterated their shared commitment to promoting peace, stability, and inclusive prosperity across the Middle East and beyond. Both countries emphasized the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement, humanitarian leadership, and multilateral cooperation in addressing geopolitical challenges. They unequivocally condemned all acts of terrorism. They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace and coexistence and their rejection of intolerance, hate speech, discrimination and all forms of extremism.

    Canada and the UAE also restated that the principles of dialogue, adherence to international law, and respect for state sovereignty are essential to resolving the conflict between Israel and Iran. Both sides stressed the need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza; the release of all remaining hostages; and the urgent, sustainable, unhindered, at-scale flow of aid to address the appalling humanitarian catastrophe. Canada and the UAE also underscored the importance of sustained efforts to advance a serious political horizon toward the two-state solution. The Ministers reaffirmed the urgent need for de-escalation and urged all parties to refrain from actions that further destabilize the region. Both sides reasserted that diplomatic engagement remains essential to ensuring long-term regional stability and international security.

    Joint Committee for Cooperation: Both countries are actively using the Joint Committee for Cooperation (JC) as a strategic platform to drive forward a deeper, more institutionalized partnership. Through regular, high-level dialogue, the JC is advancing collaboration in priority areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, and climate and energy. Canada will host the next Ministerial meeting, reinforcing the shared commitment to sustained, results-driven engagement.

    International Development Cooperation: Canada and the UAE reaffirmed their mutual determination to address pressing global development and humanitarian challenges. Canada welcomed the UAE’s role as a global development and humanitarian partner. Recognizing the unprecedented scale and severity of humanitarian crises around the world, Canada and the UAE reaffirmed their shared commitment to cooperate closely in delivering assistance and empowering communities. Both countries underscored the importance of this partnership, and committed to leveraging their complementary strengths, particularly during a time of intensifying conflicts around the world.

    Canada commended the UAE’s global leadership in humanitarian and mediation efforts, including in Gaza, where the UAE has emerged as the largest bilateral aid donor, and in Ukraine, where the UAE has facilitated 15 prisoner-of-war exchanges, consistent with Canada’s ongoing efforts to address the human dimension of the war. These efforts underscore a shared commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and fostering dialogue in times of conflict. Both sides emphasized the importance of pursuing durable and just solutions grounded in international law and inclusive political processes. They expressed their mutual intent to continue working together on their shared goals of advancing stability and development, promoting tolerance and coexistence, protecting human dignity, and addressing hate speech, discrimination and all forms of extremism.

    People to People: Canada and the UAE celebrated their deepening people-to-people ties, which serve as a cornerstone of the growing bilateral partnership. Canada welcomed the increasing number of Emirati students in Canadian higher education institutions, reflecting mutual recognition of academic excellence. The UAE acknowledged the valuable contributions of the more than 60,000 Canadians living and working in the Emirates, who continue to enrich the diversity, innovation and vibrancy of UAE society.

    The two countries also stressed their shared commitment to cultural exchange and intercultural dialogue to foster mutual understanding and respect. Both sides recognize the landmark presentation of the “As the Sun Appears from Beyond” exhibition, which celebrates the richness and diversity of contemporary Islamic art, and recently showcased in Toronto through a partnership between the Aga Khan Museum and the UAE Ministry of Culture.

    Conclusion: The two sides reaffirmed their strong and growing relationship, rooted in mutual respect, shared objectives, and a common vision for sustainable prosperity and global stability. The visit marked a significant step forward in the Canada-UAE relationship. Both countries are committed to maintaining high-level engagement, concluding further mutually beneficial instruments, and building a durable, forward-looking partnership that delivers tangible benefits for their peoples and contributes to global peace and prosperity.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Kirsty Coventry takes over IOC presidency

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

    Zimbabwe’s Kirsty Coventry took over the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from Thomas Bach on Monday during a handover ceremony at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

    IOC President Kirsty Coventry (L) receives the key from outgoing IOC President Thomas Bach during a president handover ceremony at Olympic House in Lausanne, Switzerland, June 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

    The 41-year-old former Olympic swimming champion, now the IOC’s 10th president, is the first woman and the first African to lead the global sports body in its 131-year history.

    Outgoing President Bach paid tribute to IOC founder Pierre de Coubertin during the ceremony.

    “Today is a day of gratitude. Today is a day of confidence. Today is a day of joy,” said Bach.

    “There are many emotions I feel in this moment – but most of all, I feel gratitude. Gratitude, above all, to our beloved founder Pierre de Coubertin – whose body rests just a stone’s throw from here, and whose heart lies in ancient Olympia. To him we owe everything.”

    Bach added: “I am sure, he is watching us today from his Olympic heights, with that familiar smile, and that he feels content to see his – our – Olympic Movement flourishing, true to his vision and more relevant than ever.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 24, 2025

    HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi received a phone call on Monday from HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto.

    During the call, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, in addition to several topics of common concern.

    HE the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade affirmed the solidarity of the Hungarian people with the State of Qatar following the Iranian attack on its territory, noting that Qatar represents an important strategic ally for his country. He also commended its role in the release of three Hungarians who had been detained in Gaza.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Prime Minister strengthens NZ’s ties with Europe

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has held high-level talks with European Union leaders in Brussels, to underline the close ties between New Zealand and the EU.

    “The European Union is one of New Zealand’s most trusted partners,” Mr Luxon says.

    “This is something that was emphasised in my meetings with both EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Council President António Costa.

    “President von der Leyen and I discussed our commitment to the international rules-based system – something that’s more important than ever given the pressure on global security and prosperity.

    “We also talked about opportunities to ramp up two-way trade under the EU-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.

    “New Zealand’s goods exports to the high-value EU market have already grown by more than $1 billion, a 25 percent increase since last year. But we know there is still scope to significantly increase this further with our premium New Zealand products.”

    New Zealand and the EU are also collaborating on research, science and innovation through Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research funding programme.

    “Our researchers are working together on 17 projects across a range of sectors, from hydrogen storage to bioprinting. By joining forces, we are driving scientific progress and innovation that delivers economic benefit for both our regions,” Mr Luxon says.

    While in Belgium, Mr Luxon also visited New Zealand memorials and other significant sites across Flanders Fields, to pay respect to the thousands of Kiwi soldiers who served on the Western Front during World War I.  

    He now travels to the Netherlands where he will meet with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof before attending the NATO Summit in The Hague.

    A joint readout of the meeting is attached.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES: “DONALD TRUMP AND EXTREME MAGA REPUBLICANS HAVE BEEN A COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURE DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY”

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

    Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a press conference where he criticized the Rubber Stamp Republicans for not standing up for the American people while Donald Trump unleashes chaos, cruelty and corruption. 

    LEADER JEFFRIES: Good afternoon, everyone. The Trump administration continues to unleash chaos, cruelty and corruption on the American people. Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans have been a complete and total failure domestically and internationally. Donald Trump promised that on day one of his presidency, he would end the war in Ukraine. He promised on day one of his presidency, he would free the hostages to bring about peace in the Middle East. And Donald Trump promised that on day one of his presidency, costs would go down in the United States of America. None of it has happened. Instead, costs in the United States of America aren’t going down, they’re going up. Donald Trump and extreme MAGA Republicans are crashing the economy in real time and driving us toward a possible recession. Donald Trump and House Republicans have not done a single thing to lower the high cost of living in the United States of America. Not a single thing. Instead, Republicans are trying to jam this One Big, Ugly Bill down the throats of the American people.

    The GOP Tax Scam represents the largest cut to Medicaid in American history. It’s an all-out assault on the healthcare of the American people. Children, families, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans will all be hurt by the GOP Tax Scam. Premiums, copays and deductibles will go up for tens of millions of Americans. Hospitals will close. Nursing homes will shut down. Community-based health clinics will be unable to operate, and because more than 16 or so million people in America will lose their healthcare, people in this country will die. That’s what Republican governance has brought to the United States of America. The GOP Tax Scam will also cut nutritional assistance from the American people. Children and seniors and older Americans will literally have food ripped away from them. And this all-out assault on healthcare, this all-out assault on nutritional assistance, is being done by Republicans so they can provide their billionaire donors with massive tax breaks that they don’t need and don’t deserve. The one big, ugly Republican bill will hurt everyday Americans in order to reward billionaires.

    At the same time, Donald Trump and his actions—which do not appear to be consistent with the United States Constitution—takes unilateral offensive military action without seeking the approval of the United States Congress. The use of military force, which is offensive in nature, must be approved by the House and the Senate. That’s according to the Constitution. It’s not optional, Donald. It’s not. The framers of the Constitution actually gave Congress the power to declare war for a reason. So the American people, through their elected representatives, would have the opportunity to debate the issue and make some decisions as it relates to what’s in the best interest and the national security of the American people. Donald Trump and the administration chose to ignore the Constitution. And so they’re going to have to come before Congress and explain their justification for an offensive military strike against Iran.

    Yes, we can never allow Iran to become a nuclear power. And of course, Israel has the right to defend itself, and we’ll support Israel’s security in an ironclad manner. But the Trump administration intentionally decided to ignore the aggressive diplomacy that was available to it, to try to address the Iranian nuclear threat and ignore the requirements of the Constitution, and now they’ve got to explain why. And we expect that justification, not just at the classified briefing behind closed doors tomorrow, but we expect them to explain to the American people the basis of the strike. What were the results in terms of actually thwarting Iran’s capacity to become a nuclear power? And what are the Trump administration’s plans to avoid another potentially disastrous war in the Middle East, with thousands of American lives are potentially at risk? What is your plan to avoid another foreign war, a promise you made, a promise that Donald Trump made to the American people last year? And just like every other major promise that he made on the campaign trail, he’s failed to keep.

    Full press conference can be watched here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China Post launches Zhengzhou-Luxembourg cargo route

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

    ZHENGZHOU, June 23 — China Post has officially launched a new international cargo route between the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou and Luxembourg, with a freighter departing from Zhengzhou on Monday morning.

    The route will initially operate one flight per week, with plans to increase frequency based on market demand. It will expand beyond traditional cross-border e-commerce to carry high-tech and high-value-added goods such as pharmaceuticals and precision manufacturing components, according to a China Post official.

    Zhengzhou in Henan Province has been actively developing into an international air cargo hub in recent years. To date, 33 all-cargo airlines have launched 58 dedicated cargo routes from the city, including 43 international routes.

    Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport handled 239,000 tonnes of international or regional cargo in the first five months of this year — a year-on-year increase of 45.8 percent.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Hohenfels Army Lodging recognized as the Army Lodging of the Year Award for 2024

    Source: United States Army

    1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: Natalie Simmel) VIEW ORIGINAL
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    USAG BAVARIA – HOHENFELS, Germany – The U.S. Army Lodging Operation of the Year Award recognizes outstanding performance and dedication in Army lodging operations, and U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria’s Army Lodging in Hohenfels recently received the award in the small category (1-60 rooms).

    The Hohenfels lodging facilities were established 1951 and have since been integral to supporting training activities and operations.

    “We are getting recognized for something that the team here has put a lot of hard work into over the last year, and I’m just really proud of what they’ve done,” said hotel manager Clifford Martin. “We focused a lot on customer service over the last couple of years, and I think we’ve been able to provide that to the guests, the Soldiers and our scores and our staff and everything reflects that at this point.”

    Winning organizations exhibit outstanding leadership by prioritizing customer service, fostering strong employee relations, ensuring effective financial management, and optimizing back-of-house systems critical to maintaining seamless operations.

    “Winning this award brings a lot of pride to me,” Martin said. “I’ve had the opportunity to really work with a great team. And in doing so, we’ve been able to offer a great facility to the guests for PCS and TDY into the Hohenfels area. So I am just really grateful and honored to have the team that we have here to be able to provide this service to the Soldiers.”

    The Army lodging team in Hohenfels consists of 18 staff members, and together they take care of 40 guest rooms spread across six buildings.

    “With everybody who is coming here, we are the first people that they come see, and we provide them with a place to stay and get them acclimatized to the area,” said assistant manager Marshall Smith. “And then we also support everybody going into the training area as they come and stay with us. So they have a place to come back to every night.”

    Army lodging guests range from Department of Defense travelers on official business, military members and their Families traveling on permanent change of station orders, retirees and military Families

    “This is a testament; it’s impressive to win this,” said USAG Bavaria commander Col. Stephen C. Flanagan, when he took part in the award presentation. “There are so many Army lodges all around the world, and you are one of the best. And it’s really important right now to take care of our warfighters and everyone that supports them coming through.”

    The Hohenfels Army Lodging is dedicated to provide quality lodging and hospitality services to their patrons to support the garrison’s mission and the community.

    “And I know you’re also working with older facilities, and we are working on that,” Flanagan said. ”What shines through is the customer service and the teamwork and that leaves everyone with a better experience. And you clearly go above and beyond to earn this award.”

    Some of the buildings are from 1949; A new Army Lodging facility is planned for 2028. The new six-floor facility will offer 82 apartments.

    Flanagan also presented the garrison coin to the lodging staff as part of the presentation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Iowa Army Guard Soldiers Train at Tigerland

    Source: United States Army

    A group of U.S. Army Soldiers lie in a field after exiting a UH-60 Black Hawk at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Johnson, La., June 10, 2025. Soldiers practice entering and exiting the aircraft to enhance proficiency for real-world missions. (Photo Credit: Spc. Ruth Harrington) VIEW ORIGINAL

    FORT POLK, La. – More than 4,000 Soldiers from the Iowa Army National Guard trained throughout June at Fort Polk, undergoing one of the Army’s most demanding combat training events in preparation for an upcoming overseas deployment.

    Known since the Vietnam War era as “Tigerland,” Fort Polk and the Joint Readiness Training Center have become synonymous with forging combat-ready Soldiers through intense, realistic training. For Iowa’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, this rotation marks a pivotal moment: their first full brigade deployment since 2010.

    At the Joint Readiness Training Center, or JRTC, Soldiers are evaluated under pressure. Their minds are stressed, their physical limits are tested and their endurance is pushed to the edge. From junior enlisted Soldiers to senior Iowa Army National Guard leaders, all participants endure mental, physical and emotional exhaustion.

    The JRTC is one of four Army combat training centers. The others are the Joint Multinational Readiness Cente in Hohenfels, Germany; the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.

    The JRTC, however, is known for being the most grueling. The simulated combat environment, complete with force-on-force scenarios and constant stressors, provides Soldiers with some of the most realistic training they will encounter in their careers.

    “There are a lot of methods that we use to test Soldiers while they’re in the training area. One is simply the stress and pressure of combat,” said Brig. Gen. Derek Adams, the senior trainer for rotation 25-08. “We try to simulate that as best we can.”

    Soldiers assigned to 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, take part in a briefing on upcoming operations at Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Johnson, La., June 7, 2025. Rotational units at JRTC synchronize battle rhythms to ensure mission success during the 21-day training cycle. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Diana Nguyen) VIEW ORIGINAL

    As the senior trainer, Adams works closely with observer-coach/trainers and the JRTC leadership to design, execute and evaluate the training rotation. He coordinates with the operations group, which oversees the exercise, monitors unit performance across all warfighting functions and delivers objective feedback through after-action reviews to improve readiness at every level.

    “JRTC emphasizes DOD’s priorities of lethality, warfighting and readiness by training the entire brigade combat team, from the individual Soldiers to the brigade combat team level,” Adams said. “It’s a large, complex organization, and this training reflects that.”

    This type of training marks a broader shift in Army doctrine.

    The Army is transitioning from the counterinsurgency operations of the past two decades to large-scale combat operations, or LSCO. Large-scale combat operations prepare Soldiers for potential conflicts with near-peer adversaries by emphasizing large-scale maneuvers, complex logistics and sustained combat power.

    “LSCO changes sustainment operations sheerly in the magnitude of what occurs,” said Col. Tony Smithhart, commander of the 734th Regional Support Group. “You’re talking about large numbers of Soldiers, large numbers of equipment.”

    A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, pulls security at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, La., June 15, 2025. JRTC is designed to improve unit readiness through force-on-force exercises that prepare Soldiers for missions they may be assigned in real-world operations. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Ryan Reed) VIEW ORIGINAL

    The Regional Support Group is structured to provide logistical support to up to 20,000 Soldiers in a deployed environment. As the Regional Support Command for the JRTC, the RSG was tasked with coordinating all sustainment efforts. This included feeding more than 5,800 Soldiers, managing medical treatment and staging and preparing more than 2,500 pieces of equipment for operation.

    Planning for the JRTC began more than a year before the first boots hit the ground.

    “I made my first trip to Fort Polk about 18 months ago to determine the actual area we’d operate in,” Smithhart said. “Since then, my team at the 734th Regional Support Group has returned about six times to coordinate with Fort Polk staff, validate our node concepts and rehearse operations to support reception, staging, onward integration and base camp management.”

    The JRTC has earned its reputation. The environment is humid and rainy, the terrain is unforgiving and the scenarios evolve constantly.

    All of these factors come together to form a stressful and taxing exercise, but one that will toughen Soldiers. Despite numerous aspects working against them, the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, proved they not only have the grit to complete their upcoming deployment successfully but also to complete any mission that is asked of them.

    “The scale of this operation is critical to the development of our Soldiers,” Smithhart said. “It’s been called a generational training opportunity, and I believe that’s accurate.”

    Related Links

    The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

    The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

    The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Illinois Army National Guard trains with Polish Territorial Defence Force

    Source: United States Army

    U.S. Army Sgt. Joseline Sosa, a forward observer with 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, relays information to her Polish counterparts during training in remote observation techniques in Toruń, Poland, June 6, 2025. The Illinois National Guard and Poland are partners in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program, which pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide for mutual training and subject matter expert exchanges. Servicemembers with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are spending two weeks alongside their Polish counterparts training on sniper operations, the Javelin anti-tank weapon system, combat medical care, and remote observer techniques. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck) VIEW ORIGINAL

    TORUŃ, Poland — Soldiers with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Illinois Army National Guard, recently spent two weeks in Torún, Poland, training alongside members of the Polish Territorial Defence Force.

    Since 1993, the Illinois National Guard and Poland have been partners in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program — an initiative that pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide for joint military training and subject matter expert exchanges.

    The recent two-week training focused on sniper operations, combat medical care, the Javelin anti-tank weapon system and remote observer techniques.

    For the sniper teams, the goal was to strengthen leadership skills in employing and overseeing sniper sections as well as developing advanced sniper expertise.

    U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bruno Rios, a cavalry scout with C Troop, 2nd Battalion, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, confirms that the weapon of his Polish counterpart is clear of ammunition following the completion of a shooting drill at a range near Toruń, Poland, June 7, 2025. The Illinois National Guard and Poland are partners in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program, which pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide for mutual training and subject matter expert exchanges. Servicemembers with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are spending two weeks alongside their Polish counterparts training on sniper operations, the Javelin anti-tank weapon system, combat medical care, and remote observer techniques. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck) VIEW ORIGINAL

    “Our goal as a training team is to ensure we are equipping the Polish snipers with the tools to employ themselves against drones and thermal environments,” said Sgt. 1st Class Hussein Mashal, an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard. “By merging our techniques with theirs and the lessons learned from the Ukrainian war, we hope to strengthen their sniper employment capabilities and survivability.”

    In the medical realm, Soldiers with the Illinois Army Guard’s C Company, 634th Brigade Support Battalion, shared casualty care treatment procedures — from the point of injury to the final point of care.

    This iteration included complex training scenarios that allowed participants to triage and evaluate casualties in a realistic, stressful simulated combat environment.

    “It’s always worth it working with the National Guard,” said Polish TDF 2nd Lt. Jakub Piotrowski, a medical team member and instructor. “We do the same things in different ways so it’s worthwhile to see how a different army is doing the same thing and then be able to cooperate with it.”

    U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Rojas, a cavalry scout with C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, observes as a Polish Territorial Defence soldier engages targets on a range near Toruń, Poland, June 7, 2025. The Illinois National Guard and Poland are partners in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program, which pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide for mutual training and subject matter expert exchanges. Servicemembers with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are spending two weeks alongside their Polish counterparts training on sniper operations, the Javelin anti-tank weapon system, combat medical care, and remote observer techniques. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Javelin instructors echoed that sentiment.

    “The Polish soldiers were extremely motivated and eager to learn,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas Broden, a training noncommissioned officer with C Company, 1st Bn., 178th Inf. Regt. “They were always asking questions and were very hands on with the equipment.”

    Previous training exchanges meant many of the Polish soldiers already had foundational knowledge of the Javelin systems. That allowed the training to advance quickly to more strategic and tactical discussions, said Broden.

    For the forward observer teams — or remote observers — the focus was on establishing the fundamental skills for indirect fire coordination, a capability the TDF is actively strengthening as they expand artillery capabilities.

    “We started off pretty basic with basic call for fire and then basic joint fires observer skills,” said U.S. Army Master Sgt. William Aitken, an operations NCO with the 33rd IBCT. “It’s kind of an abbreviated forward observer program for the TDF.”

    U.S. Army Sgt. Joseline Sosa, a forward observer with 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment, Illinois Army National Guard, receives information from her Polish counterparts during training on remote observer techniques in Toruń, Poland, June 6, 2025. The Illinois National Guard and Poland are partners in the Department of Defense National Guard State Partnership Program, which pairs Guard elements with partner nations worldwide for mutual training and subject matter expert exchanges. Servicemembers with the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are spending two weeks alongside their Polish counterparts training on sniper operations, the Javelin anti-tank weapon system, combat medical care, and remote observer techniques. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Amber Peck) VIEW ORIGINAL

    The training also included high tech capabilities — such as employing small drones – combined with improvised concealment techniques to help Polish soldiers observe from a distance while staying hidden. The team practiced setting up hasty observation posts, coordinating drone feeds with command elements, and minimizing visual and electronic signatures — skills directly influenced by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.

    Overall, the training helped strengthen and continue the 30-plus year partnership.

    “Our partnership with Poland, which began in 1993 and included 19 years of co-deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, is the gold standard of deployments,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, the Illinois National Guard’s assistant adjutant general for Army. “We learn, we teach and we develop new tactics and techniques together with each critical knowledge exchange event. Our capabilities have improved, we’ve expanded our capacity and our partnership has grown even stronger the past two weeks.”

    Related Links

    The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil

    The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard

    The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard

    State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Army Garrison Italy remembers longtime auto skills mechanic

    Source: United States Army

    Gene Willie Strahan Jr., a devoted automotive mechanic, beloved colleague and cherished friend, passed away on June 10, 2025. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

    VICENZA, Italy – The military communities of U.S. Army Garrison Italy, including Vicenza and Camp Darby, are mourning the loss of Gene Willie Strahan Jr., a devoted automotive mechanic, beloved colleague and cherished friend.

    Strahan knew cars—especially BMWs, his favorite. Friends described him as a gentle giant who loved car shows, fishing and spending time with his tiny dog, Thor.

    A U.S. Army veteran, Strahan served in Germany in the 1980s. As a civilian, he began working in Mannheim, Germany. He later moved to Camp Darby, where he worked as a contractor and later at the post exchange. Many remember him from his time at Camp Darby’s Auto Skills Center. Following downsizing there, Strahan relocated to Vicenza, where he worked at the Auto Skills Center, part of the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

    Strahan’s love of cars translated to a sincere dedication to community members who sought his help. He offered mechanical expertise to soldiers and civilians at Caserma Ederle with humility and genuine warmth. A few minutes in the shop with Strahan often felt more like catching up with an old friend than speaking with a mechanic.

    Over the years, Strahan earned several awards for his work. But his joy came from engaging with the community and making connections that lasted.

    News of his June 10 passing sparked an outpouring of online condolences from Americans and Italians in Vicenza and Camp Darby, as well as friends around the world who remembered his kindness during their time in Italy.

    Jimmy Roddy, DFMWR’s Business Recreation Division chief, first met Strahan 24 years ago at Camp Darby. There, Strahan helped organize the summer car show and became known for offering help to anyone with automotive issues.

    “A big guy, big smile with a bigger heart—always helpful,” Roddy said. “He was very low-key, for as big as he was. He was a gentle giant.”

    Strahan loved to fish as much as he loved cars. Mostly, he loved helping the community solve their auto repair problems. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Nicknamed “The Frenchman” by fishing buddies, Strahan was born on Dec. 7, 1963 in France into a military family. He grew up around Army bases, to include time in Germany.

    Timothy Gordon, a friend from the Camp Darby days, recalled spending long hours fishing Italian rivers with him—a tradition that continued after both relocated to Vicenza. Another shared passion was cars.

    “If you asked him about a BMW, he could tell you about it from top to bottom,” Gordon said.

    In Vicenza, Strahan was often seen with Thor, a canine companion that went with him nearly everywhere.

    “The smallest dog you could imagine with the biggest man you could ever imagine,” Gordon said. “People would just watch them walk down the road. He just loved small dogs.”

    Strahan also befriended Soldiers, including Spc. Haron Palomo, a volunteer at the Auto Skills Center. Over the past two years, they joked, shared stories and discussed car repairs while Palomo restored a 1993 Honda Civic. As he did with other customers, Strahan offered tips on finding affordable parts.

    “Sadly, he didn’t get to see it finished,” Palomo said.

    Strahan is survived by his mother, daughter, sister and brothers, including Michael Strahan, a television host and former professional football player.

    A memorial service will be held at noon on June 25 at Caserma Ederle’s Chapel. A second service is scheduled for noon on June 26 at Camp Darby’s chapel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USAG Bavaria, OTH Amberg-Weiden Launch Innovative Learning Partnership

    Source: United States Army

    Dwayne D. Key II, deputy to the garrison commander at USAG Bavaria and Professor Dr. med. Clemens Bulitta, president of OTH Amberg-Weiden, signed thepartnership contract May 22, 2025. (Photo Credit: Simmel, Natalie ) VIEW ORIGINAL

    TOWER BARRACKS, Germany – U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria and Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden celebrated their official partnership May 22, 2025, marking the beginning of an initiative that creates an innovative learning environment.

    This partnership aims to support and promote the exchange between practical and theoretical learning, which is achieved by integrating OTH students and faculty into real-world projects with USAG Bavaria.

    “This is a massive win-win,” said Dwayne D. Key II, deputy to the garrison commander at USAG Bavaria. “I’m most excited not just about meeting the students and seeing ourselves through their eyes. And I think this present generation of learners is so phenomenal.”

    With the support of 120 professors across its four faculties and 54 degree programs, OTH Amberg-Weiden serves approximately 4,200 students and is known for its innovative, future-oriented education.

    Professor Dr. med. Clemens Bulitta, president of OTH Amberg-Weiden, emphasized the importance of this new addition to the university’s partnership network.

    “It’s all about networking and about bringing people together,” Bulitta said. “When you bring people together, they will exchange thoughts, create ideas, become innovative, and they will drive and strengthen partnership and push developments. And now you become part of this network and the doors are opening on both sides.”

    “This partnership drives innovation,” said Lukas Miserra, management analyst for USAG Bavaria. “It strengthens USAG Bavaria by integrating academic expertise and fostering collaboration between students and professionals with the garrison, providing valuable insights and practical experience.”

    Both sides expressed enthusiasm for growing the partnership and involving more regional actors in future cooperation.

    “There’s so much linked here in in this region and such a longstanding tradition of exchange between the communities,” Bulitta said. “We want to get to the point where young people become part of this exchange culture. Bringing people together opens options.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: DRML Miner Launches XRP and DOGE Cloud Mining Support Amid Growing Demand for Passive Crypto Income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DRML Miner, a leading global cloud mining platform, today announced the official launch of mining support for XRP and DOGE, two of the most actively traded cryptocurrencies on the market. This move provides users with an accessible and hardware-free opportunity to generate passive income, reinforcing DRML Miner’s commitment to lowering the barrier to entry for crypto investors worldwide.

    The expansion of services comes at a pivotal moment for digital asset holders. While XRP continues to build momentum in cross-border payments and DOGE retains strong community support and high-profile visibility, both tokens have seen recent price stabilization. In response, investors are increasingly exploring alternatives such as cloud mining to maintain consistent yields amid market volatility. 

    “With growing interest in low-risk, income-generating crypto services, adding support for XRP and DOGE was a logical next step for us,” said a DRML Miner spokesperson. “We’re proud to offer a secure, user-friendly platform where anyone—from beginners to seasoned investors—can earn crypto effortlessly.” 

    DRML Miner: Empowering Users Through Cloud-Based Innovation 

    Founded in 2010 and based in the United Kingdom, DRML Miner is a fully regulated platform that serves more than 8 million users in over 180 countries. The company’s infrastructure is powered by renewable energy and hosted in high-performance data centers, offering a sustainable and secure environment for digital asset mining. 

    Key Features of DRML Miner: 

    • New Users Receive a $10 Bonus upon registration 
       
    • Daily Rewards simply for logging in 
       
    • No Hidden Fees and fully transparent mining contracts 
       
    • Support for 11+ major cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, SOL, and USDT 
       
    • Flexible contract options tailored to all budgets and risk profiles 
       
    • Industry-standard security from McAfee® and Cloudflare® 
       
    • 24/7 real-time customer support in multiple languages 
       
    • Referral rewards with lifetime commission bonuses 
       

    With the launch of XRP and DOGE support, users can now diversify their portfolios and earn daily income automatically, without the need for technical knowledge or expensive hardware. 
     

    Timely Opportunity for Long-Term Crypto Holders 

    As market uncertainty rises, stable platforms like DRML Miner are becoming increasingly attractive for individuals seeking long-term value in crypto investments. With the introduction of XRP and DOGE mining, DRML Miner offers a timely solution for users to optimize their holdings and participate in a secure, transparent ecosystem. 

    The official DRML Miner mobile app is now available for download, enabling users to monitor earnings and manage their accounts on the go. 

    About DRML Miner 

    DRML Miner is a UK-based global cloud mining platform founded in 2010. With over 8 million users in 180+ countries, the company offers a secure, user-friendly way to mine cryptocurrencies without the need for physical hardware or technical expertise. DRML Miner leverages renewable energy and modern data centers to provide an eco-friendly and efficient mining experience. 
     
    Start your mining journey today at https://drmlminers.com 

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greater security delivered for the British people with record billion-pound investment in new national biosecurity centre

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Greater security delivered for the British people with record billion-pound investment in new national biosecurity centre

    Huge investment in new National Biosecurity Centre to protect the British public and the economy from future pandemics.

    The country’s ability to prevent a future pandemic has been significantly enhanced today (Tuesday 24th June) with the announcement of a £1 billion investment in a new National Biosecurity Centre.

    This funding will deliver the next phase of a new National Biosecurity Centre – a cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey that will serve as the UK’s foremost animal biosecurity facility.

    The investment is one part of the new National Security Strategy, to be published today, which marks a step change in this country’s approach to securing British interests whilst also creating jobs, wages, and growth for the British people as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.

    Animal disease outbreaks represent a serious and increasing risk to public health, food security, and the UK economy. Approximately 60% of all known human infectious diseases are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted from animals to humans. Furthermore, about 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in animals, making the fight against these diseases about human health and security too.

    Without strong and modernised biosecurity infrastructure, disease incursions could severely impact our farmers, agricultural production, devastate rural communities and disrupt key supply chains. The export of livestock, meat and meat products, dairy and animal by-products is worth £16 billion per year alone to the UK economy.

    The funding will now enhance the country’s detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease and African swine fever, whilst enhancing our ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks.

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

    The first role of any Government is national security.

    That is why we are making a record investment into the nation’s biosecurity capabilities, and in turn our national security, after years of chronic underfunding.

    Farmers and food producers will now be better protected from diseases, our food security strengthened, and public health better safeguarded against future pandemics. This government is getting on with delivering on our Plan for Change.

    The new National Biosecurity Centre will play an essential role in addressing the full range of biological threats we face, including from hostile nations, and will ensure that the UK retains the scientific capability, infrastructure and expertise needed to lead international efforts to identify, manage, and mitigate disease threats in the years ahead.

    The high containment laboratories for animal health, run by the Animal & Plant Health Agency at Weybridge in Surrey, urgently need renewal to handle escalating disease risks, which are growing in the face of our changing climate. The Government inherited laboratories in poor condition with their long-term future in doubt and the country facing increased risk without action.

    The new facility will join a network of national centres set up by the Cabinet Office under the UK Biological Security Strategy and announced in the National Security Strategy. This new network of government laboratories provides a sovereign capability that keeps the public safe and is essential to responding to biological security risks.

    The network will strengthen and formalise existing collaborations between the UK Health Security Agency, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. It will ensure we are better prepared for a crisis, can respond more effectively when an incident does happen and deliver a more holistic approach to biological research.

    Jenny Stewart, Senior Science Director at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, said:

    This funding is a vital milestone in the delivery of a world-leading facility that will protect the UK from animal disease threats for decades to come.

    Our scientists and specialists at Weybridge are at the heart of the UK’s disease surveillance and response capability and provide a global centre of expertise.

    Investment on this scale will enable them to continue their critical work in modern, fit-for-purpose facilities, supported by the very latest technologies.

    Preparatory work at the Weybridge site is already underway. Planning Consent has been secured, and a contractor has been appointed to build the main new facilities. The first interim labs to support critical science while we transform the site will be ready in 2027 and 2028. The main construction works start in 2027, with the full NBC live and operational in 2033/34.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government honours exceptional exporters with Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK Government honours exceptional exporters with Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards

    Twelve exceptional UK-based SMEs have been named today as winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s 2025 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards.

    • Twelve SMEs announced as winners of the 2025 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards 
    • Now in their third year, the awards celebrate outstanding small businesses achieving exporting success 
    • Winning entries highlight the UK’s strength in sustainability and AI innovation 

    From ethical metal recycling to AI-driven edtech and digital identity, twelve exceptional UK-based SMEs have been named today as winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) 2025 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards. 

    Now in their third year, the awards celebrate the international growth of the UK’s most dynamic small businesses. While the awards naturally reflect the sectoral diversity of British innovation, this year’s winners signal a global appetite for UK leadership in two high-growth areas: sustainability and artificial intelligence. From Osbit’s offshore wind infrastructure to Twin Science’s gamified climate action kits and ubloquity’s AI-enhanced trade platform, British SMEs are exporting solutions to tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges. 

    Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said: 

    The innovation and entrepreneurship shown by the businesses entering the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards demonstrate the best of British business. 

    When small businesses export, the whole economy benefits. By celebrating the outstanding international trade achievements of UK SMEs, we hope to encourage more businesses to get on the exporting ladder and take the best of Britain to markets around the world.   

    This year’s winners were chosen from hundreds of entries across 12 sector-focused categories, including two new areas—Digital & Technology and Export Services—introduced to reflect evolving global opportunities. Each category includes one winner and up to three highly commended businesses. 

    In the Digital & Technology category, Porotech stood out for its AR and AI-powered wearables, with 90% of revenue from exports and partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft and Foxconn. Twin Science & Robotics, winner in Education & EdTech, exports to over 40 countries and has seen 70% annual revenue growth through its STEM kits focused on AI, robotics and climate literacy. 

    Sustainability also remains a major theme across the winners. Osbit, winner in Low Carbon Energy, delivers mission-critical offshore wind technology, with 65% of revenue from exports. Meanwhile, Avon Specialty Metals, recognised in Advanced Manufacturing & Construction, recycles high-performance metals and alloys and has grown international sales by 192% over three years. 

    Winners like Gerald McDonald & Company (Agriculture, Food & Drink) and LIMB-art (Healthcare) underscore the global demand for British-made, high-quality products. From innovative prosthetics to premium fruit derivatives, these SMEs prove that exporting drives resilience, expansion and innovation. 

    This year’s winners will receive a bespoke promotional package, including a one-year membership to the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, a working capital masterclass with Lloyds Bank, an invitation to the winners’ reception in London, professional photography of their business, bespoke promotion on DBT channels and a digital badge, certificate and trophy to commemorate their achievements. 

    By creating jobs, driving innovation and exporting world-class British products and services, these businesses are making a vital contribution to the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth as part of its Plan for Change.  

    A key part of this mission is supporting SMEs to grow, scale and enter global markets—recognising that when more businesses trade internationally, the entire UK economy benefits. Exporting supports a fifth of UK employment1, paying on average 7% higher wages2 and delivering 21% higher productivity for goods exporters3. 

    To help achieve its mission, the Government recently revamped the Board of Trade to boost SME exports and will soon launch its Trade Strategy. This will set out its approach to maximising export opportunities, including those arising from recently signed agreements with India, the US and the EU. 

    For free help selling to the world, visit business.gov.uk 

    2025 Winners of the Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards: 

    • Advanced Manufacturing & Construction – Avon Specialty Metals (Gloucester): Selling to 20+ countries with exporting accounting for 31% of revenue from sustainable alloy/metal recycling and AI-driven processing 

    • Agriculture, Food & Drink – Gerald McDonald and Company Ltd (Basildon, Essex): World’s largest supplier of premium Japanese yuzu juice, exporting to 4 continents 

    • Consultancy & Professional Services – Champions Speakers (Loughborough): Exporting to 66 countries, 122% growth in two years 

    • Creative Industries – Luminous Show Technology (Exeter): Special effects hardware used in Harry Potter and the Commonwealth Games, with 35% export revenue 

    • Digital & Technology – Porotech (Cambridge): 90% export revenue; cutting-edge AR and AI display tech 

    • Education & EdTech – Twin Science & Robotics Ltd (London): STEM tools used in 40+ countries, 93% export revenue 

    • Financial Services & FinTech – Ozone Financial Technology Ltd (London): Exports to 15 countries; 77% of revenue from international markets 

    • Healthcare – LIMB-art (Conwy, Wales): Stylish prosthetics sold in 10 countries; 30% of revenue from exports 

    • Infrastructure & Engineering – Maritime Developments Limited (Aberdeen): 92% export revenue from offshore energy tech 

    • Low Carbon Energy – Osbit (Riding Mill, Northumberland): Bespoke offshore wind equipment exported to 9 countries 

    • Retail & Consumer Goods – Jenolite UK Ltd (Biggleswade, Bedfordshire): Iconic rust removal brand exporting to 50+ countries, with £2.9M in export revenue 

    • Export Services – ubloquity (Scarva, Northern Ireland): AI, blockchain and digital identity solutions empowering businesses to scale globally  

    2025 Highly Commended Businesses: 

    • Advanced Manufacturing & Construction – Bespoke Stairlifts (Huddersfield), Delta-Xero Distribution Ltd (Fareham), John King Chains (Leeds) 

    • Agriculture, Food & Drink – Evenproducts Ltd (Evesham), PBS International (Crawley), Nourished (Birmingham) 

    • Consultancy & Professional Services – Jean Edwards Consulting (Brighton), Landell Mills (Wiltshire), The Config Team (Cumbria) 

    • Creative Industries – Jesmonite (Shropshire), Rainbow Productions (London), Wild Creations (Cardiff) 

    • Digital & Technology – Hitomi Broadcast (Maidenhead), iLivestock (Dunfermline), uqudo (Manchester) 

    • Education & EdTech – Alphablocks (London), Learning Resource Network (London), Lincoln College (Lincoln) 

    • Financial Services & FinTech – Bueno Europe (Birmingham), Hoptroff (London) 

    • Healthcare – Black Space Technology (Birmingham), Birmingham Biotech (Birmingham), Novocuris (London) 

    • Infrastructure & Engineering – Rosehill Polymers (West Yorkshire), Direct Access (Nantwich), Atmos International (Manchester) 

    • Low Carbon Energy – Munro Vehicles (Glasgow) 

    • Retail & Consumer Goods – RSscan Lab (Ipswich), Dr.PAWPAW (London), The British Hamper Company (Lincoln) 

    • Export Services – Intralink (Oxford), Abex Infoway Europe Ltd (London)

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey’s Subsidiaries WISeSat and SEALSQ Launch New Satellite with SpaceX, Enabling the First-Ever DePIN from Space and Advancing Quantum-Safe Space Communications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Courtesy of SpaceX

    WISeKey’s Subsidiaries WISeSat and SEALSQ Launch New Satellite with SpaceX, Enabling the First-Ever DePIN from Space and Advancing Quantum-Safe Space Communications

    SEALSQ and WISeSat are setting the foundation for a new generation of cyber-resilient, quantum-ready space systems, redefining global digital trust from orbit

    Geneva, Switzerland, June 23, 2025 –WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that its subsidiary WISeSat.Space SA (“WISeSat”), has successfully launched its latest generation satellite WISeSat 3 aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Transporter-14 mission, June 23 at 23:18 CEST from Vanderberg, California. This mission represents a breakthrough in space-based cybersecurity and decentralized infrastructure, marking the first satellite to embed Quantum RootKey from SEALSQ’s Corp. (Nasdaq: LAES) (“SEALSQ”), another subsidiary of WISeKey.

    The new satellite includes cutting-edge technology enabling SEALCOIN token exchanges directly from space, in collaboration with Hedera. Of note, SEALCOIN AG, also a subsidiary of WISeKey, focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform. This innovation establishes the world’s first Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) launched from orbit, transforming the role of satellites in decentralized finance and secure digital identity.

    Simultaneously, the mission is a pivotal step forward in securing space communications through the implementation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC). PQC is critical for protecting satellite communications against future threats posed by quantum computers, which are expected to render current encryption methods like RSA obsolete. Ensuring data integrity and confidentiality is essential in the space environment, and PQC delivers quantum-resistant algorithms that can be integrated into existing systems, allowing for a seamless transition and protection from both current and emerging risks.

    This satellite architecture supports the integration of PQC within a hybrid framework that enables secure communication between orbital and ground-based infrastructure. By embedding PQC algorithms directly into satellite hardware, the cryptographic processing is isolated from critical systems, thus enhancing security and minimizing vulnerabilities. This approach also allows for secure key generation, distribution, and management, essential functions for trusted data exchange between satellites and Earth stations.

    The cryptographic algorithms being tested onboard follow the latest standards under development by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring that the technology is aligned with global efforts to future-proof digital infrastructure. With this mission, WISeSat and SEALSQ are demonstrating how PQC can not only be deployed in terrestrial networks, but also extended into orbit, safeguarding critical communications for years to come.

    Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey, commented: “This launch is not only a milestone for decentralized infrastructure in space, but also a strategic move toward making space communications quantum-resilient. By embedding PQC and enabling blockchain-based tokenization from orbit, we are reshaping the way cybersecurity, finance, and space technology converge.”

    Representing WISeSat at the launch was David Fergusson, Board Director of WISeKey, and Executive Managing Director, M&A at Generational Equity. Joining Mr. Fergusson, as a guest of WISeKey was Jon Templeman, CEO of Savior Products and a pioneer in battery technology. Mr. Templeman’s latest innovation is an industry-disruptive ‘shock and vibration management system’ for application to all vehicles–from automobiles to rockets, increasing life-span and reducing material costs.

    Mr. Fergusson commented, “WISeSat’s groundbreaking innovation, pioneering the advancement of post-quantum cryptography, continues to set precedent for the future of trusted communication and data transmission. And it’s an honor to be joined at this historic launch by Jon Templeman, a pioneer in his own right, whose advancements in battery technology will be transformative for companies like WISeSat.”

    The latest satellite launch forms part of a growing WISeSat constellation that delivers sovereign, secure, and scalable satellite services for IoT, digital identity, and trusted data transmission. The launch strengthens Europe’s capabilities in space and cybersecurity, promoting technological independence and leadership in the age of quantum computing.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@theequitygroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey’s Subsidiaries WISeSat and SEALSQ Launch New Satellite with SpaceX, Enabling the First-Ever DePIN from Space and Advancing Quantum-Safe Space Communications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Courtesy of SpaceX

    WISeKey’s Subsidiaries WISeSat and SEALSQ Launch New Satellite with SpaceX, Enabling the First-Ever DePIN from Space and Advancing Quantum-Safe Space Communications

    SEALSQ and WISeSat are setting the foundation for a new generation of cyber-resilient, quantum-ready space systems, redefining global digital trust from orbit

    Geneva, Switzerland, June 23, 2025 –WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that its subsidiary WISeSat.Space SA (“WISeSat”), has successfully launched its latest generation satellite WISeSat 3 aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Transporter-14 mission, June 23 at 23:18 CEST from Vanderberg, California. This mission represents a breakthrough in space-based cybersecurity and decentralized infrastructure, marking the first satellite to embed Quantum RootKey from SEALSQ’s Corp. (Nasdaq: LAES) (“SEALSQ”), another subsidiary of WISeKey.

    The new satellite includes cutting-edge technology enabling SEALCOIN token exchanges directly from space, in collaboration with Hedera. Of note, SEALCOIN AG, also a subsidiary of WISeKey, focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform. This innovation establishes the world’s first Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) launched from orbit, transforming the role of satellites in decentralized finance and secure digital identity.

    Simultaneously, the mission is a pivotal step forward in securing space communications through the implementation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC). PQC is critical for protecting satellite communications against future threats posed by quantum computers, which are expected to render current encryption methods like RSA obsolete. Ensuring data integrity and confidentiality is essential in the space environment, and PQC delivers quantum-resistant algorithms that can be integrated into existing systems, allowing for a seamless transition and protection from both current and emerging risks.

    This satellite architecture supports the integration of PQC within a hybrid framework that enables secure communication between orbital and ground-based infrastructure. By embedding PQC algorithms directly into satellite hardware, the cryptographic processing is isolated from critical systems, thus enhancing security and minimizing vulnerabilities. This approach also allows for secure key generation, distribution, and management, essential functions for trusted data exchange between satellites and Earth stations.

    The cryptographic algorithms being tested onboard follow the latest standards under development by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring that the technology is aligned with global efforts to future-proof digital infrastructure. With this mission, WISeSat and SEALSQ are demonstrating how PQC can not only be deployed in terrestrial networks, but also extended into orbit, safeguarding critical communications for years to come.

    Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey, commented: “This launch is not only a milestone for decentralized infrastructure in space, but also a strategic move toward making space communications quantum-resilient. By embedding PQC and enabling blockchain-based tokenization from orbit, we are reshaping the way cybersecurity, finance, and space technology converge.”

    Representing WISeSat at the launch was David Fergusson, Board Director of WISeKey, and Executive Managing Director, M&A at Generational Equity. Joining Mr. Fergusson, as a guest of WISeKey was Jon Templeman, CEO of Savior Products and a pioneer in battery technology. Mr. Templeman’s latest innovation is an industry-disruptive ‘shock and vibration management system’ for application to all vehicles–from automobiles to rockets, increasing life-span and reducing material costs.

    Mr. Fergusson commented, “WISeSat’s groundbreaking innovation, pioneering the advancement of post-quantum cryptography, continues to set precedent for the future of trusted communication and data transmission. And it’s an honor to be joined at this historic launch by Jon Templeman, a pioneer in his own right, whose advancements in battery technology will be transformative for companies like WISeSat.”

    The latest satellite launch forms part of a growing WISeSat constellation that delivers sovereign, secure, and scalable satellite services for IoT, digital identity, and trusted data transmission. The launch strengthens Europe’s capabilities in space and cybersecurity, promoting technological independence and leadership in the age of quantum computing.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@theequitygroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oak Valley Community Bank Announces Branch Manager Hiring

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OAKDALE, Calif., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oak Valley Community Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp (NASDAQ: OVLY), announced that Mariam Shah has joined the bank as Vice President, Branch Manager of the Lodi Branch which is located at 31 South School Street and is slated to open later this summer.

    Shah brings over a decade of banking experience to her new role, including the past three years as a Branch Manager at another financial institution. She will oversee daily branch operations and focus on building new business relationships within the Lodi community. “We are excited to welcome Mariam to Oak Valley and the Lodi community,” said Julie DeHart, Executive Vice President, Retail Banking Group. “Her banking experience, leadership abilities, and strong communication skills will be instrumental in strengthening client relationships and driving the growth of our branch.”

    Shah holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Management from Georgia College and State University. She is a former member of the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce and currently resides in Tracy. Outside of work, she enjoys outdoor activities, hiking, beach trips, participating in holiday charity events, and visiting family.

    Oak Valley Bancorp operates Oak Valley Community Bank & their Eastern Sierra Community Bank division, through which it offers a variety of loan and deposit products to individuals and small businesses. They currently operate through 18 conveniently located branches: Oakdale, Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon, Escalon, Manteca, Tracy, Sacramento, Roseville, two branches in Sonora, three branches in Modesto, and three branches in their Eastern Sierra division, which includes Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, and Bishop. The Lodi Branch will be the bank’s 19th location.

    For more information, call 1-866-844-7500 or visit www.ovcb.com.

    Contact:  Chris Courtney/Rick McCarty
    Phone:  (209) 848-BANK (2265)  
      Toll Free (866) 844–7500
      www.ovcb.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, Ranking Member Shaheen statement on Iranian missile strikes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    THE HAGUE – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Chris Coons (D-DE) issued the following statement after reports that Iran had launched missiles at U.S. military bases in Qatar and across the Middle East in response to American military operations in Iran this weekend. Ranking Member Shaheen and Senator Coons are leading a congressional delegation to the NATO Summit in the Netherlands this week:

    “The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated to now include active U.S. involvement. We continue to urge the Administration to take immediate action to protect U.S. forces and diplomats, their family members and all Americans abroad. There should be no higher priority. President Trump also needs to contain this conflict before more Americans are endangered. 

    “Congress is now on Day 10 of not receiving any formal briefing from the Administration or having any information to provide Americans who are in harm’s way. We must be informed immediately of any further planning. As we represent Congress at the NATO Summit in the Netherlands, our allies in Europe and partners in the Middle East who have extensive experience with Iran continue to urge for restraint. Now is the time for de-escalation and diplomacy.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK to deliver on 5% NATO pledge as Government drives greater security for working people

    Working people will be more secure as the Prime Minister will make a historic commitment at the NATO Summit to spend 5% of GDP on national security.  

    • UK to publish landmark National Security Strategy, to make the UK more secure in an era of radical uncertainty.  
    • Comes as the Prime Minister announces that the UK expects to spend 5% of GDP on national security by the parliament after next.
    • Historic 5% commitment will be made up of both defence spending, wider homeland security and national resilience.
    • Report says it takes a whole of society approach to strengthen national security, creating jobs and opportunities for British people.

    Working people will be more secure as the Prime Minister will make a historic commitment today at the NATO Summit (Tuesday 24 June) to spend 5% of GDP on national security.  

    This pledge to meet the NATO commitment on 5% comes as the government today publishes its National Security Strategy, drawing together all of the security work that has taken place since the General Election, with the relentless pursuit of British interests as its founding principle. 

    Marking a step change with the approach of previous governments, the National Security Strategy directly answers to the concerns of working people, aligning our national security objectives and plans for economic growth in a way not seen since 1945.  

    This will increase investment in security, defence and resilience, delivering jobs, wages and growth for the British people to raise living standards and put more money in working people’s pockets.   

     Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    We must navigate this era of radical uncertainty with agility, speed and a clear-eyed sense of the national interest to deliver security for working people and keep them safe.   

    That’s why I have made the commitment to spend 5% of GDP on national security. This is an opportunity to deepen our commitment to NATO and drive greater investment in the nation’s wider security and resilience.   

    After all, economic security is national security, and through this strategy we will bring the whole of society with us, creating jobs, growth and wages for working people – guided by my Plan for Change.

    The UK has long argued that investment in things like energy security and tackling smuggling gangs is vital to national security. That is reflected in the National Security Strategy and the Spending Review and is now expected to be recognised by NATO. 

    With the new 5% commitment on national security, the UK expects a projected split of 3.5% (core defence) and 1.5% (resilience and security) to be agreed at the NATO summit, with a target date of 2035.

    Under NATO’s new estimate, the UK expects to reach at least 4.1% of GDP in 2027. All Allies will review the trajectory and the balance of spend between defence and wider national resilience in 2029, when NATO next reviews its capability plans.

    The National Security Strategy, with support from academics and other technical experts, reaffirms that the UK must become more competitive and robust in crucial areas like science, education, trade and frontier technology – or risk falling behind. 

    In a more transactional world, the report determines that building our own sovereign, independent capabilities in strategically important areas will reduce our dependency on other nations, support British businesses to grow and shield the British public from strong headwinds in the global economy.

    As this government has said before, the benefits of our increased investment in defence will be felt directly in the pockets of working people. This will extend to good, stable work in communities across the country – from doubling the number of apprentices and creating 9,500 jobs Berkshire by investing £15 billion in our sovereign warhead programme, to delivering 200 new jobs in BAE Systems’ new artillery factory in Sheffield or supporting 800 defence jobs across the country to build up to 7,000 long range missiles for our Armed Forces.

    Drawing our priorities to make the UK more secure and economically prosperous further together, the government’s Industrial Strategy will also invest £86 billion in research and development to drive growth in technologies that will underpin our future economic and military competitiveness.  

    The National Security Strategy is also a call to action that our entire society needs to become more resilient, recognising that national security means more than it used to – from the security of our borders to the health of our economy, from supply chains to food prices and from safety on our streets to the online world.  

    Faced by this reality in a world of increasing ‘grey zone’ threats, we cannot take a piecemeal approach that enhances the security of one part of our critical national infrastructure but leaves gaps elsewhere for our adversaries to exploit. This requires us to fortify in the round our economy, industry, digital communications and transport and energy networks against cyber-attacks and sabotage that we have seen launched against our public services and businesses, causing uncertainty and inconvenience for working people. 

    So, by stepping up we will meet the threats we face, following the clear objectives defined in the National Security Strategy to make every part of the UK more secure and resilient. We will become more unapologetic and systematic in pursuit of our national interests – delivering security for the British people.    

    The National Security Strategy brings together:  

    • Strategic Defence Review 
    • Strategic Security Review   
    • AUKUS Review 
    • Resilience Strategy 
    • China Audit   
    • Industrial and Trade Strategies

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kenya: Call for bids for provision of scaffolding services

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    Kenya: Call for bids for provision of scaffolding services

    The British High Commission Nairobi is inviting bids for the supply of scaffolding services.

    On behalf of the Secretary of State for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the British High Commission (BHC) in Nairobi are seeking the services for the provision of Scaffolding Services at the British High Commission Nairobi. We are therefore looking for a Supplier that has the relevant professional skills, experience, technical resources and financial capability to provide comprehensive scaffolding services.

    Full details on the requirements, including instructions for interested bidders and registration are available via the FCDO’s e-Procurement portal, which requires registration. Registering is quick, easy, free and is the only way in which one is able to review the tender documents

    Competent and financially stable suppliers are invited to access the invitation to tender documents by following these steps:

    1. Open the https://fco.bravosolution.co.uk website, register and sign in
    2. Navigate to provision of Scaffolding Services at the British High Commission Nairobi CPG/12475/2025. ITT 7089. Project 12475

    Contact the Regional Procurement Manager; Thabang.Mokoena@fcdo.gov.uk for any queries. Kindly note that the responses are required to be in English.

    Deadlines

    Please note that the invitation to tender documents should be completed and uploaded on the BRAVOSolution e-Procurement Portal by 13:00 EAT on 14 July 2025.

    Disclaimer

    The BHC reserves the right not to select any service provider and will only reply to the best-suited organisation.

    The BHC will not meet any expenses incurred in preparing your Invitation to tender documents.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Appointments to St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners

    Source: US State of Missouri

    JUNE 23, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, at a press conference in St. Louis, Governor Mike Kehoe announced his appointments to the citizen-led St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners. The board, established by the passage of landmark public safety legislation in House Bill (HB) 495, is charged to be the governing body of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD).

    “This board represents a renewed commitment to public trust and local oversight,” said Governor Kehoe. “By bringing together respected voices from across the city who support the men and women of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, we are ensuring that public safety efforts reflect the needs, values, and concerns of the people of St. Louis and the department. These appointments mark a significant move toward transparency, collaboration, and a safer future for the city.”

    The six-member board includes the St. Louis City Mayor Cara Spencer, who will participate with full voting authority, four governor-appointed voting members who are residents of the city, and one governor-appointed non-voting commissioner who either resides or owns property in the city.

    Governor Kehoe’s appointments include the following individuals:

    • Brad Arteaga is a successful entrepreneur in St. Louis City, serving as the president and owner of Arteaga Photos Ltd., BAKM LLC., and Arteaga LLC. In addition to his proven track record of managing and growing successful businesses, Arteaga has decades of active leadership and service on multiple civic and community boards including the St. Louis City Judicial Committee, Dismas House of St. Louis, Friends of Frances Park, and more. Arteaga will serve a one-year term as a voting member of the board.
    • Donald “Don” Brown is lifelong St. Louis resident and experienced automotive executive, currently serving as the Dealer Operator of Don Brown Chevrolet. With a career spanning more than four decades, Brown has held leadership roles across multiple dealerships and has been deeply involved in the community through various boards including the 3rd Police District Business Association, the Better Business Bureau, and the Friends of Kids Board of Directors. Brown will serve a four-year term as the non-voting member of the board.
    • Sonya Jenkins-Gray is a nationally recognized human resources executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in both the public and private sectors. She previously served as the director of human resources for the City of St. Louis, overseeing HR operations for more than 5,000 employees. She also previously served on the board of Mound City Bar Foundation and is currently the chairperson for the Progressive National Baptist Convention. Jenkins-Gray will serve a two-year term as a voting member of the board.
    • Edward McVey is a seasoned business owner and operator of Maggie O’Brien’s Restaurant and Irish Pub in St. Louis, where he has led operations since 2008. With expertise in contract negotiation, strategic planning, and team leadership, McVey has built a strong track record of business development and community engagement. He is active in local organizations including the St. Patrick’s Center and the St. Louis Boys and Girls Club. McVey will serve a three-year term as a voting member of the board.
    • Chris Saracino is the owner-operator of Bartolino’s Hospitality Group, which includes several full-service restaurants across the city. He is also the co-founder of Campbell Security and Services Group, serving households and communities throughout Missouri. Saracino has held several leadership roles with the Hill Business Association, The Hill 2000 Neighborhood Association, and the St. Louis Regional Sports Authority. He also prioritizes community service as an active member of several charitable organizations including the Kiwanis Club of St. Louis City and the Italian Open Charities. Saracino will serve a four-year term as a voting member of the board.

    The board will begin work immediately, with the assistance of Transition Director Derek Winters, to ensure an orderly and responsible implementation period, without disruption to residents of the city and commissioned and civilian personnel of the SLMPD. During the implementation period, the commissioners will work to determine the board’s policies for meetings and bylaws and begin their work in overseeing the Chief of Police and the department’s policies, contracts, assets, and budgets. The day-to-day operations of the department will remain under the leadership of the Chief of Police.

    All media inquiries related to the board may now be directed to the SLMPD, at media@slmpd.org. A webpage with headshot photos for the board is forthcoming.

    For more information on the roles and responsibilities of the St. Louis City Police Board of Commissioners, as designated in HB 495, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: Since 2017, about 2 thousand territories near water have been improved in Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    As part of the federal project “Formation of a comfortable urban environment” in Russia, modern conditions for recreation and walks are being created, including the development of public spaces near water. Since 2017, 1964 such territories have been improved in the country. This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    “In 2025, the improvement program was included in our new national project “Infrastructure for Life”. The Russian construction complex faces serious challenges in creating a comfortable urban environment in populated areas. Improvement of public areas is an important step in the development of Russian regions. Such work not only improves the appearance of a populated area, making it more modern and well-groomed, but also allows for the creation of comfortable conditions for residents, so that people of all ages can enjoy spending time outdoors. Improved parks, embankments, squares and courtyards become places for walking, playing sports, relaxing with family and socializing. Over the past 8 years, many projects have been implemented in the country to develop the urban environment. In particular, 1,964 areas near water have been equipped – these are embankments, beaches and coastal areas, which are now available for comfortable recreation. Including, according to the results of the All-Russian competition of the best projects for creating a comfortable urban environment, 190 areas in different regions of Russia were improved,” Marat noted. Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister reported that within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for Life” by 2030, it is planned to improve 30 thousand public areas throughout the country, as well as implement 1.6 thousand projects – winners of the All-Russian competition of the best projects for creating a comfortable urban environment.

    “In 2025, in Russia, within the framework of the federal project “Formation of a comfortable urban environment”, which is part of the national project “Infrastructure for life”, it is planned to improve 142 embankments and areas near water. Among them are 122 territories within the framework of program events and 20 projects – winners of the All-Russian competition of the best projects for creating a comfortable urban environment in small towns and historical settlements,” said Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Irek Faizullin.

    For example, in the Ulyanovsk region, in the city of Sengiley, the coastal area was landscaped and the entrance area was equipped. The main square for events was located on the cape – with a large stage-portal, a view of the water and places to watch concerts, and in the most panoramic area of the space, a light rotunda with a photo zone, swings and places to relax was placed.

    In the Ivanovo Region, the public area “Factory Quarter of the Shachi River Valley” was improved. More than 2.2 thousand trees and shrubs were planted there. Bicycle and pedestrian paths were laid out from paving slabs, areas from stone covering were installed, and small architectural forms were installed.

    In Kolomna, Moscow Region, recreation areas on the banks of the Kolomenka River were improved. As part of the project, coverings and flooring were installed, playgrounds and playgrounds for game sports were improved. Recreation areas, an instructor’s canopy, a lifeguard post, a stand for SUPs and a cafe were located near the water. A lighting system was installed on the territory and landscaping was carried out.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: In Almost Half of Russian Regions, Price Growth in May Was Nearly 4% Year-On-Year

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    In 59 of 85 Russian regions, prices in May rose less than in April, and in 6 regions they fell. According to the Bank of Russia, in 41 regions, the price increase, excluding seasonality, was close to 4% or lower on an annualized basis.

    The growth of food prices has slowed in 49 regions. Fruit and vegetable products and sugar have become noticeably cheaper, and the prices of pasta and cereals have continued to decline.

    Non-food products fell in price in 41 regions, with the biggest decline being in the price of appliances and electronics.

    The rate of price growth has decreased most noticeably in the services sector. Price dynamics have slowed in 65 regions, mainly due to transport services.

    According to Rosstat, annual inflation in Russia fell to 9.9% in May. In the vast majority of regions (66), it also slowed down. The Bank of Russia will continue to reduce inflation, maintaining high rates in the economy. According to our forecast, annual inflation will return to 4% in 2026.

    For more information on inflation in each region, seeinformation and analytical materials, published on the website of the Bank of Russia.

    Preview photo: Mariia Orlovskaya / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV.KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 24722

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: Improving the quality of teaching natural sciences in schools is bearing fruit

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Russian team of the first Open International Geographical Olympiad (openGeo 2025)

    The results of the first Open International Geographical Olympiad (openGeo 2025) were summed up at the University Gymnasium of the Lomonosov Moscow State University. The competition brought together 107 participants from 23 countries. The Russian team was represented by six winners of the final stage of the All-Russian School Olympiad in Geography for the 2024/25 academic year. In the team competition at openGeo 2025, they won first place: the Russian team has four gold and two silver medals.

    The children were congratulated by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education of Russia Sergei Kravtsov.

    “Our President Vladimir Putin noted that geography serves as the basis for the formation of patriotic values, cultural, national identity and self-awareness. The brilliant victory of our schoolchildren shows that adult outstanding scientific minds have someone to rely on. Thanks to such victories, we see that our common work to fulfill the President’s task – to improve the quality of teaching natural sciences in schools – is bearing fruit. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these high results, and we wish you success in the future!” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

    He also added that the national project “Youth and Children” helps to create conditions for realizing the potential and developing the talents of each person.

    The head of the Russian Ministry of Education, Sergei Kravtsov, congratulated the children and drew attention to the fact that the Olympiad contributes to strengthening international educational ties.

    “Today we pay special attention to developing interest in schoolchildren in studying natural sciences. Participation in the Open International Geographical Olympiad is an opportunity for children not only to test their knowledge, but also to meet young talents from different countries, exchange experiences and ideas. I would like to note that such a competition was held on the Russian platform for the first time. I congratulate our team, their parents and teachers on their brilliant result. I am sure that the success of our schoolchildren will inspire their peers to new discoveries and achievements,” emphasized Sergey Kravtsov.

    Gold medals were awarded to:

    ● Christian Rymarchuk, State Budgetary Educational Institution “School No. 179”;

    ● Dina Islyamutdinova, State Budgetary Educational Institution of the City of Moscow “School No. 2054”;

    ● Nikita Rusakov, University Gymnasium of Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov;

    ● Elizaveta Kiseleva, State Budgetary Educational Institution “Lyceum “Second School” named after V.F. Ovchinnikov”.

    Silver medals were won by:

    ● Tikhon Pulyayev, State Budgetary Educational Institution “Moscow Gymnasium in the South-West No. 1543 named after People’s Teacher of the Russian Federation Yu.V. Zavelsky”;

    ● Alexey Gorlov, OAO “School of the Center of Pedagogical Excellence”.

    The coaches of the Russian team were leading specialists from the Faculty of Geography of the Lomonosov Moscow State University Pavel Kirillov and Dmitry Bogachev, as well as a teacher from the National Research University Higher School of Economics Artur Petrosyan and a teacher from the OANO New School Anna Romashina.

    Young geographers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Afghanistan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Ghana, Zambia, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China, Nigeria, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka took part in the Olympiad. Thaddeus Trazo (Philippines) was recognized as the absolute winner of openGeo 2025. Russian schoolboy Christian Rymarchuk shared 2nd place with a participant from Belarus.

    All Olympiad tasks were completed in English. The Olympiad competition program consisted of three rounds. During the theoretical round, participants solved five problems in physical and socio-economic geography. The practical round included tasks aimed at analyzing space images, graphic and cartographic tasks. As part of the multimedia test, schoolchildren answered 40 illustrated questions from various areas of geographical knowledge.

    The scientific committee and jury of openGeo 2025 included leading scientists and geographers from Russia (representatives of Lomonosov Moscow State University, Institute of Geography of the Russian Academy of Sciences), India, Kazakhstan, Serbia and other countries.

    Open International Geographical Olympiad (HTTPS: //opengeo. Msu.ru) is an international competition for high school students. Its organizers are the Russian Ministry of Education and Lomonosov Moscow State University.

    The competition is held as an open alternative international Olympiad for schoolchildren and students selected based on the results of national geographic Olympiads and other intellectual competitions in the field of geography of the CIS, SCO, BRICS and other countries. The event is aimed at popularizing geographical knowledge and skills among talented schoolchildren and strengthening international educational and academic ties.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, Clark, Warren, Trahan Stand with Planned Parenthood, Condemn Proposed Cuts to Reproductive Health Care Under GOP’s Big Ugly Bill

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

    Ahead of Dobbs Anniversary, Lawmakers Slam GOP Budget That Slashes Health Care Coverage, Defunds Planned Parenthood

    Pressley Shines Light on the Life-Saving Work of Planned Parenthood, Underscores Critical Need to Confront Converging Black Maternal Mortality and Reproductive Justice Crises that Cost Adriana Smith her Life

    Video

    BOSTON – Today, ahead of the third anniversary of the Dobbs decision that dismantled the basic right to abortion care, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus, and the women of the Massachusetts delegation, 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.

    Their advocacy comes as Donald Trump and Republicans are advancing a cruel budget reconciliation bill that would defund Planned Parenthood health centers, bar private health insurers on the ACA marketplace from offering abortion coverage, and slash Medicaid health care coverage — leaving over 300,000 Massachusetts residents unable to access basic health care services.

    “As we mark three years since the devastating day the Supreme Court denied us our bodily autonomy and ripped away the basic right to abortion care in America, we recommit to fighting for families across this country to access the basic medical care they need to survive, to be safe in birth, to be treated with human dignity,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley, Co-Chair of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus. “It starts by defeating Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill – their shameful reconciliation bill that would put necessary health care further out of reach for millions of people and would drastically defund Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood clinics across this nation are quite literally saving lives – often the only option for miles for life saving cancer screenings, affordable birth control, and compassionate prenatal care. We will never yield to Trump and Republicans’ agenda to make America a nation of forced birth – this is not an inevitability, and I’m proud to join Whip Clark, Senator Warren, and Congresswoman Trahan in standing with Planned Parenthood in our fight to restore true bodily autonomy and reproductive justice.”

    “Tomorrow will mark three years since Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. For three years, the Republicans have marched nonstop toward their ultimate goal of a national abortion ban — with total control over women’s health care in every state, including Massachusetts,” said Whip Clark. “And now, we have their Big, Ugly Betrayal of Women Budget, which will impose the single biggest health care cut in our country’s history and inflict the biggest assault on women’s health care since Dobbs. To put it simply, this is a life-and-death fight every day. Republicans are choosing to make life harder and more expensive and more dangerous for America’s 170 million women and girls. All to help America’s 900 billionaires.”

    “Since Trump’s Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, we’ve seen a new form of hell at every turn. Now, Republicans in Congress are on track to pass a bill that amounts to a backdoor ban on abortion — even in states where it’s protected. Republicans’ bill to cut Medicaid and defund Planned Parenthood is a one-two punch to women across the country, and we are not going to let them get away with it,” said Senator Warren.

    “Three years ago, Donald Trump’s Supreme Court opened the floodgates to extreme abortion bans in GOP-controlled states across the country – bans that criminalize doctors, endanger women’s lives, and force survivors of rape to carry pregnancies against their will,” said Rep. Trahan. “Now, Republicans in Washington are trying to punish states like Massachusetts for protecting access to abortion by withholding federal health care funding for families who need it most. It’s a coordinated effort to force every state to fall in line with Trump’s anti-abortion, anti-woman agenda, and we have to do everything in our power to stop it from passing.”

    “The so-called ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ is a backdoor abortion ban, even in safe-haven states like Massachusetts,” said Dominique Lee, president of the Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts. “This bill would ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood by blocking Medicaid reimbursement, which could impact half of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts’ budget. PPLM serves more than 30,000 patients annually, and nearly 40% of them are on Medicaid. If this bill passes, it won’t matter that abortion is legal here. People could lose access to abortion, birth control, STI testing, cancer screenings and other care from the provider they trust most. Planned Parenthood will not abandon our patients, our staff, or our communities, but we need everyone with us to help stop this attack on people’s health and freedom.”

    A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s opening remarks is available below and the video is available here.

    Transcript: Pressley, Clark, Warren, Trahan Stand with Planned Parenthood, Condemn Proposed Cuts to Reproductive Health Care Under GOP’s Big Ugly Bill
    Boston, MA
    June 23, 2025

    Good morning. In a couple of days, our daughter, Cora, will turn 17, and as we’re looking at colleges, you know, one factor that shapes that decision – and it’s a key factor – is where she’ll be able to access healthcare. That’s now a part of our calculus and our decision-making. 

    This morning, she asked me, in the wake of recent events in the Middle East, “Are we going to be okay?”

    She has shared with me her concerns for classmates who are immigrants, who have expressed anxiety and fear about going away for a vacation, and whether or not they’ll be able to come back into the country – and they were born here. 

    So every day that she asks me, “Are we going to be okay?” – it becomes harder and harder to answer that question with confidence that “Yes, we will be.”

    But standing here shoulder-to-shoulder with my colleagues, you certainly fortify me in this work and in that belief that we will be okay and we will get to the other side of this. Thank you all for being here today. 

    I want to echo the sentiment offered by our Whip a moment ago that Congress should do everything in its power to reign in Trump and to prevent an endless war in Iran. 

    I want to underscore the urgency of protecting our reproductive freedom – I reiterate this in my role as the Co-Chair of the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus. 

    So we have to do everything to protect our reproductive freedom and preventing Republicans’ shameful – and it is shameful – reconciliation bill from putting necessary health care further out of reach for millions of Americans.

    When we say an abortion ban, what does that really mean? 

    A nation of forced birth. 

    A nation of forced birth – what could be more violent than that? 

    What could be more void of common sense and compassion in a country that does not yet have universal childcare, paid leave – an administration that seems to be hostile towards women, attacking our freedoms at every turn, degrading Head Start.

    There are 80 million Medicaid recipients in this country. 40% of births in this country are covered by Medicaid. 

    So I want to say thank you to our partners in good at Planned Parenthood, who labor in love day in and day out, navigating a very perilous and unpredictable terrain. Thank you for showing up for Massachusetts to provide our constituents with essential health care. 

    And I’ll just share when I came here in 1992 to, you know, pursue a higher learning – in a city where I did not know a soul – and found myself experiencing debilitating pain, I came to Planned Parenthood and was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. 

    And I was met with compassion and community and embrace, and that meant everything. 

    Again, I did not know a soul. I knew no one. But I knew that I could get answers and help with Planned Parenthood. 

    Later, as a survivor of campus sexual assault, I also returned to Planned Parenthood for counseling and STI testing. So I just want to personally, again, just express my heartfelt gratitude for the entire team here, from your security to providers and the like.

    Every time we’re in Washington and folks across the aisle – mostly, but not only, white men – start to attack the critical work of Planned Parenthood, I know the moment they open their mouth that they’ve never sat across from a dedicated Planned Parenthood provider or patient, because if they had, they would understand the vital importance of this work.

    Planned Parenthood is often the only accessible health care provider for families. In the Massachusetts seventh, we are fortunate to have a real density of health care services – but in many parts of the country, the only place you can access care for miles is a Planned Parenthood. 

    And Planned Parenthood clinics across this nation are quite literally saving lives. Planned Parenthood is often the only option for miles for life saving cancer screenings.

    Regardless of zip code, they are the trusted provider folks turn to for preventative and routine medical care. Planned Parenthood is the place you can go to to get affordable birth control and compassionate prenatal care. 

    The attacks on Planned Parenthood are nothing new. In this moment, they are far more coordinated and sinister than we have ever seen, however. 

    Those who aim to rob people of this essential health care in their communities are using every tool – the courts, complicit state houses in many states, and notably this Big Ugly Bill in Congress. 

    Imagine having the full power and authority of the United States government, controlling the White House and the Senate, and you choose to go after cancer screenings for mothers.

    The cruelty is the point.

    At this point, Republicans can’t deny that they’re actually in the business of making people across America sicker, poor and more vulnerable. 

    I walked in here today with a heavy heart, with Adriana Smith on my mind. 

    Adriana Smith was a 30-year-old nurse and the mother to a vibrant six-year-old when she experienced debilitating headaches – her pain was dismissed, not believed. She was sent home from the hospital without the care she needed. She woke up gasping for air, arrived at the hospital, and shortly thereafter, was declared brain dead. The blood clots the doctors had missed had claimed her life. 

    But to be a black woman in America means that not only was Adriana’s pain dismissed and her son robbed of a mother – no, because of an extreme abortion ban in Georgia, the hospital stated that they could not take her off of life support.

    And because she was nine weeks pregnant when she was declared brain dead, about a month past a missed period, the hospital would not allow Adriana’s family to make sensitive end of life medical decisions for their loved one. The hospital made her body an incubator. 

    This week, baby Chance was delivered by a posthumous emergency C section and remains in the NICU. Adriana’s family was finally able to lay her to rest and to pick up the pieces as they navigate their deep grief. 

    I wish I could say that Adriana’s story is a horrific anomaly, but we are experiencing up close the converging crises of black maternal mortality and denials of essential abortion care in this post Dobbs decision world.

    None of us are free until all of us are free. 

    So this week, as we mark the three years since the devastating day the Supreme Court denied us our bodily autonomy and ripped away the basic right to abortion care in America, we recommit to fighting for families across this country to access the basic medical care they need to survive, to be safe in birth, to be treated with human dignity. 

    This is not an inevitability. 

    A more just America is possible, and it starts by defeating this Big Ugly Bill before it dismantles essential health care in America. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Opening Session: Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2025 | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    The 20th annual meeting of the Internet Governance Forum is hosted by the Government of the Norway in Lillestrøm from 23 to 27 June 2025. The Forum’s overarching theme is: Building Digital Governance Together.

    —

    The Internet Governance Forum (IGF) serves to bring people together from various stakeholder groups as equals, in discussions on public policy issues relating to the Internet. While there is no negotiated outcome, the IGF informs and inspires those with policy-making power in both the public and private sectors.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2ShmsHeok8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will allocate over 33 billion rubles to create university campuses in a number of regions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Order dated June 9, 2025 No. 1479-r

    In 2025–2027, more than 33 billion rubles will be allocated from the federal budget to a number of regions to create a network of modern university campuses as part of the new national project “Youth and Children”. The order on the distribution of these funds was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    The funds will be sent to the regions whose applications for the creation of campuses were approved by the Ministry of Education and Science as a result of a competitive selection. These are Perm Krai, Novgorod and Tyumen Oblasts.

    Document

    Order dated June 9, 2025 No. 1479-r

    The campuses will be multifunctional spaces with co-working spaces, classrooms, sports facilities, libraries, accommodation for students, postgraduates, teachers and researchers, and technology parks. The creation of such student campuses will not only provide additional opportunities to improve the level of research and education, but will also contribute to the development of areas adjacent to the campus and ensure cultural interaction between the city and university environments.

    Part of the funds for the creation of campuses will be invested by businesses and the regions themselves. Interaction with investors will be built on the model of public-private partnership or on the basis of concession agreements.

    The decision taken was discussed atmeeting with deputy prime ministers on June 23“By 2030, 25 such spaces should be put into operation, intended primarily for the implementation of significant educational and scientific projects, deepening the relationship between education, science and the economy, taking into account the specifics of the region where the campus is located,” noted Mikhail Mishustin.

    The head of government called this project large-scale, complex and extremely important and instructed Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko to personally monitor the quality of the implementation of planned activities, the efficiency of spending funds provided by the federal budget, and compliance with established deadlines.

    Work on creating university campuses based on public-private partnerships is being carried out on the instructions of the head of state, which he gave following a joint meeting of the State Council and the Presidential Council for Science and Education, held in 2021.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev and the head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Aisen Nikolaev discussed the development of the agro-industrial complex and environmental issues of the region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a working meeting with the head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) Aisen Nikolayev. The main topics were issues of agriculture and ecology of the region.

    Dmitry Patrushev congratulated the head and residents of the republic on an important date: on June 21, the main Yakut holiday was celebrated – Ysyakh, which symbolizes the beginning of summer and the new year.

    The parties discussed the progress of seasonal field work. The Deputy Prime Minister noted that in order to carry it out efficiently, the region’s farmers must be provided with everything necessary.

    The topic of forest fires was raised separately. The head of the region thanked the deputy prime minister for support in this area. This year, the Government has additionally allocated more than 5 billion rubles to the most fire-prone regions, including Yakutia, to combat forest fires.

    The meeting also discussed issues of subsoil use. The region has a significant number of deposits where minerals are traditionally mined.

    Dmitry Patrushev and Aisen Nikolaev also discussed the results of the implementation of the national project “Ecology” in Yakutia. More than 1.5 billion rubles were allocated for its activities. In the republic, work was carried out to eliminate the most dangerous objects of accumulated damage to the environment, to reform the system of handling solid municipal waste, and measures were implemented to preserve forests. Within the framework of the national project “Ecological Well-Being”, which was launched this year, work in these areas will be continued. Special attention will also be paid to the improvement of regional water bodies.

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Georgia and Armenia discussed ways to deepen trade and economic cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tbilisi, June 23 /Xinhua/ — Prospects for further development of trade and economic ties between Georgia and Armenia were the main topic of the meeting between First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Levan Davitashvili and Armenian Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan, who is on a working visit to Tbilisi, the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development reported.

    The parties discussed the current state of bilateral cooperation and expressed their readiness to further deepen partnership in various economic sectors. During the conversation, the importance of intensifying interaction between the business circles of the two countries was emphasized, and the possibilities of implementing joint projects within the framework of regional and international initiatives were considered.

    Following the meeting, L. Davitashvili noted that Armenia is an important trade and economic partner of Georgia. According to him, despite the progress achieved, the potential for bilateral cooperation remains significant. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –