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  • MIL-OSI: CADDXFPV: The Innovation Leader in FPV Drone Technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Shenzhen, China, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the fast-evolving landscape of technology, where drone innovators shine like stars, CADDXFPV stands out as a heavyweight in first-person view (FPV) drone technology and video transmission systems. Founded on August 7, 2017, in Longgang, Shenzhen, this Chinese tech firm has anchored itself in the FPV domain since day one, embarking on a passionate journey of technological deep-diving.

    Encouraging Development in FPV Ecosystem Expansion

    With technology as its anchor, CADDXFPV has built a global R&D network spanning Shenzhen, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Eighty percent of its 100+ R&D team hail from top universities like Harbin Institute of Technology and Fudan University, infusing academic wisdom into product DNA and making technological breakthroughs the norm:

    2018: Partner of Drone Racing Association, stepping onto the international stage.

    2019: Co-launched the Vista system with DJI, gaining global recognition through technical prowess.

    2020: Entered the lightweight market with nano-sized FPV cameras, filling a niche gap.

    2021–2023: Released the Polar night-vision camera, and joined industry associations—advancing technology and ecosystem development in parallel.

    2024: Partner of FAI World Drone Racing Championship , and participation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area “Fly Valley” initiative—deepening its reach from hardware to ecosystem.

    Notably, CADDXFPV has invested six consecutive years (2019–2024) in global racing events. This isn’t just a brand-building move; it’s a way to refine technology in extreme scenarios, keeping products at the forefront in core metrics like “racing-level stability” and “low latency.”

    Today, CADDXFPV products reach over 100 countries, supported by a network of 400+ dealers and used by 500,000 users worldwide, all witnessing technological iterations firsthand.

    Full Industrial Chain Technology Matrix

    Unlike single-product players, CADDXFPV has constructed a full industrial chain matrix of “digital video transmission systems – intelligent imaging – complete drone solutions,” leveraging technical synergy to serve diverse scenarios from racing to aerial photography and industrial inspection.

    1. FPV Digital Transmission Systems: Redefining “HD & Low Latency”

    CADDX Vista: A benchmark collaboration with DJI, achieving triple breakthroughs in “low latency + HD transmission + ecosystem compatibility “—crafting a “plug-and-play” experience for entry-level pilots.

    Walksnail Avatar: An in-house “industry disruptor” with 1080P/60FPS resolution, 10–50 km transmission range, and cutting-edge tech like HD video transmission SOC chips, low-latency coding algorithms, and multi-sensor fusion navigation—rewriting industry transmission standards.

    Walksnail’s air units offer series like 1S, V2, V3, HD PRO, Moonlight, and GT, covering all scenarios from indoor flying to racing freestyle, night vision, and long-range voyages. Their ultimate video transmission efficiency and HD quality have propelled users from the “analog flight” era to “digital HD.”

    2. Walksnail Ground Units: Crafting “Immersive Flight Terminals”

    Goggles L: A budget-friendly breakthrough with “high cost-performance + strong interactivity”—4.5-inch LCD for clarity, head tracking enabling “look-to-zoom,” directional antennas for signal optimization, and multi-device compatibility, elevating “economy goggles” to flagship experience.

    Goggles X: featuring OLED screens for 1080P/100fps output, HDMI/AV ports, diopter adjustment, and modular design—leaving room for tech upgrades and evolving users from “product buyers” to “ecosystem players.”

    Walksnail VRX: It is compatible with analog goggles and provides real – time signals for converting from analog to digital HD.. 

    3. FPV Intelligent Imaging: All-Scenario Image “Enhancers”

    Tailored for diverse environments, CADDXFPV’s imaging matrix covers “dim light – no light – full color”:

    Ratel Camera: The go-to for night and low-light scenarios, with blacklight sensor + WDR tech, capturing clear details in pitch darkness.

    Infra Series: Designed for security and industrial monitoring, using AI image enhancement boxes to break through “total darkness”—applying FPV tech to professional inspection.

    Ant Camera: The “eyes” of racing pilots, with 1/3 inch CMOS + 165° FOV, balancing clarity and wide view for extreme maneuvers.

    Gazer Camera: Full-color night vision + 3x zoom, with AI enhancement for day details and night clarity.

    Farsight Camera: Merging optics, digital tech, and AI algorithms for 8x intelligent zoom—upgrading FPV shooting from “recording” to “creation.”

    4. FPV Drone: Gofilm 20—The “Night Eye” for Aerial Photographers

    A flagship for low-light aerial photography: 4K starlight camera + 4K DVR, enabling 4K/60FPS recording; 5mg dynamic balance precision + intelligent hovering + vibration isolation tech eliminate “shaky focus” and “frame cropping,” delivering cinematic shots even in dim light.

    Committed to In-House R&D, Constantly Disrupting

    In R&D, over 110 patents stand as testimony—from transmission algorithms to image enhancement, flight control logic to hardware design, CADDXFPV continues to fill FPV technology gaps, making “Chinese R&D” a benchmark for industry innovation.

    In the market, the global FPV sector’s $450 million scale in 2023 and projected $1.206 billion by 2030 validates its potential. Against giants like DJI, CADDXFPV charts a differentiated path: full industrial chain layout for technical synergy, deep engagement in events to hone extreme-scenario performance, and niche-scenario focus to fill multiple gaps.

    Today, it’s no longer just a “product manufacturer” but a “tech ecosystem builder,” pioneering new frontiers in the FPV blue ocean. With the “Fly Valley” initiative and innovation park on the horizon, CADDXFPV will continue driving forward with “tech innovation + ecosystem collaboration,” upgrading global users’ experience from “flight” to “creation”—transforming FPV from a sport into an “aerial perspective” lifestyle.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hinson Reintroduces Bipartisan Flood Resiliency and Land Stewardship Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-01)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) and Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) reintroduced the bipartisan Flood Resiliency and Land Stewardship Act. This legislation will improve flood and drought mitigation through existing USDA conservation programs. 

    “Covering the devastating Flood of 2008 was one of the primary reasons I decided to get involved in public service. Even in the lowest of times, Iowans banded together to recover and rebuild in a more resilient way. At the federal level, we must pursue proactive solutions that prioritize commonsense mitigation and flood prevention efforts to help save lives and livelihoods in the event of severe weather. While we can’t predict the weather, we can ensure we are prepared. I will continue working across the aisle to deliver certainty and protect our communities, businesses, and agriculture.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

    “I’ll never forget the concern I felt for my neighbors while reporting on the massive Quad Cities flood in 2019 as I livestreamed on the ground to warn Quad citizens of the rising waters that were creeping dangerously into businesses and homes along the Mississippi River. Now, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to take action by introducing bipartisan legislation that will help our farming communities improve flood resiliency on their lands by strengthening soil health and water quality. Floods and droughts affect all Americans, and I’m glad to work across the aisle toward delivering solutions for my neighbors.” – Congressman Eric Sorensen

    “We applaud Representatives Ashley Hinson and Eric Sorensen for their bipartisan leadership to advance flood-smart agriculture policy through the Flood Resiliency and Land Stewardship Act. By making flood and drought prevention a core purpose of USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program, this bill will help farmers, local communities, and other stakeholders deliver locally led flood solutions that protect both farmlands and downstream communities.” – Julie Seger, Director of Policy & Government Relations, American Flood Coalition Action

    The full text of the bill can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Airport improvements support economic growth

    Communities that rely upon regional airports, heliports and water aerodromes provincewide will benefit from funding provided through the Province of B.C.’s Air Access Program.

    “Through the B.C. Air Access Program, we’re supporting upgrades to airports that will improve access for vital communities across our province,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “These improvements to our rural and regional airports will help keep British Columbians connected and our economy on the move.”

    This year, the Province is investing $6.2 million through the BC Air Access Program (BCAAP) to support 16 airport upgrades throughout B.C., prioritizing the needs of local communities.

    Projects include:

    • runway improvements in Comox, Courtenay and Vanderhoof;
    • a permanent heliport to serve the isolated community of Tipella, supporting air ambulance and visits by medical practitioners;
    • wildlife-exclusion fencing at Fort St. James;
    • upgraded weather monitoring at Fairmont Hot Springs; and
    • lighting and fuel system upgrades at several airports to improve safety.

    “From wildfire suppression to air-ambulance operations, from high-value tourism to connecting Indigenous and rural communities within our province and beyond, the B.C. Air Access Program supports our economy and society,” said Cathy Press, chair, BC Aviation Council.

    B.C. is home to more than 300 public airports, heliports and water aerodromes that connect people and their communities, support the economy and help keep people safe. 

    While airports are under federal jurisdiction, the Province recognizes the importance of smaller airports to their communities. Since 2017, including this announcement, BCAAP has committed more than $70 million in grants to infrastructure projects at 80 air facilities.

    The program is open to facilities that serve fewer than one million passengers per year. BCAAP has an open intake for all eligible applicants every year throughout November and December.

    Learn More:

    For more information about aviation infrastructure funding and cost-sharing, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/aviation-infrastructure-funding

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted of manslaughter in Charlton

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been convicted of the manslaughter of another man in Charlton, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.

    On Wednesday, 25 June 2025 a jury at Isleworth Crown Court convicted Radoslaw Brzezicki, 42 (28.06.1982), of Erwood Road, Charlton, of the manslaughter of Robert Dlugosz, 60, on Wednesday, 22 November, 2023.

    The victim was attacked at his own home in Erwood Road, Charlton, following an argument. A woman was also physically assaulted, with Brzezicki convicted of causing actual bodily harm to her.

    The first responding officer on the scene was one of the last people to speak to Robert while he was still alive. Using a translation app, he was able to obtain an account which proved crucial in this case.

    Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, from Specialist Crime South, and who led the investigation said: “Robert died in appalling circumstances, having been brutally assaulted by someone who claimed to be his friend.

    “Due to the first-hand account Robert was able to give officers – while critically injured – justice has been done.

    “I would also like to pay tribute to the surviving victim in this case. Her assistance to the police from day one was vital.

    “She showed great courage and determination throughout what has no doubt been a very traumatic time.

    “My thoughts and that of my officers, remain with all Robert’s friends and loved ones.”

    On Wednesday, 22 November, 2023, a woman in her 40s called police, saying she had escaped from a house in Erwood Road, Charlton, after being assaulted there alongside her friend, Robert Dlugosz. Officers attended and went to Robert’s aid, who was still alive but severely injured.

    Using a translation app, an officer was able to obtain a brief account from the victim, a Polish speaker. He said he had been beaten, and identified Radoslaw Brzezicki as the assailant.

    Shortly after giving this account, he collapsed. Paramedics attended, and he was taken to hospital. Despite undergoing emergency surgery, Robert sadly died on Saturday, 25 November. A post-mortem examination found cause of death was due to a traumatic brain injury.

    The account provided by Robert before he died was corroborated by the female victim at the scene. The woman managed to escape the property and told a neighbour about the attack.

    Brzezicki was arrested shortly after Robert collapsed.

    He will be sentenced on Thursday, 24 July.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: From potholes to personalization: What Abu Dhabi is teaching us about AI-powered smart cities

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: From potholes to personalization: What Abu Dhabi is teaching us about AI-powered smart cities

    If you ask many city government leaders how to win the hearts of citizens, the answer might very well be “potholes,” or, more specifically, fixing them. 

    “Potholes not only tell you about the state of your infrastructure,” noted a Harvard researcher in 2019, “they also tell you about the nature of participation in your city.”1 A city that fixes a pothole promptly is not just responsive, its constituents feel empowered to engage with government. 

    In recent years, expectations have only risen on what governments need to deliver, leaving many cities struggling to deliver services in ways people prefer while also running a gauntlet of budgetary, regulatory, and societal challenges. On the one hand, citizens want to access great city services on par with how they do their banking or shopping—that is, secure, personalized experiences on smartphones and computing devices, rather than exclusively in-person. On the other hand, governments face unprecedented pressures in terms of funding, regulations, staffing, and cybercrime. 

    Achieve your mission with Microsoft for government

    To bridge this gap, more and more city governments are looking to use the force-multiplying power of generative AI. Its ability to converse in natural language and reason over vast stores of data, then find answers, compose messages, and orchestrate actions is not only solving longstanding modernization challenges, it’s also opening incredible new frontiers in city services. 

    Helping city governments evaluate, explore, and successfully deploy high-impact solutions with AI is now the primary focus of our work at Microsoft for government. In cities around the world, we have seen dramatic acceleration in generative AI innovation, with new solutions that are helping cities to: 

    • Deliver personalized services.
    • Empower the professionals who serve the public.
    • Derive better insights and greater value from data.

    The future of the smart city is already here—in Abu Dhabi 

    The President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, launched an ambitious drive around 15 years ago to make government services more accessible and service-oriented. In Abu Dhabi, the nation’s capital, those efforts took a giant leap with the advent of AI, accelerating innovation that led to the launch of a new AI-powered government services platform in October 2024. 

    Aptly called TAMM—which in Arabic translates to “consider it done!”—the platform began as a centralized portal several years ago and was revised to expand service offerings. With the application of new AI capabilities, it is now a one-stop digital hub, offering access to nearly 950 government services for citizens, residents, visitors, and investors. 

    Built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI service, TAMM uses advanced AI to deliver new classes of benefits. The platform offers real-world examples of how AI can transform smart cities by unifying services and inviting engagement in new and powerful ways. 

    Here are three noteworthy ways that TAMM improves city service delivery. 

    1. Serve people as they like, with personalized interactions 

    TAMM is designed to remove barriers between government services and the people who need them. In many cases, that means no longer forcing them to go to government buildings to get things done. 

    The new TAMM includes a generative AI assistant that provides every day service, offering personalized access to services such as license renewals, utility bill payments, permit applications, healthcare, and more. There’s even a new photo reporting app, where people can take a snapshot of a problem they come across (including, yes, a pothole) and the assistant helps to fill out a report and later sends updates on the progress of repairs. 

    TAMM also helps to untangle bureaucracy to simplify common yet complicated tasks. The process of registering a car, for instance, was dramatically simplified. What previously required days of visiting buildings and standing in lines can now be done quickly through the app—which also recommends the right type of insurance policy and synchronizes it with registration. 

    2. Deliver better results with a more energized and empowered workforce 

    Because TAMM handles so many more routine tasks than before (such as responding to basic questions on services issues or applications), city employees can focus more on high-value service delivery. With live services including video and audio options, agents can deliver high-touch assistance while still maintaining user privacy. 

    A good example of this is the case of a foreign worker who lived in Abu Dhabi for 10 years and was told by an immigration agent that she couldn’t leave the country due to visa issues. In tears, she opened the TAMM app on her phone and was connected to a helpline, where an agent quickly eased her anxieties. “I said I don’t know what to do, and the agent was literally amazing,” the woman said. “[The agent] said, ‘Don’t worry, it’s getting updated now’—and I was on my way.” 

    The approach to innovation behind TAMM also reflects an important trend: equipping public servants to work like product teams so that city services evolve like platforms. The TAMM organization operates in a unique “factory” in Abu Dhabi that operates like a startup—agile, data-driven, and obsessed with user satisfaction. The city’s employees don’t just execute services; they co-innovate with citizens and stakeholders to create them. Real-time dashboards, productivity-enhancing agents, and a culture of continuous iteration are driving success and proving that empowering the workforce is the foundation of smarter cities. 

    3. Keep cities moving with services that listen, learn, and protect 

    TAMM is designed to help people better navigate government services by understanding and responding to user needs almost instantly. It recognizes multiple languages and offers the option for spoken conversations, intelligently walking people through a broad range of complex processes. For example, for a family with a person who has a disability, TAMM can help navigate special services, significantly streamlining a qualification process that previously took weeks.  

    TAMM not only remembers previous conversations and knows the status of an issue or process, it is also deeply integrated across major government entities in the city. Service can be coordinated with in-person service centers or agencies who help housebound people in their homes.  

    The TAMM platform is powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI service and G42 Compass 2.0, a next-generation enterprise AI platform that provides sovereign cloud services. It also uses open-source models, including JAIS, a high-performing Arabic Large Language Model, and Azure OpenAI GPT-4.

    The TAMM app now assists Abu Dhabi’s 2.5 million citizens to conduct than 10 million transactions a year. Helping to protect data and ensure privacy within these transactions is the world class cloud security provided by the Microsoft platform—reflecting our commitment to security above all in delivering AI services, as codified in our Secure Futures Initiative.

    Keys for building a foundation of success with AI 

    The noteworthy innovation happening in Abu Dabhi is a great example of a city realizing the transformative potential offered by generative AI. Many others are following the trend, and the results are exciting. 

    As we look across the global landscape, we note a set of common factors that consistently underpin successful AI adoption. We would advise every city to consider the following: 

    • A mission-first mindset drives smarter AI adoption. Cities that anchor AI initiatives in clearly defined public outcomes—such as reducing response times to citizen queries or improving access to social services—are better equipped to prioritize high-impact use cases and rigorously measure results. Aligning AI innovation with policy goals improves clarity and can also boost community trust.
    • AI literacy must span the entire workforce. Successful implementations include investments to build AI literacy across all levels of the public workforce—from IT and data science teams to case workers and city clerks. With effective training and a culture of learning and sharing, cities have more empowered workforces and enjoy better outcomes.
    • Strong data foundations are critical. Cities that proactively clean, integrate, and govern their data estates—including structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data—are better able to operationalize AI faster, more securely, and at scale. A modern data platform emphasizes robust privacy and access protections as prerequisites for AI success, helping civic leaders avoid common pitfalls such as model bias, incomplete datasets, or compliance gaps. 

    Learn more about AI technology for governments

    To help your city government make the most of modern cloud and AI technology, contact your local Microsoft representative or certified technology partner. Together, we can help you explore options, identify use cases, and transform your ideas into meaningful solutions.

    • For in-depth guidance and resources on designing, deploying, and sustaining AI-powered solutions in city government, visit the Public Sector Center for Digital Skills.
    • For workforce development and training resources and guidance tailored to cities and other government organizations, visit Microsoft Learn for Government.
    • For more on how Microsoft is helping to empower governments with AI, read our blogs. 

    Microsoft for governments

    Solutions that empower governments

    Sources:

    1 Harvard Griffin GSAS, “Pothole Politics”, January 2019.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Moving Notting Hill Carnival to Hyde Park would wrench it from the community and history at its heart

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maggie Inchley, Reader in Contemporary Theatre and Performance, Queen Mary University of London

    Shutterstock/JessicaGirvan

    Today’s Notting Hill Carnival, first held in its streets in 1966 when it was led by a Trinidadian steel band, is a glorious cultural blend. It’s a hotch-potch of traditions, music, dancing and food which commemorates the history of black British communities and integrates others.

    But the future of Notting Hill Carnival is now in doubt amid concerns that the event doesn’t have the funding to ensure the safety of attendees.

    One touted solution is to move the carnival to another location. Writing in the Guardian last year, retired black Met superintendent Leroy Logan recommended a more open space, such as Hyde Park. Policing would be far easier there, with walled boundaries removing escape routes for potential “trouble makers”.

    But holding the carnival in Hyde Park could alter the way that the carnival is enjoyed in ways that would be fundamental to the community it comes from.

    My research in creative performance with communities explores the joy that comes from participating in events and activities that celebrate our collective strengths and differences. I look at the important issues of lived experiences and cultural heritage in events like Carnival.

    This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.

    The Russian philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin (1895-1975) wrote of a “carnival sense of the world”. For Bakhtin, carnival was an unleashing of energies, in which hierarchies disappeared, and people were free to mix with each other.

    For his critics, the liberating energy that Bakhtin describes can be too easily co-opted to dominant cultures, especially where carnival can be made to serve the market’s insatiable appetite. While the democratising dynamics of carnival are valuable, it is also important to consider the particular histories and places in which its traditions and practices have developed. Even joy is contingent on place and context.

    The Notting Hill Carnival is currently free to over 1.5 million visitors. Controlling access would severely contract its size and almost certainly lead to commercial exploitation, reducing its renowned inclusivity.

    What’s more, the right to be publicly seen and heard carries intense symbolic significance for the Caribbean community. This is profoundly important in the wake of the 2018 Windrush scandal, in which the government tried to remove many black citizens who had lawfully lived and worked in Britain for decades under the terms of the British Nationality act of 1948.



    Read more:
    Unravelling the Windrush myth: the confidential government communications that reveal authorities did not want Caribbean migrants to come to Britain

    Many of this Windrush generation, a large number of whom lived in Notting Hill and north Kensington, made a huge contribution to the rebuilding of the British economy, having been invited to the country in the wake of the second world war. In their daily lives however, they suffered racism and harassment which undermined the right they had to make their homes as British citizens.

    The history of the carnival

    It is important to recognise that the sights and sounds of the Notting Hill Carnival are tied to the history of black people’s displacement and exploitation by white enslavers and colonialists. An exuberant street presence is a culturally distinctive statement of resistance and heritage.

    Author Dan Hancox has written about the fact that enslaved people in the Caribbean were not permitted to take part in the European colonialists’ Mardis Gras balls.

    Crowds at the Notting Hill Carnival.
    Shutterstock/Turgut Cetinkaya

    In 18th century Trinidad, a ritual called Cannes Brulees (sugarcane burning), in which sticks were used to perform the rhythms of African drumming, reconnected these transplanted peoples with their places of origin, and sounded an act of resistance.

    Liberation is still enacted today in the right to make music and dance through the streets. Interviewed by Hancox in 2023, CEO of the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, Matthew Philip, pointed to the significance of the newly emancipated black presence in Trinidad’s streets, from which they had been banned by their colonial masters, and their joyful mockery of the white governing class.

    Any considerations of safety at the Notting Hill Carnival must also consider how – despite this exuberantly joyful community celebration of black diasporic culture – the event has been commonly portrayed as a flash-point of racial tensions.

    Social geographer Peter Jackson has pointed to the racialised media representation of “black youth” after unrest in 1976, during which carnival goers clashed violently with a heavy police presence.

    Steve McQueen’s 2020 drama Mangrove portrayed the tensions with the police in the 1970s. In a notable scene outside Trinidadian immigrant Frank Crichlow’s restaurant, the film captured the combination of resistance and joy expressed in West Indian music and dancing. Crichlow was part of the Mangrove Nine, the group of black activists who were tried in 1971 at the Old Bailey for inciting a riot, after repeated police raids on Crichlow’s restaurant.

    The trailer for Mangrove.

    The group’s acquittal was an important milestone in the history of the rights of black people to live and work without harassment in the London area they were trying to make their home under difficult conditions.

    When West Indian migrants came to Notting Hill they were housed in slum conditions. They were charged extortionate rents, often in dilapidated properties once built for the wealthy. Having lived through this and built a thriving community, black residents have in recent decades been forced to move out following the area’s “regentrification”. The trend again points to the displacement of black and working class populations, this time at the housing market’s convenience.

    To relocate the carnival from the streets of Notting Hill would risk continuing these histories of displacement of black communities, and ignore the huge symbolic significance of street celebration to black people in Britain and beyond.

    Unquestionably, the government must act in the interest of public safety. As it considers the best ways to protect attendees, it will no doubt also assess the carnival’s considerable social and economic benefits

    To guarantee these, officials must work with communities whose heritage and citizenship is bound up with the carnival. They need to balance issues of safety with those of access and heritage, and with the need to express a joy that emerges not entirely spontaneously, but from long and complex histories of displacement, relocation and resistance.

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

    – ref. Moving Notting Hill Carnival to Hyde Park would wrench it from the community and history at its heart – https://theconversation.com/moving-notting-hill-carnival-to-hyde-park-would-wrench-it-from-the-community-and-history-at-its-heart-259587

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: England’s free school meals rollout risks losing sight of which children need help most

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michaela James, Research Officer at Medical School, Swansea University

    New Africa/Shutterstock

    The UK government has announced an expansion of free school meals in England. Starting from September 2026, all children in households receiving universal credit will qualify, removing the previous income cap of £7,400 per year.

    This change is expected to benefit more than 500,000 children and lift around 100,000 out of poverty, providing a broader safety net for families.

    While this is a positive development, there are unintended consequences, particularly for researchers like us and policymakers who rely on free school meal eligibility as a measure of child poverty.

    Under the new rules, eligibility will no longer distinguish between the most disadvantaged children, those in low-income households, or those who receive disability-related benefits. That makes it harder to identify which children are most vulnerable and to target support effectively.

    Free school meal eligibility has long been a reliable indicator of poverty for schools and researchers. Without it, it becomes difficult to evaluate the effects of policies aimed at helping the most disadvantaged children.

    Wales has already introduced universal free school meals for all primary school children since 2023. Our team is currently researching the effects of free school meals in Wales. We are expecting to publish these findings later this year.

    shutterstock.
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    The dilemma

    If there is no indicator of poverty, it is hard to evaluate which interventions or policies are working to help lift children out of it. This is particularly important when it comes to areas like nutrition.

    For example, concerns about food quality, choices and portion sizes matter far more when a child is experiencing food insecurity at home. Without this information, it is difficult to assess the likelihood that a child will have access to a nutritious meal outside of school, and if free school meals help to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition for the most vulnerable.

    The eligibility for free school meals was an indicator of a family living in poverty. This was available to people working in and studying education. It was possible to see how well interventions work to address educational needs, especially for those in low-income households.

    The eligibility for universal credit is not available in school data, so it cannot be used to inform how well educational interventions are working to reduce inequality.

    Without free school meal eligibility as a poverty marker, schools and researchers must rely on other sources. These are often less straightforward.



    Read more:
    More free school meals is a start – here’s what would really address child poverty

    Finding other sources of information about poverty means that people working in education and child health need to work with data experts. This needs teams of people, more time, expertise, approvals and governance agreements to access and combine data to do research on education and child health. This makes the prospect far more complicated.

    A local-area deprivation index can indicate if a child lives in a poorer neighbourhood but can’t confirm individual family poverty. Census data can be linked to educational records. But the census is only updated every ten years, which makes it less accurate for current needs.

    Asking parents directly about income or hardship is possible, but risks stigma and can be resource intensive.

    To improve health and education outcomes for children in poverty, free school meals remain vital. But as eligibility rules change, so must our data systems.

    A new way of identifying poverty, one that can be integrated into school records, is needed. Without it, policymakers and researchers risk losing sight of who truly needs help and whether current efforts are working.

    Michaela James receives funding from ADR Wales and UKRI.

    Amy Locke receives funding from a Swansea University Studentship.

    Sinead Brophy receives funding from UKRI, NIHR, European Union

    – ref. England’s free school meals rollout risks losing sight of which children need help most – https://theconversation.com/englands-free-school-meals-rollout-risks-losing-sight-of-which-children-need-help-most-258614

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mattel and OpenAI have partnered up – here’s why parents should be concerned about AI in toys

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew McStay, Professor of Technology & Society, Bangor University

    Savanevich Viktar/Shutterstock

    Mattel may seem like an unchanging, old-school brand. Most of us are familiar with it – be it through Barbie, Fisher-Price, Thomas & Friends, Uno, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox, MEGA or Polly Pocket.

    But toys are changing. In a world where children grow up with algorithm-curated content and voice assistants, toy manufacturers are looking to AI for new opportunities.

    Mattel has now partnered with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, to bring generative AI into some of its products. As OpenAI’s services are not designed for children under 13, in principle Mattel will focus on products for families and older children.

    But this still raises urgent questions about what kind of relationships children will form with toys that can talk back, listen and even claim to “understand” them. Are we doing right by kids, and do we need to think twice before bringing these toys home?

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    For as long as there have been toys, children have projected feelings and imagined lives onto them. A doll could be a confidante, a patient or a friend.

    But over recent decades, toys have become more responsive. In 1960, Mattel released Chatty Cathy, which chirped “I love you” and “Let’s play school”. By the mid-1980s, Teddy Ruxpin had introduced animatronic storytelling. Then came Furby and Tamagotchi in the 1990s, creatures requiring care and attention, mimicking emotional needs.

    The 2015 release of “Hello Barbie”, which used cloud-based AI to listen to and respond to children’s conversations, signalled another important, albeit short-lived, change. Barbie now remembered what children told her, sending data back to Mattel’s servers. Security researchers soon showed that the dolls could be hacked, exposing home networks and personal recordings.

    Putting generative AI in the mix is a new development. Unlike earlier talking toys, such systems will engage in free-flowing conversation. They may simulate care, express emotion, remember preferences and give seemingly thoughtful advice. The result will be toy that don’t just entertain, but interact on a psychological level. Of course, they won’t really understand or care, but they may appear to.

    Details from Mattel or Open AI are scarce. One would hope that safety features will be built in, including limitations on topics and pre-scripted responses for sensitive themes and when conversations go off course.

    But even this won’t be foolproof. AI systems can be “jailbroken” or tricked into bypassing restrictions through roleplay or hypothetical scenarios. Risks can only be minimised, not eradicated.

    What are the risks?

    The risks are multiple. Let’s start with privacy. Children can’t be expected to understand how their data is processed. Parents often don’t either – and that includes me. Online consent systems nudge us all to click “accept all”, often without fully grasping what’s being shared.

    Then there’s psychological intimacy. These toys are designed to mimic human empathy. If a child comes home sad and tells their doll about it, the AI might console them. The doll could then adapt future conversations accordingly. But it doesn’t actually care. It’s pretending to, and that illusion can be powerful.

    Children often have close relationship with their toys.
    Ulza/Shutterstock

    This creates potential for one-sided emotional bonds, with children forming attachments to systems that cannot reciprocate. As AI systems learn about a child’s moods, preferences and vulnerabilities, they may also build data profiles to follow children into adulthood.

    These aren’t just toys, they’re psychological actors.

    A UK national survey I conducted with colleagues in 2021 about possibilities of AI in toys that profile child emotion found that 80% of parents were concerned about who would have access to their child’s data. Other privacy questions that need answering are less obvious, but arguably more important.

    When asked whether toy companies should be obliged to flag possible signs of abuse or distress to authorities, 54% of UK citizens agreed – suggesting the need for a social conversation with no easy answer. While vulnerable children should be protected, state surveillance into the family domain has little appeal.

    Yet despite concerns, people also see benefits. Our 2021 survey found that many parents want their children to understand emerging technologies. This leads to a mixed response of curiosity and concern. Parents we surveyed also supported having clear consent notices, printed on packaging, as the most important safeguard.

    My more recent 2025 research with Vian Bakir on online AI companions and children found stronger concerns. Some 75% of respondents were concerned about children becoming emotionally attached to AI. About 57% of people thought that it is inappropriate for children to confide in AI companions about their thoughts, feelings or personal issues (17% thought it is appropriate, and 27% were neutral).

    Our respondents were also concerned about the impact on child development, seeing scope for harm.

    In other research, we have argued that current AI companions are fundamentally flawed. We provide seven suggestions to redesign them, involving remedies for over-attachment and dependency, removal of metrics based on extending engagement though personal information disclosure and promotion of AI literacy among children and parents (which represents a huge marketing opportunity by positively leading social conversation).

    What should be done?

    It’s hard to know how successful the new venture will be. It might be that that Empathic Barbie goes the way of Hello Barbie, to toy history. If it does not, the key question for parents is this: whose interests is this toy really serving, your child’s or that of a business model?

    Toy companies are moving ahead with empathic AI products, but the UK, like many countries, doesn’t yet have a specific AI law. The new Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 updates the UK’s data protection and privacy and electronic communications regulations, recognising need for strong protections for children. The EU’s AI Act also makes important provisions.

    International governance efforts are vital. One example is IEEE P7014.1, a forthcoming global standard on the ethical design of AI systems that emulate empathy (I chair the working group producing the standard).

    The organisation behind the standard, the IEEE, ultimately identifies potential harms and offers practical guidance on what responsible use looks like. So while laws should set limits, detailed standards can help define good practice.

    The Conversation approached Mattel about the issues raised in this article and it declined to comment publicly.

    Andrew McStay is funded by EPSRC Responsible AI UK (EP/Y009800/1) and is affiliated with IEEE.

    – ref. Mattel and OpenAI have partnered up – here’s why parents should be concerned about AI in toys – https://theconversation.com/mattel-and-openai-have-partnered-up-heres-why-parents-should-be-concerned-about-ai-in-toys-259500

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Learning German has many benefits for young people – and it’s not as hard as its reputation suggests

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sascha Stollhans, Professor of Language Education and Linguistics, University of Leeds

    Marienplatz, Munich. frantic00/Shutterstock

    As the government is exploring a new EU youth mobility scheme and working towards a renewed association with the Erasmus+ programme, a world of opportunity may be opening up once again for young people in the UK. Studying or working abroad is not just an enriching experience – it’s a powerful step towards building intercultural competence and a successful career in today’s globalised world.

    The German-speaking countries are among Europe’s most influential cultural and political forces and have therefore been an attractive destination for young Brits. And learning German could be the gateway to a period of cultural immersion.

    Learning a language has many professional, cultural and intellectual benefits. With almost 100 million first-language speakers across several countries, German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe. Germany is not just Europe’s largest economy but also the third largest economy in the world. Knowing German can give you a competitive edge with employers and even boost your salary prospects.

    More than that, learning a language gives you unique insights into different cultures, societies and perspectives, as new research on learning German that I have carried out with colleagues shows. It helps you look beneath the surface and connect with people on a deeper level.

    No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

    Read more from Quarter Life:

    Understanding German also enriches your cultural experiences, as you will be able to enjoy German-language literature, philosophy, music, film and TV – all in their original form. Of course it will also be useful if you are planning to travel, study or work in a German-speaking country.

    While there are all these benefits, German is sometimes thought of as a difficult language to learn. However, there are many reasons why it’s not actually as hard as some may think.

    Shared roots with English

    German and English both belong to the Germanic language family and have a shared history. This means that there are many “cognates” (words that are historically related and therefore similar). These are often easy to guess for English speakers, particularly once you are familiar with some of the patterns.

    Can you read it?
    travelview/Shutterstock

    You can probably work out what the German words “Apfel” and “Pfeffer” mean (apple and pepper). In cognates, German pf and ff often correspond to a p sound in English. Some knowledge of the history of languages can help learners spot (and explain) these patterns and identify cognates more easily. This is one of the many reasons why my colleagues and I have been arguing that all language learners should be introduced to some basics of linguistics, the scientific study of language.

    It gets easier

    German grammar sometimes has the reputation to be particularly complicated. It can’t be denied that it can be challenging at times, and unfamiliar grammatical concepts in any language can take a while to get your head around.

    The interesting thing about German grammar is that it is quite “frontloaded”. This means that learners will encounter many of those challenging new concepts – such as grammatical gender, cases and some specific word order rules – right at the beginning. You need to understand these basics to a certain extent to be able to produce even quite simple sentences.

    It is worth persevering, though, as German grammar gets easier further down the line. German tenses, for example, are quite straightforward. Whereas in English we differentiate between “she read”, “she has read”, and “she was reading”. There is only one form to learn in German: “sie hat gelesen”.

    Similarly, when it comes to pronunciation, there are some sounds in German that will be unfamiliar to English speakers to start with, such as the “umlaute” ä, ö and ü, and the ways in which ch and r are pronounced. It takes some practice to master these. However, the correspondence between spelling and pronunciation is much more predictable and consistent in German than it is in English.

    Take, for example, the different ways to pronounce -ough in the words “through”, “thorough” and “tough”. Such examples can be really challenging for learners of English. You won’t find such tricky differences in German.

    German has a word for it

    German is famous for its long words. These often consist of two or more words joined together to create a new compound word. While compounds are fascinating in themselves, they also tend to be very descriptive, which can be helpful for language learners.

    For example, if you know the words for “sick” (“krank”) and “house” (“Haus”), you basically know the word for “hospital” too (and you can definitely guess its meaning when you encounter it): “Krankenhaus”. And could you work out that “Spielzeug” (literally “play stuff”) means “toy”?

    Learning a language is never without its difficulties, and German is no exception. However, my experience of teaching German at British universities has shown me that German is much more accessible to English speakers than some might think.

    Many people enjoy the intellectual challenge of learning a new language and find it a highly rewarding experience, and it may be a gateway to some time spent in a German-speaking country. So give it a go, and don’t let the thought of learning German cause you any angst!

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

    – ref. Learning German has many benefits for young people – and it’s not as hard as its reputation suggests – https://theconversation.com/learning-german-has-many-benefits-for-young-people-and-its-not-as-hard-as-its-reputation-suggests-253263

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sudanese refugees in Chad are safe from bombs but struggling to survive


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    In Tine and Oure Cassoni camps in eastern Chad, close to the border with Sudan, Médecins Sans Frontières is increasing our support for recently arrived Sudanese refugees. In these overcrowded camps, people face harsh conditions and limited access to food, shelter, water, and healthcare. The current humanitarian response is grossly insufficient, and greater support from additional organisations is urgently needed.

    An estimated 80,000 people have crossed the border from North Darfur, Sudan, to eastern Chad, arriving in or passing through Wadi Fira and East Ennedi provinces, since the end of April.1 These newly arrived refugees, a majority of whom are women and children, fled El Fasher and its surrounding camps after intense attacks from the Rapid Support Forces. While they are safe from bombs in Tine and Oure Cassoni camps, which are separated by 130 kilometers, they are now enduring severe overcrowding and have only limited access to essential medical services.

    For them, the road from El Fasher to Chad, which can take up to 10 days travelling, was plagued by violence and hardship. In both camps, our teams are hearing harrowing stories of violence suffered in North Darfur and on the journey to eastern Chad. Many people have been hurt or seen men and boys beaten, injured or killed, and women and girls raped. Some people reportedly died of thirst on the way.

    Care after surgery

    Mahanat, who is 11 years old, lost his left hand on 11 April, when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a massive ground offensive on Zamzam camp, which housed 500,000 people, near El Fasher. According to the UN, hundreds of people were killed in April alone and the camp has been completely emptied.2 Mahanat escaped the deadly attacks and is now in Tine camp with his mother.

    “Mahanat’s father was killed during the attack on Zamzam camp. His left hand got ripped off by a shrapnel bomb, some got stuck in his right eye,” says Mahanat’s mother. “He arrived at the MSF clinic in the Tine camp several weeks ago. Each time, doctors and nurses struggled to even access the wound as the child was traumatised and in immense pain. Over the days, with time, patience and trust, Mahanat accepted care.”

    Our teams have been treating people’s physical wounds from gunshots, shrapnel bombs and landmines. We are helping patients with amputations through pain management and infection prevention and control measures, such as applying sterile bandages to keep wounds clean and dry. In Tine, we have recently added a mental health component to our work to better support patient recovery. 

    Meeting people’s growing needs

    While we scaled up our activities in Tine camp in April, the overall situation remains largely unchanged due to people’s overwhelming needs. MSF continues to do our utmost but a coordinated and strengthened response from other humanitarian actors is essential to meet the urgent demands on the ground. 

    “Again, we ask donors, the UN and humanitarian organisations to start providing or scale-up support in terms of food, shelter, sanitation and medical care including mental health services. The current response is grossly insufficient,” says Claire San Filippo, MSF’s emergency coordinator for Sudan.

    We are increasing the availability of essential healthcare services in Tine and Oure Cassoni camps.

    Since April 2025 to the time of writing of the article, we have carried out over 7,700 consultations at the Tine health post. We are concerned about the global rate of malnutrition among children under five in the camp, which is as high as 18%, with 3% being severely malnourished. To assist in curbing the spread of measles in the camp, we have vaccinated 5,755 children.

    Pregnant women and survivors of sexual violence can receive care at the health post, and our staff are able to refer critical patients to local hospitals. From April 2025 until now, 1,322 consultations on sexual and reproductive health have been carried out. During the last four weeks of activities, 16 survivors of sexual violence were seen at the health post. To support people’s overall health in the camp, we have built 40 emergency latrines. MSF is the only organisation in the camp providing people with water, which remains a huge problem for residents. Whilst we were providing the minimum requirement per person per day, the sudden increase of the number of people in the camp due to the halt of relocations means that the needs have now increased. 

    “Again, we ask donors, the UN and humanitarian organisations to start providing or scale-up support in terms of food, shelter, sanitation and medical care including mental health services. The current response is grossly insufficient.” Claire San Filippo, MSF’s emergency coordinator for Sudan

    In Oure Cassoni camp, we carried out a rapid evaluation of the situation in order to understand people’s needs and prepare for an appropriate response. For the time being, we are supplying water through Water Trucking whilst exploring more sustainable interventions. While this camp was already home to 56,000 people, an additional 40,000 refugees have been accommodated there last April. These new arrivals have set up with what they have, but they are living in makeshift shelters and without latrines and other basic infrastructure. While a humanitarian response in underway for these newly arrived refugees, our teams are aware of the many unmet needs, and of the many more people expected to arrive from North Darfur.

    “The number of people arriving at the Tine border point is not expected to decrease over the coming weeks,” says San Filippo. “The upcoming rainy season is likely to worsen the already poor living conditions, spread disease, exacerbate food insecurity and the lack of sanitation. We are deeply alarmed by the difficult conditions in the Tine and Oure Cassoni camps. Large-scale humanitarian action is urgently needed to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.” 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • PM Modi chairs 48th PRAGATI meeting; urges health infra push in remote areas, stresses self-reliance in defence

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the 48th edition of PRAGATI — the Centre’s multi-level, ICT-enabled platform aimed at ensuring proactive governance and timely implementation of key schemes and projects.

    During the session, the Prime Minister reviewed critical infrastructure projects across the Mines, Railways, and Water Resources sectors. These projects were examined with a focus on timelines, coordination among agencies, and resolution of pending issues.

    The PM stressed that delays in project execution result in escalating costs and deprive citizens of timely access to services and infrastructure. He urged officials across ministries and state governments to adopt a result-oriented approach, calling for stronger inter-agency coordination and time-bound delivery.

    The PM reiterated the importance of equitable access to healthcare for marginalised and underserved populations, describing PM-ABHIM as a key opportunity for states to strengthen health infrastructure at the block, district, and state levels. “This is a golden opportunity to bridge the gaps in primary, tertiary, and specialised health services,” the PM said.

    PM Modi also reviewed efforts made by ministries and states in promoting self-reliance in the defence sector. He praised initiatives that foster indigenous manufacturing and innovation, citing the recent Operation Sindoor — carried out using homegrown capabilities — as an example of the strides being made in the sector.

    The Prime Minister urged states to tap into the growing ecosystem by supporting local innovation and contributing to the broader push for self-reliance in defence.

    Launched in 2015, PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a platform through which the Prime Minister directly engages with top officials of central and state governments to review key projects and address bottlenecks in real time.

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada celebrates AI and Tech Innovation in Toronto

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Minister Solomon meets with leaders in innovation during Toronto Tech Week

    June 25, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario 

    Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), attended Frontiers of AI, co-hosted by MaRS Discovery District (MaRS), Vector Institute (Vector) and the University of Toronto, to discuss the future of Canada’s AI economy.  

    Minister Solomon began the day at MaRS, a leading innovation hub supporting science and technology startups and scaleups, where he highlighted Canada’s leadership in AI development. He reiterated the Government of Canada’s commitment to working alongside innovators to drive growth, create jobs, and scale Canada’s AI industry at home and on the world stage.

    Minister Solomon also met with a number of businesses, including FedDev Ontario-supported Ecopia AI (Ecopia), a Canadian technology company using AI to create high-precision mapping data for critical applications around the world.

    Vector’s world-class research community is pushing the boundaries of AI science, from accelerating equitable access to liver transplants to improving cancer care, and through its secure health AI network, is enabling data-driven solutions to critical issues like staffing shortages, wait times, and patient outcomes. This afternoon, Minister Solomon announced an investment of $3.5 million for Vector to deliver HealthSpark – an initiative to fast-track AI innovation in Canadian health care and services. With this support, high-potential scaleups and startups will receive training, mentorship and access to key networks and AI engineering expertise, as they develop AI solutions to tackle some of our most pressing healthcare challenges.

    The Government of Canada is making strategic investments to support AI adoption to foster real solutions, improve lives, reshape industries and reimagine what is possible.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Clyburn, Leger Fernández, Klobuchar, Luján Lead Effort to Press Commerce Secretary Lutnick to Reverse Harmful Broadband Policy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative James E (Jim) Clyburn (6th District of South Carolina)

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) led a group of congressional Democrats in writing a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick addressing the Trump Administration’s recently announced Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Restructuring Policy Notice. The BEAD program was established by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide high-quality, affordable, and sustainable broadband to connect the nearly 25 million Americans that continue to wait for high-speed internet access.

    In their letter to Secretary Lutnick, the lawmakers urge the Department of Commerce to ensure that states receive the full funding and flexibility they retained prior to the issuance of the restructuring notice to fully meet those statutory objectives. 

    “Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States” the Members wrote. “We therefore urge you to implement the BEAD program in accordance with the best reading of the statute so we can make high-quality internet accessible and affordable for all Americans.”

    The BEAD program, enacted into law in 2021 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $42 billion to provide high-quality internet access to millions of Americans who remain unserved, to ensure affordability, and to facilitate adoption. The bipartisan process that crafted the program was informed by the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, comprehensive broadband legislation formulated by the House Democratic Rural Broadband Task Force in conjunction with the Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Democrats.

    The letter was also signed by Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Angus King (I-ME), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) as well as Representatives Leger Fernández (D-NM-03), Bishop (D-GA-02), Bynum (D-OR-05), Carson (D-IN-07), Carter (D-LA-02), Cleaver (D-MO-05),  Davis (D-IL-07), DelBene (D-WA-01), Evans (D-PA-03),  Fields (D-LA-06), Figures (D-AL-02), Garcia (D-TX-29), Goodlander (D-NH-02), Hoyle (D-OR-04), Huffman (D-CA-02), Lofgren (D-CA-18), McGovern (D-MA-02), Menendez (D-NJ-08), Mrvan (D-IN-01), Neguse (D-CO-02), Pappas (D-NH-01), Scholten (D-MI-03), Sewell (D-AL-07), Soto (D-FL-09), Thompson (D-MS-02), Titus (D-NV-01), Tlaib (D-MI-12), Tokuda (D-HI-02), Williams (D-GA-05), and Wilson (D-FL-24).  

    The full text of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Secretary Lutnick: 

    We write to express our opposition to the Department of Commerce’s recently announced BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program was established by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to provide high-quality, affordable, and sustainable broadband to connect the nearly 25 million Americans that continue to wait for high-speed internet access. We urge you to ensure that states receive the full funding and flexibility they retained prior to the issuance of the restructuring notice to fully meet these statutory objectives. 

    The broadband division of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law begins with this congressional finding: “Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband is essential to full participation in modern life in the United States.” This fundamental reality is why the BEAD program was established to fulfill the subsequent finding that “the benefits of broadband should be broadly enjoyed by all.” To achieve this goal, the statute states that funding recipients must “ensure coverage of broadband service to all unserved locations” before using any funds for other purposes. The restructuring notice appears to violate this requirement by allowing applicants to exclude certain unserved locations. Such an allowance would defy bipartisan congressional intent, which was predicated on the understanding that public investment was needed to achieve universal service precisely because building the infrastructure to cover many rural areas was too costly to be profitable. 

    In addition to excluding unserved, predominantly rural locations, the restructuring notice would likely result in others receiving worse service. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law requires that “priority broadband projects” funded by the program be “designed to provide broadband service that meets speed, latency, reliability, consistency in quality of service, and related criteria as the Assistant Secretary shall determine; and [to] ensure that the network[s] built by the project[s] can easily scale speeds over time to meet the evolving connectivity needs of households and businesses, and support the deployment of 5G, successor wireless technologies, and other advanced services.” Of currently available technologies, fiber-optic networks are faster and more reliable and can scale speeds much more easily. We made the decision to invest larger sums now in broadband infrastructure that would be resilient and capable of meeting Americans’ growing digital demands for decades. 

    The restructuring notice also undermines the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s provisions designed to ensure that broadband service is affordable and put to good use. The new rules remove specific requirements that ensured that participating providers would provide a low-cost internet option for low-income customers as required by the statute. Additionally, while the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law specifically allows funds to be spent on “broadband adoption, including programs to provide affordable internet-capable devices,” the notice rescinds approval of previously approved “non-deployment activities” and puts all funding for these activities on hold. For example, this provision of the notice puts on hold a South Carolina plan to use BEAD program funds for virtual primary health—equipping low-income households in rural health deserts with access to the full suite of virtual health services at no cost to the patients. If the broadband infrastructure being built by BEAD program funds isn’t put to good use, much of the investment will have been wasted. 

    As reflected in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s congressional findings, high-quality internet access is a requirement to fully participate in the world, and the BEAD program is our once-in-a century opportunity to finish closing the digital divide. We fear this opportunity would be squandered by the restructuring notice and its changes to coverage, quality, and affordability. We therefore urge you to implement the BEAD program in accordance with the best reading of the statute so we can make high-quality internet accessible and affordable for all Americans.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Competition Bureau wants more airline competition, but it won’t solve Canada’s aviation challenges

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Geraint Harvey, DANCAP Private Equity Chair in Human Organization, Western University

    A recent market study by the Competition Bureau is calling for more airline competition in Canada’s airline industry to reduce fares, increase service quality and provide better services to remote communities.

    The study reiterates that Canada’s domestic air travel market is largely dominated by just two carriers, Air Canada and WestJet. Together, they account for between 56 per cent to 78 per cent of all domestic passenger traffic. This concentration limits passenger choice, and many Canadians feel airfares are high and quality of service is low as a consequence.

    Increased competition has lowered air fares elsewhere, like in Europe, for example, where low-fares airlines dominate the continental market. However, there have been negative outcomes for consumers.

    While the bureau positions competition as the solution to the many issues plaguing the industry, it overlooks how an increase in competition can fall short, particularly when it comes to transparency, service quality, labour conditions and regional connectivity.

    Cost transparency not likely to improve

    One of the Competition Bureau’s key criticisms of Canada’s airline industry is the lack of cost transparency when booking flights. Hidden fees and complex fare structures make it difficult for travellers to effectively make comparisons among airlines.

    But it’s unreasonable to expect increased competition — when airlines seek to make their offering more attractive than their competitors — to lead to greater transparency in Canada. In fact, competition has been linked theoretically and empirically to dishonest practices.

    Europe provides a cautionary example. Increased competition has not led to greater air fare transparency in Europe. Airlines like Ryanair, a low-fare airline and the continent’s largest airline by passengers carried, have been accused of hiding fees for passengers.

    Service quality and workers

    The bureau’s study also found that many Canadians are dissatisfied with the quality of service offered by domestic airlines. Yet increased competition is unlikely to raise service standards. As airlines compete to offer the lowest fares, they often look to reduce operating costs, typically at the expense of service quality.

    Those who suffer the most from airlines minimizing costs are employees, since labour represents one of the few areas where airlines can cut back.

    The morality and safety implications of introducing wage and employment insecurity to workers within high reliability organizations aside, reducing the quality of employment terms and conditions for workers in such an important industry is short-sighted.

    Claims of a pilot shortage are contested, and making employment in Canadian aviation less attractive for a highly skilled and crucial occupational group like pilots is a strategic faux pas that could have long-term consequences for the industry’s stability.



    Read more:
    Potential Air Canada pilot strike: Key FAQs and why the anger at pilots is misplaced

    Remote communities left behind

    Canada’s unique geography means that many remote regions rely on airlines for goods and transport. Yet these areas are not effectively served by the commercial aviation industry. The bureau suggests greater competition could help, but that claim is questionable.

    The reason existing airlines are not providing a greater number of flights between remote communities and larger airports is because these routes aren’t profitable. Rather than expanding service, a more competitive market could shrink route availability because airlines could abandon less profitable routes or refuse to compete on routes where a market leader emerges.

    To its credit, the bureau offers several recommendations for northern and remote communities. But these communities are unlikely to benefit from competition alone. In fact, increased competition would likely mean airlines will focus on profitable routes and remove those that don’t yield high profits.

    Europe’s airline industry is once again instructive. Eurocontrol, a pan-European organization dedicated to the success of commercial aviation in Europe, states that “domestic aviation in Europe has experienced a substantial and persistent decline over the past two decades,” including the demise of regional operators serving lower-density routes.

    Where routes have been maintained — in Norway, for example — it’s as a consequence of public service obligations that guarantee essential routes are maintained through government support.

    It’s because of public service obligations, not competition, that the Canadian government can serve remote communities. Without such safeguards, increased competition has the potential to do more harm than good.

    Risks of relaxing foreign ownership

    The bureau also recommended relaxing rules around foreign ownership within the Canadian airline industry so that a wholly foreign owned airline can compete domestically.

    But not all airlines are equal. Some, like Qatar Airways, are backed by the government of their home state. Qatar Airways has purchased stakes in airlines in Asia Pacific and Africa.

    Competition with airlines such as Qatar Airways is inherently unfair because of the huge financial support it receives. Allowing such state-backed carriers into the Canadian market could place domestic airlines at a significant competitive disadvantage. This could not only weaken Canadian airlines, but also be detrimental to the Canadian economy if domestic carriers are pushed out.

    Competition may reduce fares, but it always comes at a cost. Canadians must be certain that lower fares are worth the cost.

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

    – ref. The Competition Bureau wants more airline competition, but it won’t solve Canada’s aviation challenges – https://theconversation.com/the-competition-bureau-wants-more-airline-competition-but-it-wont-solve-canadas-aviation-challenges-259498

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Americans are Counting on Congress to Pass the One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

    WASHINGTON — Yesterday, House GOP Leadership invited constituents from each of their districts to discuss how the One Big Beautiful Bill will benefit every industry, and every profession, in every district in America. Fox News’ Liz Elkind spoke with those constituents; read their testimonies below.

    “I believe that our tax rates in Louisiana for small businesses will jump up to around 43.4%. I mean, that’s literally half of what we’re working for,”  Louisiana resident and small business owner Toni McAllister said. “So what will we be working for to pay taxes?”

    Read the full article here or below:

    EXCLUSIVE: Toni McAllister is a prominent voice in Louisiana’s logging industry, but as she told Fox News Digital on Tuesday, she is also “a mom and a wife” from a middle-class family.

    She is one of four Americans from across the country invited by House GOP leaders to Capitol Hill to promote President Donald Trump’s “one big, beautiful bill.”

    It is a vast piece of legislation aimed at advancing Trump’s priorities on taxes, immigration, energy, defense and the national debt – which is taking Herculean political maneuvering to pass.

    On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other leaders pivoted from promoting it themselves, instead inviting their four guests to talk about their support for the bill, and what is at stake if it does not pass by the end of this year.

    “I believe that our tax rates in Louisiana for small businesses will jump up to around 43.4%. I mean, that’s literally half of what we’re working for. So what will we be working for to pay taxes?” McAllister told Fox News Digital.

    She is the executive director of the Louisiana Logger’s Association, a trade group representing loggers in the Bayou State. In addition to that, however, McAllister said she was concerned about a tax hike for her family if the bill is not passed.

    “I’m just a regular middle-class family. And in Louisiana, the average tax hike would be around $1,300. That’s a month of groceries. That’s anything extra that we can do with our kids. $1,300 is a lot of money,” she said.

    Projections released by the House GOP show that under the lower chamber’s version of the bill, an average family could see an additional $1,300 in tax relief, while a failure to pass it could lead to a $1,700 tax hike.

    Republicans are aiming to use the bill to extend Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as implement a host of new policies like eliminating taxes on tipped and overtime wages.

    Retired Sheriff James Stuart said those latter measures, which Trump campaigned on in 2024, will be critical to law enforcement recruitment in Minnesota.

    “One of the most persistent struggles of agencies across the country is retention and recruitment. No tax on overtime will increase take-home pay for our peace offices, which will boost morale and ease burdens for them and their families,” Stuart, who is also executive director of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, told Fox News Digital.

    However, Paul Danos, the head of a family-owned offshore energy service company in Gray, Louisiana, told Fox News Digital that Republicans’ energy policies are also critical for his business.

    “If this bill doesn’t pass, then we find ourselves where we were in the last administration, with that lack of predictability around lease sales,” Danos said.

    “Those multibillion-dollar investments that are creating jobs, that are providing safe and affordable energy here in the US, are jeopardized. We start having to depend on other nations for our oil and gas.”

    That, he argued, would lead to higher prices for everyone.

    Sam Palmeter, who leads engineering at Laser Marking Technologies, one of the last two laser technology companies owned and operated in America, said he and others in Michigan were “tired of brain drain,” hoping Trump’s bill could reverse that and revitalize manufacturing in the region.

    “We won’t grow, and we won’t provide as many jobs in the industrial manufacturing and engineering space,” Palmeter said.

    “And that’s sad, because there’s nothing that makes me more proud than hiring a local kid…So he’s working 13 miles from home. He doesn’t have to leave his family and everything to exercise that degree.”

    It is not yet clear if their arguments or others in favor of Trump’s bill will have any effect, however.

    The legislation has been met with Republican critics in the House and Senate, while GOP leaders have styled it as the best possible path forward for a conservative policy overhaul while they control Congress and the White House.

    While the dissent is coming from a relatively small number of Republicans, it could be enough to derail the legislation – both House and Senate GOP leaders are grappling with razor-thin margins of just a few votes.

    Trump recently ordered lawmakers to remain in Washington, D.C., until the bill is passed – despite a planned recess next week for the Fourth of July holiday.

    The bill passed the House by one vote last month, and a modified version is expected to get a Senate vote sometime this week. Both the House and Senate must pass identical products before they can be sent to Trump’s desk.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Highest Payout Online Casino 2025 from WildCasino: Announcing the Latest Crypto & Bitcoin Online Casinos for Big Wins

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Willemstad, Curaçao, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    The online casino industry is entering a bold new era in 2025, thanks to the explosive growth of digital currencies and cutting-edge gaming technology. 

    Today, Wild Casino proudly announces its position as the premier destination for players seeking the highest payouts, seamless cryptocurrency integration, and a world-class gaming experience.

    With a strong commitment to innovation and player-centric features, Wild Casino is revolutionizing the way enthusiasts enjoy online gambling. 

    By embracing popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Wild Casino empowers players with lightning-fast transactions, enhanced privacy, and access to a new generation of high payout games. 

    This marks a significant leap forward for players who demand both excitement and the opportunity for substantial wins. 

    Wild Casino’s launch signals a new benchmark for security, fairness, and entertainment in the online gaming landscape. View Wild Casino High Payout Casino Latest Promotions

    Players now have the opportunity to maximize their winnings while enjoying the convenience and anonymity that only crypto-friendly platforms can provide.

    For those eager to experience the future of online gambling—where big wins and next-level privacy go hand in hand—Wild Casino is leading the way in 2025.

    Wild Casino 2025: Where High Payouts Meet the Crypto Revolution

    Online casinos have changed a lot in recent years, but few have managed to stand out the way Wild Casino does in 2025. 

    Unlock Exclusive Promotions—Sign Up Now and Play Top Bitcoin Casino Games for Big Wins!

    This is a site that truly puts players first, whether you’re spinning the reels for fun or looking to cash in big. 

    What really sets Wild Casino apart is its commitment to high payouts and a seamless crypto-friendly experience. 

    If you’re searching for a casino that pays well and welcomes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital coins, Wild Casino might just be your new favorite.

    Crypto-Friendly Banking: Fast, Private, and Stress-Free

    • A Home for Crypto Gamblers Wild Casino has embraced cryptocurrencies like few others in the industry. Not only can you make deposits and withdrawals using major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, but the process is refreshingly simple. It’s clear the team behind Wild Casino understands what crypto users want: speed, privacy, and flexibility.
    • Quick and Convenient Transactions One of the biggest gripes players have with online casinos is how long it can take to cash out. That’s not a problem here. Crypto deposits show up almost instantly, and withdrawals are processed within hours—sometimes even faster. You also avoid a lot of the fees and red tape that come with traditional payment methods.
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    High Payouts: More Money Back in Your Pocket

    Generous RTP Across the Board

    Let’s talk about what most players care about: payouts. Wild Casino is known for offering games with some of the highest Return to Player (RTP) percentages around. Whether you’re spinning slots or playing blackjack, you’ll find plenty of options with RTPs in the 96–98% range. Over time, that can make a real difference in your bankroll.

    A Game Library That Delivers

    There’s no shortage of choice here. Wild Casino’s lineup includes hundreds of slots, dozens of table games, and a truly impressive live dealer section. Slot fans can chase big progressive jackpots or stick with classic games, while table game lovers will appreciate the variety of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat on offer. The live casino brings the excitement of a real casino floor right to your screen, and it’s all optimized for mobile if you prefer to play on the go.

    Bonuses and Promotions: Crypto Players Get Extra Love

    Welcome Offers That Stand Out

    If you’re new to Wild Casino, you’re in for a treat. The welcome bonus is especially generous for those depositing with crypto, often giving you a bigger match or extra spins compared to regular payment methods. It’s a great way to get started with a boosted bankroll.

    Regular Rewards for Loyal Players

    Wild Casino doesn’t forget about you after your first deposit, either. There are plenty of reload bonuses, ongoing promotions, and tournaments to keep things interesting. Crypto users sometimes get access to exclusive deals, so it pays to keep an eye on the promo page.

    User Experience: Smooth Sailing on Any Device

    Easy to Navigate

    It’s clear Wild Casino has put thought into its website design. Everything from signing up to finding your favorite games is straightforward. The site is responsive, loads quickly, and works just as well on your phone or tablet as it does on a desktop.

    Support When You Need It

    Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat and email. The team is friendly and helpful, which is always reassuring if you ever hit a snag or have a question about your account.

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    Licensed, Audited, and Transparent

    Wild Casino operates with a proper gaming license and has its games independently audited for fairness. This means you can play knowing the odds are real and the outcomes are random. Security is also a top priority, with SSL encryption protecting your personal and financial data at all times.

    Commitment to Safe Play

    Responsible gambling isn’t just a buzzword here. Wild Casino provides tools for setting deposit limits, taking breaks, or self-excluding if you ever need to. There’s also plenty of information for those seeking help, showing a genuine commitment to player wellbeing.

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    If you’re looking for a casino that combines high payouts with a modern, crypto-friendly approach, Wild Casino ticks all the boxes. Fast and private banking, generous bonuses, a wide selection of games, and a trustworthy reputation make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced players. Whether you’re hoping to win big or just want a fun, secure place to play, Wild Casino is one of the best options out there in 2025. Give it a spin—you might just find your new favorite gaming home.

    What Makes a High Payout Online Casino?

    When we talk about the highest paying online casinos, we’re referring to platforms that consistently offer players better odds and bigger returns on their bets. The main factor to look for is the Return to Player (RTP) percentage, which measures how much of the money wagered on online casino games is paid back to players over time. For example, if a slot machine boasts a 97% RTP, it means that, on average, $97 of every $100 wagered is returned to players.

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    Real money online casinos that prioritize transparent RTPs and fair gaming are the ones that attract savvy players. These casinos also tend to offer attractive online casino bonuses and a wide selection of real money casino games, giving you even more opportunities to play and win.

    Why Play at a Crypto or Bitcoin Online Casino?

    The growing popularity of real money online casinos that support cryptocurrencies is no coincidence. Crypto and Bitcoin casinos are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for players seeking convenience, privacy, and speed. One of the most significant advantages is how quickly you can deposit and withdraw funds. Unlike traditional payment methods—which often require days to process online casino payouts—crypto transactions are usually completed within minutes, getting your winnings to you faster.

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    Ultimately, if you’re looking for a modern, efficient, and player-friendly way to enjoy high RTP games, crypto and Bitcoin casinos are among the very highest paying online casinos available today.

    How to Choose the Best Paying Online Casinos for Crypto and Bitcoin

    With so many casino sites and offshore online casinos available in 2025, finding the best paying online casino for your real money gaming can feel overwhelming. The first step is to make sure the platform is fully licensed and operates where online casinos are legal. This ensures your chosen casino is committed to fair play, transparency, and player protection, providing you with a safe online casino experience.

    Variety is another key factor. The top online casino platforms offer a robust selection of the best online casino games, including high RTP online slots, table games, and live dealer games. If you want to maximize your chances for big wins, always check the RTP and look for the best payout casino games—these titles consistently return more to players and are a hallmark of any best paying online casino.

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    Payment methods are also crucial when evaluating payout online options. The best online casino sites support a wide range of cryptocurrencies, ensuring fast, secure, and private deposits and withdrawals. Quick and reliable payout online processes are especially important for real money online casino fans who want immediate access to their winnings.

    Customer support is another area that shouldn’t be overlooked. Reputable casino sites provide 24/7 assistance via live chat or email, ensuring you can get help with anything from bonuses to payout online questions. Finally, always check player reviews and independent ratings to confirm the casino delivers the best online casino experience and that the online casino pays out winnings promptly and fairly.

    Wild Casino: A Top Online Casino for High Payouts and Crypto Gaming

    When it comes to the best paying online casinos for crypto and Bitcoin in 2025, Wild Casino is earning widespread recognition as a top online casino and a leader in the industry. Wild Casino is fully licensed and compliant with all regulations, so you can play with confidence knowing you’re at a site where online casinos are legal and player safety is a priority.

    Wild Casino’s game selection is second to none, offering hundreds of real money online slots, classic table games, and an impressive range of live dealer games. Whether you love spinning the reels or taking a seat at a real-time blackjack table, you’ll find some of the best payout casino games available. This platform is especially popular for its consistently high RTP rates, giving players a real shot at substantial returns. With so many best online casino games to choose from, there’s something for every type of player.

    Crypto enthusiasts will appreciate how easy Wild Casino makes it to deposit, play, and withdraw using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other digital currencies. Not only are crypto transactions fast and secure, but the casino’s payout online process is remarkably efficient—winners often receive their funds within hours. This commitment to speedy payouts is a big reason why so many real money online players choose Wild Casino as their go-to destination.

    Bonuses are another strong point. New players can take advantage of generous welcome offers, especially when depositing with crypto, while regulars enjoy reload bonuses, free spins, and special tournament rewards. These online casino bonuses give everyone more chances to play and win.

    Customer support is available 24/7 and the site is fully optimized for mobile, so you can enjoy the best online casino experience from anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to real money casinos, Wild Casino makes it easy to enjoy the best paying online casino games, fast payouts, and first-class support—all in a secure, crypto-friendly environment.

    How to Maximize Your Winnings at High Payout Online Casinos

    If you want to make the most out of your experience at high payout online casinos like Wild Casino, there are a few strategies you can employ. First, always take the time to review game RTP percentages. Focus on slots and table games with the highest payout rates to tilt the odds in your favor. Blackjack, for example, is known for its favorable odds when played with the right strategy.

    Take full advantage of the casino’s bonuses and promotions. Welcome bonuses, reload offers, and free spins can significantly boost your bankroll and extend your playtime. However, always read the terms and conditions to understand wagering requirements and withdrawal limits associated with these offers.

    Effective bankroll management is key to sustainable gambling. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it, regardless of how hot or cold your streak is. This disciplined approach ensures you never bet more than you can afford to lose and helps you enjoy your gaming sessions without stress.

    Don’t overlook progressive jackpot games, which can offer life-changing payouts. While the odds of hitting a massive jackpot are slim, someone has to win eventually—and it might just be you. Lastly, stay informed. Casinos like Wild Casino often run special promotions, tournaments, and events. Participating in these can give you extra chances to win big and add an extra layer of excitement to your experience.

    Safety, Security, and Fair Play in Crypto Casinos

    Playing at a reputable crypto casino like Wild Casino comes with a host of safety and security benefits. The platform uses state-of-the-art SSL encryption to protect all transactions and personal data, ensuring your information is never at risk. Many games at Wild Casino are independently audited for fairness, and the results are published for maximum transparency.

    Fair gaming is another advantage of crypto casinos. This technology leverages blockchain to allow players to verify the randomness and fairness of each game outcome. It’s a level of transparency rarely matched by traditional online casinos and is a big reason why so many players trust platforms like Wild Casino.

    Responsible gambling is also a priority. Wild Casino offers various tools to help players stay in control, including deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to support organizations. If you ever feel that your gambling is becoming problematic, these resources are there to help you get back on track.

    Don’t Miss Out—Claim Your Welcome Bonus and Explore Wild Casino’s Latest High Payout Games Now!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is the highest payout percentage available at online casinos?
    Some games at Wild Casino feature RTPs as high as 98% or more, particularly certain slots and table games. Always check each game’s info to find the best odds.

    Are crypto casinos legal and safe?
    Wild Casino is fully licensed and adheres to strict regulatory standards, making it both legal (where online gambling is allowed) and safe to play at.

    How do I deposit and withdraw with Bitcoin?
    Simply register at Wild Casino, navigate to the cashier section, and select Bitcoin as your payment method. The site provides clear instructions for both deposits and withdrawals, and most transactions are processed almost instantly.

    Can I play anonymously at Wild Casino?
    While some basic information is required to comply with licensing regulations, Wild Casino allows you to play with a high degree of privacy, particularly when using cryptocurrencies.

    High Payout Online Casinos Summary

    The future of online gambling shines brightly in 2025, with high payout crypto casinos like Wild Casino leading the way. 

    Embracing digital currencies, offering top-notch games with excellent RTPs, and prioritizing player security, Wild Casino delivers a superior gaming experience. 

    By choosing the right casino, focusing on high payout games, and playing responsibly, you can maximize your chances for big wins and enjoy all the excitement that online gambling has to offer. 

    If you’re ready to explore the best in crypto gaming, Wild Casino is your ticket to big wins and a world-class casino adventure.

    Media Contact: Alan Jarvis

    Project name : Wild Casino

    Company Website: https://wild-casino.live/

    Email: support@wild-casino.live

    Phone: (08) 8326 3976

    Scharlooweg 39, Willemstad, Curaçao

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Highest Payout Online Casino 2025 from WildCasino: Announcing the Latest Crypto & Bitcoin Online Casinos for Big Wins

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Willemstad, Curaçao, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    The online casino industry is entering a bold new era in 2025, thanks to the explosive growth of digital currencies and cutting-edge gaming technology. 

    Today, Wild Casino proudly announces its position as the premier destination for players seeking the highest payouts, seamless cryptocurrency integration, and a world-class gaming experience.

    With a strong commitment to innovation and player-centric features, Wild Casino is revolutionizing the way enthusiasts enjoy online gambling. 

    By embracing popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Wild Casino empowers players with lightning-fast transactions, enhanced privacy, and access to a new generation of high payout games. 

    This marks a significant leap forward for players who demand both excitement and the opportunity for substantial wins. 

    Wild Casino’s launch signals a new benchmark for security, fairness, and entertainment in the online gaming landscape. View Wild Casino High Payout Casino Latest Promotions

    Players now have the opportunity to maximize their winnings while enjoying the convenience and anonymity that only crypto-friendly platforms can provide.

    For those eager to experience the future of online gambling—where big wins and next-level privacy go hand in hand—Wild Casino is leading the way in 2025.

    Wild Casino 2025: Where High Payouts Meet the Crypto Revolution

    Online casinos have changed a lot in recent years, but few have managed to stand out the way Wild Casino does in 2025. 

    Unlock Exclusive Promotions—Sign Up Now and Play Top Bitcoin Casino Games for Big Wins!

    This is a site that truly puts players first, whether you’re spinning the reels for fun or looking to cash in big. 

    What really sets Wild Casino apart is its commitment to high payouts and a seamless crypto-friendly experience. 

    If you’re searching for a casino that pays well and welcomes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital coins, Wild Casino might just be your new favorite.

    Crypto-Friendly Banking: Fast, Private, and Stress-Free

    • A Home for Crypto Gamblers Wild Casino has embraced cryptocurrencies like few others in the industry. Not only can you make deposits and withdrawals using major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, but the process is refreshingly simple. It’s clear the team behind Wild Casino understands what crypto users want: speed, privacy, and flexibility.
    • Quick and Convenient Transactions One of the biggest gripes players have with online casinos is how long it can take to cash out. That’s not a problem here. Crypto deposits show up almost instantly, and withdrawals are processed within hours—sometimes even faster. You also avoid a lot of the fees and red tape that come with traditional payment methods.
    • Keeping Your Details Private Another perk of using crypto at Wild Casino is the added layer of privacy. While the casino complies with licensing regulations and collects the basic info, using digital currencies means you don’t have to share sensitive banking details. For many players, that peace of mind is priceless.

    Ready for Huge Wins? Start Playing at Wild Casino, the Leading Crypto Casino of 2025!

    High Payouts: More Money Back in Your Pocket

    Generous RTP Across the Board

    Let’s talk about what most players care about: payouts. Wild Casino is known for offering games with some of the highest Return to Player (RTP) percentages around. Whether you’re spinning slots or playing blackjack, you’ll find plenty of options with RTPs in the 96–98% range. Over time, that can make a real difference in your bankroll.

    A Game Library That Delivers

    There’s no shortage of choice here. Wild Casino’s lineup includes hundreds of slots, dozens of table games, and a truly impressive live dealer section. Slot fans can chase big progressive jackpots or stick with classic games, while table game lovers will appreciate the variety of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat on offer. The live casino brings the excitement of a real casino floor right to your screen, and it’s all optimized for mobile if you prefer to play on the go.

    Bonuses and Promotions: Crypto Players Get Extra Love

    Welcome Offers That Stand Out

    If you’re new to Wild Casino, you’re in for a treat. The welcome bonus is especially generous for those depositing with crypto, often giving you a bigger match or extra spins compared to regular payment methods. It’s a great way to get started with a boosted bankroll.

    Regular Rewards for Loyal Players

    Wild Casino doesn’t forget about you after your first deposit, either. There are plenty of reload bonuses, ongoing promotions, and tournaments to keep things interesting. Crypto users sometimes get access to exclusive deals, so it pays to keep an eye on the promo page.

    User Experience: Smooth Sailing on Any Device

    Easy to Navigate

    It’s clear Wild Casino has put thought into its website design. Everything from signing up to finding your favorite games is straightforward. The site is responsive, loads quickly, and works just as well on your phone or tablet as it does on a desktop.

    Support When You Need It

    Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat and email. The team is friendly and helpful, which is always reassuring if you ever hit a snag or have a question about your account.

    Security, Fairness, and Responsible Gaming

    Licensed, Audited, and Transparent

    Wild Casino operates with a proper gaming license and has its games independently audited for fairness. This means you can play knowing the odds are real and the outcomes are random. Security is also a top priority, with SSL encryption protecting your personal and financial data at all times.

    Commitment to Safe Play

    Responsible gambling isn’t just a buzzword here. Wild Casino provides tools for setting deposit limits, taking breaks, or self-excluding if you ever need to. There’s also plenty of information for those seeking help, showing a genuine commitment to player wellbeing.

    Is Wild Casino Worth a Try in 2025?

    If you’re looking for a casino that combines high payouts with a modern, crypto-friendly approach, Wild Casino ticks all the boxes. Fast and private banking, generous bonuses, a wide selection of games, and a trustworthy reputation make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced players. Whether you’re hoping to win big or just want a fun, secure place to play, Wild Casino is one of the best options out there in 2025. Give it a spin—you might just find your new favorite gaming home.

    What Makes a High Payout Online Casino?

    When we talk about the highest paying online casinos, we’re referring to platforms that consistently offer players better odds and bigger returns on their bets. The main factor to look for is the Return to Player (RTP) percentage, which measures how much of the money wagered on online casino games is paid back to players over time. For example, if a slot machine boasts a 97% RTP, it means that, on average, $97 of every $100 wagered is returned to players.

    This is why finding the best payout online casino is so important for anyone who wants to maximize their wins. Higher RTPs translate to more favorable online casino payouts and a greater chance of success, especially when playing for real money. Whether you prefer spinning slots, trying your luck at the blackjack tables, or joining a live dealer game, choosing a casino known for high payout rates can make your gaming sessions more rewarding and stretch your bankroll further.

    Real money online casinos that prioritize transparent RTPs and fair gaming are the ones that attract savvy players. These casinos also tend to offer attractive online casino bonuses and a wide selection of real money casino games, giving you even more opportunities to play and win.

    Why Play at a Crypto or Bitcoin Online Casino?

    The growing popularity of real money online casinos that support cryptocurrencies is no coincidence. Crypto and Bitcoin casinos are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for players seeking convenience, privacy, and speed. One of the most significant advantages is how quickly you can deposit and withdraw funds. Unlike traditional payment methods—which often require days to process online casino payouts—crypto transactions are usually completed within minutes, getting your winnings to you faster.

    Security and privacy are other major draws. Many of the best payout online casinos that accept Bitcoin or other digital currencies require minimal personal information. This lets you enjoy your favorite online casino games while keeping your identity and financial details secure. Additionally, crypto payments are typically free from the high fees associated with bank cards and wire transfers.

    Another benefit is accessibility—players from all over the world can join in, regardless of their local banking regulations. The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies eliminates the need to worry about regional restrictions or currency conversion hassles, making the gaming experience at real money casinos smoother and more inclusive.

    Ultimately, if you’re looking for a modern, efficient, and player-friendly way to enjoy high RTP games, crypto and Bitcoin casinos are among the very highest paying online casinos available today.

    How to Choose the Best Paying Online Casinos for Crypto and Bitcoin

    With so many casino sites and offshore online casinos available in 2025, finding the best paying online casino for your real money gaming can feel overwhelming. The first step is to make sure the platform is fully licensed and operates where online casinos are legal. This ensures your chosen casino is committed to fair play, transparency, and player protection, providing you with a safe online casino experience.

    Variety is another key factor. The top online casino platforms offer a robust selection of the best online casino games, including high RTP online slots, table games, and live dealer games. If you want to maximize your chances for big wins, always check the RTP and look for the best payout casino games—these titles consistently return more to players and are a hallmark of any best paying online casino.

    Bonuses and promotions can greatly enhance your experience and bankroll. Look for casino sites that provide generous welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and exclusive offers for crypto users. The best online casino brands often reward Bitcoin or Ethereum deposits with extra perks like free spins or reload bonuses, giving real money online players even more value.

    Payment methods are also crucial when evaluating payout online options. The best online casino sites support a wide range of cryptocurrencies, ensuring fast, secure, and private deposits and withdrawals. Quick and reliable payout online processes are especially important for real money online casino fans who want immediate access to their winnings.

    Customer support is another area that shouldn’t be overlooked. Reputable casino sites provide 24/7 assistance via live chat or email, ensuring you can get help with anything from bonuses to payout online questions. Finally, always check player reviews and independent ratings to confirm the casino delivers the best online casino experience and that the online casino pays out winnings promptly and fairly.

    Wild Casino: A Top Online Casino for High Payouts and Crypto Gaming

    When it comes to the best paying online casinos for crypto and Bitcoin in 2025, Wild Casino is earning widespread recognition as a top online casino and a leader in the industry. Wild Casino is fully licensed and compliant with all regulations, so you can play with confidence knowing you’re at a site where online casinos are legal and player safety is a priority.

    Wild Casino’s game selection is second to none, offering hundreds of real money online slots, classic table games, and an impressive range of live dealer games. Whether you love spinning the reels or taking a seat at a real-time blackjack table, you’ll find some of the best payout casino games available. This platform is especially popular for its consistently high RTP rates, giving players a real shot at substantial returns. With so many best online casino games to choose from, there’s something for every type of player.

    Crypto enthusiasts will appreciate how easy Wild Casino makes it to deposit, play, and withdraw using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other digital currencies. Not only are crypto transactions fast and secure, but the casino’s payout online process is remarkably efficient—winners often receive their funds within hours. This commitment to speedy payouts is a big reason why so many real money online players choose Wild Casino as their go-to destination.

    Bonuses are another strong point. New players can take advantage of generous welcome offers, especially when depositing with crypto, while regulars enjoy reload bonuses, free spins, and special tournament rewards. These online casino bonuses give everyone more chances to play and win.

    Customer support is available 24/7 and the site is fully optimized for mobile, so you can enjoy the best online casino experience from anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to real money casinos, Wild Casino makes it easy to enjoy the best paying online casino games, fast payouts, and first-class support—all in a secure, crypto-friendly environment.

    How to Maximize Your Winnings at High Payout Online Casinos

    If you want to make the most out of your experience at high payout online casinos like Wild Casino, there are a few strategies you can employ. First, always take the time to review game RTP percentages. Focus on slots and table games with the highest payout rates to tilt the odds in your favor. Blackjack, for example, is known for its favorable odds when played with the right strategy.

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    High Payout Online Casinos Summary

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    Media Contact: Alan Jarvis

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    Scharlooweg 39, Willemstad, Curaçao

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NHS App overhaul will break down barriers to healthcare and reduce inequalities

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    NHS App overhaul will break down barriers to healthcare and reduce inequalities

    The NHS App will be transformed so it gives every patient information, choice and control of their own healthcare.

    • Upgraded NHS App will help tackle nation’s health inequalities and give patients access to the best care
    • New tool will give everyone choice based on patient satisfaction, waiting times and healthcare outcomes
    • Healthcare democratised through new tool, with information about conditions and procedures at the touch of a button

    The NHS App will be transformed so it gives every patient – whatever their postcode or background – information, choice, and control of their own healthcare so they have the best information at their fingertips, as the government’s 10 Year Health Plan closes the stark health inequalities faced by millions of people.

    Under the current system, wealthier patients often have more information about the country’s hospitals and access to better care. The improved NHS App will democratise care, so everyone, including those from working class communities, has the information they need about their conditions or procedures they’re due to go through.

    Using AI, the new My Companion tool will give patients direct access to trusted health information, so there are always 2 experts in every consulting room – the clinician and the patient. It will help patients articulate their health needs and preferences confidently – providing information about a health condition if they have one, or a procedure if they need one. It will support patients to ask questions, including any they may have forgotten about or felt too embarrassed to raise at an in-person appointment.

    A new feature called My Choices will help people find everything from their nearest pharmacy, to the best rated providers for heart, hip or knee surgery – all on the app. It will provide a range of data on providers across the country – such as which delivers the shortest waits, has the best patient outcomes, the best patient satisfaction scores, or is simply closest to home – so anyone, anywhere, can pick care based on their own preferences. People who just want to be sent to their local provider will be as a default.

    This will end the ‘one size fits all’ approach, which often misses the distinct needs of different people, including women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds or people who live in more rural communities, among many others.

    It comes as the Health Secretary today unveiled a radical package of measures under the 10 Year Health Plan to tackle health inequalities, freeing up billions of pounds to move critical resources like medicines and equipment to the communities that most need them, alongside changes to the way GP funding is distributed to help working class communities and coastal areas.

    Speaking in Blackpool today, Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said:

    The NHS feels increasingly slow and outdated to the generation that organises their lives at the touch of a button. If you get annoyed at Deliveroo not getting your dinner to you in less than an hour, how will you feel being told to wait a year for a knee operation? A failure to modernise risks this generation walking away from the NHS, first for their healthcare, and then with their taxes.

    People won’t accept paying higher and higher taxes to fund a health service that no longer meets their needs. And the lack of control people feel over their own lives is made worse by an analogue, ‘computer says no’, NHS. We can only close this inequality and shut down this risk to the NHS’s future, through a revolution in patient power.

    The ambition of our 10 Year Health Plan is nothing less than to provide NHS patients with the same ease and convenience that’s afforded to private patients. The good news is that technology gives us the opportunity to democratise healthcare in a way never before possible. It can empower patients with choice and control and make managing our healthcare as convenient as doing our shopping or banking online.

    Technology can be the great leveller. Look at what Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert, has done for personal finances. For ordinary people – who could never afford their own financial adviser – it is simple and easy to make your hard-earned money go further. Our 10 year plan for health will do the same for NHS patients – giving them easy access to information, to help them improve their health.

    Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS National Director of Transformation, said:

    The shift from analogue to digital set out in the 10 Year Health Plan will transform the services we offer through the NHS App, making it the single most important tool patients use to get health information and control their care.

    These exciting reforms will be invaluable in combating health disparities and providing world-leading access to those who have not previously been able to get care on their own terms – by providing transparent data about services or supporting carers to manage the care of loved ones. We will co-design these with patients and carers to ensure that the app can be accessed by everyone.

    All this and more will be available from your pocket, making controlling your own healthcare as easy as placing an online shopping order.

    The government has already exceeded its target to increase the number of hospitals allowing patients to view appointment information on the NHS App up to 85% by the end of March 2025. This has now reached 87%, up from 68% in July 2024. It means millions of patients are already starting to benefit from greater choice and flexibility in the way they access healthcare.

    Since July 2024, these features have saved almost 5.7 million hours of staff time, including 1.26 million clinical hours across health settings – together with the 1.5 million missed appointments avoided, the shift to the NHS App has helped save the equivalent of £622 million.

    The Health and Social Care Secretary also announced today that people from traditionally working-class communities, unpaid carers and over 50s will be among those supported onto the NHS career ladder, as the government’s Plan for Change tackles rampant health inequalities and gets Britain working. The government has confirmed a new pilot to recruit an initial 1,000 people from groups or areas worst hit by unemployment.

    Backed by £5 million, the new recruitment scheme will target those who historically face barriers into employment, including young people not in education or training, unpaid carers, care leavers, people with special educational needs and disabilities, people with long-term health conditions or disabilities, ethnic minority groups with no/low level qualifications, refugees, asylum seekers and prison leavers.

    Covering communities across the country, the programme may teach important skills to support a move into the health and care sector, alongside support with job applications and preparing for interviews. Participants will also have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a local health and care employer.

    Many will then move onto important roles, such as health support workers, facilities management, administrative positions, nursing support roles and pharmacy support roles, kickstarting an exciting, long-term career within health and care.

    Through our Plan for Change, this government is committed to raising living standards, driving growth and productivity, and tackling inequalities.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: In Ituri, authorities and armed groups seek to reinforce the 2023 peace accord


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    In Aru, a new round of peace talks is building on earlier efforts to bring stability to Ituri province. The dialogue, known as “Aru 2”, brings together authorities, armed groups, local leaders, and civil society to reinforce the process launched in 2023.

    That previous initiative, supported by MONUSCO, led to the signing of a peace protocol by several armed groups including CODECO, ZAIRE, FRPI, FPIC, TCHINI YA TUNA, and MAPI pledged to cease hostilities and work towards peace, security and cohesion in the province.

    Their commitment to end hostilities resulted in tangible gains: displaced families returned home, local markets reopened, and roads such as the Nizi-Mongbwalu route became passable again. This new round of discussions aims to safeguard and expand those gains .

    At Aru, the participants now intend to build on these achievements. For five days, they will review the commitments made in 2023. “Aru 1 was half a success. Not all commitments were met, but progress was made,” says Firmin Kone Massagnou of MONUSCO’s Civil Affairs section.

    Renewed Expectations

    Over the course of five days, participants are reviewing past commitments and negotiating a new ceasefire. “We must also restart socio-economic activities to support the lasting return of displaced communities.” said Massagnou.

    Civil society representative Jean-Marie Ezadri urged local leaders to encourage fighters to disarm and join the national reintegration programme (PDDRC-S). Sarah Muderwa, from Synergie des jeunes filles de l’Ituri, said she hoped this renewed engagement would help stop sexual violence.

    Another priority is the return of traditional and administrative authorities to their communities, seen as essential for restoring local governance.

    At the launch of the talks, General Antoine David Mushimba, commander of the 32nd military region, appealed to armed youth to embrace peace. MONUSCO reiterated its commitment to supporting this process alongside national institutions, in line with its mandate to protect civilians.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Comoros: Blue Economy Offers a Transformative Path to Sustainable Growth


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    Comoros’ economy shows signs of recovery, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels. Growth rose from 3 percent in 2023 to 3.4 percent in 2024, driven by household consumption supported by a 5.4 percent increase in remittances and strong services sector performance. Average annual inflation declined from 8.5 to 5.0 percent in 2024, reflecting the stabilization of global commodity prices and lower inflation in the Eurozone. Growth is projected to reach 4 percent by 2027, fueled by consumption and planned investments. However, poverty is projected to decline only slightly, due to modest GDP growth, high inequality, and weak social protection. Using the lower middle-income poverty line of $3.65 per day, the poverty rate is estimated at 38.1 percent in 2024 and expected to fall marginally to 37.2 percent in 2025.

    “Persistent poverty and high inequality in Comoros reflect deep regional disparities and structural challenges. Low labor participation, underemployment, and limited access to quality education continue to hold back productivity and incomes. While remittances offer short-term relief, they cannot replace a dynamic, self-sustaining economy,” said Boubacar-Sid Barry, World Bank Resident Representative in Comoros. “Without bold reforms, poverty may deepen. The World Bank is committed to supporting Comoros on its path toward more inclusive and sustainable growth.”

    The first edition of the Comoros Economic Update: An Ocean of Opportunities from the World Bank highlights that, without addressing structural barriers to investment and external competitiveness, growth will remain fragile. This will hamper job creation and income growth needed to reduce poverty and strengthen resilience to future shocks. The report also warns of significant downside risks. Comoros remains highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, while rising fiscal pressures, contingent liabilities from state-owned enterprises, and a fragile banking sector increase macroeconomic risks. The current account deficit is expected to widen in the medium-term due to structural trade imbalances and infrastructure-driven imports, emphasizing the need for export diversification, stronger external buffers, and sustainable financing strategies.

    The blue economy offers a transformative opportunity for Comoros to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, according to the focus section of this report. With targeted reforms and strategic investments, it has the potential to elevate Comoros to upper-middle-income status by 2050, requiring sustained annual GDP growth of 6.1 percent. Fisheries have demonstrated strong performance, averaging 11.4 percent of GDP between 2018 and 2024. Modernizing the sector could increase its contribution to 16 percent by 2035. Marine tourism also holds significant promise, with the potential to quadruple visitor arrivals by 2030 and contribute over 6 percent of GDP by mid-century. Integrated development of eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and marine conservation can further promote inclusive growth while protecting natural ecosystems. However, achieving this vision will depend on restoring natural capital, expanding renewable energy, upgrading infrastructure, and strengthening environmental safeguards.

    “Comoros stands at a turning point. The shift toward services and the blue economy has the potential to make Comoros a regional leader in sustainability. By 2040, services could contribute nearly two-thirds of GDP, with tourism and fisheries driving inclusive growth. Strong governance and sustained investment in these sectors can unlock lasting opportunities for people and protect the country’s natural wealth,” said Patrick John McCartney, Senior Economist at the World Bank in Comoros and author of the report.

    A well-executed blue economy strategy can position Comoros as a regional leader in sustainable marine resource management while driving economic diversification, job creation, and resilience. Fully leveraging the synergies between fisheries, tourism, and conservation will be key to maximizing economic benefits while protecting vital natural assets. Strategic investments in governance, infrastructure, market access, and environmental sustainability can help transform the blue economy into a pillar of national development. This vision aligns with the objectives of the Plan Comoros Émergent 2030 (PCE 2030). By capitalizing on its rich marine resources, Comoros can pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future, achieving its ambition of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2050.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illegal alien, wife who scammed elderly, others out of more than $3 million sentenced to 15 years following investigation by ICE Houston

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — An illegal alien from Nigeria and his wife have both been sentenced for operating a nationwide fraud ring that targeted elderly victims and other vulnerable populations using romance scams and other financial schemes.

    The investigation that exposed and dismantled the scheme was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Houston.

    Darlington Akporugo, a 47-year-old illegal alien from Nigeria, and his wife Jasmin Sood, a 37-year-old Houston resident, were sentenced June 24 to 188 months and 121 months in prison, respectively, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Akporugo pleaded guilty earlier this year on Feb. 28, while Sood pleaded guilty Dec. 17, 2024. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences and are required to pay full restitution of $3,123,073.

    “Romance scams and other financial schemes like this exploit our nation’s elderly and vulnerable populations out of their hard-earned retirement savings and other critical funding that they need to survive,” said HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “As a result, they are often left emotionally devastated and financially ruined with limited options for recovery once the money has been laundered out of the U.S. Thanks to the courage of the victims in this case who came forward quickly to report it to law enforcement, we were able to successfully track down the two criminals responsible and hold them accountable before they could take advantage of additional victims.”

    At the hearing, four victims testified about the couple’s persistent lies and false promises, which led them to send large sums of money. One victim told the court how the pair coerced her into buying a luxury vehicle and renting a mansion for them. Authorities arrested the couple while they were driving the victim’s vehicle and living in her rented home. In handing down the sentence, the court described the scheme as heartless and far-reaching, noting Akporugo and Sood deliberately targeted older women, including several widows.

    Akporugo admitted to leading the long-running romance scheme based in Houston that targeted victims from Chicago to Kentucky. He and others lured victims through online romances and convinced them to send money to bank accounts he controlled. Sood created fake businesses and bank accounts under aliases and used disguises to deposit the funds.

    To carry out the scheme, Akporugo and his co-conspirators used fake names on social media to gain victims’ trust and persuade them to invest in nonexistent businesses or provide funds for invented personal circumstances. Akporugo admitted to directing victims — mostly older individuals — to send money through platforms like Facebook. The funds were spent extravagantly or passed to co-defendants.

    He also admitted to having victims open lines of credit in his name and, in one case, having the victim purchase a luxury vehicle for his personal use. Authorities identified over 25 victims during the multiyear scheme.

    Losses from the fraud ring’s operation total more than $3 million.

    Both will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.

    For more news and information on how ICE HSI combats financial crimes and other transnational criminal activity in Southeast Texas follow us on X at @HSIHouston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Record 769 arrests and USD 65 million in illicit pharmaceuticals seized in global bust

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    25 June 2025

    Operation reveals growing demand for semaglutides and peptides as ‘lifestyle enhancers’

    SINGAPORE – An INTERPOL-coordinated operation across 90 countries has resulted in the seizure of 50.4 million doses of illicit pharmaceuticals worth USD 65 million, highlighting the alarming scale of the global trade in unapproved and counterfeit medicines.

    Operation Pangea XVII, which took place from December 2024 to May 2025, saw the arrest of 769 suspects and the dismantling of 123 criminal groups worldwide.

    The seizures and arrests are the largest in the operation’s 17-year history.

    Nervous system agents, including psychostimulants, anti-anxiety drugs, and medications for Parkinson’s disease, topped the list as the most seized product type, with erectile dysfunction medicines, the second highest.

    Other commonly seized product types include anabolic steroids, anti-diabetic medicines, anti-smoking products, dermatological agents, health supplements, herbal products and psychotherapeutic agents.

    David Caunter, Director pro tempore of Organized and Emerging Crime at INTERPOL, said:

    “Fake and unapproved medications are a serious risk to public health. They can include dangerous or illegal ingredients potentially resulting in severe illness, or even death.

    “The rapid growth of online platforms has made it easier for these unsafe drugs to reach people as well as opening new opportunities for criminal networks to exploit.

    “Working together through Operation Pangea, countries are taking action to protect people’s health and keep healthcare systems safe.”

    Ethiopian authorities discovered illicit pharmaceuticals hidden inside a container.

    Seizures of anti-diabetic medication in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

    Customs inspection at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia.

    Inspection at a warehouse in Malaysia.

    Illicit pharmaceuticals seized in Türkiye.

    Illicit pharmaceuticals seized in Malaysia.

     

    Growing demand for anti-diabetic medications and peptide supplements

    The operation revealed growing demand for anti-diabetic drugs and peptide supplements, driven by increasing self-medication, among other factors.

    This trend is being driven by the widespread promotion and availability of these medicines across social media and online marketplaces, creating lucrative and relatively low-risk opportunities for criminal networks selling low-quality or counterfeit products.

    Data from participating countries indicate increasing circulation of illicit anti-diabetic medicines globally due to their off-label weight loss effects, with unapproved and potentially fake drugs seized in the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America.

    Estimates suggest that a single semaglutide pen may sell for several hundred US dollars on the secondary market.

    The seizures corroborate recent alerts from the World Health Organization and various national health regulatory agencies warning of emerging risks associated with GLP-1-related injectable drugs.

    Operation Pangea XVII revealed another emerging trend – growing demand for peptide supplements for their perceived cosmetic and performance-enhancing benefits, especially in high-income countries across Europe, North America and Oceania.

    These supplements, such as BPC-157, ipamorelin, and melanotan, remain unapproved in many regions due to potential health risks and the lack of sufficient human trials, and until recently, seizures of such peptide-based biologically active substances were rare.

    Ethiopian authorities discovered illicit pharmaceuticals hidden inside a container.

    Illicit pharmaceuticals seized in Argentina.

    Unapproved pregabalin medicines seized in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

    Suspected counterfeit tramadol and other medicines seized in Gabon.

    Illicit pharmaceuticals found in a clandestine clinic in Mozambique.

    Illicit erectile dysfunction medicines seized in Bulgaria.

    Operational highlights

    In total, law enforcement agencies worldwide launched 1,728 investigations and issued 847 search warrants targeting criminal networks engaged in the illicit distribution of pharmaceutical products.

    93 per cent of the illicit pharmaceuticals seized lacked regulatory approvals from national health authorities.

    Such products may contain counterfeit, substandard or falsified substances which have not been identified.

    The remaining seven per cent were confirmed as either counterfeit, diverted, or misbranded products.

    Australia recorded the largest seizures globally, with psychostimulants such as modafinil and armodafinil being the most common category seized nationally. This was followed by anti-smoking pouches and erectile dysfunction medicines.

    Professor Tony Lawler, Head of Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said:

    “During this operation, the TGA assessed over 9,500 imports referred by the Australian Border Force and facilitated the seizure of over 5.2 million units of unlawfully imported therapeutic goods, including products that were found to be substandard or falsified.

    This operational partnership represents a significant disruption of dangerous medicines from entering our community, and diversion of profits from those that would usually benefit from the illegal sale and supply.”

    Large seizures of various illicit pharmaceuticals were similarly reported in Canada, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States, among other countries. 

    Operation Pangea XVII also saw the shutdown of approximately 13,000 criminal-linked websites, social media pages, channels, and bots used to market and sell illegal or falsified medicines.

    Malaysia removed the greatest number of online listings (7,000), followed by Russia, Ireland, Singapore and Iran. The five countries collectively accounted for 96 per cent of all listings taken down.

    In Burkina Faso, 816,000 tablets including analgesics and anti-inflammatories were discovered hidden in vehicles.

    In Mexico, authorities intercepted 27,000 clonazepam tablets and 20,000 alprazolam tablets passing through a courier facility in Tijuana.

    In Portugal, anabolic steroids were discovered in eight prisons across the country, unveiling evidence of a criminal network smuggling illicit substances into correctional facilities.

    Notes to Editor

    Operation Pangea is an annual INTERPOL operation targeting the online sale of illicit pharmaceuticals. The 17th edition of the operation marked a departure from previous iterations with enforcement action taking place over six months instead of the traditional one week. This extended duration allowed for a more comprehensive and sustained effort to disrupt criminal networks.

    Additional support was provided by national health regulatory agencies, Europol, the International Narcotics Control Board, the Pharmaceutical Security Institute, the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Universal Postal Union, the World Customs Organization and the World Health Organization.

    The following countries participated in Operation Pangea XVII: Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Rep., Democratic Rep. of Congo, Denmark, Dominican Rep., Ecuador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mexico, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom), Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Rep San Marino, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, South Africa, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, Sri Lanka, St Lucia, Sweden, Thailand, Togo, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zimbabwe.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Coolizi Cooling Ace: Why Coolizi Emerges as a Leading Cooling Tech AC in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Atlantic City, NJ, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As rising global temperatures redefine daily life, a new class of personal cooling solutions is stepping into the spotlight. One product at the forefront is Coolizi Cooling Ace—a compact, bladeless, wearable cooling device designed to provide rapid and targeted relief in high-heat environments. In 2025, Coolizi is not just keeping users cool—it’s transforming how individuals manage comfort, health, and productivity during warmer months.

    A Timely Innovation: Addressing Rising Temperatures with Wearable Cooling

    From heatwaves to humid indoor spaces, consumers are increasingly seeking smarter ways to stay cool without relying on bulky, energy-draining appliances. Coolizi Cooling Ace enters the market at a critical time, offering a portable, personal cooling solution powered by advanced airflow and thermoelectric compression technology.

    With growing awareness of heat-related fatigue and wellness impacts, Coolizi is being positioned as more than a gadget—it’s a daily-use health and comfort enhancer for modern living.

    Inside the Coolizi Cooling Ace: Compact Design, Big Impact

    In the ever-evolving landscape of personal wellness technology, Coolizi Cooling Ace emerges as a standout innovation—thanks to its thoughtfully engineered, compact design. Shaped to fit comfortably around the neck, the device delivers discreet, targeted cooling to critical temperature-sensitive zones, making it an ideal solution for hot commutes, outdoor tasks, and indoor settings lacking adequate ventilation. Its form factor is feather-light, eliminating the strain often associated with neck-mounted accessories, while the airflow outlets are strategically positioned to maximize cooling efficiency without obstructing movement or conversation.
    The impact of this compact design extends beyond comfort. The wearable nature of the Coolizi Cooling Ace allows for hands-free operation, eliminating the need for handheld fans or stationary coolers. It’s engineered with lifestyle adaptability in mind—equally effective whether one is walking, working, or winding down. With a sleek, minimal aesthetic and a universally adjustable fit, it seamlessly integrates into any routine, regardless of age or occupation. In a market flooded with bulky gadgets, Coolizi’s ability to deliver precise thermal relief in a streamlined form marks it as a category-defining product. For users looking to stay cool without compromise, Coolizi is rapidly becoming the go-to wearable cooling solution of 2025.
    Visit Official Website To get More Information

    Engineering Breakthrough: How German Turbo Compression Powers Coolizi

    At the core of the Coolizi Cooling Ace is a technological advancement that separates it from standard personal cooling devices: German-engineered Turbo Compression technology. Unlike traditional fans that simply recycle warm air, this innovation actively cools the air drawn in before distributing it to the body. Through an advanced thermoelectric process, ambient air is compressed and rapidly cooled using a proprietary system, then released through bladeless, skin-safe outlets positioned along the collar frame.
    This breakthrough not only delivers a faster cooling response—it ensures sustained temperature reduction over long usage periods. The science behind Turbo Compression eliminates reliance on water tanks, ice packs, or refrigerants, making Coolizi a low-maintenance, eco-conscious cooling tool that still achieves superior results. Early users report a noticeable drop in perceived body temperature within just 30 seconds of activation, particularly in high-heat environments where traditional fans fall short.
    Furthermore, the system is whisper-quiet, registering at just ~20 decibels, ensuring that relief comes without disruptive noise. Whether used during sleep, study, or work, this engineering leap provides comfort without compromise. In the age of wearable wellness devices, Coolizi stands at the forefront, turning climate resilience into an effortless, daily reality.

    Three Cooling Modes, One Goal—Immediate Personal Relief

    As per official website, Users can toggle between the three preset modes to match their environment:

    • Cool: For mild relief during spring or indoor use.
    • Chill: For moderate summer days or post-workout cool-down.
    • Freeze: For extreme heat, including outdoor work or heatwaves.

    All modes operate at just ~20dB, making the device suitable for use during calls, sleep, or focused tasks—an uncommon feature among portable cooling units.

    Whisper-Quiet Operation: Designed for Work, Rest, and Recovery

    Noise-sensitive users—such as remote workers, students, and light sleepers—are responding positively to Coolizi’s low-decibel performance. Testimonials highlight the device’s ability to operate silently while providing real airflow and temperature reduction.

    This makes Coolizi a viable option not only for recreational use but also in workplace, wellness, and therapeutic settings where quiet environments are essential.

    Built for the Modern User: Portable, Rechargeable, and Maintenance-Free

    According to official website coolizi.com, Today’s consumers demand solutions that are not only effective but also effortlessly integrated into daily life. The Coolizi Cooling Ace is a prime example of how design and function converge to meet that need. Built for the fast-paced, tech-enabled lifestyles of 2025, this cooling device is entirely cordless, USB-C rechargeable, and free from the frequent upkeep typical of traditional air units. With a full charge, users can expect up to 8 hours of continuous cooling, making it perfect for workdays, travel, or extended outdoor use.
    The device’s portability is one of its most valued features. Whether tossed in a bag or worn in transit, Coolizi requires no installation, refilling, or cleaning, making it ideal for those who seek simplicity and efficiency. Its streamlined charging method—compatible with standard USB-C ports—means it pairs seamlessly with existing tech setups, from laptops to car adapters.
    Perhaps most notably, Coolizi is designed with durability and zero-maintenance operation in mind. Without fans, filters, or fragile blades, there’s little risk of mechanical failure. For users who want climate relief without additional chores, Coolizi provides a modern solution that respects time, energy, and convenience—hallmarks of next-generation wellness design.

    Cooling Where It Matters: From Commutes to Campsites

    From city commuters and construction crews to beachgoers and hikers, Coolizi’s versatile design supports a wide range of use cases. Its impact is especially notable in regions where temperatures often soar above 90°F and traditional AC units offer limited relief.

    The device is also gaining traction among travelers, RV users, and senior citizens looking for personal cooling without environmental noise or installation hassle.

    Healthcare Meets Climate Tech: Supporting Well-Being in High Heat

    As awareness grows around heat-induced fatigue, dehydration, and focus disruption, Coolizi is being integrated into daily health routines. Many users adopt it as a preventative tool against heat stress, particularly those with underlying health conditions, or those living in regions with poor air circulation or high humidity.

    This intersection of climate-responsive design and personal wellness support is part of what drives Coolizi’s AC growing reputation.

    What Users Are Saying: Real Experiences with Coolizi Cooling Ace

    With over 7,800 verified users and an average rating of 5.0/5.0, the Coolizi Cooling Ace is resonating strongly with consumers. Verified purchasers report “instant cooling,” “ultra-quiet airflow,” and describe it as “a lifesaver for daily commutes.”

    One user writes:

    “I was skeptical at first, but Coolizi worked straight out of the box. It’s now a daily must-have on my walk to work.”

    Visit Official Website To get More Information

    Why Coolizi Is Gaining Ground in the U.S. Markets

    As climate conditions intensify and the demand for smarter cooling solutions rises, Coolizi Cooling Ace is capturing attention not only across the United States but also in several international markets. In 2025, this wearable cooling innovation has swiftly transitioned from niche product to mainstream necessity—particularly among urban dwellers, outdoor professionals, and wellness-conscious consumers. What sets Coolizi apart in the global market is its ability to merge technology, comfort, and accessibility into a single, portable solution. In the U.S., rising temperatures have spurred a wave of interest in personal climate tech, with users seeking alternatives to energy-intensive air conditioners. Coolizi’s energy-efficient performance, paired with its maintenance-free design and silent operation, has made it a strong contender for both individual and workplace use. 
    Internationally, markets such as Australia, Canada, and parts of Europe have echoed similar praise. The device’s universal USB-C charging, lightweight build, and multi-mode functionality allow it to easily adapt to diverse climates and lifestyles. With no complicated setup or regional power limitations, Coolizi’s plug-and-go usability makes it ideal for global distribution. As momentum builds through positive user reviews and repeat purchases, Coolizi Cooling Ace is rapidly evolving into a household name in wearable comfort technology.

    Expert Insights: What Makes Coolizi Different from Traditional Mini Coolers

    Industry experts agree: while many portable coolers promise comfort, Coolizi Cooling Ace delivers it with a combination of scientific precision, portability, and long-term usability. Unlike mini air conditioners or desktop fans that rely on water tanks, external plugs, or refrigerants, Coolizi uses solid-state thermoelectric cooling paired with Turbo Compression technology. This not only reduces operating noise and maintenance—it increases real-time performance where it matters most: directly on the body.
    Another defining advantage is Coolizi’s bladeless safety design, which ensures quiet operation and makes it suitable for all age groups—including children and seniors. Experts note that many users overlook the risk of injury or discomfort with fan-based systems. Coolizi avoids this altogether while achieving cooler output in a fraction of the time.
    Its ergonomic neckband style is also seen as a functional evolution of traditional cooling formats. Experts emphasize that wearable tech should be intuitive and lifestyle-friendly, and Coolizi checks both boxes. It doesn’t just sit on a desk or require setup—it moves with the user, offering true mobility and freedom.
    As consumer expectations evolve, Coolizi has been identified by product analysts as a category leader, bridging the gap between comfort tech and wearable wellness—a distinction few brands can claim.

    Buyer Awareness: Official Site Access and Stock Availability

    To ensure product authenticity and avoid imitation units, Coolizi is currently only sold through its official website. The manufacturer does not authorize sales on third-party platforms or local retail stores.

    Users can order directly with secure checkout, email confirmation, and tracking support—providing peace of mind from order to delivery.

    A Look Ahead: How Coolizi Is Shaping the Future of Personal Cooling

    In a world where comfort technology is becoming increasingly personal and mobile, Coolizi Cooling Ace stands out for its smart engineering, ease of use, and measurable benefits. As 2025 unfolds, this compact cooling solution is expected to remain a leading force in wearable tech and thermal wellness.

    For more information, visit the official Coolizi Cooling Ace website and explore limited-time summer offers while supplies last.

    Company: Coolizi Cooling ACE
    SB Brands 78 John Miller Way Kearny,
    New Jersey 07032
    Email: Support@chillreleaf.com
    Website: https://www.coolizi.com

    Disclaimers and Disclosures 

    The information presented in this article is strictly for general informational and educational purposes. It does not, in any way, constitute professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment of any medical or health condition. Please note that Coolizi Cooling ACE is not a medical device and is not intended to prevent, treat, or cure any health condition. Any references to comfort or relief are purely anecdotal and should not be interpreted as medical claims. 

    It is strongly recommended that readers consult a licensed medical professional or HVAC specialist before considering any cooling product for medical or health-related use. Please be aware that individual results may vary depending on environmental conditions, usage patterns, and personal sensitivity to temperature or humidity changes. Product specifications, features, and pricing referenced in this content are accurate at the time of publication to the best of the author’s knowledge. However, they are subject to change at the discretion of the manufacturer or vendor without prior notice. 

    Consumers should always refer to the official Coolizi Cooling ACE website for the most current information regarding pricing, warranties, and product availability. It’s important to note that this article may include affiliate links. However, these relationships do not influence the editorial content, which remains independent and impartial. The publisher may earn a commission if a purchase is made through these links, but this comes at no additional cost to the consumer. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and up-to-date nature of the information presented here, it’s important to note that neither the author nor any distribution partners assume responsibility for typographical errors, omissions, or outdated product details that may appear in the article. The publisher and its syndication partners expressly disclaim any liability for actions taken by readers based on the content provided herein. Lastly, it’s important to reiterate that all product names, trademarks, and registered trademarks used in this article are the property of their respective owners. Their use here does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. Please remember, the information provided here is not medical advice, and it’s crucial to consult a professional before making any health-related decisions.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon State Fire Marshal urges Oregonians to check fireworks restrictions, keep celebrations legal and safe

    Source: US State of Oregon

    ith fireworks sales beginning today, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is reminding people to celebrate the Fourth of July responsibly and legally. The 2025 fireworks retail sales season in Oregon runs from June 23 through July 6, and the agency’s message is clear: “Keep it legal. Keep it safe.”

    As Oregonians make plans for the holiday, they’re urged to check local rules and restrictions on both the sale and use of fireworks—whether celebrating at home or traveling.

    “Before lighting any fireworks, make sure you know what’s allowed where you are,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but it’s critical to follow the law and avoid actions that could cause a fire or injury.”

    Local governments across Oregon may set additional restrictions on the sale or use of fireworks, especially in areas at higher risk of wildfires. It’s the responsibility of those using fireworks to understand and follow local laws.

    Fireworks safety and legal reminders
    Consumer-legal fireworks may be purchased only from permitted retailers and stands. These fireworks may not be used on:

    Public lands and parks
    National parks and forests
    Bureau of Land Management lands
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service properties
    Oregon state beaches, parks, and campgrounds
    Private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry

    To help reduce the risk of fire and injury, fire officials urge Oregonians to follow the four Bs of safe fireworks use:

    Be prepared: Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
    Be safe:     Keep children and pets at a safe distance. Never use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials.
    Be responsible:     Do not relight duds. Soak used fireworks in water before disposal.
    Be aware:     Use only legal fireworks and only where they are allowed.
    Illegal fireworks and consequences

    Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any fireworks that fly into the air, explode, or travel more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit from the state fire marshal. This includes items such as bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers.

    Violations are a Class B misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or are found to be responsible for them causing damage may be held financially responsible for fire suppression and other costs. Parents can also be held liable for damage caused by their children.

    Learn more
    The Oregon State Fire Marshal offers resources on fireworks laws, retail sale permits, and safety tips on its fireworks webpage. For a safe celebration this Fourth of July, know the law, check local restrictions, and always keep it legal and safe.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Taking carbon capture to new heights

    Alberta’s government is investing $5 million from the TIER fund to help launch the world’s first direct air capture centre.  

    Alberta is a global leader in environmentally responsible energy production and reducing emissions, already home to two of the largest carbon capture, utilization and storage facilities operating in North America, and seeing emissions decline across the economy.

    Most of the current technologies used around the world focus on facilities and worksites. Direct air capture offers a potential new way of removing greenhouse gas emissions straight from the air. If successful, the potential is huge.

    Through Emissions Reduction Alberta, $5 million is being invested from the industry-led TIER program to help Deep Sky in the design, build and operation of the world’s first direct air capture innovation and commercialization centre in Innisfail. This funding will help Alberta keep showing the world how to reduce emissions while creating jobs and increasing responsible energy production.

    “We don’t need punitive taxes, anti-energy regulations or nonsensical production caps to reduce emissions. Our approach is to support industry, Alberta expertise and innovation by helping to de-risk new technology. Direct air capture has some potential and is being looked at in other jurisdictions, so it’s great to see companies choosing Alberta as a place to invest and do business in.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    “Alberta companies are leaders in developing carbon capture and storage technology. Deep Sky has the potential to take the next major step in decarbonization through direct air capture. These advancements and investments through the TIER fund are a major reason why global demand is increasing for our responsibly produced energy products.”

    Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals

    “Investing in Deep Sky supports Alberta’s global leadership in emissions reduction. This project accelerates cutting-edge carbon removal technologies, creates jobs and builds a platform for innovation. By capturing legacy emissions, it complements other climate solutions and positions Alberta at the forefront of a growing carbon removal economy.”

    Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta

    “We are thrilled to be supported by the Government of Alberta through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s investment to help deliver a world first in carbon removals right here in Alberta. This funding will be instrumental in scaling direct air capture and creating an entirely new economic opportunity for Alberta, Canada and the world.”

    Alex Petre, CEO, Deep Sky

    Deep Sky is helping establish Alberta as a global leader in carbon removal – an emerging field that is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade. The new centre is located on a five-acre site and will feature up to 10 direct air capture units, allowing multiple technologies and concepts to be tested at once. Starting this summer, Deep Sky Alpha’s units will begin pulling in air, trapping carbon dioxide, transporting it by truck, and safely storing it underground at an approved site in Legal.

    This new technology will give Alberta’s oil and gas, energy and utilities, cement and heavy industry, and agriculture and agri-tech sectors new technologies to reduce emissions, while creating local jobs and reinforcing Alberta’s position as a global leader in responsible energy development. 

    Quick facts

    • Deep Sky aims to capture 3,000 tonnes of emissions each year and estimates creating 80 construction jobs, 15 permanent jobs, and more than $100 million in local economic benefit over the next 10 years, including regional development in rural communities.
    • Research shows that carbon capture technology is safe and effective. Careful site selection and rigorous monitoring serve to ensure the injected carbon dioxide remains sequestered thousands of metres below the surface, with no impact on fresh water, plants or the soil.
    • Provincial funding for this project is delivered through Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Continuous Intake Program, funded by Alberta’s industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system.

    Related information

    • Emissions Reduction Alberta
    • Deep Sky

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: REP. HILL SEEKING FALL INTERNS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

    REP. HILL SEEKING FALL INTERNS

    WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2025

    The office of Congressman French Hill (AR-02) is looking for interns for the Fall 2025 term in both my DC and Little Rock offices.

    If you’re interested, here’s what you need to know:

    • Interns will work in a fast-paced environment, gaining valuable exposure and knowledge of the legislative process and the U.S. Congress while helping central Arkansans.
    • Intern responsibilities include answering constituent phone calls, assisting staff with administrative tasks, conducting legislative research, and assisting with correspondence.
    • Interns should have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and excellent written and oral communication skills.
    • Successful interns will be detail-oriented self-starters, take and listen to direction, and be willing to work both independently and as part of a team
    • Applicants should have a working knowledge of current events and policy topics as well as a willingness to assist with daily office tasks. Arkansas ties strongly preferred.
    Internships are open to college and graduate students as well as recent graduates. The office offers paid and unpaid internships depending on availability.
    To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to AR02.Applications@mail.house.gov indicating which location you are applying for. Applications should be submitted by June 30 but will be accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled.

    If you have any questions, you can contact the office for additional information at (202) 225-2506.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Island Community Explores Pathways To Strengthen Energy Reliability

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy to Communities Program Helped Edgartown, Massachusetts, Plan for a Microgrid To Support Municipal Buildings in Emergencies

    There is no bridge to the island of Martha’s Vineyard from mainland Massachusetts: If you want to get there, you have to take a ferry or plane. The island’s remote nature does not discourage tourists from visiting the small town of Edgartown—its population balloons from 5,000 to 25,000 during the warm summer months. But it does present problems for addressing power outages year-round.

    When the tourists pack up their beach umbrellas and head back home, hurricanes and nor’easters are soon to follow. Without easy access to mainland resources, residents need independent, resilient energy sources to weather such storms.

    “Our long-term plan is to make our municipal facilities sufficiently resilient so that we won’t have to worry about power during emergencies,” said Edgartown Energy Committee Associate Alan Strahler. Strahler has been working with the committee since 2017 to identify projects to enhance energy efficiency and resilience. “Our goal is to provide up to seven days of local independent operation of emergency facilities during power outages in both winter and summer.”

    To reach this goal, Edgartown plans to develop microgrids at town buildings. In a microgrid, the buildings can be powered by solar photovoltaics (PV), battery energy storage, grid power, or a backup generator. The microgrid normally selects the cheapest energy source, but when grid power goes out, it operates independently using the remaining energy sources.

    In pursuing this plan for its community, Edgartown sought expertise from researchers through the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Energy to Communities (E2C) program. E2C’s Expert Match offers a three- to four-month technical assistance program that pairs communities with researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and other national laboratories to help them address near-term energy goals.

    “Edgartown wants to create its first microgrid designed to support town buildings in power outages,” said Amanda Krelling, a researcher with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and lead for Edgartown’s Expert Match support. “Microgrids would create more security and safety for their residents while they potentially have to wait for someone off of the island to come fix the outage.”

    Generating Options Tailored to Community Needs

    The community applied to E2C Expert Match with a microgrid location in mind: the Edgartown Highway Department and its adjacent campus.

    “We wanted to understand how we could describe a project that would be worth the investment and have the proper benefits in terms of energy generation, resilience, and savings from a quantitative perspective,” Strahler said.

    The campus consists of five buildings, ranging from 300 square feet to 10,000 square feet. Krelling began the analysis process with collection and review of available building data, including utility bills, building materials, satellite imagery, and even roof color.

    “Roof color can affect energy consumption. Light-colored roofs reflect more solar radiation and dark-colored roofs absorb more,” Krelling said. “So, it is an important detail to consider when you are modeling electric loads for buildings.”

    The highway garage building is one of several buildings that can accommodate solar panels on the Edgartown Highway Department campus. Photos from Edgartown Highway Department

    The building data that Krelling collected helped her calibrate models for the Distributed Energy Resources Customer Adoption Model (DER-CAM). DER-CAM describes changes in building energy loads through different generation options and allows users to optimize the portfolio, size, and placement of distributed energy resources based on specific goals.

    Using DER-CAM, Krelling created generation options based on four strategies, moving from lowest generation potential to the highest. The first strategy, with a PV capacity of 27 kilowatts and no battery storage, focused solely on meeting electrical loads during power outages and reducing energy cost during normal conditions. Strategy two, with 84 kilowatts of PV capacity and 62 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity, and strategy three, with 270 kilowatts of PV capacity and 40 kilowatt-hours of battery capacity, could each support independent building operation during both power outages and normal conditions. Strategy four maximized the total solar PV installation area available with a PV capacity of 429 kilowatts and battery capacity of 39 kilowatt-hours and generated excess energy to be sold to provide town income.

    “Developing solar on an island isn’t always easy because of the limited space. You have to look at the use case of the location and how you can align it with the solar project,” said Edgartown Energy Committee Associate Erich Mettler, who has a professional background in development and operation of utility-scale solar projects. “The Expert Match team did a good job of looking at those different use cases and actually finding ways to make the facility work better.”

    Providing Crucial Insight for Decision-Making

    DER-CAM modeling provided projections for energy generation, cost, and revenue for all four generation strategies, laying out how each could potentially work for the community. This data ultimately gave Edgartown the information they needed to pursue next steps for the microgrid, including studies to further explore and outline the technical feasibility and design. While Expert Match does not directly assist communities with the process of applying for grants, the analysis provided can contribute to a successful application—as it did for Edgartown.

    “We used this information in a grant application for an engineering study of the possible microgrid, and we wound up getting it,” Strahler said, referring to a $30,500 grant received through DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. “I really think one of the reasons we got it is because Expert Match had done all the homework for us. It was a wonderful education and joy for me working with the team, getting the results, and seeing how the modeling worked.”

    The energy generation projected in these strategies also provides an avenue for the community to continue building up the site with additional capabilities, such as an electric vehicle charging station. Further analysis through Expert Match showed that the microgrid’s energy resources could even accommodate a heat pump for space heating of the main building without significantly diminishing the microgrid’s renewable energy output or altering the electric load.

    “It is a very enriching experience to work with these communities,” Krelling said. “Even though this was only an initial analysis, you can see how excited they are about this idea. Our work gave them insight into how they can move forward.”

    The Edgartown energy committee hopes that the lessons learned from this project will go on to benefit the five other towns of Martha’s Vineyard.

    “The island has several energy committees, and if this is successful, I hope that they would look at doing projects similar to this,” Mettler said. “I think this effort can elevate thinking about ways to be more efficient in our energy usage in our community.”

    Expert Match applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Learn more about all of E2C’s program opportunities and apply on the E2C Expert Match webpage.

    E2C connects community-based groups, local governments, utilities, and other organizations with national laboratory experts to close the gaps between communities’ energy ambitions and real-world deployment. The technical assistance offered through E2C can offer meaningful insights around energy decision-making to help communities achieve resilient, abundant, reliable, secure, and affordable energy systems that embody local and regional priorities. For example, E2C analysis can provide insights on the costs and benefits of electric vehicles, geothermal systems, or capturing and storing solar energy. Such analysis provides community-specific information on the funding and support needed to bring energy projects to fruition.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: AI-Generated Scams Claim 62% More Victims Year-Over-Year Despite Declining Consumer Concern, New Sift Report Reveals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sift, the AI-powered fraud platform delivering identity trust for leading global businesses, today released its Q2 2025 Digital Trust Index, revealing a troubling disconnect between consumer confidence and actual vulnerability to AI-generated fraud. The report exposes a dangerous “confidence paradox” where scam sophistication is outpacing consumer awareness, creating unprecedented risks for businesses and their customers.

    The Confidence Paradox: When Familiarity Breeds Vulnerability

    Despite growing familiarity with GenAI, the data reveals a concerning trend: 27% of those targeted by GenAI have been successfully scammed, a 62% increase from 2024. This surge occurs even as consumer concern about AI fraud has dropped significantly—from 79% in 2024 to just 61% today, an 18-point decrease that signals dangerous complacency.

    Scam sophistication is outpacing consumer defenses. According to the Sift-commissioned survey, 70% of consumers say scams have become harder to detect in the past year. Yet paradoxically, overall fear of AI-powered fraud is declining, creating a perfect storm for cybercriminals.

    Generational Divide: Digital Natives Most at Risk

    The report reveals a striking generational paradox. Gen Z and Millennials—the demographics most comfortable with AI technology—report the highest confidence in identifying scams (52% and 44%, respectively) yet are successfully victimized at alarming rates (30% and 23%). In contrast, Gen X and Baby Boomers express lower confidence (30% and 13%) but demonstrate more cautious online behavior, resulting in lower scam success rates (19% and 12%).

    Enterprise Risk: Consumer Data Practices Expose Businesses

    Beyond individual fraud, the report uncovers significant enterprise security risks. Despite widespread privacy concerns, 31% of consumers admit to entering personal or sensitive information into GenAI tools. Among this group, the most commonly shared data includes email addresses (55%), phone numbers (49%), home addresses (44%), and financial information (33%). Most alarmingly, 14% admitted to sharing company trade secrets, creating dual exposure for both individuals and their employers.

    Behavioral Patterns Reveal Cybercriminal Operations

    Analysis of Sift’s Global Data Network, which processes over 1 trillion events annually, reveals distinct behavioral signatures that differentiate fraudsters from legitimate users. Key findings include:

    • Fraudsters use 36% more payment methods than legitimate users
    • Criminal networks employ 20% fewer IP addresses, suggesting coordinated operations
    • Peak fraud activity occurs during late-night hours (10 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time) when many fraud teams are offline


    The Business Imperative

    “AI-generated scams and deepfakes are proliferating with speed and concerning sophistication, leaving even the most informed consumers at risk,” said Kevin Lee, SVP of Customer Experience, Trust & Safety at Sift. “Businesses must fight fire with fire—using AI to secure identity trust at every customer touchpoint, which ultimately creates better consumer experiences, mitigates fraud, and fosters profitable growth.”

    The full findings from Sift’s Q2 2025 Digital Trust Index are available here

    About Sift
    Sift is the AI-powered fraud platform delivering identity trust for leading global businesses. Our deep investments in machine learning and user identity, a data network scoring 1 trillion events per year, and a commitment to long-term customer success empower more than 700 customers to grow fearlessly. Brands including DoorDash, Yelp, and Poshmark rely on Sift to unlock growth and deliver seamless consumer experiences. Visit us at sift.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Victor White
    VP, Corporate Marketing, Sift
    press@sift.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Rosen Secure Close to $34 Million to Support Nevada’s Rural Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) announced that the Department of the Interior (DOI) has awarded $33,801,823 to Nevada counties under the Payments of Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. PILT payments support government services – including firefighting, law enforcement, road construction, and public education – primarily in rural counties.

    “Nevada’s rural communities rely on PILT funding to complete projects and carry out critical services,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I am pleased to announce this funding – close to a million more than last year – to ensure local governments across the Silver State can continue to deliver for families that call our rural counties home.”

    “I’m committed to making sure that Nevada receives its fair share of federal funding to help support local law enforcement, bolster public education, and fund critically-needed infrastructure repairs,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to have helped secure more than $33 million in PILT funding this year to support rural communities across Nevada so they can afford essential services that benefit our state and help Nevadans succeed.”

    PILT payments are federal payments to local governments that help offset losses in property taxes due to non-taxable federal lands within those governments’ boundaries. PILT payments help local governments carry out vital services including firefighting and police protection, construction of public schools and roads, and search-and-rescue operations. The payments are made annually for tax-exempt federal lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (all agencies of the DOI), the U.S. Forest Service (part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture), federal water projects, and some military installations. A full breakdown of the FY2025 PILT payments by county is available here.

    Senator Cortez Masto is fighting to expand the PILT program for low-population counties to secure even more funding for Nevada’s rural communities in the future. In March, she introduced the bipartisan Small County PILT Parity Act, which would allow counties with populations under 5,000 to receive increased PILT payments to create parity with larger counties where per capita funding increases as population decreases. In Nevada, five counties would qualify for increased funding under that bill: Esmeralda, Eureka, Lincoln, Mineral, and Storey.

    Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen are champions for Nevada’s rural communities, working across the aisle to deliver for families. They have also ensured rural Nevada communities have better access to federal funds and services through the Rural Partners Network. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, they secured funding for rural schools and over $460 million for broadband. Cortez Masto also made sure the law included her legislation to help rural counties with internet access at local schools and streamline federal broadband funding to improve internet access for rural areas. Cortez Masto has led legislation to support key tourism and outdoor industries in every corner of Nevada through economic development.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Our support to Ukraine remains unwavering: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Our support to Ukraine remains unwavering: UK statement to the OSCE

    Speaking at the Annual Security Review Conference, Head of Security Policy Department, Jason Rheinberg, outlines why the UK remains committed to the OSCE and its principles.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. I am pleased to be here at the OSCE, particularly on the fiftieth anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Then, just as now, the Organisation and the Decalogue are foundation stones of strategic stability and security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

    Let me begin by reiterating the United Kingdom’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

    Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year, remains the most serious threat to European security in decades. It is a blatant violation of the UN Charter and the core principles of this Organization – principles that every singe one of us has committed to uphold.

    Despite the immense human and economic toll, Ukraine continues to resist. And I salute their bravery. Ukraine has also shown it is committed to peace: Ukraine has agreed to a full, unconditional ceasefire, as proposed by the US. Russia has failed to agree to the same and has instead ramped up its attacks on civilians in Ukraine – including yesterday’s ballistic missile strikes on the Dnipro region, which killed at least 20 civilians and injured nearly 300 others. Hitting nurseries, apartment blocks and bakeries, as we heard earlier today from the Ukrainian First Deputy Foreign Minister.

    Here in Vienna, the UK continues – week in, week out – to hold Russia to account at the Permanent Council and Forum for Security Cooperation. We challenge the lies used to justify this illegal war and expose the brutality with which it is being waged.

    As Chair of the Security Committee, the UK has also continued the good practice of using meetings to support Ukraine and its neighbours in dealing with the impacts of this war. Our workplan covers policing, border security, child protection and empowerment, critical infrastructure and cyber resilience. And it serves as a platform for sharing perspectives, best practice, and establishing a common security picture.

    And listening to the interventions of our distinguished colleagues from Georgia and the Republic of Moldova, we call on Russia to withdraw all of its forces from the internationally recognised territory of both States.

    Meanwhile, we are also responding to a broader and increasingly complex threat landscape. Many of the transnational threats we face are intensifying:

    Malign hybrid activities – including information manipulation – are intensifying.

    Cyber threats, in some cases enabled by AI, are targeting critical national infrastructure.

    Organised criminals – more sophisticated than ever – are smuggling drugs, weapons, cultural property, and people across borders.

    And the threat from terrorism and violent extremism has not diminished. The Islamic State Khorasan Province is growing in strength. At the same time, extreme right-wing groups are proliferating in online spaces.

    Three key themes permeate these challenges: they highlight the wide-ranging impact of emerging technologies; they do not respect borders; and they demand a coordinated, and cross-dimensional response.

    Mr Chair, the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security has therefore never been more relevant. We must remain vigilant to the full spectrum of threats facing our region; of which, Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine remains the most urgent and serious.

    Our Leaders mandated the OSCE to continue politico-military dialogue even in the hardest of times because they saw – and see – it is essential to manage risk, reduce misunderstanding and avoid miscalculation for the benefit of all our citizens. The OSCE has an extensive acquis and toolkit to do this work. But it relies on political will to be effective.

    The UK has that will. We remain committed to the OSCE and to the principles that underpin it. We believe in the potential of this Organization to do much more to support peace, security, and cooperation. We need the will of all States to be able to do that.

    And we are looking forward to continuing these conversations at the Helsinki Plus 50 forum later this summer. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 June 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –