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  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Defendants Charged In Multimillion-Dollar Check Theft And Bank Fraud Ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and the Acting Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Edward Gallashaw, announced today the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging six defendants – MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela”; SHAKEEMO HILL, a/k/a “Keemo,” a/k/a “LBA Menace,” a/k/a “Lex”; WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny”; ALIXANDRIA LAUTURE, a/k/a “A$”; SHURON MALONE, a/k/a “First Name Last Name”; and CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle” – with participating in a scheme to steal millions of dollars in checks from the mail.  EDWARDS and MERCADO were previously taken into custody on related charges, and SHAKEEMO HILL, WILLIAM HILL, LAUTURE, and MALONE were arrested earlier today.  SHAKEEMO HILL, WILLIAM HILL, and LAUTURE are expected to be presented before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn, and MALONE is expected to be presented in the Middle District of Florida.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.

    “As alleged, the six defendants charged today lined their pockets by stealing checks destined for hard working New Yorkers and others,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Together with our partners at the Postal Inspection Service, we will fight to protect the integrity of the U.S. mail system—a public service upon which millions of Americans rely every day to send items of financial, professional, and personal importance.”

    “The arrests today should send a very clear message that those who engage in mail theft and bank fraud will be held accountable,” said USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Edward Gallashaw.  “These charges highlight the commitment of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to bring individuals to justice who steal from USPS customers.  Thank you to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative partners for working tirelessly on this case, and helping to maintain the public’s trust of the U.S. Postal Service.”

    As alleged in the Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:[1]

    From at least in or about January 2022 through at least in or about July 2024, the defendants perpetrated a massive scheme to steal millions of dollars in checks from Postal Service collection boxes in New York and elsewhere.  As part of their scheme, the defendants conspired to buy or otherwise obtain keys that would allow them to unlock the Postal collection boxes and steal mail, bank cards, and other bank account information.

    After stealing checks from the mail, the defendants and their coconspirators fraudulently altered the information on those checks either by digitally altering the checks and printing them on check stock, or by chemically “washing” the checks to remove the ink.  To avoid getting caught, the defendants also conspired to obtain and exchange information for bank accounts held in the names of third parties for the purpose of depositing the fraudulently altered checks.

    In total, the fraud ring posted millions of dollars in checks for sale on a third-party messaging application, and also deposited millions of dollars in fraudulently altered checks in bank accounts at national banks along the East Coast.

    The members of the conspiracy played different roles. EDWARDS served as the leader of the organization, coordinating the purchase of postal keys with others, such as WILLIAM HILL, and the use of those keys to steal mail from postal boxes with other coconspirators, such as WILLIAM HILL, SHAKEEMO HILL, and MERCADO.  The organization’s activities were lucrative: in the early morning hours of July 10, 2023, EDWARDS and MERCADO used a postal key to steal approximately $176,000 in checks from the mail.  Other members of the conspiracy, such as EDWARDS, WILLIAM HILL, SHAKEEMO HILL, LAUTURE, and MALONE recruited people they knew to supply their bank account information, including account balances and log-in information.  And because the stolen checks were not made out to the names on the third-party bank accounts, the members of the fraud ring—including EDWARDS and SHAKEEMO HILL—altered the checks to match the names on those bank accounts.  After the checks were altered, the members of the conspiracy, including EDWARDS, WILLIAM HILL, SHAKEEMO HILL, LAUTURE, and MALONE, deposited or recruited others to deposit them into third-party bank accounts.

    *                *                *

    A chart containing the defendants’ names, ages, charges, and maximum penalties is set forth below.

    The statutory maximum and minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.   

    Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the USPIS and Homeland Security Investigations.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut for their assistance.     

    The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jerry J. Fang and William K. Stone are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    COUNT

    CHARGE

    DEFENDANTS

    MAX. PENALTIES

    1

    Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

    18 U.S.C. § 1349

    MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;[2]

    SHAKEEMO HILL, a/k/a “Keemo,” a/k/a “LBA Menace,” a/k/a “Lex,” 22;

    WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny,” 29;

    ALIXANDRIA LAUTURE, a/k/a “A$,” 27;

    SHURON MALONE, a/k/a “First Name Last Name,” 29

    		 30 years in prison

    2

    Conspiracy to commit theft of a postal key

    18 U.S.C. § 371

    MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;

    WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny,” 29;

    CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle,” 22

    		 Five years in prison

    3

    Conspiracy to commit theft of mail and receipt of stolen mail, and sale and receipt of stolen money

    18 U.S.C. § 371

    MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;

    SHAKEEMO HILL, a/k/a “Keemo,” a/k/a “LBA Menace,” a/k/a “Lex,” 22;

    WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny,” 29;

    CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle,” 22

    		 Five years in prison

    4

    Theft of a postal key

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1704 and 2

    MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;

    CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle,” 22

    		 10 years in prison

    5

    Theft of mail and receipt of stolen mail

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1708 and 2

    MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;

    CARLOS MERCADO, a/k/a “Kiz,” a/k/a “Kizzle,” 22

    		 Five years in prison

    6

    Aggravated identity theft

    18 U.S.C. §§ 1028A(a)(1), 1028A(b), and 2

    MICHAEL EDWARDS, a/k/a “Only1Giela,” 30;

    SHAKEEMO HILL, a/k/a “Keemo,” a/k/a “LBA Menace,” a/k/a “Lex,” 22;

    WILLIAM HILL, a/k/a “Eway,” a/k/a “Skinny,” 29;

    ALIXANDRIA LAUTURE, a/k/a “A$,” 27;

    SHURON MALONE, a/k/a “First Name Last Name, 29”

    		 Mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to run consecutive to any other prison term

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment and the descriptions of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

    [2] Counts One, Three, and Six charge EDWARDS with committing those offenses while on pretrial release, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 3147, which subjects him to an additional maximum sentence of 10 years in prison consecutive to any other prison term imposed.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Guns, Drugs, Machinegun Conversion Devices

    Source: US FBI

    The devices, commonly called “switches,” could convert handguns into fully automatic weapons

    BOSTON – A Lowell man has pleaded guilty to multiple federal crimes after he was recorded illegally selling numerous guns, thousands of methamphetamine pills and machineguns.

    Billy Chan, a/k/a “Juju,” 20, pleaded guilty on June 6, 2025 to one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license; one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and one count of transfer and possession of a machinegun. U.S. District Judge Angel Kelley scheduled sentencing for Sept. 17, 2025.

    On five different dates in Lowell between March 2023 and June 2023, Chan sold three handguns, four machinegun conversion devices and approximately 2,000 pills marketed as “Adderall,” to undercover law enforcement. Laboratory testing confirmed that the “Adderall” pills were homemade methamphetamine pills pressed with caffeine and designed to look like the genuine pharmaceutical product. Chan trafficked the counterfeit pills with an alleged co-conspirator who was a member of the Asian Boyz gang. The investigation revealed that, in 2023, Asian Boyz gang members and associates had access to a plentiful supply of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, which they distributed widely across the Merrimack Valley region.

    During a recorded meeting with a cooperating source, Chan said he worked at a machine shop, could make the machinegun conversion “switch” devices himself and gave instructions and demonstrations on how to install the “switches” on a pistol. A few days later, Chan sent the source a video of a person shooting a fully automatic handgun into the air, with the message: “I let my boys test the switch.”

     
    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

    This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant in the case is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: FBI San Francisco: Assault on Federal Officers

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    Video depicts an unknown female wearing a black hoodie and black mask assaulting a federal officer in Concord, California, on June 10, 2025. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification and arrest of the individual, as well as the recovery of the FBI special agent’s badge.

    More at: https://www.fbi.gov/video-repository/san-francisco-assault-on-federal-officers-061025.mov/view

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s San Francisco Field Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individual responsible for assaulting federal officers and the theft of government property on June 10, 2025, in Concord, California. The government property stolen is identified as a Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent’s badge. The individual is described as a female who was wearing a black hoodie at the time. She is believed to be the individual who took the FBI special agent’s badge. If you have any information concerning this case, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or you can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
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    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ngũgi wa Thiong’o and the African literary revolution

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Simon Gikandi, Professor of English and Chair of the English Department, Princeton University

    The passing of celebrated Kenyan writer and scholar Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o on 28 May 2025 marks the end of a remarkable period in African literary history – the fabulous decades in the second half of the 20th century when African writers came to command the world stage.

    Read more: Five things you should know about Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, one of Africa’s greatest writers of all time

    This was the time of what I call the African literary revolution. As a scholar of African literature and the author of many books and papers on Ngũgĩ, I have raised several questions about this period. Why and how did this revolution happen? What motivated this turn to the imagination as a tool of decolonisation? And what was Ngũgĩ’s role in this drama?

    To answer these questions one must think of Ngũgĩ inside and outside a generational cultural project.

    The African literary revolution

    Accounting for this project is not difficult. One can say for certain that in the late 1950s and early 1960s, as the African continent entered the last phase of decolonisation, writers and intellectuals became important actors in the fight for independence. They did so by quietly entering and occupying the spaces and knowledge systems that had until then been the preserve of colonial agents.

    They used the work of the imagination to challenge colonial systems of thought and imagine decolonial alternatives. And what made this a period like no other in African literary history was a powerful sense of newness and the possibilities of a world yet to come. As the Nigerian writer and critic Chinua Achebe once put it:

    There was something in the air.

    Literature was asked to herald the possibilities and perils of freedom and Ngũgĩ was to play a major role in chaperoning the language of African being and becoming.

    In the memoirs he wrote about his education, he would often return to his mental imprisonment in English literature and the mythology of Englishness.

    Hidden in these narratives of colonial miseducation, however, was the discovery of the gift of African fiction brought by precursors. Nigeria’s Achebe and Cyprian Ekwensi and South Africa’s Peter Abrahams gave Ngũgĩ a model of how English could be used against Englishness.

    Coming after these writers provided him with an alternative to the “Great Tradition” of English letters.

    Reimagining Africa

    As a student at Alliance High School in Kenya and later at Makerere University College in Uganda, Ngũgĩ positioned himself as part of a literary vanguard that was reimagining Africa.

    His first major fiction was published in Penpoint, a pioneering journal of literature edited by students at the Makerere English department. He was a delegate to the 1962 Conference of African Writers held at the university, sharing the podium with writers who were to define the African culture of letters for several decades. He was one of the few writers at this historic conference without a major publication, but his presence seemed to signal the promise of the future.

    Something else made this period distinctive: this was a time when African intellectuals, writers and politicians shared a common belief in the redemptive work of art and literature. At Makerere, Ngũgĩ had been preceded by Julius Nyerere, a translator of Shakespeare in Swahili who was to become president of Tanzania. At the same college, Apollo Milton Obote, future president of Uganda, had appeared in a 1948 production of Julius Caesar, the first performance of Shakespeare at the university.

    And the contributors represented in Origin East Africa, an anthology of creative writing at Makerere, provide the most vivid example of the role writing and a literary education could come to play in the making of the postcolonial public sphere. Ngũgĩ had four stories published in the anthology, coming just after a short story by Ben Mkapa, future president of Tanzania.

    Ngũgĩ belonged to a generation that saw literature as a forum for critique, of questioning dominant ideas and beliefs. In this context, creative writing was asked to perform at least four tasks:

    • to reimagine an African past whose resources might be rehearsed for the future

    • to rehearse the drama of decolonisation

    • to account for postcolonial failure

    • to produce fictions that might help readers rethink a global African identity.

    Ngũgĩ’s novels rose to fulfil these tasks with conviction and courage. The River Between and Weep Not, Child dealt with the wounds of history. A Grain of Wheat and Petals of Blood were positioned in a zone where the figure of the new nation was caught between its aspirations and desires and the possibility of failure and betrayal. Wizard of the Crow was simultaneously an allegory of postcolonial failure and the possibility of its transcendence.

    And then came banishment and exile.

    The late career

    Although he barely acknowledged it in his writings or in public, Ngũgĩ’s late career was defined by the realities of exile and an awareness of his own displacement from his primary audience and the Gĩkũyũ language that had energised his poetics.

    He was celebrated and honoured in powerful American universities and institutions including the Library of Congress. He was recognised in the global African world and cited by the few African leaders like Ghana’s John Dramani Mahama who understood the need for a forceful response to racial ideologies.

    Read more: Drama that shaped Ngũgĩ’s writing and activism comes home to Kenya

    But he was a persona non grata in the one place – Kenya – where recognition mattered most to him.

    In the end, there was a certain kind of belatedness in Ngũgĩ’s later fictions. The subject of these works and their points of reference were distinctly Gĩkũyũ, Kenyan, African, pan-African, and global. Nonetheless, these gestures of being African were enacted far away from the homelands in which Ngũgĩ’s writing and thinking was both intelligible and functional.

    Imagining and writing about Africa away from Africa was a promise and debt. It was an obligation to a place but also a measure of one’s distance from it.

    Read more: 3 things Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o taught me: language matters, stories are universal, Africa can thrive

    I reflected on this problem as I reviewed Ngũgĩ’s 2006 novel set in an imaginary autocratic country, Murogi wa Kagogo (Wizard of the Crow), in its original Gĩkũyũ edition and later in its translation.

    I was reading the same book, but it was pointing in two different directions – towards home and away from it.

    In our many encounters, Ngũgĩ made fun of the fact that I seemed to have adopted alienation as the essential condition for thinking and writing. What he sought to do until the last minute of his life was carry within himself and his fictions that place that used to be home, its politics and poetics.

    – Ngũgi wa Thiong’o and the African literary revolution
    – https://theconversation.com/ngugi-wa-thiongo-and-the-african-literary-revolution-258428

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Khartoum before the war: the public spaces that held the city together

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Ibrahim Z. Bahreldin, Associate Professor of Urban & Environmental Design, University of Khartoum

    What makes a public space truly public?

    In Khartoum, before the current conflict engulfed Sudan, the answer was not always a park, a plaza or a promenade.

    The city’s streets, tea stalls (sitat al-shai), protest sites and even burial spaces served as dynamic arenas of everyday life, political expression and informal resilience.

    In a recently published article, I studied 64 public spaces across pre-war Greater Khartoum, revealing a landscape far richer – and more contested – than standard urban classifications suggest. Specifically, I uncovered four classifications: formal, informal, privately owned and hybrid spaces – each alive with negotiation and everyday use.

    While some spaces were planned by colonial engineers or municipal authorities, many were carved out by communities: claimed, adapted and reimagined through use.

    My research offers valuable insights into the design and planning of Africa’s cities. As they grow and face mounting political and environmental pressures, it’s time to rethink how public spaces are defined and designed – not through imported models, but by listening to the ways people already make cities public.

    Read more: Sudan needs to accept its cultural diversity: urban planning can help rebuild the country and prevent future conflict

    Across the African continent, cities are growing fast – but not always fairly. Urban expansion often privileges gated developments, mega-projects and high-security zones while neglecting the everyday spaces where most people live, work and gather.

    In Sudan, these dynamics have been further complicated by conflict, displacement and economic instability. The ongoing war has disrupted not only governance, but also the spatial fabric of urban life.

    My paper aims to invite those involved in planning policies and post-conflict reconstruction to move beyond formal, western-centric models that often overlook how publicness actually unfolds in African cities: through informality, negotiation and social improvisation.

    Khartoum’s public spaces, as documented in my study, serve as diagnostic tools for understanding how cities survive crises, express identity and contest inequality.

    In the wake of war and displacement, these spaces will play a role in shaping how Sudan rebuilds not just infrastructure, but social cohesion.

    Pre-war Khartoum

    Khartoum’s public spaces cannot be understood through conventional categories – like formal squares and urban parks – alone. These formal squares represent only one layer of a much more plural and negotiated urban reality.

    Drawing on fieldwork and the documentation of 64 public spaces across Greater Khartoum, I identify four overlapping types that reflect how space is produced, accessed and contested.

    1. Formal public spaces: These include planned parks, ceremonial squares, civic plazas and administrative open spaces, often relics of colonial or postcolonial urban planning. They are defined by order, visibility and regulation. Mīdān Abbas, originally an active civic space in the centre of Khartoum, repeatedly reclaimed by informal traders and protesters, is one example, illustrating how even the most formal spaces can become contested. It was notably active during Sudan’s April 1985 uprising, serving as part of a wider network of civic spaces used for political mobilisation. Informal traders consistently transformed it into a bustling marketplace, embedding everyday commerce and social exchange into the formal urban fabric.

    2. Informal and insurgent spaces: These emerge beyond or against official planning logics – riverbanks used for gatherings, neglected lots transformed into social nodes or bridges appropriated by traders. They include spiritual sites like Sufi tombs, and protest spaces such as the sit-in zone outside the city’s army headquarters. These spaces reveal the city’s capacity for bottom-up urbanism and collective adaptation.

    3. Privately owned civic spaces: Shopping malls, privately managed parks and cultural cafés fall into this category. While they appear public, they are often classed, surveilled (monitored through cameras or security presence) or exclusionary. The rise of these spaces coincides with the decline of state-managed urban infrastructure, reflecting the turn in Sudanese urban governance.

    Read more: Sudan: the symbolic significance of the space protesters made their own

    4. Public “private” spaces: These spaces blur lines between ownership and use. They include mosque courtyards, school grounds, building frontages or underutilised university lawns that serve as informal gathering points. Access here is governed less by law and more by social codes, trust or class.

    Together, these typologies highlight that “publicness” in Khartoum is relational. It depends not only on who planned a space, but who uses it, how and under what conditions.

    Planning in African cities must therefore move beyond fixed zoning maps to embrace the layered, fluid and lived nature of urban space.

    Rebuilding, rethinking, resisting

    Post-conflict reconstruction in Sudan – and elsewhere in Africa – must resist the allure of “blank slate” master plans. Those involve rebuilding cities from scratch with sweeping, top-down designs that ignore existing social and spatial dynamics.

    Imported models, often guided by bureaucratic thinking or commercial incentives, risk erasing the very spaces where public life already thrives, albeit informally or invisibly.

    Rather than imposing formality, planners should recognise and strengthen the informal and hybrid systems that sustain civic life, especially in times of instability.

    Urban theorists working in and on the global south, such as AbdouMaliq Simone and the late Vanessa Watson, have long argued for planning frameworks that centre on everyday practices, adaptive use and spatial justice.

    Khartoum offers a compelling case.

    From the sit-ins of 2019 to tea stalls run by displaced women, public spaces in Sudan are not inert backdrops. They are active platforms of everyday life, resistance, care and community-making.

    Reconstruction must begin by asking: what spaces mattered to people before the war? Which ones fostered inclusion, dignity and visibility? Only then can new urban futures emerge, ones that are rooted in the practices of those who have always made the city public, even when the state did not.

    What makes spaces truly public?

    The public realm in Sudan has always been shaped through negotiation, sometimes with the state, often despite it.

    Rebuilding after war is not only about reconstructing buildings but also about reimagining the terms of belonging.

    This requires a shift from viewing public space as a fixed asset to understanding it as a dynamic process. Who gets to gather, to speak, to rest, to protest – these are the true measures of publicness.

    Understanding Khartoum’s pre-war public spaces isn’t a nostalgic exercise. It’s a necessary step towards building more inclusive, resilient and locally grounded cities in the wake of crisis.

    – Khartoum before the war: the public spaces that held the city together
    – https://theconversation.com/khartoum-before-the-war-the-public-spaces-that-held-the-city-together-258632

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 5 great reads by South African writers from 30 years of real-life stories

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hedley Twidle, Associate Professor and head of English Literary Studies, University of Cape Town

    Across three decades of democracy, South Africa has – like many places undergoing complex and uneven social change – seen an outpouring of remarkable nonfiction. The Interpreters is a new book that collects the work of 37 authors, all of it writing (plus some drawing) concerned with actual people, places and events.

    Soutie Press

    The anthology is the product of many years of reading and discussion between my co-editor Sean Christie (an experienced journalist and nonfiction author) and me (a writer and professor who teaches literature, including creative nonfiction).

    The book is a work of homage to the many strains of ambitious and artful writing that shelter within the unhelpful term “nonfiction”. These include: narrative and longform journalism; essays and memoir; reportage, features and profiles; life writing, from private diaries to public biography; oral histories, interviews and testimony.

    To give an idea of the range, energy and risk of the pieces collected in the anthology, here I discuss five of them.

    1. Fighting Shadows by Lidudumalingani

    We debated for a long time which piece to start the anthology with, and ultimately went for this one, which begins:

    One afternoon my father and the other boys from the Zikhovane village decided to walk across a vast landscape, two valleys and a river, to a village called Qombolo to disrupt a wedding.

    It’s a quietly compelling opening. First of all, there is intrigue: why the disruption? It could also easily be the first sentence of a novel (maybe even one by famous Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe). And so we begin with a reminder of how storytelling is such a deep, ancient and fundamental part of societies – an impulse that long predates writing and moves across and beyond the fiction/nonfiction divide. (Lidudumalingani won the 2016 Caine Prize for a short story, so he works across both.)

    Lidudumalingani has the stick fighting tradition at the centre of his piece. Soutie Press

    Fighting Shadows is about the tradition of stick fighting, and how it’s transported from rural areas to urban ones. But it’s also about so much more, about “the dance between then and now”, as the writer puts it later on. The prose is so deft and graceful, as if the author is trying to match the “dance” of expert stick fighters with his own verbal arts. For me it’s a story that could only have emerged from this part of the world: it has a distinct voice, precision and poetry to it.

    2. The End of a Conversation by Julie Nxadi

    This is the shortest piece in the anthology, but for me one of the most affecting. It traces how a young girl comes to realise that the (white) family she is being brought up with are not really her family. She is the daughter of the housekeeper, the domestic worker:

    I was not ‘the kids’. I was not their kin.

    It’s probably best described as autofiction, a kind of writing that lies somewhere in the borderlands between autobiography and fiction. Nxadi has spoken of how she decided to write in a way that contained her own life story – the “heartbreak” of that moment – but was also able to carry and represent the experience of others who had gone through something similar.

    Julie Nxadi. Soutie Press

    The piece is also a product of the #FeesMustFall student protests (2015 onwards), when many young South Africans felt able to share unresolved, awkward or shameful stories for the first time.

    The End of a Conversation is such a deft, wise and subtle handling of a difficult subject, with no easy targets or easy resolutions. Somehow the writer has found just the right distance – emotionally and aesthetically – from this moment of childhood realisation.

    3. South African Pastoral by William Dicey

    I co-own a pear farm with my brother. I attend to finances and labour relations, he oversees the growing of the fruit.

    This essay by William Dicey thinks hard, very hard, about what it means to manage a fruit farm in the Boland (an agricultural region still shaped by South Africa’s divided past). It is one of the most frank and unflinching accounts of land and labour I’ve ever come across. The writer makes the point that he could easily have stayed in the city, lived in “liberal” circles and not thought about these issues much.

    William Dicey. Soutie Press

    But becoming a farmer confronts him with all kinds of difficult questions (How much should he intervene in the lives of his employees? In family and financial planning, in matters of alcohol abuse?) as he is drawn into an awkward but meaningful intimacy with others on the farm.

    The US essayist Philip Lopate suggests that scepticism is often the tool for moving towards truth in personal nonfiction writing:

    So often the “plot” of a personal essay, its drama, its suspense, consists in watching how the essayist can drop past his or her psychic defences toward deeper levels of honesty.

    This is very much what happens in South African Pastoral, and why it is such a mesmerising piece (even while written in such a plain and restrained style).

    4. Hard Rock by Mogorosi Motshumi

    My co-editor said from the start we should include graphic nonfiction (drawn stories and comics) and I’m so grateful he did. Mogorosi Motshumi’s warm, zany but also harrowing account is about coming of age under apartheid and then the heady days of the 1990s transition.

    Mogorosi Motshumi. Soutie Press

    In his early career, Motshumi was widely known for his comic strips and political cartooning, but this graphic autobiography is far more ambitious. The style of drawing changes and evolves as the protagonist gets older; also, there is something intriguing about seeing weighty subjects like detention, disability, substance abuse and HIV/AIDS stigma approached through the eyes of a wry cartoonist with a keen sense of the absurd.

    Hard Rock is a prologue to the graphic nonfiction memoir that he has been working on for many years, the 360 Degrees Trilogy. The first two instalments have appeared – The Initiation (2016) and Jozi Jungle (2022) – and I would urge anyone to seek them out. Mogorosi’s work is a major achievement in South African autobiography and life writing (or life “drawing”).

    5. The Interpreters by Antjie Krog, Nosisi Mpolweni and Kopano Ratele

    This co-authored piece is what gave the anthology its name. The Interpreters is a reflection on being a language interpreter during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings (1996-1998) into gross human rights violations during white minority rule.

    Kopano Ratele. Soutie Press

    A series of individuals recall the challenges of that process. Sitting in glass booths in the middle of proceedings, they had to move across South Africa’s many official languages in real time, translating the words of victims, perpetrators, grieving families, lawyers and commissioners.

    Antjie Krog and co-authors write about interpreting language. Brenda Veldtman

    The chapter is also a reminder of how our English-language anthology faces the challenge of doing justice to a multilingual, multivocal society where all kinds of cultural translations happen all the time.

    The piece is a blend of many people’s voices, testimonies and reminiscences. As such, it also seemed to symbolise the larger project of The Interpreters: trying to record, render and honour the many voices that make up our complex social world.

    – 5 great reads by South African writers from 30 years of real-life stories
    – https://theconversation.com/5-great-reads-by-south-african-writers-from-30-years-of-real-life-stories-258340

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Leads Senate Vote to Block Trump’s Corrupt Weapons Deals

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 12, 2025

    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Wednesday forced two votes in the Senate to object to President Trump’s corruption of U.S. foreign policy and block a $1.9 billion arms sale to Qatar and a $1.32 billion arms sale to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after Trump demanded billions of dollars in luxury gifts and business deals from the two countries. Senate Republicans blocked the votes. Ahead of the votes, Murphy addressed his colleagues on the Senate floor.
    “What we need to say here is not that we are going to permanently pause our military relationships with these countries, but for the time being while these two nations are willing to pay the president tribute, we cannot endorse or condone business as usual. These are important partners of the United States in the region, and they will be important partners in the future, but this is an exceptional moment where the corruption and our effort to stop the corruption has to take priority and has to take precedent,” Murphy said.
    Murphy concluded: “And so, I’m going to vote for both of these resolutions while also still believing that we are going to have a continued, important bilateral relationship with Qatar and with the UAE. But if we start to endorse and grease the wheels of this kind of corruption, then there will be no end. Because once it becomes accepted, once it becomes implicitly endorsed by the United States Senate that foreign governments can put money into the personal treasury of the President in order to gain favorable treatment from the United States of America that becomes the way our foreign policy works.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy to Defense Secretary Hegseth: You Are Not Willing to Defend Our Democracy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    [embedded content]

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations, on Wednesday questioned U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a Defense Subcommittee hearing on President Trump’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Murphy challenged Hegseth on his readiness to deploy the military for President Trump’s political benefit but not to defend the Capitol during January 6th. He also pushed Hegseth to explain why taxpayers are being asked to foot the bill to modify and upgrade the luxury jet the Qatari government gifted Trump for his personal use after his term ends. 

    Murphy pressed Hegseth for refusing to say whether he supported calling in the National Guard to quell the January 6th Capitol riot: “I think that speaks to the worry that many Americans have, that there is a double standard. That you are not willing to defend against attacks made on our democracy by supporters of the president, but you are willing to deploy the National Guard to protect against protesters who are criticizing the president. 

    Murphy continued: “That’s not how our taxpayer dollars are supposed to work. They’re supposed to be used to defend the United States, no matter the nature of the political affiliation of the protesters.” 

    Murphy highlighted the brazen corruption of using taxpayer dollars to upgrade the luxury jet from Qatar after Hegseth confirmed it would be transferred to Trump after his presidency ended:  “Why would we ask the American taxpayer to spend upwards of a billion dollars on a plane that would then only be used for a handful of months and then transferred directly to the president? … I think this is extraordinary, Mr. Chairman. We’re talking about a pretty massive investment of appropriations dollars into a plane that, the Secretary is saying, is currently planned to be transferred personally to the president. There’s a lot of other pending needs that we need to fund. This would seem to be low on the list.” 

    A full transcript of Murphy’s exchange with Hegseth can be found below:

    MURPHY: “Thank you very much Mr. Chairman. Thank you Mr. Secretary for being here today.

    “I wanted to build on some of the questions that Senator Schatz was asking, just to try to build a fact predicate for some of the tough spending decisions we’re going to have to make here. Just to confirm, I heard you say, with respect to the gift of the plane from Qatar, that we do not yet have a signed MOU with the government of Qatar, is that right?”

    HEGSETH: “Correct. We’re in the process of working through that.”

    MURPHY: “And did you also say we don’t have a signed contract with the company that is going to do the work, or did you say that we have a contract, you’re just not willing to disclose the terms?”

    HEGSETH: “The terms should not be disclosed of anything related to an aircraft of this type.”

    MURPHY: “So, in 2018, when the contract was signed with Boeing to do the upgrades, or the new contracts for Air Force One, the terms of that contract were disclosed. They were made public. In fact, it was the Trump administration that issued a press release giving the total as $3.9 billion. Are you saying this time around, even after you signed the contract, you’re not going to make public any of the terms of the contract?”

    HEGSETH: “I wasn’t involved in that previous administration decision, but we’re happy to take a look.”

    MURPHY: “The Air Force testified before the House that that contract would likely deliver the new Air Force Ones by the 2028 timeframe. It doesn’t stand to reason that you will be able to retrofit the plane from Qatar much sooner than 2028. I’m trying to understand what the gap is that we’re trying to fill. If this contract ends up being a half a billion dollars and the gap only ends up being six months, that doesn’t sound like a wise investment for this committee to make.”

    HEGSETH: “Senator, I would defer to the expertise of the Air Force as far as timing of modifications and when that would happen, but there’s also been delay after delay after delay on the Boeing side, so I don’t know that a firm fixed date yet, unfortunately, can be counted on.”

    MURPHY: “So, obviously the underlying question here is ‘what is going to happen to the plane at the end of Trump’s presidency?’ The president said on May 12 that this plane would be transferred to his presidential library at the end of his term. Is that your understanding of what is going to happen with this plane?”

    HEGSETH: “The president said that. That’s my understanding, although I would look at what comes out in the MOU.”

    MURPHY: “Why would we ask the American taxpayer to spend upwards of a billion dollars on a plane that would then only be used for a handful of months and then transferred directly to the president? That doesn’t sound like a wise use of taxpayer dollars.”

    HEGSETH: “A lot of the capabilities, as you know, Senator, of that particular platform are and should remain classified. So there are reasons why you might modify, even for a short period of time, an aircraft to ensure the safety and security of the president of the United States.”

    MURPHY: “When do you believe that those upgrades would be made? How long would the president have it before it got transferred to his personal possession?”

    HEGSETH: “That would be a determination of the Air Force, that would take hold of it and make those modifications within whatever time window they believe gets it to the place where it needed to be.”

    MURPHY: “Yeah, I think this is extraordinary, Mr. Chairman. We’re talking about a pretty massive investment of appropriations dollars into a plane that, the secretary is saying, is currently planned to be transferred personally to the president. There’s a lot of other pending needs that we need to fund. This would seem to be low on the list. 

    “Mr. Secretary, one final question. Obviously you know that there is a concern in the public about a double standard that is applied to protests – sometimes protest that turns violent. The president, when he came into office, issued pardons to the individuals that attacked the United States Capitol, including those individuals who beat, savagely, police officers. You have deployed the National Guard and readied Marines in a way that many people think is unnecessary given the state and the local resources. So maybe let me ask the question this way so that you can assuage people’s concerns that there is a double standard: the National Guard was deployed here on January 6, and that was a decision made by the Department of Defense. Do you support that decision? Do you believe that that was the right decision, to deploy the National Guard to defend the Capitol on January 6?”

    HEGSETH: “All I know is it’s the right decision to be deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles to defend ICE agents, who deserve to be defended in the execution of their jobs.”

    MURPHY: “But I think it’s important to know whether you think it was also important to have the National Guard defending the United States Capitol, when there were violent protesters here on the president’s behalf, to make sure that folks know that you care about protest, whether it’s against the president or on behalf of the president.”

    HEGSETH: “Senator, I was in the Washington D.C. National Guard when that happened, and was initially ordered to go guard the inauguration of Joe Biden. But because of the politicization of the Biden administration, my orders were revoked, and ultimately, because of the politics that were being played inside the Defense Department by the previous administration.”

    MURPHY: “But do you support the decision made on January 6 to send the National Guard here to defend the Capitol?”

    HEGSETH: “I support the decision that President Trump made, in requesting the National Guard, that was denied. President Trump requested support for the National Guard in advance and was denied.”

    MURPHY: “You do not support the decision to send the National Guard here to defend the Capitol.  I think that speaks to the worry that many Americans have, that there is a double standard. That you are not willing to defend against attacks made on our democracy by supporters of the president, but you are willing to deploy the National Guard to protect against protesters who are criticizing the president. That’s not how our taxpayer dollars are supposed to work. They’re supposed to be used to defend the United States, no matter the nature of the political affiliation of the protesters. 

    “Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Summer starts here: Lord Mayor’s Weekend promises free fun for all

    Source: City of Norwich

    Lord Mayor’s Weekend is set to light up the streets from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 July, bringing three days of live music, family entertainment, and unforgettable community spirit to every corner of the city.

    The fun starts on Friday evening with Norwich Summer Sessions, the first event to take place on the newly upgraded Hay Hill, which will also play host to exclusive showcases from Access Creative College and The Adrian Flux Waterfront across the weekend.

    Saturday will see Chapelfield Gardens transformed into a vibrant wonderland of face painting, balloon magic, crafts, roaring dinosaur shows, and even a real-life mermaid tank! Add in classic fairground rides and a day-long programme of live music and performance, and you’ve got a perfect day out for the whole family. And all activities are absolutely free, having been subsidised by Norwich City Council as part of the event.

    The Lord Mayor’s Procession will move through the city from 3pm, with community groups, schools, dancers, and musicians parading through the streets under this year’s theme: “Summer in the City.”  Following the success of last year’s new and improved route, the procession will begin Norwich Cathedral and end at Chapelfield Gardens. Want to join in the fun? Procession entries are still open – get involved and be part of the spectacle!

    Keep the party going at the official afterparty at The Adrian Flux Waterfront, with a high-energy DJ set from Dave Rowntree of Blur. It’s the ultimate way to cap off the day — tickets are on sale now!

    As always, the event will be supporting the civic charity, which this year is Norfolk and Waveney Mind, who support people with a range of mental health needs and provide a variety of services and training.

    Councillor Claire Kidman, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for culture, said: “The Lord Mayor’s Weekend is everything Norwich is about — creativity, community, and connection.”

    “It will be great to see our new-look Hay Hill getting the party started and filled with live, locally curated music all weekend, and of course the return of the Procession is always exciting – it’s a colourful, joyful celebration of local talent and togetherness.

    We are particularly pleased to offer free family activities in Chapelfield Gardens, ensuring that everyone in Norwich can enjoy a fantastic day out this summer”

    The celebrations wrap up in style on Sunday with more live local music on Hay Hill, the Norwich Lanes Summer and the Great Norwich Duck Race.

    For the full schedule, procession entry details, and latest updates, follow Norwich City Council on social media or head to www.norwich.gov.uk/LMW

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Death toll from Armenia gas explosion rises to six

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    YEREVAN, June 12 (Xinhua) — The death toll from a gas explosion in an apartment building in the eastern Armenian city of Chambarak has risen to six, the press service of the Armenian Health Ministry said on Thursday.

    As reported, on Thursday a 69-year-old man, who was taken there the day before, died in one of the capital’s hospitals.

    It is noted that the condition of two more hospitalized victims is assessed as moderate.

    An explosion occurred in a house in Chambarak on Wednesday morning, causing three floors of apartments to collapse. Five bodies were found at the scene, and 11 people were taken to hospitals. According to preliminary data, a gas leak was the cause of the incident. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Viet Nam Hosts High-Level Forum to Promote Women’s Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    Ha Noi, Viet Nam – 12 June 2025 – Today, the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam (MPS), in partnership with the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), successfully convened an international forum under the theme: “Enhancing the Participation of Female Police Officers in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations –Global perspectives and Viet Nam’s Contribution.”

    The event marks a significant milestone affirming the strong commitment of the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam to promoting gender equality and empowering female police officers to play a more active role in global peacekeeping efforts.

    The Forum brought together more than 100 national and international participants, including high-ranking officials such as Senior Lieutenant General Le Quoc Hung, Deputy Minister of Public Security of Viet Nam; H.E Jean-Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations; Mr. Faisal Shahkar, United Nations Police Adviser and Director of the Police Division at the UN Department of Peace Operations. Representatives from relevant ministries, Vietnamese police peacekeepers, and embassies of Canada, the United Kingdom, Italy, Norway, Australia, Indonesia, the United States, among others, also participated.

    Viet Nam has actively deployed female police officers to United Nations peacekeeping missions, achieving a participation rate of over 30%—significantly surpassing the UN’s minimum target of 20%. This achievement has been recognized and commended by the international community. However, to ensure the sustainability, effectiveness, and long-term impact of such efforts, continued improvement of policy frameworks, expansion of international cooperation, and strengthened awareness across the police force on the role of women in peacekeeping are essential.

    In his opening remarks, Senior Lieutenant General Dr. Le Quoc Hung, Deputy Minister of Public Security, emphasized: “The Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam has proactively implemented policies and strategies to increase the participation of female police officers in UN peacekeeping operations. This not only reflects Viet Nam’s international commitments but also demonstrates a modern, human-centered, and globally integrated approach to security.”

    United Nations Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, expressed appreciation for Viet Nam’s steadfast support to peacekeeping operations, and for its commitment to achieve the goal of having more women in peacekeeping, particularly more female police officers. “There are several avenues to achieve that goal: first, by providing more training opportunities; second, by Member States nominating more female candidates including

    for leadership positions; and third, by creating work environments which are more welcoming for women. I look forward to continue strengthening the already excellent partnership with Viet Nam in all of these areas”.

    The forum featured in-depth discussions among experts and practitioners on issues including: the current status and challenges faced by female peacekeepers; UN policies and requirements on gender equality in peacekeeping; and experiences from other countries regarding the deployment of female police officers to peace operations. The event also highlighted current policy gaps and put forward concrete recommendations to enhance the role, representation, and quality of participation of female officers—including those from the Viet Nam People’s Public Security Force—in UN peacekeeping operations.

    Speaking at the Forum, Ms. Angela Pratt, Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator in Viet Nam, stated: “Increasing women’s representation in peacekeeping is not only a matter of gender equality—it also improves the effectiveness of peace operations. Viet Nam is currently exceeding global benchmarks for the deployment of female police officers. We encourage Viet Nam to continue its efforts, particularly in advancing women’s leadership and ensuring their presence in key mission positions.”

    UN Women and the United Nations system in Viet Nam reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Viet Nam in its peacekeeping journey through technical assistance, capacity building, and resource mobilization—including connecting Viet Nam to funding mechanisms such as the Elsie Initiative Fund.

    The Forum also reinforces Viet Nam’s implementation of its first-ever National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (2024–2030), while contributing meaningfully to the global agenda under the United Nations Pact for the Future. The event concluded with a strong call for gender-responsive leadership and coherent policies to advance gender equality in peace and security.

    —

    Media Contacts: Vu Viet Hung Standing Office for UN Peacekeeping Operations, Ministry of Public Security Email: ppko@mps.gov.vn

    Hoang Bich Thao Communications and Advocacy Analyst, UN Women Viet Nam

    Email: hoang.thao@unwomen.org

    Press Release in English and Vietnamese.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Crop Report for the Period June 3 to June 9, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 12, 2025

    Almost all Saskatchewan producers have completed their seeding operations with 100 per cent of the 2025 crop seeded. Rain was welcome in many parts of the province this week. However, in areas that did not receive as much rain, topsoil moisture is continuing to decline. 

    Rain fell in many areas of the province over the last week with the southeast and east-central regions receiving the highest amounts. The Calder area reported the highest rainfall amount at 36 millimeters (mm) followed by the Stockholm area at 35 mm and the Rocanville area at 34 mm. Regions that did not receive significant amounts of precipitation have noted that rainfall is needed soon to avoid serious crop damage. 

    With sporadic rain across the province, moisture conditions overall remained at similar levels as last week. However, some areas continued to see a decline in topsoil moisture. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as two per cent surplus, 44 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 12 per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported at 38 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 21 per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is 29 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short and 26 per cent very short. 

    Varying stages of crop development are reported given the varied amounts of rain throughout the province.

    • Thirteen per cent of winter cereals are in the tillering stage, 20 per cent at stem elongation, 26 per cent at flag leaf, 36 per cent are heading and five per cent are in the dough stage.
    • Nine per cent of spring cereals are at the pre-emergent stage with 47 per cent at the seedling stage, 38 per cent are tillering and six per cent in the stem elongation stage.
    • Eight per cent of pulse crops are at the pre-emergent stage with 48 per cent at the seedling stage and 44 per cent reported at the vegetative stage of development.
    • Eighteen per cent of canola and mustard are at the pre-emergent stage, with 67 per cent at the seedling stage and 15 per cent at the rosette stage.
    • Eighteen per cent of the flax is at the pre-emergent stage with 68 per cent at the seedling stage and 14 per cent starting stem elongation.

    Environmental conditions contributing to crop damage this week include dry conditions, heat and wind. Damage overall was reported as minor to moderate. In addition to damage caused by hot, dry and windy conditions, producers also note that some minor damage was being caused by frost and wildlife in many regions of the province. Flea beetles, grasshoppers, cutworms and pea leaf weevil continue to cause crop damage throughout many regions with some areas reporting minor to moderate crop damage.

    As producers have mostly wrapped up seeding, they are moving on to applying in-crop herbicides during appropriate weather. Crops will continue to be monitored for insects and environmental damage. As cattle are moved out to pasture, producers will monitor and fix fence where required. 

    For many producers, this is still a stressful time of year and producers are encouraged to take safety precautions in all the work they do. The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.

    A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online: Download Crop Report.

    Follow the 2025 Crop Report on X/Twitter at @SKAgriculture.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Kim Stonehouse
    Agriculture
    Tisdale
    Phone: 306-878-8807
    Email: kim.stonehouse@gov.sk.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Enhancing biodiversity through ecological restoration of Canyon Creek in Vancouver 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Vancouver, British Columbia, June 12, 2025 — Natural infrastructure improvements to Canyon Creek in Spanish Banks Beach Park will create naturalized habitats, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance public access to nature following an investment of $992,800 from the federal government through the Natural Infrastructure Fund.

    The project will restore greenspace and support local biodiversity by planting native species and creating habitats for birds, aquatic life, and pollinators. It includes daylighting the historic Canyon Creek and constructing new wetlands and riparian features to reconnect it through Pacific Spirit Regional Park to Spanish Banks West Extension Park, helping improve water quality in English Bay.

    Improvements along the shoreline will benefit fish populations and their habitats, while stormwater measures, such as a sewer connection and bioswales, will help manage runoff and reduce the risk of flooding.

    To improve accessibility and connectivity, the project will realign the bikeway separately from the pedestrian path and upgrade the multi-use path to provide access to the viewing deck. Interpretive signage will also be added to support public education and ecological awareness.

    Once complete, the restoration will encourage the return of native species, expand community access to nature, and contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of the local ecosystem.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Ben Cline Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

    Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) announced that Brooke Justus, an 11th-grade student at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology in Salem, has been named the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Virginia’s Sixth District. Her piece, titled “A Roanoke Forest,” will be displayed in the United States Capitol for the next year.

    The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide initiative to showcase the creativity and talent of high school students. In Virginia’s Sixth District, students from across the region submitted impressive works of art. In addition to the winning entry, artwork from the three runners-up will be displayed in the Congressman’s district offices.

    As part of her recognition, Brooke traveled to Washington, D.C., this week, where she met with Congressman Cline and saw her artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol.

    “Each year, the Congressional Art Competition is a great opportunity to recognize the talent of students across Virginia’s Sixth District, and Brooke’s piece, ‘A Roanoke Forest,’ is a proud representation of our region,” said Rep. Cline. “It was a pleasure to meet her in Washington and see her artwork displayed in the Capitol for visitors from across the country to enjoy.”

    Below are the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition:

    First Place: Brooke Justus

    School: 11th Grade, Burton Center for Arts and Technology

    Title: “A Roanoke Forest”

    Southern Regional Runner-Up: Maddie Grow

    School: 10th Grade, Grow Classical School

    Title: “Downtown Lexington”

    Central Regional Runner-Up: Claudia Allemeier

    School: 11th Grade, Harrisonburg High School

    Title: “Crowned Cranes”

    Northern Regional Runner-Up: Mariska Sharma

    School: 9th Grade, John Handley High School

    Title: “Vivaldi”

    For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National security operation conducted

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS) and the Police Force’s National Security Department (NSD) conducted a joint operation today in respect of a suspected case of “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security”.

    The joint operation was conducted pursuant to the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and the Safeguarding National Security (Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Regulation.

    In the case, six people and an organisation were suspected of having committed the offence of “collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security” under the Hong Kong National Security Law between November 2020 and June 2024.

    The OSNS, with the approval from its Director, requested assistance and support from the NSD, including arranging interviews with the people involved in the case for the OSNS, pursuant to the Safeguarding National Security (Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Regulation.

    The NSD, with warrants issued by the court under the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, searched the places of residence of the six people and the office of the organisation involved in the case in a commercial building in Kwai Chung and seized exhibits, including bank documents and devices, for further investigation.

    The NSD also conducted interviews with the people involved in the case and, pursuant to the Implementation Rules for Article 43 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, required those people, by notices issued by the court, to surrender their travel documents.

    The case is still under investigation, and the NSD will continue to provide assistance and support to the OSNS in accordance with the law.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Exemption for Polystyrene Foam Food Containers Prepackaged at Wholesale Extended until 2027

    Source: US State of Maine

    June 12, 2025

    CONTACT:

    A new law will go into effect immediately that extends the exemption from the ban on polystyrene foam food containers to allow raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs to be sold in polystyrene foam containers until July 1, 2027. It also extends the exemption to allow retailers to sell food or beverages in or on disposable food service containers composed of polystyrene foam that is prepackaged at wholesale until July 1, 2027.
    This law does not make any change to the ban on polystyrene foam disposable food service containers for take-out foods, bakery products, and leftovers from partially consumed meals that is currently in effect. Disposable food service containers are service ware designed for one-time use, and include bowls, plates, trays, carton, cups, lids sleeves, or other items for containing, transporting, and serving foods. Additional information regarding the polystyrene ban can be found on the Department’s Polystyrene Foam webpage.

    A “frequently asked questions” guidance sheet has been prepared by the Department to provide additional information regarding who and what must comply with the ban can be found on the Departments web page at the link above.

    This change in the law only extends the exemption. After July 1, 2027, all food and beverage products sold in Maine, including food prepackaged out of State by wholesalers for retail sale, cannot be packaged in polystyrene foam.

    For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA and FAO Conduct First Atoms4Food Assessment Mission to Burkina Faso

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The joint IAEA and FAO Assessment Mission team examine new rice varieties during the first Atoms4Food Initiative Assessment Mission in Burkina Faso. (Photo: Victor Owino/IAEA)

    In a critical step toward addressing food insecurity in West Africa, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations have launched their first joint Atoms4Food Initiative Assessment Mission in Burkina Faso. 

    This mission aims to identify key gaps and opportunities for delivering targeted technical support to Burkina Faso for food and agriculture in a country where an estimated 3.5 million people—nearly 20% of the population—are facing food insecurity. By leveraging nuclear science and technology, Atoms4Food seeks to bolster agricultural resilience and agrifood systems in one of the region’s most vulnerable nations.

    The mission, conducted from 26 May to 1 June, assessed how nuclear and related technologies are being used in Burkina Faso to address challenges in enhancing crop production, improving soil quality and in animal production and health, as well as human nutrition.

    The Atoms4Food Initiative was launched jointly by IAEA and FAO in 2023 to help boost food security and tackle growing hunger around the world. Atoms4Food will support countries to use innovative nuclear techniques such as sterile insect technique and plant mutation breeding to enhance agricultural productivity, ensure food safety, improve nutrition and adapt agrifood systems to the challenges of climate change. Almost €9 million has been pledged by IAEA donor countries and private companies to the initiative so far.

    As part of the Atoms4Food initiative, Assessment Missions are used to evaluate the specific needs and priorities of participating countries and identify critical gaps and opportunities where nuclear science and technology can offer impactful solutions. Based on the findings, tailored and country-specific solutions will be offered.

    Burkina Faso is one of 29 countries who have so far requested to receive support under Atoms4Food, with more expected this year. Alongside Benin, Pakistan, Peru and Türkiye, Burkina Faso was among the first countries to request an Atoms4Food Assessment Mission in 2025.

    A large proportion of Burkina Faso’s population still live in poverty and inequality.  Food insecurity has been compounded by rapid population growth, gender inequality and low levels of educational attainment. In addition, currently, 50% of rice consumed in Burkina Faso is imported. The government aims to achieve food sovereignty by producing sufficient rice domestically to reduce reliance on imports.

    “Hunger and malnutrition are on the rise globally, and Burkina Faso is particularly vulnerable to this growing challenge,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “This first Atoms4Food assessment mission marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to harness the power of nuclear science to enhance food security. As the Atoms4Food Initiative expands worldwide, we are committed to delivering tangible, sustainable solutions to reduce hunger and malnutrition.”

    The mission was conducted by a team of ten international experts in the areas of crop production, soil and water management, animal production and health and human nutrition. During the mission, the team held high-level meetings with the Burkina Faso Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Environment and conducted site visits to laboratories including the animal health laboratory and crop breeding facility at the Institute of Environment and Agricultural Research, the crop genetics and nutrition laboratories at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, and the bull station of the Ministry of Agriculture in Loumbila.

    “The Government of Burkina Faso is striving to achieve food security and sovereignty, to supply the country’s population with sufficient, affordable, nutritious and safe food, while strengthening the sustainability of the agrifood systems value-chain,” said Dongxin Feng, Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture and head of the mission to Burkina Faso. “Though much needs to be done, our mission found strong dedication and commitment from the Government in developing climate-resilient strategies for crops, such as rice, potato, sorghum and mango, strengthening sustainable livestock production of cattle, small ruminants and local poultry, as well as reducing malnutrition among infants and children, while considering the linkages with food safety.”

    The Assessment Mission will deliver an integrated Assessment Report with concrete recommendations on areas for intervention under the Atoms4Food Initiative. This will help develop a National Action Plan in order to scale up the joint efforts made by the two organizations in the past decades, which will include expanding partnership and resource mobilization. “Our priority now is to deliver a concrete mission report with actionable recommendations that will support the development of the National Action Plan aimed at improving the country’s long term food security,” Feng added.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 296 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Nuclear safety remains precarious at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and its six reactors cannot be restarted as long as the military conflict continues to jeopardize the situation at the site, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told IAEA Member States this week.

    Addressing the regular June meeting of the Board of Governors, the Director General briefed them about his 12th mission to Ukraine during the current conflict, which took place in early June, followed by a visit to Russia, which also focused on nuclear safety and security at the ZNPP.

    Addressing the Board meeting, he highlighted “the extremely vulnerable” status of the off-site power supply at the site, which for more than a month now has relied on one single power line for the electricity it needs to cool its reactors and spent fuel. Before the conflict, Europe’s largest nuclear power plant (NPP) had access to ten power lines.

    In addition, Director General Grossi noted that the ZNPP reactors’ “reliance on groundwater for cooling remains an interim solution, whilst in their cold shutdown state”.  The plant has depended on 11 groundwater wells since the downstream Kakhovka dam was destroyed two years ago.

    In their meeting in Kyiv on 3 June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “made a point to recognize the importance of the IAEA’s permanent presence” at the ZNPP, the Director General told the Board, adding he had assured President Zelenskyy of the IAEA’s continued commitment to Ukraine’s nuclear safety and to helping it rebuild its energy infrastructure.

    The Director General added: “As the military conflict moves further into its fourth year, Ukraine needs support, and the IAEA is providing it … it is also crucial to prepare for the reconstruction phase.”

    At the ZNPP, the IAEA team based there has held several meetings with the ZNPP to discuss the site’s electrical system and also visited its 750 kilovolt (kV) switchyard.

    Apart from the sole remaining 330 kV back-up line that was disconnected due to military activities on 7 May, the site does not know the current condition of its five other 330 kV lines, which remain unavailable after they were damaged outside of the ZNPP area early in the conflict.

    The ZNPP said maintenance work was conducted at one of the four 750 kV power lines that was originally connected to the ZNPP before being damaged in 2022. Since the conflict, the ZNPP had lost access to three of its 750 kV lines.

    In addition, the ZNPP informed the IAEA about a planned project to pump water into the cooling pond from the Dnipro River in order to maintain a water level that is sufficient to cool one operating reactor initially, followed by a second unit, until the pond reaches its full capacity. According to the site, a pumping station will be constructed to supply water directly to the cooling pond until the plant can rebuild the Kakhovka dam.

    The exact location of the pumping station cannot yet be determined, as it depends on the security conditions, the ZNPP said, adding the project would only start once military activities cease.

    Separately this week, the IAEA team was informed that that the Russian regulator, Rostekhnadzor, over the next two weeks will perform pre-licensing inspection activities at ZNPP reactor units 1 and 2, whose current operational licences issued by Ukraine are due to expire in December this year and in February 2026, respectively. The IAEA team has requested to observe these activities and will seek additional information regarding items such as the scope of these undertakings and any criteria for assessing nuclear safety.

    Over the past several weeks, the IAEA team has also been monitoring a leak in one reactor unit’s essential service water system which delivers cooling water to the safety systems. The leak – which can occur in NPPs without any significant safety consequences – was discovered during maintenance and the team was informed that it was caused by corrosion. It has since been repaired.

    The IAEA team reported hearing military activities on most days over the past weeks, at varying distances away from the ZNPP including last week’s purported drone attack on the site’s training centre.

    The Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and the South Ukraine NPPs are continuing to operate amid the problems caused by the conflict. Three of their nine operating reactor units are still undergoing planned outages for refuelling and maintenance. The IAEA teams at these plants and the Chornobyl sites have continued to report on – and be informed about – nearby military activities, including drones observed flying nearby. Last Monday, the IAEA teams at Khmelnytskyy and Rivne were required to shelter.

    Over the past two weeks, the IAEA teams based at these four sites have all rotated.

    As part of the IAEA’s assistance programme to support nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, the Chornobyl site received essential items to improve staff living conditions and the National Scientific Centre Institute of Metrology received personal radiation detectors.

    These deliveries were funded by Austria, Belgium, France and Norway and brought the total number of IAEA-coordinated deliveries since the start of the armed conflict to 140.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: VIDEO: DHS Arrests Christian Cerna-Camacho for Allegedly Punching CBP Officer during L.A. Riots

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    “If you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” – Secretary Noem 

    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released video footage of the arrest of a Christian Damian Cerna-Camacho, a United States (U.S.). citizen, for allegedly assaulting a federal law enforcement officer during the Los Angeles (LA), California (CA) riots. When officers tried to make the arrest, Cerna-Camacho tried to flee.

    “Homeland Security Investigations arrested Christian Damian Cerna-Camacho for punching a federal law enforcement officer,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Our officers are facing a 413% increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murders, rapists, and gang members. Secretary Noem’s message to the LA rioters is clear: you will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law. And if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

    Christian Damian Cerna-Camacho

    Watch the arrest footage here.

    Additionally, this week, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Emiliano Garduno-Galvez—an illegal alien from Mexico—for attempted murder after he threw a Molotov cocktail at law enforcement during the LA riots. 

    Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Elpidio Reyna for allegedly throwing rocks and explosives at federal officers.

    Elpidio Reyna

    If you see Reyna or have any information that could help lead to his arrest, call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit http://tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Sidetrade named Fortune Europe’s Most Innovative Companies 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sidetrade, the global leader in AI-powered Order-to-Cash applications, has been ranked 141st in Europe’s Most Innovative Companies 2025, a list published by Fortune and Statista. Among 300 top innovation leaders, Sidetrade is highlighted for the strength of its innovation culture, recognized as its key differentiator.

    The Europe’s Most Innovative Companies 2025 list, compiled by Fortune in partnership with Statista, is based on more than 108,000 evaluations by experts and employees, enriched by the LexisNexis® patent portfolio index. Each company is assessed across three dimensions: product innovation, process innovation, and innovation culture. Sidetrade stood out for the strength of its innovative mindset, a key driver in its ability to reshape financial practices across the Order-to-Cash field.

    This recognition crowns a continuous innovation trajectory that began with the company’s founding in 2000. This momentum originated in Paris, France, where the company built its technological foundation within an ecosystem that has since achieved global recognition. As of 2025, the French capital’s technology ecosystem ranks fourth globally, according to Dealroom, surpassing London, Munich, and Stockholm.

    “Since its inception 25 years ago, Sidetrade has been at the forefront of technological disruption,” said Olivier Novasque, Founder and CEO of Sidetrade. “This recognition by Fortune comes at a pivotal moment, as we enter the era of agentic AI. For our clients, this marks the era of augmented finance, with virtually unlimited capabilities that can absorb business complexity. For us, it reflects a technological lead we estimate to be over three years ahead of our market.”

    By equipping finance departments with autonomous agents capable of acting, communicating, and adapting in real time, Sidetrade is redefining the foundations of the Order-to-Cash process. This shift from assistive AI to executional AI represents a strategic inflection point, described by several analysts as a business model transformation.

    “The emergence of agentic AI marks a turning point in the operating model of corporate finance,” noted Jean-Pierre Tabart, Analyst at TP ICAP. “With its technological lead, mastery of real-time behavioral data, and ability to industrialize autonomous intelligence at scale for large enterprises, Sidetrade stands out as a strategically undervalued asset, poised to capture increasing value in an under-equipped market.”

    Investor relations & Media relations @Sidetrade
    Christelle Dhrif                00 33 6 10 46 72 00           cdhrif@sidetrade.com

    About Sidetrade (www.sidetrade.com)
    Sidetrade (Euronext Growth: ALBFR.PA) provides a SaaS platform designed to revolutionize how cash flow is secured and accelerated. Leveraging its next-generation AI, nicknamed Aimie, Sidetrade analyzes $7.2 trillion worth of B2B payment transactions daily in its Cloud, thereby anticipating customer payment behavior and the attrition risk of more than 40 million buyers worldwide. Aimie recommends the best operational strategies, dematerializes and intelligently automates Order-to-Cash processes to enhance productivity, results and working capital across organizations.
    Sidetrade has a global reach, with 400+ talented employees based in Europe, the United States and Canada, serving global businesses in more than 85 countries. Amongst them: AGFA, Bidcorp, BMW Financial Services, Bunzl, DXC, Engie, Inmarsat, KPMG, Lafarge, Manpower, Morningstar, Page, Randstad, Safran, Saint-Gobain, Securitas, Siemens, UGI, Veolia.
    Sidetrade is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, adhering to its principles-based approach to responsible business.
     For more information, visit us at www.sidetrade.com and follow us on LinkedIn at @Sidetrade.
     In the event of any discrepancy between the French and English versions of this press release, the French version shall prevail.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bondholders of Baltic Horizon Fund approved the amendments to the bond terms and conditions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Baltic Horizon Fund applied for bondholders’ approval for certain amendments to the terms and conditions (the Terms and Conditions) of the Baltic Horizon Fund EUR 42 million 5-year floating rate bonds maturing in 2028 (ISIN EE3300003235, the Bonds) in relation to the Bonds by way of written procedure initiated on 9 June 2025.

    Bondholders who were entered in the registry of bond-holders maintained by Nasdaq CSD SE on 6 June 2025 were entitled to vote in the written procedure (the Holders). Altogether Holders holding in aggregate Bonds with the nominal value of EUR 18,999,997.80 which constitutes 100% of the aggregate nominal value of all Bonds, participated in the written procedure for amending the Terms and Conditions.  The Holders voted unanimously in favour of the decisions to amend the voluntary early redemption provisions of the Bonds and therefore adopted the necessary decision. Following the approval of the amendments, the Baltic Horizon Fund will have the right to carry out voluntary early redemptions in tranches of at least EUR 3 million.

    The amended Terms and Conditions will be published on the website of the Baltic Horizon Fund within three business days as of publishing of this notice.

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    www.baltichorizon.com

    Baltic Horizon Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. Both the Fund and the Management Company are supervised by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority.

    Distribution: GlobeNewswire, Nasdaq, www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Credit Agricole Sa: Crédit Agricole Transitions & Energies becomes a majority shareholder in COMWATT, a specialist in energy optimisation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release                                                                    Montrouge, 12 June 2025

    Crédit Agricole Transitions & Energies
    becomes a majority shareholder in COMWATT,
    a specialist in energy optimisation

    Crédit Agricole Transitions & Énergies has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in COMWATT, an innovative company based in Montpellier, France, specialising in the production and optimisation of solar energy consumption for individual customers.

    This transaction forms part of Crédit Agricole Transitions & Énergies objective to accelerate the development of concrete solutions to support Crédit Agricole Group customers in their plans to decarbonise and manage their energy costs.

    With COMWATT, Crédit Agricole Transitions & Énergies is strengthening its solar self-consumption offer. These new services will complement those already offered, such as the “J’écorénove mon logement” platform, which is dedicated to residential energy renovation.

    The impact of the transaction on the CET1 ratio of Crédit Agricole S.A. is not significant.

    Press contact
    Françoise Bololanik – francoise.bololanik@ca-transitions-energies.fr – +33 (0)7 64 61 33 70

    About Crédit Agricole Transitions & Énergies
    A subsidiary of Crédit Agricole Group, Crédit Agricole Transitions & Énergies supports and facilitates the environmental transitions of its customers through financing and investing in renewable energy projects; the production and supply of direct distribution decarbonised electricity, in cooperation with local players; and providing transition consultancy and solutions, supporting the energy efficiency efforts of the Group’s customers. Crédit Agricole Transitions & Énergies comprises 82 employees and places its expertise at the service of individual customers, professionals, corporates, farmers and local authorities. https://www.ca-transitions-energies.fr/en/   Follow us on LinkedIn

    About COMWATT
    COMWATT is a French company established in 2013 that provides intelligent energy management solutions.
    Recipient of 15 labels and innovation awards, COMWATT has distinguished itself through its ability to offer solutions that are simple to use but extremely efficient.
    Market leader COMWATT enables its 35,000 users to regain control over their consumption and improve their energy independence.
    www.comwatt.com   https://www.linkedin.com/company/comwatt/

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: RapidBit Exchange Launches Open ESG Academy to Advance Responsible Financial Literacy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Austin, TX, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RapidBit Exchange announced the official launch of its Open ESG Academy, a multilingual, on-demand educational platform designed to promote ESG awareness, literacy, and implementation across individual and institutional audiences worldwide. The new initiative underscores RapidBit Exchange’s broader mission to integrate financial innovation with long-term social responsibility.

    Built in collaboration with academic advisors and sustainability experts, the ESG Academy offers structured modules across three core tracks: Environmental Impact, Social Inclusion, and Governance Practices. Users can access self-paced video courses, practical case studies, compliance toolkits, and real-time assessments tailored to regional regulatory contexts.

    “Responsible finance begins with informed decision-making,” said Julia Thompson, Director of Global Education Initiatives at RapidBit Exchange. “Our ESG Academy equips participants with not only the technical vocabulary of ESG, but also the critical thinking skills needed to apply these principles meaningfully in both personal and professional contexts.”

    The platform is freely accessible to all registered users and includes the following features:

    Modular Learning Tracks: Covering climate disclosure standards, human capital policy, diversity metrics, ethical decision frameworks, and stakeholder engagement tools.

    Interactive Resources: Including downloadable templates, regional ESG regulation summaries, and peer-reviewed implementation checklists.

    Certifications: Learners who complete the foundational and advanced tracks can earn digital credentials for career development and institutional reporting.

    Live Webinars and Community Forums: Led by subject-matter experts, regulators, and partner organizations.

    With the ESG Academy, RapidBit Exchange addresses the growing demand for credible, neutral, and globally applicable ESG education, especially among younger investors, cross-border teams, and organizations navigating evolving compliance requirements.

    The launch also reflects the platform’s growing investment in socially responsible infrastructure, aligning educational empowerment with environmental and governance integrity. RapidBit Exchange plans to integrate ESG performance dashboards and portfolio sustainability analytics in upcoming platform releases.

    “We believe that ESG should not remain a boardroom discussion. It should be embedded in the everyday decision-making of investors and platforms alike,” added Julia Thompson.

    About RapidBit Exchange
    RapidBit Exchange is a technology-driven financial platform delivering high-performance, globally compliant trading and learning infrastructure. With a presence across major markets and a commitment to security, transparency, and education, RapidBit Exchange empowers users to navigate complex financial systems with intelligence and integrity.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    https://rapidbitex.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LaurenceX Finance Institute Publishes LaurenceX Mind Results Led by Edmund Laurence

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LaurenceX Finance Institute has officially released its first comprehensive performance assessment of LaurenceX Mind, the institute’s flagship AI trading system developed under the leadership of founder and investment strategist Edmund Laurence. The report highlights the system’s substantial impact on real-time decision-making accuracy, adaptive learning behavior, and trading performance across diverse user groups.

    Originally launched as an experimental prototype in 2015, LaurenceX Mind has evolved into a multi-layered intelligent trading architecture with deep learning capability, real-time market simulation, and self-optimizing decision engines. The system was fully integrated into the LaurenceX Finance Institute curriculum in 2018 as a core platform for strategy training and behavioral reinforcement.

    According to data collected between Q2 2023 and Q1 2025, students and early-career professionals who used LaurenceX Mind in applied investment modules demonstrated a 47% increase in trade decision accuracy, a 34% improvement in scenario recognition speed, and a 51% reduction in misjudged volatility responses compared to peers using traditional rule-based simulation tools.

    “These numbers validate the original hypothesis that strategic cognition, not just technical tools, determines long-term performance,” said Edmund Laurence. “LaurenceX Mind was built not to replace thinking, but to elevate it through structured learning loops and probabilistic reasoning.”

    The evaluation report also examined the platform’s adaptability in volatile, low-data, and emergent market environments. Using synthetic simulations of illiquid assets and non-linear price patterns, LaurenceX Mind maintained predictive consistency in 89.4% of test cases, outperforming benchmark quant models that averaged 62.7%.

    Notably, performance improvements were not limited to advanced users. Entry-level participants—those with fewer than six months of financial education—achieved an average 28% faster comprehension rate in live-market scenario drills when supported by LaurenceX Mind’s visual inference tools and real-time feedback architecture.

    LaurenceX Mind’s internal modules contributed distinctively to these outcomes:

    The Trading Signal Decision System offered high-confidence entry/exit indicators with customizable risk profiles.

    The AI Programmatic Execution Engine adapted strategy execution in milliseconds based on new data feeds.

    The Investment Strategy Logic Layer identified shifts in macroeconomic conditions and reweighted portfolio bias accordingly.

    The Cognitive Replay Engine provided post-simulation diagnostics, enabling users to revise assumptions based on objective trade replay feedback.

    LaurenceX Finance Institute has indicated that these results will shape the upcoming redesign of its intermediate and advanced-tier certification programs. All modules powered by LaurenceX Mind will now include enhanced diagnostics, personalized progression analytics, and cross-market scenario complexity scaling.

    Looking ahead, the institute plans to launch a live-market benchmarking challenge in Q4 2025, allowing students and institutional partners to test LaurenceX Mind’s next iteration—version 4.0—against market-indexed AI systems and human-managed strategies in parallel environments.

    Edmund Laurence emphasized that the goal is not only system performance but learner transformation. “LaurenceX Mind is not just a platform—it’s a mirror that trains clarity, adaptability, and intellectual control in uncertain conditions. That’s the true edge.”

    About LaurenceX Finance Institute
     LaurenceX Finance Institute is a global financial education institution founded by Edmund Laurence, committed to advancing intelligent investment training through technology and cognitive learning. The institute integrates artificial intelligence, real-time strategy simulation, and behavioral analytics into its curriculum. Its flagship platform, LaurenceX Mind, enables learners to understand market dynamics, build adaptive strategies, and make decisions under uncertainty. LaurenceX Finance Institute is recognized for redefining financial education through its AI-driven systems, global faculty network, and emphasis on ethical and strategic thinking.

    For more information on LaurenceX Mind, or to access the full performance impact report, visit the official LaurenceX Finance Institute website.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    https://lxfinanceinstitute.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aegon Annual General Meeting approves all resolutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amsterdam, June 12, 2025 – Aegon Ltd.’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) today approved all resolutions on the agenda. This included the final dividend for 2024 of EUR 0.19 per common share, bringing Aegon’s total dividend for 2024 to EUR 0.35 per common share. The meeting also approved all proposed appointments to the Board of Directors, including the reappointment of three existing members and the election of three new members.

    The full details of the resolutions approved during the AGM can be found in the AGM archive on Aegon.com.

    Contacts

    Media relations Investor relations
    Veronique Lefel Yves Cormier
    +31 (0)6 15 67 64 24 +31(0) 70 344 8028
    veronique.lefel@aegon.com yves.cormier@aegon.com

    About Aegon

    Aegon is an international financial services holding company. Aegon’s ambition is to build leading businesses that offer their customers investment, protection, and retirement solutions. Aegon’s portfolio of businesses includes fully owned businesses in the United States and United Kingdom, and a global asset manager. Aegon also creates value by combining its international expertise with strong local partners via insurance joint-ventures in Spain & Portugal, China, and Brazil, and via asset management partnerships in France and China. In addition, Aegon owns a Bermuda-based life insurer and generates value via a strategic shareholding in a market leading Dutch insurance and pensions company.

    Aegon’s purpose of helping people live their best lives runs through all its activities. As a leading global investor and employer, Aegon seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues. Aegon is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, domiciled in Bermuda, and listed on Euronext Amsterdam and the New York Stock Exchange. More information can be found at aegon.com.

    Forward-looking statements
    The statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following are words that identify such forward-looking statements: aim, believe, estimate, target, intend, may, expect, anticipate, predict, project, counting on, plan, continue, want, forecast, goal, should, would, could, is confident, will, and similar expressions as they relate to Aegon. These statements may contain information about financial prospects, economic conditions and trends and involve risks and uncertainties. In addition, any statements that refer to sustainability, environmental and social targets, commitments, goals, efforts and expectations and other events or circumstances that are partially dependent on future events are forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Aegon undertakes no obligation, and expressly disclaims any duty, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which merely reflect company expectations at the time of writing. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from expectations conveyed in forward-looking statements due to changes caused by various risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to the following:

    • Changes in general economic and/or governmental conditions, particularly in Bermuda, the United States, the United Kingdom and in relation to Aegon’s shareholding in ASR Nederland N.V. and asset management business, the Netherlands;
    • Civil unrest, (geo-) political tensions, military action or other instability in a countries or geographic regions that affect our operations or that affect global markets;
    • Changes in the performance of financial markets, including emerging markets, such as with regard to:         
      • The frequency and severity of defaults by issuers in Aegon’s fixed income investment portfolios;
      • The effects of corporate bankruptcies and/or accounting restatements on the financial markets and the resulting decline in the value of equity and debt securities Aegon holds;
      • The effects of declining creditworthiness of certain public sector securities and the resulting decline in the value of government exposure that Aegon holds;
      • The impact from volatility in credit, equity, and interest rates;
    • Changes in the performance of Aegon’s investment portfolio and decline in ratings of Aegon’s counterparties;
    • The effect of tariffs and potential trade wars on trading markets and on economic growth, globally and in the markets where Aegon operates.
    • Lowering of one or more of Aegon’s debt ratings issued by recognized rating organizations and the adverse impact such action may have on Aegon’s ability to raise capital and on its liquidity and financial condition;
    • Lowering of one or more of insurer financial strength ratings of Aegon’s insurance subsidiaries and the adverse impact such action may have on the written premium, policy retention, profitability and liquidity of its insurance subsidiaries;
    • The effect of applicable Bermuda solvency requirements, the European Union’s Solvency II requirements, and applicable equivalent solvency requirements and other regulations in other jurisdictions affecting the capital Aegon is required to maintain and our ability to pay dividends;
    • Changes in the European Commissions’ or European regulator’s position on the equivalence of the supervisory regime for insurance and reinsurance undertakings in force in Bermuda;
    • Changes affecting interest rate levels and low or rapidly changing interest rate levels;
    • Changes affecting currency exchange rates, in particular the EUR/USD and EUR/GBP exchange rates;
    • The effects of global inflation, or inflation in the markets where Aegon operates;
    • Changes in the availability of, and costs associated with, liquidity sources such as bank and capital markets funding, as well as conditions in the credit markets in general such as changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness;
    • Increasing levels of competition, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, emerging markets and in relation to Aegon’s shareholding in ASR Nederland N.V. and asset management business, the Netherlands;
    • Catastrophic events, either manmade or by nature, including by way of example acts of God, acts of terrorism, acts of war and pandemics, could result in material losses and significantly interrupt Aegon’s business;
    • The frequency and severity of insured loss events;
    • Changes affecting longevity, mortality, morbidity, persistence and other factors that may impact the profitability of Aegon’s insurance products and management of derivatives;
    • Aegon’s projected results are highly sensitive to complex mathematical models of financial markets, mortality, longevity, and other dynamic systems subject to shocks and unpredictable volatility. Should assumptions to these models later prove incorrect, or should errors in those models escape the controls in place to detect them, future performance will vary from projected results;
    • Reinsurers to whom Aegon has ceded significant underwriting risks may fail to meet their obligations;
    • Changes in customer behavior and public opinion in general related to, among other things, the type of products Aegon sells, including legal, regulatory or commercial necessity to meet changing customer expectations;
    • Customer responsiveness to both new products and distribution channels;
    • Third-party information used by us may prove to be inaccurate and change over time as methodologies and data availability and quality continue to evolve impacting our results and disclosures;
    • As Aegon’s operations support complex transactions and are highly dependent on the proper functioning of information technology, operational risks such as system disruptions or failures, security or data privacy breaches, cyberattacks, human error, failure to safeguard personally identifiable information, changes in operational practices or inadequate controls including with respect to third parties with which Aegon does business, may disrupt Aegon’s business, damage its reputation and adversely affect its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows;
    • Aegon’s failure to swiftly, effectively, and securely adapt and integrate emerging technologies;
    • The impact of acquisitions and divestitures, restructurings, product withdrawals and other unusual items, including Aegon’s ability to complete, or obtain regulatory approval for, acquisitions and divestitures, integrate acquisitions, and realize anticipated results from such transactions, and its ability to separate businesses as part of divestitures;
    • Aegon’s failure to achieve anticipated levels of earnings or operational efficiencies, as well as other management initiatives related to cost savings, Cash Capital at Holding, gross financial leverage and free cash flow;
    • Changes in the policies of central banks and/or governments;
    • Litigation or regulatory action that could require Aegon to pay significant damages or change the way Aegon does business;
    • Competitive, legal, regulatory, or tax changes that affect profitability, the distribution cost of or demand for Aegon’s products;
    • Consequences of an actual or potential break-up of the European Monetary Union in whole or in part, or further consequences of the exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union and potential consequences if other European Union countries leave the European Union;
    • Changes in laws and regulations, or the interpretation thereof by regulators and courts, including as a result of comprehensive reform or shifts away from multilateral approaches to regulation of global or national operations, particularly regarding those laws and regulations related to ESG matters, those affecting Aegon’s operations’ ability to hire and retain key personnel, taxation of Aegon companies, the products Aegon sells, the attractiveness of certain products to its consumers and Aegon’s intellectual property;
    • Regulatory changes relating to the pensions, investment, insurance industries and enforcing adjustments in the jurisdictions in which Aegon operates;
    • Standard setting initiatives of supranational standard setting bodies such as the Financial Stability Board and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors or changes to such standards that may have an impact on regional (such as EU), national (such as Bermuda) or US federal or state level financial regulation or the application thereof to Aegon;
    • Changes in accounting regulations and policies or a change by Aegon in applying such regulations and policies, voluntarily or otherwise, which may affect Aegon’s reported results, shareholders’ equity or regulatory capital adequacy levels;
    • The rapidly changing landscape for ESG responsibilities, leading to potential challenges by private parties and governmental authorities, and/or changes in ESG standards and requirements, including assumptions, methodology and materiality, or a change by Aegon in applying such standards and requirements, voluntarily or otherwise, may affect Aegon’s ability to meet evolving standards and requirements, or Aegon’s ability to meet its sustainability and ESG-related goals, or related public expectations, which may also negatively affect Aegon’s reputation or the reputation of its board of directors or its management;
    • Unexpected delays, difficulties, and expenses in executing against Aegon’s environmental, climate, or other ESG targets, goals and commitments, and changes in laws or regulations affecting us, such as changes in data privacy, environmental, health and safety laws; and
    • Reliance on third-party information in certain of Aegon’s disclosures, which may change over time as methodologies and data availability and quality continue to evolve. These factors, as well as any inaccuracies in third-party information used by Aegon, including in estimates or assumptions, may cause results to differ materially and adversely from statements, estimates, and beliefs made by Aegon or third-parties. Moreover, Aegon’s disclosures based on any standards may change due to revisions in framework requirements, availability of information, changes in its business or applicable governmental policies, or other factors, some of which may be beyond Aegon’s control. Additionally, Aegon’s discussion of various ESG and other sustainability issues in this document or in other locations, including on our corporate website, may be informed by the interests of various stakeholders, as well as various ESG standards, frameworks, and regulations (including for the measurement and assessment of underlying data). As such, our disclosures on such issues, including climate-related disclosures, may include information that is not necessarily “material” under US securities laws for SEC reporting purposes, even if we use words such as “material” or “materiality” in relation to those statements. ESG expectations continue to evolve, often quickly, including for matters outside of our control; our disclosures are inherently dependent on the methodology (including any related assumptions or estimates) and data used, and there can be no guarantee that such disclosures will necessarily reflect or be consistent with the preferred practices or interpretations of particular stakeholders, either currently or in future.

    Further details of potential risks and uncertainties affecting Aegon are described in its filings with the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and the US Securities and Exchange Commission, including the 2024 Integrated Annual Report. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this document. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, Aegon expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in Aegon’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Planisware unveils AI-powered innovations and latest product improvement at annual conference: Exchange25 EMEA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Planisware unveils AI-powered innovations and latest product improvement at annual conference: Exchange25 EMEA

    Paris, France, June 11, 2025 – Planisware, a leading B2B provider of SaaS in the rapidly growing Project Economy market, hosted its annual client conference, Exchange25 EMEA, over the last two days in Paris.

    This Paris edition is a highly anticipated event, held annually for over 20 years. It provides a platform for Planisware to showcase its latest innovations and foster fruitful exchanges among its extensive client base, partners, and other professionals from diverse industries.

    Loïc Sautour, CEO of Planisware, commented: “An estimated 90% of organizations are currently undergoing some form of digital transformation. We are not just observing this change, we are living it. Since 2020, we have doubled in size and transformed how we serve our clients. Events like Exchange25 EMEA let us bring our vision to life and this year, AI was the catalyst behind our most exciting features. They also allow our customers, such as ArianeGroupe and ABB, to showcase how Planisware’s innovative solutions help them drive their project portfolios and manage high-stakes programs with precision and transparency. We remain committed to delivering comprehensive value through scalable enterprise solutions, deep domain expertise, and evolutive services that support continuous growth, adoption, and success.”

    In the wake of rapid digital transformation across industries, a core theme of Exchange25 EMEA was Planisware’s continued deep investment in AI and automation, and reinforce its commitment to helping organizations plan smarter and more strategically.

    The company introduced its AI-Powered Unified Platform, enabling to deliver a personalized user experience tailored to each organization’s needs through increasing usage of intelligent agents and leveraging its semantic model. Planisware continues to stand out as a versatile partner and provider, delivering comprehensive support across multiple domains.

    The conference also spotlighted enhancements of the two products of Planisware’s single-platform now offering a streamlined UX and a redesigned interface:

    • Planisware Enterprise: A scalable, enterprise-wide solution built to capture organization’s strategy, align portfolios, execute projects, and co-ordinate your teams efficiently.
    • Planisware Orchestra: Tailored for small to mid-sized enterprises, Orchestra is a turnkey cloud solution to quickly streamline project decision-making, foster collaboration and ensure best practice across the whole organization.

    Together, these solutions reflect Planisware’s commitment to delivering scalable, user-centric solutions for organizations of all sizes.

    About Planisware

    Planisware is a leading business-to-business (“B2B”) provider of Software-as-a-Service (“SaaS”) in the rapidly growing Project Economy. Planisware’s mission is to provide solutions that help organizations transform how they strategize, plan and deliver their projects, project portfolios, programs and products.

    With circa 750 employees across 18 offices, Planisware operates at significant scale serving around 600 organizational clients in a wide range of verticals and functions across more than 30 countries worldwide. Planisware’s clients include large international companies, medium-sized businesses and public sector entities.

    Planisware is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Compartment A, ISIN code FR001400PFU4, ticker symbol “PLNW”).

    For more information, visit: https://planisware.com/ and connect with Planisware on: LinkedIn.

    Contact

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Arctic Wolf Expands Aurora Platform with New Self-Service Security Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arctic Wolf®, a global leader in security operations, today announced new enhancements to its Aurora Platform, giving customers enhanced ability to interact with their SOC data and operations, greater visibility into their existing tech stack, and deeper customization across their security workflows. These updates come as security teams increasingly face the cost and complexity of managing a SIEM, which often create more problems than they solve. With these enhancements, Arctic Wolf customers gain greater flexibility in how they access and interact with their security data, whether through on-demand self-service features or expert-guided support from their dedicated Concierge Security Team.

    Traditional SIEM solutions have become a burden for many organizations, especially in hybrid and cloud-first environments. Long deployment timelines, constant upkeep, false positives, and high alert volumes make it difficult for teams to extract meaningful value. SIEMs also require specialized staffing and manual tuning, which is especially challenging in today’s talent-constrained market even for well-resourced organizations. With most SIEM solutions, the burden falls on security teams to learn and operate the tool themselves. In contrast, Arctic Wolf delivers visibility and outcomes through a single unified platform and AI-powered SOC, offering intuitive tools and a Concierge Experience that serve as a SIEM alternative to help customers answer their most pressing security questions without added complexity, enabling them to operate with the agility and flexibility required to stay ahead of an increasingly fast-moving and sophisticated threat landscape.

    With this release, Arctic Wolf introduces advanced new self-service capabilities in its Data Explorer module, enabling security teams to create custom detections aligned to their specific operational and compliance needs. These updates provide a more intuitive way to investigate threats and answer high-priority security questions without having to master a complex tool or invest in constant rule tuning.

    New and enhanced capabilities in Arctic Wolf Data Explorer include:

    • Simplifying Custom Detections: Quickly build custom detection rules and alerts that are tailored to an organization’s unique environment, without the need for SIEM tuning or custom rule sets.
    • Advancing Search Capabilities for Security Teams: Run flexible, intuitive queries to validate alerts and drill into the context behind suspicious activity, without requiring complex syntax.
    • Enabling Advanced Queries Across Historical Data: Investigate across long-term security data to uncover patterns, confirm alert details, or trace threats over time.

    “Security teams shouldn’t need to fight with their SIEM to get fast answers to important questions,” said Chris Kraft, chief product officer, Arctic Wolf. “With Data Explorer, we’re enabling fast, intuitive access to critical insights, backed by the scale and intelligence of the Aurora Platform. These new enhancements give users more flexibility and control than ever before, allowing them to create custom detections, run targeted investigations, and drive better security outcomes. Unlike legacy tools that are complex to maintain and slow to deliver value, Data Explorer empowers teams to act quickly and confidently.”

    Additional Resources:

    About Arctic Wolf
    Arctic Wolf® is a global leader in security operations, delivering the first cloud-native security operations platform to end cyber risk. Built on open XDR architecture, the Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform operates at a massive scale and combines the power of artificial intelligence with world-class security experts to provide 24×7 monitoring, detection, response, and risk management. We make security work!

    To learn more about Arctic Wolf, visit www.arcticwolf.com.

    Press Contact:
    Lauren Back
    PR@arcticwolf.com

    © 2025 Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Arctic Wolf, Aurora, Alpha AI, Arctic Wolf Security Operations Cloud, Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response, Arctic Wolf Managed Risk, Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness, Arctic Wolf Incident Response, and Arctic Wolf Concierge Security Team are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Arctic Wolf Launches New and Advanced MSP Partner Program and Unveils Aurora Endpoint Security for MSPs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arctic Wolf®, a global leader in security operations, today unveiled two major initiatives to advance its MSP (Managed Service Provider) strategy: an enhanced MSP Partner Program and the launch of Aurora Endpoint Security for MSPs. These strategic initiatives represent a significant advancement in how Arctic Wolf supports MSPs, helping them grow into trusted security advisors while accelerating profitability and expanding their market reach.

    MSPs play a central role in Arctic Wolf’s global partner ecosystem, driving adoption of the Aurora Platform and delivering critical security outcomes to customers of all sizes. The redesigned MSP Partner Program is built for their success—offering scalable pricing, simplified deal structures, and the resources needed to scale profitably and meet the demands of today’s complex threat landscape.

    This support comes at a critical time. Many MSPs today face a growing set of challenges—from misaligned customer expectations and tool sprawl to alert fatigue and limited 24×7 coverage. These issues strain internal resources and make it harder for MSPs to consistently deliver the outcomes their customers expect. Arctic Wolf provides unmatched value to MSPs through the Aurora Platform, which is built to support customer choice, working seamlessly with a wide range of endpoint, network, cloud, and identity solutions. With a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for prevention, detection, response, and risk management, the platform enables MSPs to streamline service delivery, reduce overhead, and scale efficiently. When combined with direct access to Arctic Wolf’s team of security experts, MSP partners that work with Arctic Wolf can deliver stronger customer outcomes while building high-margin, sustainable security practices.

    The new Arctic Wolf MSP Partner Program focuses on three core areas:

    • Progressive Volume Pricing: A growth-oriented pricing model that provides more favorable rates as an MSP’s overall business with Arctic Wolf expands.
    • Progressive Deal Minimums: A flexible, tiered structure that lowers deal minimums as an MSP grows—enabling entry into new markets and easier expansion without the limits of a one-size-fits-all approach.
    • Volume Commit Agreements: Multi-year growth plans that unlock preferred pricing from day one, helping partners scale faster and increase margins.

    The launch of the new Arctic Wolf MSP Partner Program builds on the foundation of the Arctic Wolf Partner Program, Arctic Wolf’s award-winning, partner-centric go-to-market model designed to help partners thrive. From sales enablement and technical training to marketing and demand generation support, the program delivers everything the channel community needs to win new business, deepen customer relationships, and scale their growth.

    “The MSP market is one of the most dynamic segments in cybersecurity, and we’re proud to launch a new purpose-built program that gives MSP partners more flexibility, stronger margins, and immediate pricing advantages,” said Will Briggs, SVP, Global Channels at Arctic Wolf. “We’ve designed every part of this offering around partner success, removing friction, rewarding growth, and giving MSPs the ability to deliver modern security operations and advanced endpoint protection to their customers faster and more profitably than ever before.”

    Launching Aurora Endpoint Security for MSPs
    Arctic Wolf also announced the launch of Aurora Endpoint Security for MSPs, enabling MSP partners to deliver the flexible, scalable protection of Aurora Endpoint Security to their customers. Seamlessly integrated into the Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform, Aurora Endpoint Security leverages insights from over 10,000 customers and more than 8 trillion security observations weekly to address advanced and emerging threats.

    These enhancements to Arctic Wolf’s MSP Partner Program were revealed during Partner Jam, the company’s weeklong global summit for channel, alliance, and insurance partners. During the event, Arctic Wolf also announced its 2025 Partner of the Year award winners, recognizing the organizations that have played a key role in delivering security operations at scale and helping end cyber risk for customers around the world.

    Arctic Wolf invites new and existing partners to explore its new MSP Partner Program and Aurora Endpoint Security for MSPs at www.arcticwolf.com/partners or to learn more in a blog post from Will Briggs, Arctic Wolf’s SVP of Global Channels.

    Additional Resources:

    About Arctic Wolf
    Arctic Wolf® is a global leader in security operations, delivering the first cloud-native security operations platform to end cyber risk. Built on open XDR architecture, the Arctic Wolf Aurora Platform operates at a massive scale and combines the power of artificial intelligence with world-class security experts to provide 24×7 monitoring, detection, response, and risk management. We make security work!

    To learn more about Arctic Wolf, visit www.arcticwolf.com.

    Press Contact:
    Lauren Back
    PR@arcticwolf.com

    © 2025 Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Arctic Wolf, Aurora, Alpha AI, Arctic Wolf Security Operations Cloud, Arctic Wolf Managed Detection and Response, Arctic Wolf Managed Risk, Arctic Wolf Managed Security Awareness, Arctic Wolf Incident Response, and Arctic Wolf Concierge Security Team are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Arctic Wolf Networks, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Khartoum before the war: the public spaces that held the city together

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ibrahim Z. Bahreldin, Associate Professor of Urban & Environmental Design, University of Khartoum

    What makes a public space truly public?

    In Khartoum, before the current conflict engulfed Sudan, the answer was not always a park, a plaza or a promenade.

    The city’s streets, tea stalls (sitat al-shai), protest sites and even burial spaces served as dynamic arenas of everyday life, political expression and informal resilience.

    In a recently published article, I studied 64 public spaces across pre-war Greater Khartoum, revealing a landscape far richer – and more contested – than standard urban classifications suggest. Specifically, I uncovered four classifications: formal, informal, privately owned and hybrid spaces – each alive with negotiation and everyday use.

    While some spaces were planned by colonial engineers or municipal authorities, many were carved out by communities: claimed, adapted and reimagined through use.

    My research offers valuable insights into the design and planning of Africa’s cities. As they grow and face mounting political and environmental pressures, it’s time to rethink how public spaces are defined and designed – not through imported models, but by listening to the ways people already make cities public.



    Read more:
    Sudan needs to accept its cultural diversity: urban planning can help rebuild the country and prevent future conflict

    Across the African continent, cities are growing fast – but not always fairly. Urban expansion often privileges gated developments, mega-projects and high-security zones while neglecting the everyday spaces where most people live, work and gather.

    In Sudan, these dynamics have been further complicated by conflict, displacement and economic instability. The ongoing war has disrupted not only governance, but also the spatial fabric of urban life.

    My paper aims to invite those involved in planning policies and post-conflict reconstruction to move beyond formal, western-centric models that often overlook how publicness actually unfolds in African cities: through informality, negotiation and social improvisation.

    Khartoum’s public spaces, as documented in my study, serve as diagnostic tools for understanding how cities survive crises, express identity and contest inequality.

    In the wake of war and displacement, these spaces will play a role in shaping how Sudan rebuilds not just infrastructure, but social cohesion.

    Pre-war Khartoum

    Khartoum’s public spaces cannot be understood through conventional categories – like formal squares and urban parks – alone. These formal squares represent only one layer of a much more plural and negotiated urban reality.

    Drawing on fieldwork and the documentation of 64 public spaces across Greater Khartoum, I identify four overlapping types that reflect how space is produced, accessed and contested.

    1. Formal public spaces: These include planned parks, ceremonial squares, civic plazas and administrative open spaces, often relics of colonial or postcolonial urban planning. They are defined by order, visibility and regulation. Mīdān Abbas, originally an active civic space in the centre of Khartoum, repeatedly reclaimed by informal traders and protesters, is one example, illustrating how even the most formal spaces can become contested. It was notably active during Sudan’s April 1985 uprising, serving as part of a wider network of civic spaces used for political mobilisation. Informal traders consistently transformed it into a bustling marketplace, embedding everyday commerce and social exchange into the formal urban fabric.

    2. Informal and insurgent spaces: These emerge beyond or against official planning logics – riverbanks used for gatherings, neglected lots transformed into social nodes or bridges appropriated by traders. They include spiritual sites like Sufi tombs, and protest spaces such as the sit-in zone outside the city’s army headquarters. These spaces reveal the city’s capacity for bottom-up urbanism and collective adaptation.

    3. Privately owned civic spaces: Shopping malls, privately managed parks and cultural cafés fall into this category. While they appear public, they are often classed, surveilled (monitored through cameras or security presence) or exclusionary. The rise of these spaces coincides with the decline of state-managed urban infrastructure, reflecting the turn in Sudanese urban governance.



    Read more:
    Sudan: the symbolic significance of the space protesters made their own

    4. Public “private” spaces: These spaces blur lines between ownership and use. They include mosque courtyards, school grounds, building frontages or underutilised university lawns that serve as informal gathering points. Access here is governed less by law and more by social codes, trust or class.

    Together, these typologies highlight that “publicness” in Khartoum is relational. It depends not only on who planned a space, but who uses it, how and under what conditions.

    Planning in African cities must therefore move beyond fixed zoning maps to embrace the layered, fluid and lived nature of urban space.

    Rebuilding, rethinking, resisting

    Post-conflict reconstruction in Sudan – and elsewhere in Africa – must resist the allure of “blank slate” master plans. Those involve rebuilding cities from scratch with sweeping, top-down designs that ignore existing social and spatial dynamics.

    Imported models, often guided by bureaucratic thinking or commercial incentives, risk erasing the very spaces where public life already thrives, albeit informally or invisibly.

    Rather than imposing formality, planners should recognise and strengthen the informal and hybrid systems that sustain civic life, especially in times of instability.

    Urban theorists working in and on the global south, such as AbdouMaliq Simone and the late Vanessa Watson, have long argued for planning frameworks that centre on everyday practices, adaptive use and spatial justice.

    Khartoum offers a compelling case.

    From the sit-ins of 2019 to tea stalls run by displaced women, public spaces in Sudan are not inert backdrops. They are active platforms of everyday life, resistance, care and community-making.

    Reconstruction must begin by asking: what spaces mattered to people before the war? Which ones fostered inclusion, dignity and visibility? Only then can new urban futures emerge, ones that are rooted in the practices of those who have always made the city public, even when the state did not.

    What makes spaces truly public?

    The public realm in Sudan has always been shaped through negotiation, sometimes with the state, often despite it.

    Rebuilding after war is not only about reconstructing buildings but also about reimagining the terms of belonging.

    This requires a shift from viewing public space as a fixed asset to understanding it as a dynamic process. Who gets to gather, to speak, to rest, to protest – these are the true measures of publicness.

    Understanding Khartoum’s pre-war public spaces isn’t a nostalgic exercise. It’s a necessary step towards building more inclusive, resilient and locally grounded cities in the wake of crisis.

    Ibrahim Bahreldin is a member of the Sudanese Institute of Architects and the City Planning Institute of Japan, and is registered as a professional architect and urban planner with the Sudanese Engineering Council and the Saudi Council of Engineers. He is also affiliated with the King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

    The Author receives funding from KAU Endowment (WAQF) at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    – ref. Khartoum before the war: the public spaces that held the city together – https://theconversation.com/khartoum-before-the-war-the-public-spaces-that-held-the-city-together-258632

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cabinda Refinery Eyes 2025 Start, Joins Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 as Bronze Sponsor

    The Cabinda Refinery plans to start phase one operations in 2025, with a capacity of 30,000 barrels per day (bpd). Developed by investment company Gemcorp, the refinery will be the country’s second operational refining facility once completed. As the facility prepares to start production, Cabinda Refinery has joined the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference – taking place September 3-4 in Luanda – as a Bronze Sponsor.  

    AOG 2025 represents the premier platform for the country’s oil and gas industry and Cabinda Refinery’s sponsorship reflects its broader commitment to enhancing Angolan crude processing and distribution. The Cabinda Refinery seeks to reduce Angolan fuel imports by increasing domestic refining capacity, with a goal to achieve 445,000 bpd in the coming years. With the start of operations at the Cabinda Refinery, the country will achieve 22% of this goal by the end of 2025. Cabinda Refinery’s sponsorship at AOG 2025 will support discussions around Angola’s downstream project pipeline.  

    AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com. 

    The first phase of the Cabinda Refinery – at a cost of $473 million – will produce naphtha, jet fuel, diesel and heavy fuel oil, with the Naphtha and heavy fuel oil destined for exports. This first phase will supply approximately 10% of the country’s domestic fuel demand, with a planned second phase set to double capacity to 60,000 bpd. Engineering works for the second phase will commence once the first phase is operational. The first phase of the refinery was backed by funding provided by multilateral finance institutions Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), with financial close reached in 2023. Additional financing was provided by the Fund for Export Development in Africa – the impact investment subsidiary of the Afreximbank. Of the total $473 million investment, $138 million represented equity from project sponsors while the remaining $335 million was mobilized through the AFC-led facility.  

    As the largest event of its kind in the country, AOG 2025 will connect global investors and project developers with Angolan opportunities. Cabinda Refinery’s sponsorship will not only open doors to discussions on financing downstream projects, but unlock new opportunities for financing by international institutions. With two additional refining facilities – namely, the 200,000 bpd Lobito Refinery and 150,000 bpd Soyo Refinery – seeking capital, AOG 2025 will facilitate engagement and deal-signing among industry stakeholders.  

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –