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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: Foster Statement on GOP Reconciliation Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

    Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement:

    “Early this morning, I voted NO on Republicans’ disastrous reconciliation bill: the largest cut to health care, food assistance, and scientific research in American history. I watched in disgust as Republicans cheered for ripping health care from 13.7 million Americans and taking food from families, children, and seniors—all to hand out more tax breaks to their billionaire donors.

    “In 2010, I spent three days reading the Affordable Care Act before voting for it, knowing it would cost me my reelection. I did it to provide health care to millions of Americans with preexisting conditions. Last night, Republicans gave us just two and a half hours in the dead of night to read the final version of their Big Ugly Bill to take health care away from millions.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Foster, Obernolte Introduce CRISIS Act to Capitalize on Russian Brain Drain

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bill Foster (11th District of Illinois)

    Washington, DC – Today, Reps. Bill Foster (D-IL) and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) introduced the bipartisan Countering Russian Innovation and Safeguarding Individual Scientists (CRISIS) Act. This bill would make certain vetted Russian nationals with advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees eligible for permanent resident status in the U.S., allowing them to contribute to American research and innovation.

    “Welcoming vetted STEM experts to the United States is a strategic investment in our own future—one that allows some of the world’s top scientific and technical minds to contribute to our economy and advance critical research,” said Rep. Foster. “The CRISIS Act is an important bipartisan step that strengthens our national security and global leadership.”

    “The United States has long benefited from being a destination for the world’s brightest minds,” said Rep. Obernolte. “The CRISIS Act helps ensure that highly skilled, fully vetted scientists and engineers—many of whom were trained at American universities—can continue their work here, contributing to our economy, advancing innovation, and strengthening our global competitiveness.”

    The CRISIS Act is endorsed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the National Immigration Forum.

    A copy of the bill is available here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA solemnly refutes false claims made in Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting joint statement

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA solemnly refutes false claims made in Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting joint statement

    Date：2025-05-29
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    May 29, 2025No. 186The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) sternly refutes and condemns the joint statement issued after the Third China-Pacific Island Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held from May 28 to 29. In the statement, China falsely claimed that Taiwan was “an inalienable part of China’s territory” and “firmly opposed Taiwan independence in all forms,” as well as inappropriately citing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758.MOFA reiterates that neither the Republic of China (Taiwan) nor the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is subordinate to the other and that authoritarian China has never governed Taiwan. This is an internationally recognized fact and the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The PRC has never governed Taiwan, and Taiwan has never been part of the PRC. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government has the right to represent its 23.5 million people in the UN system and at other international venues. China has no say in the matter.MOFA once again emphasizes that UNGA Resolution 2758 only determined China’s representation in the United Nations. The resolution never mentions Taiwan. It does not state that Taiwan is part of the PRC, nor does it authorize the PRC to represent Taiwan in the United Nations.MOFA calls on the international community to recognize that China has repeatedly taken every opportunity when convening or participating in Pacific regional meetings to attempt to downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty, undermine unity and harmony in the Pacific, and twist UNGA Resolution 2758 through legal maneuvering. China has also misrepresented Taiwan as an internal issue and hindered international support for Taiwan. MOFA continues to take concrete action, countering China’s repeated distortion of the resolution and its efforts to change the cross-strait status quo, to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIST and Partners Use Quantum Mechanics to Make a Factory for Random Numbers

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Members of the team who created the CURBy quantum random number generator. From left to right, Jasper Palfree (University of Colorado Boulder), Gautam Kavuri (NIST) and Krister Shalm (NIST).

    Credit: NIST

    Randomness is incredibly useful. People often draw straws, throw dice or flip coins to make fair choices. Random numbers can enable auditors to make completely unbiased selections. Randomness is also key in security; if a password or code is an unguessable string of numbers, it’s harder to crack. Many of our cryptographic systems today use random number generators to produce secure keys.

    But how do you know that a random number is truly random? Classical computer algorithms can only create pseudo-random numbers, and someone with enough knowledge of the algorithm or the system could manipulate it or predict the next number. An expert in sleight of hand could rig a coin flip to guarantee a heads or tails result. Even the most careful coin flips can have bias; with enough study, their outcomes could be predicted. 

    “True randomness is something that nothing in the universe can predict in advance,” said Krister Shalm, a physicist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Even if a random number generator used seemingly random processes in nature, it would be hard to verify that those numbers are truly random, Shalm added.

    Einstein believed that nature isn’t random, famously saying, “God does not play dice with the universe.” Scientists have since proved that Einstein was wrong. Unlike dice or computer algorithms, quantum mechanics is inherently random. Carrying out a quantum experiment called a Bell test, Shalm and his team have transformed this source of true quantum randomness into a traceable and certifiable random-number service. Their results were just published in Nature. 

    “If God does play dice with the universe, then you can turn that into the best random number generator that the universe allows,” Shalm said. “We really wanted to take that experiment out of the lab and turn it into a useful public service.”

    To make that happen, NIST researchers and their colleagues at the University of Colorado Boulder created the Colorado University Randomness Beacon (CURBy). CURBy produces random numbers automatically and broadcasts them daily through a website for anyone to use.

    Instrumentation for the quantum random number generator in the NIST Boulder laboratories. 

    Credit: NIST

    At the heart of this service is the NIST-run Bell test, which provides truly random results. This randomness acts as a kind of raw material that the rest of the researchers’ setup “refines” into random numbers published by the beacon. 

    The Bell test measures pairs of “entangled” photons whose properties are correlated even when separated by vast distances. When researchers measure an individual particle, the outcome is random, but the properties of the pair are more correlated than classical physics allows, enabling researchers to verify the randomness. Einstein called this quantum nonlocality “spooky action at a distance.”

    This is the first random number generator service to use quantum nonlocality as a source of its numbers, and the most transparent source of random numbers to date. That’s because the results are certifiable and traceable to a greater extent than ever before.

    “CURBy is one of the first publicly available services that operates with a provable quantum advantage. That’s a big milestone for us,” Shalm explained. “The quality and origin of these random bits can be directly certified in a way that conventional random number generators are unable to.”

    NIST performed one of the first complete experimental Bell tests in 2015, which firmly established that quantum mechanics is truly random. In 2018, NIST pioneered methods to use these Bell tests to build  Really Random Numbers”>the world’s first sources of true randomness.

    However, turning these quantum correlations into random numbers is hard work. NIST’s first breakthrough demonstrations of the Bell test required months of setup to run for a few hours, and it took a great deal of time to collect enough data to generate 512 bits of true randomness. Shalm and the team spent the past few years building the experiment to be robust and to run automatically so it can provide random numbers on demand. In its first 40 days of operation, the protocol produced random numbers 7,434 times out of 7,454 attempts, a 99.7% success rate.

    “If God does play dice with the universe, then you can turn that into the best random number generator that the universe allows.” —Krister Shalm, NIST physicist

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Microreactor pilot reaches major project milestone

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: Microreactor pilot reaches major project milestone

    The Department of the Air Force, in coordination with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy Office, reached a critical milestone in piloting advanced nuclear energy technology with the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Award (NOITA) to Oklo, Inc.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina Suicide Prevention Action Plan Posted for Public Comment

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: North Carolina Suicide Prevention Action Plan Posted for Public Comment

    North Carolina Suicide Prevention Action Plan Posted for Public Comment
    kcano1

    As part of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services commitment to transforming mental health care, the department is seeking public comment on its Suicide Prevention Action Plan (2026-2030). This work is critical in improving the lives of all North Carolinians and addressing the mental health crisis. The public is invited to read the plan and provide feedback by July 9, 2025.

    The Suicide Prevention Action Plan is a collaboration between NCDHHS, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Strategies highlighted in the plan include having a statewide coordinated infrastructure, implementing and promoting safe storage practices, providing expanded mental health training in non-traditional settings and ensuring at-risk populations are reached effectively.  

    “We have to ensure people receive care when they need it, before they reach a crisis, especially among groups that are more vulnerable, like our teenagers, young adults and veterans,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “This collaborative effort is a step forward in creating a system that works for everyone that will have impact for generations to come.”

    Suicide is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in North Carolina for people ages 10-65, according to data from the N.C. State Center for Health Statistics. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10-18 in North Carolina, and the second leading cause of death for those ages 19-34.
     

    Additionally, military veteran residents are disproportionally impacted by suicide with the average suicide rate from 2018-2022 being 2.7 times higher among North Carolina veterans than non-veterans.
     

    “Public input is essential to strengthening and shaping the continuum of mental health care in North Carolina,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. “We want to meet people where they are, in schools and in their communities, to ensure the right care at the right time.”   
     

    NCDHHS is also partnering with the UNC Suicide Prevention Institute, NC DPI and Village of Care on the development of a strategic plan dedicated to preventing suicide among Black youth.  This is the first strategic plan of its kind in the history of NCDHHS and was driven by data that show Black people, including the 10-24 age group, are overrepresented in suicide-related emergency department visits.
     

    *** 
     

    If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or need someone to talk to, you are not alone. Resources are available on the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website for social or family situations, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, alcohol or drug use, or if you just need someone to talk to. Our Crisis Services Communications Toolkit includes free flyers, posters and other resources to promote and explain crisis services in your community in English and Spanish. 

    • For those in a mental health crisis, NCDHHS provides somewhere to go, someone to talk to and someone to respond. The 988 Lifeline Chat and Text – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available to everyone 24/7 by call, text, or chat. Targeted resources are available for Veterans, Spanish speakers, and LGBTQ+ youth and young adults.
    • North Carolinians can call the Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC [855-733-7762] 24/7) to speak with a Peer Support Specialist. Peer Support Specialists (or “peers”) are people living in recovery with mental illness and/or substance use disorder who provide support to others who may have similar life experiences and can benefit from their lived experiences.
    • NCDHHS crisis services include mobile crisis teams that can come to you and community crisis centers, which are safe places where you can get help from a licensed clinician, without needing to go to the emergency room.

    Como parte del compromiso del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte para transformar la atención de salud mental, el departamento está buscando comentarios públicos sobre su Plan de Acción para la Prevención del Suicidio (2026-2030). Este trabajo es fundamental para mejorar las vidas de todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte y abordar la crisis de salud mental. Se invita al público a leer el plan y proporcionar comentarios antes del 9 de julio de 2025. 

    El Plan de Acción para la Prevención del Suicidio es una colaboración entre el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés), la Oficina de Prevención de la Violencia (OVP, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Carolina del Norte, y el Departamento de Instrucción Pública de Carolina del norte (NC DPI, por sus siglas en inglés). Las estrategias destacadas en el plan incluyen tener una infraestructura coordinada a nivel estatal, implementar y promover prácticas de almacenamiento seguro, proporcionar una capacitación más amplia sobre la salud mental en entornos no tradicionales y garantizar que las poblaciones en riesgo sean atendidas de manera efectiva. 

    “Tenemos que asegurarnos de que las personas reciban atención cuando la necesiten, antes de que lleguen a una crisis, especialmente entre los grupos más vulnerables, como nuestros adolescentes, adultos jóvenes y veteranos”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai. “Este esfuerzo de colaboración es un paso adelante en la creación de un sistema que funcione para todos y que tendrá un impacto en las generaciones venideras”.

    El suicidio es una de las 10 principales causas de muerte en Carolina del Norte para personas de 10 a 65 años, según datos del Centro Estatal de Estadísticas de Salud. El suicidio es la tercera causa principal de muerte entre los jóvenes de 10 a 18 años en Carolina del Norte, y la segunda causa principal de muerte entre los de 19 a 34 años.

    Además, los habitantes veteranos militares se ven afectados de manera desproporcionada por el suicidio, siendo la tasa promedio de suicidio del 2018 al 2022, 2.7 veces mayor entre los veteranos de Carolina del Norte que entre los no veteranos.

    Las aportaciones del público son esenciales para fortalecer y dar forma a la continuación de la atención de salud mental en Carolina del Norte”, dijo Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, directora de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias  del NCDHHS. “Queremos atender a las personas allí donde se encuentren, en las escuelas y en sus comunidades, para garantizarles la at  ención adecuada en el momento adecuado”. 

    El NCDHHS también se está asociando con el Instituto de Prevención del Suicidio de la UNC, NC DPI y Village of Care para desarrollar un plan estratégico dedicado a prevenir el suicidio entre los jóvenes negros.  Este es el primer plan estratégico de este tipo en la historia del NCDHHS y fue impulsado por datos que muestran que las personas negras, incluido el grupo de edad de 10 a 24 años, están sobrerrepresentadas en las visitas al departamento de emergencias relacionadas con el suicidio.

    *** 
     

    Si usted o alguien que conoce está luchando con su salud mental o necesita a alguien con quien hablar, no está solo. Los recursos están disponibles en el sitio web de Prevención del Suicidio del NCDHHS para situaciones sociales o familiares, depresión, ansiedad, ataques de pánico, pensamientos de suicidio, consumo de alcohol o drogas, o si solo necesita a alguien con quien hablar. Nuestro Kit de herramientas de comunicaciones de servicios de crisis incluye volantes gratuitos, carteles y otros recursos para promover y explicar los servicios de crisis en su comunidad en inglés y español. 

    • Para aquellos en una crisis de salud mental, el NCDHHS proporciona un lugar a donde ir, alguien con quien hablar y alguien que responda. La línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis es gratuita, confidencial y está disponible para todos, las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana, por llamada, mensaje de texto o chat. Los recursos específicos están disponibles para veteranos, para los que hablan español, y para jóvenes y adultos jóvenes LGBTQ+.
    • Los habitantes de Carolina del Norte pueden llamar a la línea de ayuda entre pares Peer Warmline (1-855-PEERS NC o 1-855-733-7762, a cualquier hora, los 7 días de la semana) para hablar con un especialista en apoyo entre pares. Los especialistas en apoyo entre pares (o “pares”) son personas que viven en recuperación con enfermedades mentales y/o trastornos por uso de sustancias que brindan apoyo a otras personas que pueden tener experiencias de vida similares y pueden beneficiarse de sus experiencias vividas.
    • Los servicios de crisis del NCDHHS incluyen equipos móviles de respuesta a crisis que pueden acudir a usted y centros comunitarios de crisis, que son lugares seguros donde puede obtener ayuda de un médico con licencia, sin necesidad de ir a la sala de emergencias.
    Jun 11, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pickleball Company Owner Waives Discharge of Over $47M in Unsecured Debt After USTP Investigation

    Source: US State of California

    A pickleball entrepreneur who was forced into bankruptcy by investors he lured with promises of generous returns recently agreed to waive his bankruptcy discharge after an investigation by the Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP), preventing the discharge of more than $47 million in unsecured debt.

    On May 14, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana approved a voluntary waiver of discharge by debtor Rodney Grubbs, owner of All About Pickleball LLC, an apparel and equipment company that did business as Pickleball Rocks. As a result, Grubbs remains personally liable for his debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from him after the case is closed.

    Grubbs solicited investments from pickleball players and fans from across the United States, usually in the form of promissory notes with purportedly guaranteed interest rates of 10 percent or higher. In December 2023, several unpaid investors filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against Grubbs under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Grubbs opposed the petition, but after a hearing in which he testified to using new investors’ funds to pay back previous investors, the bankruptcy court granted the involuntary petition and ordered the case to proceed. Grubbs eventually disclosed nearly $1.6 million in assets and more than $47 million in liabilities, the vast majority of them unsecured debts owed to hundreds of individuals.

    As part of its extensive investigation, the USTP’s Indianapolis office obtained Grubbs’ personal and business financial records and examined him under oath. Ultimately, Grubbs — who also faced allegations from multiple creditors consistent with a Ponzi scheme — elected to waive his bankruptcy discharge.

    “The USTP is committed to addressing fraudulent and abusive conduct that threatens the integrity of the bankruptcy system,” said U.S. Trustee Nancy J. Gargula for Region 10, which includes the Southern District of Indiana. “Our commitment to protecting consumers and those who fall victim to various schemes that come to light in bankruptcy is unwavering.”

    The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pickleball Company Owner Waives Discharge of Over $47M in Unsecured Debt After USTP Investigation

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A pickleball entrepreneur who was forced into bankruptcy by investors he lured with promises of generous returns recently agreed to waive his bankruptcy discharge after an investigation by the Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP), preventing the discharge of more than $47 million in unsecured debt.

    On May 14, the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana approved a voluntary waiver of discharge by debtor Rodney Grubbs, owner of All About Pickleball LLC, an apparel and equipment company that did business as Pickleball Rocks. As a result, Grubbs remains personally liable for his debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from him after the case is closed.

    Grubbs solicited investments from pickleball players and fans from across the United States, usually in the form of promissory notes with purportedly guaranteed interest rates of 10 percent or higher. In December 2023, several unpaid investors filed an involuntary bankruptcy petition against Grubbs under chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. Grubbs opposed the petition, but after a hearing in which he testified to using new investors’ funds to pay back previous investors, the bankruptcy court granted the involuntary petition and ordered the case to proceed. Grubbs eventually disclosed nearly $1.6 million in assets and more than $47 million in liabilities, the vast majority of them unsecured debts owed to hundreds of individuals.

    As part of its extensive investigation, the USTP’s Indianapolis office obtained Grubbs’ personal and business financial records and examined him under oath. Ultimately, Grubbs — who also faced allegations from multiple creditors consistent with a Ponzi scheme — elected to waive his bankruptcy discharge.

    “The USTP is committed to addressing fraudulent and abusive conduct that threatens the integrity of the bankruptcy system,” said U.S. Trustee Nancy J. Gargula for Region 10, which includes the Southern District of Indiana. “Our commitment to protecting consumers and those who fall victim to various schemes that come to light in bankruptcy is unwavering.”

    The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Microreactor pilot reaches major project milestone

    Source: United States Air Force

    The Department of the Air Force, in coordination with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Energy Office, reached a critical milestone in piloting advanced nuclear energy technology with the issuance of a Notice of Intent to Award (NOITA) to Oklo, Inc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Westchester Mountain — Cumberland County District RCMP investigating multi-vehicle collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Cumberland County District RCMP is investigating a multi-vehicle collision that occurred on Hwy. 104.

    On June 9 at approximately 11:42 a.m., Cumberland County District RCMP, fire and EHS responded to a report of a collision involving three-vehicles and a fifth wheel trailer on Hwy. 104 near Westchester Mountain.

    Responding officers learned that a Ford F250 truck that was towing a fifth-wheel trailer had pulled over to the side of the highway due to a blown tire. As a Nissan Rogue and a Ford F150 were passing by the trailer a collision occurred between them. This collision caused the F150 to veer into the parked fifth wheel trailer. The driver of the Ford F250 and fifth wheel was outside the vehicle when the trailer was struck.

    The driver and of the Ford 250 truck, a 65-year-old man of Valley suffered life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital by EHS LifeFlight. The passenger of the Ford 250 truck, a 65-year-old woman of Valley, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was treated at the scene. The driver of the Ford F150 truck, a 41-year-old woman, and passenger, a 59-year-old woman, both of Ontario suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at the scene. The driver and sole occupant of the Nissan Rogue, a 69-year-old woman of Donkin was transported by EHS with minor injuries.

    The investigation is ongoing and is being led by Cumberland County District RCMP, with assistance of RCMP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction.

    Anyone with information about the collision or who may have dash cam footage is asked to contact Cumberland County District RCMP at 902-667-3859. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    Hwy. 104 was closed for a period of time while RCMP Collision Analysis and Reconstruction completed their work.

    Note: On Monday, the collision was reported to have involved a tractor-trailer. The trailer involved has since been confirmed to be a fifth wheel.

    File #: 2025-799700

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP Investors Diversify to Profitable Cloud Mining Platform, VNBTC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, United Kingdom, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As of June 10, cryptocurrencies are in the green with Bitcoin rising to over $109K, Ethereum hitting $2,687, and XRP trading above $2.29. XRP’s rise specifically was expected following an activity-packed week, with XRP making headlines every day.

    In the most recent news, Ripple announced the decision to provide $200,000 in funding to Japanese startups built on XRPL, the XRP ledger. Targeting Japan’s tech innovation and Web3 boom, Ripple could be setting XRP for a major price rally. XRP certainly makes one of the best cryptocurrencies to buy.

    But what if making money doesn’t end up at buying and holding XRP? A popular Dogecoin cloud mining platform, VNBTC, has seen a significant surge of XRP holders purchasing its top cloud mining contracts. 

    “After discovering that I could safely turn my XRP holdings into a passive income stream with VNBTC Dogecoin cloud mining, my assets are making significant profits as I wait for the best time to sell,” said a happy VNBTC user.

    XRP Holders Earning Over $10,000 Passive Income Using VNBTC Bitcoin and Dogecoin Cloud Mining

    First, cloud mining with VNBTC does not require expertise or the need to own mining hardware. Being 100% hands-off, it’s the perfect crypto investment option for XRP holders simply looking to earn profits without additional effort. The investors who come on board only need to purchase a mining contract, the system starts working instantly and automatically updates daily earnings on user dashboards. 

    According to the sentiments of XRP holders, the daily profits are consistent with earnings exceeding $42,000 a month. The earning potential varies depending on the mining contract an investor chooses, but a consistent 100% monthly ROI is easily achievable. 

    VNBTC was founded in the UK in 2019 and has operated legally since. Relying on AI optimisation, the company owns over 100 mining farms that are energy efficient and profitable. This is how VNBTC manages to offer the highest ROI in the market renting hashpower to users through mining contracts. For many investors, Bitcoin and Dogecoin cloud mining is a reasonable way to boost your crypto returns. 

    A table showing VNBTC mining contracts and Expected Profits:

    Why Choose VNBTC Bitcoin and Dogecoin Cloud Mining Over Others?

    Since getting registered legally in the UK, VNBTC has built a proven track record of profitability and security for investor funds. So far, it has attracted over 11 million users, building a reputation for investor trust.

    “Our platform is designed for transparency, with daily updates on earnings and automated settlement once a contract period expires. Investors’ principal is automatically returned alongside the profits,” commented a VNBTC spokesperson.

    Looking at the user interface, users access a simple but comprehensive platform. It’s simple enough for beginners to navigate, start mining, track earnings, and withdraw without the need for guidance. Amazingly, you can get your settlement in XRP, BTC, DOGE, LTC, ETH, USDT, and others.

    In Short

    VNBTC Bitcoin & Dogecoin Cloud mining platform could be your bridge to making millions with crypto investments. Instead of repeatedly exiting and entering trades, XRP holders are choosing to channel their assets into a consistent money-making opportunity. With crypto trading, ensuring profitability every day is almost impossible. But through cloud mining, every day could be a green day.

    Choose a sustainable way to make money with crypto investment, visit: https://vnbtc.com/mining-contracts

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CentralReach’s Market-Leading Autism and IDD Care Platform™ Wins Gold in 2025 Stevie Awards for American Business

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CentralReach, a leading provider of Autism and IDD Care software for ABA, multidisciplinary, and special education, today announced it has been named a Gold winner in the ‘Healthcare Technology Solution’ category of the 23rd Annual American Business Awards® for its market-leading, end-to-end Autism and IDD Care Platform™.

    Building on the momentum of last year’s Silver award in the same category, CentralReach has introduced several new additional features to its Platform. CentralReach rebranded and relaunched its special education data collection and IEP management software, CR LiftEd – a cornerstone in the company’s special education program. The company also announced the launch of several AI solution integrations including CR ClaimCheckAI, CR NoteGuardAI, and CR ScheduleAI, all aimed at alleviating clinical administrative tasks to enhance the quality and consistency of care. Lastly, the company’s acquisitions of Silas, a social and emotional learning and behavior solution, and Behavior Science Technology Inc. (BST), a research-backed platform designed to collect and track treatment fidelity for ABA therapy, expanded the Platform’s capabilities into new territory.

    “We’ve always believed that technology should be a force multiplier for providers across the autism and IDD care continuum,” said Chris Sullens, CEO of CentralReach. “This recognition by the Stevie Awards validates the significant strides we’ve made over the past year, from embedding powerful AI tools into our platform to expanding our capabilities through strategic acquisitions, all with the singular goal of helping our customers deliver better outcomes for the individuals they serve.”

    The American Business Awards are the United States’ premier business awards program for public and private, for-profit and nonprofit, large and small organizations. More than 3,600 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry were submitted for consideration this year, judged by more than 250 professionals worldwide.

    This year’s winners were honored at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on June 10. Details about The American Business Awards and the full list of 2025 Stevie winners are available at www.StevieAwards.com/ABA. To learn more about CentralReach’s suite of solutions, visit: https://centralreach.com/. 

    About CentralReach

    CentralReach is a leading provider of autism and IDD care software, providing a complete, end-to-end software and services platform that helps children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) – and those who serve them – unlock potential, achieve better outcomes, and live more independent lives. With its roots in Applied Behavior Analysis, the company is revolutionizing how the lifelong journey of autism and IDD care is enabled at home, school, and work with powerful and intuitive solutions purpose-built for each care setting.

    Trusted by more than 200,000 professionals globally, CentralReach is committed to ongoing product advancement, market-leading industry expertise, world-class client satisfaction, and support of the autism and IDD community to propel autism and IDD care into a new era of excellence. For more information, please visit CentralReach.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Summary of Bigbank AS Webinar: Introduction to the Public Offering of Subordinated Bonds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On 11 June 2025, Bigbank AS held a webinar introducing the public offering of its subordinated bonds in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

    During the webinar, Bigbank AS Management Board members Martin Länts and Argo Kiltsmann presented an overview of the Bigbank Group, including the Group’s financial results and the terms and conditions of the subordinated bond offering.

    The webinar recording is available at: https://youtu.be/89x1Kgen_tk.

    Further information about the public offering of subordinated bonds is available at: https://investor.bigbank.eu.

    Bigbank AS would like to thank all participants for attending!

    Bigbank AS (www.bigbank.eu), with over 30 years of operating history, is a commercial bank owned by Estonian capital. As of 30 April 2025, the bank’s total assets amounted to 2.9 billion euros, with equity of 274 million euros. Operating in nine countries, the bank serves more than 170,000 active customers and employs over 550 people. The credit rating agency Moody’s has assigned Bigbank a long-term bank deposit rating of Ba1, along with a baseline credit assessment (BCA) and an adjusted BCA of Ba2.

    Argo Kiltsmann
    Member of the Management Board
    Telephone: +372 5393 0833
    Email: argo.kiltsmann@bigbank.ee
    www.bigbank.ee

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crime and Policing Bill: government amendments for committee and report stage

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Crime and Policing Bill: government amendments for committee and report stage

    Correspondence relating to the Crime and Policing Bill, which was introduced in the House of Commons on 25 February 2025.

    Documents

    Letter from Minister Johnson to Matt Vickers MP detailing government amendments for report stage: 10 June 2025 (accessible)

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    Letter from Minister Johnson to Matt Vickers MP detailing government amendments for report stage: 10 June 2025

    PDF, 350 KB, 12 pages

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    Letter from Ministers Johnson and Davies-Jones to Public Bill Committee detailing government amendments for committee stage: 25 April 2025 (accessible)

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    Letter from Ministers Johnson and Davies-Jones to Public Bill Committee detailing government amendments for committee stage: 25 April 2025

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    Letter from Minister Johnson to Public Bill Committee detailing government amendments for committee stage: 23 April 2025

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    Letter from Minister Johnson to Public Bill Committee detailing government amendments for committee stage: 23 April 2025

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    Letter from Minister Johnson to Public Bill Committee detailing government amendments for committee stage: 26 March 2025

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    Letter from Minister Johnson to Public Bill Committee detailing government amendments for committee stage: 26 March 2025

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    Details

    Ministerial correspondence relating to the Crime and Policing Bill.

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Steve Reed National Trust 130th Anniversary Dinner speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Steve Reed National Trust 130th Anniversary Dinner speech

    Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed addressed the National Trust’s 130th Anniversary Dinner on Tuesday 10 June

    Thank you for inviting me to your celebration today.

    I’d like to thank Hilary, Rene, National Trust staff and the thousands of volunteers around the country for the work you do. And wish the National Trust a happy 130th birthday.

    I’m one of the 5 million people who have a National Trust membership card like this one.  We all have a special place we love to visit. For me, it’s Sissinghurst Castle in Kent.

    I love the beautiful gardens designed by the writer and poet Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson.

    Vita opened her gardens for everyone to enjoy in the late 1930s, with visitors putting a shilling into an old tobacco tin under the entrance archway.

    This special place was donated to the National Trust in the 1960s, and it continues to welcome thousands of visitors every year. Admittedly seeing some inflation since Vita’s time!

    As we have heard from Hilary, the National Trust is not just about preserving the past. It is carrying out vital work to prepare for the future.

    The Frogmead Restoration project on the Sissinghurst Estate is restoring biodiversity – increasing flora and fauna, attracting wetland birds, bolstering the dragonfly population and allowing frogs to return to the area.

    It is also reducing flood risk in the Medway catchment, protecting homes and livelihoods.

    We need more projects like this so we can adapt to our changing world.

    We make many competing demands on the finite amount of land that’s available to us.

    Nature underpins everything. Our economy, our communities and our livelihoods. 

    But we have become one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

    Restoring nature is a key pillar of the Government’s Plan for Change.  That’s essential because we human beings are not merely observers of nature, we are an intrinsic part of it. When we destroy nature, we are ultimately destroying ourselves, and we can’t let that happen.  

    The National Trust’s new strategy to 2035 that will be pivotal in helping us restore nature. But the Government must play our part too. 

    I’ve just arrived back this afternoon from the UN Oceans Conference in Nice.  I was proud to announce a consultation on banning bottom-trawling in our Marine Protected Areas. We can’t go on wiping out precious marine habitats just because they’re out of sight beneath the sea. 

    The oceans cover two thirds of our planet. If we are serious about protecting nature, we must protect our seas and the life and ecosystems they sustain.  

    This afternoon, my colleague Emma Hardy has told the same conference that the UK will introduce legislation this year to ratify the Global Oceans Treaty so we are part of the first group of nations coming together to protect biodiversity in the seas beyond national jurisdictions. 

    And yesterday, my colleague Matthew Pennycook announced that the Government will update national planning policy to ensure swift bricks are incorporated into new buildings. They make a massive impact on expanding bird populations.  We will make sure that now happens in new developments right across the country. 

    Those three initiatives have been announced in the past 24 hours alone. But we know there’s much more to do.

    We are committed to increasing access to nature for everyone, whether that’s hiking in our beautiful countryside, swimming in clean rivers, lakes and seas, or taking a lunchtime stroll around the park.  

    We will create nine new National River Walks, plant three new National Forests and support communities to create new parks and green spaces in their neighbourhoods.

    We’ve already announced the first new national forest between the Cotswolds and the Mendips which will see 20 million trees planted in the coming years.

    It’s a national scandal that our rivers, lakes and seas are choked by record levels of pollution. We’re cleaning them up with new laws to ban bonuses for water bosses who oversee catastrophic pollution incidents, and bringing in over £100bn of private sector funding to upgrade the broken pipes that are the primary cause of sewage leaks.   

    We’ve saved more than 40 thousand miles of footpaths and historic rights of way so they can continue to be used by the public.

    And we are making protected landscapes, national trails, forests and countryside more accessible with our £33 million ‘Access for All’ programme.

    I look forward to working with the National Trust to develop this work and open up more of our beautiful countryside for everyone to enjoy.

    I know that we need to speed up nature’s recovery.

    I asked Dan Corry to lead a review into environmental regulation. He pointed out that a very large proportion of applications come from organisations like the National Trust, the RSPB and others who have to wait months despite having a proven track record in protecting nature. 

    So we are going to speed things up by giving them the power to approve their own applications.

    I’m delighted that the National Trust is a frontrunner for this.

    The National Trust and Natural England, along with the Forestry Commission, are working together in the Peak District to pilot one of two ‘Nature Enterprise Zones’ – the other is in North Devon.

    These zones will pilot this new approach, reviewing and testing how we can streamline and simplify the system so the National Trust can do more on protected sites, restoring species, and improving land management. 

    The Peak District Nature Enterprise Zone will span over ten thousand hectares of National Trust land. It will include trees, peat, grassland, farming, and it will open up nature to more people.   

    I’m excited about this pilot, and we’ll learn from it how we can expand the approach more widely.   

    Collaboration like this is vital to protecting nature.  We are all links in a chain, and we have to pull together to get the outcomes we want to see. 

    I want to thank the National Trust for your continued engagement with Defra.

    I know the Minister for Nature, Mary Creagh, was thrilled to be part of the historic moment at Purbeck when beavers were reintroduced into the wild in England.

    We’ve fully banned bee-killing pesticides as a step towards helping pollinators recover, which will also support the bird populations that depend on them as a food source.

    We are working with farmers to move towards regenerative farming that focuses on improving the soil so it needs less artificial fertiliser, fewer pesticides, and has more organic matter that helps retain water.  

    Approaches like this aren’t just good for nature and good for water quality, they’re good for farm businesses because they reduce input costs but increase food production and food quality sustainably. 

    Many people at this gathering are helping shape the first-ever Land Use Framework for England. A rather boring title for an incredibly exciting initiative that will provide the most sophisticated land-use data and toolkit ever published in our country’s history. 

    It will allow us to expand nature across whole landscapes while ensuring land is used more rationally for the many other demands we make of it for food, energy and housing. 

    The partnership between us is critical as we work together to restore nature for future generations.  We’ll have to overcome tensions and disagreements from time to time. But this is a government that aspires to be the best government for nature this country’s ever had. And you are our partners in getting there.   

    The prize before us is huge.

    Our rivers, lakes and seas cleaned up of pollution.

    Birds, pollinators and wildlife back in our gardens.

    Nature in full recovery and open to everyone to enjoy.

    Nature underpins everything that we are as a society.  It is our duty to protect it, cherish it, and restore it. 

    That’s the best 130th anniversary present we could wish for!

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spending Review: Billions to back Scottish jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Spending Review: Billions to back Scottish jobs

    UK Government’s Plan for Change delivers record settlement for Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the SR period to deliver public services

    Working people across Scotland will benefit from significant investment in clean energy and innovation, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and strengthening Scotland’s position as the home of the United Kingdom’s clean energy revolution.  

    The UK Government has confirmed £8.3 billion in funding for GB Energy-Nuclear and GB Energy in Aberdeen. This is alongside an increased commitment to the Acorn Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage project, which will receive development funding.   

    The Spending Review, outlined today, Wednesday 11 June, announces targeted investment in Scotland’s most promising sectors to grow the economy and put more money in working people’s pockets.  It delivers an extra £9.1 billion over Phase 2 of the Spending Review, through the Barnett formula.

    The government also confirmed £25 million for the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Freeport.   

    These investments are part of a wider package, with funding for hydrogen production projects at Cromarty and Whitelee.

    Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said:  

    Putting more money in the pockets of working Scots by investing in the country’s renewal is at the heart of this Spending Review and our Plan for Change.

    The Chancellor has unleashed a new era of growth for Scotland, confirming billions of pounds of investment in clean energy – including new development funding for Acorn – creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.

    Scotland’s leading role at the heart of UK defence policy has been strengthened and there is also significant investment in our trailblazing innovation, research and development sectors.

    And the Scotland Office will work with local partners to ensure hundreds of millions of pounds of new targeted support for Scottish communities and businesses goes to projects that matter to local people. This means that the UK Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in dozens of important growth schemes across Scotland over 10 years.

    To maximise the benefit of recent trade deals with India, US and the EU we are continuing the Brand Scotland programme to promote inward investment opportunities boosting Scottish exports of our globally celebrated products.

    And we are delivering a record real-terms funding settlement for the Scottish Government with an extra £9.1 billion over the Spending Review period through the Barnett formula. That’s more money than ever before for them to invest in Scottish public services like our NHS, police, housing and schools.

    This is a historic Spending Review for Scotland that chooses investment over decline and delivers on the promise that there would be no return to austerity.

    Investment in Scotland to strengthen UK defence  

    Speaking in the House of Commons today, the Chancellor reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by April 2027, backing our Armed Forces, creating British jobs in British industries, and prioritising the security of Britain when it is most needed.  

    The long-term future of the Clyde is secured through an initial £250 million investment over three years which will begin a multi-decade, multi-billion pound redevelopment of HM Naval Base Clyde through the ‘Clyde 2070’ programme.   

    Investing in innovation and R&D  

    Scotland will also become home to the UK’s largest and most powerful supercomputer, with up to £750 million committed to its development at Edinburgh University. This world-class facility will give scientists across all UK universities access to extraordinary computer power, further strengthening Scotland’s research and innovation capability.   

    The UK Government is backing Scottish industry with a share of increased UK-wide R&D spending set to grow from £20.4 billion in 2025-26 to over £22.6 billion per year by 2029-30. Scotland will also benefit from a £410 million UK-wide Local Innovation Partnerships Fund.  

    Targeted support for Scottish communities   

    The government is also investing £160 million over 10 years for Investment Zones in the North East of Scotland and in Glasgow City Region, and confirming £452 million over four years for City and Growth Deals across Scotland.  

    A £100 million joint investment for the Falkirk and Grangemouth Growth deal with the Scottish Government (£50 million from UK Government and £50 million from Scottish Government), demonstrating the UK Government’s continued commitment to the Grangemouth industrial area.  

    A new local growth fund, and investments in up to 350 deprived communities across the UK, will maintain the same cash level as in 2025-26 under the Shared Prosperity Fund. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Scotland Office, will work with local partners and the Scottish Government, to ensure money goes to projects that matter to local people. This investment will help drive growth and improve communities across Scotland.  

    Supporting Scottish businesses  

    The National Wealth Fund (NWF) is trialling a Strategic Partnership with Glasgow City Region to provide enhanced, hands-on support to help it develop and finance long term investment opportunities. The NWF has already made its first investment in Scotland with £43.5 million in direct equity for a sustainable packaging company, which is to build its first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow.  

    Through its Nations and Regions Investment programme the British Business Bank is delivering £150 million across Scotland to break down access to finance barriers and drive economic growth.  

    The settlement also allocates £0.75 million each year to champion our ‘Brand Scotland’ trade missions to promote Scotland’s goods and services on the world stage and to encourage further growth and investment.

    A record settlement for Scottish public services   

    The Government has been clear that local decision-making against local priorities is central to delivering growth.   

    The Scottish Government will receive the largest real terms settlement since devolution began in 1998, with an average £50.9 billion per year between 2026-27 and 2028-29, enabling the Scottish Government to deliver for working people in Scotland.  This includes £2.9 billion per year on average through the operation of the Barnett formula, with £2.4 billion resource between 2026-27 and 2028-29 and £510 million capital between 2026-27 and 2029-30. 

    This investment and record settlement is made possible by the tough but necessary decisions taken in the October Budget.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet reshuffle is no excuse for delays on climate plan

    Source: Scottish Greens

    11 Jun 2025 Climate

    Scotland’s carbon budgets must be published now.

    More in Climate

    Cabinet reshuffle can no longer be used as an excuse to delay publication of Scotland’s first carbon budgets, says Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP.
     
    Today, the First Minister confirmed that Gillian Martin will remain in her role as Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, with Mairi McAllan returning from maternity leave in a new role as Cabinet Secretary for Housing.
     
    Mr Harvie said:

    “The delay in setting Scotland’s first carbon budget has already caused serious concern, and some had blamed it on the imminent reshuffle.
     
    “Now that Gillian Martin has been made permanent in the job she was covering for, this can no longer be the explanation.
     
    “It’s urgent that she comes to the Chamber in the days ahead to explain the delay and to publish the Government’s proposals immediately. There is no time to waste.
     
    “We welcome Mairi McAllan back from maternity leave. She will also have a critical role to play here, and must restore boldness to Government action on both rent controls and clean heating that the Greens kick started, but which the SNP have watered down ever since.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Grothman Responds to Revealing Washington Post Piece on the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

    Following a scathing investigative piece by the Washington Post, Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) is doubling down on his call to end the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The article confirms that the LIHTC program enriches developers, banks, and lawyers while failing to effectively help the low-income Americans it was meant to serve. 

    “The Washington Post article exposed what we’ve known all along: the LIHTC program is not only inefficient, it’s scandalous,” said Grothman. “Projects built with LIHTC subsidies can cost up to $1.3 million per unit in Washington, D.C, far more than the average market-rate home in the city. These units aren’t modest, often including extravagant amenities in some of D.C.’s most affluent neighborhoods, and they’re mostly funded by taxpayer dollars. One developer boasted about including ‘a fitness room to encourage physical activity, a library, a large café with an outdoor terrace, a large multi-purpose community room with a separate outdoor terrace, an indoor bike room, on-site laundry, lounges and balconies on every floor.’ These luxurious amenities are costly, unnecessary for these developments, and paid for with taxpayer dollars. 

    “As costs rise, developers, banks, and lawyers take a bigger cut. The more expensive the project, the more these wealthy individuals profit. Meanwhile, fewer units are built because the costs are so high. LIHTC wastes taxpayer dollars and fails to deliver real help to struggling Americans. It’s a system rigged to reward developers, not the people it claims to assist. At one D.C. development, taxpayers shelled out nearly $800,000 per one-bedroom unit. Meanwhile, the same developers built a neighboring market-rate complex for about $350,000 per unit. The difference? The LIHTC-backed project generated an $8.5 million developer fee. 

    “This isn’t just the Washington Post sounding the alarm,” Grothman continued. “Even the Wall Street Journal is calling out LIHTC as a sweetheart deal for politically connected developers that runs through taxpayer money while producing few results. 

    “Despite the blatant waste and inefficiency occurring with LIHTC, the House reconciliation bill currently proposes increasing LIHTC funding by $14 billion over the next decade. This approach is far off the mark from serving the American people, and my colleagues must recognize that this program hurts taxpayers. 

    “I introduced the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Elimination Act, to shut down this broken, bloated program. It’s time to end LIHTC and invest in solutions that truly help American families, not line the pockets of wealthy developers.” 

    U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India showcases labour reforms at 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday highlighted India’s strides in labour welfare and social security during his address at the plenary session of the 113th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva. Representing India, he outlined key achievements and advocated for balanced global labour standards.

    India’s unemployment rate has dropped from 6% in 2017 to 3.2% in 2024, with over 7.5 crore formal sector jobs created in the past seven years. The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, with a budget of approximately $12.81 billion, is set to further boost formal employment. The National Career Service (NCS) portal is being enhanced to connect Indian workers with global job opportunities, facilitating international labour mobility.

    The Minister emphasized India’s efforts to integrate gig and platform workers, projected to reach 23.5 million by 2030, into the mainstream. The e-Shram portal, a national database of over 300 million unorganised workers, including gig workers, enables targeted social protection. India’s social security coverage has surged from 24.4% in 2019 to 64.3% in 2025, benefiting around 940 million people, supplemented by food and health security schemes.

    Addressing the ILC’s discussions on biological hazards, Dr. Mandaviya supported worker protections but cautioned against overly broad definitions that extend beyond workplaces, particularly for informal sectors and MSMEs. He proposed a risk-tiered approach to balance safety and operational realities, urging the ILO to consider diverse national contexts in setting global standards.

    India’s Code on Social Security 2020 recognizes platform workers as a distinct category, and the country is fostering an education-to-employment ecosystem by aligning universities, industry, and skilling centers. .

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Surgical Investment Delivers More Surgeries and Reduces Wait Times

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 11, 2025

    There were 100,406 surgeries and procedures performed between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The health system also exceeded its target of completing 90 per cent of surgeries within eight months, with nearly 92 per cent completed within that timeframe.

    “Saskatchewan’s health care system is delivering on the commitment to improve access to surgical care through investments and setting aggressive targets,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “Annual budget investments have helped to stabilize system capacity and lay the groundwork for even greater progress in the years ahead. The surgical program is now well-positioned to achieve a six-month wait time target for most surgeries set for 2025–26. We are thankful to our surgical teams for their hard work and dedication to benefit patients.”

    The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) focused on meeting the needs of longest-waiting patients. The list for patients waiting longer than 24 months for their procedures is nearly eliminated. The number of people waiting longer than 12 months has decreased by 24 per cent over the past year.

    As part of the 2025-26 Provincial Budget, the Government of Saskatchewan is investing an additional $15.1 million in surgical services to help expand capacity, encourage innovation and reduce wait times for patients.

    This includes:

    • $12.9 million to increase surgical volumes and capacity in 2025-26;
    • $2 million in Saskatchewan’s robot-assisted surgery program to support expansion to Regina Pasqua Hospital and perform up to 600 more robot-assisted procedures; and
    • $1 million for surgical service enhancements to support coordination of care for back surgery and pain management for hospitalized patients.

    The plan to increase surgical volumes will span the next four years with the province committed to delivering 450,000 surgeries to significantly reduce the number of patients waiting for surgery. The number of procedures now include surgical interventions performed outside of operating rooms, such as cardiac catheterization or interventional radiology which are done in specially equipped treatment rooms and better reflects the actual number of surgical procedures being performed in the province.

    “As we continue to advance surgical care in Saskatchewan, we are focused on improving access and reducing wait times, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Provincial Head of Surgery Dr. Michael Kelly said. “This progress is made possible by the exceptional commitment of our health care providers and physicians who work tirelessly every day to provide timely, high-quality care to patients across the province.”

    Expanding services for back surgery and pain management presents a valuable opportunity to reduce wait times. Strategic investment in these high-demand areas will boost capacity, improve access and lead to better health outcomes for patients.

    Surgical demand continues to rise, with bookings increasing by four per cent annually since 2022–23, up from 1.5 per cent before the pandemic. Initiatives like the new Breast Health Centre are helping to improve coordination and speed up access to cancer care.

    “By streamlining processes and focusing on patient-centered care, we have improved access and reduced the length of time all patients must wait for surgery,” SHA Chief Operating Officer Derek Miller said. “These enhancements are helping patients get the care they need sooner and strengthening the surgical system for the future.”

    Recruitment and retention efforts continue to be a priority. The government is actively investing in Saskatchewan’s dedicated surgical teams and working to attract additional health professionals to support the growing surgical program. Surgical leaders continue to explore all possible opportunities to recruit anesthesiologists, with recent success from efforts both locally and internationally.

    To learn more about Saskatchewan’s Surgical Performance and Wait Times, visit:
    https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/accessing-health-care-services/surgery/surgical-performance-and-wait-times.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Questions Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer in House E&W Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) questioned Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer on enforcing child labor protections in the face of historic cuts, as well as the Department of Labor’s impact on HBCUs, in the House Education & Workforce hearing on “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Labor.”

    Video of Rep. Adams’s remarks is available for media use here.

    Rep. Adams’s remarks are also available on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    Full transcript of the remarks can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Introduces Bill to Lower Cost of Housing, Reduce Corporate Housing Ownership Rates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) introduced the American Neighborhoods Protection Act to protect and improve family home ownership opportunities.

    The American Neighborhoods Protection Act would require corporations that own more than 75 single-family residences to pay $10,000 per home annually into a Housing Trust Fund for down payment assistance grants to families purchasing homes. This would lower housing costs, increase housing supply, and provide financial assistance to families looking to buy a home.

    Corporate housing ownership is agrowing problem nationwide. In 2021, corporations bought 33% of single-family homes in Georgia, 31% in Arizona, 30% in Nevada, and 29% in both California and Texas.

    “A home should be a place for you to start a family and build your life, but unchecked corporate housing ownership is making that more and more unattainable for the average American,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Like so many communities across the country, Charlotte and Mecklenburg County face an affordable housing crisis, primarily driven by a small number of large corporations buying up housing, raising the costs and lowering supply. My bill would restore the opportunity of home ownership, an essential part of the American Dream, to all families, and especially our most economically vulnerable.”

    The issue of corporate-owned housing in Charlotte has received local and national attention. In 2023, 26% of single-family homes were owned by corporations, a 53% increase since 2010. Meanwhile,a report by the NC Chamber Foundation found that North Carolina’s affordable housing crisis is expected to grow over the next five years, if left unchecked.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Statement on SCOTUS Granting DOGE Access to Social Security Administration Records

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on the Supreme Court of the United States granting DOGE access to sensitive Social Security Administration records.

    “A group of unelected, unconfirmed private citizens has no business accessing your sensitive data,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The Supreme Court ruling granting DOGE access to Social Security Administration records is a blatant violation of the privacy of every U.S. citizen. Social Security is a lifeline for millions of Americans—seniors, widows, children, disabled workers—and we cannot and will not let it be undermined.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Statement on the White House Deploying National Guard to Los Angeles

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) released a statement on the White House deploying 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles during the city’s protests.

    “The president’s decision to deploy National Guardsmen to Los Angeles to stop American citizens from protesting was reckless and dangerous,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Neither Governor Gavin Newsom nor Mayor Karen Bass requested their support and this action only served to needlessly escalate the situation.”

    “This decision was fueled by the president’s ego, not by what was best for the people of Los Angeles, and we cannot let him continue to weaponize the executive branch against our communities,” Adams continued. “Republicans in Congress should join Democrats in standing up for our citizens and reining in the executive overreach from the White House.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Adams Questions Education Secretary Linda McMahon in House E&W Committee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Alma Adams (12th District of North Carolina)

    WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12) questioned Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon on HBCUs, as well as federal education grant administration and compliance, in the House Education & Workforce hearing on “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education.”

    Video of Rep. Adams’s remarks is available for media use here.

    Rep. Adams’s remarks are also available on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    Full transcript of the remarks can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Frankel Requests Legal Justification for State Department’s Reorganization, RIF Plans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Rep. Frankel Requests Legal Justification for State Department’s Reorganization, RIF Plans

    Washington, June 10, 2025

    This week, Rep. Lois Frankel, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting he lay out the State Department’s legal justification for its intended reorganization and reduction in force (RIF) plans in light of a recent preliminary injunction against the Administration which prohibited such drastic staffing changes. For full text of the letter, click here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to Czech government statement on Chinese cyberattack against Czech foreign ministry

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to Czech government statement on Chinese cyberattack against Czech foreign ministry

    Date：2025-05-29
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    May 29, 2025The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) notes that in a statement published on May 28, the government of the Czech Republic said it had identified the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as being responsible for a malicious campaign of cyberattacks targeting one of the unclassified networks of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It said the campaign had been carried out since 2022 through the cyberespionage actor APT31. Strongly condemning this action, the Czech government called on the PRC to adhere to international rules and take all appropriate measures to address the issue. In a post on the social media platform X, Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Lipavksý said that China was interfering in Czech society through manipulation, propaganda, and cyberattacks.
     
    Taiwan is subjected to millions of cyber intrusions per day, the majority of which originate from China. This number is increasing daily. Taiwan is thus particularly capable of empathizing with the Czech Republic and other democracies facing similar threats. China has long employed cyberattacks, information warfare, and other forms of gray-zone tactics to infiltrate and harm Taiwan and democracies around the world, drawing widespread concern and condemnation from the international community. MOFA strongly urges the Chinese authorities to immediately halt these types of malicious cyberactivity targeting democratic countries and to respect international rules and its associated responsibilities.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung reiterates Taiwan’s support for and solidarity with the Czech Republic. He emphasizes that cyberattacks and similar behavior committed against sovereign nations represent a grave violation of national security and freedom of information and threaten the stability and working of the global democratic community. As a responsible member of the global democratic camp, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Czech Republic, the European Union, and other like-minded partners, deepening information security exchanges and defensive capacity and jointly working to resist the threats to the democratic system and information security posed by China and other authoritarian regimes.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka

    Date：2025-05-29
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    May 29, 2025  No. 187  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on May 29 in honor of a delegation led by Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka. During the luncheon, Minister Lin welcomed Minister Tshawuka on behalf of the government as the two sides shared views on agricultural exchanges and cooperation. Minister Lin also thanked Eswatini for its long-term steadfast support of Taiwan’s participation in the international community.
     
    In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that Eswatini was Taiwan’s staunch ally in Africa and thanked H.M. King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their long-term support of bilateral diplomatic relations. He said that agriculture was one of the kingdom’s major industries and stressed that there had long been close collaboration between Taiwan and Eswatini in this area. Taiwan, he continued, was willing to share its developmental experience and know-how with Eswatini and would continue to implement more joint projects through the Taiwan Technical Mission of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). Under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan would utilize its technological prowess to help Eswatini promote a smart agriculture transition and increase food security which, he said, would bolster Eswatini’s economic development and improve the welfare of the people. 
     
    In his remarks, Minister Tshawuka thanked Taiwan for having provided assistance for Eswatini’s agriculture, especially the Taiwan-Africa Vegetable Initiative, a joint endeavor by the World Vegetable Center and the Taiwan government. This project had helped Eswatini to preserve the seeds of vegetables native to Africa and to advance the promotion of and education on the kingdom’s traditional vegetable crops, thereby increasing local food supply and benefiting the people. Minister Tshawuka also stated that the Taiwan-Eswatini relationship was strong and that the Eswatini government would continue to support Taiwan at international events and work with Taiwan to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.
     
    Also in attendance at the luncheon were Eswatini Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Promise Msibi, Ambassador-at-Large Richard Soong, Ministry of Agriculture Director-General of International Affairs Hsiou Dong-chong, TaiwanICDF Secretary General Huang Yu-lin, World Vegetable Center Director General Marco Wopereis, and Mt. Dadu Industrial Innovation Foundation CEO Liao Tsu-chen. The guests exchanged views with Minister Tshawuka on a wide variety of issues relating to Taiwan-Eswatini collaboration on smart agriculture as well as Eswatini’s agricultural development.
     
    Taiwan and Eswatini have had diplomatic relations for 57 years and enjoy close ties in the area of agriculture. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with the government of Eswatini to promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and develop a mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to the welfare of both nations’ people, thus bringing bilateral cooperation to a new level. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to UK Ministry of Defence’s expression of concern over cross-strait peace and stability in Strategic Defence Review

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to UK Ministry of Defence’s expression of concern over cross-strait peace and stability in Strategic Defence Review

    Date：2025-06-03
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 3, 2025  

    On June 2, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) of the United Kingdom published its Strategic Defence Review, which stressed that the Indo-Pacific was strategically important to the United Kingdom and that growing Chinese assertiveness was a key driver of regional and global instability. The report also emphasized that China’s military exercises around Taiwan risked dangerous escalation in the Taiwan Strait and that its aggressive actions were fueling tension in the South China Sea. Moreover, the review stated that the MOD would continue strengthening regional partnerships and protecting freedom of navigation so as to further defend and shape international rules and norms. 
     
    At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, Admiral Tony Radakin, UK Chief of the Defence Staff, publicly stated that upholding the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the principles of freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific mattered greatly to the United Kingdom. He added that Royal Navy ships had therefore been exercising the right of freedom of navigation in the region, including in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea. The fact the MOD’s Strategic Defence Review once again expressed grave concern over the Taiwan Strait and clear opposition to China’s provocative military actions demonstrates the United Kingdom’s consistent stance regarding the need to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly affirms and appreciates the UK statements. 
     
    The United Kingdom, a like-minded partner, shares with Taiwan such universal values as democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. It also plays a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Taiwan will continue to engage in close cooperation with the United Kingdom and other democratic countries, taking concrete action to uphold peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, defend the rules-based international order, and jointly advance security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and throughout the world. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin meets with Eswatini delegation led by Foreign Minister Shakantu

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    June 4, 2025  No. 194  On the afternoon of June 4, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a delegation from the Kingdom of Eswatini led by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu. During their meeting, they had an extensive exchange of views on such topics as bilateral cooperation, trade, and investment.  
    In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that he had visited Eswatini in late April as presidential special envoy to join the birthday celebrations for King Mswati III. He added that this meeting with Minister Shakantu and other ministerial-level officials from Eswatini just over one month later demonstrated the close and frequent interactions between the two countries and symbolized the strength of their diplomatic alliance. 
     
    Minister Lin took the opportunity to express appreciation once again to King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their long-standing and staunch support for Taiwan in the international arena, such as at the recently concluded World Health Assembly, the United Nations, and other multilateral forums. He stressed that Eswatini’s consistent advocacy for Taiwan had touched the hearts of the people of Taiwan. 
     
    Minister Lin said that during his trip to Eswatini in April, he and King Mswati III had discussed such topics as strengthening bilateral economic, trade, investment, and tourism exchanges, as well as Taiwan’s assistance in building 5G smart cities and developing energy resources in Eswatini. He expressed confidence that the close collaboration between the two countries would spur Eswatini’s national development and better ensure the welfare of both peoples, stating that this would realize Taiwan’s vision of advancing allies’ prosperity and demonstrate that Taiwan could help and that Eswatini could serve as a leader on the African continent. 
     
    Minister Shakantu thanked Minister Lin for rapidly formulating a series of concrete plans following his trip to Eswatini in April that would advance bilateral cooperation and Eswatini’s development, underscoring Taiwan’s high regard for and steadfast commitment to its allies. She also expressed the hope to see greater investment and more tourists from Taiwan in Eswatini through the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, thereby fueling bilateral exchanges.  
     
    Earlier on June 4, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu hosted a luncheon for the delegation. Attendees at the luncheon included International Trade Administration Secretary General Amelia W. J. Day, Export-Import Bank of the ROC President Hsieh Fu-hua, Hua Nan Bank Vice Chairman T. Lin, MOFA Department of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs Director General Lien Yu-ping, and MOFA Department of West Asian and African Affairs Deputy Director General Chen Yung-po. They exchanged views with the members of the Eswatini delegation on a variety of issues. 
     
    Eswatini is an important diplomatic ally of Taiwan in Africa. MOFA will continue to maintain close interactions with the Eswatini government and actively seek to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration in all fields so as to realize the vision of advancing allies’ prosperity and thereby deepen and consolidate diplomatic relations between the two countries. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –