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  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Chair Emeritus McCaul on “Fox News Sunday”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus of the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committees — joined Shannon Bream on “Fox News Sunday” to discuss the latest on the war in Ukraine, the threat posed by Iranian nuclear proliferation, and the Trump administration’s efforts to protect the homeland from violent illegal immigrants.

    Click to Watch

    Excerpts from the interview:

    On ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia:

    “I think we have to be clear-eyed as to who Mr. Putin is. He has not come to the negotiating table. He is not called for ceasefire like Zelensky. And if you look at the targets that were hit by Ukraine — these were the bombers that carried the cruise missiles …. As opposed to [Putin’s targets]: apartment complex buildings, schools, you know, maternity hospitals and churches. Killing civilians is a criminal act actually, according to the Geneva Convention. So, it’s a very different playing field.

    “How do we get them to the table though? I do think we need a negotiated settlement. We’re not going to have a storm to Berlin like in World War II [with an] unconditional surrender. So you have to put pressure [on Putin]. How do you do that? Secondary sanctions, and secondly, keep the flow of weapons going into Ukraine to pressure Mr. Putin to act in good faith. I have little confidence in him.”

    On Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb and the United States’ ability to respond to similar threats:

    “I think what we saw take place was a mastermind counter offensive. It was a seismic change in modern warfare technology — where you can take a very inexpensive little drone and take out a very expensive, big bomber that drops cruise missiles. I mean, it changes everything on its head, and I know the Pentagon’s looking at this from a standpoint of ‘how can we defend [against] this?’ We don’t have the countermeasures to block these UAVs, and we need to develop those because that will be the future of warfare.”

    On the threat of Iranian nuclear proliferation:

    “Trump says [any deal must have] zero enrichment. He is right about that because if [the Iranians] have enrichment, they get a bomb. So, you know, I think you have to give the diplomats a chance, right? And then when diplomacy breaks down, you have war. There’s no question in my mind, coming out of that meeting, what Mr. Netanyahu’s intentions are, and that is to strike Iran when the negotiations go bad. The question [for Israel] is going to be, what will be the United States’ role? … The retaliation from Iran will be severe, and we have a lot of troops there — US citizens there. They’ll hit Jordan, they’ll hit Saudi Arabia, and they’ll hit Israel. And we are the only country along with Israel that can stop all this from coming in.”

    On the Trump administration’s efforts to protect the Homeland from violent illegal immigrants:

    “The Supreme Court had its order. He was returned to the United States, but now it’s time for our justice. … For 20 years he had a smuggling operation, including smuggling MS-13 gang members, according to the indictment when he came back in. I would argue, to him, you’re probably better off than El Salvador than facing these kinds of charges, and this is precisely the [type of] case that Donald Trump ran on that got him a mandate from the American people.

    “They’re tired of seeing this, and what I’m amazed at — and I saw it at our hearing with Secretary Noem — is seeing the Democrats hold Mr. Garcia up as if he’s some golden boy poster child that they all rally behind when he’s in fact related to MS- 13, a trafficker, he beats his wife. I mean, it’s hardly a model for the Democratic party. I think they’re making a terrible mistake politically, and we saw that play out in the last election.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McCaul Returns from Middle East with Bipartisan Delegation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON – House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Emeritus Michael McCaul (R-Texas) returned from a congressional delegation (CODEL) trip to the Middle East. The delegation was led by Congressman Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, and joined by Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), ranking member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. The congressmembers met with heads of state, defense officials, and diplomats in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Kingdom of Jordan.

    Building on the momentum of President Trump’s recent visit to the region, the CODEL engaged with regional leaders to advance shared interests, address ongoing challenges, and reinforce America’s commitment to peace in the Middle East. They also explored new opportunities for economic cooperation and investment, especially in AI and emerging technologies across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states.

    “Amidst President Trump’s efforts to end the war in Gaza and secure normalization agreements, I was honored to visit several of our allies and partners in the Middle East,” said Chair Emeritus McCaul. “These nations will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of the region — a future defined by peace and prosperity. I am grateful to our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the Kingdom of Jordan for welcoming us, and I look forward to our continued partnership with these regional leaders as we work toward greater peace and stability across the Middle East.” 

    “This CODEL served as a vital opportunity to strengthen our alliances, confront shared threats, and demonstrate bipartisan American leadership in support of our partners,” said Congressman Lawler. “As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, I remain committed to deepening U.S. engagement in the region and working with our partners to build a more secure, prosperous, and stable Middle East.”

    In Riyadh, the delegation held high-level meetings with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs H.E. Adel Al-Jubeir and engaged with key U.S. defense and technology companies.

    On Memorial Day, while in Saudi Arabia, McCaul met with and thanked airmen from the 317th Airlift Wing out of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, who are operating in the Central Command Area of Responsibility.

    In Israel, the delegation met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and received a briefing at the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem on U.S.-Israel missile defense cooperation.

    In Jordan, the delegation met His Majesty King Abdullah II and senior cabinet officials to reinforce the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Jordan.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Early Release of 2024 Annual Electric Generator Report Data

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    The survey Form EIA-860 collects generator-level specific information about existing and planned generators and associated environmental equipment at electric power plants with 1 megawatt or greater of combined nameplate capacity. Summary level data can be found in the Electric Power Annual.

    Starting with 2013 data, the EIA-860 began collecting construction cost data for new electric generators. Aggregated average construction cost information can be found on the Construction cost data for electric generators page.

    Detailed data are compressed (zip) and contain the following files:

    • LayoutYyyyy — Provides a directory of all (published) data elements collected on the Form EIA-860 together with the related description, specific file location(s), and, where appropriate, an explanation of codes.
    • 1___UtilityYyyyy — Contains utility-level data for the plants and generators surveyed in the reporting year.
    • 2___PlantYyyyy — Contains plant-level data for the generators surveyed in all available years.
    • 3_1_GeneratorYyyyy — Contains generator-level data for the surveyed generators, split into three tabs.
      • The Operable tab includes those generators which are currently operating, out of service or on standby;
      • The Proposed tab includes those generators which are planned and not yet in operation; and
      • The Retired and Canceled tab includes those generators which were cancelled prior to completion and operation and retired generators at existing plants.
      • The retired tab only includes those retired generators which were reported in the most current data cycle. This is not a comprehensive list. Starting with March 2017 data, Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory includes a comprehensive list of generators which retired since 2002. The list can be found on the Retired tab of the data file.
    • 3_2_WindYyyyy — Contains additional details for surveyed generators that use wind as an energy source, split into two tabs:
      • The Operable tab includes those generators which are currently operating, out of service or on standby; and
      • The Retired and Canceled tab includes those generators which were cancelled prior to completion and operation and retired generators at existing plants.
    • 3_3_SolarYyyyy — Contains additional details for surveyed generators that use solar as an energy source, split into two tabs:
      • The Operable tab includes those generators which are currently operating, out of service or on standby;
      • The Retired and Canceled tab includes those generators which were cancelled prior to completion and operation and retired generators at existing plants.
    • 3_4_Energy_StorageYyyyy — Contains additional details of surveyed generators for the energy storage technology, split into two tabs:
      • The Operable tab includes those generators which are currently operating, out of service or on standby;
      • The Retired and Canceled tab includes those generators which were cancelled prior to completion and operation and retired generators at existing plants.
    • 3_5_MultiFuelYyyyy — Contains data on fuel-switching and the use of multiple fuels by surveyed generators, split into three tabs:
      • The Operable tab includes those generators which are currently operating, out of service or on standby; and
      • The Proposed tab includes those generators which are planned and not yet in operation; and
      • The Retired and Canceled tab includes those generators which were cancelled prior to completion and operation and retired generators at existing plants.
    • 4___OwnerYyyyy — Contains owner and/or operator data for generators with shared ownership and generators that are wholly-owned by an entity other than the operator (generators not appearing in the file are wholly-owned by their operator).
    • 6_1_EnviroAssocYyyyy — Contains boiler association data for the environmental equipment data collected on the Form EIA-860.
      • The Boiler Generator identifies which boilers are associated with each generator;
      • The Boiler Cooling tab shows which cooling systems are associated with each boiler;
      • The Boiler Particulate Matter tab shows which flue gas particulate (FGP) collectors are associated with each boiler;
      • The Boiler SO2 tab shows which flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems are associated with each boiler
      • The Boiler NOx tab shows which nitrogen oxide control equipment is associated with each boiler;
      • The Boiler Mercury tab shows which mercury control equipment is associated with each boiler
      • The Boiler Stack Flue tab shows which stacks and flues are associated with each boiler; and
      • The Emissions Control Equipment tab shows the operational status, in-service date, and installation costs of all the environmental equipment.
    • 6_2_EnviroEquipYyyyy — Contains environmental equipment data for the surveyed generators.
      • The Emission Standards & Strategies tab shows boiler data as collected on Schedule 6, Part B of the Form EIA-860;
      • The Boiler Info & Design Parameters tab shows boiler data as collected on Schedule 6, Part C;
      • The Cooling tab shows cooling system data as collected on Schedule 6, Part D;
      • The FGP tab shows FGP data as collected on Schedule 6, Part E;
      • The FGD tab shows FGD data as collected on Schedule 6, Part F; and
      • The StackFlue tab shows stack and flue data as collected on Schedule 6, Part G.
    • Superseded Form EIA-860A (Utility) & B (Non-Utility) — Retired Annual Electric Generator Report
    • Electric utility generator level data includes information for company, facility, unit type, prime mover, in-service date, energy source, heat content, nameplate capacity, summer and winter capability, etc.
    • 860-A (Utility)
      Data are compressed into a zip file that expands into xls data files and a txt layout file:
      • PLANTYyy — plant-level data
      • UTILYyy — utility-level data
      • TYPE3Yyy & TYPE4Yyy — 2 generator files for 1990-1997
        or GeneratorOwnershipyyyy, ProposedGeneratorsyyyy, ExistingGeneratorsyyyy — 3 generator files for 1998-2000
      • LAYOUT — ASCII layout file
    • 860-B (Non-Utility)
      Data are compressed into a zip file that expands into xls data files and a txt layout file:
      • qfdocket — qualifying data
      • xdocket — plant-level data
      • cogen — cogeneration data
      • nuppfac — non-utility power producer data
      • fuelquant — fuel quantities
      • genergy — 2 generator files
      • noxequip — nox removal data
      • LAYOUT — ASCII layout file

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – Kordofan, the new epicenter of the Sudanese conflict

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 11 June 2025 wars  

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – The Kordofan region has become the main stage of the war that, since December 2023, has seen the Sudanese army (Sudan Armed Forces – SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).The region is divided into three federal states: North, South, and West Kordofan. Its strategic importance lies in its central location: it separates Darfur, the RSF’s western stronghold, from the eastern regions where the army has managed to expel the paramilitaries, especially from the Khartoum area.In response to this situation, the the army has deployed significant troops in the region, with easily accessible supply lines from the rear. They are currently advancing along the Saderat highway in an attempt to capture Bara, the largest city under RSF control in North Kordofan. In response, the RSF has launched attacks against government positions in Babanusa, in West Kordofan.Losing control of Kordofan would open the door for a direct enemy offensive in Darfur. Therefore, the paramilitaries led by Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo have declared a general mobilization to halt the army’s advance. Both sides have intensified drone attacks. The army has bombed RSF positions in Bara and Gabrat al-Sheikh—north and northwest of El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, as well as in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur and a key RSF logistical hub. In turn, the paramilitaries have used drone attacks on military positions in El Obeid, a town controlled by the paramilitaries but virtually surrounded by the RSF. The conflict is increasingly taking on an international dimension. The SAF has accused the RSF, with the support of Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army, of attacking border posts in the border triangle between Libya, Egypt, and Sudan.In a statement, the Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the UAE’s support for these actions, calling them a “dangerous escalation” and a “clear violation of international law.” “The border between Sudan and Libya has become a corridor for arms trafficking and mercenaries serving terrorist militias, financed by the UAE and coordinated by Haftar’s forces and other extremist groups,” the Ministry said. The accusations have been rejected by the Libyan general, although it is acknowledged that Haftar enjoys support from both the Emirates and Egypt, a country that is among the Sudanese army’s main allies. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 11/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Appointment of auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 11 June 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Today, Wednesday 11 June 2025, the recognition of the civil effects and the taking of possession of the office of Msgr. Joseph Lin Yuntuan, whom the Holy Father, in the framework of the dialogue regarding the application of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, appointed on 5 June 2025 as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou (Fujian Province, China), took place.Msgr. Joseph Lun Yuntuan was born in Fuqing, Fujian, on 12 March 1952. From 1979 to 1983 he attended the diocesan seminary of Fuzhou. He was ordained a priest on 9 April 1984. From 1984 to 1994 and again from 1996 to 2002 he held the office of parish priest in various parishes in the diocese. In 1985 he also held the role of teacher in the diocesan seminary. From 1994 to 1996, and then from 2000 to 2003, he held the office of deputy director of the diocesan Economic Commission. At the same time, for several years, he was episcopal delegate. From 2003 to 2007 he held the office of diocesan administrator, while in the subsequent period, until 2013, he assisted the Apostolic Administrator of the circumscription as his delegate. From 2013 to 2016 he then performed the ministry of Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis. He received episcopal ordination on 28 December 2017. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 11/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – Love your enemies in times of war: the Jubilee of Ecclesial Movements in Myanmar

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Archdiocese of Yangon

    Yangon (Agenzia Fides) – “Love your neighbor, love first, love your enemies.” These are the words of the Gospel, these are the words of Christ, and these are the words that every Christian is called to live in the context of Myanmar, marked by suffering, violence, pain, conflict, the struggle for survival, and displacement. These are words that fill the minds and hearts of Burmese Catholics, who experienced Pentecost as a moment of profound spiritual renewal in their “here and now.” How can the Spirit of God be received and lived in Myanmar today, asked the members of the ecclesial movements and associations who gathered in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Yangon to celebrate the “Jubilee of Ecclesiastical Movements” on the occasion of Pentecost.On June 7 and 8, numerous families and many young people participated in the Jubilee celebration, which brought together members of various local and international ecclesial associations and movements from all parts of the country. Despite many difficulties, the faithful set out, moved by the joy of experiencing a shared encounter with Christ, who gives the strength to resist evil and the suffering caused by violence. Among them were many lay believers belonging to the Congregation of Saint Vincent de Paul, the Focolare Movement, the Missionary Family of Christ, and the ecumenical Catholic association “Fondacio,” among others. The faithful passed through the Holy Door and marked the celebration with song and prayer. Representatives chosen by the individual movements presented their movements and missions and shared their experiences and activities, such as helping the poor, visiting the sick, praying in community, and caring for the displaced. In the current difficult context, the faithful found themselves as a people of believers who, animated by the Holy Spirit, who inspires the various charisms of life, are the evangelical “salt, light, and leaven” in every situation and in every corner of the country, even amidst hardship and violence. The presence of movements and organized associations of believers proves to be a gift from God, especially for the journey of faith and for the daily lives of families and young people suffering from the widespread insecurity caused by the war and the recent earthquake. Among the testimonies, Ms. Winny of the Focolare Movement reminded those present that “love for one’s neighbor begins at home” and that, in all difficulties that surpass human comprehension, one must keep one’s gaze fixed on Christ the Lord, who hangs on the Cross.In the Cathedral, the faithful were able to adore the Blessed Sacrament and experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Eucharistic celebration followed, presided over by Bishop Francis Than Tun, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Yangon. Raymond Wai Lin Tun, also Auxiliary Bishop of Yangon, emphasized in his homily that the ecclesial movements “live the Gospel in communion with a spirit of personal spiritual renewal and the proclamation of the Gospel” through experiences of catechesis, community life, solidarity, and service to others. They play an important role for the Church in Myanmar because they are “living witnesses of Christ,” the bishop said, emphasizing the importance of “being one with the Church.” Among those present, Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature in Myanmar, conveyed greetings and blessings from Pope Leo XIV and asked for prayers for him and his ministry. He then invited everyone to remember Pope Francis in prayer, who prayed so much for Myanmar. “The gift of the Spirit gives life; the Holy Spirit brings us new life, love, peace, and freedom,” he said, inviting gestures of solidarity with the faithful who were unable to attend due to insecurity and the earthquake. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 11/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Joseph Lin Yuntuan is the new Auxiliary Bishop of Fuzhou

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Gianni ValenteFuzhou (Agenzia Fides) – Today, Wednesday 11 June 2025, the feast of St. Barnabas the Apostle, the ‘recognition of the civil effects’ and the taking of possession of the office of 73-year-old Msgr. Joseph Lin Yuntuan, whom the Holy Father, “in the framework of the dialogue regarding the application of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China,” appointed on 5 June 2025 as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou (Fujian Province, China), took place.This is the first appointment of a Chinese Bishop by the current Pope, less than a month after the beginning of his Pontificate.The official recognition of Bishop Joseph Lin Yuntuan as Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Fuzhou was a long-awaited event for the local community. Until now, the authorities and apparatuses under the Chinese government had not recognized Bishop Lin’s episcopal office.The official ceremony was presided over by Vincent Zhan Silu, Bishop of Mindong, who also participated in the Synod of Bishops Assembly in Rome last October.During the ceremony, Bishop Lin declared his commitment to the Constitution and his desire to help everyone love the country and the Church, to proclaim the Gospel, and promote the unity of the country in harmony by following the principles of “Sinicization.” The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Bishops’ Conference, the Patriotic Association, and the Religious Affairs Committee of the Province.Following the inauguration ceremony, a Holy Mass was celebrated, presided over by Joseph Cai Bingrui, Bishop of Fuzhou. Several Bishops from the dioceses of Fujian Province took part in the concelebration: in addition to Bishop Zhan Silu, Bishop Lin Yuntang and Bishop Wu Yishun of Minbei, along with about 80 priests and more than 200 religious sisters and lay people.Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, commented on the ceremony held this morning in the Cathedral of Fuzhou:“We are pleased to learn that today, on the occasion of the taking possession of the Office of Auxiliary Bishop of Fuzhou by His Excellency Monsignor Joseph Lin Yuntuan, his Episcopal Ministry is also recognized for the purposes of civil law. This event constitutes a further fruit of the dialogue between the Holy See and the Chinese Authorities and is an important step in the journey of communion of the Diocese”.Joseph Lin Yuntuan, according to the Holy See Press Office bulletin, was born in Fuqing (Fujian) on March 12, 1952. From 1979 to 1983 he attended the diocesan seminary of Fuzhou. He was ordained a priest on 9 April 1984. From 1984 to 1994 and again from 1996 to 2002 he held the office of parish priest in various parishes in the diocese. In 1985 he also held the role of teacher in the diocesan seminary. From 1994 to 1996, and then from 2000 to 2003, he held the office of deputy director of the diocesan Economic Commission. At the same time, for several years, he was episcopal delegate. From 2003 to 2007 he held the office of diocesan administrator, while in the subsequent period, until 2013, he assisted the Apostolic Administrator of the circumscription as his delegate. From 2013 to 2016 he then performed the ministry of Apostolic Administrator ad nutum Sanctae Sedis. He received episcopal ordination on 28 December 2017.Bishop Joseph Cai Bingrui officially assumed the leadership of the episcopal See of Fuzhou on January 23, having previously served as Bishop of the Diocese of Xiamen. On that day, the Holy See Press Office reported that Pope Francis, “having approved his candidature in the framework of the Provisional Agreement between the Holy See and the People’s Republic of China, appointed on 15 January 2025,Bishop Joseph Cai Bingrui of Fuzhou, “transferring him from the diocese of Xiamen”.Both dioceses are located in the coastal province of Fujian.During the ceremony, presided over, also on that occasion, by Bishop Vincent Zhan Silu, it was stated that the transfer takes place with the consent of the Bishop of Rome, and the letter of acceptance of the transfer prepared by the “college of Chinese Bishops” was read.The Diocese of FuzhouIn recent decades, the ecclesial community of Fuzhou has faced suffering and external pressures that have also fueled internal divisions.Before Bishop Cai Bingrui’s appointment, the episcopal See of Fuzhou had been vacant since April 14, 2023, the day Bishop Peter Lin Jiashan passed away at the age of 88 (see Fides, 14/4/2023).On June 9, 2020, the Chinese political authorities officially recognized the episcopal ministry of Peter Lin Jiashan. Prior to the official installation act, Archbishop Lin had sent a letter to priests and consecrated women in which, among other things, he reported that he had accepted the recognition of the bodies accountable to the government because his intent was to “seek unity” in the diocese, and after the China-Holy See agreement of 2018 and the “pastoral guidelines” published by the Vatican Dicasteries in 2019, the “conditions” for moving forward on the path of reconciliation were fully realized. Bishop Lin assured that the act of publicly formalizing his episcopal ministry was fully in accordance with the faith confessed by the “one, holy, Catholic and apostolic” Church. Bishop Lin also asked all the baptized to “live in a spirit of unity and communion, following the path of reconciliation through mutual acceptance and forbearance, avoiding attacks and judgments that fuel discord, in order to be one in Jesus Christ”. (Agenzia Fides, 11/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI: Talkdesk shatters outdated customer experience paradigm with launch of Customer Experience Automation platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talkdesk®, Inc. today upended the customer experience (CX) market with the launch of Customer Experience Automation (CXA)—a new software category and platform purpose-built to automate the full complexity of modern customer journeys.

    Customer Experience Automation goes far beyond traditional contact center as a service (CCaaS) and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. This next-generation platform replaces fragmented, manually coordinated workflows with a unified system of intelligent, autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) agents. These agents collaborate in real time to orchestrate and resolve complex challenges across the entire customer experience lifecycle.

    “For years, businesses have faced a false choice: deliver personalized service or operate efficiently at scale,” said Tiago Paiva, chief executive officer and founder of Talkdesk. “CXA ends that tradeoff. It’s not just automation—it’s coordinated, autonomous resolution of complex business problems with speed, scale, and impact, without sacrificing the personal touch customers expect.”

    The pursuit of effective, scalable processes to solve complex customer situations isn’t new, but the specialization of tools and expertise to address them has often led to dated systems, siloed knowledge, and fragmented data—ultimately breaking the customer journey into disjointed pieces. Spotty attempts at automation have frequently resulted in a patchwork of disconnected bots and brittle integrations that deliver poor and inconsistent experiences, eroding customer trust rather than building it.

    The Talkdesk CXA platform is engineered to shatter this paradigm. It introduces a new operating system for customer experience—built on multi-agent AI orchestration and fueled by the Talkdesk Data Cloud, which unifies structured and unstructured data across every customer interaction, channel, and system of record. By turning transcripts, call recordings, messages, and case notes (combined with customer data points from multiple CRMs and specialized systems) into actionable knowledge, the Data Cloud gives AI agents the context they need to solve real business problems intelligently, autonomously, and at scale.

    This foundation powers a virtuous cycle of automation: discover high-impact opportunities, build intelligent workflows, orchestrate coordinated teams of AI agents, and measure outcomes to drive continuous improvement.

    With multi-agent orchestration, Talkdesk CXA moves beyond one-size-fits-all automation. Instead of relying on a single system or bot to handle everything, it deploys a network of specialized AI agents—each with a clear role, shared context, and the ability to collaborate in real time. This makes it possible to automate complex, cross-functional processes that span the front and back offices with precision, speed, and adaptability.

    “With the launch of CXA, Talkdesk is taking a fundamentally different approach,” said Zeus Kerravala, founder of ZK Research. “Rather than simply layering AI onto legacy infrastructure, they have created a platform focused on autonomous, multi-agent orchestration. This innovation allows enterprises to automate complex workflows with precision—an area where traditional solutions often fall short.”

    Talkdesk CXA is also built for speed. With preconfigured use cases, low- and no-code tooling, and both industry-specialized and general-purpose AI agents, organizations can go live fast and start seeing value quickly. Talkdesk CXA supports everything from cross-industry workflows to vertical-specific journeys in healthcare, financial services, retail, utilities, and government. Whether automating a single high-friction workflow or scaling across business units, it accelerates time to value.

    As part of the Talkdesk CXA launch, Talkdesk also introduced a new AI agent for omnichannel campaigns. This agent automates high-volume outbound voice campaigns. Businesses can easily scale appointment reminders, billing alerts, service updates, and other time-sensitive communications without taking up live agents’ time. It’s a powerful way to improve reach, reduce costs, and deliver timely engagement across outbound service and sales use cases.

    “The customer experience bar is higher than ever, and getting it right is no longer a differentiator—it’s essential for survival,” stated Paiva. “Talkdesk CXA represents a monumental leap forward. We’ve gone deeper into problem-solving for specific industries, uncovering unique use cases where traditional solutions failed. Our new CXA platform is not about flimsy automations or bolted-together tools; it’s about intelligent, coordinated, autonomous, and outcome-focused resolution that transforms the entire customer lifecycle.”

    Automating Customer Experience for Enterprises Worldwide

    Talkdesk CXA replaces reactive, human-coordinated workflows with a dynamic network of AI agents, each designed for specific tasks and orchestrated to operate as a single, intelligent system in any industry. Whether it’s a pharmacy callback, fraud alert, or complex insurance claim, CXA executes seamlessly across systems, roles, and channels with a personal touch that customers expect and appreciate.

    More than half of Talkdesk customers are already leveraging CXA capabilities, including BankUnited, Ouro Global, United Rentals, Memorial Healthcare, Michaels, and TEKA.

    “As a health system, we need solutions built specifically for our needs and for the communities we serve, and Talkdesk consistently delivers. Having leveraged their advanced AI tools, we’re particularly excited about the new CXA platform. It’s a monumental leap, with its autonomous, multi-agent AI approach and industry-specific capabilities set to transform how we orchestrate seamless healthcare consumer interactions and critical operational workflows. This is a key differentiator for us,” said Jeffrey Sturman, senior vice president and chief digital information officer at Memorial Healthcare System.

    “Our long-standing partnership with Talkdesk is grounded in a shared drive to innovate and elevate how businesses connect with their customers. That’s why we’re excited about—but not surprised by— their latest announcement. Talkdesk continues to demonstrate its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this space. Their new Customer Experience Automation platform is a bold step forward, and we believe it has the potential to fundamentally change how organizations design and deliver customer journeys,” said Amber Scott, vice president of customer experience at Serta Simmons Bedding.

    “Talkdesk consistently delivers innovation built for the specific needs of our industry. We’ve leveraged their advanced AI to improve banking interactions, and the new CXA platform is truly transformational. Its autonomous, multi-agent AI approach redefines how we deliver intelligent, secure, and outcome-focused service, cementing Talkdesk as a vital partner,” said Jeiner Morales, senior vice president and director of data analytics and business systems at BankUnited.

    “When CAI chose Talkdesk, we went all in. We harnessed everything we felt we needed to hit the ground running and maximize ROI as quickly as possible, including Talkdesk Workforce Management, Customer Experience Analytics, and Talkdesk Copilot—all components of Talkdesk CXA,” said Thomas Grosso, executive director of service desk at CAI.

    Built for Trust and Scale

    Talkdesk has been at the forefront of AI innovation since 2018, putting AI at the core of better customer experiences. Talkdesk CXA is built with inherent AI guardrails to mitigate hallucinations, ensure policy compliance, and provide human-in-the-loop oversight, making AI agents as trustworthy as highly trained human agents.

    A unique differentiator of the platform is the AI Gateway that enables Talkdesk CXA to sit on top of any third-party contact center, whether on-premises or cloud-based. This allows businesses to seamlessly integrate Talkdesk AI-driven solutions, optimizing self-service, agent assistance, quality management, and security to deliver superior customer experiences, without replacing existing systems.

    While powerful on its own, CXA truly shines as part of Talkdesk CX Cloud, which gives businesses every part of the contact center platform—from voice to digital and performance and workforce management—with CXA built inside. Talkdesk is globally recognized as a modern cloud-based contact center, but what sets the company apart is its commitment to AI innovation and how seamlessly it’s woven throughout both the customer and agent journey. CXA now takes this to a whole new level.

    Talkdesk is showcasing Talkdesk Customer Experience Automation at Customer Contact Week (CCW) Las Vegas at Caesar’s Forum in booth 638.

    About Talkdesk

    Talkdesk® is leading a new era in customer experience with Customer Experience Automation (CXA)—a new category and platform designed to automate the full complexity of modern customer journeys. CXA replaces fragmented, human-coordinated workflows with autonomous, multi-agent AI orchestration that delivers intelligent, scalable, and outcome-focused service across the entire CX lifecycle.

    At the core of CXA is the Talkdesk Data Cloud, which turns transcripts, call recordings, case notes, and customer records from across CRMs and systems of record into real-time, actionable knowledge. This enables AI agents to operate with full context, collaborating seamlessly to resolve complex customer problems with speed, precision, and adaptability.

    Talkdesk CXA supports both cross-industry workflows and industry-specialized use cases in sectors like healthcare, financial services, retail, utilities, travel, and government. With prebuilt AI agents, a virtuous automation cycle (Discover, Build, Orchestrate, Measure), and rapid time-to-value, Talkdesk helps enterprises modernize customer experience without the need for a full rip-and-replace.

    Trusted by global brands and recognized for continuous innovation, Talkdesk empowers organizations to grow revenue, reduce costs, and transform service delivery through coordinated, AI-driven automation. Companies that love their customers use Talkdesk.

    Talkdesk is a registered trademark of Talkdesk, Inc. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

    Media Contact:

    Talkdesk Public Relations

    pr@talkdesk.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Salinas, Dexter, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Repeal Gun Industry’s Legal Liability Shield

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    June 11, 2025

    Legislation would give victims of gun violence legal avenues to hold manufacturers accountable for negligence in court

    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, along with U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter, said today they have joined colleagues in introducing legislation that would ensure victims of gun violence have their day in court and that negligent gun companies and gun sellers are not shielded from liability when they disregard public safety.

    The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act—co-sponsored by the Oregon lawmakers—would repeal a 2005 federal law that gives gun manufacturers a unique and unjustifiable legal liability shield that protects them from lawsuits. 

    “It is absolutely unacceptable that this industry is absolutely immune from any accountability,” Wyden said. “Other industries are subject to scrutiny for the safety and use of their products, and I believe Congress should enact common-sense gun safety regulations like the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act.”

    “As we continue to face a nationwide gun violence crisis, we must ensure that gun companies and gun sellers are held accountable when their negligence costs lives,” Merkley said. “For the sake of all those who have lost loved ones to this tragic epidemic, we must take our pain and grief and turn it into real action, with the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act and other common-sense gun safety reforms.”

    “Gun violence is a leading cause of death in the country, yet unscrupulous gun companies and gun sellers continue to evade accountability because of a legal shield passed two decades ago. I am grateful to join my colleagues in this long-overdue effort to overturn this misguided law and allow gun violence victims to seek justice,” Bonamici said.

    “Current laws give negligent gun makers unprecedented special treatment that shields them from accountability for malpractice, leaving victims of gun violence without recourse in the courts. The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act is a way for Congress to stand up for victims of gun violence through our judicial system,” Salinas said.

    “As a mother, I’ll never forget the terror of not being able to reach my daughter while she was in lockdown for over 12 hours during a mass shooting at the University of Virginia. As a physician, I’ve held the hands of patients and families devastated by gun violence. And as someone who has volunteered with Moms Demand Action and served on gun violence prevention task forces, I know this crisis demands urgent action. No other industry gets a free pass when their negligence leads to death. Repealing PLCAA is a necessary step to give survivors and families their day in court and to finally hold the gun industry accountable—just like every other industry. I’m proud to support the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act,” said Dexter.

    When Congress in 2005 passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) giving the gun industry legal liability, its supporters argued it was necessary to protect the gun industry from frivolous lawsuits, and that victims of gun violence would not be shut out of the courts. In reality, numerous cases around the nation have been dismissed based on this law, even when the gun dealers and manufacturers acted in a fashion that would qualify as negligent if it involved any other product. Victims in these cases were denied the right to even discover or introduce evidence. This Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act allows civil cases to go forward against irresponsible bad actors.

     In 2005, the National Rifle Association identified PLCAA as its “number one” legislative priority, and celebrated its passage by calling it the “most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years.” Letting courts hear these cases would provide justice to victims and their families, while creating incentives for responsible business practices that would reduce injuries and deaths. Effectively, the gun industry would once again be subject to the same laws as every other industry, just as it was prior to 2005.

    The legislation is endorsed by Brady, GIFFORDS Law Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Guns Down America, Newtown Action Alliance, and Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund.

    The legislation was led in the Senate by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and Chris Murphy, D-Conn. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation is also co-sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Chris Coons, D-Del., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tim Kaine, D-Va., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Peter Welch, D-Conn., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.

    The legislation was led in the House by U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., Jason Crow, D-Colo., Dwight Evans, D-Pa., and Mike Thompson, D-Calif. In addition to Bonamici, Salinas and Dexter, the legislation is also cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Gabe Amo, D-R.I., Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass., Wesley Bell, D-Mo., Don Beyer, D-Va., Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, Julia Brownley, D-Calif., Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., Sean Casten, D-Ill., Judy Chu, D-Calif., Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo., Danny Davis, D-Ill., Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., Lizzie Fletcher, D-Texas, Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., John Garamendi, D-Calif., Daniel Goldman, D-N.Y., Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., Hank Johnson, D-Ga., Robin Kelly, D-Ill., Timothy Kennedy, D-N.Y., Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Ill., Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., Seth Magaziner, D-R.I., Betty McCollum, D-Minn., LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., Kelly Morrison, D-Minn., Seth Moulton, D-Mass., Joe Neguse, D-Colo., Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., Scott Peters, D-Calif., Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, Mike Quigley, D-Ill., Jamie Raskin, D-Md., Mary Gay Scanlon, D-Pa., Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., Brad Schneider, D-Ill., David Scott, D-Ga., Lateefah Simon, D-Calif., Dina Titus, D-Nev., Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii.

    The full text of the bill is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Announces Town Halls in Eastern Oregon, Columbia Gorge

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    June 11, 2025
    Senator’s upcoming open-to-all town halls June 19-21 will be in Malheur, Baker, Union and Hood River counties
    Portland – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today announced he will hold open-to-all town halls next week in Malheur, Baker, Union and Hood River counties.
    Heading into these four open-to-all town halls from June 19-21, Wyden has held 1,120 open-to-all town halls in keeping his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties. 
    “Oregonians throughout our state count on elected officials to be available in their communities to answer questions and hear their views and concerns,”  “Wyden said. “That expectation has always been a vital part of the ‘Oregon Way.” And in these unprecedented times with our country facing unprecedented challenges, these in-person conversations in every nook and cranny of Oregon are more important than ever.”
    The schedule for the upcoming town halls is as follows:
    Thursday, June 19
    Malheur County, 6:30 pm MT, Four Rivers Cultural Center, Meyer McLean Performing Arts Theater, 676 SW 5th Ave., Ontario
    Friday, June 20
    Baker County, 1:30 pm PT, Baker City Armory, 1640 Campbell St., Baker City
    Union County, 5:30 pm PT, La Grande High School Auditorium, 708 K Ave., La Grande
    Saturday, June 21
    Hood River County, Noon PT, Hood River Valley High School, Bowe Theater, 1220 Indian Creek Road, Hood River
    Doors will open one hour before the town hall start times for attendees. For everyone’s security, backpacks and large bags will not be allowed in the town hall.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: In its first gaming partnership, Louvre launches Age of Empires exhibition

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: In its first gaming partnership, Louvre launches Age of Empires exhibition

    Emma Bridle

    Today we are thrilled to announce that Age of Empires is partnering with the world’s most-visited museum, the Louvre in Paris!

    On April 30th, the Louvre launched an exhibition on the Mamluk sultanate (1250-1517), a European first. The exhibition aims to share the story of this golden age of the Islamic Near East, showcasing its breadth and richness, all told from a transregional perspective. The Mamluks appear in three Age of Empires titles and players around the world have discovered their prowess and story through our games since 1999.

    With a shared passion for history at its heart, this collaboration between Age of Empires and the Louvre serves to share the story of the Mamluks to people around the world and encourage them to learn more about this golden age of medieval history, which isn’t often told.

    Throughout the month of June, we’ll be collaborating both at the museum in Paris and online. For an overview of our collaboration, check our dedicated webpage.

    Age of Empires and the Louvre Partnership Page

    You’ll be able to experience content from the partnership at the museum, on our websites, on social media and via the first ever livestream from the museum, on June 12th, starting at 11:00 AM PT (2:00 PM ET / 18:00 UTC).

    We are so honored to be working with the Louvre, we share a passion for sharing the stories of history with the world.

    “World’s Edge is honored to collaborate with Le Louvre. The Age of Empires franchise has been bringing history to life for more than 65 million players around the world for almost 30 years. We’ve always believed in the great potential for our games to spark an interest in history and culture. We often hear of teachers using Age of Empires to teach history to their students and stories from our players about how Age of Empires has driven them to learn more, or even to pursue history academically or as a career. This opportunity to bring the amazing stories of the Mamluks to new audiences through the Louvre’s exhibition is one we’re excited to be a part of. We hope that through the excellent work of the Louvre’s team, the legacy of the Mamluks can be shared around the world, and that people enjoy their stories as they come to life through Age of Empires.”

    — Michael Mann, Studio Head at World’s Edge

    The Mamluks in Age of Empires

    The Mamluks have been an iconic part of the Age of Empires franchise since Age of Empires II (1999). Players today can experience these mighty warriors in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, and in Age of Empires IV (via the best-selling Sultans Ascend DLC).

    There’s more information about how you can play as the Mamluks in Age games on our partnership webpage.

    Play as the Mamluks in an All-New Scenario

    To celebrate the partnership, we’re releasing a brand new custom scenario for Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition on PC, “Ayn Jalut”. Created by World’s Edge Senior Business Manager, and famed Age campaign designer, Ramsey Abdulrahim. In this scenario, you play as Baybars before the pivotal battle when the fate of the Muslim world held in the balance. Prepare your forces, set up your ambushes, and use your cunning and strategy to overcome the Mongol horde. Like the Mamluks, can you be the first to defeat the Mongols?

    When finished, try again and best your friends for the highest score!

    The entire world trembled before the Mongols. Rulers of China and Persia, the fearsome horsemen swept through the cities of the Islamic world, leaving ruins. Only Baybars and the Mamluks of Egypt stood in their way. Baybars had gathered an army at Ayn Jalut, the site where the Biblical David slew the giant Goliath. Baybars had been born a thousand miles away, but he knew the Mongols well: they had slaughtered his family and sold him–as a mere boy–into slavery. At Ayn Jalut, he was determined to have his revenge–and slay his own giant.

    The Mamluks and the Exhibition

    The Mamluks, freed slave-soldiers of primarily Turkish (and later Caucasian) origin, built their legend on their military prowess. They conquered the last bastions of the Crusaders, fought and repelled the Mongols, survived Timur’s invasions and kept threatening neighbors at bay, before succumbing to Ottoman expansion. The sultanate encompassed a vast territory, including Egypt, Bilad al-Sham (modern day Syria, Lebanon, Israel/Palestine and Jordan), parts of Eastern Anatolia and the Hejaz region of Arabia, which includes Mecca and Medina.

    The exhibition takes visitors beyond the military legend of the Mamluk sultanate and shows the complex and multi-faceted society they formed. They created a world in which sultans mingled with emirs and rich civil elites, all actively engaging in artistic patronage. Women had active roles in Mamluk society, as well as Christian and Jewish minorities. At the meeting point of Europe, Africa and Asia, people and ideas circulated, as well as arts and trade.

    The exhibition is an unprecedented opportunity to discover this glorious and yet little-known empire, through a collection of masterpieces from around the world. Visitors will be exposed to a new perspective on medieval Egypt and the Near East.

    To make sure you can enjoy all the partnership content, make sure you’re following Age of Empires and the Louvre on social media!

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Staying well in hot weather | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    You can find advice here on how to keep yourself and your home cool along with looking out for the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

    Looking after yourself and others

    The hot weather can cause some serious health problems for older people and people with long-term conditions. Young children and rough sleepers can also be particularly vulnerable when exposed to high heat. 

    If you’re concerned about someone sleeping rough, please tell the charity StreetLink using their app or the StreetLink website or by calling 0300 500 0914.

    Keeping cool during hot weather

    It is important to remember to be aware of the signs of heatstroke and heat exhaustion, and when to get help.

    Try to keep sun exposure to a minimum, particularly between 11am and 3pm

    If you have to go out, try to walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat. Avoid extreme physical exertion and remember to keep hydrated.

    Look out for signs of feeling unwell and move to a cool place as soon as possible, slow down and drink water if you feel unwell. If you need medical help, call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.

    You can find more advice from the NHS on how to cope in hot weather.

    Your home can generate lots of heat, particularly when exposed to direct sunlight. Close any curtains or blinds during the day, open windows (when it is safe to do so) when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example at night, to try to get air flowing through the home. Find more useful tips on how to prepare your home for hot weather.

    Travelling during hot weather

    If you are out and about, you can find a number of shaded or cool areas across London including parks, squares and gardens in Westminster.  

    Those travelling on public transport should always check your journey before you travel and try to carry a bottle of water with you. Transport for London  and National Rail issue travel alerts as trains may be running a reduced speeds. There are a number of fountains around Westminster where you can get water or refill your water bottle. You can also visit Refill London.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese scientists introduced archaeometric methods to Uzbek teachers and students

    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

    BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) — Northwest University (NWU, China) and the Silk Road International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage (Uzbekistan) recently jointly held a training course on archaeometric methods, according to the official website of NWU.

    The event was held in the Samarkand branch of the China-Central Asia Belt and Road Joint Laboratory for Human and Environmental Studies. Deputy Head of the Laboratory Lin Xue introduced the cadets to the principles of analysis in molecular paleontological methods and the latest achievements in their application in research in such areas as the economic and household model of ancient people inhabiting Central Asia, human migration and genetic evolution, the origin of domesticated animals and their distribution, etc.

    With the help of Chinese scientists, the cadets conducted practical training on preparing samples of animal remains found during archaeological excavations.

    After completion of the course, the laboratory’s scientific director, SZU professor Wang Jianxin, and the head of the Department of History and Cultural Heritage of the International University of Tourism and Cultural Heritage Mastura Sidikova issued certificates of completion of training to the cadets.

    As Wang Jianxin stated, archaeometric methods can acquire rich historical and cultural information from archaeological remains. This training course helped participants gain a preliminary understanding of the basics and operational standards of archaeometrics.

    He expressed hope that the event would spark interest among cadets in archaeometry and archaeological research. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Air Astana is interested in strengthening its position in the Chinese market

    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

    BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) — Air Astana is interested in strengthening its position in the Chinese market, Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster said Wednesday at a press conference in Guangzhou, southern China’s Guangdong Province, to mark the launch of its Guangzhou-Almaty route.

    The opening of the said air route is reported to be a new milestone for Air Astana in expanding its route network in China, writes the Zhuxinshe news agency.

    The Guangzhou-Almaty route is Air Astana’s fifth direct route between Kazakhstan and China and the airline’s first route connecting southern China and southern Kazakhstan.

    China is a strategically important market for Air Astana. The opening of the new route marks a very important step for the airline in expanding its route network in China, which is in line with its long-term growth objectives, said Peter Foster.

    Since the launch of the Almaty-Beijing route more than 20 years ago, Air Astana has been steadily expanding its route network in China. Currently, the airline’s aircraft, mainly Airbus A321LR, operate 23 flights weekly on five routes linking Kazakhstan and China, namely Almaty-Beijing, Almaty-Urumqi, Almaty-Sanya, Almaty-Guangzhou and Astana-Beijing. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: ‘My Pet Is a Family Member’: China’s Booming Pet Economy

    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

    BEIJING, June 11 (Xinhua) — China’s first non-standard gym will soon open in the east Chinese city of Shanghai, where not people but their pets will improve their health!

    In an advertising post published on the official account of the GOGOGYM fitness club on the popular Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu /Rednote/, a video is captured of several dogs exercising on special treadmills.

    According to the fitness club employee, the pets will be provided with exercise machines such as a treadmill, a pool, an underwater treadmill, ground exercise machines, etc., which are not inferior to exercise machines for people.

    Although such gyms for companion animals have long appeared in Russia, they remain a “novelty” in China. The industry is new, but promising.

    A report by US investment bank Goldman Sachs says that in 2024, the number of pets in China will exceed the number of children under four for the first time. It also expects that by 2030, this figure will be twice as high.

    For reference, there were 73.4 million infants and toddlers under the age of four in China in 2021, but that number has declined in recent years due to declining birth rates.

    However, compared with the data from the China Pet Industry White Paper for 2025, Goldman Sachs’ calculations were quite conservative.

    The white paper noted that the number of pets in urban areas in China alone will reach 120 million in 2024, and the consumer market size for pet dogs and cats in Chinese cities and towns will exceed 300 billion yuan (about 41.8 billion US dollars) by the end of 2024, an increase of 7.5 percent year on year.

    The latest data released by China’s Ministry of Housing, Urban-Rural Development showed that China’s urban population was about 930 million in 2023, meaning that on average, one in eight urban residents, regardless of age or gender, had a pet.

    Enterprising entrepreneurs will not miss such a business opportunity, so much so that a trendy term in modern Chinese social media and media has emerged: the pet economy. This sector covers a wide range of products and services, including pet food, healthcare, grooming, insurance, and even luxury goods.

    In ancient China, it was believed that the most important thing for a person is food. This saying also applies to pets. Currently, “pet cafeterias” have opened in major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Wuhan, etc.

    According to Chen Ruiqi, an employee at one of the “pet canteens” in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, central China, the canteen sells fresh food and light meals, including dried chicken, lollipops, pizza with cheese and sausage, and even cakes.

    According to a customer surnamed Wang, her cat really liked the duck meat from this cafeteria. “My cat eats everything at every meal. Although the prices of the products here are higher than those of regular food, I don’t have to worry about the quality and safety because I can watch the cooking process,” she explained.

    Each type of fresh food in the canteen is labeled with the recommended age of the pet and the calorie content. There are also “weight loss recipes” for different pets.

    In addition, owners can order a cake for their pet’s birthday in the canteen. Those who wish can organize a corresponding party here.

    In recent years, a new profession has emerged in China – dog sitter, which almost no one had heard of ten years ago. Simply put, these are “pet nannies” who take care of an animal while its owner is away from home. They look after the pet, walk it, feed it strictly according to the veterinarian’s recommendations, play, and also provide comfort.

    Since around 2019, this profession has started to gain more and more popularity, attracting those who enjoy a flexible work schedule. For many, providing pet feeding services at home on weekends or holidays has become an ideal way to earn extra income simply by spending time with cats and dogs.

    In 2023, 25-year-old Bai Xiao, working in the financial sector in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing, turned her love of animals into a side hustle. She offered pet-sitting services through online platforms and quickly built a loyal clientele.

    Each session with a pet sitter lasts about 45 minutes. She feeds the pets, cleans up after them, plays with them and documents the entire work process with photos and videos in real time, sending information to the owners.

    The holidays bring a surge in requests for services. During the May Day holiday this year, Bai Xiao worked from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, with almost no breaks between visits. She earns 60 to 100 yuan (US$8.30 to US$13.90) per session.

    The growth of the pet industry is apparently driven by high demand. As of the end of 2024, the number of pet owners in Chinese cities and towns was nearly 77 million. More than 70 percent of these owners belong to the post-80s and post-90s generations.

    This raises the question: “Why do young people in China love pets so much?” In addition, some experts point out that a pet replaces a child for many.

    According to Chinese psychologist Gao Aihua, due to the fast pace and high intensity of work in modern society, many young people face the problem of emotional isolation. They often feel lonely.

    “Animals help to cope with anxiety and loneliness. They can reduce the level of stress received at work and in society. A wagging tail and a funny gait at the end of a hard day is good therapy,” he said.

    And as Li Junpeng, deputy director of the Institute of Sociology at Central China Normal University, noted, in modern Chinese society, instead of large families, small ones dominate, which emphasize an independent personality. Many single young people or small families consider pets as an “additional” family member.

    “Therefore, pet owners take responsibility for their care and pay for various goods and services based on their warm feelings for their pets,” the sociologist explained.

    He concluded that today, pet-oriented consumption is already “personified” and covers the entire life cycle of pets. “Pets are no longer just “objects for feeding,” but are becoming “family members,” he emphasized.

    For example, services such as cremation, ashes storage, post-mortem care, and funeral services are now widely available. According to Chinese business information platform Tianyancha, more than 1,100 new pet funeral companies have emerged in the past six months alone.

    However, experts also warned that pets would ultimately not replace family and community ties, and that the sector’s development needed to be regulated.

    Xiao Beiying, an associate professor at Huaqiao University, noted that the relationship between people and pets is different from the relationship between people themselves, which is more complex.

    Deputy head of the China Pet Industry Association Yan Jinsheng highlighted issues such as outdated policies and gaps in legislation, stressing the need for positive public discussion and the implementation of relevant policies and regulations to ensure the sustainable and healthy growth of China’s pet economy. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Judy Chu Statement on Passage of H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Families Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) released the following statement after H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, passed the House in a bipartisan 366–57 vote:

    “Today, I voted in favor of H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. Families in my district and across the country are still struggling with the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic, and this bill renews critical funding for prevention, treatment, and recovery programs that help save lives and support individuals working to overcome addiction.

    While I support reauthorizing these important programs, I am outraged by the Trump administration’s brazen efforts to dismantle the very services we are working to preserve, and by House Republicans’ refusal to stop them. Even as Congress moves to reauthorize critical mental health and substance use programs, the Administration is executing an unauthorized and unlawful plan to dismantle the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): firing hundreds of experienced public health professionals, shutting down congressionally mandated offices, and rescinding over $1 billion in committed funding to states and local communities. These programs are being gutted in real time, and the same House Republicans who claim to support them are standing by in silence.

    At the same time, just two weeks ago, Republicans pushed through the largest cut to Medicaid in U.S. history, slashing the very program that covers nearly 40 percent of all nonelderly adults living with substance use disorder.

    I will continue to fight to protect Medicaid and hold the Trump administration accountable for its cruel, irresponsible assault on mental health and substance use care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: To Lower Cost of Graduate Education, Rep. Chu, Sen. Padilla Reintroduce POST GRAD Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    Introduction comes as Congressional Republicans push to make higher education more unaffordable through their Big Ugly Bill

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28) and Sen. Alex Padilla (CA) reintroduced the Protecting Our Students by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt (POST GRAD) Act, a bill that would once again make graduate students eligible to receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans. 

    For over a decade, unlike their undergraduate counterparts, graduate students have only been eligible to receive Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans which accrue interest even while they are still in school. This is because the Budget Control Act of 2011 stripped graduate students of eligibility for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. This can cost a student thousands of additional dollars over the life of the loan, particularly as interest rates on graduate loans are now at their highest since 2006. The POST GRAD Act would reverse the provision of the Budget Control Act and restore the eligibility of graduate students to receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans.

    Many professions like mental health clinicians, school administrators, nurse practitioners, and physical therapists often require a graduate degree, but the high cost of borrowing can dissuade potential students from seeking these advanced degrees or discourage students from entering lower-paying public service jobs after graduation. 

    Instead of addressing this higher education affordability crisis, Congressional Republicans are pushing to make the problem even worse. Recently, House Republicans passed a reconciliation bill that, among other harmful provisions, would eliminate the Grad PLUS loan program, a vital source of federal support for graduate students. Nationally, over 1.6 million student borrowers have Grad PLUS loans, amounting to $91 billion in debt. California has nearly 57,000 Grad PLUS borrowers, according to the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

    “Many of the most rewarding and in-demand jobs in the U.S. require advanced degrees, but do not always come with high earning potential. A lifetime of debt should never be the cost for obtaining a graduate degree,” said Rep. Chu. “At a time when our country is facing a shortage of specialized workers in critical fields, we should be doing everything we can to encourage students to enter these fields, rather than creating additional barriers to higher education. Democrats in Congress are committed to lowering costs and reducing debt, and that’s why I’m proud to be joined by Senator Padilla in introducing the POST GRAD Act as one important step in making higher education more attainable to everyone in America.”

    “Graduate students help fuel our economy, filling workforce shortages in critical sectors like health care, education, and STEM that often require advanced degrees. Yet, too many talented students in California and nationally cannot afford to pursue advanced degrees due to the rising cost of higher education,” said Senator Padilla. “As Republicans threaten to slash the Grad PLUS program entirely, we are taking a stand to make graduate school more affordable by reinstating subsidized federal student loans for graduate students so they don’t accrue interest while they are in school. We did this for decades, and now is the time to support our 21st century graduate workforce and expand educational opportunities for low-income communities.”

    “The cost of graduate education often serves as a barrier to pursuing advanced degrees, including in psychology, where shortages of qualified, culturally competent providers persist. By reinstating subsidized federal student loans for graduate students, the POST GRAD Act would relieve a portion of the financial burden associated with financing a graduate degree. APA applauds Congresswoman Chu and Senator Padilla for their leadership on this important legislation, which would make graduate study more affordable and help build a workforce ready to meet the growing needs of our population,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association.

    The bill is endorsed by: American Psychological Association, National Association of School Psychologists, National Education Association, AccessLex, Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, American Physical Therapy Association, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges, American Occupational Therapy Association, Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions, Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, Physician Assistant Education Association, American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Council on Social Work Education, American Dental Education Association, American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American Association of the Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, University of California System.

    Click HERE for bill text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Chu Co-Leads Bipartisan Letter Urging Senate to Take up Taiwan Double Tax Relief Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) joined Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, in leading a bipartisan letter to Senate leaders urging them to promptly consider the United States–Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act. This legislation would eliminate burdensome double taxation between the United States and Taiwan, which is one of our largest and most important trading partners, and is a key step toward strengthening our economic partnership. Rep. Chu has long advocated for this legislation as a member of the Ways and Means Committee. 

    The letter was signed by Reps. Judy Chu (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Adrian Smith (R-NE), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Greg Stanton (D-AZ).

    “The United States-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act is essential to U.S. economic and national security interests and would have immediate, tangible benefits in fostering U.S.- Taiwan commerce and mitigate double taxation imposed on multinational businesses, investors, and workers. By removing double taxation with Taiwan, we can unlock new investment into the United States—especially from Taiwan’s world-class advanced manufacturing sector,” wrote the Members. 

    This bill passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support in both the 118th and 119th Congresses. Lawmakers are now urging swift Senate action to ensure the bill becomes law without delay.

    The letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Chu Urges FEMA to Conduct Soil Testing and Remediation in LA Fire Burn Zones

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28) led 27 California Delegation Members in a letter sent to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urging the agency to conduct comprehensive soil testing and establish a remediation program for properties impacted by the devastating Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles County.

    Recent testing by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and independent testing by the The Los Angeles Times, revealed alarmingly high levels of lead and other toxic metals in properties cleared through federal debris removal operations. According to the findings, 27% of soil samples from the Eaton Fire burn area exceeded California’s residential lead standards — a number that rose to 44% in unscraped areas. Independent investigations by the Los Angeles Times corroborated these findings, with some sites showing lead levels more than three times the state benchmark. Nearly 16,000 structures were destroyed in the two fires combined.

    The Members wrote, “Thousands of homeowners, particularly in Altadena where nearly 96% of homes destroyed by the fire pre-dated the 1978 ban on lead paint, now face the difficult choice of incurring the significant personal expense of soil testing and remediation, or living with the potential threat of long-term exposure to hazardous substances. As experts have stressed, lead exposure, especially for children, can cause irreversible cognitive, developmental, and behavioral damage.”

    In the letter, the Members call on FEMA to:

    1. Provide federal funding to offer comprehensive soil testing, on a voluntary, opt-in basis, to property owners whose properties were destroyed or impacted in the Eaton and Palisades Fire.
    2. Establish a process to remediate properties that exceed California’s safety thresholds for lead and other toxins, including redeploying cleanup crews to perform soil bioremediation or further soil removal as needed.
    3. Work with federal and state health agencies to provide clear guidance to homeowners and builders regarding safe rebuilding practices, soil management, and personal protective measures on properties with marginal contamination levels.

    The Members concluded, “Without these steps, disaster survivors are being left with an undue financial burden and potential health risks. We appreciate FEMA’s longstanding commitment to disaster recovery and urge you to act swiftly to ensure that the residents of Altadena, the Pacific Palisades, and surrounding communities can safely rebuild their homes and lives with confidence that their properties are free of toxic contamination.”

    California Delegation signers include Representatives Brad Sherman (CA-32), Robert Garcia (CA-42), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), John Garamendi (CA-08), Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Derek T. Tran (CA-45), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Dave Min (CA-47), George Whitesides (CA-27), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Luz M. Rivas (CA-29), Ami Bera (CA-06), Laura Friedman (CA-30), Scott H. Peters (CA-50), Mike Levin (CA-49), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Gil Cisneros (CA-31), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Pete Aguilar (CA-33), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Ro Khanna (CA-17). 

    Rep. Chu’s full letter to FEMA can be found here.

    On May 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health launched a new, county-funded soil testing program in response to these alarming findings. “I commend the County for stepping up to protect public health by offering free soil testing to residents within and downwind of the Eaton Fire burn area. This program is a critical first step, but we need FEMA’s full partnership to ensure all affected homeowners—including the thousands whose homes were destroyed in the fires—have access to testing as well as remediation,” said Rep. Chu.

    For more information about soil contaminants and testing conducted by Los Angeles County, please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/eaton-soil-testing/ 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Chu Speaks Out Against Violent Los Angeles ICE Raids and Demands Release of Union President David Huerta

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    PASADENA, CA – Following reports that Service Employees International Union (SEIU) California President David Huerta was violently arrested and injured while peacefully observing an ICE raid in Downtown Los Angeles, Rep. Judy Chu released the following statement:

    “I am outraged at the ICE raids in downtown Los Angeles that not only targeted immigrant workers and spread fear throughout our community, but also attempted to silence those who dare to speak out against the Trump Administration’s cruel and unlawful immigration agenda.”

    “It is clear that SEIU President David Huerta was exercising his right to observe law enforcement activity and stand with community in peaceful protest to these raids. I stand with David and with immigrant communities across this country, and demand his immediate release along with the release of those detained in the raids. I will not allow this administration to tear apart families and terrorize neighborhoods. Immigrants strengthen our nation and every person in this country has a right to due process. We need answers. We need accountability. And we need to put an end to Donald Trump’s inhumane and disgusting attacks on immigrant communities.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Statement on ICE Raids in Contra Costa County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

    “I remain deeply concerned about the safety and wellbeing of members of our community as ICE continues to terrorize California cities with dangerous, extra-legal immigration raids, including activity today in Contra Costa County that targeted individuals who were in the process of going through the proper judicial and legal immigration systems – exactly what proponents of immigration enforcement purport to advocate for. 

    This targeting has been cruel, unnecessary, at times lacking due process, and is yet another attempt by the Trump Administration to punish California over policy disagreements and to pursue a vendetta against its forward-looking, tolerant vision. 

    Californians will not back down in the face of intimidation and authoritarianism. My office is closely monitoring the situation, and constituents can visit my website to familiarize themselves with their rights.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman DeSaulnier Statement on Trump Administration Proposal to Eliminate Chemical Safety Board

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Representing the 11th District of California

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier issued the following statement in response to the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate the Chemical Safety Board and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), the independent agency responsible for investigating chemical disasters, including fatal fires and explosions.

    “It is unconscionable that in his drive to amass more and more power, the President would dismantle an agency whose sole purpose is safety. Unfortunately, our community knows all too well what happens when safety is overlooked at oil refineries: death, injuries, unbreathable air, and more. Having spent my career fighting to regulate nearby refineries, I know the vital role the CSB plays in probing the root causes of chemical incidents and in issuing recommendations that have helped keep workers and communities safer. I will do everything possible in Congress to fight this dangerous executive overreach and protect the Chemical Safety Board.”

    Congressman DeSaulnier is a senior member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce. During his tenure on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, he played a pivotal role in the Industrial Safety Ordinance and the Refinery Flare Rule for local refineries and chemical facilities following a deadly explosion at the Tosco refinery in 1997. When President Trump previously tried to eliminate the CSB in 2018 and Congressional Republicans proposed to reduce its funding, Congressman DeSaulnier successfully authored an amendment that passed into law to ensure it was fully funded.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson to Travel to Israel to Address the Knesset

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

    WASHINGTON — Speaker Johnson will travel to address a special session of the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem on Sunday, June 22.

    “It will be one of the highest honors of my life to address the Israeli Knesset at this fateful moment. Our ties run deeper than military partnerships and trade agreements. We’re bound by the same beliefs, the same psalms, and the same sacred pursuit of liberty,” Speaker Johnson said, announcing the trip.

    “Today, the State of Israel and Jewish people around the world face grave threats, and it is our moral imperative to stand by our sister democracy. As terror and vile antisemitic ideology threaten Western Civilization, Israel must know that when America said, ‘Never Again,’ we meant it.”

    Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana made the following statement:

    “Mike Johnson is a great friend of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. From the moment he was elected, he not only expressed his support through words but also took decisive action, even at the risk of his position, to support Israel in its most challenging moments. I hold him in great esteem, believe he is highly deserving of addressing the Knesset, and look forward to hosting him and hearing his words to the nation.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries Lead Memorial Vigil Honoring the Lives of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tonight, Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries hosted a bipartisan vigil to honor the lives of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, two Israeli embassy staffers who were killed in a violent act of antisemitism after leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum last month. Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries were joined by Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter; CEO of the American Jewish Committee Ted Deutch; Israeli embassy staff, and Members of Congress.

    Watch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here

    Below are Speaker Johnson’s remarks as delivered:

    We gather tonight to honor the memory of two precious souls, Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Sarah and Yaron, and all those who have come from the Israeli Embassy tonight and the AJC to honor their memory. We want to thank you all for being here.

    We took every precaution to arrange this evening and ensure the safety of everyone in attendance. And sadly, that’s because it’s a dangerous time to be a Jewish American. The two innocent lives we honor today should still be with us. Sarah and Yaron were young, and they were in love. They led honorable lives of advocacy at the Israeli Embassy, and they devoted themselves to peace in the land that they so loved.

    The monster who murdered them was not motivated by peace, but something very different. He went to a Jewish museum to hunt down Jewish people. And we want to be crystal clear tonight: this is targeted antisemitic terrorism. There are no shades of gray and there is no other way to describe it.

    As we’ve seen in the week since, this violence is sadly not isolated. Just 10 days after these murders, a group of Jewish Americans, most of them elderly and one a Holocaust survivor, were pelted with Molotov cocktails in Boulder, Colorado. In Colorado and in our capital city we see two cold-blooded monsters separated by 2,000 miles, but united in their sick hatred of the Jewish people. It just defies understanding.

    Both individuals chanted a slogan that is all too familiar on college campuses and city streets since the horrors of October 7th: ‘Free Palestine.’ It’s the chant of a violent movement that has found common cause with Hamas, and it’s a movement that has lost hold of the difference between right and wrong, between good and evil, between light and darkness and barbarism.

    The chants of the terrorists who pillaged Israel on October 7th are almost indistinguishable from those of Hamas sympathizers here on our own shores. They proclaim that violence is righteous, that rape is justice and that murder is liberation. 

    They have created a culture of lies that puts a bounty on the heads of peace-loving Jewish Americans. And the insidious spread of this violent ideology has emboldened the evil worldview of people like the one that took the lives of Sarah and Yaron.

    Where is the outrage for these two young victims? There have been no national protests for them or the many victims of antisemitic violence all around this country, no calls in the streets to say their names. No chants for justice or peace.

    We cannot let these depraved antisemitic terrorists silence us. We must stand up and protect our Jewish brothers and sisters. The Republicans and the Democrats here today stand united in that cause and condemning the violence and the rhetoric that directly aides and abets it. We have a responsibility to recommit ourselves to the cause for which Sarah and Yaron lived and for which they literally gave their lives. That is the cause of peace.

    I am reminded of the scripture that says blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Tonight, we honor two of God’s children, tragically lost too soon. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Electric generators plan more natural gas-fired capacity after few additions in 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    June 11, 2025

    Developers plan to add 18.7 gigawatts (GW) of combined-cycle capacity to the grid by 2028, with 4.3 GW already under construction, according to our latest Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. Although electricity generators fueled by natural gas have provided more electricity in the United States than any other source since 2016, hardly any new natural gas capacity came online last year.

    Combined-cycle units contribute to grid operation, reliability
    Relatively efficient combined-cycle gas turbines (CCGTs) account for most of the natural gas-fired generating capacity in the United States. CCGT units are flexible and can quickly ramp up or down to respond to changes in power supply, supporting the reliability of the transmission system especially as more renewable capacity is integrated in the system.

    The design lifetime of CCGT units is typically 25 years to 30 years. However, with comprehensive maintenance, component replacements, and strategic upgrades, their lifetime can be significantly extended.

    Only one CCGT came online last year
    Only one industrial sector CCGT power generator came online last year, adding 98 megawatts of CCGT capacity to the existing power plant at Plaquemines LNG. The recent decline in CCGT capacity additions can be partly attributed to a shift to bring more renewable capacity online, mainly solar and wind. Operators have also developed battery storage capacity that is often paired with renewables. Decreasing construction costs for renewables as well as federal tax incentives and other policies further encourage investment in renewable energy projects.

    Another 18.7 GW of CCGT capacity could come online through 2028
    Developers plan to add 1.6 GW of CCGT in 2025, according to our latest Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory, which compiles the current status of existing and proposed utility-scale generating units. Two of the four new plants—the Intermountain Power Project in Utah and Magnolia Power in Louisiana—will include the capability to co-fire with hydrogen and have a combined capacity of 1.5 GW.

    In our monthly survey, we ask respondents to provide statuses of planned units to distinguish whether a generator is in early stages of development, such as seeking regulatory approval, or in later stages of construction. More than half of the 3.3 GW of capacity that developers expect to bring online in 2026 is already under construction. Most of the 3.3 GW capacity developers plan to bring online in 2027 is not yet under construction.

    Another 10.6 GW might be added in 2028. If realized, that would be the most CCGT capacity coming online in any year since 2018. However, developers of all those planned units are working through regulatory approvals and securing needed equipment, both of which add uncertainty to their construction costs and initial operation date.

    Principal contributors: Lindsay Aramayo, Mark Schipper, Mark Morey

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Maxim Group LLC Hires Andrew Brown as Head of Prime Brokerage Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Maxim Group LLC, a leading full-service investment banking, securities, and wealth management firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Andrew Brown as Head of Prime Brokerage Services. This strategic hire adds decades of fintech experience to accelerate the growth of Maxim’s prime brokerage platform.

    Andrew Brown brings nearly 20 years of experience in financial markets, including over 15 years specializing in prime brokerage services at firms such as Merlin Securities, Wells Fargo Prime Services, and Cantor Fitzgerald LLC. Throughout his career, Mr. Brown has built deep, trusted relationships with hedge funds, family offices, and emerging asset managers. His ability to align innovative technology with tailored client service has earned him a reputation as a key partner to sophisticated investors navigating an increasingly complex marketplace.

    “Andrew’s expertise and client-first mindset make him an ideal fit for our organization,” said Chris Fiore, President of Maxim Group. “He brings a strong track record of delivering customized solutions to hedge funds and family offices, and his leadership will be instrumental as we enhance our prime brokerage platform.”

    About Maxim Group LLC
    Maxim Group LLC is a full-service investment banking, securities and wealth management firm headquartered in New York. The independent and employee-owned firm provides a full array of financial services including investment banking; private wealth management; and global institutional equity, fixed-income and derivatives sales & trading, equity research and prime brokerage services. Maxim Group LLC is a registered broker-dealer with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) and is a member of FINRA, SIPC, and NASDAQ. To learn more about Maxim Group LLC, visit maximgrp.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Ghana and Zambia have snubbed Africa’s leading development bank: why they should change course

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Misheck Mutize, Post Doctoral Researcher, Graduate School of Business (GSB), University of Cape Town

    The governments of Ghana and Zambia recently took a decision that could have serious consequences for other African countries. The decision relates to arrangements on how the two countries will repay the debt they owe to Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

    They have both taken decisions to relegate Afreximbank to a commercial lender from a preferred creditor. This means that the terms on which Afreximbank has lent money to these two countries will change. And it will lose certain protections. For example preferred creditors are repaid first, before any other lenders.

    This protects preferred creditors’ balance sheets and enables them to continue lending during crisis periods when others cannot. In contrast, commercial banks get paid later or might not get paid at all. This higher risk factor means that they charge higher rates.

    Based on decades of researching Africa’s capital markets and the institutions that govern them it’s my view that the long-term consequences of this precedent are detrimental. If other African borrowers follow suit, treating loans from African multilateral development banks as ordinary commercial debt during restructuring, it will erode the viability of these institutions. Investors who fund Afreximbank through bonds and capital markets may reassess its risk profile, pushing up its cost of funding and making future lending less affordable.

    The ultimate losers will be African countries themselves, especially those with limited access to international capital. Afreximbank, along with other African financial institutions, is a lifeline for trade finance, infrastructure development, and crisis response. Undermining its legal protections weakens the continent’s capacity for self-reliant development.

    Afreximbank was created under the auspices of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 1993. It was set up with a public interest mandate to develop African trade and promote integration. Its legal status and structural features place it closer to international multilateral development banks than to private creditors, justifying its treatment as a preferred creditor.

    The decision by Accra and Lusaka signals lack of confidence in African financial institutions. It suggests that they do not trust them to the same extent as global institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. These are treated as preferred creditors, on the assumption that they will lend to countries in crisis or distress when commercial lenders retreat.

    The actions of Ghana and Zambia set a dangerous precedent by sidelining African financial institutions in favour of external creditors. That risks weakening Africa’s financial institutions and undermining the very concept of African solutions to African problems. Investors will become more sceptical and pessimistic, demanding more interest.

    The continent needs to develop an ability to independently design, finance and implement its economic development policies without support from external financial institutions. Afreximbank helps to achieve this through financing African-designed infrastructure and counter-cyclical lending.

    Ghana and Zambia still have an opportunity to correct course. In my view they should do so for the sake of the bank, its member states and the future of African economic sovereignty.

    The background

    Ghana and Zambia have both defaulted on their external bonds in the last four years. Zambia in October 2020 and Ghana in December 2022. This forced them to negotiate new sustainable terms with creditors.

    During their respective debt negotiations, both countries have announced that they would include African multilateral development banks such as Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank in the debt restructuring.

    This followed private and bilateral creditors contesting unequal distribution of restructuring burdens, where they face losses while some multilateral institutions are shielded. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank, which are preferred creditors, do not fund infrastructure, they only offer balance of payments support.

    The decision by Ghana and Zambia to relegate Afreximbank was made during an ongoing comprehensive debt restructuring. Ghana and Zambia have been negotiating with creditors for over a year in an attempt to resolve their sovereign debt crises.

    The two countries were complying with International Monetary Fund supported restructuring terms. Bilateral creditors were also demanding fair burden sharing with African multilateral banks.

    Afreximbank: not just another lender

    Ghana and Zambia don’t have a legal leg to stand on.

    Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status is not an informal privilege but derives from Article VX(1) of its founding agreement. The agreement has been signed and ratified by member states into national laws, including Ghana and Zambia.

    This status is further reinforced by the bank’s diplomatic immunities and privileges and its ability to operate across African jurisdictions under protected legal frameworks. The role of Afreximbank, therefore, goes beyond that of a traditional commercial bank.

    Preferred creditor status protects development finance institutions in a number of ways. The biggest protection is that lenders are prioritised for repayment. This protects their balance sheets, enabling them to continue lending when others cannot.

    A preferred creditor status is accorded for a reason. It is to ensure that development finance institutions can lend in times of distress with confidence, on the guarantee that they will be repaid ahead of other creditors. Country actions that violate this principle disrupt the implicit covenant that enables counter-cyclical financing. This is breaking the financial lifeline that countries might need when nobody else is willing to help them. This is precisely the kind of support that Ghana and Zambia relied on during their respective debt crises in December 2022 and October 2020, respectively.

    A bank that has consistently stepped up

    It is worth recalling that during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2021) and again when global markets closed access to Eurobond issuances for African countries, investors didn’t want to lend African countries for fear of defaulting. Afreximbank was one of the few institutions that continued to lend to African sovereigns. This included US$750 million to Ghana and US$45 million to Zambia.

    When Ghana, Zambia and other commodity export-dependent countries faced acute foreign currency shortages and tightening global liquidity caused by the 2015/16 commodity crisis of low prices, Afreximbank did not hesitate to deploy resources.

    Zambia has also benefited significantly from Afreximbank’s trade and development finance in energy, agriculture and healthcare. These are areas that many commercial banks view as too risky or low-margin.

    For Zambia and Ghana to classify Afreximbank in the same category as hedge funds, bondholders or purely commercial lenders, is ahistorical and unwarranted.

    Restructuring loans from Afreximbank risks inadvertently raising the cost of capital for African countries. If Afreximbank can no longer be shielded under preferred creditor status norms, it may be forced to adopt more conservative lending practices, charge higher risk premiums or retreat from high-risk markets altogether.

    The knock-on effect is reduced access to affordable, timely financing for countries that need it most.

    Afreximbank has rejected the idea that its loans ought to be restructured.

    Ghana and Zambia should correct course

    Ghana and Zambia still have an opportunity to correct course. They can reaffirm Afreximbank’s preferred creditor status, exclude it from restructuring tables meant for commercial creditors, and honour their legal commitments.

    In doing so, they would not only preserve their reputations as reliable debtors but also strengthen the broader fabric of African financial solidarity.

    African countries must be cognisant that no one else will build their institutions for them. If they do not defend and respect them, they cannot expect the rest of the world to do so. The credibility, sustainability and legitimacy of Africa’s financial independence depends, in large part, on how they treat the institutions they have built.

    The decision to treat Afreximbank and the Trade and Development Bank like commercial lenders is short-sighted and self-defeating. It must be reversed.

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

    – ref. Ghana and Zambia have snubbed Africa’s leading development bank: why they should change course – https://theconversation.com/ghana-and-zambia-have-snubbed-africas-leading-development-bank-why-they-should-change-course-258467

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sends Written Message to Swedish Foreign Minister

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Stockholm, June 11 

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani sent a written message to HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Maria Malmer Stenergard, pertaining to bilateral relations and ways to support and develop them.

    The message was handed over by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of Sweden Nadya bint Ahmad Al Sheebi during her meeting with HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Dag Hartelius. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eastern Cape’s N2 to close for blasting

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, June 11, 2025

    The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) has advised road users that blasting is scheduled to take place on the N2 national road between KwaBhaca and EmaXesibeni in the Eastern Cape.

    The blasting will take place on Friday, 13 June 2025, at 12pm, approximately 8.8 kilometres (km) from KwaBhaca when travelling towards EmaXesibeni.

    The road will be closed during the blasting activities for a maximum of 30 minutes.

    “Motorists are asked to plan their trips accordingly, consider alternative routes and to use caution when making use of the road,” SANRAL said.

    Motorists travelling from Kokstad towards Mthatha may consider the following alternative routes: 

    • Go onto the R56 route and travel past Matatiele and then past Tlokoeng until Nqanqarhu, then take the R396 towards Tsolo until you join the N2, and then proceed to Mthatha.
    • Stay on the N2 until Pakade (18km out of Kokstad), then turn left onto the R394 and join the R61 at Magusheni. Slip right onto the R61 towards Flagstaff, Lusikisiki and Port St Johns and then rejoin the N2 in Mthatha. Similarly, motorists travelling from Mthatha towards Kokstad may consider using the same routes.
    • The shortest alternative route is 69 kilometres longer and may add approximately 50 minutes to your trip between Mthatha and Kokstad.

    SANRAL has apologised for any inconvenience caused. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SIU freeze immovable property in the Zandrivierspoort farm

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze the immovable property at Portion 15 of the Farm Zandrivierspoort in Limpopo. 

    “This action is part of an investigation into the misappropriation of funds from the National Lotteries Commission (NLC), which were intended for the construction of old age homes,” the Special Investigating Unit said in a statement.

    The SIU’s probe into NLC-funded projects uncovered a sophisticated scheme involving the hijacking of legitimate non-profit organisations (NPOs), falsified grant applications, and the diversion of funds to private entities and individuals. 

    The investigation focused on three NPOs, Matieni Community Centre, Lethabong Old Age Home and War Against Rape and Abuse (WAR RNA), which together received more than R66 million under false pretences.

    “The SIU’s investigation revealed that Matieni Community Centre, a defunct NPO, was fraudulently revived to apply for NLC funding. 

    “The original members were unaware of the application and the individuals listed on the NLC application were not legitimate members,” the SIU said.

    Lethabong Old Age Home and WAR RNA similarly had their identities misused, with falsified documents and unauthorised individuals submitting applications. Matieni received R23 million from the NLC, of which:

    • R5.975 million was transferred to the Mbidzo Development Programme, which was linked to Collin Tshisimba, who has been fingered in other NLC investigations.
    • R6.2 million was paid to Wa Rothe Construction, and Lethabong received R20 million, with R15 million diverted to Mbidzo’s bank account.
    • WAR RNA received R20 million, with R5 million transferred to Mbidzo.

    Mbidzo, controlled by Tshisimba, channelled funds to attorneys for the purchase of the Louis Trichardt Farm, Limpopo, registered under Promise Kharivhe,  Tshisimba’s life partner.

    The order of the Special Tribunal is part of implementing SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions because of corruption or negligence. 

    The order forms part of a broader investigation into corruption involving NLC grants intended for community development projects.

    The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

    In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –