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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada sells Rimouski Armoury for student housing

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 22, 2025 – Gatineau, Quebec                           

    Everyone deserves a place to call home. However, Canada’s housing crisis is making it increasingly difficult for many people across the country to access housing. Post-secondary students are no exception: in many regions, they are struggling to find affordable housing that meets their needs.

    As part of its plan to build more homes, the Government of Canada is identifying federal properties that have the potential for housing and is making them available through the Canada Public Land Bank.

    Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, announced that the Rimouski Armoury in Rimouski, Quebec, has been sold to Immeubles Must Urbain Inc., which is planning to build student housing while also preserving the heritage of the existing building.   

    Public Services and Procurement Canada added the former National Defence property to the Canada Public Land Bank in August 2024, as part of the Public Lands for Homes Plan, an ambitious, whole-of-government approach to addressing the housing crisis by building more homes and making it easier to rent or own a home.

    Through the Canada Public Land Bank, we are providing access to federal properties in a transparent way to all stakeholders: large developers, small companies, Indigenous communities and organizations, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, provinces, territories and municipalities, and Canadian citizens. This is allowing us to accelerate the federal government’s established disposal process.

    To date, we have received hundreds of initial inquiries for properties currently listed in the land bank. These inquiries span properties located across most provinces and territories. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: 2024 Order of Nova Scotia Recipients Announced

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Five Nova Scotians who have made significant contributions in a broad range of fields – including the arts, heritage, philanthropy, business, education and public service – have been appointed to the Order of Nova Scotia.

    Lt.-Gov. Mike Savage, Chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia, released the names of the order’s newest members today, December 23.

    “On behalf of The King and all Nova Scotians, I am delighted to announce the 2024 appointments to the Order of Nova Scotia,” said Lt.-Gov. Savage. “These Nova Scotians have made exemplary contributions and enhanced the social fabric and identity of Nova Scotia and Canada across diverse fields.”

    The 2024 recipients are:

    • Afua Cooper, Halifax: author, historian, poet and educator; recognized for her study of Black Canadian life and her role as a mentor and academic
    • J. Michael MacDonald, Halifax: former chief justice; recognized for his service to the law and public service
    • Allan Marble, Halifax: biomedical engineer, genealogist and medical historian; recognized for his diverse contributions to heritage and biomedical engineering, and as the author of multiple books
    • Joseph Shannon, Port Hawkesbury; philanthropist and entrepreneur; recognized for his contributions to business and commerce, and philanthropic generosity
    • Robert Sobey, Stellarton: philanthropist, patron of the arts and corporate leader; recognized for supporting the visual arts and access to higher education.

    An investiture ceremony will be held at Government House in the spring, when Lt-Gov. Savage will present the new members with their insignia and appointment scroll.

    Quick Facts:

    • the Order of Nova Scotia is the highest honour in the Province of Nova Scotia, recognizing people in many fields of endeavour who have distinguished themselves and made lasting contributions
    • 126 members have been invested into the Order of Nova Scotia since it was established in June 2001
    • appointments to the order are made by the lieutenant-governor on the recommendation of an independent advisory council

    Additional Resources:

    More information on the order is available at: https://novascotia.ca/iga/order.asp

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grothman, Dingell Reintroduce Bipartisan Dillon’s Law

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

    Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) have reintroduced Dillon’s Law, a bipartisan bill that incentivizes states to empower “good Samaritans” to save lives in critical moments. The legislation encourages trained individuals to administer epinephrine in schools during emergencies. Currently, the administration of this medication is limited solely to trained school employees. 

    Dillon’s Law is named in honor of Dillon Mueller, a native of Mishicot, Wisconsin, who tragically passed away in 2014 at just 18 years old after being stung by a bee that resulted in an anaphylactic reaction. At the time of the incident, epinephrine was not readily available and accessible. 

    Several states, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana, have enacted versions of Dillon’s Law with strong bipartisan support. While Congress passed a similar measure in 2013 to support epinephrine programs in schools, this legislation expands access further by allowing any trained individual to administer epinephrine in the event of an emergency.  

    Read more about Dillon’s Story HERE. 

    “We’re working to prevent more heartbreaking tragedies like Dillon’s,” said Congressman Grothman. “No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child simply because lifesaving medication wasn’t available in time. 

    “Dillon’s Law gives states the tools to train and empower everyday people to act in emergencies and save lives. Since Wisconsin enacted a version of this law in 2017, thousands of residents have been trained to use epinephrine in life-threatening situations. This commonsense, bipartisan solution is already making a difference in our state, and it can do the same nationwide. I urge my colleagues in Congress to support this bill, honor Dillon’s legacy, and help save lives.” 

    “Deaths like Dillon’s are heartbreaking and preventable, and we should empower good Samaritans to save lives,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “I’m proud to introduce Dillon’s Law with Rep. Grothman to help prepare individuals to respond to anaphylaxis and prevent tragedies like the one experienced by the Mueller family. We’ve seen programs like this work in my home state of Michigan, and we can help so many people by expanding this to the rest of the country.” 

    “Practicing allergists see firsthand how rapidly anaphylaxis can become life-threatening without immediate access to epinephrine,” said ACAAI President, Dr. James Tracy. “Dillon’s Law is a critical step forward in empowering trained individuals on school grounds to act swiftly and save lives. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) strongly supports this bipartisan effort to expand epinephrine access and Good Samaritan protections. This will help ensure no student or staff member loses their life because lifesaving treatment wasn’t readily available.” 

    “Expanding access to epinephrine will save lives,” said AAFA president and CEO, Kenneth Mendez. “Death from anaphylaxis – a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction – is preventable if epinephrine is administered quickly. By encouraging states to allow any trained individual to administer epinephrine at schools, Dillon’s Law will make it more likely that someone experiencing anaphylaxis receives emergency epinephrine when every second counts. We thank Representatives Grothman and Dingell for their leadership on this lifesaving legislation that helps prevent tragedies before they occur.” 

    “Dillon’s Law is about saving lives by ensuring that more people are prepared to respond to anaphylaxis emergencies when every second counts,” said Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. “It empowers everyday citizens to step in during a severe allergic reaction and provide life-saving epinephrine, especially in communities where immediate medical help isn’t always available. We fully support this legislation and urge Congress to move it forward.” 

    “FARE applauds Representative Grothman on the introduction of Dillon’s Law, a common-sense, and cost-effective way to prevent future tragedies,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. “Considering that on average, there are two children in every U.S. classroom affected by food allergy alone, the need for this legislation is great. Expanded definitions and protections that allow individuals to act in the event of an emergency, along with the recognition of needle-free epinephrine options are measures that are good for everyone.” 

    “On behalf of more than 431,000 nurse practitioners (NPs) nationwide, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) thanks Congressman Grothman and all of the other Members of Congress who support Dillon’s Law for their leadership on this important bill,” said American Association of Nurse Practitioners President Valerie Fuller, PhD, DNP, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC, FNAP, FAANP. “Prompt access to epinephrine is essential when someone is experiencing anaphylaxis and Dillon’s Law will play an important role in increasing the number of trained individuals who can administer this life-saving treatment in schools.” 

    Background Information 

    Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within minutes of exposure to triggers like insect stings, certain foods, or medications. In the U.S., it causes up to 1,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands of ER visits each year. 

    Dillon’s Law is named after Dillon Mueller, an 18-year-old from Mishicot, Wisconsin, who tragically died from anaphylaxis after a bee sting. Since his passing, Dillon’s parents have championed efforts to expand epinephrine training, leading to the passage of Dillon’s Law in Wisconsin in 2017. The program, certified by the Wisconsin Department of Health, has already helped save lives. 

    This legislation builds on the Public Health Service Act by prioritizing federal grant funding for states that allow trained individuals to administer epinephrine on school grounds. It also requires states to provide civil liability protections to trained responders who act in good faith. 

    By expanding access to lifesaving medication and empowering more individuals to respond in emergencies, Dillon’s Law strengthens community safety and helps prevent avoidable tragedies. 

    This bill is endorsed by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI), Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), and Allergy & Asthma Network. 

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Rep. Castor Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Finally Put Zombie Campaigns in the Grave

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) reintroduced the bipartisan Honest Elections and Campaign, No Gain Act (HEC No), bipartisan legislation requiring former lawmakers and others no longer seeking office to close their campaign accounts within two years, instead of living on as zombie campaigns.

    “Campaign accounts should never be allowed to become personal slush funds for ex-lawmakers and former candidates to personally benefit from and enrich themselves, as has become all too common,” said Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14). “Our bipartisan HEC No Act will finally put an end to the misuse of leftover campaign cash. This is a straightforward reform to build trust and ensure campaign contributions are used as intended — to support public service and serve the public interest, not private gain. It’s time Congress passed the HEC No Act to put Zombie Campaigns in the grave once and for all.”

    “Elected officials have a duty to uphold the public trust,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). “Unfortunately, we’ve seen troubling cases where former members keep their campaign accounts open indefinitely and use the funds for personal benefit. While these actions may not technically violate the law, they clearly defy its spirit — and that’s unacceptable. It’s time to close this loophole and restore public confidence.”

    “As elected representatives of the people, members of Congress must preserve public trust, even after they leave office,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08). “The Honest Elections and Campaign Act stops zombie campaigns, requiring former lawmakers and others no longer seeking office to close their campaign accounts within two years. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation with Representatives Castor and Bilirakis.”

    “It’s wrong for former members of Congress to finance extravagant lifestyles with leftover campaign funds. It only serves to further erode the public’s faith in their elected officials. We applaud Rep. Castor for her bipartisan legislation to tackle this issue and commitment to fighting corruption and restoring trust in our system,” Tiffany Muller, President, End Citizens United // Let America Vote Action Fund.

    “Both parties should agree: campaign accounts weren’t meant to be retirement plans. It’s time to close the loophole that lets former candidates hang on to leftover campaign cash indefinitely, often using it to boost lobbying careers. Congress can take a commonsense step toward restoring public trust by passing this long-overdue reform.” – Issue One.

    “Campaign donors give money for the express purpose of helping promote the candidacy of a specific candidate. They are not handing over their generous donations to be used for other purposes by the candidate, such as funding a post-election lobby career or doling the funds out to other candidates in future elections. When a candidate decides not to run for federal office again, the campaign accounts should be properly closed. Public Citizen heartily endorses Rep. Castor’s ‘HEC No Act,’” said Craig Holman, Ph.D., Public Citizen.

    Supporters of HEC No include Campaign Legal Center, Common Cause, End Citizens United, Issue One, Let America Vote Action Fund and Public Citizen.

    For the past four sessions of Congress, U.S. Rep. Castor has introduced similar legislation after explosive reports by the Tampa Bay Times and WTSP Channel 10 detailing how several former members of Congress continued their campaign accounts years after their campaigns ended, using the funds to pay personal expenses and employ family members. New reporting, published last week, details the “lavish spending” of campaign dollars by a former lawmaker on music festivals, winery visits, ski trips, hotel stays, airfare, and more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 15 nomination forms for Election Committee Subsector By-elections received today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The nomination period for the 2025 Election Committee (EC) Subsector By-elections runs from today (July 22) until August 4. A total of 12 nomination forms for candidates and three nomination forms from designated bodies were received by the Returning Officers for various subsectors today.

    If there is a contested election for an EC subsector, a poll will be held on September 7.

    The By-elections will fill a total of 93 vacancies in the membership of the EC to be returned by election involving 28 subsectors. The breakdown of nominations by subsectors received today is set out below: 
     

    First Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Catering 0
    Commercial (first) 0
    Commercial (second) 0
    Commercial (third) 0
    Employers’ Federation of Hong Kong 0
    Hotel 1
    Import and export 0
    Industrial (first) 0
    Industrial (second) 0
    Real estate and construction 0
    Small and medium enterprises 0
    Tourism 0
    Transport 0
    Second Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Architectural, surveying, planning and landscape 0
    Chinese medicine 0
    Education 0
    Legal 0
    Medical and health services 0
    Sports, performing arts, culture and publication 0
    Technology and innovation 0
    Third Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Agriculture and fisheries 0
    Associations of Chinese fellow townsmen 1
    Grassroots associations 1
    Labour 1
    Fourth Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Heung Yee Kuk 0
    Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of Hong Kong and Kowloon 0
    Representatives of members of Area Committees, District Fight Crime Committees, and District Fire Safety Committees of the New Territories 0
    Fifth Sector
    Subsector No. of nomination forms for candidates received today
    Representatives of Hong Kong members of relevant national organisations 8
       
    Total: 12

    Besides, 10 vacancies involving five subsectors to be returned by nomination will be filled through supplementary nominations by designated bodies. Today, three nomination forms for the relevant subsectors are received, with breakdown as below: 
     

    Accountancy
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    Association of Hong Kong Accounting Advisors Limited 0
     
    Sports, performing arts, culture and publication
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China 0
    Hong Kong Publishing Federation Limited 0
     
    Technology and innovation
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    The Greater Bay Area Association of Academicians 0
     
    Religious
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong 0
    Chinese Muslim Cultural and Fraternal Association 1 (1 nominee in total)
    The Hong Kong Taoist Association 1 (2 nominees in total)
     
    Representatives of associations of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland
    Designated body No. of nomination forms received from designated bodies today
    Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in China—Guangdong 1 (1 nominee in total)
       
    Total: 3 (4 nominees in total)

    Particulars of the nominated persons received today will be uploaded to the election website (www.elections.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCS encourages Administrative Service summer interns

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, met and shared experiences with over 50 tertiary students participating in the Administrative Service Summer Internship Programme today (July 22). She encouraged them to apply for civil service positions such as the Administrative Officer (AO) post, and to use their professional knowledge to serve the community, benefit people’s livelihood and contribute to the development of Hong Kong.
     
         This year, the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has arranged for the interns to discuss and submit policy proposals in various areas including transport, planning and development, social enterprises, district affairs, the silver economy, etc, based on their observations and insights gained after working in different bureaux or departments. The CSB will submit these proposals to the bureaux or departments where the interns were assigned to for their reference.

         At the gathering, Mrs Yeung listened to the sharing by interns on both their work experiences and proposed policy initiatives during their internships. Drawing on her nearly 40 years of service in the civil service, she shared valuable insights as an AO and encouraged students to actively enrich themselves, plan ahead for their future and contribute to the development of the country and Hong Kong.
     
         She said, “I am aware that this round of the Programme has received a record number of applications, attracting more than 300 applications from tertiary students in Hong Kong, mainland China and overseas. From your sharing, I can genuinely feel your passion for public service. I would like to take this opportunity to call on young people who are dedicated to serve the community and willing to take on responsibilities to join the civil service.

         “I look forward to interns becoming AOs in the near future, serving the public and contributing to the country and Hong Kong with your own strengths and talents.”

         The Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Clement Leung, and Deputy Secretary for the Civil Service Ms Eureka Cheung also joined the sharing session and spoke with interns to learn about their internship experiences and views on Hong Kong’s development.

         AOs are professional public administrators who play a pivotal role in the Government. They are responsible for assisting in the formulation of government policies, co-ordinating and supervising various initiatives, managing the use of public resources, promoting district work and publicising Hong Kong externally, etc. To enable AOs to accumulate experience and unleash their full potential in different public policy areas, they are posted to various bureaux and departments at regular intervals, broadening their horizons and gaining a fuller grasp of the challenges and opportunities in public administration.

         The CSB organises the Administrative Service Internship Programme every summer and winter, offering students who aspire to become AOs opportunities to work alongside serving AOs for around eight weeks to gain early practical experiences in public service and lay a solid foundation for their future career development. Statistics from the past five years show that around one in every five newly recruited AOs had participated in the Programme. 

         The Government will launch a new round of recruitment for the posts of Administrative Officer, Executive Officer II, Assistant Labour Officer II, Assistant Trade Officer II and Management Services Officer II in September this year. Prospective applicants must first take the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) and the Basic Law and National Security Law Test to attain the requisite scores. The new round of the CRE is currently open for application. Interested candidates are required to apply online by August 1. For details, please refer to the CSB website (www.csb.gov.hk/english/index.html).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hongkong Post updates on the information security incident

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Hongkong Post announced today (July 22) on the investigation result so far of the information security incident identified on July 21. According to the investigation, the unauthorised party had cyberattacked the system by making countless attempts at the mid-night of July 20 and the following day to access and retrieve information through the address book function of EC-Ship system. Hongkong Post had activated the blocking mechanism immediately after the abnormal activities being detected by its system and disabled the operation of the EC-Ship account which was involved in the cyberattacks at once. During the above-mentioned blockage and interception of these cyberattacks, the concerned accounts’ address books information, including the senders’ and recipients’ person/company names, addresses, and/or phone numbers, fax numbers, and email addresses, was being accessed and retrieved.

    Hongkong Post has sent emails to inform all affected account holders today and reminded them to remain vigilant, and to immediately inform relevant persons of their address books about this incident and remind them to be vigilant. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has initiated investigation into the incident and Hongkong Post will fully cooperate with the HKPF in the investigation, and will closely monitor the situation of the involved information.

    Hongkong Post has been following established Government procedures on information and cybersecurity. The Digital Policy Office (DPO) is also in close communication with Hongkong Post on the incident, noting that it has taken immediate actions by promptly blocking the cyberattacks and enhancing the security measures of the system. The services concerned have resumed normal and account holders involved can continue to use the services.

    The spokesman for Hongkong Post said that the global cybersecurity landscape was evolving, with various forms of cyberattacks emerging continuously. Hongkong Post would actively seek advice from the DPO to continuously enhance the cyber resilience level and cybersecurity risk management, to safeguard the information security of users and to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

    Hongkong Post reiterates that it will not send embedded hyperlinks via emails, SMS messages or social media pages for collecting personal information or requesting for payment. Hongkong Post wishes to alert members of the public again to refrain from clicking on any embedded links or providing any personal or financial information such as credit card information, or making any payment to suspicious emails or SMS messages alleged to be sent by Hongkong Post. For enquiries, members of the public may call the Hongkong Post General Enquiry Hotline at 2921 2222.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 30 secondary students to depart for Mainland to join Young Astronaut Training Camp (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         A send-off ceremony for the Young Astronaut Training Camp 2025 was held at the Hong Kong Science Museum today (July 22). Thirty selected secondary students will set off for Beijing, Jiuquan, and Xi’an from July 25 to August 2 for a nine-day training programme.
     
         Addressing the send-off ceremony, the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, encouraged the Young Astronauts to seize this precious training opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s remarkable aerospace endeavours, look up to aerospace heroes as their role model, and become a valuable new force in promoting the nation’s space development.
     
         Other officiating guests included the First-level Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Liu Maozhou; the Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Dr Jonathan Choi; the Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, Legislative Council Member, Dr Starry Lee; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the President of the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre, Mr Hsu Hoi-shan; the Vice-Chairman of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Ms Jennifer Yeung; and the Museum Director of the Hong Kong Science Museum, Mr Patrick Lau.
     
         Launched in 2009, the Young Astronaut Training Camp has entered its 14th edition, with a total of 400 students participating over the years. The recruitment of this year’s training camp started in May and received an overwhelming response. After three rounds of the selection process, which included a quiz on astronomy and space science, a three-day training camp and an interview, 30 students from Secondary Two to Secondary Six were selected as Young Astronauts out of around 120 applicants from more than 80 secondary schools.
     
         The students participating in the nine-day training camp will visit various key astronomy and aerospace facilities, including Beijing Aerospace City and the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This year’s programme also marks the first visit to the Wuqing Station of the National Astronomical Observatories, where they will learn about data reception and deep space communication systems of the Tianwen-1 Mars exploration mission. At the China Astronaut Research and Training Center, they will experience the aerospace medicine project and astronaut training activities, including the donning and doffing of spacesuits and savouring space food.
     
         The training camp is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, in association with the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre. It is organised by the Hong Kong Space Museum and sponsored by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce. For details of the training camp, please visit the website of the Hong Kong Space Museum at hk.space.museum/en/web/spm/activities/yatc.html.
     
         The training camp is one of the programmes under the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. For more information, please visit www.ccpo.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Western Territory Staff Conference Highlights People, Power and Change

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    The IAM Western Territory joined together in a powerful show of solidarity, strategy, and celebration at the territory’s 2025 staff conference. Held under the theme, “People, Power, Change,” the conference brought IAM leadership, staff, and allies together to sharpen their organizing focus, reflect on recent victories, and recommit to building a stronger labor movement.

    Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez opened the conference with a message of unity and urgency, reminding attendees that organizing is the foundation of the IAM’s mission.

    “This conference isn’t just about celebrating what we’ve done—it’s about preparing for what’s next,” said Martinez. “The power to organize, to fight back, and to lift each other up lives in every one of us.”

    View photos from the Western Territory Staff Conference here.

    IAM International President Brian Bryant delivered a keynote address focused on transformation within the union. He spoke about returning organizing operations to IAM Headquarters to create a consistent, strategic, and coordinated approach across all territories.

    “Workers are looking for allies at a moment like this – and the IAM Union is going to be that ally,” said Bryant. “We must unite like never before to meet the moment and bring more workers into our union.”

    General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes addressed the IAM’s financial health and growing resources for members, while Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett spoke about the importance of supporting staff and ensuring they have the tools they need to win in today’s labor environment.

    The conference also included a heartfelt tribute to retired Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen, who was honored for his remarkable 45 years of service to the IAM—including 15 years leading the Western Territory on the IAM Executive Council. His legacy of justice, compassion, and fierce dedication to working people was celebrated by all in attendance.

    Other speakers included:

    • Marshall Ganz, Harvard University Professor and Organizer
    • Randy Parraz, Organizing Institute for Democracy
    • Lorena Gonzalez, California Federation of Labor President
    • Carla Siegel, IAM General Counsel
    • Richard Evans, IAM Veterans Services Coordinator, and Bryan Stymacks, IAM Assistant Veterans Services Coordinator
    • Yvette Sheehan, Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines
    • Jon Holden, IAM District 751 President, and Shana Peschek, Machinists Institute
    • Galen Bullock, Employee Benefit Systems, Inc.

    The conference also featured a powerful question and answer session, facilitated by Western Territory International Representatives Richard Suarez and Melissa Morgan.

    The Western Territory gave out awards to recognize districts, locals, members and staff who have gone above and beyond to call of duty.

    • Top Organizing District: District 725
    • Organizer of the Year: Bob Simoni, Local SC 711
    • Joe Reilly IAM Veterans Remembrance Award: Local 1005 member Franklin Wilson Jr. for his work to support unhoused military veterans.
    • Gary R. Allen Heart of Justice Award – Local 695 President Richard Howard for his leadership supporting a wrongfully detained member.

    The  Western Territory also presented the Hawk Awards, which are nominated by peers and given in recognition of individuals who display exceptional leadership in servicing, organizing, community service and/or political activism.

    • Gary R. Allen, Retired General Vice President
    • Jeff Baird, District 725 Business Representative
    • Larry Bickett, District W24 Business Representative/Organizer
    • Brandon Bryant, District W24 President and Directing Business Representative
    • Zac Collins, District 160 Business Representative
    • Billy Corona, District 947 Business Representative/Organizer
    • Joelle Depue, Western Territory Special Representative
    • John Dyrcz, Local 794 Vice President
    • Jennifer Friesen, District 947 Business Representative/Organizer
    • Cindy Gagliardi, District 190 Business Representative
    • Bailey Hardiman-Borsos, Western Territory Associate Organizer
    • Jason Hardwick, Western Territory International Representative
    • Michael Higley, Local 568 Member
    • Jon Holden, District 751 President and Directing Business Representative
    • Richard Jackson, District 751 Secretary-Treasurer
    • Beth Lacey, District W24 Secretary-Treasurer
    • Scott Lacey, District W24 President
    • Justin Mauldin, District 725 Assistant Directing Business Representative
    • Pedro Mendez, District 190 Area Director
    • Ramon Martinez, Local 2515 President and Directing Business Representative
    • Brandon Nottingham, District 947 Business Representative/Organizer
    • Carla Pulido-Jordan, Local 1930 Recording Secretary
    • Joe Ruth, Local 751C Health and Benefits Representative
    • Cornelius Scott, Local 1125 Secretary-Treasurer
    • Bob Simoni, Local SC 711 Business Representative
    • Christian White, Local 2006 President
    • Doug White, Local 1998 Recording Secretary
    • Darrin Williamson, District 725 Business Representative
    • Steve Van Wie, Western Territory International Representative

    The post Western Territory Staff Conference Highlights People, Power and Change appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MTA Expands Accessibility With 12 More Stations

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) continued its celebration of Disability Pride Month with the announcement of an additional 12 stations across four boroughs to receive elevators and other accessibility upgrades as part of the 2025-2029 Capital Plan. The Capital Plan calls for at least 60 more stations to be made ADA-accessible. This will ensure that nearly 70 percent of all subway rides will take place to or from accessible stations.

    “Every New Yorker deserves an accessible, safe, and reliable transit system, and today’s announcement represents real progress towards a better subway for everyone,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to record investment in the MTA’s current capital plan and funding from congestion pricing, dozens of station accessibility projects across the city are already underway. By including 12 more stations to our accessibility program, this historic pace of upgrades will only get better.”

    These stations were selected using legislatively mandated criteria including geographic coverage, demographics, ridership, transfers and priority destinations. And for the first time, the MTA used a public tool to allow riders to submit their accessibility priorities, which garnered more than 2,000 responses across all five boroughs. This adds to the previous 43 stations the MTA has committed to upgrading with elevators or ramps in the 2025-2029 Capital Plan. The 2025-2029 Capital plan also includes the replacement and modernization of 45 subway station elevators.

    New York State Chief Disability Officer Kimberly Hill Ridley said, “With this announcement comes the news that all New Yorkers, both with and without disabilities, families and visitors to this great state will soon have more access to the subway station that connects so many important parts of this city. I commend the Governor Hochul and the MTA for making accessibility one of its priorities that everyone will benefit from.”

    MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “When it comes to accessibility, the MTA is delivering much more than ever before – both in terms of dollars and number of ADA stations. And thanks to our fully funded Capital Plan, we are going to keep moving forward at the same pace – five times faster than ever before – until we achieve full accessibility.”

    MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, “Nearly a quarter of every accessible station in the system has been built in the last five years. We’re on an unprecedented streak of success in bringing our system to everyone, and we can’t wait to keep the momentum going. This next batch of stations presents new opportunities to expand access, and we’re ready to complete the projects better, faster, and cheaper.”

    MTA Chief Accessibility Officer and Senior Advisor Quemuel Arroyo said, “This is the next step in our journey to make transit accessible for everyone, including riders with disabilities, seniors, families with strollers, and visitors. These stations serve tens of thousands of daily riders, and I’m thrilled to see how these upgrades will improve their customer experience.”

    The stations receiving accessibility upgrades are:

    • 53 St R
    • 63 Dr-Rego Park MR
    • 190 St A
    • Bedford-Nostrand Avs G
    • Botanic Garden S
    • Cathedral Pkwy (110 St) 1
    • Eastchester-Dyre Av 5
    • Fordham Rd BD
    • Franklin Av-Medgar Evers College 2345
    • Grand Army Plaza 23
    • Grand Av-Newtown MR
    • Woodlawn 4

    The MTA also announced the launch of a revamped Elevator and Escalator Status tool, making it easier for riders to check the status of any elevator or escalator. Improvements were made to the interface, navigation and search functionality, which allows customers to save favorite stations. This tool allows customers to make travel decisions with real-time information about the status of machines throughout the MTA system.

    The MTA is also using funds from congestion pricing to invest in transit improvements, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades at 23 subway stations, including new elevators and reconstructed platforms. The MTA is delivering accessibility projects at an unprecedented pace, completing 36 ADA stations since 2020, double the number of ADA stations completed in the previous six years.

    Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “These much-needed accessibility upgrades at subway stations across the city are key to modernizing the system and making public transit more accessible for the whole riding public. New Yorkers with disabilities, including many seniors, have long suffered from poor access to our region’s mass transit. I’m proud to support the MTA’s accessibility projects with the federal funding needed to deliver these critical upgrades.”

    Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Every New Yorker, regardless of age or disability, deserves an accessible and inclusive public transportation network. Renovated platforms, new elevators, and other upgrades will make our subway stations more accessible for riders with disabilities, families, seniors, and travelers with luggage. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee and Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, I will continue to fight for federal funding for vital ADA upgrades and other improvements to New York City’s public transit infrastructure.”

    House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “I am grateful that the MTA continues to make investments in accessibility and has included the Bedford-Nostrand Avenue station among its planned improvements in the 2025-2029 Capital Plan. The G train is an incredibly important part of the transportation infrastructure of Bed-Stuy and these upgrades will provide more of the people I am privileged to represent with the ability to travel freely throughout our great city.”

    Representative Adriano Espaillat said, “Public transportation is the lifeline of my district and New York City and ensuring accessibly to the 190th street station’s A line platform and Fordham Road station’s B/D line platform are welcomed news for the residents of Upper Manhattan and the Northwest Bronx. I commend Governor Hochul, Janno Lieber, community advocates, and the entire MTA team for advancing these much-needed improvements as a part of the broader effort to make New York City’s subway the most accessible system in the world.”

    Representative Jerrold Nadler said, “Thanks to congestion pricing, MTA stations will become more accessible. It is great to see that Cathedral Parkway–110th Street station is in the first batch of stations to be making accessibility improvements. Congestion pricing is delivering for all New Yorkers — from improving traffic conditions to providing the funding needed to ensure that everyone has the ability to ride mass transit.”

    Representative Dan Goldman said, “I’m thrilled to hear that the MTA has expanded the number of stations included in their Accessibility Plan. New York City has the most comprehensive public transit system in the nation, and it’s imperative that we ensure accessibility and equitable access for all. As we celebrate Disability Pride Month, I’m excited to see the MTA’s commitment to strengthening New York’s infrastructure to guarantee affordable, accessible, and reliable public transportation for everyone.”

    Representative George Latimer said, “I applaud the MTA for making these much-needed ADA upgrades that will make subway stations more accessible. People with disabilities, parents with strollers, people who are elderly, and people hauling large bags to train stations and airports will benefit from these upgrades, and I hope it will incentivize even more people to take public transportation”

    State Senator Liz Kreuger said, “I am happy to see the MTA making continued progress on ADA accessibility for our subway system. Every station that becomes ADA accessible means life got made significantly easier for the many New Yorkers who rely on that stop to get to work, to do their grocery shopping, and to spend hard-earned free time with friends and family. This improvement will help disabled and older New Yorkers and families with young children in strollers to use our vital subway system. Accessibility at these stops is another step toward system-wide ADA compliance for public transit, which is an essential part of keeping our city a thriving, just, and affordable place to live for all New Yorkers.”

    State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, “I commend the MTA for its continued  efforts to enhance  subway accessibility for all  New Yorkers, especially my constituents. The  installation of elevators and  accessibility improvements at  these stations represents  a fundamental advancement towards enabling people with  mobility issues to travel more easily throughout  the city. I am especially grateful to the MTA for proceeding with the elevator project at the station within my district, located in my hometown of Ozone Park. I’m pleased to see the use of public input in prioritizing projects and the progress made in increasing ADA-accessibility across the system. These collective  efforts advance us toward establishing a  transit network which  provides equal access to  all residents.”

    State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said, “Expanding the accessibility of our subway system is one of the most important investments we can make in transit. I look forward to the installation of elevators at these 12 stations, and to all of the benefits they will bring to riders who live and work nearby.”

    State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Corporations, Authorities, and Commissions, I commend the MTA for its continued commitment to expanding accessibility across our transit system. The inclusion of the Grand Avenue, Newtown and 63rd Drive Rego Park stations in Queens reflects the power of advocacy and public input in shaping a more equitable transit network. For too long, far too many New Yorkers, particularly seniors, people with disabilities, and families have faced unnecessary barriers just getting to where they need to go. This investment is another step toward a transit system that works for all New Yorkers.”

    State Senator Robert Jackson said, “Accessibility isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s a powerful affirmation of our shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and dignity for every New Yorker. I commend the MTA for taking this critical step to expand access across our transit system. I’m proud that communities in my district will directly benefit from these upgrades, which help ensure that no rider is left behind. This investment brings us closer to a system that reflects the full dignity and diversity of its riders. I look forward to continuing to work with the MTA to ensure these promises become reality — and to building a city where accessibility is the standard, not the exception.”

    State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “The subway belongs to every New Yorker, and every New Yorker should be able to access it. These new elevators bring us one step closer to a truly accessible transit system, and I was proud to vote for them in this year’s state budget. Whether you use a wheelchair, push your child in a stroller, travel with luggage or simply struggle climbing the stairs, these elevators are for you. Thanks to the MTA for their work to expand subway access — I look forward to continuing to work together as we create a transit system that works for every New Yorker.”

    State Senator Zellnor Myrie said, “Even as we recognize there is more work to do, I’m pleased the MTA’s Capital Plan includes ADA upgrades at stations in Central Brooklyn. These upgrades are made possible by congestion pricing, which allows us to invest in mass transit improvements while reducing traffic and improving air quality. I’m grateful to the MTA for prioritizing these improvements for Brooklyn commuters.”

    State Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “I am incredibly excited that the MTA is prioritizing the Bronx by planning accessibility upgrades at the Woodlawn 4 station and the Fordham Road B/D station in my district. These stations will receive significant infrastructure upgrades including elevators to make them accessible to seniors and disabled folks in our community. I look forward to continued progress to make our public transportation system more inclusive and accessible for all New Yorkers.”

    Assemblymember Ed Braunstein said, “Today’s announcement that 12 additional stations will be included in the MTA’s accessibility expansion will significantly improve the quality of life for numerous transit-dependent New Yorkers. I thank MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber for working to ensure that our city has an accessible and reliable public transit system.”

    Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz said, “I am thrilled that we are continuing to add to the list of ADA compliant stations throughout New York City. The addition of ADA compliance at the Woodlawn station will help hundreds of residents, most notably my constituents, daily in their attempts to commute via public transit. I have been a longstanding advocate for ADA compliance in my district, and I applaud the MTA in their efforts to make public transportation more accessible to all New Yorkers.”

    Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, “New Yorkers deserve a transit system that works for everyone, including riders with disabilities, older adults, and parents with strollers. These upgrades bring us one step closer to creating a subway system that truly serves us all. I applaud the MTA for accelerating its commitment to accessibility and pushing for a more equitable future in public transit.”

    Assemblymember Micah Lasher said, “Every New Yorker deserves a transit system that works for them. I’m proud to see the MTA prioritizing accessibility, especially with the inclusion of the 110 St 1 line in this next round of ADA upgrades. This investment will make a real difference in the lives of riders in our community and bring us closer to a more equitable and inclusive city.”

    Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest said, “Residents of Central Brooklyn need and deserve access to a more accessible transit system, particularly along busy corridors like Nostrand Avenue and Franklin Avenue. I’m so happy that they will soon have accessible stations at these locations. This clearly demonstrates the importance of adequately funding ADA upgrades to our public transportation system. I look forward to collaborating with the MTA and all other stakeholders to ensure these upgrades are delivered smoothly and quickly.”

    Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia said, “I’m thrilled that Fordham Road is included in the MTA’s latest round of accessibility upgrades. This is a major win for our community, especially for seniors, families with strollers, and New Yorkers with disabilities who rely on public transit every day. I commend the MTA for listening to riders and prioritizing the needs of our neighborhoods in the Bronx.”

    Assembly Member Rev. Dr. Al Taylor said, “I commend the MTA for prioritizing accessibility with this latest round of ADA station upgrades, including the 190 St A train station in my district. For far too long, residents living in the surrounding hills of Washington Heights and visitors to Fort Tryon Park and the Cloisters have faced steep barriers, literally and figuratively, when using public transit. These upgrades are not just about elevators; they are about equity, dignity, and ensuring all New Yorkers, including our seniors and neighbors with disabilities, can move through the city with ease. I’m proud to support this step forward.”

    New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers said, “Every New Yorker deserves a transit system that is safe, reliable, and accessible — regardless of ability. These investments are essential for creating an equitable system that works for everyone, and I applaud the MTA for including community voices in the process. As Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I look forward to working with the MTA to ensure these improvements are delivered on time and with real impact for riders.”

    New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz said, “I’m thrilled that the MTA’s ’25-29 Capital Plan includes much-needed accessibility upgrades to the Woodlawn 4 station. For too long, seniors, parents with strollers, and New Yorkers with disabilities have faced unnecessary barriers in our transit system. I fought for accessibility at the Mosholu train stop and I’m happy to hear these upgrades are coming to Woodlawn as well. The city is finally working to ensure our subway stations comply with ADA accessibility standards, and I thank the MTA for their commitment to ensure residents can move through our city with dignity and ease.”

    New York City Council Member Crystal Hudson said, “The New York City subway sees over a billion rides each year and remains the backbone of our city’s public transit system. With the largest underground rail system in the country, it is essential that we make it safe and accessible for all New Yorkers. I am thrilled that the MTA will bring long-overdue ADA upgrades to twelve stations , including three in my district. These improvements are a critical step toward making our transit system truly equitable, and I will continue to push for even more MTA accessibility upgrades across New York City.”

    New York City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa said, “We are elated that another one of our train stations Uptown will receive ADA improvements under the new capital plan. We have a largely aging community with varying disabilities and families who need better access to the largest transit system in the world. The 190th A train station deserves all of the love it can get, and we are excited to offer new accessible options for District 10 strap-hangers.”

    New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés said, “I am extremely pleased to know that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is centering the needs of Sunset Park residents in their 2025-29 Capital Plan. The allocated elevator upgrades will be meaningful in our community, enabling all residents to access reliable transportation. Every step towards an accessible New York is a step towards a New York that works for everyone. These upgrades are making inclusivity a reality. I look forward to working with the MTA to engage our community around these projects over the coming years.”

    New York City Council Member Kevin C. Riley said, “Accessibility is a cornerstone of equity. Many families, seniors, and people with disabilities in our communities have long encountered barriers to fully accessing our transit system. This commitment by the MTA is a powerful step toward ensuring that all New Yorkers can move through our city with dignity and independence. I also commend the MTA for continuing to prioritize accessibility improvements in neighborhoods across the city as we work toward a more inclusive and equitable transit future. I’m proud to see the Eastchester–Dyre Avenue station—right here in our Northeast Bronx community—included in this initiative, receiving the critical investment our residents deserve and rely on.”

    Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “New Yorkers deserve to move through our boroughs with ease and comfort. This investment will continue to break down long-standing barriers for Brooklynites. I am thankful to the MTA for making equity a priority in this project and moving us a step closer to building the accessible, world-class transit system our city needs.”

    Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, “It’s great to see an additional 12 stations across the city to receive elevators and other accessibility upgrades, especially Grand Avenue-Newtown in Elmhurst and 63 Drive-Rego Park Station in Rego Park in Queens. Now, more people will be able to use our subway system. We must continue to work together to ensure all New Yorkers, regardless of ability, can access the subway system and the rest of the city with these important upgrades.”

    Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum said, “Transit riders organized and won historic subway upgrades that will make it possible for all New Yorkers to get around safely and affordably underground. Congestion pricing is working and thanks to bold leadership in Albany, New York is funding long awaited station accessibility improvements across the city. Accessibility is the law and elevators are for everyone.”

    New Yorkers Regional Plan Association Executive Vice President Kate Slevin said, “Whether at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn or at MTA stations across the city, each new elevator brings the transit system one step closer to being fully accessible to all. These are the types of projects that the MTA can deliver thanks to a fully funded capital program.”

    Tri-State Transportation Campaign Director of Climate and Equity Policy Jaqi Cohen said, “Every New Yorker deserves equal access to our subway system. These new accessible stations are long overdue, and we’re proud to see real progress made toward greater transit equity. When we invest in greater transportation accessibility, we invest in a more livable, vibrant, and inclusive New York.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Columbia Warns of Government Impersonation Scams Using Spoofed FBI Phone Number

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI is warning the public about a rise in government impersonation scams reported across South Carolina. In these schemes, scammers spoof phone numbers associated with the FBI— including the main number for the FBI’s Columbia Field Office— to appear legitimate.
    These scams typically involve criminals posing as government officials who threaten arrest or prosecution unless the victim provides money or personal information.

    Recent reports to the FBI detail a common tactic: victims receive a call informing them they have missed federal jury duty or that there is a warrant for their arrest. They are told to expect a follow-up call from an FBI agent and, when called, the number on the caller ID shows the FBI Columbia number. During that second call, the impersonator instructs victims to withdraw large sums of cash and convert it into digital currency at designated kiosks to avoid fines and penalties. In some cases, victims receive fraudulent documents via text message featuring official-looking government seals and letterhead.

    Victims have reported losing thousands of dollars before realizing they were being scammed.

    While this type of fraud is not new, it is one of many variations that exploit fear and urgency by invoking law enforcement authority.

    Important reminders:

    Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized should report the incident to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Buffalo Run Casino & Resort Selects QCI Go to Empower Hosts and Enhance Guest Engagement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Buffalo Run Casino & Resort has chosen Quick Custom Intelligence’s (QCI) Go, a native mobile app designed specifically for casino hosts, to elevate host productivity and deliver a superior guest experience.

    QCI Go provides hosts with powerful tools including player card scanning, real-time player lookup, seamless access to QCI Meet and QCI Events, and robust task management features—all in a user-friendly mobile interface. By putting these capabilities directly in the hands of hosts, QCI Go enables faster service, deeper guest relationships, and greater operational efficiency on the casino floor.

    Mary Jewett, Vice President and General Marketing at Buffalo Run Casino & Resort, expressed excitement about the implementation:
    “Bringing QCI Go to Buffalo Run Casino & Resort represents a significant advancement in how we empower our hosts to serve guests. With mobile access to key player information, events, and task management, our team can deliver personalized service in real time, enhancing both the guest experience and host effectiveness.”

    Dr. Ralph Thomas, CEO of QCI, shared his perspective on the partnership:
    “We are thrilled to deploy QCI Go at Buffalo Run Casino & Resort. By providing hosts with mobile access to the QCI platform, we enable them to deliver exceptional, timely service and foster stronger player relationships. This is a great example of how our mobile-first innovations help operators improve team productivity and guest satisfaction.”

    QCI Go is part of Quick Custom Intelligence’s broader commitment to innovation in the gaming industry, providing operators with state-of-the-art tools that support host teams, streamline operations, and drive meaningful guest engagement.

    ABOUT Buffalo Run Casino & Resort
    Owned and operated by the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Buffalo Run Casino & Resort is future-focused on a gaming entertainment experience that both excites and exceeds guest expectations. Maintaining its reputation for a clean and friendly environment, it empowers team members and continues to elevate hospitality and guest experiences by investing in team member training and career development programs. Consequently, this strategic reinvestment into team members and property has resulted in earning the vote for one of the Best and Brightest Companies in the Nation to work for in 2022.

    Buffalo Run Casino & Resort has over 70,000 square feet of casino floor and features the area’s widest variety of slots and tables games. The resort also includes a non-smoking Hotel, Truckers Lounge with special amenities and offers, the Peoria Showplace in-door event center, the outdoor amphitheater, complimentary entertainment in the Backwoods Bar, an 18-hole championship golf course, two indoor Top Golf® bays, and a smoke-free high-end Player’s Lounge. Additionally, the Buffalo Run Casino & Resort offers three dining experiences including Coal Creek Restaurant with high-end cuisine, the Bistro with hand-tossed brick oven pizza, and the Backwoods Bar & Grill which claims the title for best in-house smoked barbecue in the area.

    Ongoing advancements to the property include the Peoria Showplace remodel, Hotel updates and restaurant remodel with more to come. New technology has been implemented to streamline offer redemption for guests that include self-serve kiosks for dining and promotions, digital core mail pieces, and a mobile app for monthly promotional information. Updates on the casino floor include in-game bonuses and upgraded slots. Innovation and strategic marketing decisions are powered by data driven technology (QCI), empowering the casino to customize the guest experience and increase loyalty in a highly competitive market.

    ABOUT QCI
    Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI) has pioneered the revolutionary QCI Enterprise Platform, an artificial intelligence platform that seamlessly integrates player development, marketing, and gaming operations with powerful, real-time tools designed specifically for the gaming and hospitality industries. Our advanced, highly configurable software is deployed in over 250 casino resorts across North America, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. The QCI AGI Platform, which manages more than $35 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, stands as a best-in-class solution, whether on-premises, hybrid, or cloud-based, enabling fully coordinated activities across all aspects of gaming or hospitality operations. QCI’s data-driven, AI-powered software propels swift, informed decision-making vital in the ever-changing casino industry, assisting casinos in optimizing resources and profits, crafting effective marketing campaigns, and enhancing customer loyalty. QCI was co-founded by Dr. Ralph Thomas and Mr. Andrew Cardno and is based in San Diego, with additional offices in Las Vegas, St. Louis, Dallas, and Tulsa. Main phone number: (858) 299.5715. Visit us at www.quickcustomintelligence.com.

    ABOUT Dr. Ralph Thomas
    Dr. Ralph Thomas is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quick Custom Intelligence. Ralph is a product visionary in applied analytics and the founder of two companies that deliver solutions in casino gaming, education, and adult learning. As a gaming industry veteran, Dr. Thomas has substantial experience implementing analytics into single and multi-property gaming companies to drive tangible and measurable gains to the bottom line and has built business intelligence tools for multibillion-dollar casinos. Dr. Thomas is co-author of seven books and over 80 articles on applied analytics and data science in gaming, an inventor on dozens of patents, and understands gaming from raw data up through casino operations, giving him a unique, 360-degree view of the industry.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Loveland Living Planet Aquarium Unveils the Mountain America Event Center

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANDY, Utah, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mountain America Credit Union is proud to announce its expanded partnership with the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and celebrate the grand opening of the Mountain America Event Center—an elegant new venue located within the state-of-the-art Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center.

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

    Officially unveiled today, the ballroom and pre-function space will serve as a premier destination for a variety of events. This partnership reflects a shared dedication to inspiring curiosity and fostering lifelong learning about the planet’s ecosystems, while also creating a dynamic space that brings the community together in meaningful ways.

    “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Loveland Living Planet Aquarium as the sponsor of the Mountain America Event Center,” said Sterling Nielsen, president and CEO of Mountain America Credit Union. “At Mountain America, supporting and strengthening our communities is central to our mission, and our longstanding relationship with the Aquarium is an important part of fulfilling that commitment.”

    The Mountain America Event Center is part of the Aquarium’s broader efforts to enhance STEM education and experiential learning. This partnership will enable college students to earn hands-on lab experience and college credit, making this the only place in Utah where students can do so in the field of marine biology.

    The Mountain America Event Center represents the Aquarium and Mountain America’s commitment to connecting people with the world around them. Designed with versatility and sophistication in mind, this venue offers flexible configurations for a wide range of private and corporate gatherings. The center provides a comprehensive suite of services, supporting small businesses, event professionals, and community organizations alike.

    “We’re incredibly grateful for our longtime partnership with Mountain America Credit Union, and we are proud to celebrate this next chapter together with the announcement of the Mountain America Event Center. The event center stands as a testament to their unwavering dedication to our community and to our vision for the future. This new space represents not only a shared commitment to education but is also a powerful investment in our community’s future,” says Robert Castellano, vice president of corporate partnerships.

    For more information about Mountain America Credit Union, visit macu.com.

    For more information about the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium and the Mountain America Event Center, visit livingplanetaquarium.org.

    About Mountain America Credit Union
    With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multistate region, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.

    About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium
    Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that inspires people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. A world-class facility, the Aquarium provides learning opportunities for all levels, interests, and ages. Since opening its new facility in Draper in March 2014, the Aquarium has welcomed over eight million guests and provided innumerable educational experiences to students. Home to almost 5,000 animals representing 600 plus species and an additional 600 plus plant species the Aquarium showcases ecosystems from around the planet including kelp forests, coral reefs, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, Asian cloud forests, South American rain forests, and the waterways of our home state of Utah. Loveland Living Planet Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OZ Studio, a Global Firm with Texas Roots, Showcases Ethical AI Governance Model at the United Nations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VIENNA, AUSTRIA , July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OZ Studio, a global technology firm with offices in Austin, Texas; Geneva, Switzerland; and Monterrey, Mexico, presented a groundbreaking model for municipal governance and ethical artificial intelligence at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna. The presentation marks a significant milestone for the company, which, after 22 years of serving multinational corporations, has pivoted its focus since 2020 toward empowering governments, entrepreneurs, and small businesses with integrated digital platforms.

    Osuna attends sessions at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime that focus on data security and sovereignty.

    The firm, represented by its CEO Daniel Osuna, who also serves on the UN’s AI Council ethics committee, detailed its successful public-private partnerships in the municipalities of Escobedo and Santiago, Mexico. These collaborations showcase a new standard for applying AI ethically at the local government level, a core mission of OZ Studio’s government services division.

    For over two decades, OZ Studio built a reputation for providing high-level services to large multinational companies. However, recognizing a critical gap in the market, the company strategically shifted its focus in 2020. The new mission: to channel its extensive expertise into creating comprehensive digital ecosystems for those who form the backbone of local economies—small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the public institutions that serve them.

    This new direction is embodied by two of its flagship platforms: LINK360 and the OZZY AI system. LINK360 is a digital empowerment platform that provides local businesses with e-commerce tools and AI-powered marketing, ensuring economic value and data sovereignty remain within the community. OZZY AI is an open-source framework trained for municipal processes, designed with ethical principles like transparency, algorithmic fairness, and cultural adaptation at its core.

    The results of this approach are transformative. Under the leadership of Mayor Andrés Mijes, the city of Escobedo has become a 100% digitized municipality, a remarkable achievement that has streamlined public services and eliminated bureaucratic red tape. In Santiago, Mayor David de la Peña is leveraging the LINK360 program to foster a vibrant local entrepreneurial scene.

    The international community has taken notice. Following the conclusion of the UN activities on Monday, July 22, OZ Studio (https://www.oz.studio) has entered into strategic alliances to explore pilot programs with several nations, including: Spain, Egypt, Georgia, Austria, and Australia. This global interest validates OZ Studio’s model as a scalable solution for governments worldwide seeking to innovate responsibly.

    From its strategic locations in Austin, Geneva, and Monterrey, OZ Studio is now positioned to lead the charge in ethical AI for public service. The company’s evolution from a corporate service provider to a champion for local development demonstrates a powerful vision: leveraging top-tier technology to build self-sustaining, equitable, and prosperous communities from the ground up.

    Presenting the OZZI AI framework and the Public Private Partnership for ethical AI

    About OZ Studio

    At OZ Studio, we are your premier destination for transformative digital solutions, anchored in over two decades of innovation and expertise. We are proud to say that we’ve evolved from pioneering basic email marketing to mastering complex digital strategies and immersive creative experiences. Our comprehensive suite of services spans from state-of-the-art website development to advanced SEO strategies, engaging interactive videos, and cutting-edge AI tools. As true digital architects, we empower our clients by merging top-tier technology with unmatched creative prowess, ensuring every digital interaction is compelling and results-oriented. We revolutionized the traditional digital service model through our productized Creative-as-a-Service (CaaS), which guarantees transparency, efficiency, and scalability. Our subscription-based approach simplifies access to a holistic digital strategy, incorporating a full spectrum of expertly managed creative and technical services. Partner with us at OZ Studio, and let us help elevate your brand to new heights, optimizing every touchpoint in your digital journey for growth and transformation. 

    Press inquiries

    OZ Studio
    https://oz.studio
    Daniel Osuna
    oz@oz.studio
    +12123811969
    5900 Balcones Drive
    Austin, TX 78731

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Yellowknife’s Giant Mine: Canada downplayed arsenic exposure as an Indigenous community was poisoned

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Arn Keeling, Professor, Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland

    Giant Mine, just north of Yellowknife, N.W.T., in September 2011. The gold mine officially opened in 1948 and was operational for over 50 years before it was closed in 2004. (John Sandlos)

    Decades of gold mining at Giant Mine in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, has left a toxic legacy: 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide dust stored in underground chambers.

    As a multi-billion government remediation effort to clean up the mine site and secure the underground arsenic ramps up, the Canadian government is promising to deal with the mine’s disastrous consequences for local Indigenous communities.

    In March, the minister for Crown-Indigenous relations appointed a ministerial special representative, Murray Rankin, to investigate how historic mining affected the treaty rights of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

    We document this history in our forthcoming book, The Price of Gold: Mining, Pollution, and Resistance in Yellowknife, exposing how colonialism, corporate greed and lax regulation led to widespread air and water pollution, particularly affecting Tatsǫ́t’ıné (Yellowknives Dene) communities.

    We also highlight the struggle for pollution controls and public health led by Tatsǫ́t’ıné and their allies, including mine workers.

    Sickness from Giant Mine

    The story begins when prospectors discovered a rich gold ore body at Giant Mine in the 1930s. While mining started at the nearby Con Mine in the late 1930s, Giant’s development was interrupted by the Second World War. Only with new investment and the lifting of wartime labour restrictions in 1948 did Giant Mine start production.

    Mining at Giant was a challenge. Much of the gold was locked within arsenopyrite formations, and to get at it, workers needed to crush, then roast the gold ore at very high temperatures.

    This burned off the arsenic in the ore before using cyanide treatment to extract gold. One byproduct of this process was thousands of tonnes per day of arsenic trioxide, sent up a smokestack into the local environment.

    In addition to being acutely toxic, arsenic trioxide is also linked to lung and skin cancers, though scientific understanding of environmental exposures was inconclusive at the time.

    Archival records show that federal public health officials recommended the roaster be shut down until arsenic emissions could be controlled. But the company and federal mining regulators dragged their feet, fearing the economic impact.

    The result, in 1951, was the poisoning death of at least one Dene child on Latham Island (now Ndilǫ), near the mine; his family was compensated a paltry $750. Many Dene in Ndilǫ relied on snow melt for drinking water, and there were reports of widespread sickness in the community. Local animals, including dairy cattle and sled dogs, also became sick and died.

    Only after this tragedy did the federal government force the company to implement pollution controls. The control system was not terribly effective at first, though as it improved, arsenic emissions dropped dramatically from nearly 12,000 pounds per day to around 115 pounds per day in 1959. Thousands of tonnes of arsenic captured through this process was collected and stored in mined-out chambers underground.

    Fighting back against pollution

    Throughout the 1960s, public health officials continually downplayed concerns about arsenic exposure in Yellowknife, whether via drinking water or on local vegetables.

    By the 1970s, however, latent public health concerns over arsenic exposure in Yellowknife became a major national media story. It began with a CBC Radio As it Happens episode in 1975 that unearthed an unreleased government report documenting widespread, chronic arsenic exposure in the city. Facing accusations of a cover-up, the federal government dismissed health concerns even as it set up a local study group to investigate them.

    Suspicious of government studies and disregard for local health risks, Indigenous communities and workers took matters into their own hands. A remarkable alliance emerged between the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories and the United Steelworkers of America (the union representing Giant Mine workers) to undertake their own investigations.

    They conducted hair samplings of Dene children and mine workers — the population most exposed to arsenic in the community — and submitted them for laboratory analysis.

    The resulting report accused the federal government of suppressing health information and suggested children and workers were being poisoned. The controversy made national headlines yet again, prompting an independent inquiry by the Canadian Public Health Association.

    The association’s 1978 report somewhat quelled public concern. But environmental and public health advocates in Yellowknife continued their fight for pollution reduction through the 1980s.

    Giant’s toxic afterlife

    As Giant Mine entered the turbulent final decade of its life, including a violent lockout in 1992, public concern mounted over the growing environmental liabilities. Most urgently, people living in and near Yellowknife began to realize that enough arsenic trioxide had been stored underground over the years to poison every human on the planet four times over.

    Without constant pumping of groundwater out of the mine, the highly soluble arsenic could seep into local waterways, including Yellowknife Bay. When the company that owned the mine, Royal Oak Mines, went bankrupt in 1999, it left no clear plan for the remediation of this toxic material, and very little money to deal with it.

    The federal government assumed primary responsibility for the abandoned mine and, in the quarter century since, developed plans to clean up the site and stabilize the arsenic underground by freezing it — an approach that will cost more than $4 billion.

    Public concern and activism by Yellowknives Dene First Nation and other Yellowknifers prompted a highly contested environmental assessment and the creation of an independent oversight body, the Giant Mine Oversight Board in 2015. Under the current remediation strategy, the toxic waste at Giant Mine will require perpetual care, imposing a financial and environmental burden on future generations.

    The long history of historical injustice resulting from mineral development and pollution around Yellowknife remains unaddressed. In support of calls for an apology and compensation, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation recently published reports that include oral testimony and other evidence of impacts on their health and land in their traditional territory.

    Hopefully, the Canadian government’s appointment of the special representative means the colonial legacy of the mine will finally be addressed. Giant Mine serves as a warning about the current push from governments and industry to ram through development projects without environmental assessments or Indigenous consultations.

    Extractive projects may generate short-term wealth, but they also compromise the national interest if they saddle the public with enormous costs and long-term consequences.

    Arn Keeling receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

    John Sandlos receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Yellowknife’s Giant Mine: Canada downplayed arsenic exposure as an Indigenous community was poisoned – https://theconversation.com/yellowknifes-giant-mine-canada-downplayed-arsenic-exposure-as-an-indigenous-community-was-poisoned-261002

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ambassador Yin Chengwu attended Liberia Technology Summit 2025

    Source: APO


    .

    On July 21, Ambassador Yin Chengwu attended the Liberia Technology Summit 2025 and delivered a speech. The event was also attended by Hon. Haja Mamaka Bility, Acting Minister of States, Hon. Augustine K. Ngafuan, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Hon. Sekou M. Kromah, Minister of Post and Telecommunications. Representatives from relevant UN agencies and diplomatic missions in Liberia.

    Yin highlighted the outcomes of the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and China’s achievements in science and technology. He pointed out that China will establish a global scientific research fund and increase science and technology assistance to developing countries, making technological progress benefits all humanity. He expressed China is willing to strengthen scientific and technological innovation cooperation with Liberia, so as to make it a new engine of China-Liberia strategic partnership.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Liberia.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Hassan Allam Chief Executive Officer (CEO) pays a courtesy call on Ambassador

    Source: APO


    .

    On 20 July 2025, Mr. Ahmed Mustafa, CEO of Hassan Allam, together with Mr. Mahmoud Seliman, Marketing Advisor, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, Ambassador of Thailand to Egypt, at the Royal Thai Embassy. Both parties discussed cooperation in promoting trade and investment between the two countries in the residential construction, infrastructure and construction materials businesses. The company is interested in working with Thai partners to assemble products for export to Europe and Africa, where Egypt enjoys special tax privileges and is located near both major markets. The company also believes that Thailand has potential to invest in Egypt in the hospitality and tourism sectors, and is ready to enhance awareness of the potential and economic opportunities in Egypt, as well as provide advice on investment loans to Thai entrepreneurs. Hassan Allam, which is over 89 years old, is one of the largest companies in Egypt and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SCG International, a Thai conglomerate, to enter the Middle East and Africa markets in 2023.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal Thai Embassy, Cairo, Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Executives of Japan Food Solutions S.A.E. paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador

    Source: APO


    .

    On 16 July 2025, Mr. Emad Said, Senior Managing Director of Japan Food Solutions (J.F.S.) S.A.E., paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, Ambassador of Thailand to Egypt, at the Royal Thai Embassy. Mr. Emad reported on his visit to Thailand to attend the annual Thaifex 2025 to meet with Thai entrepreneurs with whom the Embassy had matched the company. In addition, both parties discussed opportunities and potential for business cooperation between Thai and Egyptian entrepreneurs in the future, especially in the areas of food security and supply chain. Both sides agreed that products that Thailand has the potential to increase exports to Egypt include seasoned poultry and halal products, as well as investment in the hospitality, wellness and spa businesses. Meanwhile, products that Egypt is increasingly interested in exporting to Thailand include strawberries, broccoli, dried fruits and concentrate fruit juices. In addition, J.F.S. is interested in exchanging knowledge on Thai edamame cultivation techniques.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal Thai Embassy, Cairo, Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) supports electric cooking expansion across three African nations

    Source: APO

    The Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA), managed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) (www.AfDB.org), is tackling charcoal dependence in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia with a $4 million reimbursable grant. This grant will fund the Burn Electric Cooking Expansion Program (BEEP), deploying 115,000 Burn ECOA Electric Induction Cookers to provide clean cooking solutions for low-income, grid-connected households currently relying on charcoal.

    Burn, a Kenya-based clean cookstove company and carbon developer with operations in over 10 African countries, will implement BEEP. This program makes clean cooking appliances more affordable and accessible by prefinancing induction cookers and recovering costs through carbon credit sales in the voluntary market. This innovative model combines carbon-backed subsidies with pay-as-you-go payment plans, significantly lowering upfront costs for end-users.

    Capitalised through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), the Program is funded by a $5 million senior loan from the Spark+ Africa Fund, a $4 million reimbursable grant from SEFA, and $1 million in equity from Burn Manufacturing Company. This SPV will partner with Burn to manage sales, distribution, and servicing of the cookers. The appliances will generate carbon credits, owned by the SPV, with revenues shared among investors.

    Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank Group, stated, “This marks the Bank’s first carbon finance transaction of its kind, with SEFA playing a critical role in mitigating carbon market risks and enhancing the Program’s financial sustainability.”

    The program aligns with SEFA’s thematic area on Energy Efficiency, catalysing private sector investments in efficient appliances and promoting scale-up of clean cooking technologies. It also supports the Mission 300 Initiative and the Bank’s New Deal on Energy for Africa, which aim to deliver universal energy access through low-carbon solutions.

    “We are honoured to receive this catalytic investment from the African Development Bank’s Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa—their first-ever investment in carbon projects focused on electric cooking. This milestone enables BURN to rapidly scale our IoT-enabled induction stove across Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia, providing low-income households with a zero-emission, digitally monitored alternative to charcoal and wood,” said Peter Scott, Founder and CEO, BURN. “By integrating cutting-edge technology, carbon financing, and mobile-enabled Pay-As-You-Cook models, we are demonstrating that electric cooking can be clean, affordable, and scalable across the continent.” 

    In addition to environmental and health benefits, the program will stimulate job creation and fortify local supply chains within the three target countries, paving the way for a cleaner, more prosperous future for communities across Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact: 
    Alexis Adélé
    Communications and External Relations Department
    media@afdb.org

    ABOUT SEFA:
    SEFA is a multi-donor Special Fund that provides catalytic finance to unlock private sector investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. SEFA offers technical assistance and concessional finance instruments to remove market barriers, build a more robust pipeline of projects and improve the risk-return profile of individual investments. The Fund’s overarching goal is to contribute to universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy services for all in Africa, in line with the New Deal on Energy for Africa and the M300.

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Represented in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member countries. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tanzania: Ambassador Chen Mingjian Meets with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Juba Cluster Head Mohamed Babiker

    Source: APO


    .

    On July 17, Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania H.E. Chen Mingjian met Mohamed Babiker, Head of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Juba Cluster with Lucia Pande, Secretary General of Tanzania Red Cross Society at the Embassy. They exchanged views on expanding humanitarian cooperation and improving Tanzanian people’s well-being.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Republic of Tanzania.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Irish Ambassador Bids Farewell to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio

    Source: APO

    The Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone, Aidan Fitzpatrick, paid a farewell courtesy call on His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio, marking the end of his two-year diplomatic mission in the country.

    In his remarks, Ambassador Fitzpatrick expressed his sincere gratitude to President Bio for receiving him and used the opportunity to congratulate the President on his recent election as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Reflecting on his time in Sierra Leone, Ambassador Fitzpatrick commended the significant progress made under President Bio’s leadership, particularly in advancing women’s rights. He also praised the warmth and hospitality of the Sierra Leonean people and acknowledged the increasing international recognition the country has gained under President Bio’s tenure.

    He further revealed that Ireland is exploring opportunities to expand investment in Sierra Leone, underscoring the deepening of bilateral relations between the two nations.

    In response, President Bio thanked Ambassador Fitzpatrick on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone for his service, dedication, and unwavering support throughout his mission.

    He noted that Sierra Leone recently established an embassy in Ireland, reflecting the long-standing and cordial relations between the two countries.

    “Your leadership and diplomatic style will be missed. You were always present and supportive at diplomatic meetings,” the President recalled. “I wish you success in your future endeavors.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Infrastructure upgrades improve visitor experience in two Okanagan parks

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More people can access Myra-Bellevue Park and safely enjoy one of the most scenic sections of the historic Kettle Valley Rail Trail as several infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion.

    The Myra Station parking lot has been expanded with 60 new spaces and 12 spaces for buses and trailers to accommodate the growth in visitors. Six new accessible toilets have also been added to the day-use area at the trailhead, near Kelowna.

    “Myra-Bellevue Park is a gem in B.C.’s Okanagan region, offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure and historical significance,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “Investing in infrastructure upgrades at Myra-Bellevue Park ensures this natural treasure remains safe and accessible for everyone who comes to explore the trails, history and biodiversity of this special region in B.C.”

    The upgrades are part of a $2.1-million project that began in 2021 and includes removing and replacing the old decking of all 18 trestles along the Myra-Bellevue section of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. The trestle decks have also been widened from 1.5 to 2.75 metres to improve accessibility and accommodate safe two-way traffic for hikers and cyclists. Work on the trestles was completed in the summer of 2024.

    “For over two decades, the Friends of the South Slopes (FOSS) has protected and maintained the trail networks in Okanagan Mountain Park and Myra-Bellevue Park, including recently the Myra Canyon trestles. We do so under the leadership of a stellar team at B.C. Parks with whom we enjoy a great working relationship and friendship,” said Cam Kourany, FOSS president. “FOSS and its 70-plus volunteers are proud to support our community and the Ministry of Environment and Parks. Their investments in the trestles and amenities greatly improve usability and safety.”

    At Monashee Park northwest of Vernon, the bridge at Little Peters Lake is being replaced to restore access to several alpine recreation areas, including Big Peters Lake. The bridge was damaged by heavy snow and removed in 2024 due to safety concerns.

    In addition to the bridge replacement, the Big Peters Lake backcountry campground is being expanded from 10 to 18 raised wooden tent platforms. The cost of the project is an estimated $445,000 and includes replacing one pit toilet and adding another one, along with adding a secure storage container to protect food and other items from wildlife.

    “Monashee Park is such a gem that is great for hiking, swimming, camping or a leisurely stroll,” said Steve Morissette, MLA for Kootenay-Monashee. “Replacing the bridge at Little Peters Lake and adding more campsites at Big Peters Lake means more people, whether visitors or locals, can enjoy the beautiful Monashee Mountains.”

    Backcountry camping is available at four locations in Monashee Park: Spectrum Lake, Little Peters Lake, Big Peters Lake and Margie Lake. Big Peters Lake is the largest campground in the sub-alpine and is located 13 kilometres from the Spectrum Creek trailhead and parking lot.  

    The upgrades at Monashee Park are part of a five-year, $21.5-million investment to increase and improve access to outdoor recreation in B.C. Upgrades include new campsites and trails, improvements to existing facilities and accessibility improvements. The upgrades at Myra-Bellevue Park are funded through the B.C. Parks capital budget.

    Learn More:

    For more information about Myra-Bellevue Park, visit: https://bcparks.ca/myra-bellevue-park/

    For more information about Monashee Park, visit: https://bcparks.ca/monashee-park/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Drinking Water Standards – Gore’s iconic brown trout statue latest victim of township’s drinking water crisis – Greenpeace

    Source: Greenpeace

    Gore’s brown trout statue has become the latest victim of dairy industry pollution. On Tuesday night, the iconic statue was given cartoon-style crosses for eyes – Greenpeace Aotearoa’s way of spotlighting the town’s drinking water crisis and the role of dairy pollution in poisoning it.
    Greenpeace has also rebranded the ‘Welcome to Gore’ sign, which now reads ‘Welcome to Gore – where dirty dairy wrecked the water’.
    Last Friday, residents of Gore were issued a do-not-drink notice after their town water supply exceeded 11.3 mg/L of nitrate, which is the legal limit set in the 1950s to avoid blue baby syndrome. While this notice has since been lifted, Greenpeace warns that it is only a matter of time before this happens again.
    Greenpeace spokesperson Will Appelbe says “The dirty dairy industry has wrecked Gore’s drinking water, putting people’s health at risk due to nitrate contamination. It is unacceptable that this community is increasingly unable to drink the water coming out of their kitchen taps. Gore’s giant brown trout statue is now a beacon of the industry’s pollution of drinking water.”
    A growing body of scientific evidence has linked several health risks with long term exposure to nitrate at levels below the current legal limits. Long-term exposure to nitrate in drinking water at levels as low as 1 mg/L has been linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer, and this risk increases with higher levels of nitrate. At levels of nitrate above 5 mg/L, the New Zealand College of Midwives advises pregnant people to consider an alternative source of drinking water, because of an increased risk of preterm birth.
    Appelbe says, “ Two years ago, we offered free nitrate tests to Gore residents, and found that 45% of the samples we tested from the town supply were above 4 mg/L of nitrate. Since then, levels of nitrate contamination have more than doubled, to above 10 mg/L.
    “This problem isn’t going to go away simply by diluting the water – for many rural communities, nitrate contamination will get worse unless action is taken to address the source of the pollution: the intensive dairy industry, led by Fonterra.
    “There are too many cows and the industry is using too much synthetic nitrogen fertiliser. Nitrate contamination across the country is increasing as a result, particularly in rural areas.
    “We need regional councils and the Government to take action now. But instead of protecting people’s drinking water, Luxon’s Government is attempting to weaken freshwater protections. They’ve proposed removing the cap on synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, which will enable dairy expansion. That means more cows, more fertiliser, and ultimately more contaminated drinking water.”
    Greenpeace is calling on the Government to scrap its proposed changes to the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management and the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater, which are currently going through consultation. The organisation says that these changes will make freshwater pollution worse, impacting lakes, rivers, and drinking water across the country.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aspida Re Expands Global Footprint with Strategic Reinsurance Transaction in Japan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DURHAM, N.C., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aspida Life Re Ltd (“Aspida Re”), a Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company, announced the execution of its second reinsurance transaction in Japan, effective June 1, 2025. This milestone marks a significant step in Aspida Re’s ongoing strategy to expand its global footprint and deliver innovative reinsurance solutions to life and annuity insurance partners worldwide.

    The transaction was completed with a highly rated Japanese life insurance carrier (“Company”). Aspida Re, rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best, will reinsure new or incoming flow business. The reinsured product is a Japanese yen (JPY) denominated fixed annuity, highlighting Aspida Re’s ability to manage foreign exchange risk and deliver tailored solutions to its cedents.

    “This transaction is highly strategic for Aspida Re,” said David Florian, CEO of Aspida Re. “It reflects our deep commitment to the Japanese market and our broader vision of supporting insurers around the world with innovative, capital-efficient reinsurance solutions.”

    Aspida Re’s continued growth in Asian markets demonstrates its agility and expertise in navigating complex regulatory and financial environments, while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the global reinsurance landscape.

    “We are excited to secure our second Japanese reinsurance agreement,” said Jon Steffen, President and Chief Actuary of Aspida Re. “Our flexibility and customized solutions allow us to provide significant advantage to clients and partners, no matter their location.”

    To learn more about Aspida Re, visit aspidare.bm.

    About Aspida Re

    Aspida Life Re Ltd (“Aspida Re”), a Bermuda-based reinsurance platform, is focused on providing efficient and secure life and annuity reinsurance solutions to its global clients. Aspida Re seeks to be a trusted partner in its clients’ long-term financial growth by delivering creative, customized solutions while driving business by doing good for the communities it serves. Aspida Re is part of Aspida Holdings Ltd, with over $23.1bn in total assets as of March 31, 2025. A subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) acts as the dedicated investment manager, capital solutions, and corporate development partner to Aspida Re. For more information on Aspida Re, please visit www.aspidare.bm or follow them on LinkedIn.

    Krystle Cajas, PR Contact
    krystle.cajas@modop.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aspida Re Expands Global Footprint with Strategic Reinsurance Transaction in Japan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DURHAM, N.C., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aspida Life Re Ltd (“Aspida Re”), a Bermuda-based life and annuity reinsurance company, announced the execution of its second reinsurance transaction in Japan, effective June 1, 2025. This milestone marks a significant step in Aspida Re’s ongoing strategy to expand its global footprint and deliver innovative reinsurance solutions to life and annuity insurance partners worldwide.

    The transaction was completed with a highly rated Japanese life insurance carrier (“Company”). Aspida Re, rated A- (Excellent) by AM Best, will reinsure new or incoming flow business. The reinsured product is a Japanese yen (JPY) denominated fixed annuity, highlighting Aspida Re’s ability to manage foreign exchange risk and deliver tailored solutions to its cedents.

    “This transaction is highly strategic for Aspida Re,” said David Florian, CEO of Aspida Re. “It reflects our deep commitment to the Japanese market and our broader vision of supporting insurers around the world with innovative, capital-efficient reinsurance solutions.”

    Aspida Re’s continued growth in Asian markets demonstrates its agility and expertise in navigating complex regulatory and financial environments, while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in the global reinsurance landscape.

    “We are excited to secure our second Japanese reinsurance agreement,” said Jon Steffen, President and Chief Actuary of Aspida Re. “Our flexibility and customized solutions allow us to provide significant advantage to clients and partners, no matter their location.”

    To learn more about Aspida Re, visit aspidare.bm.

    About Aspida Re

    Aspida Life Re Ltd (“Aspida Re”), a Bermuda-based reinsurance platform, is focused on providing efficient and secure life and annuity reinsurance solutions to its global clients. Aspida Re seeks to be a trusted partner in its clients’ long-term financial growth by delivering creative, customized solutions while driving business by doing good for the communities it serves. Aspida Re is part of Aspida Holdings Ltd, with over $23.1bn in total assets as of March 31, 2025. A subsidiary of Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) acts as the dedicated investment manager, capital solutions, and corporate development partner to Aspida Re. For more information on Aspida Re, please visit www.aspidare.bm or follow them on LinkedIn.

    Krystle Cajas, PR Contact
    krystle.cajas@modop.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DebitMyData™ Closes Oversubscribed Seed Round- Launches $1B Human Energy Grid Global Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DebitMyData™ Logo

    FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DebitMyData™, Inc.—the powerhouse has closed a seed round at more than twice its original target. This surge of investor confidence paves the way for a bold, billion-dollar global rollout of DebitMyData™’s Human Energy Grid, setting a new standard for individual data ownership, ethical monetization, and human-centric AI innovation.

    Preparing to launch a U.S and global expansion round, DebitMyData™ is already attracting top-tier venture capitalists—some of whom previously backed OpenAI alumni Ilya Sutskever and Mira Murati. Their attention is now focused on founder Preska Thomas and her breakthrough vision for a decentralized, human-led future in Adtech, AI, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty.

    “We’re advancing AI frameworks including Fuzzy Logic, ML, NLP, and robotic networks—but the Human Energy Grid ensures we embed ethics, skills, and human vision at the algorithmic core,” said Preska Thomas, Founder & CEO.

    Agentic Logos, Nodes, and Verified Digital Identity

    Integral to DebitMyData™ ‘s technology are Agentic Logos—cryptographically validated identity tools that combat fraud, impersonation, and deepfakes.

    Core LLM Features:

    • Verified Ownership: Every identity is cryptographically bound to an authentic user or brand.
    • Real-Time Security: Proprietary consensus mechanisms eliminate spoofing and fakes.
    • Plug-and-Play APIs: Enterprises and large language models (LLMs) can easily verify and interface with Agentic Nodes.

    By embedding identity-driven trust into content and advertising, DebitMyData™ transforms audience engagement. Brands and individuals alike benefit from frictionless, permission-based experiences that foster credibility and prevent misuse.

    The Human Energy Grid: An Ethics-Powered Digital Ecosystem

    DebitMyData™’s signature innovation—the Human Energy Grid—places people at the center of the digital economy.

    Key Components:

    • Digital Ownership: Users control and protect their digital footprints via DID-LLM (Digital Identity LLM).
    • Agentic Avatars: AI agents trained and owned by users, supporting monetization through sponsorships, licensing, and personal branding.
    • Ethical AI Training: Decentralized Agentic Avatars contribute to safe, human-aligned AI development.
    • NFT-Backed Security: Blockchain-protected digital creations ensure transparent royalties and rights.
    • Quantum-Resistant Privacy: Federated learning and next-generation encryption secure all interactions.

    This ecosystem empowers individuals to earn from their data and digital identity, marking a shift from extractive models toward equitable participation in the digital economy.

    Global Expansion and Ecosystem Integration

    Building on its momentum, DebitMyData™ is launching a global initiative to:

    • Open subsidiaries in the EU, Asia, and the Middle East
    • Advance Agentic Avatar technology for LLMs, APIs, and user-controlled AI
    • Partner with NFT platforms and creator-centric brands like AnimeGamer, MemeShorts (“The TikTok of America”), and Monetize YourSelfie

    The roadmap includes further integration across decentralized marketplaces for data, content, and avatar-based economies.

    Institutional & Government Alignment

    DebitMyData™ is engaged in advanced discussions with regulatory bodies, family offices, and public sector partners worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to compliance, transparency, and leadership in large-scale data solutions.

    Image by DebitMyData™

    About DebitMyData™, Inc.

    DebitMyData™, Inc. enables users to reclaim, verify, and monetize their digital identities through Agentic Logos and Agentic Avatars. Its scalable platform ensures GDPR compliance and AI alignment via the Human Energy Grid and DID-LLM, meeting evolving demands in ethical AI, cybersecurity, and digital equity.

    “This is our moment—not just to advance AI but to protect what makes us human. The Human Energy Grid ensures humanity stays present, empowered, and valued in the algorithms that shape the future,” said Preska Thomas, Founder & CEO.

    For more information, visit:

    Media Contact:
    Henry Cision
    (754) 315-2420
    communications@debitmydata.com
    https://debitmydata.com/

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/95c96c26-19e8-422a-b695-f624bef63d48

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/16c08f37-b662-4707-973b-06f8df03d725

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/21a44de1-99d5-4625-a80a-80e766eb06d5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Zinke, Sheehy, Moore, Banks Introduce Legislation to Implement Fees on Foreign Tourists to Rebuild National Parks

    Source:

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Western Montana Congressman and former Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke (MT-01), with Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Representative Riley Moore (WV-02), and Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) introduced the bicameral Protecting America’s Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists in Parks Act (PATRIOT Parks Act), which would authorize a surcharge for most foreign tourists visiting national parks. If implemented, the bill would ensure foreign visitors contribute their fair share to the upkeep and preservation of America’s most treasured places. 

    “National Parks are Americas best idea and maintaining that legacy for future generations means making smart investments in the management of the parks,” said Zinke. “Americans already pay for parks in our tax dollars as well as at the gates. It’s unfair to American taxpayers to foot the bill for millions of foreign visitors. Almost every other country charges foreign visitors more, it’s common sense. President Trump and Secretary Burgum did the right thing directing the National Park Service implement a foreign visitor fee. This legislation will codify the policy and ensure Americans are put First in our own parks.”

    “From the New River Gorge in my home state to Shenandoah, the Great Smoky Mountains, the Everglades, and the Grand Canyon – God blessed our nation with a tremendous natural heritage. We owe it to future generations to ensure these natural marvels are protected, said Moore. “Unfortunately, the National Park System currently faces a backlog of more than $23 billion in deferred maintenance, including more than $200 million on properties across the Mountain State. Our commonsense legislation keeps entry fees static for Americans while charging more for foreigners visiting our National Parks. This will allow us to finally start tackling this extensive maintenance backlog.”

    “Our national parks drive Montana’s tourism economy by bringing in visitors from all over the world and define our way life by offering an experience you can only find in America,” said Sheehy. “Implementing a foreign visitor fee is an America First, commonsense way to secure affordable access for American families, improve our national parks for all visitors, and better manage our treasured public lands. It’s not too much for Americans to ask that their government puts them first, and that’s why I’m proud to support the PATRIOT Parks Act so more American families can enjoy our national parks for generations to come.”

    The National Park Service has $23 billion deferred maintenance infrastructure backlog. NPS relies on appropriated funds from tax dollars, Great American Outdoors Act funds from energy leasing, and entrance fees to address infrastructure needs. Every park will benefit from this program regardless of if they collect fees or not. By law, under the current formula for entrance fees, 80% of the fees collected at a park stay in the park where they are collected. The remaining 20% of entrance fees collected is distributed to non-fee collecting parks to improve infrastructure and visitor experience. The foreign visitors surcharge will use the same formula ensuring all parks benefit from this funding. 

    According to a report by Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), a surcharge of just $40 per foreign visitor would raise $528 million for our park system.

    “People travel from around the world to experience America’s national parks, and now they can help conserve them too,” said PERC CEO Brian Yablonski. “A surcharge on international visitors is a common practice globally and offers a smart, reliable way to fund better trails, cleaner campgrounds, modernized water systems, and desperately needed restoration work in our parks. We appreciate Rep. Zinke’s support for strengthening America’s national parks.” 

    Virtually all other countries do this already. Foreign tourists visiting the Galapagos National Park in Ecuador pay a $200 surcharge, South Africa charges as much as 500% more for foreign visitors, many European Union nations charge non-EU citizens surcharges at museums and cultural sites. 

    The foreign visitor would only apply to National Parks units that already collect entrance fees. If a park does not currently collect an entrance fee, the surcharge will not apply. Canadian citizens visiting Glacier National Park would be exempt from the surcharge in recognition of our joint stewardship of Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Fee-collecting monuments in Washington, D.C., are also exempted.

    The bill codifies an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture to implement a foreign visitor surcharge to support public lands and rural communities.

    Read the full bill text here.

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Floating babies, cosmic radiation and zero-gravity birth: what space pregnancy might actually involve

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Arun Vivian Holden, Emeritus Professor of Computational Biology, University of Leeds

    Lidiia/Shutterstock

    As plans for missions to Mars accelerate, so do questions about how the human body might cope. A return trip to the red planet would give more than enough time for someone to become pregnant and even give birth. But could a pregnancy be conceived and carried safely in space? And what would happen to a baby born far from Earth?

    Most of us rarely consider the risks we survived before birth. For instance, about two thirds of human embryos do not live long enough to be born, with most losses happening in the first few weeks after fertilisation; often before a person even knows they’re pregnant. These early, unnoticed losses usually happen when an embryo either fails to develop properly or to implant successfully in the wall of the womb.

    Pregnancy can be understood as a chain of biological milestones. Each one must happen in the right order and each has a certain chance of success. On Earth, these odds can be estimated using clinical research and biological models. My latest research explores how these same stages might be affected by the extreme conditions of interplanetary space.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Microgravity, the near-weightlessness experienced during spaceflight, would make conception more physically awkward but probably wouldn’t interfere much with staying pregnant once the embryo has implanted.

    However, giving birth, and looking after a newborn, would be far more difficult in zero gravity. After all, in space, nothing stays still. Fluids float. So do people. That makes delivering a baby and caring for one a much messier and more complicated process than on Earth, where gravity helps with everything from positioning to feeding.

    At the same time, the developing foetus already grows in something like microgravity. It floats in neutrally buoyant amniotic fluid inside the womb, cushioned and suspended. In fact, astronauts train for spacewalks in water tanks designed to mimic weightlessness. In that sense, the womb is already a microgravity simulator.

    But gravity is only part of the picture.

    Radiation

    Outside Earth’s protective layers, there’s a more dangerous threat: cosmic rays. These are high-energy particles – “stripped-down” or “bare” atomic nuclei – that race through space at nearly the speed of light. They’re atoms that have lost all their electrons, leaving just the dense core of protons and neutrons. When these bare nuclei collide with the human body, they can cause serious cellular damage.

    Here on Earth, we’re protected from most cosmic radiation by the planet’s thick atmosphere and, depending on the time of day, tens of thousands to millions of miles of coverage from the Earth’s magnetic field. In space, that shielding disappears.

    When a cosmic ray passes through the human body, it may strike an atom, strip its electrons, and smash into its nucleus, knocking out protons and neutrons and leaving behind a different element or isotope. This can cause extremely localised damage – meaning that individual cells, or parts of cells, are destroyed while the rest of the body might remain unaffected. Sometimes the ray passes right through without hitting anything. But if it hits DNA, it can cause mutations that increase the risk of cancer.

    Even when cells survive, radiation can trigger inflammatory responses. That means the immune system overreacts, releasing chemicals that can damage healthy tissue and disrupt organ function.

    In the first few weeks of pregnancy, embryonic cells are rapidly dividing, moving, and forming early tissues and structures. For development to continue, the embryo must stay viable throughout this delicate process. The first month after fertilisation is the most vulnerable time.

    A single hit from a high-energy cosmic ray at this stage could be lethal to the embryo. However, the embryo is very small – and cosmic rays, while dangerous, are relatively rare. So a direct hit is unlikely. If it did happen, it would probably result in an unnoticed miscarriage.

    Pregnancy risks

    As pregnancy progresses, the risks shift. Once the placental circulation – the blood flow system that connects mother and foetus – is fully formed by the end of the first trimester, the foetus and uterus grow rapidly.

    That growth presents a larger target. A cosmic ray is now more likely to hit the uterine muscle, which could trigger contractions and potentially cause premature labour. And although neonatal intensive care has improved dramatically, the earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of complications, particularly in space.

    On Earth, pregnancy and childbirth already carry risks. In space, those risks are magnified – but not necessarily prohibitive.

    But development doesn’t stop at birth. A baby born in space would continue growing in microgravity, which could interfere with postural reflexes and coordination. These are the instincts that help a baby learn to lift its head, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk: all movements that rely on gravity. Without that sense of “up” and “down,” these abilities might develop in very different ways.

    And the radiation risk doesn’t go away. A baby’s brain continues to grow after birth, and prolonged exposure to cosmic rays could cause permanent damage – potentially affecting cognition, memory, behaviour and long-term health.

    So, could a baby be born in space?

    In theory, yes. But until we can protect embryos from radiation, prevent premature birth, and ensure babies can grow safely in microgravity, space pregnancy remains a high-risk experiment – one we’re not yet ready to try.

    Arun Vivian Holden 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. Floating babies, cosmic radiation and zero-gravity birth: what space pregnancy might actually involve – https://theconversation.com/floating-babies-cosmic-radiation-and-zero-gravity-birth-what-space-pregnancy-might-actually-involve-261142

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Is today’s political climate making dating harder for young people?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Katherine Twamley, Professor of Sociology, UCL

    Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

    The last year has highlighted a political divide between young men and women. Data from elections in several countries shows that women aged 18-29 are becoming significantly more liberal, while young men are leaning more conservative. And a recent 30-country study found generation Z more divided than other generations on key questions around gender equality.

    At the same time, there is growing evidence that this cohort is turning away from traditional dating and long-term romantic relationships. According to the National Survey of Family Growth, in the US between 2022 and 2023, 24% of men and 13% of women aged 22-34 reported no sexual activity in the past year.

    This is a significant increase on previous years. And American teens are less likely to have romantic relationships than teenagers of previous generations.

    In the UK, surveys over the past decades reveal a trend in reduced sexual activity, in terms of both frequency and number of partners, among young people. Dating apps are also losing their lustre, with the top platforms seeing significant user declines among heterosexual gen Z users in the last year.

    Is the gendered political divide making dating harder? As sociologists of intimacy, our work has shown how relationships are affected by larger social, economic and political trends.

    Our research on enduring gender inequality has shown that it can affect the perceived quality of intimate relationships and relationship stability. For example, heterosexual relationships are often underpinned by unequal divisions of emotional and domestic labour, even among partners with similar incomes.

    Dating today can feel like a mix of endless swipes, red flags and shifting expectations. From decoding mixed signals to balancing independence with intimacy, relationships in your 20s and 30s come with unique challenges. Love IRL is the latest series from Quarter Life that explores it all.

    These research-backed articles break down the complexities of modern love to help you build meaningful connections, no matter your relationship status.

    Some commentators and researchers have identified a trend of “heteropessimism” — a disillusionment with heterosexual relationships, often marked by irony, detachment or frustration. Anecdotally, women have widely expressed weariness with the gender inequality that can emerge in relationships with men.

    But heteropessimism has been identified among men too, and research has found that women are, on average, happier being single than men.

    Take domestic labour. Despite progress towards gender equality in many areas, data shows that women in mixed sex relationships still shoulder the majority of housework and care. In the UK, women carry out an average of 60% more unpaid work than men. This gap persists even among couples who both work full-time.



    Read more:
    What is ‘heteropessimism’, and why do men and women suffer from it?

    In Korea, persistent gender inequality is thought to be behind the 4B movement. Young Korean women, fed up with sexist stereotypes which tie women to traditional roles, have declared their rejection of marriage, childbirth, dating and sex with men.

    Beyond Korea, young women have declared themselves “boy sober”. Harassment, abuse and “toxic behaviour” on dating apps has reportedly driven young women away from wanting to date at all.

    Others have embraced voluntary celibacy. One reason is that, for some women, the erosion of reproductive rights, such as the overturning of Roe v Wade in the US, sharpens the political stakes of intimacy. Political disagreements that may once have been surmountable in a relationship are now deeply personal, affecting womens’ bodily autonomy and experiences of misogyny.

    Of course, gender inequality does not just negatively affect women. In education, evidence suggests boys are falling behind girls at every level in the UK, though recent research shows this has reversed in maths and science. Men report feeling locked out of opportunities to care for their children through old-fashioned parental leave norms, which offer minimal opportunities for fathers to spend time with their children.

    Some influencers capitalise on real and perceived losses for men, pushing regressive and sexist views of women and relationships into the social media feeds of millions of boys and young men.

    Given all of the above, it is not entirely surprising that young men are more likely than young women to report that feminism has done more harm than good.

    Anxiety and uncertainty

    But there are wider political and economic issues that affect both young men and women, and how (or whether) they date each other. Gen Z are coming of age in a time of economic depression. Research shows that those experiencing financial stress have difficulties in establishing and maintaining intimate relationships.

    This may partly be because early stages of romance are strongly associated with consumerism – dinner out, gifts and so on. But there is also a lack of mental space for dating when people are under pressure to make ends meet. Insecure finances also affect young people’s ability to afford their own homes and have access to private spaces with a partner.

    There are, additionally, growing rates of mental ill health reported by young people worldwide. Anxieties abound around the pandemic, economic recession, the climate and international conflict.

    These anxieties play out in the dating scene, with some feeling that entering into a romantic relationship is another risk to be avoided. Research with UK-based heterosexual dating app users aged 18-25 found that they often saw dating as a psychological stand-off – where expressing care too soon could result in humiliation or rejection.

    Be vulnerable and risk rejection, or jump ship?
    Dedraw Studio/Shutterstock

    The result was that neither young men nor women felt safe expressing genuine interest. This left people stuck in the much-lamented “talking stage”, where relationships fail to progress.

    As sociologist Lisa Wade and others have shown, even when casual sex is part of the picture, emotional attachment is often actively resisted. The proliferation of “hook-up culture” – characterised by casual sexual encounters that prioritise physical pleasure over emotional intimacy – may partly be a response to a cultural discomfort with vulnerability.

    Gen Z’s turn away from dating doesn’t necessarily reflect a lack of desire for connection, but perhaps a heightened sense of vulnerability related to larger trends in mental ill-health and social, economic and political insecurity.

    It may not be that young people are rejecting relationships. Rather, they may be struggling to find emotionally safe (and affordable) spaces where intimacy can develop.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Is today’s political climate making dating harder for young people? – https://theconversation.com/is-todays-political-climate-making-dating-harder-for-young-people-257844

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What was the Battle of Orgreave, and why has the government launched an inquiry into it?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steven Daniels, Lecturer in Politics, Edge Hill University

    The UK’s home secretary, Yvette Cooper, has announced a full inquiry into the Battle of Orgreave, a large, violent clash between the National Union of Mineworkers and South Yorkshire police that took place over 40 years ago.

    The clash was a flashpoint of the 1984-85 miners’ strike, in which mining communities fought to protect jobs and industry from closure. It descended into a violent confrontation between miners and police, with injuries and accusations of misconduct on both sides.

    The announcement of an inquiry has been a long time coming for miners’ groups. Comparisons have been made to the Hillsborough tragedy and inquiry – another incident involving accusations of mistreatment by South Yorkshire Police.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The Battle of Orgreave took place on June 18 1984, outside Orgreave coking plant in Rotherham. The miners’ strike had been raging since March 1984, with both sides looking for opportunities to turn the tide in their favour.

    Before ascending to the presidency of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) in 1982, British trade unionist Arthur Scargill had gained notoriety during the 1972 miners’ strike. He developed the “flying pickets” tactic. This approach saw large numbers of strikers from around the country descend on an industrially sensitive target, to pressure it into closing. These tactics successfully closed Saltley Gate gasworks in Birmingham, forcing the taxpayer-owned National Coal Board and Edward Heath’s government to concede the 1972 strike to the NUM.

    In 1984, realising that British Steel’s furnaces would be vulnerable without coking coal, Scargill planned to repeat the 1972 victory at Orgreave.

    On June 18, around 8,000 miners began assembling as early as 4am. They were met by 6,000 police in full riot gear. As lorries began arriving to collect coking coal, the conflict began around 8am. This unfolded in waves: mounted police would cavalry charge miners, splitting their lines, with “snatch squads” then swarming miners who had failed to retreat in time, arresting them.

    This continued until the afternoon, when miners retreated into Orgreave village. Police continued trying to disperse miners, even cavalry-charging the village.

    Miners’ groups allege that the police charged their lines despite their picket being peaceful in nature, and there was no trigger for violence. They claim only once police started charging did they retaliate in defence, throwing rocks and other missiles. Controversially, footage of these incidents was allegedly shown in reverse order by the BBC, painting the strikers as the aggressors.

    Orgreave is considered a turning point, both in the strike, and in policing of protest. With the “flying pickets” strategy in tatters, the NUM struggled to maintain pressure and lost momentum as the months dragged on. The strike ended in March 1985 with a full, unconditional return to work.

    The aftermath

    Ninety-five miners were arrested that day, with 55 subsequently charged with riot. This was a serious charge, carrying the maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Many more reported injuries and accused South Yorkshire Police of being unnecessarily violent and heavy handed.

    One of the most famous images from the day shows Lesley Boulton, a woman there to document the strike with her camera, with a mounted policeman swinging his truncheon at her head. This photo sums up the brutality of the day. Accusations also emerged of police removing their collar numbers, so as not to be identified.

    Sensationally, the 1985 trial for riot collapsed after evidence from South Yorkshire Police was found to be unreliable. It was later revealed through archival material that officers were given direction or guidance in their statements.

    It was also revealed that Margaret Thatcher herself attended a drinks reception for police chiefs involved in the strike, thanking them personally for “all they did and their forces did to maintain public order”. Even though the 55 miners were cleared of the charges, many were financially ruined, and unable to return to the coal industry.

    Thirty-nine of those involved subsequently took legal action against South Yorkshire Police for unlawful arrest and malicious prosecution, settling for a payment of £425,000 and no admission of liability. Not a single police officer was prosecuted or punished for their role in Orgreave.



    Read more:
    New files add weight to calls for Battle of Orgreave inquiry

    Calls for inquiry

    Calls for an inquiry into the Battle of Orgreave, as well as the general standard of policing during the strike, have been ongoing for decades. As early as January 1985 (with the strike ongoing), the then home secretary, Leon Brittan, was resistant to any public inquiry into the conduct of police officers during the strike, fearing it would descend into a “witch-hunt”. John Major’s government similarly resisted such calls in 1991, believing them unnecessary.

    In 2015, the Independent Police Complaints Commission declined to mount a formal investigation, despite finding evidence to suggest officers had indeed assaulted miners at Orgreave and other forms of misconduct. The commission argued that too much time had passed for the investigation to have any meaning.

    Theresa May’s government rejected calls for an inquiry in 2016. The then home secretary Amber Rudd claimed an inquiry was not in the public interest, arguing policing standards had changed substantially since the 1980s and that the event had simply occurred too long ago. Rudd also said that many involved in the strike would have died, and most officers involved would no longer be employed by South Yorkshire Police.

    The volunteer-run Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign has long campaigned for a public inquiry, arguing that Orgreave was a serious miscarriage of justice that needs to be adequately addressed. They believe that a full inquiry will provide accountability and clarity regarding the role of the police and the state in such a tumultuous time period.

    The Hillsborough inquiry shows what successful (and persistent) community action can achieve. Accusations made against South Yorkshire Police then were eventually proven correct. While there has yet to be any significantly successful legal action taken against officers involved in Hillsborough, the inquiry itself brought closure (and, crucially, the truth) to families involved. Mining communities will be hoping for similar closure with the Orgreave inquiry.

    Steven Daniels consulted the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign on archival findings from his wider research in 2017.

    – ref. What was the Battle of Orgreave, and why has the government launched an inquiry into it? – https://theconversation.com/what-was-the-battle-of-orgreave-and-why-has-the-government-launched-an-inquiry-into-it-261596

    MIL OSI Analysis –