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Category: Technology

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shatters the church’s century-long effort to curate its own image

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University

    Hulu

    Reality TV series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives follows a number of social media influencers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who rose to prominence through social media, and particularly TikTok.

    The show is based in Utah, United States, where the church has its headquarters. But it stands in stark contrast with the stereotypical perception of Mormons – and especially Mormon women – the church has promoted for more than a century.

    Through its exploration of traditionally “taboo” topics such as sex, marital issues, mental illness and sexual abuse, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives clashes against the church’s carefully curated public image.

    Historical pariahs

    Historically, the church’s practice of polygamy placed it at odds with the mainstream sexual and familial norms of 19th century America.

    Polygamy had been practised by Mormons since at least the 1830s, and was officially announced as permissible by the church in 1852. The church now acknowledges its founder, Joseph Smith, married almost 40 women and teenage girls before his death in 1844.

    When Mormon missionaries began to proselytise throughout the world, newspapers criticised the practice, and Mormons were framed as sexual deviants and racialised “pariahs”. In other words, Mormons were presented as being racially different to the rest of white American society. This claim was even supported by doctors at the time.

    1904 Time cartoon by C.J. Rudd, captioned: ‘Mormon Elder Berry – out with his six year olds, who take after their mothers.’
    KUER/Religion of a Different Color: Mormonism and the Struggle for Whiteness’ (2017) by W. Paul Reeve.

    To Mormons, however, polygamy was a reintroduction of the correct form of marriage, and they pointed to biblical prophets to justify it.

    In 1862, the US congress passed a series of laws aimed at abolishing polygamy. This resulted in the arrest of church leaders and the confiscation of church-owned funds and properties in Utah.

    Then, in the 1870s, exposés written by former Mormons (particularly women) decried polygamy as evil, increasing hostility against Mormon leaders.

    Ann Eliza Webb Young, ex-wife of Mormon prophet Brigham Young, wrote the exposé ‘Wife No. 19, Or The Story of Life in Bondage’.
    Internet Archive Open Library

    In 1890, church leader Wilford Woodruff announced in a revelation known as the Manifesto that polygamy would cease. The Manifesto was accepted by most Mormons as the government’s harassment increased. However, breakaway groups called “fundamentalists” continued the practice.

    Today, Mormon scriptures continue to state polygamy is the correct form of marriage, and will exist in the afterlife.

    The stereotypical Mormon

    Since the ending of polygamy, the church has sought to establish itself as a moral equal to mainstream Christian norms, especially sexual norms. In 1995, it released a document titled Family: A Proclamation to the World which emphasised the view that heterosexual marriage and strict gender roles are divinely ordained.

    The 1995 official Mormon document, ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World’.
    BYU Scholar Arcive

    As the church has grown, it has presented its members as model citizens of the nations they reside in.

    In doing so, it has promoted unique doctrines and practices, such as sexual abstinence before marriage, and a particular health code called the Word of Wisdom which bars alcohol, tea, coffee and tobacco.

    These doctrines, and existing stereotypes of Mormons, are examined in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

    Colliding perceptions

    The 2024 release of the series caused waves in the Latter-day Saints community, with a number of Mormon-focused publications condemning it.

    Before the show was released, the church published a general statement saying media portrayals of Mormons “often rely on sensationalism and inaccuracies that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members”. It has yet to directly comment on the show.

    Nonetheless, the representation of Mormons in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is problematic for the church, because it transgresses its highly curated image of Mormonism.

    As the influencers put it, there is a desire to push back against stereotypes around Mormonism, and particularly Mormon women. These stereotypes have been crystallised by the church to combat perceptions of Mormons as sexually abhorrent, due to past practices of polygamy.

    The women in the show wear clothing that would not cover “temple garments”, the mandatory Latter-day Saint undergarments which seek to impose sexual modesty.

    There is also a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement that while the church prohibits stimulants such as tea, coffee and alcohol, Mormons within Utah and surrounds still consume other, somewhat surprising, substances. For instance, the use of ketamine in therapy is allowed when administered by a healthcare professional.

    The series also engages with topics considered taboo in the church, such as marital issues, mental health struggles and consensual sex. Even if these are being played up by the cast or producers, such discussions are lacking in broader Mormon circles.

    Importantly, there are admissions by some cast members, including one of the husbands, of being sexually abused as children. According to the cast members themselves, these disclosures are intended to empower viewers who may have had similar experiences.

    This is a powerful critique, because the Mormon church has come under intense scrutiny for its failure to properly respond to child sexual assault, both in the US and globally.

    The next steps

    The show is having a marked impact on perceptions of Mormonism, despite the church’s stance it doesn’t represent the beliefs and lifestyle of Mormons more broadly.

    For many viewers, it might be their introduction to the religion. This is concerning for adherents, and particularly for the church’s leadership.

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reunion special aired earlier this month.
    Hulu

    There are internal tools the church could use against the show’s cast members, such as disciplinary councils or excommunication. But these would be ineffective since only about half the members consider themselves “faithful” Mormons.

    It’s interesting the church has yet to condemn the show. Perhaps maintaining an image of reluctant acceptance is more important, as in recent years the church has been criticised for overreach against its own members.

    In this case, the show would be an uncomfortable reality the church will just have to live with. Either way, the damage to the stereotypical Mormon image is done.

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is available to stream on Disney+.

    Brenton Griffin was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is no longer a practising member of the church. His research is focused on the religion’s place in Australian and New Zealand popular culture, politics, and society from the 19th century to present.

    – ref. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shatters the church’s century-long effort to curate its own image – https://theconversation.com/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-shatters-the-churchs-century-long-effort-to-curate-its-own-image-260418

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Does AI actually boost productivity? The evidence is murky

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Jon Whittle, Director, Data61, CSIRO

    Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

    There’s been much talk recently – especially among politicians – about productivity. And for good reason: Australia’s labour productivity growth sits at a 60-year low.

    To address this, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has convened a productivity round table next month. This will coincide with the release of an interim report from the Productivity Commission, which is looking at five pillars of reform. One of these is the role of data and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

    This will be music to the ears of the tech and business sectors, which have been enthusiastically promoting the productivity benefits of AI. In fact, the Business Council of Australia also said last month that AI is the single greatest opportunity in a generation to lift productivity.

    But what do we really know about how AI impacts productivity?

    What is productivity?

    Put simply, productivity is how much output (goods and services) we can produce from a given amount of inputs (such as labour and raw materials). It matters because higher productivity typically translates to a higher standard of living. Productivity growth has accounted for 80% of Australia’s income growth over the past three decades.

    Productivity can be thought of as individual, organisational or national.

    Your individual productivity is how efficiently you manage your time and resources to complete tasks. How many emails can you respond to in an hour? How many products can you check for defects in a day?

    Organisational productivity is how well an organisation achieves its goals. For example, in a research organisation, how many top-quality research papers are produced?

    National productivity is the economic efficiency of a nation, often measured as gross domestic product per hour worked. It is effectively an aggregate of the other forms. But it’s notoriously difficult to track how changes in individual or organisational productivity translate into national GDP per hour worked.

    AI and individual productivity

    The nascent research examining the relationship between AI and individual productivity shows mixed results.

    A 2025 real-world study of AI and productivity involved 776 experienced product professionals at US multinational company Procter & Gamble. The study showed that individuals randomly assigned to use AI performed as well as a team of two without. A similar study in 2023 with 750 consultants from Boston Consulting Group found tasks were 18% faster with generative AI.

    A 2023 paper reported on an early generative AI system in a Fortune 500 software company used by 5,200 customer support agents. The system showed a 14% increase in the number of issues resolved per hour. For less experienced agents, productivity increased by 35%.

    But AI doesn’t always increase individual productivity.

    A survey of 2,500 professionals found generative AI actually increased workload for 77% of workers. Some 47% said they didn’t know how to unlock productivity benefits. The study points to barriers such as the need to verify and/or correct AI outputs, the need for AI upskilling, and unreasonable expectations about what AI can do.

    A recent CSIRO study examined the daily use of Microsoft 365 Copilot by 300 employees of a government organisation. While the majority self-reported productivity benefits, a sizeable minority (30%) did not. Even those workers who reported productivity improvements expected greater productivity benefits than were delivered.

    AI and organisational productivity

    It’s difficult, if not impossible, to attribute changes in an organisation’s productivity to the introduction of AI. Businesses are sensitive to many social and organisational factors, any one of which could be the reason for a change in productivity.

    Nevertheless, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has estimated the productivity benefits of traditional AI – that is, machine learning applied for an industry-specific task – to be zero to 11% at the organisational level.

    A 2024 summary paper cites independent studies showing increases in organisational productivity from AI in Germany, Italy and Taiwan.

    In contrast, a 2022 analysis of 300,000 US firms didn’t find a significant correlation between AI adoption and productivity, but did for other technologies such as robotics and cloud computing. Likely explanations are that AI hasn’t yet had an effect on many firms, or simply that it’s too hard to disentangle the impact of AI given it’s never applied in isolation.

    AI productivity increases can also sometimes be masked by additional human labour needed to train or operate AI systems. Take Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology for shops.

    Publicly launched in 2018, it was intended to reduce labour as customer purchases would be fully automated. But it reportedly relied on hiring around 1,000 workers in India for quality control. Amazon has labelled these reports “erroneous”.

    More generally, think about the unknown number (but likely millions) of people paid to label data for AI models.

    AI and national productivity

    The picture at a national level is even murkier.

    Clearly, AI hasn’t yet impacted national productivity. It can be argued that technology developments take time to affect national productivity, as companies need to figure out how to use the technology and put the necessary infrastructure and skills in place.

    However, this is not guaranteed. For example, while there is consensus that the internet led to productivity improvements, the effects of mobile phones and social media are more contested, and their impacts are more apparent in some industries (such as entertainment) than others.

    Productivity isn’t just doing things faster

    The common narrative around AI and productivity is that AI automates mundane tasks, making us faster at doing things and giving us more time for creative pursuits. This, however, is a naive view of how work happens.

    Just because you can deal with your inbox more quickly doesn’t mean you’ll spend your afternoon on the beach. The more emails you fire off, the more you’ll receive back, and the never-ending cycle continues.

    Faster isn’t always better. Sometimes, we need to slow down to be more productive. That’s when great ideas happen.

    Imagine a world in which AI isn’t simply about speeding up tasks but proactively slows us down, to give us space to be more innovative, and more productive. That’s the real untapped opportunity with AI.

    Jon Whittle works at CSIRO which receives R&D funding from a wide range of government and industry clients.

    – ref. Does AI actually boost productivity? The evidence is murky – https://theconversation.com/does-ai-actually-boost-productivity-the-evidence-is-murky-260690

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 21st Iteration of Pacific Partnership Prepares for Indo-Pacific Mission Aboard USS Pearl Harbor

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii – Pacific Partnership 2025 (PP-25) officially kicks off with the arrival of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, led by Rear Admiral Todd F. Cimicata, U.S. Pacific Fleet Executive Agent for Pacific Partnership, and the mission commander, U.S. Navy Captain Mark B. Stefanik.

    The PP-25 team, embarked aboard the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to make final preparations ahead of its upcoming port visits throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The PP-25 team will conduct medical exchanges, engineering projects, community outreach, and disaster preparedness engagements with host nation partners.

    “Pacific Partnership is a testament to what we can achieve together,” said Cimicata. “By working alongside our allies and partners, we strengthen regional capacity and resilience and lay the foundation for a collective response to crises. It’s about preparing in calm to respond in crisis.”

    This year’s PP-25 mission will include mission stops in Papua New Guinea, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Samoa, and Vanuatu. Prior to the USS Pearl Harbor’s departure, separate fly-in missions were conducted in the Philippines, Fiji, and Tonga in June.

    “This enduring mission provides us the opportunity to build on our relationships, share expertise, and learn from one another,” said Stefanik. “Our shared experiences help create more resilient communities, and I’m proud to lead a team committed to strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.”

    Pacific Partnership brings together more than 1,500 personnel from the United States and participating nations including Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Activities will include engineering projects at schools and clinics, medical subject matter expert exchanges, and performances by the Pacific Partnership Band, composed of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet and partner nations.

    The mission team will work alongside allies and partners to strengthen relationships, bolster host nation capacity to provide essential humanitarian services, and support efforts to reduce the risk of, prepare for, and respond to disasters.

    Every day, the U.S. Pacific Fleet operates to protect the security, freedom, and prosperity for the U.S. and our allies and partners. The U.S. Pacific Fleet continues to advance a shared vision, alongside our allies and partners, of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

    Now in its 21st iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

    For updates and multimedia from Pacific Partnership 2025, follow #PacificPartnership, #PP25, and #PacificPartnership25 on social media or visit: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership

    Date Taken: 07.09.2025
    Date Posted: 07.10.2025 20:57
    Story ID: 542493
    Location: JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, HAWAII, US
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    This work, 21st Iteration of Pacific Partnership Prepares for Indo-Pacific Mission Aboard USS Pearl Harbor, by LCDR Andrew Bertucci, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s innovative solutions propel global shifts toward smarter, greener industries

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

    A staff member sets parameters before welding at Guangdong Lyric Robot Automation Co., Ltd. in Huizhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    As global industries accelerate their transition toward intelligence and sustainability, China’s innovative solutions form vital components of international supply chains, driving cross-sector transformation.

    Smarter factories 

    At Guangdong Lyric Robot Automation’s Huizhou facility in south China, an automated warehouse operates efficiently with only two staff members. Materials glide autonomously through storage systems, arriving precisely at workstations as needed. A central control screen displays real-time inventory levels, material usage frequency, and shelf capacity.

    “This system cuts operational costs by over 30 percent while boosting productivity by 40 percent,” said Duan Yajie, general manager of Lyric subsidiary Shunchu Intelligence. Overseas orders for such integrated solutions now constitute over 40 percent of the subsidiary’s total business.

    Lyric’s intelligent factories serve industry leaders across six countries. From battery plants in North America to a comprehensive automotive logistics center in Hungary, as well as sectors like renewable energy and AI computing, Lyric has supported clients in establishing digital factories using technologies such as intelligent sensing, precision control and execution systems.

    With subsidiaries in 14 countries, including the United Kingdom, Poland, France, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and the United States, Lyric has navigated cross-cultural challenges through co-developed standards. “Building consensus during the design phase helps prevent conflicts during implementation,” Lyric’s co-founder Lu Jiahong said.

    “Once rare on European streets, electric vehicles are now increasingly common, reflecting the combined efforts of Chinese equipment, battery and auto manufacturers,” she added.

    Powering energy revolution 

    EVE Energy Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese lithium battery company headquartered in Huizhou, Guangdong Province, is advancing its global manufacturing strategy with a new battery production base in Hungary’s Debrecen.

    The facility represents a transformative industrial upgrade for the region, introducing advanced manufacturing systems where agricultural production once dominated the local economy.

    “We’re bringing advanced industrial production to this region, creating employment while accelerating the energy transition,” stated EVE vice president Jiang Min. He added that the Debrecen base is scheduled to begin production in late 2026, while their overseas facility in Malaysia is already operational.

    Ranked fourth globally in cylindrical battery shipments and second in energy storage capacity for 2024, EVE Energy operates 12 production bases across Asia, Europe and North America. Its power batteries supply premier global automakers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar Land Rover.

    According to Jiang, the company continues to expand investments in carbon-reduction technologies. It has recently established a comprehensive resource recovery ecosystem with over 10 partners. “Collaborative expansion across the industrial chain creates mutual benefits,” Jiang said.

    A staff member operates a robot to perform synchronous action at a provincial embodied artificial intelligence robot innovation center in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, June 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Vision for intelligent machines 

    At Orbbec’s Shenzhen exhibition hall, a food-delivery robot navigates through display areas, skillfully avoiding obstacles.

    This agility comes from its 3D vision sensors, powered by the proprietary “MX6600” chip, which measures about 9 square millimeters. This chip processes depth-sensing data to enable high-precision spatial mapping.

    Currently, 7 out of 10 service robots in China use Orbbec sensors, while international clients grew by 77 percent year on year to 1,469 in 2024, including major companies like Nvidia and Microsoft.

    “We concentrate on foundational technologies,” said Huang Yuanhao, founder of Orbbec. “We are one of the few companies worldwide to cover all major 3D vision perception technology approaches, serving global robotics enterprises across various sectors, such as smart factories, warehouse logistics, construction automation, and intelligent inspection,” he added.

    Orbbec also offers rapid technical support to better serve its global users. “Some of our products have demanding technical service requirements, and excellent service is a major factor why overseas users choose us,” said Orbbec’s CFO Chen Bin.

    China’s global engagement is transitioning from manufacturing exports to integrated technological empowerment, said Yang Boru, professor at the School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-sen University in Guangdong. As these innovative solutions expand worldwide, they have become key drivers of intelligent and sustainable industrialization, he added.  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Whitehouse Introduce Bills to Slash Emissions From Ocean Shipping

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, introduced a pair of bills to reduce dangerous air pollution within the shipping industry.

    Padilla’s Clean Shipping Act of 2025, led by Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.-42) in the House, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry to protect the health of port communities and address the environmental injustice impacts of the climate crisis. Padilla also co-leads the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act, led by Whitehouse in the Senate and Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07) and Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.-15) in the House. The bill aims to reduce emissions by imposing a pollution fee on large marine vessels offloading cargo at U.S. ports to fund decarbonization efforts in the U.S. maritime economy.

    “California’s ports are the powerhouse of our country’s economy, moving critical freight and providing good-paying jobs, all while leading the nation’s decarbonizing efforts. But neighboring communities have been forced to shoulder the brunt of global shipping pollution for too long,” said Senator Padilla. “Our legislation would strengthen the sustainability of our shipping industry by reducing emissions in maritime transportation while simultaneously protecting coastal communities. The health of our communities and our planet requires us to be forward-looking and ambitious — we owe future generations nothing less than bold, transformative action.”

    “As climate change destroys lives and drives up costs for families, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to avoid the worst consequences for communities, businesses, and the environment,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse. “Encouragingly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has put forward a global carbon price on shipping emissions. This legislation reinforces that work, further cutting harmful emissions while supporting the maritime innovators that are pioneering clean technologies to protect public health and can help put us on course to climate safety.”

    Globally, maritime shipping is a major source of climate-warming pollution, including climate-warming GHG emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) and harmful air pollutant emissions (oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter). According to the International Maritime Organization 2020 GHG Study, the global shipping industry emits approximately one billion tons of GHG emissions per year, roughly 3 percent of total anthropogenic global-warming carbon-dioxide emissions. The study projects in future scenarios that shipping’s GHG emissions could more than double between 2018 and 2050. These emissions are not only harmful for the environment, but jeopardize the air quality and public health of the nearly 40 percent of Americans who live within three miles of a port.

    Clean Shipping Act

    The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 would set a path to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from all ocean shipping companies that do business with the United States. It would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to set progressively tighter carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, consistent with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

    Specifically, the bill would direct the EPA to:

    • Set carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships. The bill sets progressively tighter carbon intensity standards for fuels used by ships consistent with a 1.5°C decarbonization pathway. These standards would require lifecycle carbon dioxide-equivalent reductions of 30 percent from January 1, 2030, 58 percent from January 1, 2034, 83 percent from January 1, 2040, 92 percent from January 1, 2045, and 100 percent from January 1, 2050 (based on a 2027 baseline).
    • Set requirements to eliminate in-port ship emissions by 2035. By January 1, 2035, all ships at-berth or at-anchor in U.S. ports would emit zero GHG emissions and zero air pollutant emissions.

    “Our nation’s ports, particularly the Port of Long Beach, are crucial parts of the economy that drive our supply chain at home. However, they’re also among the largest sources of pollution in our coastal communities,” said Representative Garcia. “Ship pollution is harmful for the health of people living near ports, and disproportionately affects low-income, working-class neighborhoods and communities of color. That’s why I’m proud to introduce a bill that addresses greenhouse gas pollution and creates a path to fully eliminate emissions. We must protect people’s health and stop our climate crisis, while ensuring good-paying jobs for the future.”

    “In order to protect our ocean and stay competitive with the rest of the world, we need federal leadership to help modernize and clean up U.S. shipping. By driving the shipping sector to develop, scale and deploy zero-emission technologies, we can spur job creation, help tackle the climate crisis and help create cleaner air for the millions of Americans living near ports. We commend Representative Garcia and Senator Padilla for their leadership on this issue and look forward to working with members of Congress to make this bill a reality,” said Caroline Bonfield, Ocean Conservancy’s Shipping Emissions U.S. Policy Manager.

    “The shipping industry has been polluting communities for decades, but we have the power to make shipping cleaner. Port expansions across the country have been especially devastating for communities living closest to the harbors where large ships spew toxic diesel exhaust that worsens air quality and contributes to the climate crisis. People living near ports deserve to breathe clean air, and the Clean Shipping Act will help make that a reality,” said Katherine García, Director of the Clean Transportation for All Campaign, Sierra Club.

    “GreenLatinos endorses the urgently needed Clean Shipping Act, which protects Latino/e and other vulnerable communities from further exposure to port pollution and takes important steps to reduce harm from toxic ship fuels. 1 in 3 Latines live in the top 20% of most pollution-impacted communities. Pollution burdened communities are facing even more exposure as idling ships wait days to enter port and offload their cargo. We urge Congress to act swiftly in passing this vital legislation and protect our coastal communities from the harms of port emissions,” said Andrea Marpillero-Colomina, Policy Advisor, GreenLatinos.

    “The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 will help us work toward a future where healthy port communities thrive and everyone benefits from leveraging the tremendous potential of the ocean and ocean industries as powerful sources of climate solutions. We are grateful for the leadership of Congressman Garcia and Senator Padilla for advancing this legislation for our ocean, climate, and communities,” said Sarah Guy, Executive Director, Ocean Defense Initiative.

    “The Clean Shipping Act of 2025 will send a clear signal to the shipping industry that they must reduce their emissions by phasing out the use of fossil fuels and transition to a cleaner future. Technology-forcing policies like this legislation will enable large-scale investment in sustainable maritime fuels and technologies and establish a level playing field, minimizing the risk for manufacturers and suppliers. For far too long, dirty ships have brought significant levels of air pollution into U.S. port communities. We commend Representative Garcia and Senator Padilla for reintroducing this important bill and leading the effort to help protect communities disproportionately impacted by these harmful emissions,” said Antonio Santos, Federal Climate Policy Director, Pacific Environment.

    The bill is supported by industry leaders including ABB, Evolve Hydrogen Inc., Maritime Battery Forum, and Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association, as well as NGOs including Breathe Southern California, CleanEarth4Kids.org, Don’t Waste Arizona, Environmental, Investigation Agency, Friends of the Earth, GreenLatinos, Intheshadowofthewolf, Long Beach Alliance for Clean Energy, Milwaukee Riverkeeper, Ocean Conservancy, Ocean Defense Initiative, Pacific Environment, Restoring Earth Connection, San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition, Seattle Cruise Control, Sierra Club, Sunflower Alliance, 350 Bay Area Action, 350 Sacramento, Turtle Island Restoration Network, and Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility.

    Full text of the bill is available here.

    International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act

    The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would:

    • Impose a pollution fee on the largest marine vessels offloading cargo at U.S. ports, driving industry-wide decarbonization efforts and incentivizing the use and development of cleaner maritime fuels. 
    • Levy a $150 per ton fee on the carbon emissions of fuel burned on an inbound trip, as well as fees for the nitrogen oxides ($6.30/lb.), sulfur dioxide ($18/lb.), and particle pollution (PM2.5) ($38.90/lb.) that ships emit.  The fees would apply only to those ships with 5,000 gross tonnage or more, excluding most of the domestic industry, and the fee on carbon emissions would sunset if the IMO implemented and enforced a fee on the greenhouse gas emissions of marine shipping that was equal to or greater than the $150 per ton fee levied in the bill.
    • Provide critical funding to modernize the Jones Act fleet with low-carbon vessels, revitalizing and electrifying U.S. shipbuilding, and addressing and reducing pollutants in America’s port communities, along our coasts, and in our oceans.

    The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act has been endorsed by EV Maritime, Friends of the Earth, GreenLatinos, Ocean Conservancy, Pacific Environment, San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, and 350 Brooklyn.

    Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) are cosponsoring the legislation. 

    Full text of the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act is available here, and a one-pager is available here. 

    Senator Padilla believes decarbonizing our ports is vital for powering economic growth and protecting public health. Last year, he announced over $1 billion in EPA funding across seven California ports to build zero-emission port infrastructure and implement climate and air quality management plans. The funding comes through the Clean Ports Program, which is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and aims to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality at ports across the nation. California ports will receive three of the largest seven grants nationwide, including over $411 million for the Port of Los Angeles, the biggest award in the country. In 2023, he announced $74.5 million from the Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to decarbonize, upgrade, and rehabilitate key ports along California’s coast.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: School smartphone bans reflect growing concern over youth mental health and academic performance

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Margaret Murray, Associate Professor of Public Communication and Culture Studies, University of Michigan

    New laws that ban smartphones or social media for youth are being introduced across several Western nations. SeventyFour/iStock via Getty Images

    The number of states banning smartphones in schools is growing.

    New York is now the largest state in the U.S. to ban smartphones in public schools. Starting in fall 2025, students will not be allowed to use their phones during the school day, including during lunch, recess or in between classes. This bell-to-bell policy will impact almost 2.5 million students in grades K-12.

    By banning smartphones in schools, New York is joining states across the country. The bans are happening in both traditionally liberal and conservative states.

    Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and West Virginia all passed legislation in 2025 that requires schools to have policies that limit access to smartphones. The policies will go into effect in the 2025-2026 school year. This brings the total to 17 states, plus Washington, D.C., that have phone-free school legislation or executive orders.

    I’m a professor who studies communication and culture, and while writing a book about parenting culture, I’ve noticed the narrative around smartphones and social media shifting over the past decade.

    A turning tide

    Statewide cellphone policies are gaining momentum, with many states aiming to restrict use of the devices in classrooms.
    Thomas Barwick/Digital Vision via Getty Images

    According to the Pew Research Center, 67% of American adults support banning smartphones during class time, although only 36% support banning them for the entire school day. Notably, a majority of Republican, Democratic and independent voters all support bans during class time.

    More broadly, parent-led movements to limit children’s use of smartphones, social media and the internet have sprung up around the country. For example, the Phone-Free Schools Movement in Pennsylvania was launched in 2023, and Mothers Against Media Addiction started in New York in March 2024. These organizations, which empower parents to advocate in their local communities, follow in the footsteps of organizations such as Wait Until 8th in Texas and Screen Time Action Network at Fairplay in Massachusetts, which were formed in 2017.

    The concerns of these parent-led organizations were reflected in the best-selling book “The Anxious Generation,” which paints a bleak picture of modern childhood as dominated by depression and anxiety brought on by smartphone addiction.

    Phone-free schools are one of the four actions the book’s author, Jonathan Haidt, recommended to change course. The other three are no smartphones for children before high school, waiting until 16 for social media access, and allowing more childhood independence in the real world.

    Haidt’s research team collaborated with The Harris Poll to survey Gen Z. They found that almost half of those age 18-27 wish social media had never been invented, and 21% wish smartphones had never been invented. About 40% of Gen Z respondents supported phone-free schools.

    The Pew Research Center found that almost 40% of kids age 8-12 use social media, and almost 95% of kids age 13-17 use it, with nearly half of teens reporting that they use social media almost constantly.

    Phone-free schools are also part of the larger trend of states and nations resisting Big Tech, the large technology companies that play a significant role in global commerce.

    In May 2025, two U.S. senators introduced the Stop the Scroll Act, which would require mental health warnings on social media.

    New laws that ban smartphones or social media for youth are being introduced across several Western nations. Australia has banned all social media for those under 16.

    After a fatal stabbing at a middle school in eastern France on June 10, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the same day that he wants the European Union to set the minimum age for social media at 15. He argued that social media is a factor in teen violence. If the EU doesn’t act within a few months, Macron has pledged to enact a ban in France as soon as possible.

    The impact on learning

    Research suggests that students are less focused in class when they have access to cellphones.
    isuzek/E+ via Getty Images

    Although this trend of restricting use of phones in school is new, more states may adopt smartphone bans in the future. Bell-to-bell bans are viewed as especially powerful in improving academic performance.

    Some research has suggested that when children have access to a smartphone, even if they do not use it, they find it harder to focus in class. Initial research has found that academic performance improves after the bans go into effect.

    Test scores fell across the U.S. during the pandemic lockdown and have not returned to prepandemic levels. Some states, such as Maine and Oregon, are almost a full year behind grade level in reading. Not a single state has recovered in both math and reading.

    Statewide bans free local school districts from having to create their own technology bans, which can lead to heated debates. Although a majority of adults approve of banning smartphones in class, 24% oppose it for reasons such as wanting to be able to contact their kids throughout the day and wanting parents to set the boundaries.

    However, 72% of high school teachers say that phones are a major distraction. Anecdotally, schools report that students like the bans after getting used to the change.

    I signed the Wait Until 8th pledge mentioned in the article, promising not to give my kids a smartphone or social media until at least the end of 8th grade.

    – ref. School smartphone bans reflect growing concern over youth mental health and academic performance – https://theconversation.com/school-smartphone-bans-reflect-growing-concern-over-youth-mental-health-and-academic-performance-259962

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Three feral cats in one photo – monitoring shows predators aplenty on Rakiura

    Source: NZ Department of Conservation

    Striking remote camera images show introduced predators are abundant on Rakiura/Stewart Island, and they need to be urgently controlled this winter to protect pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel and other native species.  

    The feral cats in this neck of the forest are big and healthy and there’s lots of them. This trail camera captured three in one frame (bottom right corner has the ear of the third)!
    The third cat comes into frame more fully. Feral cats pose the greatest threat to the critically endangered pukunui/southern New Zealand dotterel. See more photos below.

    The most extensive study of predators on Rakiura

    Nearly 300 trail cameras have been set up across approximately 3,000 hectares to monitor the abundance of feral cats, rats and possums before, during and after an upcoming aerial predator control operation. This action is part of the Department of Conservation’s Pukunui Recovery Project.

    With only 105 pukunui left, the operation aims to save the native bird from extinction by controlling predators, especially feral cats, across approximately 43,000 hectares. It’s the largest predator control operation ever on Rakiura. It will also be the most extensive study of predators on the island.

    Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP) has also established a network of trail cameras to gather data about rats and deer to inform future Predator Free Rakiura operations.

    Thousands of images were taken in the first round of monitoring over a two-week period in May this year within the pukunui operational area. As expected, they show high numbers of introduced predators, as well as tokoeka kiwi and white-tailed deer which are also being monitored as species of interest.

    Tītī/sooty shearwater were also observed and in one instance you can see a feral cat chasing one of the native sea birds and another shows a dangerously close interaction. See the striking photos below.

    The first phase of the pukunui operation is complete, and the second phase is scheduled to run from late July / early August, prior to the pukunui breeding season when the birds head up into the mountains to nest.

    How do the cameras work and where are they?

    The trail cameras are programmed to take bursts of photos when they sense movement, and a lure is set up in front of each camera to attract animals. The lure usually consists of fresh rabbit meat wrapped in a wire cage along with two terracotta tubes with a rabbit scent inside them. The photos are processed and sorted, with the help of AI, to identify and group photos of individual species and their locations.

    The cameras are set up from sea level at Doughboy Bay up and over the tops of the Tin Range where one of the last pukunui breeding grounds is located. There are also trail camera grids outside of the operational area at East Ruggedy and towards Mason Bay beach at Kilbride to serve as comparison sites.

    The camera grids will stay in place throughout the year, and images will be processed every three months or so to assess changes in the abundance of target predators and help measure the results of the operation.

    Learn more about the Pukukui Recovery Project. Preparing for a new generation of ‘underbirds’ on Rakiura | Conservation blog

    Trail camera photo gallery

    Take a look at some of the photos from the first round of camera monitoring. DOC will continue to share more images and data as it becomes available.

    Rakiura tokoeka kiwi marching home after a long night’s work. They are doing well on Rakiura because there aren’t any stoats. They will be even safer once we get feral cat numbers down and their habitat will improve with less rats and possums around eating forest food and plants.
    Possums are abundant and not only do they eat the eggs and young of native birds, but they eat and kill trees like the iconic Southern Rātā. The health of the forest depends on us getting rid of them. 
    We were surprised but excited to see a tītī here. There could be a lot more of them on mainland Rakiura if predators are removed.
    20 minutes later, a feral cat turns up at the same spot. Like pukunui, juvenile tītī are no match for feral cats. See an example of a cat hunting tītī further down.
    An older trail camera photo on Rakiura that shows a feral cat with a pukunui in its mouth taken from a nest.
    These are big Norway rats! They are the biggest species of rats, and they eat the eggs of native birds, lizards and invertebrates, as well as seeds which puts them in direct competition with native wildlife. The cameras also picked up ship rats and likely kiore.
    Kiwi and white-tailed deer are being monitored as species of interest. Deer are not a target species for the operation.
    A tītī from earlier this year observed by one of ZIP’s trail cameras. You can see the tip of a feral cat’s ear at the bottom of the frame.
    This next frame reveals that the tītī is being chased by a feral cat. Feral cats are known to prey upon tītī eggs, chicks and adult birds, especially when they are nesting or vulnerable on the ground. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Announces Arrest of East Idaho Man for Alleged Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Announces Arrest of East Idaho Man for Alleged Sexual Exploitation of a Child

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced that investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit arrested twenty-three-year-old Luke Birch on Thursday, June 26, 2025, for alleged sexual exploitation of a child.
    Luke Birch was charged with ten counts of possession of child exploitation material and one count of lewd and lascivious conduct with a minor.
    “These charges demonstrate the excellent work our ICAC team does protecting Idaho families,” said Attorney General Labrador. “I’m grateful for our partnership with federal and local agencies who work with our ICAC Task Force to make arrests like this one.”
    The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations assisted the Idaho ICAC Task Force in the arrest. Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.  The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit works with the Idaho ICAC Task Force, a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children. Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, ICACIdaho.org. The charges listed above are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AG Labrador Investigators Arrest Canyon County Man for Alleged Child Sexual Exploitation

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom AG Labrador Investigators Arrest Canyon County Man for Alleged Child Sexual Exploitation

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced that investigators with his Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit arrested twenty-seven-year-old James Halma on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, for alleged child sexual exploitation. James Halma was charged with ten counts of possession of child exploitation material, one count of possession of obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children, and one count of child enticement.  “I thank my ICAC investigators for their work arresting this suspect and for the collaboration between the Nampa Police Department, Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, and our team,” said Attorney General Labrador. The Nampa Police Department and Canyon County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Idaho ICAC Task Force in the arrest. Anyone with information regarding the exploitation of children is encouraged to contact local police, the Attorney General’s ICAC Unit at 208-947-8700, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678.  The Attorney General’s ICAC Unit works with the Idaho ICAC Task Force, a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, to investigate and prosecute individuals who use the internet to criminally exploit children. Parents, educators, and law enforcement officials can find more information and helpful resources at the ICAC website, ICACIdaho.org. The charges listed above are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China hopes to optimize trade and expand cooperation with Egypt – Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China /more details/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    CAIRO, July 10 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with Egypt to advance the optimization and development of bilateral trade and create more bright spots for cooperation and new economic growth points, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Cairo on Thursday.

    As Li Qiang noted during talks with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the two countries can expand cooperation in emerging areas such as new energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and the digital economy.

    The Premier stressed that China always prioritizes developing relations with Egypt in its diplomacy in the Middle East.

    He recalled that in 2024, China and Egypt jointly celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of comprehensive strategic partnership relations, and the two meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi set guidelines for the future development of bilateral ties.

    In 2026, China and Egypt will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. As Li Qiang pointed out, at this important juncture, China hopes to maintain close high-level exchanges with Egypt, strengthen strategic dialogue, deepen political mutual trust and practical cooperation.

    The Chinese leader called on both sides to support each other on the path to modernization, bringing more benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

    The Premier of the State Council said that China is willing to work with Egypt to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, expand and increase investment and cooperation within the framework of high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, and effectively implement projects to improve people’s well-being.

    As Li Qiang noted, the two sides should intensify cultural and humanitarian exchanges and mutual learning, deepen cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, media, youth and at the local level, strengthening public support for friendly cooperation between the two countries.

    The Chinese side supports Egypt in strengthening its role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to closely coordinate and cooperate with Egypt within the framework of multilateral mechanisms such as the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to implement genuine multilateralism, uphold economic globalization and the international economic and trade order, safeguard the common interests of a wide range of developing countries, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East and the world, the Chinese premier added.

    M. Madbouly, for his part, noted that Egypt and China have long-standing and deep relations, and traditional friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the peoples of both countries.

    Pointing out that in recent years, under the leadership of the two heads of state, the Egyptian-Chinese comprehensive strategic partnership has shown strong momentum and is experiencing the best period in history, M. Madbouly stressed that Egypt firmly adheres to the one-China principle, respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the PRC, resolutely supports China’s position on issues related to Taiwan, Xi Jinping and Hong Kong, and is categorically opposed to any interference in China’s internal affairs.

    He expressed gratitude to China for its assistance in Egypt’s socio-economic development and said that his country is willing to work with China to deepen political mutual trust, strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as trade, investment, finance, industry and infrastructure, expand cooperation in emerging sectors including new energy, green economy and space, intensify cultural and people-to-people exchanges and promote ever-new achievements in African-Chinese and Arab-Chinese cooperation.

    According to Madbouly, Egypt highly appreciates China’s fair and just position on Middle East issues and is willing to strengthen coordination with China within the UN, BRICS and other multilateral platforms to protect common interests and maintain peace and stability in the region.

    Following the talks, the heads of government of the two countries attended the signing of a number of documents on cooperation in areas such as e-commerce, green and low-carbon development, development assistance, finance and healthcare. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China hopes to optimize trade, expand cooperation with Egypt – Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    CAIRO, July 10 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with Egypt to advance the optimization and development of bilateral trade and create more bright spots for cooperation and new economic growth points, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said in Cairo on Thursday.

    As Li Qiang noted during talks with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, the two countries can expand cooperation in emerging areas such as new energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and the digital economy.

    The Premier stressed that China always prioritizes developing relations with Egypt in its diplomacy in the Middle East.

    He recalled that in 2024, China and Egypt jointly celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of comprehensive strategic partnership relations, and the two meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi set guidelines for the future development of bilateral ties.

    In 2026, China and Egypt will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. As Li Qiang pointed out, at this important juncture, China hopes to maintain close high-level exchanges with Egypt, strengthen strategic dialogue, deepen political mutual trust and practical cooperation.

    The Chinese leader called on both sides to support each other on the path to modernization, bringing more benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

    The Premier of the State Council said that China is willing to work with Egypt to strengthen the alignment of development strategies, expand and increase investment and cooperation within the framework of high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, and effectively implement projects to improve people’s well-being.

    As Li Qiang noted, the two sides should intensify cultural and humanitarian exchanges and mutual learning, deepen cooperation in the fields of culture, tourism, media, youth and at the local level, strengthening public support for friendly cooperation between the two countries.

    The Chinese side supports Egypt in strengthening its role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to closely coordinate and cooperate with Egypt within the framework of multilateral mechanisms such as the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to implement genuine multilateralism, uphold economic globalization and the international economic and trade order, safeguard the common interests of a wide range of developing countries, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East and the world, the Chinese premier added. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China ready to optimize trade, expand cooperation with Egypt — premier

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly in Cairo, Egypt, July 10, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    CAIRO, July 10 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Thursday that China is willing to work with Egypt to optimize the development of bilateral trade and create more highlights of cooperation as well as new drivers of economic growth.

    The two countries can expand cooperation in emerging fields such as new energy, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and digital economy, Li said during his meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly.

    China has always prioritized developing relations with Egypt in its Mideast diplomacy, Li said.

    In 2024, China and Egypt jointly celebrated the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership and the two meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi provided guidance for the future development of bilateral ties, Li said.

    In 2026, China and Egypt will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. At this pivotal juncture, China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Egypt, strengthen strategic dialogue, consolidate political mutual trust, and deepen practical cooperation, Li said.

    He called on both sides to support each other on the path to modernization and bring greater benefits to their peoples.

    Li pointed out that China is willing to strengthen the alignment of development strategies with Egypt, expand and enhance investment and cooperation within the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and effectively implement livelihood improvement projects.

    The two sides should enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges and mutual learning, deepen cooperation in areas such as culture, tourism, media, youth and local affairs, and further strengthen the public support for friendly cooperation between the two countries, he said.

    China supports Egypt in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs and is willing to closely coordinate and cooperate with Egypt within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to practice genuine multilateralism, safeguard economic globalization and international economic and trade order, defend the common interests of developing countries, and promote peace and stability in the Middle East and the world, Li added.

    For his part, Madbouly noted that Egypt and China have been enjoying long-standing and profound relations, with traditional friendship deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples.

    In recent years, under the leadership of the two heads of state, the Egypt-China comprehensive strategic partnership has shown a strong momentum, and is at its best in history, he said, adding that Egypt firmly upholds the one-China principle, respects China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly supports China’s stance on the Taiwan question and issues related to Xizang and Hong Kong, and resolutely opposes any interference in China’s internal affairs.

    Expressing gratitude for China’s assistance in Egypt’s economic and social development, Madbouly said the country is willing to expand political mutual trust with China, strengthen cooperation in traditional areas such as trade, investment, finance, industry and infrastructure, expand collaboration in emerging fields including new energy, green economy and space, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and promote more achievements in Africa-China and Arab-China cooperation.

    Egypt highly appreciates China’s just and fair stance on Mideast issues and stands ready to strengthen coordination with China within the United Nations, the BRICS and other multilateral frameworks to safeguard common interests and uphold regional peace and stability, he said.

    After the meeting, Li and Madbouly jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in such areas as e-commerce, green and low-carbon development, development assistance, finance and health.

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Kamal Madbouly in Cairo, Egypt, July 10, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Court Ruling Blocking Click-To-Cancel Rule, Schatz, Kennedy Introduce Legislation To Stop Deceptive Subscription Business Practices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – Following a ruling from a federal court that blocked the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule that was set to go into effect on Monday, U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and John Kennedy (R-La.) introduced the Unsubscribe Act. The bipartisan bill would require companies to be more transparent about their subscription-based business models and make it easier for consumers to cancel their subscriptions once their free or reduced-price trial period has ended.

    “Our bill will require companies to be more transparent about their business model and make it easier for consumers to avoid costly, automatic monthly charges they never intended to make,” said Senator Schatz. “The subscription-based business model is exploding, and it’s largely because of the deceptive practices that some companies use to lure and trap in customers. When people sign up for a free trial, they shouldn’t have to jump through hoops just to cancel their subscription before being charged.”

    “The average American is all too familiar with the headache of running around in circles to cancel a subscription before their free trial expires. Our common-sense Unsubscribe Act would make sure companies are upfront about automatic charges and make it easier to cancel subscriptions without the convoluted song-and-dance routine,” said Senator Kennedy.

    From video streaming and news to food delivery and fashion, subscription-based services have become a key part of today’s economy. A major driver of their growth is the use of free or low-cost trial offers to attract new customers. These trials give users a chance to explore the service at little to no cost before committing to a paid subscription. Unfortunately, in order to retain customers, some subscription providers rely on deceptive marketing, confusing contracts, and restrictions that make it difficult for customers to cancel their subscriptions.

    The Unsubscribe Act would:

    • Require sellers to provide customers with a clear understanding of all the terms of the contract and obtain the customer’s express and informed consent;
    • Require sellers to provide a simple means of canceling the subscription, which the customer can complete in the same way in which the original contract was entered into;
    • Require sellers to provide a clear notice to consumers when their free or reduced-cost trial is complete and before charging for the full-cost subscription;
    • Disallow automatic transfer to a contract beyond the preliminary period; and
    • Require sellers to periodically notify the customer of the terms of the contract and the cancelation mechanism.

    Companion legislation is set to be introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif.).

    “Too many consumers are lured in by free trials, only to get trapped in confusing billing cycles and cancellation mazes. The Unsubscribe Act is about fairness—it puts the burden back on companies to be honest, clear, and accountable. If a business has to trick people into staying, it does not deserve their money,” said Representative Takano.

    The Schatz-Kennedy legislation is supported by Consumer Action, Truth in Advertising, the National Consumer League (NCL), Public Citizen, and Consumer Federation of America.

    “Reining in subscription traps is a massively popular and nonpartisan issue,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud at NCL. “Passing the Unsubscribe Act is critical to protecting consumers from these predatory practices.”

    “Consumers deserve safeguards to prevent them from being trapped into paying for a service they no longer want with no straightforward way to cancel a subscription. With this week’s win by conservative big business interests in the courts against the FTC, Senator Schatz’s Unsubscribe Act is even more critical. We applaud this sensible measure to protect the public and hope it swiftly becomes law,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President of Public Citizen.

    The full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Campus redevelopment marks new chapter for EIT Hawke’s Bay

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    25 seconds ago

    A limestone mauri stone that survived Cyclone Gabrielle has been placed at the heart of EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale, marking the opening of the new Te Papa o Kiwa quadrant and a fully refurbished student hub.

    The Tim Twist Building, formerly the Twist Library, is now the campus’s main student hub. It houses Te Pārongo (Reception, Information, Library and IT Support) and Te Kuhunga (Registry and Enrolment), bringing key services together in one place.

    The building connects directly to Te Papa o Kiwa – the landing place of Kiwa – the enhanced quad designed as a central point of orientation for students, staff and visitors.

    The redevelopment follows widespread damage to the campus caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023, when floodwaters from the Tūtaekurī River breached stopbanks and severely affected 85 to 90 per cent of ground-floor buildings. In the aftermath, the focus was firmly on supporting students and restoring key services as quickly and meaningfully as possible.

    At the entrance to the quad sits a limestone mauri stone, formally named Te Taupunga o Parawhenuamea, meaning “the anchor that withstands the floodwaters of Parawhenuamea”, by local kaumatua. Relocated from beneath a kauri tree, the stone symbolises strength, recovery and connection in the wake of the cyclone.

    The stone was placed as part of a dawn ceremony on Tuesday, attended by staff, students, kaumatua and community representatives.
    EIT Operations Lead Glen Harkness said the redevelopment reflects EIT’s commitment to putting students at the centre of recovery.

    “Our main focus has always been our students. This redevelopment symbolises our collective resilience and our commitment to providing a supportive and inspiring environment for all who study and work here,” Harkness said.

    The Tim Twist Building and Te Papa o Kiwa follow the reopening of B Block and Te Ara o Tāwhaki marae in February. B Block, now named Te Pae Hono (a threshold of connection), houses Māori, Pacific and Disability Student Support Services and a multipurpose council room.

    The building also features contemporary Māori and Pacific design elements created in collaboration with Poutiaki Taonga (Archive and Collections Manager) Chris Bryant-Toi, postgraduate artists Kylarni Tamaiva-Eria and Tim Whaitiri-Henderson, kaumātua-led community groups, Chow Hill Architects and other industry professionals.

    Storytelling walls, tāniko-inspired flooring, river motifs and a suspended waka sculpture bring cultural narratives to life within the space.

    “The creative starting point for us was Jacob Scott’s stained glass window representing Tāne, Te Aho a Māui and Te Ara o Tāwhaki Marae.

    From there, we could connect to other cultures and shared histories, taking something seemingly old and revitalising it with cutting-edge digital technology.”

    Chris said the designs reflect both the experience of Cyclone Gabrielle and ongoing rangahau research.

    “We’ve created new imagery that contributes to global conversations around resilience, identity and the climate movement.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: BAY Miner Cloud Mining App Now Live: Earn Cryptocurrency Daily with No Technical Skills Needed

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Jersey City, NJ, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BAY Miner has officially launched its revolutionary cloud mining app, designed for beginners and crypto enthusiasts alike. With this all-in-one platform, users can now earn cryptocurrency passively—without any hardware, setup, or technical knowledge.

    The digital finance world is evolving fast, and BAY Miner is leading the charge by making mining truly accessible. Whether you’re new to crypto or just looking for a smart passive income source, BAY Miner makes cloud mining as simple as opening an app.

    Why BAY Miner Is a Game-Changer in Cloud Mining

    No Expensive Hardware Required

    Traditional mining requires thousands of dollars in mining rigs, setup time, and constant maintenance. BAY Miner eliminates all of that. Just download the app, select a mining plan, and start earning—right from your phone or computer.

    Automated & Optimized for Maximum Profits

    The BAY Miner platform is fully automated. It mines the most profitable cryptocurrencies in real time using advanced algorithms. You don’t have to lift a finger—just watch your balance grow each day.

    Start Earning Crypto Instantly

    You don’t need to deposit upfront to get started. Every new user gets a free sign-up bonus, and you’ll earn more just by logging in daily. That’s passive income with zero risk.

    Top Features That Make BAY Miner Stand Out

    ✅ Clean and User-Friendly Interface

    Say goodbye to complicated dashboards and confusing tools. BAY Miner’s interface is streamlined and intuitive. Anyone—regardless of experience—can use it with ease.

    ✅ Multiple Crypto Payout Options

    You’re in control of your earnings. BAY Miner supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including:

    ·Bitcoin (BTC)

    ·Ethereum (ETH)

    ·XRP

    ·Tether (USDT)

    ·USD Coin (USDC)

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    ·Dogecoin (DOGE)

    ·Solana (SOL)

    ·Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

    Choose your preferred coin and get paid on your terms.

    ✅ Powered by Renewable Energy

    BAY Miner is committed to sustainability. All mining operations run on renewable energy, making it an environmentally friendly alternative in the crypto space. Earn profits without compromising the planet.

    ✅ Rock-Solid Security & Transparency

    Security is a priority. The platform uses:

    ·Advanced data encryption

    ·DDoS protection

    ·Multi-layer login security

    ·Real-time mining and earning dashboards

    You can track your mining status, earnings, and withdrawals any time with full transparency.

    ✅ Global Reach with 24/7 Multilingual Support

    BAY Miner operates in over 150 countries, offering full support in multiple languages. Whether you’re in Europe, Asia, Africa, or the Americas—help is always available.

    How to Get Started in 3 Simple Steps

    1. Register in Seconds

    Visit https://www.bayminer.com and create your account using just your email. Instantly receive a $15 bonus to begin mining for free. Plus, get $0.60 every day just for logging in—no deposit required.

    2. Choose a Mining Plan That Works for You

    Browse through multiple mining contracts priced in USD. The app handles all crypto conversions in real-time, so you don’t need to worry about exchange rates. Whether you want quick returns or long-term income, there’s a plan for you.

    3. Watch Your Crypto Grow

    Once your plan is active, mining starts automatically. Your daily earnings are added to your wallet every 24 hours. When your balance reaches $100, withdraw or reinvest it—it’s that simple.

    Who Should Use BAY Miner?

    BAY Miner is designed for anyone who wants easy, low-risk crypto income:

    ·New to crypto? No experience needed.
    ·Busy lifestyle? Let the app work while you sleep.
    ·Stdents & parents? Earn extra money without effort.
    ·Retirees? Enjoy steady income with no maintenance.

    If you’ve got a phone or laptop, BAY Miner is your gateway to passive earnings.

    Start Earning Crypto Today with BAY Miner

    BAY Miner isn’t just another mining platform—it’s a revolution in cloud-based cryptocurrency income. Join thousands of users worldwide who are already earning daily without the hassle of hardware or technical setups.

    Download the app, register for free, and claim your $15 bonus today. Passive crypto income is just one tap away.

    Official Website: https://www.bayminer.com

    App Download: https://www.bayminer.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Email: info@bayminer.com

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks. There is a possibility of financial loss. You are advised to perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Lightchain AI Enters Bonus Round, Reallocates Team Tokens to Fuel Ecosystem Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHREWSBURY, United Kingdom, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lightchain AI, a performance-focused Layer 1 blockchain built for AI-native applications, today announced a strategic move in its tokenomics as it enters the Bonus Round of its presale campaign. Following the successful completion of all 15 presale stages and the raise of over $21 million, Lightchain AI has officially reallocated its original 5% team token allocation entirely toward ecosystem development initiatives.

    The Bonus Round offers LCAI tokens at a fixed price of $0.007, representing the final opportunity for early participants to acquire tokens before the project moves toward public exchange listings and mainnet deployment. This stage coincides with the rollout of staking mechanisms and continued onboarding of developers through Lightchain’s grant program.

    “Our decision to redirect the entire 5% team allocation into builder and ecosystem funds reflects our commitment to long-term sustainability, community ownership, and rapid developer growth,” said a spokesperson for Lightchain AI Labs. “We believe in rewarding those who contribute to the success of the network from day one.”

    Lightchain AI is engineered to power scalable AI workloads through its AI-native virtual machine, Proof-of-Intelligence architecture, and a sharding framework designed for adaptive performance. The network supports decentralized consensus, smart contract optimization, and staking rewards designed to encourage validator participation and long-term alignment.

    In addition to the tokenomics update, Lightchain AI has activated validator simulation environments and staking dashboards. Validators can now lock tokens and begin participating in early reward simulations, building the foundation for a secure, decentralized infrastructure ahead of mainnet.

    The project’s $150,000 Developer Grant Program also remains active, supporting the creation of decentralized applications, tools, and integrations. The initiative has already attracted independent builders and early Web3 contributors from global communities.

    Lightchain AI’s strategic moves have helped position it as a rising contender in the Layer 1 blockchain space, drawing attention across trading forums, investor dashboards, and development channels. With community-led governance and transparent GitHub repositories, the project continues to emphasize decentralization and inclusivity.

    The Bonus Round remains open for a limited time, with fixed pricing and no vesting for participants.

    For more information, visit:
    lightchain.ai
    Whitepaper
    Twitter/X
    Telegram

    Contact:
    SHAJAN SKARIA
    media@lightchain.ai

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Lightchain AI. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. GlobeNewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9e5db9a-6ed2-4be0-8314-4ef2dad755e1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Understanding protein motion is essential to understanding biology and advancing drug discovery. Today we’re introducing BioEmu, an AI system that emulates the structural ensembles proteins adopt, delivering insights in hours that would otherwise require years of simulation.

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Understanding protein motion is essential to understanding biology and advancing drug discovery. Today we’re introducing BioEmu, an AI system that emulates the structural ensembles proteins adopt, delivering insights in hours that would otherwise require years of simulation.

    Today in the journal Science: BioEmu from Microsoft Research AI for Science. This generative deep learning method emulates protein equilibrium ensembles – key for understanding protein function at scale. https://msft.it/6043S7rAH BioEmu aims to emulate the ensemble of structures that a protein will adopt in an experiment or the cell. The ability of a protein to dynamically switch between distinct structures is a basis for its function. BioEmu 1.1 is trained longer and more carefully in 3 distinct stages on vast data of protein structures, >200 milliseconds of molecular dynamics simulations, and 500,000 protein stability measurements. BioEmu 1.1 predicts functionally relevant conformational changes, including large-scale domain motions and local unfolding events + an increased success rate in predicting the formation of “cryptic” binding pockets. BioEmu 1.1 can emulate equilibrium distributions of millisecond-timescale MD at many orders of magnitude speedup, bringing GPU-years down to GPU-hours. BioEmu 1.1 improves ability to match experimental protein stability measurements with sampled protein structure ensembles with prediction errors below 1 kcal/mol, correlations >0.6 for a large protein stability test set, and train-test sequence similarities ~ 50%. This also holds up for predicting stability changes of single and double mutants. These results indicate that the encoding of protein mutants still resolves enough differences to be predictive when fine-tuned with the right data. Also available: MD simulations generated to train BioEmu – more than 100 milliseconds worth of data of 1000s of protein systems and 10,000s of mutants. This dataset stands out for its combined protein sequence diversity and simulation length. Learn more: https://msft.it/6044S7rAy

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: FHLBank San Francisco Awards $6.7 Million in Grants to Develop Affordable Housing in Arizona

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) today announced $6.7 million in Affordable Housing Program (AHP) General Fund grants to support the development of affordable housing in Arizona. This year’s awarded grants represent a 118% increase in funding for Arizona over last year, demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to deliver on its mission to address the critical shortage of affordable housing in the state. The 2025 AHP grants are being awarded to four important Arizona developments that will collectively create 204 units of affordable housing in Flagstaff, Pisinemo and Topawa, Prescott, and Tucson.

    “We continue to make meaningful investments to address the affordable housing crisis across Arizona, California, and Nevada,” said Joseph E. Amato, interim president and CEO of FHLBank San Francisco. “This funding, delivered in partnership with our local member financial institutions, supports housing affordability solutions in urban centers, rural areas, and tribal lands. We are helping to expand the supply of housing and for the individuals and families who need it most.”

    According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Arizona sits fourth on a national list that determines which states have the most extremely low-income households in the nation, those earning 0% to 30% of area median income, who are severely cost burdened, meaning the household spends more than 50% of its income on housing costs, including utilities.

    AHP grants help finance the development, preservation, or purchase of multifamily and single-family housing for lower-income people in need, including the chronically unhoused, families, seniors, veterans, at-risk youth, people living with disabilities and mental health challenges or overcoming substance abuse. Grants are delivered through FHLBank San Francisco member institutions partnering with nonprofits and affordable housing developers to submit applications for grants for specific projects in an annual funding competition. AHP-funded projects represent a wide range of strategies and solutions, from historic preservation and adaptive reuse to new construction and rehabilitation.

    The 2025 AHP Arizona-based General Fund grants will support the following projects:

    1. Flagstaff: Foundation for Senior Living’s Aspen Loft Apartments was awarded a $2 million grant, in partnership with FHLBank San Francisco member Raza Development Fund, Inc., to create a 65-unit, energy efficient workforce housing development
    2. Topawa and Pisinemo: the Tohono O’odham Ki:Ki Association’s TOKA Homes VI project was awarded a $1.5 million grant, in partnership with member Western Alliance Bank, to create 30 single-family homes across two sites on the Tohono O’odham Nation Reservation serving formerly unhoused people and families earning at or below 60% of the area median income.  
    3. Tucson: Compass Affordable Housing, Inc.’s Drexel Commons was awarded a $2 million grant, in partnership with member Raza Development Fund, Inc., to create a 67-unit affordable rental community serving low-income families, with 10 units reserved for households with tenant-based rental assistance.
    4. Prescott: USA Housing, Inc.’s Bradshaw III Senior Community was awarded a $1.26 million grant, in partnership with member Raza Development Fund, Inc., to create 42 units of fully-accessible affordable housing for seniors to age in place.

    In 2025, FHLBank San Francisco awarded nearly $50 million in AHP grants, including funding from its 2025 AHP General Fund for projects in California and Arizona, and from its 2025 Nevada Targeted Fund for projects in Nevada. Since 1990, FHLBank San Francisco has awarded over $1.4 billion in grants for the construction, preservation, or purchase of nearly 155,000 affordable housing units. Collectively, the FHLBanks are one of the largest sources of private sector grants for affordable housing in the country, providing approximately $8.3 billion in grant funding to help more than one million households have an affordable place to call home since 1990. Providing resources for affordable housing is central to FHLBank San Francisco’s mission, with at least 10% of the Bank’s net income from the prior year committed to fund affordable housing and related community investment programs.   

    Where AHP projects are developed, local economies also get a boost, as these projects create jobs, increase construction and consumer spending, and generate new tax revenues. Learn more about the communities, families, and individuals that have benefited from access to AHP-funded housing on the Bank’s website.

    About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco
    The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutions — commercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions —propel homeownership, finance quality affordable housing, drive economic vitality, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant and resilient.

    Contact:
    Tom Flannigan
    Tom.Flannigan@fhlbsf.com
    415.616.2695

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: As Bitcoin surged to an all-time high above $113,000, PaladinMining cloud mining demand hit an all-time high.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin is breaking all barriers and soaring at an unprecedented rate. It even broke the previous record of $109,300 and hit a new all-time high of $113,000. This incredible surge has skyrocketed the demand for PaladinMining, making it an indispensable tool for both new and experienced traders.

    Bitcoin Set a New Milestone
    Bitcoin hit a staggering record of $113,000 Thursday afternoon, smashing its previous high of $113,000. This surge has exhibited significant momentum in the digital currency market. The spike comes after weeks of uncertainty driven by trade-related speculations and financial concerns.
    However, those fears have faded away and traders are now returning confidently toward digital assets as a result of growing excitement regarding pro-crypto laws being passed in the United States. According to PaladinMining Chairman and CEO, John Alexander, “the revival marks a historic moment for the blockchain ecosystem as a whole, not just for Bitcoin.”

    An Easy and Highly-profitable Platform: PaladinMining
    Established back in 2016 and officially registered in the United Kingdom, PaladinMining Cloud Mining Provider has grown into a well-known brand in the cryptocurrency cloud mining sector. With over 1.68 million subscribers and an active community in over 190 countries, the network allows everyone to mine digital currencies without the need for any costly, complex hardware setups.

    Exceptionally Secure Cloud-Based Mining
    In PaladinMining, safety and reliability are the highest priority. This platform ensures that the assets of every user are well-protected at every stage by integrating the system with industry-leading encryption technologies, such as SSL and AIG Insurance. It also has strong risk management systems to tackle every issue efficiently. Through PaladinMining, users can start mining Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, or Dogecoin quickly from any device, whether they use a smartphone or a laptop.

    Why more people choose PaladinMining:
    User-friendly cloud mining: Anyone can start mining anytime with just a few clicks.
    No technical system required: Even a beginner can easily mine
    No initial investment needed: No upfront fees or any hidden charges
    Well-defined Interface: An easy-to-manage dashboard, no prior knowledge is required
    Whether you are relaxing on holidays or busy while traveling, you can start and manage without any hurdles. Keep mining – Keep growing.

    Simple Contracts, Real Profits

    This doesn’t end here, PaladinMining has a variety of contracts to suit the needs of every individual having different financial levels. The contracts are mentioned below:

    Classic Contracts

    Contract Name Duration Price Profit Total Return
    Free Experience Contract 1 day $15 free bonus $0.6 $15.6
    Sleipnir Mining Machine M50 2 days $100 $7 $107
    Bitcoin Miner S21 Pro 7 days $600 $48.3 $648.3
    Bitcoin Miner S21 XP Imm 15 days $1500 $292.5 $1792.5
    Avalon Air Box – 40 feet 30 days $4300 $1677 $5977

    Bonus:

    Sign up today and get a $15 credit right away, allowing users to initiate the mining process without spending even a single penny.

    Settle More Than Just Bitcoin

    While Bitcoin is the king of Cryptocurrency, PaladinMining offers settlement for a variety of digital currencies. Supported coins Include:

    · Bitcoin (BTC)

    · Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

    · Litecoin (LTC)

    · Dogecoin (DOGE)

    · Ethereum (ETH)

    · Tether (USDT-TRC20 & ERC20)

    · USD Coin (USDC)

    · Solana (SOL)

    · Ripple (XRP)

    With such great options, everyone has a choice to select the best crypto coin as per their preference or market trends and start generating coins with a simple-to-access platform.

    Grow Your Network – Gain More Income

    PaladinMining also offers every individual a chance to earn through high-rewarding affiliate marketing programs. So, start multiplying your income by helping others to join.

    Affiliate options Include:

    · $100,000+ incentive pool access

    · Upto 5% commission on every referral

    · Highly reliable tools to support and enhance your affiliate business

    Its affiliate program is a win-win for everyone, not only does a user get rewards but it also allows others to be financially free.

    A Gateway to Financial Freedom

    In a time when trust is rare and traders are looking for sophisticated ways to grow their income, PaladinMining provides a well-managed, scalable, and reliable solution. With returns ranging from $100 to $1 million daily, individuals can begin their financial journey without any entry barriers of conventional mining or high investments.

    How to begin:

    Visit: www.paladinmining.com

    Just create an account with a few simple clicks

    Choose a contract

    Start earning—no hardware, no stress

    Any questions?

    Reach us at info@paladinmining.com and our support team will assist you promptly.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: As Bitcoin surged to an all-time high above $113,000, PaladinMining cloud mining demand hit an all-time high.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin is breaking all barriers and soaring at an unprecedented rate. It even broke the previous record of $109,300 and hit a new all-time high of $113,000. This incredible surge has skyrocketed the demand for PaladinMining, making it an indispensable tool for both new and experienced traders.

    Bitcoin Set a New Milestone
    Bitcoin hit a staggering record of $113,000 Thursday afternoon, smashing its previous high of $113,000. This surge has exhibited significant momentum in the digital currency market. The spike comes after weeks of uncertainty driven by trade-related speculations and financial concerns.
    However, those fears have faded away and traders are now returning confidently toward digital assets as a result of growing excitement regarding pro-crypto laws being passed in the United States. According to PaladinMining Chairman and CEO, John Alexander, “the revival marks a historic moment for the blockchain ecosystem as a whole, not just for Bitcoin.”

    An Easy and Highly-profitable Platform: PaladinMining
    Established back in 2016 and officially registered in the United Kingdom, PaladinMining Cloud Mining Provider has grown into a well-known brand in the cryptocurrency cloud mining sector. With over 1.68 million subscribers and an active community in over 190 countries, the network allows everyone to mine digital currencies without the need for any costly, complex hardware setups.

    Exceptionally Secure Cloud-Based Mining
    In PaladinMining, safety and reliability are the highest priority. This platform ensures that the assets of every user are well-protected at every stage by integrating the system with industry-leading encryption technologies, such as SSL and AIG Insurance. It also has strong risk management systems to tackle every issue efficiently. Through PaladinMining, users can start mining Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, or Dogecoin quickly from any device, whether they use a smartphone or a laptop.

    Why more people choose PaladinMining:
    User-friendly cloud mining: Anyone can start mining anytime with just a few clicks.
    No technical system required: Even a beginner can easily mine
    No initial investment needed: No upfront fees or any hidden charges
    Well-defined Interface: An easy-to-manage dashboard, no prior knowledge is required
    Whether you are relaxing on holidays or busy while traveling, you can start and manage without any hurdles. Keep mining – Keep growing.

    Simple Contracts, Real Profits

    This doesn’t end here, PaladinMining has a variety of contracts to suit the needs of every individual having different financial levels. The contracts are mentioned below:

    Classic Contracts

    Contract Name Duration Price Profit Total Return
    Free Experience Contract 1 day $15 free bonus $0.6 $15.6
    Sleipnir Mining Machine M50 2 days $100 $7 $107
    Bitcoin Miner S21 Pro 7 days $600 $48.3 $648.3
    Bitcoin Miner S21 XP Imm 15 days $1500 $292.5 $1792.5
    Avalon Air Box – 40 feet 30 days $4300 $1677 $5977

    Bonus:

    Sign up today and get a $15 credit right away, allowing users to initiate the mining process without spending even a single penny.

    Settle More Than Just Bitcoin

    While Bitcoin is the king of Cryptocurrency, PaladinMining offers settlement for a variety of digital currencies. Supported coins Include:

    · Bitcoin (BTC)

    · Bitcoin Cash (BCH)

    · Litecoin (LTC)

    · Dogecoin (DOGE)

    · Ethereum (ETH)

    · Tether (USDT-TRC20 & ERC20)

    · USD Coin (USDC)

    · Solana (SOL)

    · Ripple (XRP)

    With such great options, everyone has a choice to select the best crypto coin as per their preference or market trends and start generating coins with a simple-to-access platform.

    Grow Your Network – Gain More Income

    PaladinMining also offers every individual a chance to earn through high-rewarding affiliate marketing programs. So, start multiplying your income by helping others to join.

    Affiliate options Include:

    · $100,000+ incentive pool access

    · Upto 5% commission on every referral

    · Highly reliable tools to support and enhance your affiliate business

    Its affiliate program is a win-win for everyone, not only does a user get rewards but it also allows others to be financially free.

    A Gateway to Financial Freedom

    In a time when trust is rare and traders are looking for sophisticated ways to grow their income, PaladinMining provides a well-managed, scalable, and reliable solution. With returns ranging from $100 to $1 million daily, individuals can begin their financial journey without any entry barriers of conventional mining or high investments.

    How to begin:

    Visit: www.paladinmining.com

    Just create an account with a few simple clicks

    Choose a contract

    Start earning—no hardware, no stress

    Any questions?

    Reach us at info@paladinmining.com and our support team will assist you promptly.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AI Mining Meets Ripple’s XRP: PFMCrypto Unveils AI-Driven XRP Cloud Mining with Zero Hardware and Daily Payouts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Ripple’s XRP ecosystem gains global momentum, PFMCrypto is proud to introduce a major leap in accessible crypto mining: the launch of XRP-focused cloud mining contracts. Now available on both web and mobile platforms, these flexible short-term contracts allow users to mine XRP remotely and receive daily XRP rewards—no mining hardware, no complex setup, and no prior experience required. For the first time, retail participants can engage with the XRP economy through a streamlined, fully integrated platform.
    Explore the PFMCrypto website or download the app today.

    XRP Cloud Mining Is Here—Simple, Smart, and Rewarding
    Traditionally known for its role in cross-border payments and institutional finance, XRP now enters a new chapter with PFMCrypto’s latest innovation: easy-to-use cloud mining. Users can mine XRP directly or leverage PFMCrypto’s intelligent AI engine to automatically switch between the most profitable assets—including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, and more—for optimized returns. All earnings are paid out daily in your chosen cryptocurrency, providing reliable income regardless of market fluctuations.
    Designed for both everyday users and professional investors, this platform empowers users to generate consistent crypto earnings from anywhere, at any time.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s XRP Cloud Mining Contracts
    –  Full XRP Integration: Deposit, purchase, mine, and withdraw XRP directly within the platform.
    –  Multi-Coin Mining Support: Mine and receive earnings in BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, USDT, SOL, LTC, and BCH.
    –  AI Revenue Optimization: Proprietary algorithms automatically allocate mining power to the top-performing assets to maximize returns.
    –  100% Remote Access: No mining equipment needed—fully accessible via the PFMCrypto mobile app or browser.
    –  Capital Protection: All contracts include full principal return upon maturity, reducing risk while growing crypto assets.

    Mining Contracts for Every Budget and Strategy:
    PFMCrypto offers a broad range of mining contracts that support XRP-based deposits and withdrawals. Each contract is crafted for flexibility, predictable income, and effective risk management:
    $10 Contract – 1 Day – Earn $0.66 (Free with signup bonus)
    $100 Contract – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 reward
    $500 Contract – 5 Days – Earn $6.15 daily
    $5,000 Contract – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 daily
    $20,000 Contract – 45 Days – Earn $380.00 daily
    Whether you’re testing the waters or building a long-term portfolio, PFMCrypto provides low-risk, high-transparency contracts that deliver stable daily income in XRP.
    Click here to explore more XRP cloud contracts.

    Why PFMCrypto’s XRP Mining Stands Out?
    –  Accessible to Everyone: No mining rigs, no setup, no complexity—just tap and earn.
    –  XRP-Native Integration: Deposit, mine, and withdraw XRP in one seamless ecosystem.
    –  Stable Returns, Smart Allocation: An AI-powered engine dynamically adjusts mining strategies to maximize rewards and ensure daily income across all supported coins.
    –  Multi-Asset Flexibility: Mine XRP directly or diversify earnings into other top digital assets—all with one contract.
    –  Instant Setup, Global Access: Mine from anywhere using your phone or browser—securely and remotely.

    Get Started Today in 3 Easy Steps:
    1.  Sign Up – Create your account and receive a $10 welcome bonus
    2.  Choose a Plan – Select a short- or long-term contract (1–60 days available)
    3.  Start Earning – Track daily profits and withdraw in the token of your choice

    Start mining XRP now at: https://pfmcrypto.net 
    Or download the PFMCrypto mobile app (available for iOS & Android).

    XRP Mining for a Digital Future
    Since 2018, PFMCrypto has helped millions of users around the world generate passive crypto income through secure, smart, cloud-based mining. With the introduction of XRP mining, the platform offers the ideal combination of institutional-grade infrastructure and retail accessibility. Now, users can choose to earn directly in XRP or diversify into major digital assets—all within a secure, fully remote environment.

    “XRP has always been fast, efficient, and scalable,” said a PFMCrypto spokesperson. “Now, it’s also mineable—securely, remotely, and profitably. We’ve eliminated the barriers so anyone can participate in XRP’s future growth.”
    Markets may shift—but daily mining income can remain steady.

    Join the XRP mining revolution today at: https://pfmcrypto.net 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: AI Mining Meets Ripple’s XRP: PFMCrypto Unveils AI-Driven XRP Cloud Mining with Zero Hardware and Daily Payouts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Ripple’s XRP ecosystem gains global momentum, PFMCrypto is proud to introduce a major leap in accessible crypto mining: the launch of XRP-focused cloud mining contracts. Now available on both web and mobile platforms, these flexible short-term contracts allow users to mine XRP remotely and receive daily XRP rewards—no mining hardware, no complex setup, and no prior experience required. For the first time, retail participants can engage with the XRP economy through a streamlined, fully integrated platform.
    Explore the PFMCrypto website or download the app today.

    XRP Cloud Mining Is Here—Simple, Smart, and Rewarding
    Traditionally known for its role in cross-border payments and institutional finance, XRP now enters a new chapter with PFMCrypto’s latest innovation: easy-to-use cloud mining. Users can mine XRP directly or leverage PFMCrypto’s intelligent AI engine to automatically switch between the most profitable assets—including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, and more—for optimized returns. All earnings are paid out daily in your chosen cryptocurrency, providing reliable income regardless of market fluctuations.
    Designed for both everyday users and professional investors, this platform empowers users to generate consistent crypto earnings from anywhere, at any time.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s XRP Cloud Mining Contracts
    –  Full XRP Integration: Deposit, purchase, mine, and withdraw XRP directly within the platform.
    –  Multi-Coin Mining Support: Mine and receive earnings in BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, USDT, SOL, LTC, and BCH.
    –  AI Revenue Optimization: Proprietary algorithms automatically allocate mining power to the top-performing assets to maximize returns.
    –  100% Remote Access: No mining equipment needed—fully accessible via the PFMCrypto mobile app or browser.
    –  Capital Protection: All contracts include full principal return upon maturity, reducing risk while growing crypto assets.

    Mining Contracts for Every Budget and Strategy:
    PFMCrypto offers a broad range of mining contracts that support XRP-based deposits and withdrawals. Each contract is crafted for flexibility, predictable income, and effective risk management:
    $10 Contract – 1 Day – Earn $0.66 (Free with signup bonus)
    $100 Contract – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 reward
    $500 Contract – 5 Days – Earn $6.15 daily
    $5,000 Contract – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 daily
    $20,000 Contract – 45 Days – Earn $380.00 daily
    Whether you’re testing the waters or building a long-term portfolio, PFMCrypto provides low-risk, high-transparency contracts that deliver stable daily income in XRP.
    Click here to explore more XRP cloud contracts.

    Why PFMCrypto’s XRP Mining Stands Out?
    –  Accessible to Everyone: No mining rigs, no setup, no complexity—just tap and earn.
    –  XRP-Native Integration: Deposit, mine, and withdraw XRP in one seamless ecosystem.
    –  Stable Returns, Smart Allocation: An AI-powered engine dynamically adjusts mining strategies to maximize rewards and ensure daily income across all supported coins.
    –  Multi-Asset Flexibility: Mine XRP directly or diversify earnings into other top digital assets—all with one contract.
    –  Instant Setup, Global Access: Mine from anywhere using your phone or browser—securely and remotely.

    Get Started Today in 3 Easy Steps:
    1.  Sign Up – Create your account and receive a $10 welcome bonus
    2.  Choose a Plan – Select a short- or long-term contract (1–60 days available)
    3.  Start Earning – Track daily profits and withdraw in the token of your choice

    Start mining XRP now at: https://pfmcrypto.net 
    Or download the PFMCrypto mobile app (available for iOS & Android).

    XRP Mining for a Digital Future
    Since 2018, PFMCrypto has helped millions of users around the world generate passive crypto income through secure, smart, cloud-based mining. With the introduction of XRP mining, the platform offers the ideal combination of institutional-grade infrastructure and retail accessibility. Now, users can choose to earn directly in XRP or diversify into major digital assets—all within a secure, fully remote environment.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ‘Fashion helped the pride come out’: First Nations fashion as resistance, culture and connection

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Treena Clark, Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, Faculty of Design and Society, University of Technology Sydney

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this article contains images of deceased people.

    First Nations garments have always held deep meaning. What we wear tells stories about culture, Country and community.

    From the moment of invasion, clothing and adornment were removed and used to erase our cultural presence. But resistance never stopped.

    Today, First Nations designers, artists and community members continue to reclaim garments as acts of survival, empowerment and self-determination.

    Cultural practices like cloak-making and adornment are linked to wellbeing. They restore pride, connect to ancestors and Country, and build community.

    First Nations fashion designers and artists create exquisite items that represent culture, speak back to colonisation, and contribute to healing.

    A shared experience

    Like so many others, what I wear is deeply personal. I have my dad’s old Aboriginal rugby guernsey. He wore it for years. Now I wear it. It’s a piece of him I get to carry.

    It’s a part of what links me to my research in understanding First Nations fashion and style as living expressions of who we are.

    I had the chance to yarn with 20 Aboriginal Knowledge Holders from Tarntanya (Adelaide), Naarm (Melbourne) and Warrane (Sydney) about their fashion and style choices.

    Like many of the people I spoke to in this study, we use First Nations fashion and style as a way to stay connected to culture and community and express identity and resistance.

    Fashion as connection and solidarity

    For many of the Knowledge Holders I spoke with, wearing First Nations clothing and adornment connects them to culture and community.

    It becomes a way to share who they are and stand together in a world that has tried to silence and erase them.

    The Knowledge Holders wear everything from subtle pins and badges to bold hoodies, t-shirts and merch with Aboriginal flag motifs and slogans. Some choose delicate shawls or clothing with cultural artworks.

    As one Knowledge Holder put it, it’s “a contribution, a brick in the wall” that helps the building of identity and belonging.

    For mob living off-Country in cities or overseas, wearing culture becomes an important way to stay connected.

    This sense of connection can also show up in the most ordinary places.

    Several Knowledge Holders shared how wearing an Aboriginal shirt in places like the supermarket often sparks a moment of connection. Sometimes they approach others, sometimes they’re the ones approached.

    Fashion as pride and cultural practice

    For most of the Knowledge Holders, wearing First Nations clothing affirms their Aboriginality and gives them a sense of pride.

    For some, it’s about proudly showing who they are, especially in a society where racism still exists. That pride runs through generations.

    Some talked about how they weren’t always allowed to show their First Nations identity openly, but now they can wear cultural clothing freely, all of the time.

    The Knowledge Holders wear First Nations fashions at work, in shops, when travelling overseas, at graduations and especially at cultural events or protests.

    Another Knowledge Holder shared how fashion filled a gap, giving First Nations people the words and symbols to express their culture and identity.

    This Knowledge Holder declared, “fashion helped the pride come out”.

    Others shared that even though wearing these clothes can mean dealing with racism or ignorance, they still choose to show that pride.

    Fashion as identity and protest

    For many of the Knowledge Holders, First Nations fashion and style is a way to strengthen their identity, share culture and protest.

    They talked about wearing protest clothing as a clear political statement, especially at marches, NAIDOC events or on Invasion Day.

    For many, clothing is how they show who they are, both to themselves and to others.

    One Knowledge Holder said

    if I don’t wear something Indigenous, they wouldn’t know that I was.

    Some pointed out that First Nations fashion and style can be an important sign for them, especially if they feel they “pass” as non-Indigenous or look ethnically ambiguous.

    But not all Knowledge Holders use fashion to show their identity. One told me they only wear First Nations clothing in solidarity with others, not as personal expression.

    There’s more to learn and do

    First Nations fashion and style is so much more than just clothing. It’s memory, resistance and a story we carry on our bodies.

    As one of the Knowledge Holders put it:

    we wasn’t allowed to be proud of it. Now we can wear [an Aboriginal] t-shirt whenever, all day every day.

    That says it all. But there’s still work to do. We need to keep learning and understanding about all the different layers and identities that shape these experiences.

    There is more research to be done to include more voices, like those of diverse genders and sexualities, Torres Strait Islanders and regional fashion scenes.

    And it’s not just about research. We need more policies, more exhibitions, more programs and more platforms that celebrate First Nations fashion and style.

    Treena Clark has received funding through the University of Technology Sydney Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellowship scheme.

    – ref. ‘Fashion helped the pride come out’: First Nations fashion as resistance, culture and connection – https://theconversation.com/fashion-helped-the-pride-come-out-first-nations-fashion-as-resistance-culture-and-connection-258816

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese’s China mission – managing a complex relationship in a world of shifting alliances

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Laurenceson, Director and Professor, Australia-China Relations Institute (UTS:ACRI), University of Technology Sydney

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese leaves for China on Saturday, confident most Australians back the government’s handling of relations with our most important economic partner and the leading strategic power in Asia.

    Albanese’s domestic critics have lambasted him for meeting Chinese leader Xi Jinping before United States President Donald Trump. They are also aggrieved at his refusal to label China a security threat.

    But neither criticism really stacks up.

    An Albanese-Trump meeting would have happened last month on the sidelines of a G7 gathering in Canada. It was Trump who left early, standing up more leaders than just Albanese.

    Nor is Albanese the first Australian prime minister to meet a Chinese president before an American one. His predecessor Tony Abbott caught up with Xi a few weeks after coming to office in 2013, before he had a chance to meet President Barack Obama.

    ‘Friends, not foes’

    Meanwhile, polling indicates just one in five Australians see the relationship with China first and foremost as “a threat to be confronted”. Rather, a clear two-thirds majority see it as “a complex relationship to be managed”.

    Albanese is also regarded as more competent than his opposition counterpart in handling Australia’s foreign policy generally – and better at managing the China relationship specifically.

    The prime minister’s Chinese hosts also have an incentive to ensure his visit is a successful one.

    In the past fortnight, China’s ambassador in Canberra, Xiao Qian, has penned opinion pieces in two of Australia’s biggest media outlets, insisting Australia and China are “friends, not foes” and touting the “comprehensive turnaround” in bilateral ties since Labor won government in May 2022.

    Beijing and Washington view each other as their geopolitical priority. Beijing can make it harder for Washington to enlist security allies such as Canberra in this rivalry by maintaining its own strong and constructive bilateral ties with Australia.

    And quite apart from the competition with the US, China relied on Australia last year as its fifth largest import source.

    Plenty of complaints

    None of this is to say Albanese’s visit will be easy, because Australia-China relations are rarely smooth.

    Canberra continues to have many complaints about China’s international behaviour.

    For example, Foreign Minister Penny Wong recently signed a joint statement with her counterparts in Washington, Tokyo and New Delhi expressing “serious concerns regarding dangerous and provocative actions” by China in the East and South China Seas, and the “abrupt constriction […] of key supply chains”.

    Wong has also said the government remains “appalled” by the treatment of Australians imprisoned in China, including Dr Yang Jun, who is facing espionage charges he strongly denies.

    Defence Minister Richard Marles has voiced Canberra’s alarm at Beijing’s “no limits agreement” with Moscow, and claimed China has

    engaged in the biggest conventional military build-up since the end of the second world war.

    However, this assessment is contested by independent Australian analysts.

    Beijing also has plenty of complaints. They include Canberra’s ongoing pursuit of closer military cooperation with the US and UK through the AUKUS pact.

    There is also the commitment to forcing the sale of the lease to operate the Port of Darwin that is currently held by a Chinese company.

    Reliable trading partner

    Albanese has already made clear his visit to China will have a strong economic focus.

    While grappling with security challenges, any Australian government, Labor or Coalition, must face the reality that last year, local companies sold more to China – worth A$196 billion – than our next four largest markets combined.

    China is also, by far, Australia’s biggest supplier, putting downward pressure on the cost of living.

    Research produced by Curtin University, commissioned by the Australia-China Business Council, finds trade with China increases disposable income of the average Australian household by $2,600, or 4.6% per person.

    In an ideal world, Australia would have a more diversified trading mix.

    But again, any Australian government or business must grapple with the reality that obvious major alternative markets, like the US, are not only less interested in local goods and services, but are walking away from their past trade commitments.

    Under the Australia-US Free Trade Agreement signed two decades ago, Australian exporters selling to the US faced an average tariff of just 0.1%. But nowadays Washington applies a baseline tariff of 10% on most Australian imports.

    Meanwhile, owing to the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement struck in 2015, Beijing applies an average tariff of just 1.1%.

    No wonder more Australians now say China is a more reliable trading partner than the US.

    This also explains Alabese’s response when he was asked in April if he would support Trump’s trade war against China:

    It would be extraordinary if the Australian response was “thank you” and we will help to further hurt our economy

    Likewise, Trade Minister Don Farrell is adamant Australia’s interests will determine the Albanese government’s choices, not “what the Americans may or may not want”.

    We don’t want to do less business with China, we want to do more business with China.

    Deeper trade ties with Asia, including China, are not just about making a buck. Wong has stressed the national security implications of a strong economic relationship:

    [It is] an investment in our security. Stability and prosperity are mutually reinforcing.

    All of this means Albanese’s six-day visit to China is shaping up to be time well spent.

    James Laurenceson 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. Albanese’s China mission – managing a complex relationship in a world of shifting alliances – https://theconversation.com/albaneses-china-mission-managing-a-complex-relationship-in-a-world-of-shifting-alliances-260404

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Does AI actually boost productivity? The evidence is murky

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jon Whittle, Director, Data61, CSIRO

    Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

    There’s been much talk recently – especially among politicians – about productivity. And for good reason: Australia’s labour productivity growth sits at a 60-year low.

    To address this, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has convened a productivity round table next month. This will coincide with the release of an interim report from the Productivity Commission, which is looking at five pillars of reform. One of these is the role of data and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

    This will be music to the ears of the tech and business sectors, which have been enthusiastically promoting the productivity benefits of AI. In fact, the Business Council of Australia also said last month that AI is the single greatest opportunity in a generation to lift productivity.

    But what do we really know about how AI impacts productivity?

    What is productivity?

    Put simply, productivity is how much output (goods and services) we can produce from a given amount of inputs (such as labour and raw materials). It matters because higher productivity typically translates to a higher standard of living. Productivity growth has accounted for 80% of Australia’s income growth over the past three decades.

    Productivity can be thought of as individual, organisational or national.

    Your individual productivity is how efficiently you manage your time and resources to complete tasks. How many emails can you respond to in an hour? How many products can you check for defects in a day?

    Organisational productivity is how well an organisation achieves its goals. For example, in a research organisation, how many top-quality research papers are produced?

    National productivity is the economic efficiency of a nation, often measured as gross domestic product per hour worked. It is effectively an aggregate of the other forms. But it’s notoriously difficult to track how changes in individual or organisational productivity translate into national GDP per hour worked.

    AI and individual productivity

    The nascent research examining the relationship between AI and individual productivity shows mixed results.

    A 2025 real-world study of AI and productivity involved 776 experienced product professionals at US multinational company Procter & Gamble. The study showed that individuals randomly assigned to use AI performed as well as a team of two without. A similar study in 2023 with 750 consultants from Boston Consulting Group found tasks were 18% faster with generative AI.

    A 2023 paper reported on an early generative AI system in a Fortune 500 software company used by 5,200 customer support agents. The system showed a 14% increase in the number of issues resolved per hour. For less experienced agents, productivity increased by 35%.

    But AI doesn’t always increase individual productivity.

    A survey of 2,500 professionals found generative AI actually increased workload for 77% of workers. Some 47% said they didn’t know how to unlock productivity benefits. The study points to barriers such as the need to verify and/or correct AI outputs, the need for AI upskilling, and unreasonable expectations about what AI can do.

    A recent CSIRO study examined the daily use of Microsoft 365 Copilot by 300 employees of a government organisation. While the majority self-reported productivity benefits, a sizeable minority (30%) did not. Even those workers who reported productivity improvements expected greater productivity benefits than were delivered.

    AI and organisational productivity

    It’s difficult, if not impossible, to attribute changes in an organisation’s productivity to the introduction of AI. Businesses are sensitive to many social and organisational factors, any one of which could be the reason for a change in productivity.

    Nevertheless, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has estimated the productivity benefits of traditional AI – that is, machine learning applied for an industry-specific task – to be zero to 11% at the organisational level.

    A 2024 summary paper cites independent studies showing increases in organisational productivity from AI in Germany, Italy and Taiwan.

    In contrast, a 2022 analysis of 300,000 US firms didn’t find a significant correlation between AI adoption and productivity, but did for other technologies such as robotics and cloud computing. Likely explanations are that AI hasn’t yet had an effect on many firms, or simply that it’s too hard to disentangle the impact of AI given it’s never applied in isolation.

    AI productivity increases can also sometimes be masked by additional human labour needed to train or operate AI systems. Take Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology for shops.

    Publicly launched in 2018, it was intended to reduce labour as customer purchases would be fully automated. But it reportedly relied on hiring around 1,000 workers in India for quality control. Amazon has labelled these reports “erroneous”.

    More generally, think about the unknown number (but likely millions) of people paid to label data for AI models.

    AI and national productivity

    The picture at a national level is even murkier.

    Clearly, AI hasn’t yet impacted national productivity. It can be argued that technology developments take time to affect national productivity, as companies need to figure out how to use the technology and put the necessary infrastructure and skills in place.

    However, this is not guaranteed. For example, while there is consensus that the internet led to productivity improvements, the effects of mobile phones and social media are more contested, and their impacts are more apparent in some industries (such as entertainment) than others.

    Productivity isn’t just doing things faster

    The common narrative around AI and productivity is that AI automates mundane tasks, making us faster at doing things and giving us more time for creative pursuits. This, however, is a naive view of how work happens.

    Just because you can deal with your inbox more quickly doesn’t mean you’ll spend your afternoon on the beach. The more emails you fire off, the more you’ll receive back, and the never-ending cycle continues.

    Faster isn’t always better. Sometimes, we need to slow down to be more productive. That’s when great ideas happen.

    Imagine a world in which AI isn’t simply about speeding up tasks but proactively slows us down, to give us space to be more innovative, and more productive. That’s the real untapped opportunity with AI.

    Jon Whittle works at CSIRO which receives R&D funding from a wide range of government and industry clients.

    – ref. Does AI actually boost productivity? The evidence is murky – https://theconversation.com/does-ai-actually-boost-productivity-the-evidence-is-murky-260690

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Amalgamated Financial Corp. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK,, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amalgamated Financial Corp. (“Amalgamated” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AMAL) today announced that its second quarter 2025 financial results will be released before market open on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Company will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the financial results.

    Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 1-877-407-9716 (international callers please dial 1-201-493-6779) approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the call. A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the website at https://ir.amalgamatedbank.com/.

    A replay of the conference call will be available within two hours of the conclusion of the call and can be accessed both online and by dialing 1-844-512-2921 (international callers please dial 1-412-317-6671). The pin to access the telephone replay is 13754662. The replay will be available until July 31, 2025.  

    About Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    Amalgamated Financial Corp. is a Delaware public benefit corporation and a bank holding company engaged in commercial banking and financial services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Amalgamated Bank. Amalgamated Bank is a New York-based full-service commercial bank and a chartered trust company with a combined network of five branches across New York City, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, and a commercial office in Boston. Amalgamated Bank was formed in 1923 as Amalgamated Bank of New York by the Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America, one of the country’s oldest labor unions. Amalgamated Bank provides commercial banking and trust services nationally and offers a full range of products and services to both commercial and retail customers. Amalgamated Bank is a proud member of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values and is a certified B Corporation®. As of March 31, 2025, our total assets were $8.3 billion, total net loans were $4.6 billion, and total deposits were $7.4 billion. Additionally, as of March 31, 2025, our trust business held $35.7 billion in assets under custody and $14.2 billion in assets under management.

    Investor Contact:
    Jamie Lillis
    Solebury Strategic Communications
    shareholderrelations@amalgamatedbank.com 
    800-895-4172

    Source: Amalgamated Financial Corp.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ingersoll Rand Schedules Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DAVIDSON, N.C., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE: IR), a global provider of mission-critical flow creation and life science and industrial solutions, will issue its second quarter 2025 earnings release after the market closes on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

    Ingersoll Rand will also host a live earnings conference call to discuss the second quarter results on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 8 a.m. Eastern Time. To participate in the call, please dial +1-888-330-3073, domestically, or +1-646-960-0683, internationally, and use access code 8970061.

    A real-time audio webcast of the presentation can be accessed via the Events and Presentations section of the Ingersoll Rand Investor Relations website here, where related materials will be posted prior to the conference call.

    A replay of the webcast will be available after conclusion of the conference and can be accessed on Investor Relations Website here.

    About Ingersoll Rand Inc.
    Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR), driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mindset, is dedicated to Making Life Better for our employees, customers, shareholders, and planet. Customers lean on us for exceptional performance and durability in mission-critical flow creation and life science and industrial solutions. Supported by over 80+ respected brands, our products and services excel in the most complex and harsh conditions. Our employees develop customers for life through their daily commitment to expertise, productivity, and efficiency. For more information, visit www.IRCO.com.

    Investors:
    Matthew Fort
    Matthew.Fort@irco.com

    Media:
    Sara Hassell
    Sara.Hassell@irco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Little Pepe Launches Stage 5 as Presale Surges Past $4.8 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Little Pepe ($LILPEPE) has officially sold out Stage 4 of its presale and the project has crossed the $4.8 million mark, signaling rising enthusiasm and investor confidence in the meme coin project. As Stage 5 kicks off, the new token price of $0.0014 reflects the surging demand and growing momentum behind what many now consider one of the most promising meme coins of 2025. With each phase selling out faster than the last, investors are now eyeing Stage 5 as a critical opportunity to enter before further price increases and upcoming exchange listings.

    Little Pepe — A Meme Coin Built on Real Infrastructure

    What separates Little Pepe from the bunch of meme projects coming into the market is its backbone—a totally functioning Ethereum-like minded Layer 2 network referred to as the Little Pepe Chain. While most meme tokens are deployed immediately on Ethereum or BNB Smart Chain, $LILPEPE is a custom-built infrastructure designed for speed, scalability, and ultra-low transaction fees.

    This innovative approach adds long-term utility and flexibility, allowing Little Pepe to serve more than just meme coin enthusiasts. Developers and users alike can benefit from the high throughput and minimal costs, opening the door for a range of applications and use cases far beyond what traditional meme coins offer.

    Over $4.8M Raised

    Stage 4 wrapped up with Little Pepe securing over $4.8 million in funding from a rapidly expanding community of whale investors. The milestone places $LILPEPE some of the most successful ongoing presales this year, highlighting its particular position at the intersection of meme culture and real tech advancement.

    Social platforms like X, Telegram, and Reddit have become the hotspots for ongoing conversations about the project, drawing in thousands of users who are looking for every presale update and getting ready for potential exchange listings. The momentum has created a viral effect, propelling interest in Stage 5 to new highs.

    Stage 5 Opens at $0.0014

    Now that Stage 5 is live, the price of $LILPEPE has increased to $0.0014—a modest jump that reflects both the project’s current traction and its anticipated growth. With previous stages selling out rapidly, the urgency among new buyers is growing. Each new phase brings a higher entry price, and the presale is only accessible via the official website: littlepepe.com.

    For early adopters, this phase offers what could be one of the final chances to buy in before centralized exchange listings potentially send the price much higher. As more media coverage and community-generated content continue to highlight the project, visibility is expected to rise dramatically in the coming weeks.

    Little Pepe’s Unique Appeal in a Crowded Market

    The crypto space has no shortage of meme coins, but few manage to blend cultural resonance with blockchain innovation like Little Pepe. At its core, the project leverages the viral potential of internet humor while remaining grounded in performance and scalability.

    Unlike tokens that rely purely on influencer hype or speculative pumps, Little Pepe has built its foundation on real tech. Its Layer 2 structure provides the kind of speed and affordability that most meme coins lack, making it a more attractive long-term hold.

    Looking Ahead: Exchange Listings and Expansion

    While the presale is still ongoing, many are already speculating on what comes next. Exchange listings are expected once the final presale stage is completed, and that could significantly expand access to $LILPEPE on a global scale. With a working blockchain, engaged community, and proven investor demand, Little Pepe appears well-positioned to make that leap.

    Until then, Stage 5 remains the focus—and the momentum isn’t slowing down. As the token’s price climbs and the presale nears its final rounds, $LILPEPE continues to attract attention as one of the most exciting meme coins in the crypto space today.

    About Little Pepe

    Little Pepe is a next-gen Layer 2 blockchain designed to merge meme culture with high-speed, low-cost decentralized infrastructure. Built for scalability, security, and accessibility, Little Pepe supports EVM-compatible applications and is powered by means of the $LILPEPE token. The project’s mission is to create a meme coin environment wherein utility meets virality, empowering users through cutting-edge technology and lightning-fast transactions.

    For more information:
    Website: https://littlepepe.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken
    Twitter: https://x.com/littlepepetoken

    Contact Details: COO- James Stephen Email: media@littlepepe.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by Little Pepe. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3c8f246-5f7a-4d94-8109-afc10647151d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Inception Growth Acquisition Limited Announces Postponement of the Special Meeting to July 25, 2025 and Extension of Redemption Request Deadline

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inception Growth Acquisition Limited (the “Company”), a blank check company, today announced that its previously announced special meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) will be postponed from 10:00 a.m. Hong Kong Time on July 14, 2025 to 10:00 a.m. Hong Kong Time on July 25, 2025 and accordingly, the deadline for stockholders to submit redemption requests will be extended to July 23, 2025.

    The physical location of the Special Meeting remains at the offices of Loeb & Loeb LLP, 2206-19 Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place Central, Hong Kong SAR, and virtually via teleconference using the following dial-in information:

    US Toll Free   +1 866 213 0992
    Hong Kong Toll   +852 2112 1888
    Participant Passcode   2910077#

    As a result of the postponement, the deadline for delivery of redemption requests from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the proposed business combination has been extended from July 10, 2025 (two business days before the originally scheduled Special Meeting) to July 23, 2025 (two business days before the postponed Special Meeting). Stockholders who have already submitted redemption requests may revoke such requests prior to the new deadline in accordance with the procedures described in the definitive proxy statement in relation to the Special Meeting (the “Original Proxy Statement”) filed with by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on May 27, 2025, and the supplement (the “Supplement”) to the Original Proxy Statement, which was filed by the Company with the SEC on June 26, 2025.

    The record date for determining the Company stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting remains the close of business on May 27, 2025 (the “Record Date”). Stockholders as of the Record Date are eligible to vote, even if they have subsequently sold their shares.

    If you have questions regarding the certification of your position or delivery of your shares, please contact:

    Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC
    1 State Street 30th Floor
    New York, NY 10004-1561
    E-mail: spacredemptions@continentalstock.com

    Other than as indicated herein, no other changes have been made to the Original Proxy Statement as amended and supplemented by the Supplement, or the proxy card as originally filed and mailed. Stockholders are advised to review the Supplement carefully and to consider it together with the Original Proxy Statement, both available on the SEC’s EDGAR database at www.sec.gov, for complete details regarding the matters to be voted in the Special Meeting.

    The Company’s stockholders who have questions regarding the postponement, or the Special Meeting, or would like to request documents may contact the Company’s proxy solicitor, Advantage Proxy, Inc., at (877) 870-8565, or banks and brokers can call (206) 870-8565, or by email at ksmith@advantageproxy.com.

    If you have already voted, you do not need to vote again unless you would like to change or revoke your prior vote on any proposal. In addition, stockholders who have already submitted a redemption request with respect to the shares held by them may withdraw such request by contacting our transfer agent. If you would like to change or revoke your prior vote on any proposal, or reverse a redemption request, please refer to the Proxy Statement for additional information on how to do so.

    If you have already submitted a proxy and do not wish to change your vote, you need not take any further action. If you have submitted a proxy and wish to change your vote, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised at the Special Meeting as provided in the Original Proxy Statement. Please note, however, that if your shares are held in street name by a broker or other nominee and you wish to revoke a proxy, you must contact the broker or nominee to revoke any prior voting instructions.

    About Inception Growth Acquisition Limited

    Inception Growth Acquisition Limited is a blank check company incorporated under the laws of Delaware whose business purpose is to effect a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization, or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. Such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the date of the Special Meeting, are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligations or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    On May 27, 2025, the Company filed a definitive proxy statement, and on June 26, 2025, the Company filed a supplement to the definitive proxy statement with the SEC in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY ARE URGED TO READ THE SUPPLEMENT, THE ORIGINAL PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND OTHER DOCUMENTS THE COMPANY FILES WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the definitive proxy statement (including any amendments or supplements thereto) and other documents filed with the SEC through the web site maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov or by contacting the Company’s proxy solicitor.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    The Company and its respective directors and officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders in connection with the Special Meeting. Additional information regarding the identity of these potential participants and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the definitive proxy statement. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

    Contact

    Inception Growth Acquisition Limited
    Investor Relationship Department
    (315) 636-6638

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Legislation considered under suspension of the Rules of the House of Representatives during the week of July 14, 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote.

    At the request of the Majority Leader and the House Committee on the Budget, CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues. CBO has limited time to review the legislation before consideration. Although it is possible in most cases to determine whether the legislation would affect direct spending or revenues, time may be insufficient to estimate the magnitude of those effects. If CBO has prepared estimates for similar or identical legislation, a more detailed assessment of budgetary effects, including effects on spending subject to appropriation, may be included.

    CBO’s estimates of the bills that have been posted for possible consideration under suspension of the rules during the week of July 14, 2025, include:

    • H.R. 131, Finish the Arkansas Valley Conduit Act, as amended
    • H.R. 410, Alaska Native Vietnam Era Veterans Land Allotment Extension Act of 2025
    • H.R. 504, Miccosukee Reserved Area Amendments Act
    • H.R. 900, Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 1043, La Paz County Solar Energy and Job Creation Act
    • H.R. 1044, To amend Public Law 99-338 with respect to Kaweah Project permits
    • H.R. 1455, ITS Codification Act
    • H.R. 1618, Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act, as amended
    • H.R. 1709, Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act
    • H.R. 1717, Communications Security Act
    • H.R. 1729, Bolts Ditch Act
    • H.R. 1765, Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 1766, NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act
    • H.R. 1770, Consumer Safety Technology Act
    • H.R. 2037, Open RAN Outreach Act, as amended
    • H.R. 2316, Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025
    • H.R. 3657, Hydropower Relicensing Transparency Act, as amended
    • S. 1596, Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act

    MIL OSI USA News –