Category: Transport

MIL-OSI United Nations: 30 June 2025 News release Suriname certified malaria-free by WHO

Source: World Health Organisation

Today, Suriname became the first country in the Amazon region to receive malaria-free certification from the World Health Organization (WHO). This historic milestone follows nearly 70 years of commitment by the government and people of Suriname to eliminate the disease across its vast rainforests and diverse communities.

“WHO congratulates Suriname on this remarkable achievement,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This certification is a powerful affirmation of the principle that everyone—regardless of nationality, background, or migration status—deserves universal access to malaria diagnosis and treatment. Suriname’s steadfast commitment to health equity serves as an inspiration to all countries striving for a malaria-free future.”

With today’s announcement, a total of 46 countries and 1 territory have been certified as malaria-free by WHO, including 12 countries in the Region of the Americas.

“Suriname did what was needed to eliminate malaria—detecting and treating every case quickly, investigating to prevent spread, and engaging communities,” said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), WHO’s regional office for the Americas. “This certification reflects years of sustained effort, especially reaching remote areas. It means future generations can grow up free from this potentially deadly disease.”

Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous transmission has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years.

Dr Amar Ramadhin, Minister of Health of Suriname, stated: “Being malaria-free means that our population is no longer at risk from malaria. Furthermore, eliminating malaria will have positive effects on our healthcare sector, boost the economy, and enhance tourism.

“At the same time, we recognize that maintaining this status requires ongoing vigilance. We must continue to take the necessary measures to prevent the reintroduction of malaria. We are proud that our communities are now protected, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to our beautiful Suriname—while remaining fully committed to safeguarding these hard-won gains.”

Suriname’s road to elimination

Suriname’s malaria control efforts began in 1950s in the country’s densely-populated coastal areas, relying heavily on indoor spraying with the pesticide DDT and antimalarial treatment. By the 1960s, the coastal areas had become malaria-free and attention turned towards the country’s forested interior, home to diverse indigenous and tribal communities.

Although indoor spraying was successful in coastal areas, its impact was limited in the country’s interior due to the prevalence of traditional open-style homes that offer minimal protection against mosquitoes. In 1974 malaria control in the interior was decentralized to Medische Zending, Suriname’s primary health care service, which recruited and trained healthcare workers from the local communities to provide early diagnosis and treatment.

The surge in mining activities, particularly gold mining which often involves travel between malaria-endemic areas, led to increases in malaria, reaching a peak of more than 15 000 cases in 2001, the highest transmission rates of malaria in the Americas.

Since 2005, with support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the capacity to provide diagnosis was greatly expanded with both improvements in microscopy and the use of rapid diagnostic tests, particularly among mobile groups. Artemisinin-based treatments with primaquine were introduced in Suriname and neighboring countries through PAHO-led studies under the Amazon Malaria Initiative (AMI-RAVREDA), supported by the United States. Prevention among high-risk groups was also strengthened through the distribution of insecticide-treated nets funded by the Global Fund.

By 2006, malaria had drastically decreased among the indigenous populations, prompting Suriname to shift its focus to high-risk mobile populations in remote mining areas. To reach these groups—many of whom were migrants from neighboring endemic countries—the country established a network of Malaria Service Deliverers, recruited directly from the mining communities. These trained and supervised community workers provide free malaria diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services, playing a vital role in closing access gaps in hard-to-reach regions.

Through ensuring universal access to diagnosis and treatment regardless of legal status, deploying an extensive network of community health workers, and implementing nationwide malaria screening, including at border crossings, Suriname successfully eliminated malaria. The last locally transmitted case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria was recorded in 2018, followed by the final Plasmodium vivax case in 2021.

Sustained leadership commitment and funding

The government of Suriname has shown strong commitment to malaria elimination, including through the National Malaria Elimination Taskforce, Malaria Program, Malaria Elimination Fund, and cross-border collaboration with Brazil, Guyana and French Guiana. For many years PAHO/WHO, with the support of the U.S. Government, has provided technical cooperation throughout Suriname’s anti-malaria campaign. Since 2016 Suriname also participated in the “Elimination 2025” initiative – a group of countries identified by WHO as having the potential to eliminate malaria by 2025.

This success in Suriname is a demonstration that malaria elimination is possible in challenging contexts in the Amazon basin and in tropical continental countries. The country’s malaria-free certification plays a critical role in advancing PAHO’s Disease Elimination Initiative which aims to eliminate more than 30 communicable diseases, including malaria, in countries of the Americas by 2030.

Note to the editor

WHO malaria-free certification

The final decision on awarding a malaria-free certification is made by the WHO Director-General, based on a recommendation by the Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification and validation from the Malaria Policy Advisory Group. For more on WHO’s malaria-free certification process, visit this link.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Fortinet Named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure for the Second Year in a Row
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

News Summary

Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced it has been recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure for the second year in a row.

Fortinet believes this recognition reflects the strength of its industry-leading secure LAN edge portfolio, including secure networking solutions such as FortiSwitch and FortiAP. The portfolio is fully integrated with the Fortinet Security Fabric and powered by a single operating system, FortiOS, to deliver converged networking and security.

“Unlike traditional networking solutions that bolt security on after the fact, the Fortinet wired and wireless LAN portfolio was developed from the ground up with built-in AI-powered security and AI-assisted network operations. This convergence enables customers to simplify operations, improve performance, and extend security from IT into OT environments. We believe this is what continues to set Fortinet apart and make us a leader in this market,” said Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President, Products and Solutions, at Fortinet.

The Fortinet Secure LAN Edge portfolio addresses evolving customer needs and delivers key benefits, including:
- Pervasive, built-in security at the LAN edge to reduce cyber risk: Customers can deploy intuitive architectures with integrated security and AI-assisted management via FortiAI. Fortinet’s simplified licensing model avoids the complexity of managing multiple add-on subscriptions.
- Stronger IT and OT convergence through a unified platform: As organizations demand more of their networks while navigating staffing shortages and the cybersecurity skills gap, it becomes increasingly difficult for limited staff to maintain and secure their networks. Fortinet reduces this burden with a single platform approach that minimizes misconfigurations, eases day-to-day operations, and delivers AI-driven insights across Fortinet’s wired and wireless LAN solutions.
- Consistent capabilities and intuitive licensing to reduce cost and complexity: Fortinet’s wired and wireless LAN solutions provide enterprise-grade flexibility without trade-offs, reducing network risk and simplifying operations without inflating costs.
These capabilities are all delivered through a single operating system, FortiOS, which powers the Fortinet Security Fabric across the networking and security domains.

Customer Recognition
Fortinet has also been recognized in the 2024 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure as a Customers’ Choice for the seventh consecutive time.

“One of the big reasons we chose Fortinet is that their networking tools are built from the ground up with security in mind… With the Fortinet solutions, our network speed has been amazing. We used to receive frequent performance-related complaints from end-users, but we have heard zero complaints since we deployed the Fortinet networking solutions.”

“FortiAPs have better availability than their competitors and easier, single-pane-of-glass management. We considered an unmanaged AP, but when we realized how tightly FortiAP integrates with the Fortinet Security Fabric, the decision was a nobrainer. We expect the FortiSwitches and FortiAPs to work together to paint a very complete security picture for our team.”

Additional Resources

Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure, Peer Contributors, 12 September 2024.

Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, MAGIC QUADRANT and PEER INSIGHTS are registered trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Fortinet
Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTS”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.

Copyright © 2025 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ^® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, the Fortinet logo, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiASIC, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiMail, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiAgent, FortiAI, FortiAIOps, FortiAgent, FortiAntenna, FortiAP, FortiAPCam, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCache, FortiCall, FortiCam, FortiCamera, FortiCarrier, FortiCASB, FortiCentral, FortiCNP, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiCSPM, FortiCWP, FortiDAST, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiDeceptor, FortiDeploy, FortiDevSec, FortiDLP, FortiEdge, FortiEDR, FortiEndpoint FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFirewall, FortiFlex FortiFone, FortiGSLB, FortiGuest, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiLAN, FortiLink, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiNDR, FortiPAM, FortiPenTest, FortiPhish, FortiPoint, FortiPolicy, FortiPortal, FortiPresence, FortiProxy, FortiRecon, FortiRecorder, FortiSASE, FortiScanner, FortiSDNConnector, FortiSEC, FortiSIEM, FortiSMS, FortiSOAR, FortiSRA, FortiStack, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiTrust, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLM, FortiXDR and Lacework FortiCNAPP. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments.

The MIL Network –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Rosen Speaks Out Against Extreme Republican Bill to Strip Health Care from Americans, Hurt Nevada

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

Rosen: “This DC Republican bill is extreme. It’s cruel. And it’s not what the American people want. They want lower costs. They want economic security. They want their kids to have care when they’re sick, and a fair shot to thrive. They don’t want their future sold off to billionaires.”

Watch Senator Rosen’s Full Remarks HERE.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) took to the Senate floor to speak out against Senate Republicans’ extreme tax and spending bill, which will severely harm Nevada families by ripping away Medicaid and food assistance from millions of Americans, all to pay for more tax cuts for major corporations and the ultra-wealthy.
Below are excerpts of Senator Rosen’s floor remarks:
I rise today to express my strong opposition to the devastating and dangerous tax and spending bill that Senate Republicans are trying to jam through this weekend on a party-line vote, a bill that will gut essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP, just to pay for even more tax breaks for billionaires.
Let’s be clear about what’s happening here. This Big Beautiful Betrayal isn’t about fiscal discipline – it’s fiscally reckless. It’s not about responsibility or doing what’s best for average Americans. It’s about misguided priorities. It’s about giving more to the ultra-wealthy on the backs of hardworking families.
[…]
Earlier this year, I held a roundtable in Las Vegas with Nevada families who rely on Medicaid – not as a talking point, not as a “pay for” in a budget bill – but as a lifeline.
I talked to people like Jessica, whose daughter Kay is four years old, and she was born with Down Syndrome and was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
Jessica relies on Medicaid to help cover the cost of weekly physical, speech, and occupational therapies for Kay, all of which are responsible for helping her learn to walk, to use utensils, to write her own name.
Kay also has a cardiologist and an endocrinologist to manage conditions related to her Down Syndrome. Medicaid covers those doctors.
It covers her insulin. And it covers the insulin pump that allows Jessica to manage her daughter’s diabetes around the clock — because Kay can’t communicate when her blood sugar is dangerously high or low.
Jessica said something at that roundtable I’ll never forget.
She told me, QUOTE: I can’t imagine losing Medicaid… obviously I’m going to have to give up something, because I’m not gonna let her go without insulin and the lifesaving care that she needs. I can’t imagine having to think about what I’d have to cut or what I’d have to do in order to pay for the lifesaving care that she needs and deserves.” END QUOTE.
[…]
This bill would also slash SNAP, the nutrition program that helps nearly one in six Nevadans put food on the table — and most of those recipients are children.
When they cut this program, what are families supposed to do? How will they put food on the table?
And it doesn’t stop there. This bill threatens thousands of good-paying, union jobs in Nevada and across the country by letting critical tax credits for solar and wind projects expire before those projects can even get off the ground.
In Nevada, we have more solar jobs per capita than any other state, and enough solar energy to power nearly one point three million homes. This bill will decimate this growing industry.
And on top of that, Republicans have included an additional new tax on wind and solar projects, which won’t just kill the industry, it’ll raise energy prices for hardworking families.
All of this is causing companies across the country to stall or cancel projects over the uncertainty of losing access to these credits. That means fewer jobs, less investment, and more families left wondering how they’ll make ends meet.
We’re talking about an industry that supports two hundred and eighty thousand American workers–electricians, technicians, construction crews–and we’re pulling the rug out from under them and killing thousands of clean energy jobs.
Anyone who supports this bill is not pro-worker. They are not looking out for underdogs…for hardworking families. They’re focused on making the rich richer.
[…]
I will not stand by and let Nevada’s families lose access to their health care, and food assistance, and jobs, all so billionaires can pad their pockets.
And let’s remember what we did when DEMOCRATS used the reconciliation process.
We expanded health insurance subsidies and gave Medicare authority to negotiate lower drug prices. We invested in clean energy. We cut costs for families, instead of cutting lifelines.
This DC Republican bill is extreme. It’s cruel. And it’s not what the American people want.
They want lower costs. They want economic security. They want their kids to have care when they’re sick, and a fair shot to thrive. They don’t want their future sold off to billionaires.
So I say to my Republican colleagues: don’t turn your backs on families who need it the most. Don’t gut Medicaid to give billionaires a tax cut.
The American people deserve better. And I will fight every step of the way to make sure they get it.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Welch Highlights How Republicans’ Cruel Tax Bill Hurts Working Americans to Help the Ultra-Wealthy: “It’s going to inflict bipartisan pain.”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

Health care, community hospitals, food assistance, jobs are on the line
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Late last night, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) took to the Senate floor to reveal how Republicans’ disastrous tax and spending bill will force millions of working Americans in Vermont, West Virginia, and across the country to lose their health coverage, rip away vital food assistance for more than 42 million Americans, cut clean energy incentives and add a tax to wind and solar energy, raise utility bills and grocery prices, and tank the economy—all to pay for tax cuts for the very wealthy.
“Never in my time in Congress have I seen a bill that does so much damage, in so many ways, to so many people, in so many states, and that will affect so many generations. The clerks have read the bill—it’s now time for us to kill the bill,” said Senator Welch. “I say let’s come to our senses and not do something that is a massive escalation of the wealth transfer from the working class, the middle class to the very, very wealthy. Many of us have a number of amendments—and I do too—to try to make the point that our job is to make things better for everyday working Americans, not inflict additional burdens on them.”
“We have a job to do, and it’s to strengthen this economy, provide more stability for our families and our communities. And in this bill, we’re doing exactly the opposite: aggravating income inequality, not mitigating it, accelerating climate change rather than diminishing it, making life tougher for everyday families. I urge my colleagues to defeat this bill.”
Senator Welch has proposed changes to Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act to prevent harm to rural hospitals, strengthen access to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, block cuts and policies that weaken the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other food assistance programs, protect home energy efficiency tax credits and the home efficiency workforce, and support federal public defenders.
Watch Senator Welch’s speech below:

Read key excerpts from Senator Welch’s remarks:
“Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good—we still have time to kill this bill, and we should kill this bill. We Democrats are united in opposition to this bill, but it’s not only Democrats whose constituents are going to be hurt by this bill. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle have an opportunity to make a choice. Read the bill and decide: are you going to protect your constituents—who are going to suffer the same afflictions as my constituents—or are you going to defer to President Trump?
“The bad in this bill—it’s going to inflict bipartisan pain. This is not aiming at red state or blue state. This is aimed at working class and middle-class Americans…More than 76,000 people in West Virginia will lose access to health care because of this bill. 278,000 West Virginians are going to lose access to the nutrition programs, to SNAP. In Tennessee, more than 295,000 people will lose access to health care and Medicaid through this bill. And SNAP means 758,000 Tennesseans lose the nutrition benefits.
“I want to repeat here: this is the bipartisan infliction of pain. This is real. This is real. And is the tax cut—largely directed to the very wealthy people—is it worth inflicting that kind of pain on so many, when the tax cut benefits so few?”
•••
“Inflation is going up under this bill. Just think how much more we’re going to pay in debt service—dead money. It’s about a trillion dollars. Home mortgages, folks are going to be paying at least a thousand dollars more. Small business loans, at least a thousand dollars more. Grocery prices, definitely going up for all Americans.
“There’s an ugly aspect of this bill as well, and it is that this bill is entirely in service of providing tax cuts, largely to the very wealthy. The top 1% of income earners in this country will get 60% of the benefit. That’s a couple hundred thousand people will get immense tax breaks that equal— exceed —the so-called ‘tax breaks’ that go to a couple of hundred million Americans. And it’s those in the 60% category paying the higher prices for utilities, credit card debt, cost of a car loan, rent, groceries.”
•••
Learn more about Senator Welch’s work by visiting his website or by following him on social media.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NYC School Speed Camera Program Extended

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to strengthen New York City’s school zone speed camera program through 2030. This legislation will ensure that speed cameras continue to save lives and protect New Yorkers by discouraging reckless driving. Speed cameras work and have already had a powerful impact. Where cameras are installed, speeding violations have dropped by 94 percent. These locations are significantly safer, with 14 percent fewer fatalities and injuries compared to areas without cameras.

“It’s simple: speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “There is no greater priority for me than the safety of New Yorkers, and strengthening New York City’s speed camera program means safer streets for everyone — from kids walking to school to seniors crossing the street to cyclists commuting home.”

Legislation S.8344/A.8787 updates provisions first enacted in 2013 that authorized automated speed enforcement in school zones across New York City. By repealing outdated sections and extending the program’s expiration to July 1, 2030, the law guarantees the continued use of speed cameras to prevent dangerous driving and reduce traffic injuries.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “At this point, there are no questions, just facts: speeding kills, and speed cameras save lives. No New Yorker should fear for their life while traveling on our streets. The speed camera program works—where there are cameras, drivers slow down and speeding plummets. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul for signing this into law and to the advocates and NYC DOT for their partnership in keeping the cameras on.”

Assemblymember Deborah Glick said, “New York City’s school zone speed camera program has been incredibly successful in slowing motorists down and drastically reducing injuries and deaths in the streets around our schools. I was proud to sponsor legislation to renew this critical program, and I thank Governor Hochul for signing the bill, ensuring that these cameras can continue to keep dangerous drivers on notice that reckless driving will not be tolerated.”

Governor Hochul has made traffic safety a top priority throughout her administration. In 2022, she reauthorized and expanded the school speed camera program to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since that expansion, injuries and fatalities during overnight and weekend hours have dropped by 8 percent. Today, more than 2,400 speed cameras are in place across the five boroughs, helping protect everyone who uses New York City streets.

In 2024, Governor Hochul signed Sammy’s Law, granting the City the authority to lower speed limits to 20 miles per hour. Lowering speed limits is a demonstrated method to reduce the risk of death or injury during vehicular crashes and saves lives. Governor Hochul signed legislation to increase road safety by extending existing red light camera programs across the state and establishing a new red light camera program in the Hudson Valley. This includes the largest expansion of the red light camera program in New York City’s history.

As part of the FY26 Enacted Budget, along with record investments in transportation, this spring Governor Hochul and the State legislature extended the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program until 2031 and expanded it to include MTA Bridges and Tunnels and NYS Bridge Authority properties. The program, which aims to improve work zone safety for both workers and drivers, was previously set to expire in 2026. The expansion also doubles the number of work zones eligible for participation in the program for both NYSDOT and the NYS Thruway Authority. A majority of the funds collected under this program are reinvested into the work zone safety programs including safety training and public awareness advertising.

Today’s action builds on Governor Hochul’s legacy of authorizing communities across the state to utilize camera technology to maintain traffic safety and protect New Yorkers. With the extension of the school speed camera program, New York continues to take bold, data-driven steps to reduce traffic violence and make streets safer for all.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Luján Delivers Forceful Remarks on Republican Betrayal Bill, Highlighting Impacts on New Mexicans

US Senate News:

Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

WATCH Senator Luján’s Floor Speech HERE

Washington, D.C. – In Case You Missed It: U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of both the Senate Finance and Budget Committees, took to the Senate floor to deliver a floor speech detailing how the Republican budget bill would devastate New Mexico’s families, farmers and ranchers, and children and seniors. Senator Luján’s floor speech came during the midnight hour as Senate Democrats held the Senate floor.

Excerpts of Senator Luján’s floor speech are available below:

“Some claim this bill will help Americans, which we know is not the truth. Because from where I stand, there is very little in this legislation that helps hard-working New Mexicans. It’s important that this debate is happening – because now New Mexicans and all Americans can see clearly what is in this bill and what is not.”

“New Mexicans are hard-working people who believe in the values of loving your neighbor and following what the Bible teaches us: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This bill goes against everything New Mexicans stand for. It is not honest. It is not caring. And it is not fair.”

“I have heard my colleagues claim that this does not cut assistance. That’s a lie. It’s not true. This bill cuts more than a trillion dollars from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Medicaid for crying out loud. Senate Republicans are gutting the Affordable Care Act and ripping health care away from over 17 million Americans.”

“For our rural communities out there, for the farmers and ranchers who grow our food, this bill will hurt your bottom line while closing rural hospitals and rural grocery stores. For families who rely on SNAP, this bill means less food on the table and more children going to bed hungry. All while making health care, especially emergency care, harder to access. That is what this bill does to hard-working Americans.”

“To the American people: Hear me when I say, keep speaking up. You have done it before. You helped stop the sale of our public lands. You made your voices impossible to ignore. Now, this bill is not the law of the land yet. But if we stay silent, it will be. So, keep organizing. Keep calling. Keep showing up.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to Algeria
Source: IMF – News in Russian

June 30, 2025

End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.
- The near-term prospects for the Algerian economy remain broadly positive despite global uncertainty, but fiscal vulnerabilities are high.
- A gradual yet urgent fiscal adjustment is essential to strengthen fiscal resilience and rebuild buffers, while monetary policy should remain focused on price stability. Greater exchange rate flexibility would strengthen the economy’s ability to absorb external shocks, including from hydrocarbon prices.
- Strengthened policy frameworks, along with reforms to enhance fiscal resilience, diversify the economy, and promote private investment, are critical to lifting growth and creating jobs over the medium-term.
Algiers, Algeria: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Mr. Charalambos Tsangarides visited Algiers during June 16–30, to conduct the 2025 Article IV consultation with Algeria.

At the end of the mission, Mr. Tsangarides issued the following statement:

“Economic activity eased to 3.6 percent in 2024 from 4.1 percent in 2023, as OPEC+ production cuts weighed on the hydrocarbons sector, while nonhydrocarbon activity remained strong, expanding by 4.2 percent. The current account balance turned to a deficit in 2024 amid lower hydrocarbon output and gas prices. International reserves remained robust at US$ 67.8 billion, covering about 14 months of imports.

Inflation fell sharply from an average of 9.3 percent in 2023 to 4 percent in 2024, driven mainly by lower food prices, with core inflation also declining. Monetary policy remained accommodative in the first half of 2025. The budget deficit widened significantly in 2024, reaching 13.9 percent of GDP due to lower hydrocarbon revenues and higher wage and investment spending, and is expected to remain high in 2025.

The near-term outlook is broadly positive, supported by a gradual recovery in hydrocarbon production as OPEC+ production cuts ease, which is expected to sustain growth in 2025, while inflation remains moderate. However, growing fiscal pressures pose significant financing challenges and if continued, would increase public debt in the medium term. Continued global uncertainty and volatile hydrocarbon prices are likely to dampen exports and investment, contributing to a wider current account deficit in 2025.

Economic prospects face several risks, primarily from volatile hydrocarbon prices amid shifting trade policies and geopolitical tensions, and persistent fiscal deficits that strain debt sustainability and deepen financial linkages between the government, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and public banks (SOBs). However, medium-term economic prospects would improve with sustained reforms to diversify the economy, and effective implementation of the government’s Action Plan and structural reforms.

To safeguard macro-financial stability and mitigate near-term risks amid a volatile global environment, the mission recommends gradual yet timely fiscal rebalancing. This will curb rising financing needs driven by large deficits and falling hydrocarbon prices, helping to reduce vulnerabilities, rebuild buffers, and stabilize public debt over the medium term. Monetary policy should continue to be guided by economic conditions and firmly focused on its inflation objective, while maintaining close oversight of financial sector developments. More exchange rate flexibility will enhance the economy’s ability to absorb external shocks amid heightened hydrocarbon price volatility and global uncertainty.

Medium-term reform priorities include enhancing fiscal sustainability, strengthening monetary and financial frameworks, and advancing structural reforms to boost private investment, inclusive growth, and job creation.

The fiscal adjustment strategy would be strengthened by reforms to increase nonhydrocarbon revenues and streamline spending. A revised revenue mobilization strategy would support efforts to expand the tax base, including by rationalizing tax expenditures, and enhance compliance via digitalization. Reforming subsidies would help rebuild fiscal buffers and create space for priority expenditures, including targeted support for vulnerable households. Enhancing public investment efficiency would support the authorities’ economic diversification goals. Improving oversight, efficiency, and governance of SOEs would be essential to contain macro-financial risks. The mission welcomes progress in implementing the 2018 Organic Budget Law, which is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in budget execution, the establishment of a unit within the Ministry of Finance to oversee SOEs and strengthen fiscal risk management, and the expected implementation of the new Public Procurement Law.

The mission commends the authorities for their ongoing implementation of the 2023 Monetary and Banking Law, improvements in liquidity management, and strengthened capacity in macroeconomic forecasting and policy analysis. Clarifying the monetary policy framework—by defining a clear primary objective and nominal anchor—would enhance policy transmission and effectiveness. Improving financial sector oversight is crucial to mitigate risks arising from strong financial linkages between the central government, SOEs, and SOBs.

The authorities’ efforts to diversify the economy and improve the business climate to boost private investment are welcome. Key initiatives include a one-stop digital shop for real estate access, aligning exports with international standards, and advancing online trade. The mission encourages continuing these reforms but cautions against broad application of fiscal incentives that may create revenue gaps. Additional gains can be achieved by removing administrative restrictions, increasing flexibility in product and labor markets, and ensuring a level playing field between public and private sectors. The mission also welcomes recent governance reforms and continued efforts to strengthen the AML/CFT framework and enhance transparency and accountability in the public sector.”

“The mission expresses its gratitude and appreciation to the authorities and all interlocutors for their warm hospitality and the open and constructive discussions.”

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

@IMFSpokesperson

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/30/pr-25226-algeria-imf-staff-completes-2025-article-iv-mission

MIL OSI
MIL OSI Russia News –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: How startups are harnessing Azure cloud computing and advanced NVIDIA chips
Source: Microsoft

Headline: How startups are harnessing Azure cloud computing and advanced NVIDIA chips

As industries race to adopt AI, it takes a unique catalyst to cause true disruption and change the world. In our Catalyst documentary series, we follow three disruptive startups as they unlock what is possible when cloud-native agility meets accelerated computing, leveraging Microsoft Azure and NVIDIA to drive seismic shifts in science, health, and technology.

Microsoft and NVIDIA have over a decade-long partnership in driving AI innovations and solutions forward. Together, they are working to democratize access to cutting-edge cloud infrastructure and building a supportive ecosystem for startups, enabling them to train and deploy complex AI models faster so they can create solutions that solve global challenges. Microsoft Azure provides a scalable cloud foundation which combines with the full-stack NVIDIA innovation AI platform—including accelerated computing infrastructure, performance-optimized AI software, and domain-specific frameworks—to support innovation and create new opportunities. They enable startups and and innovative companies to use AI to develop, expand, and deliver groundbreaking solutions across industries.

In the first season, we will follow three companies in the Microsoft for Startups and NVIDIA Inception programs at the cusp of breakthroughs powered by Azure Foundry infrastructure and accelerated by NVIDIA GPUs:
- Pangaea Data is addressing critical global healthcare challenges and closing care caps by discovering untreated and under-treated patients across hard-to-diagnose conditions who are currently overlooked despite information in their records. Pangaea’s innovative AI platform is integrated into electronic health record (EHR), scheduling, and care coordination systems through Microsoft’s Agentic AI framework, thereby enabling clinicians to ensure guideline concordance for patients at the point of care without disrupting existing workflows. By uncovering insights buried in patient records, Pangaea is helping health systems and pharmaceutical companies transform care for better outcomes and ensuring health equity.
- Basecamp Research is revolutionizing life sciences by creating one of the world’s largest biological databases—at 9.8 billion new biological protein sequences—to address critical global challenges in drug discovery, product R&D, and beyond. By enabling AI to comprehend the complexity and breadth of biology, Basecamp Research designs cutting-edge biological systems, setting new benchmarks in control, novelty, and efficiency. Their groundbreaking solutions are driving advancements in drug discovery and beyond, holding the potential to redefine the future of biological research.
- Global Objects uses advanced AI and 3D scanning technologies to create photoreal digital twins of real-world locations, objects, and props. These high-fidelity assets power generative AI, virtual production, and immersive experiences across industries—from media and entertainment to enterprise and government.
True innovation happens when startups are able harness the power of Azure Foundry infrastructure coupled with NVIDIA acceleration to spark industry breakthroughs. Watch the Catalyst series to see how today’s bold innovators are building the future, unlocking what is possible—and to provide inspiration for your startup to catalyze change.

Learn more about Microsoft for Startups today
MIL OSI Economics –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 20-year partnership to boost fusion skills in East Midlands
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

20-year partnership to boost fusion skills in East Midlands

UKAEA and East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) announce a new 20-year collaboration to advance fusion energy training and skills development.
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, and Nick Walkden, UKAEA’s Head of Fusion Skills, signing the collaboration agreement at the Fusion Energy Cafe in Worksop, Notts. Copyright United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

The collaboration will focus on developing and delivering fusion related skills, including apprenticeships and wider vocational training programmes, to support the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project – the UK’s first prototype fusion energy power plant that will be built on the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire.

This new collaboration will not only provide crucial skills for STEP but also support a growing fusion industry across the region. An Economic and Wider Impact Assessment commissioned by relevant local authorities has calculated that by the time it is fully operational, the West Burton site is anticipated to accommodate 6,500 full-time jobs across STEP and the surrounding business park, equivalent to 12.5% of the current total workplace jobs in Bassetlaw. Around half of the forecast STEP Campus construction jobs are expected to require Level 3+ qualifications, and it is estimated that nearly three quarters of the on-site jobs on the STEP Campus are expected to require individuals with Level 4+ qualifications.

Fusion has the potential to provide abundant, clean power, and deliver energy security, and bolstered by the government’s record £2.5 billion investment, the sector promises to create thousands of jobs and empower the UK to export its world-leading technology to a global market, expected to be worth trillions of pounds in the future.

UKAEA is committed to facilitating the training of the next generation of British scientists and engineers. The East Midlands benefits from an outstanding base of training and skills providers, and universities. This EMCCA-led collaborative will bring together the best of this existing provision to empower people in the region to meet the skill needs of this globally significant clean energy programme.

Training provided through the new collaborative will be designed with flexibility to adapt as the STEP programme and the West Burton site evolves. Initial training will focus on the engineering and project skills needed to complete plant design, with construction and operational skills as focus areas for future stages of the programme.

The collaboration will deliver fusion-relevant courses through existing training sites across the EMCCA geography, South Yorkshire, and Greater Lincolnshire. Colleges, training providers, and universities are already mobilising to offer more places for construction and clean energy qualifications, gearing up the region to deliver on its emerging inclusive growth strategy even before the West Burton facility is in place.

I am delighted to announce EMCCA as our partner in this exciting new training collaboration, which will be delivered out of our planned West Burton Training Facility,

said UKAEA’s Head of Fusion Skills and FOSTER (Fusion, Opportunities, Skills, Training, Education and Research) Programme Director, Nick Walkden.

People are the most important element of any programme or project. We have listened and learned from other major research, engineering, and infrastructure projects and believe that an early and focussed attention to local skills and workforce growth will be a critical enabler to success.

STEP is a programme with global impact and, as with the successive Governments who have recognised fusion’s potential to have a significant and positive impact on the nation’s economy, we are equally committed to leaving a lasting local legacy. The training provided will equip people across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire with the skills needed for the prototype fusion powerplant at West Burton as well as long-term career opportunities in fusion and beyond.

The STEP programme, led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), provides an enormous opportunity for regional growth and regeneration, with the potential to create thousands of jobs during construction and a pipeline of long-term highly skilled careers over decades of operations. Permissions and consents will be sought for construction to begin in the early 2030s, with the prototype powerplant targeting first operations in 2040.

Paul Methven, CEO, UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and Senior Responsible Owner of STEP, said:

Delivering STEP, and commercial fusion beyond that, will require a strong skills pipeline, not only in STEM subjects, but in every aspect of running a complex business. It is fantastic to see that UKAEA are leading on putting this essential enabler in place now to ensure local people benefit directly from the programme, in addition to ensuring we have the skills needed to deliver STEP.

Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:

The East Midlands is planning for our energy future today, and fusion energy is an exciting part of that future. One day – thanks to the Nottinghamshire-based STEP programme – the whole region will benefit from clean, affordable fusion energy. Right now, my priority is ensuring that local people can get the jobs associated with developing this new industry and its supply chains. This is what inclusive growth in practice looks like – investing smartly to ensure that growth is created, sustained, and experienced by local people.

The Fusion Skills Collaboration embodies this goal, and our outstanding colleges, training providers, and universities will be front and centre in training people in the skills of the future.

Photos from the collaboration signing at The Fusion Energy Cafe in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, can be found here.

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Published 30 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: New cooperation in logistics: GUU and TransContainer signed an agreement

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

On June 30, the State University of Management and the leading Russian container operator TransContainer signed a cooperation agreement.

Representatives of the company, represented by HR Director Oleg Novikov and Deputy HR Director Ekaterina Balykina, who are graduates of the educational programs of the State University of Management, arrived at the university to meet with the management.

Rector Vladimir Stroyev, vice-rectors Dmitry Bryukhanov and Maria Karelina, as well as associate professor of the Department of Transport Complex Management Artem Merenkov spoke about the history of the university, discussed the future of the industry and priority formats of interaction.

“Historically, one of the first logistics departments was established at our university, back in the days of Sergo Ordzhonikidze. Of course, the name was different, but that doesn’t change the essence. Of course, there were also railway universities back then, but they were only looking at one area, while we trained transport hub managers in a more global sense and in different areas. Today is the time for quick actions and decisions, so it is especially important that we signed the agreement in the shortest possible time. Now it’s time for specific working steps,” Vladimir Stroyev noted.

Dmitry Bryukhanov spoke about project-based learning, which is carried out at the State University of Management from the first year, and also drew attention to the possibility of interaction within the framework of the work of the State University of Management Higher School of Business and Technology.

Oleg Novikov also confirmed his readiness to implement joint projects.

“We are extremely interested in cooperation. Today is the time when personnel must be forged before they are intercepted. Literally 5-7 years ago we were monopolists, but now there are many competitors, albeit on a smaller scale, but they exist. First of all, we are interested in attracting students for internships in order to assess their abilities and readiness for employment. We are also interested in project activities, since we have ideas that we would like to implement, and we are confident that students of the State University of Management will help with this,” concluded the representative of TransContainer.

The parties also agreed on the possibility of conducting introductory tours for students at the company’s enterprises and practical classes from TransContainer experts.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: BitGo and Dinari Launch Unified API for Crypto, Stablecoins, and Tokenized U.S. Equities
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dinari, the largest issuer of tokenized U.S. equities, and BitGo, the leading infrastructure provider of digital assets, today announced a strategic partnership that puts traditional stocks on the same rails as crypto and stablecoins. The two companies are launching a single integration that allows developers to offer tokenized equities, spot crypto, and stablecoins within one platform, all backed by insured, qualified custody.

Later this year, BitGo clients will gain access to Dinari’s rapidly growing catalog of dShares^TM, ERC-20 tokens that are tokenized on demand and backed one-to-one by the equities they represent. With one API, platforms will be able to support high-demand stocks and ETFs like AAPL, TSLA, and SPY, alongside digital assets like BTC and USDC. The experience includes custody, settlement, and reporting all in one unified workflow, removing the need to juggle multiple vendors or compliance frameworks.

“From day one we set out to make it easy for our partners to offer tokenized U.S. equities seamlessly and compliantly,” said Gabriel Otte, Dinari’s Co-Founder and CEO. “BitGo took the same approach to crypto assets. By joining forces, we’re giving the world a plug-and-play solution for offering the world’s most in-demand asset classes.”

“In today’s environment, companies can’t afford to spend six months assembling together a neo-brokerage; they need a seamless, reliable gateway,” said Mike Belshe, CEO of BitGo. “Integrating Dinari into BitGo’s infrastructure enables any platform to offer thousands of U.S. equities and digital assets without re-engineering their stack or taking on additional custody risk.”

Key Benefits for Platforms and Fintechs:
- Single API and onboarding flow that replaces the need for multiple custody, settlement, and compliance vendors.
- Institutional-grade stack pairing BitGo’s qualified custody with Dinari’s compliance-first infrastructure.
- Global product coverage that lets users trade stocks and digital assets side by side, with access to 60+ markets and high-demand tickers like AAPL, TSLA, SPY, BTC, and USDC.
The integrated service enters private beta in Q3 2025, with general availability targeted for year-end. The companies are in active discussions with multiple partners eager to utilize a unified offering. Early-access partners can apply today on BitGo’s website.

About BitGo
BitGo is the leading infrastructure provider of digital asset solutions, delivering custody, wallets, staking, trading, financing, and settlement services from regulated cold storage. Since our founding in 2013, we have focused on enabling our clients to securely navigate the digital asset space. With a large global presence through multiple regulated entities, BitGo serves thousands of institutions, including many of the industry’s top brands, exchanges, and platforms, as well as millions of retail investors worldwide. As the operational backbone of the digital economy, BitGo handles a significant portion of Bitcoin network transactions and is the largest independent digital asset custodian, and staking provider, in the world. For more information, visit www.bitgo.com.

About Dinari
Dinari Inc. is the largest tokenized U.S. public securities provider, with a mission to enable investing in anything from anywhere through its compliance-first, blockchain-based tokenization technology. With Dinari Inc., neobanks, fintechs, and other financial services providers can offer their customers seamless access to U.S. public markets through Dinari’s fully-backed dShares™. By tokenizing real-world equities at scale, Dinari Inc. provides global investors with seamless access to over 100 tokenized U.S. public stocks and financial assets. Turnkey integration and a focus on working with partners to navigate regulatory challenges make it easy for Neobanks, fintechs, and other institutions to remain at the forefront of financial technology. Dinari Inc. has raised $22.65 million to date from leading investors including VanEck Ventures, Hack VC, F-Prime Capital, Blockchange Ventures, and Balaji Srinivasan. Dinari Inc. is a Registered Transfer Agent with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (Section 17A(c)). Dinari dShares^TM are not currently available in the United States and certain jurisdictions as limited by law.

Media Contacts
Kayla Gill & Leslie Termuhlen
Kayla@serotonin.co | leslie@serotonin.co

BitGo
press@bitgo.com

The MIL Network –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: BitGo and Dinari Launch Unified API for Crypto, Stablecoins, and Tokenized U.S. Equities
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALO ALTO, Calif., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dinari, the largest issuer of tokenized U.S. equities, and BitGo, the leading infrastructure provider of digital assets, today announced a strategic partnership that puts traditional stocks on the same rails as crypto and stablecoins. The two companies are launching a single integration that allows developers to offer tokenized equities, spot crypto, and stablecoins within one platform, all backed by insured, qualified custody.

Later this year, BitGo clients will gain access to Dinari’s rapidly growing catalog of dShares^TM, ERC-20 tokens that are tokenized on demand and backed one-to-one by the equities they represent. With one API, platforms will be able to support high-demand stocks and ETFs like AAPL, TSLA, and SPY, alongside digital assets like BTC and USDC. The experience includes custody, settlement, and reporting all in one unified workflow, removing the need to juggle multiple vendors or compliance frameworks.

“From day one we set out to make it easy for our partners to offer tokenized U.S. equities seamlessly and compliantly,” said Gabriel Otte, Dinari’s Co-Founder and CEO. “BitGo took the same approach to crypto assets. By joining forces, we’re giving the world a plug-and-play solution for offering the world’s most in-demand asset classes.”

“In today’s environment, companies can’t afford to spend six months assembling together a neo-brokerage; they need a seamless, reliable gateway,” said Mike Belshe, CEO of BitGo. “Integrating Dinari into BitGo’s infrastructure enables any platform to offer thousands of U.S. equities and digital assets without re-engineering their stack or taking on additional custody risk.”

Key Benefits for Platforms and Fintechs:
- Single API and onboarding flow that replaces the need for multiple custody, settlement, and compliance vendors.
- Institutional-grade stack pairing BitGo’s qualified custody with Dinari’s compliance-first infrastructure.
- Global product coverage that lets users trade stocks and digital assets side by side, with access to 60+ markets and high-demand tickers like AAPL, TSLA, SPY, BTC, and USDC.
The integrated service enters private beta in Q3 2025, with general availability targeted for year-end. The companies are in active discussions with multiple partners eager to utilize a unified offering. Early-access partners can apply today on BitGo’s website.

About BitGo
BitGo is the leading infrastructure provider of digital asset solutions, delivering custody, wallets, staking, trading, financing, and settlement services from regulated cold storage. Since our founding in 2013, we have focused on enabling our clients to securely navigate the digital asset space. With a large global presence through multiple regulated entities, BitGo serves thousands of institutions, including many of the industry’s top brands, exchanges, and platforms, as well as millions of retail investors worldwide. As the operational backbone of the digital economy, BitGo handles a significant portion of Bitcoin network transactions and is the largest independent digital asset custodian, and staking provider, in the world. For more information, visit www.bitgo.com.

About Dinari
Dinari Inc. is the largest tokenized U.S. public securities provider, with a mission to enable investing in anything from anywhere through its compliance-first, blockchain-based tokenization technology. With Dinari Inc., neobanks, fintechs, and other financial services providers can offer their customers seamless access to U.S. public markets through Dinari’s fully-backed dShares™. By tokenizing real-world equities at scale, Dinari Inc. provides global investors with seamless access to over 100 tokenized U.S. public stocks and financial assets. Turnkey integration and a focus on working with partners to navigate regulatory challenges make it easy for Neobanks, fintechs, and other institutions to remain at the forefront of financial technology. Dinari Inc. has raised $22.65 million to date from leading investors including VanEck Ventures, Hack VC, F-Prime Capital, Blockchange Ventures, and Balaji Srinivasan. Dinari Inc. is a Registered Transfer Agent with the United States Securities & Exchange Commission (Section 17A(c)). Dinari dShares^TM are not currently available in the United States and certain jurisdictions as limited by law.

Media Contacts
Kayla Gill & Leslie Termuhlen
Kayla@serotonin.co | leslie@serotonin.co

BitGo
press@bitgo.com

The MIL Network –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Mukuru and Payfast Deliver on the Promise of Online Shopping for Cash-Paying South Africans

South Africa’s predominantly cash-based economy is making significant inroads into the e-commerce sector, thanks to the growing success of the partnership between financial services platform Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com) and payment gateway Payfast by Network. For over a year, the two businesses have been enabling access to online shopping for cash-paying South Africans. Through MukuruPay (MPay), cash-first customers can now participate in digital commerce, unlocking new market segments for thousands of local retailers.

The partnership’s success stems from its ability to address a long-standing gap in the e-commerce market—the exclusion of millions of South Africans who prefer or rely on cash. A recent Payfast (https://apo-opa.co/4eMSDXX) “State of Pay” report shows that cash is the fourth preferred payment methods for customers and competes with widely used options such as card, open banking/ instant EFT and QR code. Likewise, an SBV Cash Survey 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/40shqdC) white paper outlines that 22% (over 13 million) of South Africans are cash-reliant and are not willing or cannot switch to other forms of payment. The study reveals that this group is vulnerable in the shift to digital services, despite holding immense economic potential.

Mukuru’s partnership with Payfast is helping to bridge the gap between cash and digital commerce by making e-commerce more accessible to cash-first consumers in South Africa. Throughout 2024, the company has seen a growing number of businesses adopt its payment option via Payfast, reflecting increased demand across sectors such as internet services, digital goods, fashion, groceries, bill payments, and education.

Timothee Dura, Head of Merchant Payments at Mukuru, says, “South Africa’s e-commerce cannot accept only cards and digital payment methods like EFTs or wallets. It needs to work for everyone. We are bridging the digital divide by meeting cash-first consumers where they are—offering them convenience and access to goods and services that were previously out of reach with a payment method that is familiar to them. This is how we build a more inclusive financial ecosystem in South Africa.”

For merchants, MPay offers a way to reach customers who have traditionally been excluded from online shopping due to their reliance on cash. The payment method builds on Mukuru’s long-standing experience with cash-first communities and is available through the Payfast by Network dashboard for registered merchants. Once MPay is enabled, a customer shopping on the merchant’s online store selects Mukuru as the payment option at checkout. The system generates a unique order number, valid for 36 hours. The customer can then pay in cash at any of Mukuru’s 11,000+ payment points across South Africa—including major retailers like Spar, Pick n’ Pay, Boxer, and Shoprite.

As soon as the customer pays, Mukuru alerts the merchant—enabling swift order fulfilment. MPay also helps merchants reduce operational costs by cutting down on cash handling, removing the need for cash-on-delivery, and minimising the risk of fraud.

For consumers, MPay presents an alternative to cash on delivery, particularly relevant in informal or rural areas, where logistical challenges and safety concerns are more frequent. It enables participation in digital commerce while retaining the familiarity of cash payments, facilitated through Mukuru’s established physical network.

“The increasing adoption of MPay on Payfast by merchants reflects our conviction that cash-first customers are critical to South Africa’s e-commerce economy. We remain committed to bridging the gap between cash and digital payments, creating safer, regulated, and accessible pathways for unbanked and underserved communities to participate in the formal economy”, concludes Dura.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Kgomotso Hlakudi:
Email: kgomotso.hlakudi@mukuru.com
(+27) 73 333 1672

About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 17 million+ across Africa, Asia and Europe. With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we’ve developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 70 countries and across over 570 remittance corridors.

We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.

Mukuru has been listed among the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses globally for the sixth consecutive year in the 2025 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies. In 2024, Mukuru won the IAMTN Payments Network Customers Experience Excellence Award for exceptional customer satisfaction and was accredited as a Top Employer in South Africa for 2024 and 2025 by the Top Employers Institute.

In 2023, Mukuru ranked sixth on the LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa. We aso received the Fintech Innovation of the Year Award at the 2023 Africa Tech Festival Awards for its role in driving economic growth and financial inclusion.

Further information can be found at: https://apo-opa.co/44x1h87

MIL OSI Africa –

July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI Africa: Business-critical mails in spam folders: Why real emails look fake now

In the fight against phishing, forward-thinking organisations are winning. But there’s a twist. The heightened vigilance that has empowered employees to detect suspicious emails is now creating a new dilemma: legitimate, business-critical messages are being flagged, ignored, or buried in spam folders. And in today’s AI-fuelled cyber landscape, that reaction may be as justified as it is damaging.

Phishing works and it’s reshaping trust

The release of generative AI tools has supercharged phishing attempts. KnowBe4’s Phishing Threat Trend Report 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4kdUXIx) shows that more than 80% (https://apo-opa.co/3TNjJnN) of the analysed phishing emails were augmented by AI, and they’re far more convincing than before.

“The gut-check we used to rely on has been gamed – and even the large language models now being explored to help detect suspicious emails are also struggling,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “They’re forced to dig deeper, assessing tone, context, and subtler red flags.”

The result? Suspicion is now the default

And it’s not unwarranted. Maturing cybersecurity awareness and phishing simulation programs have helped sharpen employees’ scepticism (https://apo-opa.co/3GpDVcj). But this success has revealed a new problem: overcorrection.

Emails that are real – from HR, IT, legal, or sales – are now increasingly being misjudged. In some cases, they’re wrongly flagged as phishing by either people or systems.

In others, they’re simply ignored. The irony is that some of the most common and legitimate corporate communication traits are now the very ones that raise red flags:

Urgency: “Sign this by COB today”; or when every email from a colleague is marked “urgent”
Unexpected senders: e.g. HR tools or SaaS platforms
Calls to action: “Click here to confirm”
Stylistic quirks: overly polished copy, too many links or bold phrases
Tech misalignments: emails from legitimate senders failing DMARC or DKIM checks

“Even just using a third-party sender domain can cause confusion,” says Collard. “If staff don’t expect it – or don’t recognise the platform – the message can get flagged.”

For good reason too, as according to KnowBe4’s Phishing Threat Trend Report (https://apo-opa.co/4kdUXIx) the top 5 legitimate platforms used to send out phishing emails include popular business tools such as DocuSign, Paypal, Microsoft, Google Drive, and Salesforce.

The cost of false positives

When real emails get sidelined, the impact is more than a missed message. Delayed IT updates, ignored HR deadlines, and lost sales opportunities can create serious ripple effects across operations. Deliverability issues also erode trust. And in high-stakes environments like healthcare, legal services or finance, false positives can become costly very quickly.

So, how do you write emails that get read – not flagged?

To combat this growing challenge, organisations need to stop thinking of phishing risk as purely a recipient problem. Legitimate internal emails need to look legitimate too.

Here’s how every team – from HR to IT to marketing – can write more trustworthy emails:

Write Like a Human, Deliver Like a Pro

Subject lines should set expectations

Use clear, predictable language. Instead of “IMPORTANT: Read this now!”, try “Reminder: Benefits enrollment closes Friday”.

Lead with context before asking for action

Start with a reference point: “You recently submitted a travel claim…” or “As part of your onboarding…”.

Limit urgency to what’s truly urgent

Too many “ASAP”s will breed indifference. Use urgency sparingly – and explain why it matters. Remember:
If everything is urgent; nothing is.

Minimise links and avoid vague CTAs

Avoid phrases like “click here” or hyperlinking whole sentences. Provide a fallback path:
“Or log into your dashboard directly (https://Training.KnowBe4.com)”.

Be cautious with tone and formatting

Avoid shouty subject lines, gimmicky language, or inconsistent formatting that can trigger filters.

Test before sending

Run your email through spam-filter testing tools to see what might flag it (Mail-Tester.com or GlockApps.com).

Get your digital paperwork in order

Even the best-written email may never reach its recipient if your authentication protocols aren’t properly configured. SPF, DKIM, and DMARC are three essential technical settings that help prove your email really came from your domain.

SPF tells email providers which servers are allowed to send emails using your domain name — helping stop spammers from pretending to be you.
DKIM adds a digital signature to your emails to prove they really came from you and weren’t changed along the way.
DMARC brings SPF and DKIM together by setting rules for what to do with suspicious emails (like send them to spam or block them) and sends reports to your IT team so they can spot abuse.

“These protocols are a bit like a digital passport,” Collard explains. “Without them, even a genuine email may not make it through.”

But even technically sound emails can fall flat if they don’t look legitimate to the reader. That’s why it’s just as important to consider how your internal teams craft and send messages.

Internal brand security: don’t just train recipients – train senders too

Cyber awareness is often focused on detection. But to maintain deliverability and trust, sender behaviour matters too. Teach teams to avoid accidental red flags. Share templates and subject line guides. And ensure that employees – especially those sending to large groups – understand the basics of trustworthy communication.

Consistency is key. Make sure communications come from the same official addresses, follow familiar formats, and maintain a recognizable tone. This teaches recipients what to expect – and what to be cautious of – building a clearer line between legitimate messages and possible fakes.

“This is part of internal brand hygiene,” says Collard. “When your team consistently communicates clearly and predictably, you build trust over time – with both employees and clients. That trust makes your emails easier to recognise, safer to deliver, and more likely to be opened.”

In a world where AI can impersonate your tone and template with ease (https://apo-opa.co/3TPcb3X), your best defence is to sound like yourself – and help others know what to expect when you speak.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

Contact details:
Anne Dolinschek
KnowBe4
Email: anned@knowbe4.com

TJ Coenraad
Red Ribbon
Email: tj@redribboncommunications.co.za

MIL OSI Africa –

July 1, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: On Senate Floor, Senator Warren Calls On Republicans to Look Sick Kids in the Eyes As They Vote to Rip Health Care Away From 17 Million Americans

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
June 30, 2025
Warren: “I actually don’t think my Republican colleagues have lost their hearts. I think they have lost their spines.”
Floor Remarks (YouTube)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) delivered remarks on the floor of the U.S. Senate, calling out her Republican colleagues for trying to pass their “Big Beautiful Bill,” which will rip health care away from 17 million Americans, slash food assistance, and raise costs for families.
Remarks from Senator Elizabeth WarrenAs prepared for deliveryJune 29, 2025
On Friday, I met Vivian. Vivian is an 11-year-old kid from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She likes school. She likes her friends. She likes reading Harry Potter. She’s a lot like any other 11-year-old. But for Vivi, going to school and being with her friends depends on Medicaid because Medicaid covers the costs for her wheelchair, her therapists, and her health aide.
Right now, Republicans are trying to rip away health care from kids like Vivian. The cruelty is breathtaking. I ask for one Republican senator who plans to vote for this bill to look into Vivi’s eyes and tell her that her health care isn’t a priority in this country. Mitch McConnell said to Republican senators that he knew they were getting calls about Medicaid, but not to worry about people losing their care, because he said “they will get over it.”
I ask Republicans to look at Vivi and at Vivi’s sisters and her mom and dad and say if Vivi loses her Medicaid and her wheelchair and her therapists and her health aide that she will “get over it.”
Because here’s the deal: Vivi won’t get over it. Her family won’t get over it. The people of North Carolina won’t get over it. None of us—Massachusetts, Idaho, Arizona—none of us will get over it.
The cruelty is off the charts, but the part that really burns is that the Republicans are trying to slash the health care that keeps kids like Vivi alive so they can hand out more tax cuts for billionaires. It’s beyond cruel. It’s obscene.
I’m angry. And we should all be angry. Because instead of playing at the pool or the park like a regular kid on summer break, Vivian had to come here to Washington to ask senators not to cut her health care. In a country as rich as ours, that shouldn’t even be a question.
I actually don’t think my Republican colleagues have lost their hearts. I think they have lost their spines. It seems that all they can do now is bow down to Donald Trump and his billionaire donors. They will bow down even if it means hurting families, community hospitals, and nursing homes in their own states. Trump wants the Republicans in Congress to hand out giant checks to the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations, and they are willing to do that, even if it means kicking Vivi to the curb.
Republicans know what they’re doing. They know this bill will hurt people. They know this bill will kill people. And though it’s hard to believe, they just look the other way.
But on behalf of Vivi — and the millions of other kids, mommas, seniors, and families who rely on the life-saving care that Medicaid makes possible — my Republican colleagues should grow a spine and stop this awful bill in its tracks.
If it wasn’t bad enough that this bill is set to rip away health care from 17 million Americans to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires, it has a bunch of other filthy giveaways buried in it, too.
Who wins if Republicans pass this ugly bill? Billionaires, Wall Street, Big Tech, Big Oil. The wealthiest Americans and giant corporations.
Big Oil will get a special “get out of paying your taxes” card while millions of people lose their health care coverage. Billions of dollars for Big Oil; nothing but pain for Vivi.
Meta – who’s really struggling — will win $15 billion to “incentivize” them to do research in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Meta gets $15 billion simply for existing while families lose their health care.
Wall Street wins big with a provision Republicans squeezed in that would slash funding for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Giant corporations want the opportunity to cheat American families again – so Republicans are trying desperately to take the cop off the beat.
And who loses thanks to this ugly bill? Americans who can’t afford health care. Families who need a little extra help putting food on the table. Grandmas and grandpas in nursing homes. Little babies and their mommas.
If Republicans pass this bill, 17 million Americans would have their health care ripped away. That number has kept growing as Republicans make more changes to the bill. For them, it’s a question of how many MORE Americans they can rip away health care from.
This bill would make the biggest cut to food assistance for families, kids, and veterans in history.
One in four nursing homes would have to shut down. My Republican colleagues should call a few seniors in nursing homes in their states and go over the plans for where they go next. Maybe call the daughter of someone in one of those nursing homes and explain how she has to become a full-time caregiver tomorrow. Maybe call a few of the people whose lives you plan to tear apart.
Budgets are about our values, and Republicans have made their values clear — they are willing to throw millions of Americans under the bus so they can help out a handful of their billionaire buddies and giant corporations. They should be ashamed.
Here’s what Democrats believe: no baby should go hungry so that Mark Zuckerberg can buy another Hawaiian island.
No person with a disability who needs a wheelchair or a home health aide to live independently should have to give that up so that Jeff Bezos can buy a third yacht.
No grandma should be pushed out of her nursing home so that Elon Musk can take a subsidized rocket ship ride to Mars.
And it doesn’t have to be this way. What if, instead of tax breaks for billionaires, we make the rich pay their fair share?
What if, instead of slashing health care for kids, we make it possible for every American to see a doctor when they’re sick without breaking the bank?
What if, instead of giving Big Oil more giant handouts, we make universal childcare a reality for families across this country?
We can tax the rich. If Jeff Bezos can afford to rent Venice for a $50 million wedding, he can afford to pitch in so the next kid has an opportunity to make it in America, too.
We can make life easier for working people — not harder. We can lower costs for families — not jack them up even more, like this bill does. We can put families first — not billionaires and billionaire corporations.
Democrats believe this. We will vote NO on this awful bill. And for kids like Vivian, for seniors in nursing homes, for families who rely on home health aides, and the millions more Americans that this bill will hurt, I urge my Republican colleagues to join us and vote NO.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Vote-a-rama, Durbin Sounds The Alarm On Republicans’ So-Called “One Big, Beautiful Bill”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

June 29, 2025

In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin highlights how Senate Republicans’ bill will slash health care coverage for more than 16 million Americans to provide massive tax breaks for billionaires

WASHINGTON – Ahead of an upcoming vote-a-rama, where Senate Democrats will expose the truth about Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will slash Medicaid, Affordable Care Act, and Medicare coverage for more than 16 million Americans to provide massive tax breaks for billionaires, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered a speech on the Senate floor where he underscored the dangers of this Republican proposal and called on four of his Senate Republican colleagues to stand up and oppose this harmful legislation.

“We’re here today debating a clumsily assembled package—still a work in progress—that would rip away health care from 16 million American families to give tax breaks to millionaires, billionaires, and the largest corporations,” Durbin said. “Think about that for a moment. The Republicans have decided that the best avenue to generate revenue that they can then give in tax breaks to wealthy people is to eliminate health insurance coverage for 16 million Americans. That’s going to have a dramatic impact on their lives… The notion of losing your health insurance leaves you as vulnerable as possible in some of the most important moments of your life. And that they would consider this provision—to eliminate health insurance coverage for 16 million families—is unimaginable and cruel.”

Durbin continued, “Let’s not act like there is a unified Republican front on this issue. Even some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle don’t want to be here at this moment jamming this unpopular bill through this chamber under arbitrary deadlines… Behind closed doors, my Republican colleagues continued to be consumed with infighting, bickering over the bill’s substance—and for good reason.”

Durbin outlined how the Senate Republican bill cripples one of the main ways that states fund their Medicaid programs and keep hospitals afloat, especially in rural and low-income areas—the provider tax.

Earlier this week, a Republican Senator circulated a flyer to his fellow caucus members detailing just how much each state will lose in Medicaid provider tax funding under their proposal. It said: Iowa would lose $4.1 billion; Missouri would lose $6.1 billion; Kentucky would lose $12 billion; Louisiana would lose $20 billion; North Carolina would lose $38.9 billion dollars.

“This list of states and what they will lose was passed around by a Republican Senator to his own caucus. They know what they are up against here,” Durbin said. “If Republicans have their way and pass this bill, hospitals will be forced to shrink or eliminate services… doctors and nurses will leave, and—in some cases—the hospital will close.”

Durbin continued, “As it stands today, half of the rural hospitals around the country already operate in the danger zone… If Republicans have their way, we are going to see massive layoffs—fewer nurses, technicians, and doctors—along with decreasing quality of care.”

The American Hospital Association estimated how these cuts to Medicaid could impact not just the jobs at these red-state hospitals, but jobs across the entire state economy. Here’s what they found: Maine could lose nearly 5,000 jobs. Kansas could lose 6,200 jobs. Iowa could lose nearly 11,000 jobs. And Missouri could lose 26,600 jobs.

Durbin then discussed the so-called “rural hospital fund” Senate Republicans concocted, which is designed to mask the harms of their own Medicaid cuts.

“They [Republicans] came up with a rescue fund to solve the political problem… [the] overall cut in Medicaid now is about a trillion dollars. $1 trillion… Cutting Medicaid nationwide a trillion dollars. And the rescue plan for the small hospitals that are in danger, the ones I’ve talked about, a trillion dollars cut, how big is the rescue plan? 25 billion dollars. Do the math. It’s a joke,” Durbin said. “If Republican leaders think this is an adequate amount to alleviate the pains all of our nation’s rural hospitals are going to feel, then that’s like trying to put out a forest fire with a garden hose. This simply won’t work.”

Durbin concluded by highlighting how congressional Democrats worked in a bipartisan manner to craft the Affordable Care Act, which has allowed more than 40 million Americans to gain health insurance coverage and led to a historic decline in our nation’s uninsured rate.

“I want to conclude by saying this: we passed the Affordable Care Act 15 years ago. Of all the things that I’ve worked on in Congress, I think it had more positive impact to help the families across America than anything. We found a way to make health insurance more affordable for families, 15 years ago. And to do it, we held hearings—[Senate Democrats] [held] 100 hearings on theAffordable Care Act, roundtables, [and] walkthroughs. Two Committees spent a combined 21 days holding markups so that everyone could offer an amendment. Do you know how many amendments were made to the Obamacare program? 400 votes in Committee and on the Floor on amendments. 147 Republican amendments were included, though not a single Republican Senator ended up supporting Obamacare,” Durbin said. “At the end of the day, that legislation, Obamacare, allowed more than 40 million Americans to gain health insurance.”

Durbin continued, “Today, how many hearings have we had on this bill before us, this dramatic, multitrillion dollar bill? None, zero, not a single one. Zero markups for Senators to offer amendments. 400 amendments on Obamacare. None on this one, until it comes to the Floor today. Zero bipartisan input. Our friends on the Republican side have said basically, ‘It’s a big deal. Take it or leave it.’ Should this bill become a law, do you know what it will have done? Thrown 16 million Americans off health insurance and closed many vulnerable, small hospitals all to pay fortax breaks for millionaires and billionaires. Maybe some of my Republican [colleagues] are okay with that. I don’t think the American people are.”

Durbin concluded, “I’m hoping that sanity and commonsense prevail. We need four [Republican] Senators to step up and say stop this train. We’ve got to sit down and do our homework. We cannot expose the American families and the American economy to do this in the name of preserving tax breaks for the wealthiest people. Elon Musk seems to be doing okay in life, right? The wealthiest man in the world. Do you know what the tax break is for Elon Musk on the bill that is before us on the floor? $346,000. A lot of money. To him, he won’t even notice it. Giving him a tax break he won’t notice and taking away from health insurance from families who will be devastated, 16 million around the country. It’s an important choice.”

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Technologies of the Future: Demo Day of the Accelerator “City Energy. Wednesday 2.0” was held at the State University of Management

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

The State University of Management hosted the Demo Day of the Acceleration Interuniversity Program “City Energy. Environment 2.0”, which was held at the State University of Management from February to June 2025.

Over 1,000 students from the State University of Management and other Russian universities took part in the accelerator; 212 startup projects were prepared; over 30 experts from such fields as medicine, education, IT, construction, agro-industrial complex, ecology and others were involved in providing expert advice to the teams.

The acceleration program included an educational block, expert webinars, team consultations with trackers, equator, expert consultations and project defense. The industrial partner was Technopark, a part of the Rusnano Group.

The trackers of the acceleration program were teachers of the project management department, who have extensive experience in tracking and mentoring student teams. The tracking process was carried out using the BusinessChain platform from the partner of the State University of Management, IPI Lab.

On the final day of the program, student teams presented projects such as:

“City breathing” (the product is a bull for collecting cigarette butts for subsequent processing).
“The Light of the Future 2.0” (adaptive lighting system with AI and motion sensors to save electricity and increase people’s performance).
“Smart Bird Monitoring System” (software, which will allow to collect, analyze and recommend taking measures based on data from video surveillance and humidity and sensors, lighting, temperature and ammonia concentration. The product is focused on poultry farms).
“Dron Cleaning” (autonomous drone for cleaning water bodies. The product is focused on hotel owners, fishing facilities, NPOs, distributors).
“Universkino” (the organization of a cinema on the territory of the GUU in the open air with the involvement of students, applicants and partners of the GUU).
“QR code, as a way of quick connection with the owner of a lost thing” (a service for creating personalized icons / stickers / stickers intended for labeling personal things and increasing the likelihood of returning a lost thing to the owner).
The game on ecology “Eco -geria” (board game on ecology for children is 7-12 years old, which will allow the environmental education of the younger generation).
Wedding machine of useful drinks “Ne Ice” (an automatic machine for the preparation of fruit frhes with ice).
The mobile application “Interactive map of Russia” is an interactive map that allows you to open tourist places in Russia, as well as upload a description and photos of new places. Extended functionality will allow users to get acquainted and unite for planning joint trips).
Guli-Guli WMS system (simple warehouse management system for B2B and B2C customers)
“Smart device for the refrigerator” (allows you to keep records of products and shelf life, make a menu and inform the owner about the need to buy the necessary products).

The works were evaluated by the following jury members:

Head of the Acceleration Program “City Energy. Environment 2.0”, Deputy Head of the Project Management Department of the State University of Management, certified project manager IPMA® Level B Ekaterina Khalimon; Deputy General Director of TEN Group LLC – TechnoSpark technology park in Troitsk Igor Volkov; Head of the Committee of the Scientific and Technical Council of the Moscow Confederation of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Yuri Bocharov; Head of the Logistics Department of the transport company KIT Alexander Alexandrov; Chairman of the Youth Association for Project Management Young Crew SOVNET Mikhail Zorin; Associate Professor of the Project Management Department of the State University of Management, experienced mentor and tracker of student startups Tatyana Chernova; Associate Professor of the Project Management Department of the State University of Management, experienced mentor and tracker of student startups Tatyana Mezina.

The experts noted the deep development of the projects: the teams presented manufactured technological prototypes, mock-ups, 3D models, certificates from companies with intentions to further implement the technological product in the company’s activities. In addition, the jury members offered their assistance in the further implementation of startup projects, in finding potential investors and partners.

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Union solidarity runs solid in Asher family

Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

I know for a fact, after being in a union, I would never want to leave the union or go to another job.

Chasity Asher, L-106

Joe Asher from Local 106 (Cincinnati, Ohio) is sandwiched between two generations of family with union pride, his United Mine Workers Association father and his daughter, Chasity Asher, the newest union member in the family. For Asher and his daughter, being stanchly union is all in the family.

Joe Asher’s father worked union during his son’s formative years, and it made a lifelong impact. Joe Asher has been working union his whole life and has spent the last 26 years in the fabrication shop at Enerfab and at Brighton Tru-Edge represented by the Boilermakers. He has been offered a promotion into management more than once, but he’s turned the offer down every time because he “wanted to work union.”

So, when his daughter, who was in nursing school during the COVID pandemic, decided nursing wasn’t the route she wanted to go, and after subsequent jobs at FedEx and as a tow truck driver didn’t quite meet expectations, he suggested applying at his workplace. Brighton Tru-Edge fabricates cold head end caps for pressure vessels.

“My dad never wanted me to work in a man’s shop. In a man’s line of work,” Chasity Asher said. “I think he realized that after I couldn’t find a decent job with insurance and benefits and pay, he finally came around and suggested I come and work where he’s at and see how it goes.”

It’s going well. Really well. It’s going so well that other young women have applied and gotten jobs at Brighten Tru-Edge. And they’re excelling, according to Joe Asher.

“When I first got hired, I was a material handler,” Chastity Asher said. “Driving the forklift, making sure people had materials they needed.”

But after a month, a position in X-ray came up and she put her name in for it and landed a position in NDT radiographic testing.

Joe Asher, the lead over the entire weld department and NDT at Brighton Tru-Edge, has three women on his team working in cutting, welding and non-destructive testing. Two other women work in the shop forming, but he doesn’t oversee them. He’s impressed with the work ethic and skillsets of the women.

“We now have women in place everywhere, so we could make a head 100% by women,” he said. “I think more women getting into Brighton Tru-Edge has brought it to the forefront. There’s no difference between men and women working here. It takes a different breed of man, just as it takes a different breed of woman to do this.”

Brighton Tru-Edge recently honored the women working for them during Women in Construction Week. For Chasity Asher, she’s excited to go to work for the company every morning she rolls out of bed.

“I used to want to call off work a lot,” she said. “There was no motivation in past jobs. Now, I wake up every day and enjoy what I do. The company I work for goes above and beyond to make sure we’re taken care of.”

She also enjoys working in non-destructive testing. She first assesses all the heads that need to be tested for the day, making sure no marks will come up on an X-ray. Then she loads the heads into a machine and uses kilovoltage and milliamperage radiation to take the image of the head and ensure there are no weld defects.

“I have to be that person who says we’re putting out the door what we say we are,” she said. She takes that job seriously, and like her dad, she is resolutely union.

“I know for a fact, after being in a union, I would never want to leave the union or go to another job,” she said. “I hope I can retire from here in 45 years. I feel women being in a man’s field have broken the generational curse that women can’t do a man’s job. Women deserve the job just as much as a man.”

International Vice President of the Great Lakes Dan Sulivan completely agrees. “Throughout my career as a Boilermaker, it’s become clear to me that women are more than capable of succeeding in this male-dominated industry—and those who choose this path often stand out and shine.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: L-242 project steps Boilermakers into a new future: Batteries

Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

Boilermaker work has evolved over more than a century from the union’s roots in steam-powered locomotives to shipbuilding, refineries, nuclear power plants, the latest pollution mitigation technologies and more. And while Boilermakers themselves have also evolved with industry changes, they’ve remained constant as the dependable, go-to welders, riggers and fabricators that steep the union’s history.

That’s what makes a recent Local 242 (Spokane, Washington) project both “new” news and old news at the Sila Nanotechnologies battery materials plant. The job is a move into a new industry for the Boilermakers; but for those on the job, it’s familiar work.

“I don’t think the scope of work—what a Boilermaker does—is really any different. It’s just the type of equipment and the process of that equipment that’s unique,” says International Rep Luke Lafley. “We’re still welding, we’re still rigging, we’re still doing layout, we’re still refabricating things that came in incorrectly.

“It’s normal Boilermaker work. It’s just the technology behind the equipment and the jurisdictional issues that come with it.”

As new industry territory, when Sila, a next-generation battery materials company, announced in 2023 that it was building out its first, auto-scale manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington—and that they intended to use a local workforce—the opportunity for Boilermakers to build it could have been missed. Fortunately, L-242 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Scott Widdicombe attends local Central Washington Building Trades council meetings, where he learned about the opportunity and long-time contractor-partner Haskell’s plan to bid on the work.

“It’s important to go to your building trades meetings,” says Widdicombe, who participates in several area building trades groups. “If I had missed one building trades meeting or two meetings, we might not have been involved in this and it would have been playing a lot of catch up.”

In tandem with building trades involvement, he stresses the importance of the project labor agreements (PLAs) as integral to scoring the work with Haskell, working well with other craft affiliates and the project’s overall success.

“Without PLAs, we’re not getting this work. It’s the simple fact of the matter,” he says.

A PLA and early pre-job assignments made for a clear and smooth understanding of jurisdiction from the get-go, which all agree have eliminated inter-craft issues that can halt work, cause friction with contractors and employers and sour future work opportunities. At the Sila project, as Boilermakers work elbow-to-elbow with Ironworkers, Pipefitters and others, it’s been overall harmonious.

“We got all the stakeholders involved, all the parties, all the different business managers from all the different locals within the building trades of Central Washington, and as the scope developed, we got it agree to and signed, so there’s no drama, or minimal drama, in the field,” says Haskell Site Manager Luke Parham.

Parham describes the new Sila facility as essentially a chemical plant where Sila will make Titan Silicon (TM), an innovative material that enables a more efficient battery for the auto industry, consumer electronics and other future industries. That means the company is extremely cautious about its proprietary processes and plans—which includes first-of-its-kind equipment built by Boilermakers. It also means Silas’ engineers need to regularly tweak and refine original plans that they must hold tight to their chests right up until go-time. Haskell and the crafts all need to be ready to go and pivot as necessary, making the PLA and pre-job work even more critical—and challenging.

“There’s nothing to fall back on,” says L-242 Boilermaker and Site Superintendent Jayme Taylor, referring to the craft assignments and processes. “This is all brand new.”

The tone for fairness was set early in the pre-job phase. Job steward Mark Keffeler said that while Boilermakers claimed their work, they were also vocal about ensuring other crafts’ work was properly assigned.

“We’d say, ‘no, that’s ours; that’s theirs,’ and some guys were pretty new to the jurisdictional assignment process,” he explains. “[Scott Widdicombe and I] talked about it ahead of time, that if we’re fair from the start, we should be fair for the duration, and that’s really worked.”

In fact, Keffeler drives a shuttle van every day to and from the jobsite. His passengers: all Pipefitters.

“You know, we’ve got a new product line so to speak, and if we’re going to move forward getting this done with unions, we’ve got to do it professionally and safely. And that’s what Haskell and Sila have allowed us to do,” he says. “We don’t have to fight about piddly stuff. We might have to make concession here or there, but it’s better than watching across the fence while the work is done nonunion. We’re all getting along good in the sandbox.”

Boilermakers were assigned to the process vessels, air pollution mitigation equipment, reactors, flare stack, components for an auxiliary generator and work on pressure transfer system for the product. Among highlights of their work at Sila, they set the thermal oxidizer and are building several substantial vessels including multiple massive tanks, some of which may be visible from the road.

“[The Boilermakers] have done an excellent job—high quality work on the tanks, the thermal oxidizer setting, and just constantly working through issues we’ve all experienced, whatever the case may be, to stay on schedule the best we can and pull things back in,” says Sila Construction Manager Shannon Denmark.

Adds Haskell’s Parham: “The craftsmanship here is what I’m used to in the Pacific Northwest, and that’s people show up rough and ready, staunch and steady, ready to go. They take pride in what they do, with Jayme all the way down to his crew.”

At its peak, the project employed 20 Boilermakers, which has meant a lot to local members who can commute back and forth for the job rather than leaving home for weeks and months. It’s also good for the local Moses Lake economy. Plus, it’s a significant foot in the door for future Boilermaker work in battery plants and other new industries.

“This really is, basically, like a refining facility, but it’s refining new products, and hopefully it’s on the forefront,” Taylor says. “Moving forward, it’s more work for the Boilermakers and for all crafts really. It’s a new process, and hopefully it takes off.

“It’s great for us as a whole—away from what we’re used to in the old fossil fuels. It’s stepping into the future.”

EXTRA: Watch this video interview with L-242 Boilermaker Apprentice Nez Ogle.

Apprentices learn at battery plant project

The Sila battery materials plant project has proved to be a great setting for Local 242 apprentices make their mark on a growing new industry, sharpen their skills and learn from seasoned journeymen.

For apprentice Nez Ogle, the experience has cemented his decision to become a career Boilermaker.

“It’s been really eye opening for me,” he says. “I’m learning everything that I’ve been wanting to learn.

Ogle went to welding school at Lewis-Clark State College and had an instructor who was a Boilermaker and talked about the union. So, when he finished school and wasn’t sure what to do next, he thought he’d give Local 242 a try.

“This job is a lot of fun. A lot of journeymen that are here are really helpful, and any question I ask them, they’re super helpful when answering my questions—and they’re really nice to me. So, it’s been awesome. I love it, and I think I’ll do this for the rest of my life.”

Journeyman Steven Pollard is among those working with apprentices like Ogle. He says the job has attracted quite a few apprentices, which makes the jobsite both interesting and challenging.

“You have to keep them with someone who can guide them, but it’s been good,” he says. “We have some really good apprentices coming in right now.”

Boilermaker Site Superintendent Jayme Taylor agrees.

“That’s our future. Those are the guys that are going to have to take over for me when I decide to retire,” he adds. “So, train them young, train them right and make sure they know what they’re doing.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Check your new temporary city centre bus stops
Source: City of Plymouth

Coming into or leaving the city centre by bus next week? Don’t forget to check the new, temporary location of your bus stop.

From next Monday 7 July all bus stops on the eastbound side of Royal Parade – the shop side – will be moved to temporary locations as preparations for the bus improvement scheme gets underway.

Passengers are being urged check where their stops are being moved to as this busy road sees hundreds of services go along this route every day.

All services that use bus stops A10, A11, A12, A13, A14, A15, A16, A17, A18, A19, A20 or A21 stop will be diverted to nearby temporary stops either in Union Street, Derry’s Cross roundabout or Mayflower Street.

The big stop move is only a temporary arrangement while work on the seven-month improvement scheme is underway. The scheme focuses on the eastbound side of Royal Parade between Derry’s Cross and St. Andrew’s Cross and involves:
- redesigning the road with a shallow sawtooth layout, increasing the number of bus stops from 12 to 15, to prevent double stacking, unnecessary idling and improve air quality. This will improve bus manoeuvrability and safety by reducing the need for buses to reverse out and ensure passengers can get on and off from the pavement.
- clearer information about where and what bus to get in the new shelters and upgraded Real Time Passenger Information displays
- bigger shelters to make it easier for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs to use them. They will have living roofs to support biodiversity
- an upgraded toucan crossing at Armada Way for pedestrians and cyclists
- average speed camera system to replace existing static cameras, supporting a safe environment.
Councillor John Stephens, the new Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport said: “There are over 100 buses every hour – making it the city’s busiest bus interchange – with over nine million passenger journeys from or to Royal Parade every year – either arriving to work in the city centre, to shop, stay or visit, or to head onto to destinations across the city.

“When finished, the scheme will reduce delays at this key point by cutting queues and double stacking of buses, making services more reliable and helping to make going by bus a more attractive option than the private car.”

Information with maps showing where to catch what services are available on buses, at the Plymouth Citybus shop on Royal Parade here: www.plymouth.gov.uk/royalparade

The Plymotion and the project team will be at Royal Parade every weekday until 11 July to make sure passengers know where to catch their bus. There will also be a community liaison officer throughout the construction of the scheme.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: $75M for NYS Dairy Manufacturing Facilities

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced Lactalis USA will invest more than $75 million to upgrade both its Walton and Buffalo facilities, enabling them to expand capacity and gain efficiencies. The projects in Delaware and Erie counties include the purchase of new equipment and upgrades that will allow the dairy manufacturer to retain more than 800 full time jobs and create more than 50 new jobs. Lactalis USA is part of Lactalis, the world’s largest dairy company, and has chosen to expand in New York State thanks in part to support from the Governor and Empire State Development.

“New York will continue to work with businesses in the agri-food sectors as they expand and grow to ensure good-paying jobs remain in our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in the Lactalis USA facilities and assisting with improvements, New York is retaining hundreds of jobs and adding new jobs, as well as helping to support the region’s dairy farmers.”

The Walton plant, located at 261 Delaware Street, produces Breakstone’s Sour Cream and Cottage Cheese. It will undergo a $15 million modernization, focusing on automating and expanding the cottage cheese and sour cream production lines, enhancing efficiency, capacity, and sustainability. Currently, the facility has limited capacity, while market demand for nutritious high-protein foods is increasing. The facility also relies on technology that requires extensive maintenance, and the improvements will increase versatility for product innovation. The project will include new fillers, HEPA air filtration, advanced lab equipment, new roofing, boiler upgrades, and several other improvements to the facility. The upgrades will result in a 30% boost in output and create more than 20 new jobs.

The Buffalo plant, located at 2375 South Park Avenue, produces Galbani Ricotta, Mozzarella and Provolone cheese, along with whey powder that is distributed across the U.S. and abroad. The $60 million expansion includes the installation of six 50,000-pound vats, an advanced cheese belt, separators, silos, and a robotic palletizer. Building remodeling will include relocating the cheese lab to maintain production, increasing mozzarella and provolone production by 37 million pounds annually. Ricotta production will also be expanded, and new energy efficient technology will be added. With the addition of this expansion project, Lactalis USA has committed to investing a total of approximately $123 million in its Buffalo facilities from 2020 through the end of 2027.

In addition to creating jobs, both plants support the region’s agricultural economy by processing more than 800 million pounds of raw milk annually from 236 local dairy farmers.

Lactalis USA CEO Esteve Torrens said, “Lactalis has two plants in New York State that are key to our growing business in the United States. Our Buffalo plant is home to a significant ricotta and mozzarella production under the Galbani brand. Our Walton plant continues a rich tradition since 1882 of producing Breakstone’s Sour Cream and is essential to strengthening our cottage cheese business in a rapidly growing category. We are committed to supporting the communities of Buffalo and Walton as we continue to grow in those markets and we thank Gov. Hochul and ESD for their support.”

ESD is offering $750,000 in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits for the Walton project (which is in an economically distressed community) and $550,000 in tax credits for the Buffalo project in exchange for Lactalis’ job retention and creation commitments. The projects are expected to be completed in 2027.

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The direct impact of Lactalis remaining and growing in Walton and Buffalo is hundreds of cheese manufacturing jobs but indirectly the plant also supports area dairy farmers by purchasing more than $180 million worth of milk each year, making the projects a win for both the manufacturing and agricultural sectors.”

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “This investment in Lactalis’ existing facilities in Buffalo and Walton is a win-win, retaining hundreds of jobs and adding new jobs, as well as ensuring New York State remains a leader in the dairy industry for years to come. This expansion is great news for the dairy farmers that supply fresh, local milk for the Lactalis cheese manufacturing facilities, which have a long-standing tradition of producing some of New York’s highest quality dairy products. I look forward to seeing these plants continue to grow and bring more fresh, delicious dairy products to families across the state.”

The largest sector of the agricultural industry, New York’s dairy industry is a critical component of the State’s economy. New York State is home to nearly 3,000 dairy farms with 630,000 cows, producing 16.1 billion pounds of milk. New York ranks fifth in the production of milk and is first in the nation in the production of yogurt and cottage cheese.

State Senator April Baskin said, “This investment by Lactalis is more than just an upgrade to its facilities, it’s a commitment to the people, the farmers, and the traditions that define New York’s dairy industry. From Walton to Buffalo, this expansion is creating opportunities, preserving livelihoods, and ensuring that New York remains at the forefront of dairy innovation. It’s proof that when we invest in our communities and our industries, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future for everyone.”

State Senator Peter Oberacker said, “Generational family-owned farms in the 51st District set the gold standard for dairy excellence nationally and this investment is a powerful testament to that legacy. I’m proud to see Lactalis expand in our region and grateful for their commitment to our family farms, our local workforce, and the future of agriculture in upstate New York,”

Assemblymember Patrick Burke said, “I’m proud to see continued investment in a facility that has long been part of our neighborhood’s industrial backbone. Lactalis’ expansion secures good-paying jobs, supports local farmers and boosts key sectors of our statewide economy. It’s a big win for South Buffalo, and a sign that our dairy economy remains strong, steady and well cultured.”

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “The Lactalis Buffalo facility is not only a large local employer but a vital partner for Erie County’s dairy community, with fresh local dairy products heading there to be processed and sent out to the worldwide community. This investment is great news for the Lactalis plant, its workers and all the ancillary workers in the local dairy field who will benefit from this expansion. I thank Governor Hochul for her work in bringing this investment to fruition and I look forward to the expansion of Lactalis in Erie County.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon said, “Lactalis’ continued investment in Buffalo is a powerful vote of confidence in our city, our workforce, and our role in New York’s dairy industry. This $60 million expansion will not only create new jobs and modernize their South Park Avenue facility, but it will also strengthen the connection between our local economy and family-owned dairy farms across the region. I want to thank Governor Hochul and Lactalis USA for their commitment to Buffalo and for supporting good-paying, sustainable jobs right here in our community.”

About the Dairy Industry in New York State

New York State has roughly 3,000 dairy farms that produce over 16 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth-largest dairy state. The dairy industry is the state’s largest agricultural sector, contributing significantly to the state’s economy by generating nearly half of the state’s total agricultural receipts and providing some of the highest economic multipliers. New York’s unique and talented dairy producers and processors contribute significantly to the state’s agriculture industry, economy and the health of our communities.

About Lactalis USA

Lactalis USA is committed to enriching lives by producing nutritious and great tasting dairy products. The company offers an unrivaled house of beloved dairy brands in the United States including Galbani® Italian cheeses, Président® specialty cheeses and gourmet butters, Kraft® brands in natural and grated cheeses, Breakstones® cottage cheese, ricotta and sour cream, Cracker Barrel® cheese, Black Diamond® cheddar cheese, Parmalat® milk, siggi’s® and Stonyfield Organic® yogurt brands. In the United States the company has approximately 4,000 employees, is present in eight states with 11 manufacturing facilities and corporate offices located in New York City and Buffalo, N.Y., Chicago, Ill., Bedford, N.H., and San Fernando, Calif. Lactalis USA is part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, a French family business founded in 1933 in Laval, France.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: A combination of laziness and cloud mining profits, supporting the use of BTC, XRP, SOL, DOGE.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Detroit, Michigan, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WinnerMining, a leading smart cloud mining platform, is making waves in the cryptocurrency industry by offering a limited-time $15 login mining bonus to new users. The program aims to lower the barrier to entry for cryptocurrency enthusiasts and provide a seamless and cost-effective way for users to start earning Bitcoin through cloud mining.

What is cloud mining?
Cloud mining is an effective method that makes cloud mining a remote cryptocurrency mining, including Bitcoin mining. With this method, you can achieve profitability from cloud mining in the following ways: borrow the computing power of cloud mining companies to avoid personal investment in hardware and maintenance; use powerful computers to access large mining farms, tirelessly crack cryptographic puzzles and obtain cryptocurrency rewards.

WinnerMining: Where laziness meets profit
WinnerMining takes cloud mining to the extreme in terms of simplicity, making it ideal for beginners. The platform’s user-friendly interface ensures that even cryptocurrency novices can easily get started. For WinnerMining, laziness is not a shortcoming, but a necessary path to success. As a pioneer in cloud mining services, WinnerMining has more than 100 mining farms and more than 100,000 mining equipment around the world, all of which use new energy and renewable cycle power generation. With stable returns and security, it has won the recognition of more than 13 million users.

Safety and Sustainability
In the world of mining, trust and safety are crucial. WinnerMining knows this and puts user safety first. WinnerMining is committed to transparent and legal operations to ensure that your investment is protected and you can focus on profitability. All mines use clean energy electricity to achieve carbon neutrality in cloud mining. Renewable energy can prevent environmental pollution and bring super high returns, allowing every investor to enjoy opportunities and benefits.

WinnerMining platform advantages:
1: Cutting-edge equipment: Using mining equipment provided by top mining machine manufacturers such as Bitmain, Antminer, and Giant Miner to ensure the stable operation and efficient production capacity of Bitcoin mining machines.
2: Legitimacy and global audience: The platform was legally established in the UK in 2021, protected and issued by the British government, and has attracted more than 13 million real users around the world with cutting-edge technology.
3: Intuitive interface: The platform’s user-friendly interface ensures that even crypto novices can easily navigate.
4: Supports a variety of popular cryptocurrencies: such as DOGE, BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT, BCH, LTC, XRP, SOL, etc. for settlement.
5: Stable income: The contracts launched by the platform generate income every 24 hours, and the principal is automatically returned after the contract expires.
6: Professional team: The platform has an experienced IT team and 24/7 real-time customer service team support to ensure that users can solve problems in a timely manner.
7: Security protection: Military-grade SSS protection is used to ensure that user privacy and property are not violated.

How to join WinnerMining and earn income?
1: Register now to get a $15 bonus (daily sign-in bonus $0.6).
2: Select a project: After successfully registering, the next step is to choose a mining project that suits your goals and budget. WinnerMining offers a variety of projects to meet different needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced miner, you can find the best one for you.
3: Start making profits: After selecting and activating a mining project, you can sit back and let the system do the work for you. WinnerMining’s advanced technology ensures that your mining project runs efficiently, thereby maximizing your potential income.
The following are the contracts for the latest investment strategy:
1 – Antminer S17e: Investment amount of $100, total profit of $100 + $8.
2 – Shenma Miner M30S: Investment amount of $1000, total profit of $1000 + $130.
3 – Antminer S19J Pro: Investment amount of $3000, total profit of $3000 + $675.
4 – AvalonMiner A1346: Investment amount of $5000, total profit of $5000 + $1600.
5 – Desiwe Miner K10Ultra: Investment amount of $30,000, total profit of $30,000 + $24300.
6 – Rack-mounted Filecoin Miner 4300TiB S: Investment amount of $100,000, total profit of $100,000 + $92,500.
(For more plans, please visit WinnerMining for viewing)

Contract details analysis
Example 1: Invest $3,000 to purchase the [Antminer S19j Pro] project worth $3,000, with a term of 15 days and a daily yield of 1.50% ($45).
After 15 days, the user’s principal and income = $3,000 + $45 × 15 days = $3,000 + $675 = $3,675

Example 2: Invest $10,000 to purchase the [Antminer S19J XP] project worth $10,000, with a term of 30 days and a daily yield of 1.75% ($175).
After 30 days, the user’s principal and income = $10,000 + $175 × 30 days = $10,000 + $5,250 = $15,250
The computing power value of the contract is different, and the investment amount and term are different, and the income is also different. For more contracts, please click here to log in to the official website.

Conclusion
If you are looking for ways to increase your passive income, cloud mining is a great option. If used correctly, these opportunities can help you grow your crypto wealth in “autopilot” mode with minimal time investment. At the very least, they should be less time-consuming than any type of active trading. Passive income is the goal of every investor and trader, and with WinnerMining, you can maximize your passive income potential more easily than ever before.

Attachment
- winnermininghuman
The MIL Network –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: A combination of laziness and cloud mining profits, supporting the use of BTC, XRP, SOL, DOGE.
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Detroit, Michigan, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WinnerMining, a leading smart cloud mining platform, is making waves in the cryptocurrency industry by offering a limited-time $15 login mining bonus to new users. The program aims to lower the barrier to entry for cryptocurrency enthusiasts and provide a seamless and cost-effective way for users to start earning Bitcoin through cloud mining.

What is cloud mining?
Cloud mining is an effective method that makes cloud mining a remote cryptocurrency mining, including Bitcoin mining. With this method, you can achieve profitability from cloud mining in the following ways: borrow the computing power of cloud mining companies to avoid personal investment in hardware and maintenance; use powerful computers to access large mining farms, tirelessly crack cryptographic puzzles and obtain cryptocurrency rewards.

WinnerMining: Where laziness meets profit
WinnerMining takes cloud mining to the extreme in terms of simplicity, making it ideal for beginners. The platform’s user-friendly interface ensures that even cryptocurrency novices can easily get started. For WinnerMining, laziness is not a shortcoming, but a necessary path to success. As a pioneer in cloud mining services, WinnerMining has more than 100 mining farms and more than 100,000 mining equipment around the world, all of which use new energy and renewable cycle power generation. With stable returns and security, it has won the recognition of more than 13 million users.

Safety and Sustainability
In the world of mining, trust and safety are crucial. WinnerMining knows this and puts user safety first. WinnerMining is committed to transparent and legal operations to ensure that your investment is protected and you can focus on profitability. All mines use clean energy electricity to achieve carbon neutrality in cloud mining. Renewable energy can prevent environmental pollution and bring super high returns, allowing every investor to enjoy opportunities and benefits.

WinnerMining platform advantages:
1: Cutting-edge equipment: Using mining equipment provided by top mining machine manufacturers such as Bitmain, Antminer, and Giant Miner to ensure the stable operation and efficient production capacity of Bitcoin mining machines.
2: Legitimacy and global audience: The platform was legally established in the UK in 2021, protected and issued by the British government, and has attracted more than 13 million real users around the world with cutting-edge technology.
3: Intuitive interface: The platform’s user-friendly interface ensures that even crypto novices can easily navigate.
4: Supports a variety of popular cryptocurrencies: such as DOGE, BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT, BCH, LTC, XRP, SOL, etc. for settlement.
5: Stable income: The contracts launched by the platform generate income every 24 hours, and the principal is automatically returned after the contract expires.
6: Professional team: The platform has an experienced IT team and 24/7 real-time customer service team support to ensure that users can solve problems in a timely manner.
7: Security protection: Military-grade SSS protection is used to ensure that user privacy and property are not violated.

How to join WinnerMining and earn income?
1: Register now to get a $15 bonus (daily sign-in bonus $0.6).
2: Select a project: After successfully registering, the next step is to choose a mining project that suits your goals and budget. WinnerMining offers a variety of projects to meet different needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced miner, you can find the best one for you.
3: Start making profits: After selecting and activating a mining project, you can sit back and let the system do the work for you. WinnerMining’s advanced technology ensures that your mining project runs efficiently, thereby maximizing your potential income.
The following are the contracts for the latest investment strategy:
1 – Antminer S17e: Investment amount of $100, total profit of $100 + $8.
2 – Shenma Miner M30S: Investment amount of $1000, total profit of $1000 + $130.
3 – Antminer S19J Pro: Investment amount of $3000, total profit of $3000 + $675.
4 – AvalonMiner A1346: Investment amount of $5000, total profit of $5000 + $1600.
5 – Desiwe Miner K10Ultra: Investment amount of $30,000, total profit of $30,000 + $24300.
6 – Rack-mounted Filecoin Miner 4300TiB S: Investment amount of $100,000, total profit of $100,000 + $92,500.
(For more plans, please visit WinnerMining for viewing)

Contract details analysis
Example 1: Invest $3,000 to purchase the [Antminer S19j Pro] project worth $3,000, with a term of 15 days and a daily yield of 1.50% ($45).
After 15 days, the user’s principal and income = $3,000 + $45 × 15 days = $3,000 + $675 = $3,675

Example 2: Invest $10,000 to purchase the [Antminer S19J XP] project worth $10,000, with a term of 30 days and a daily yield of 1.75% ($175).
After 30 days, the user’s principal and income = $10,000 + $175 × 30 days = $10,000 + $5,250 = $15,250
The computing power value of the contract is different, and the investment amount and term are different, and the income is also different. For more contracts, please click here to log in to the official website.

Conclusion
If you are looking for ways to increase your passive income, cloud mining is a great option. If used correctly, these opportunities can help you grow your crypto wealth in “autopilot” mode with minimal time investment. At the very least, they should be less time-consuming than any type of active trading. Passive income is the goal of every investor and trader, and with WinnerMining, you can maximize your passive income potential more easily than ever before.

Attachment
- winnermininghuman
The MIL Network –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Byline Bank Included in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Companies to Work For

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byline Bank is proud to announce its inclusion on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 list of the Best Companies to Work For. This list, released annually by the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, ranks companies by how well they support employees. This year, Byline Bank earned recognition in three categories: Best Companies in the U.S. overall, Best Companies in the Midwest, and Best in Finance and Insurance.

“At Byline, we believe that when you take care of your people, you create a dynamic workplace environment where employees are engaged and committed to serving the needs of our customers and communities,” said Dana Rose, Chief Human Resources Officer at Byline Bank. “This recognition reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, supported and empowered to grow alongside the business. I am so proud of the culture we have built here and want to thank our incredible employees for making Byline such a great place to work.”

The U.S. News rankings reflect the evolving criteria that workers consider when evaluating employers, including compensation and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, a sense of belonging and esteem, and opportunities for career growth and development.

“Workers understand the direct impact of a workplace on their quality of life,” said Carly Chase, Vice President of Careers at U.S. News & World Report. “The 2025-2026 list recognizes companies that received high scores on multiple metrics that make up a positive work environment and everyday employee experience.”

To compile its annual list, U.S. News considered the 5,000 largest publicly traded companies as of January 2025, each with more than 75 Glassdoor reviews from 2021-2025. Employee sentiment data was analyzed alongside regulatory data from partners Revelio Labs, Good Jobs First’s Violation Tracker and QUODD to assess performance across six key metrics.

This marks the second consecutive year Byline has been named one of the Best Companies to Work For in the Midwest, and the first year the bank has been recognized on both the National and Finance and Insurance industry lists.

For more information on the Best Companies to Work For, visit the U.S. News FAQs and follow along on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) using #BCTWF.

About Byline Bank
Headquartered in Chicago, Byline Bank, a subsidiary of Byline Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:BY), is a full-service commercial bank serving small- and medium-sized businesses, financial sponsors and consumers. Byline Bank operates over 40 branch locations throughout the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. Byline Bank offers a broad range of commercial and community banking products and services, including small-ticket equipment leasing solutions, and is one of the top U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders according to the national SBA rankings by volume FY2024. Byline Bank is a member of FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Visit bylinebank.com for more information, and follow Byline Bank on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or Instagram for the latest news and updates.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

Media Contact:
Allison Roche
Marketing Communications & Partnerships Manager
Byline Bank
aroche@bylinebank.com

Investor Contact:
Brooks Rennie
Investor Relations Director
Byline Bank
(312) 660-5805
brennie@bylinebank.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2cc1c4c0-b441-4169-971d-a4e7f2b9794c

The MIL Network –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Byline Bank Included in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Companies to Work For

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byline Bank is proud to announce its inclusion on U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-2026 list of the Best Companies to Work For. This list, released annually by the global authority in rankings and consumer advice, ranks companies by how well they support employees. This year, Byline Bank earned recognition in three categories: Best Companies in the U.S. overall, Best Companies in the Midwest, and Best in Finance and Insurance.

“At Byline, we believe that when you take care of your people, you create a dynamic workplace environment where employees are engaged and committed to serving the needs of our customers and communities,” said Dana Rose, Chief Human Resources Officer at Byline Bank. “This recognition reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, supported and empowered to grow alongside the business. I am so proud of the culture we have built here and want to thank our incredible employees for making Byline such a great place to work.”

The U.S. News rankings reflect the evolving criteria that workers consider when evaluating employers, including compensation and benefits, work-life balance and flexibility, job and company stability, physical and psychological comfort, a sense of belonging and esteem, and opportunities for career growth and development.

“Workers understand the direct impact of a workplace on their quality of life,” said Carly Chase, Vice President of Careers at U.S. News & World Report. “The 2025-2026 list recognizes companies that received high scores on multiple metrics that make up a positive work environment and everyday employee experience.”

To compile its annual list, U.S. News considered the 5,000 largest publicly traded companies as of January 2025, each with more than 75 Glassdoor reviews from 2021-2025. Employee sentiment data was analyzed alongside regulatory data from partners Revelio Labs, Good Jobs First’s Violation Tracker and QUODD to assess performance across six key metrics.

This marks the second consecutive year Byline has been named one of the Best Companies to Work For in the Midwest, and the first year the bank has been recognized on both the National and Finance and Insurance industry lists.

For more information on the Best Companies to Work For, visit the U.S. News FAQs and follow along on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) using #BCTWF.

About Byline Bank
Headquartered in Chicago, Byline Bank, a subsidiary of Byline Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:BY), is a full-service commercial bank serving small- and medium-sized businesses, financial sponsors and consumers. Byline Bank operates over 40 branch locations throughout the Chicago and Milwaukee metropolitan areas. Byline Bank offers a broad range of commercial and community banking products and services, including small-ticket equipment leasing solutions, and is one of the top U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders according to the national SBA rankings by volume FY2024. Byline Bank is a member of FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. Visit bylinebank.com for more information, and follow Byline Bank on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or Instagram for the latest news and updates.

About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

Media Contact:
Allison Roche
Marketing Communications & Partnerships Manager
Byline Bank
aroche@bylinebank.com

Investor Contact:
Brooks Rennie
Investor Relations Director
Byline Bank
(312) 660-5805
brennie@bylinebank.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2cc1c4c0-b441-4169-971d-a4e7f2b9794c

The MIL Network –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI: Alectra supports new emergency shelter for Barrie youth with $25,000 donation to Youth Haven

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alectra Inc. is contributing $25,000 to support Youth Haven’s capital campaign to build a new emergency shelter for vulnerable youth in downtown Barrie.

“We are deeply grateful to Alectra for their generous support of Youth Haven. Their contribution plays a vital role in providing safety, shelter, and hope to vulnerable youth in our community,” said Lucy Gowers, Executive Director, Youth Haven. “More than an act of generosity, it represents a meaningful investment in building brighter futures. Thank you for believing in our mission and for helping create lasting, positive change in the lives of the youth we serve. Thank you for choosing to be the difference!”

The campaign, led by Youth Haven and supported by the Simcoe County Home Builders’ Association (SCHBA), aims to replace the current shelter, which is aging and no longer meets the needs of the community. The new facility will provide safe, supportive and accessible emergency housing for youth aged 16 to 24, who face homelessness or housing insecurity across Simcoe County.

Construction began in November 2024 at the existing site, with SCHBA members and community partners contributing skilled labour, materials and donations to complete the rebuild within four weeks.

“Alectra continues to show what it means to be a true community partner. Their generous support of Youth Haven’s new emergency shelter will have a lasting impact on the lives of young people in Barrie and across Simcoe County,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall, City of Barrie. “We’re grateful for their commitment to making a meaningful difference where it’s needed most.”

Alectra’s contribution is part of its AlectraCARES community support program, which helps fund vital services, shelters, and programs that address social needs and promote youth well-being.

“At Alectra, we believe in building stronger, more resilient communities, and that starts with supporting youth who are facing some of life’s toughest challenges,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “Youth Haven provides a critical lifeline for young people in Simcoe County, and we’re proud to support the creation of a safe, welcoming space where they can access the care and stability they deserve.”

Youth Haven offers emergency shelter, transitional housing, outreach services, and life-skills programs to youth across Simcoe County. The new shelter will enhance the organization’s ability to provide trauma-informed care, counselling and wraparound support services.

To learn more or contribute to the campaign, visit: www.youthhaven.ca.

About Alectra Inc. Family of Companies

Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions.

Media Contact:
Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson
ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIA-LN

An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6886197e-f1c5-44ee-ac65-636040213465

The MIL Network –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Jobless young South Africans often lose hope: new study proves the power of mentorship
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lauren Graham, Professor at the Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, University of Johannesburg

More than a third of young South Africans are not in employment, education or training. This cohort of 3.4 million (37.1% of those aged 15–24) risks long-term joblessness. Discouragement – giving up looking for work – is also a risk, as the latest data show.

This has serious social and economic implications. Social and economic exclusion can lead to declining mental health, social drift, long-term dependence on grants and lost economic potential.

To help break this cycle, a research team we were part of piloted a Basic Package of Support programme that offered personalised coaching and referrals to services to tackle the barriers young people face. Between 2022 and 2024 we worked with 1,700 young people in three of South Africa’s nine provinces – Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. The team worked in peri-urban areas where there were high rates of young people not in education, employment or training.

The initiative aimed to help young people clarify their goals and find pathways into relevant learning and earning an income.

The results of the programme showed improved mental health, reduced distress and a stronger sense of belonging. The findings show the power of targeted and multifaceted support to prevent social drift.

The programme and its participants

The pilot took place in three peri-urban communities with limited job and learning opportunities, and high rates of poverty and unemployment. We chose these areas for their high rates of young people who are not in education, employment or training.

Over half of the participants (51%) were aged 18-20, 43% were 21-24 and just under 6% were aged 25-27. While 51% had completed high school, 30% had grade 9-11, and under 2% had less than grade 9. A further 17% held a university degree. Most (77%) had been actively seeking work, or opportunities in training or volunteering (73%), when they started the programme.

Data were collected at intake and after three sessions. A monitoring survey after each coaching session was used to determine whether the participant was in any earning or learning opportunity.

The qualitative component included in-depth interviews with young people who had completed multiple coaching sessions. Interviews were conducted six to eight months after pilot sites were opened to explore participants’ situations, experiences of coaching, and any shifts in perspective.

The primary objective of this pilot phase was to assess the programme’s capability to:
- engage and support disconnected young people
- achieve anticipated outcomes, including improved sense of belonging, wellbeing and connection to learning or earning opportunities.
In general, feelings of being supported and having access to resources in their community were low among the participants: 18.33% reported having had low levels of support in general, from adults and from peers. Young men reported considerably higher access to peer support than women (9% of men rated peer support as low relative to 24% of women).

One-third of young people reported a lack of access to, or availability of, resources in their community. These resources included health, psychosocial, or training resources.

Changes in well-being and mental health

Emotional wellbeing and psychosocial factors are critical precursors to engagement in the labour market. Having a sense of control, positive sense of self-esteem, and future orientation promote resilience, which is critical to searching for and taking up opportunities.

Research has also shown that spending a long time without learning or earning creates disillusionment and poor mental health, creating a cycle of chronic unemployment and social drift.

For these reasons we felt it was important to examine how the young people’s well-being had changed as they progressed through the programme. The programme involved:
- reaching out to young people
- conducting an assessment to understand where they wanted to go and the barriers they faced
- coaching sessions
- referrals to relevant services to overcome barriers
- opportunites to take steps towards their planned objectives.
The research team saw positive changes in all emotional well-being indicators, including quality of life, anxiety, emotional distress, and sense of belonging. Participants also showed an interest in taking up available training and work opportunities. They showed improvements in the three key outcomes we examined for this pilot phase.

Firstly, participants felt supported, were more resilient, and had better mental health outcomes than before they completed three coaching sessions.

Secondly, they showed increased capacity, knowledge and resources to navigate and access the systems and services needed to realise their aspirations.

Thirdly, 40% of them took up available opportunities to learn and earn income after just three coaching sessions. Larger numbers of these young people connected to training or education opportunities than to job opportunities. This is hardly surprising in the context of low job growth.

Taken together, these findings showed that the young people felt more positive about their lives after completing three coaching sessions. They indicated that, prior to starting the programme, they had been feeling unhappy about life and lost about how to move forward in their lives.

Part of their frustration was not having anyone to talk to about how they were feeling.

A 21-year-old female participant said after completing round two:

I didn’t know where I was going in life, what I was going to do, I didn’t know where to start. It was a whole blank page for me.

A young man said after round one:

Before I got here, the way I was feeling I didn’t think I can do anything progressive about my life. I had finished high school, but I didn’t know what step to take from there and … I did try but nothing worked … Coaching helped me cope and feel more optimistic.

Next steps

The programme is based on the idea that some young people need more time and support to find their way back into work or education. This might mean connecting them to counselling, childcare, nutrition or social grants.

The pilot revealed high levels of emotional distress, echoing recent labour force data that shows growing discouragement in the working age population. It’s clear that skills training alone isn’t enough; many young people need broader, deeper support to reconnect and thrive.

Efforts to help young people become employable need to offer more support than simply skills training. People involved in the youth employability/youth employment policy and programming sector have to understand young people from a holistic point of view and take into account the significant barriers that poverty and deprivation continue to create. This is the only way to achieve employability programmes that make an impact.

– Jobless young South Africans often lose hope: new study proves the power of mentorship
– https://theconversation.com/jobless-young-south-africans-often-lose-hope-new-study-proves-the-power-of-mentorship-259168

MIL OSI Africa –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: DRC and Rwanda sign a US-brokered peace deal: what are the chances of its success?
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jonathan Beloff, Postdoctoral Research Associate, King’s College London

The foreign ministers of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) signed a new peace agreement on 27 June 2025 under the auspices of the US.

The agreement aims to foster long-term peace, and increased economic trade and security. The DRC is one of Africa’s largest nations, with over 110 million people. Rwanda has a population of 14 million.

After three decades of war and tensions between the two neighbours since the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, the hope is that this agreement will establish the foundations for progress that benefits both nations.

It was the Donald Trump administration’s moment to illustrate the effectiveness of its “transactional” foreign policy, focused on exchanges and short-term benefits for each actor.

Most of the agreement’s details remained undisclosed until its signing. One aspect that’s surfaced was the claim that the DRC abandoned its demand for the removal of Rwandan soldiers from its territory. The Congolese government, research groups and the UN have accused Rwanda of supplying military aid, including soldiers, to the March 23 Movement (M23), which has been at war with the government in Kinshasa since 2021. The Rwandan government denies any active involvement but has some sympathies for the Congolese rebel group.

Under the June 2025 agreement, each side provided concessions and demands that are perhaps easier said than done. Both countries also want to show the Trump administration their willingness to negotiate and make a deal. This is in the hopes of future deals with the US, which Trump has remained vague on.

The DRC has immense mineral wealth, including gold, diamonds, tungsten, coltan, tin and lithium. These latter minerals are used in computer chips, batteries and other technologies.

Read more: Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group seeks local power in DRC, not just control over mining operations

The question is whether this latest agreement will lead to peace in the DRC. The likely answer is no, based on research on instability in the eastern DRC, Rwandan foreign policy and the security and political dynamics between Rwanda and the DRC for over 15 years.

This is mainly because
- key players involved in the crisis were left out of negotiations
- no provisions are made for enforcement
- the opportunities for US companies remain questionable given the lack of security in the mining regions.
The roots of the crisis

After the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, former genocide perpetrators used the DRC’s vast size as cover to plan attacks on Rwanda. They intended to return to Rwanda to finish the genocide. The consequences led to the First Congo War (1996-1997) and the Second Congo War (1998-2003).

It was during the bloody second war that the DRC was carved up by multiple rebel groups aligned with various nations and political actors. The UN accuses Rwanda and Uganda of carrying out a massive illegal mineral trade. Both nations deny this.

The consequences of the conflict are still felt over 20 years later. Despite multiple peace agreements, and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programmes, an estimated 120 rebel groups remain active in the Congo.

One of them, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), aims to return Rwanda to ethnic division and the genocide. The Rwandan government fears the group’s genocide and hate ideology.

Additionally, the FDLR and other extremist actors such as Wazalendo target the Banyarwanda. This ethnic group, residing primarily in eastern DRC, is historically related to Rwanda. It has been the target of attacks, which have forced tens of thousands of people to flee into Rwanda.

Read more: The Banyamulenge: how a minority ethnic group in the DRC became the target of rebels – and its own government

These attacks led to the resurrection of the M23. Despite its failures in 2013, the M23 scored major advances in late 2021 in response to attacks on the Banyarwanda. The rebel group led a successful military campaign that occupied large swathes of territory in eastern DRC.

Their success is largely attributed to the Rwandan Defence Forces, despite Kigali denying this claim.

Concessions from each nation

The latest peace agreement addresses the security, political and economic interests of both nations.

The specifics are still unavailable. However, several assumptions based on the framework and leaked reports can be made.

The first is that both nations must respect each other’s territorial sovereignty and stop aiding rebel forces. This will include joint security coordination, and working with the existing UN peacekeeping mission. Additionally, Congolese refugees who fled eastern DRC – estimated to be over 80,000 – will be allowed to return. Finally, the two nations will establish mechanisms to foster greater economic integration.

The DRC has also signalled its willingness to attract American investors. DRC’s vast mineral wealth remains largely underdeveloped. American investment could develop mining that’s safer and extracts larger amounts of minerals than current methods. Kinshasa has also agreed to combat corruption and simplify the tax system.

While most of these incentives would be aimed at mineral extraction companies, they also include private security firms. The Congolese military’s inability to defeat the M23 highlights a problematic security environment that some in the DRC believe can be addressed through foreign intervention. However, these security guarantees are still relatively unknown and face complications that could affect the success of any agreement.

The weaknesses

There are a number of reasons this latest agreement is unlikely to lead to peace.

First, the M23 did not participate in the negotiations. Given that they are the primary military actor in eastern DRC, their commitment to a peace process cannot be guaranteed.

Second, other rebel forces in different parts of the country will feel left out too. They could see this agreement as an opportunity to press for greater concessions from the Congolese government.

Third, there are few mechanisms to enforce the agreement. Since the Second Congo War, there have been multiple treaties, agreements and disarmament programmes with little success. The Pretoria Accord between Rwanda and the DRC in 2002 did not lead to long-term peace. The M23’s name is a nod to their anger over a failed 2009 agreement. In 2024, Rwanda and Congo nearly reached an agreement under Angola’s mediation, but Angola stepped down. The process was then taken over by Qatar and later the US.

Lastly, American investors may be deterred by the security, regulatory and corruption issues that plague the DRC. Even if the Congolese government promises to address these issues, it lacks the necessary capabilities to fulfil its commitment.

– DRC and Rwanda sign a US-brokered peace deal: what are the chances of its success?
– https://theconversation.com/drc-and-rwanda-sign-a-us-brokered-peace-deal-what-are-the-chances-of-its-success-260066

MIL OSI Africa –
July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Eastern Cape flood death toll now stands at 102

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government says a total of 102 bodies have been recovered to date across various districts since the search and rescue mission began following the disastrous floods earlier this month.

According to the provincial government, the bodies were recovered across various districts.

The figure indicates an increase of one person from the previous update provided on 26 June.

O.R. Tambo remains the hardest hit district, with 78 fatalities; Amathole 10, Alfred Nzo five, Joe Gqabi two, Sarah Baartman two, and Chris Hani five.

From the 102 bodies recovered, which include 63 adults and 63 children, 96 bodies have been identified and handed over to families, while six remain unidentified.

Due to the passage of time, DNA tests may be required to positively identify bodies found decomposed, thus implying that it may take longer to identify the deceased.

“The search and recovery teams are continuing with the search, working tirelessly to locate and recover any possible remaining bodies.

“The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) helicopters have been deployed to support the ongoing search and recovery efforts and this coordinated aerial support aims to intensify the search for possibly more victims, including two children who are still missing,” the provincial government said.

The provincial government is continuing to provide shelter, meals and all necessities to the displaced families in community care centres and accommodation establishments in and around Mthatha in O.R. Tambo District Municipality and Butterworth in Amathole District Municipality.

The Department of Health continues to provide essential medical services on-site at shelters and affected communities.

The Department of Social Development, supported by private sector partners, is delivering psychosocial support directly to grieving families and schools impacted by the floods.

Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs has dispatched mobile units to facilitate the replacement of vital documents, such as IDs and birth certificates, ensuring that affected individuals can access services without leaving their temporary homes.

To date, 478 ID replacement applications have been submitted, with three mobile units deployed in each of the two districts.

“Thus far, 56 victims of the floods have been buried across the province and government continues to offer sympathies to all the families of the bereaved, as well as critical support to ensure the burial of the deceased in a dignified manner,” the provincial government said.

The Eastern Cape has officially been declared a national disaster zone following widespread destruction caused by recent severe weather events.

In OR Tambo, water has partially been restored in various areas. Water tankers from both municipalities, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Gift of the Givers, continue with the provision of water in the affected communities. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

July 1, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) applauds Mali’s adoption of landmark law to protect stateless people

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UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes the recent adoption of Mali’s groundbreaking legislation to protect the rights of stateless people and resolve their plight.

The law builds on Mali’s accession to the 1954 and 1961 Statelessness Conventions in 2016. Comprising 28 articles, it provides a definition of a stateless person, outlines their rights and duties, and provides long-term solutions. It applies to stateless migrants and those born in Mali, guaranteeing rights to health care, education, employment, housing and justice on an equal basis with Malians. The law also protects stateless people from penalties for not having legal documents, prohibits their expulsion (with certain exceptions), and offers a path to Malian nationality or having Malian nationality confirmed.

In Mali, a considerable number of undocumented residents, individuals belonging to nomadic groups, long-term refugees and those in remote border villages are at risk of statelessness or are of undetermined nationality. These communities often struggle to access civil registration and prove their nationality. Since 2017, supported by UNHCR, Mali has taken action to address these issues. Nearly 2,400 individuals at risk of statelessness have been naturalized, and over 30,000 have received birth certificates and other civil documents. Awareness campaigns and partnerships have also helped improve understanding and access to legal identity, even in hard-to-reach areas.

“The adoption of this law is a major step forward in the protection of human rights in Mali and a clear demonstration of the Government’s commitment to end statelessness. It is a beacon of hope for thousands of vulnerable individuals,” said Georges Patrick Menze, acting UNHCR Representative in Mali. “We are proud of our partnership with the Government of Mali and will continue supporting its efforts to ensure that everyone has the right to a nationality”.

UNHCR remains committed to actively supporting the Government with the effective implementation of the new law and sustaining progress in addressing statelessness, and emphasizes the importance of continued support from international partners and donors.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

MIL OSI Africa –

July 1, 2025

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In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin highlights how Senate Republicans’ bill will slash health care coverage for more than 16 million Americans to provide massive tax breaks for billionaires

The programme and its participants

Changes in well-being and mental health

Next steps

The roots of the crisis

Concessions from each nation

The weaknesses