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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Canada: International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking: Joint statement

    “International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking reminds us of the devastating impact of the illegal drug trade and drug addiction on our society. The traffickers and dealers peddling deadly fentanyl and other narcotics to our most vulnerable are perpetrating suffering for thousands of Albertans.

    “We won’t stand idly and let these problems persist. Albertans expect us to act and that’s exactly what our government is doing. We remain steadfast in our commitment to do whatever it takes to disrupt criminal networks, pursue the ill-gotten profits of drug traffickers and save lives.

    “Advancing this commitment means working closely with our municipal and community partners throughout the province to connect those in need with life-saving wraparound services, while also ensuring police services and specialized law enforcement, such as our Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) and the Alberta Sheriffs Interdiction Patrol Team, have the support and resources needed to stop the trafficking of illegal drugs.

    “On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to combat the devastating impact of drug abuse and trafficking, recognizing that through united efforts, community support, and steadfast enforcement, we can create a safer, healthier Alberta where every individual is protected and given the opportunity to thrive.”

    Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

    “The disease of addiction continues to affect individuals, families and communities across Alberta. On this International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we remember those we’ve lost, we support those still struggling, and we commit ourselves to building a province where recovery is possible for everyone.

    “Alberta’s government is leading the way with a recovery-oriented system of care that provides access to a full continuum of mental health and addiction services and supports. From prevention and intervention to treatment and recovery, we are meeting people where they are and supporting them through every step of the way.

    “We have made significant investments to increase treatment capacity, including adding more than 10,000 publicly funded addiction treatment spaces, expanding the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, and building 11 world-class recovery communities across the province, three of which are open and supporting clients.

    “In addition, the recently passed Compassionate Intervention Act, a made-in-Alberta model, will allow adult family members, guardians, healthcare professionals, police or peace officers to request a treatment order for those whose addiction or substance use has made them a danger to themselves or others.

    “The ultimate goal is to help people reclaim their lives and achieve better health and wellness. Our approach is grounded in the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to pursue recovery, and we will continue to invest in the people, programs, and partnerships that make recovery accessible to all Albertans when and where they need it.”

    Rick Wilson, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Crop Report for the Period June 17 to June 23, 2025

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 26, 2025

    Conditions across the province were variable this past week, with some regions receiving limited rainfall and others experiencing heavy storms that brought wind, significant rain and hail resulting in damage to crops, buildings and machinery. Producers continue to assess crops for hail recovery which varies based on the type of crop and its developmental stage. 

    The northwest region received limited rainfall. Areas in the west-central and pockets in other regions received significant rainfall. The Macklin area received the highest rainfall at 108 millimeters (mm) recorded for the past week followed by the Wilkie area at 107 mm. The Semans area reported 99 mm and the Luseland area reported 96 mm for the week. 

    Rainfall significantly increased topsoil moisture in all regions this week. Provincially, cropland topsoil moisture is rated as six per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and four per cent very short. Hayland topsoil moisture is reported as five per cent surplus, 64 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and nine per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is three per cent surplus, 57 per cent adequate, 26 per cent short and 14 per cent very short. 

    Cooler temperatures this week have slowed crop development. Oilseed crops are the furthest behind the normal stages of development for this time of year. Crops in the southwest region of the province are the furthest advanced while crops in the east-central and northeast regions are the furthest behind in development. Warmer temperatures and continued precipitation are needed to help crop development progress. 

    Provincially, one per cent of seeded land is flooded and unlikely to produce a crop. Similarly, one per cent of forage crops have excess moisture and are unlikely to produce a crop and one per cent of pasture land is not accessible or not usable. For areas experiencing reduced moisture, 52 per cent of the forage crops may have yields significantly impacted, along with 59 per cent expressing that the carrying capacity of pastures may be reduced.

    The sporadic rainfall in Saskatchewan is also impacting livestock water supplies. Some producers are concerned about water availability for their animals. Provincially, one per cent of livestock water supplies are severely short, 21 per cent are moderately short, 23 per cent are anticipated to be short in the next couple months and 55 per cent are not expected to be short for the foreseeable future. 

    Various causes of crop damage were reported over the past week, including excess moisture due to recent rain, which has been rated as minor in most regions. Additionally, dry conditions continue to be reported with some regions noting severe damage. Some areas experienced minor to severe hail and wind damage with producers still assessing which crops will be able to recover. Minor frost damage was also reported and gophers continue to be a problem with minor to moderate damage in some areas. Flea beetles are persisting with producers taking control measures when needed. 

    Producers continue to finish in-crop herbicide applications and insecticide applications where needed as the weather allows. In the coming weeks, producers are looking towards fungicide applications given the recent rainfall that may be contributing to disease development. Haying equipment is being prepared with some producers just starting their haying operations. Fence checking continues as cattle are out to pasture. 

    Producers are reminded to take all safety precautions in all the work they do. The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support 24/7, toll free at 1-800-667-4442.

    A complete, printable version of the Crop Report is available online: download Crop Report.

    Follow the 2025 Crop Report on X/Twitter at @SKAgriculture.

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    For more information, contact:

    Kim Stonehouse
    Agriculture
    Tisdale
    Phone: 306-878-8807
    Email: kim.stonehouse@gov.sk.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two I-5 fish passage projects in Snohomish and Whatcom counties switch traffic to bypass lanes beginning in late June

    Source: Washington State News 2

    STANWOOD – Is this the Fellowship of the Two Streams? Either way, people traveling through northern Snohomish and southern Whatcom counties, “You shall bypass!” for two Interstate 5 fish barrier removal projects. Just remember, “Not all of those who wander are lost.”

    Beginning early Friday, June 27, people traveling on northbound I-5 near Stanwood will need to follow bypass lanes to allow work to continue into the next phase of the I-5 Secret Creek Fish Passage project. Southbound I-5 traffic in the area shifted to a bypass earlier this year. 

    A similar journey will begin just south of Bellingham for travelers along southbound I-5 starting late Sunday, June 29, for another I-5 fish barrier removal project at Lake Creek.

    I-5 Secret Creek bypass

    Starting at 5 a.m. Friday, June 27, people traveling on northbound I-5 (between milepost 211 and 212) will shift onto a temporary two-lane bypass. This bypass was built in the median between northbound and southbound I-5.

    • Traffic switch: To support the move to the bypass lanes, lane closures and rolling slowdowns will occur from 6 p.m. Thursday, June 26, until 5 a.m. Friday, June 27.
    • Reduced speed limit in I-5 work zone: While traffic uses the bypass lanes, the speed limit temporarily will be reduced to 60 mph within the work zone. Washington State Patrol will enforce the new temporary speed limit. Fines for traffic violations will double in the work zone.
    • Community engagement opportunity: WSDOT staff and contractor crewswill be at the Stanwood Farmers Market from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 27, to provide an opportunity for people to meet the team, ask questions and receive updates on construction. 

    Northbound and southbound I-5 traffic will use the bypass lanes through early 2026. The project will dig more than 60 feet beneath northbound I-5 to remove an outdated culvert that currently blocks fish passage and install a 35-foot-tall, steel-arch structure that improves wildlife habitat connectivity. Crews are already building a similar fish passable structure on southbound I-5.

    I-5 Lake Creek bypass

    Beginning at 5 a.m. Monday, June 30, near the North Lake Samish exit, southbound I-5 traffic will shift to a temporary two-lane bypass in the median.

    • Traffic switch: Starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, June 29, travelers can expect southbound I-5 lane and ramp closures and rolling slowdowns until 5 a.m. Monday, June 30, to allow for the shift to the bypass.
    • Reduced speed limit: The advisory speed limit will temporarily be reduced to 50 mph on the median bypass. 

    The bypass lanes will allow contractor crews to begin excavating and removing the old culvert, which is a barrier to fish. Once the removal is complete, crews will install a larger, fish-passable culvert. Upon installation of the new culvert in July, southbound I-5 traffic will return to its original alignment.

    This work is part of a three-year project to remove 17 barriers to fish passage along a 6-mile stretch of I-5 in Skagit and Whatcom counties.

    What to expect

    People should be prepared for delays, follow signs and watch for crews in the work zone. 

    The shifts to the temporary bypasses will allow contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation to update aging infrastructure, remove culverts that block fish movement, replace them with new, larger fish-passable structures beneath I-5 and restore habitat for marine life.

    People can find real-time updates by visiting the WSDOT Travel Map.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn School of Nursing Welcomes Class of 2029

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Over the summer, UConn holds orientation sessions for its incoming class. Students spend two days on campus where they get to meet faculty and staff in various roles, learn about resources and services the university has to offer, and meet with their advisors from their school/college.

    This year, the School of Nursing kicked off its first out of eight orientation sessions on May 27 and they run until the end of summer.  In these sessions, students learn about the School of Nursing, academic expectations, and course offerings. Along with picking their classes for their first semester, they are given the necessary tools to succeed as a nursing student.

    “Orientation is where students start finding their place in the School of Nursing. College is a big transition, and our advisors are here to help students feel confident, informed, and excited for their time at UConn,” said Chelsea Cichocki, director of student success of admissions and enrollment. “We want every student to leave feeling supported and ready to begin their academic journey and their future in nursing.”

    With over 200 students entering the School of Nursing as the class of 2029, they are anything but ordinary. From in-state to out-of-state students, they all share one thing in common – a passion for nursing.

    Shaunty Mae Vidad (Contributed Photo)

    Shaunty Mae Vidad

    First-generation student Shaunty Mae Vidad ‘29 (NURS), developed a passion for nursing after finding out the importance nurses had in saving her life.

    As a sepsis baby, Vidad spent a lot of time in the intensive care unit (ICU). Nurses played a huge part in her survival and since then she has gained a deep respect for the profession, so much so, that she wants to do the same.

    “The idea of going back to that part of the job that saved my life is something meaningful to me,” said Vidad.

    Nursing allows her to combine her love of science and interest in how the human body works. With her personal experience in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), she wants to continue down that pathway and become a NICU nurse.

    Vidad shares a passion for nursing with her uncle who is a registered nurse. His experiences and support have helped guide her through her nursing journey.

    “Hearing about his life as a nurse helped me understand that this career is about more than just medical care,” she said. “It’s about trust, empathy, and being there when it matters most.”

    Up until six years ago, Vidad was living in the Philippines where she also grew up. Since coming to Connecticut, she’s been connected to UConn. She took UConn college credits and was a part of the UConn Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation (ConnCAP) summer program – a program for students from underserved communities in grades 9-12 and post-secondary level.

    When it eventually came down to choosing a university, UConn was her first choice.

    Vidad is entering her first year as a certified nurse assistant with certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the automated external defibrillator (AED). These accomplishments have helped her gain confidence in the field and with that she’s ready to continue learning.

    “I’m looking forward to growing as a student, a person, and a future healthcare professional,” Vidad said. “Being a Husky means finding a place where I belong, and I believe UConn will give me that opportunity.”

    Carlin Sabo (Contributed Photo)

    Carlin Sabo

    Carlin Sabo ‘29 (NURS) is also a first-generation student who has a passion for nursing. Having been homeschooled in Pennsylvania for most of her life, she’s looking forward to meeting new people, especially those within her major who have similar career aspirations.

    “UConn has such a strong community, and I can’t wait to be a part of it. I want to grow not just academically, but personally – becoming more confident and independent,” Sabo said.

    In a blended family of eight siblings, Sabo will be the first nurse and being the oldest out of her younger siblings, she knows how to be a leader and protector. She also knows the importance of hard work – a value she learned from being an Irish dancer her whole life.

    Irish dancing is “one of the best things to happen in my life. It gives me an outlet to not only connect with my heritage but also travel around the world doing what I love, which is expressing myself through dance,” she said. “Irish dance taught me discipline, confidence, and the value of hard work.”

    Sabo plans to join the Irish Dance Team on campus where she can keep that connection to her heritage and her family.

    Within her academics, Sabo said she is most excited to learn about health, anatomy, and patient care. Her goal is to become a licensed medical aesthetician – a skincare specialist who works in the medical field – and a nurse injector – a healthcare professional who administers injections. One day, she wants to open her own med spa where she can help people “feel their best through skincare treatments, injectables, and holistic beauty services.”

    Being a first-generation student and the first nurse in her family she is empowered to represent them and how far they all have come.

    “I’m here today because of my parents’ sacrifices, hard work, and desire to create a better future for myself,” she said. “Nursing became my dream through my love of helping others. I’ve always been drawn to helping people feel and look their best and seeing first-hand how nurses make a big impact in people’s lives inspired me to become a nurse.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Goldman, Espaillat Introduce Legislation Banning ICE From Wearing Face Masks During Immigration Arrests

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    ‘No Secret Police Act’ Would End Trump Administration’s Use of Masked Immigration Enforcement Meant to Terrorize Immigrant Communities 

     

    Goldman Previously Questioned Masked ICE Officers in his 290 Broadway District Office Who Denied His Legal Right to Inspect Immigration Detention Facilities 

     

    Read the Bill Here 

    New York, NY – Congressmen Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) today led 37 of their House Democratic colleagues in introducing the ‘No Secret Police Act,’ which would require law enforcement officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) engaged in border security and civil immigration enforcement to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals and to ban them from using home-made, non-tactical masks.   

    “As a former federal prosecutor for ten years, I have worked alongside ICE and DHS agents to get violent criminals off our streets – and none of them ever wore masks,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “Across the country, plain-clothed federal agents in homemade face coverings are lying in wait outside immigration courts to snatch law-abiding, non-violent immigrants going through our legal system the right way. This isn’t about protecting law enforcement, it’s about terrorizing immigrant communities. The United States is not a dictatorship, and I’m proud to introduce this commonsense legislation ensuring that our federal government’s laws are enforced by identifiable human beings, not anonymous, secret agents of the state.” 

    Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, said, “If you uphold the peace of a democratic society, you should not be anonymous. DHS and ICE agents wearing masks and hiding identification echoes the tactics of secret police authoritarian regimes – and deviates from the practices of local law enforcement, which contributes to confusion in communities. Many immigrants come to America seeking opportunities, hope, and freedom to escape draconian practices, and under no circumstance should they, or anyone, fear being disappeared by masked and armed individuals in unmarked vehicles. If you are upholding the law, you should not be anonymous, and our bill aims to safeguard from tyranny while upholding the values of our nation.” 

    Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition, said, “Armed, unmarked federal agents are stalking immigrants outside courtrooms and targeting people who are following the rules and fighting for their lives. These tactics are ripped straight from an authoritarian playbook. Let’s call it what it is: a war on immigrant communities carried out in the shadows  — it’s an unconstitutional campaign of terror. We will not be silenced nor intimidated by these actions. We are on the right side of the law and we will fight tooth and nail to end this assault on our people and our democracy. We call for the swift passage of the No Secret Police Act.” 

    Natalia Aristizabal, Deputy Director of Make the Road New York, said, “ICE, and the hodgepodge of federal agencies Trump is getting to execute his war on immigrants, are terrorizing immigrant communities. They blatantly disregard people’s rights and take people from their jobs, homes and streets, all while masked and unidentified. This must stop. ICE must answer to the people, and must identify themselves and the agencies they work for. This bill would be a step towards reigning in their out of control and rogue behavior, and Congress should swiftly pass it into law.” 

    The No Secret Police Act would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require law enforcement officers and agents of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to clearly display identification and insignia when detaining or arresting individuals. Specifically, the bill would require that DHS officers:  

    • Are prohibited from wearing face coverings or any item that conceals their face during detentions or arrests.   

    • Identify the specific component of DHS (e.g., ICE, CBP) they work for.  

    • Wear or display official insignia or uniforms in a manner clearly visible to others.  

    • The bill also directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, through the Under Secretary for Science and Technology and in coordination with relevant departmental components, to conduct research and development to enhance the visibility of law enforcement officers’ official insignia or uniforms. This includes developing technologies that ensure these identifiers remain clearly visible during detentions or arrests, particularly under varying conditions such as different locations, times of day, and weather circumstances. 

    Congressman Goldman has been leading the charge to combat and confront the Trump administration’s authoritarian immigration enforcement tactics.  

    Earlier this month, Congressman Goldman and House Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02) led 84 House Democrats in an oversight letter of inquiry to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem seeking answers regarding the rise in ICE employing its masked, plainclothes officers to detain non-violent, law-abiding immigrants immediately following and in coordination with the dismissal of their existing deportation cases by DHS attorneys.    
    Last week, Goldman conducted an oversight visit to the ICE Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza in Lower Manhattan, where Deputy Field Director Bill Joyce confirmed that immigrants housed on the 10th floor were being forced to sleep on benches, floors, and in bathrooms for multiple days. Despite admitting that the facility was being used to detain migrants for several days at a time, Joyce barred the lawmakers from accessing the area, citing administration guidance. That same week, Goldman led 8 of his New York City House Democratic colleagues in sending an oversight letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons demanding ICE comply with Section 527(a) of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 and stop denying members of Congress access to facilities that ICE is using to house immigrants. 
    Last month, Congressman Goldman held an emergency press conference after witnessing and questioning masked ICE agents detaining immigrants attending routine immigration court appearances in the lobby of his 290 Broadway Manhattan district office. The press conference followed Congressman Goldman attending an immigration court proceeding this morning at the Executive Office for Immigration Review New York – Broadway Immigration Court in Manhattan, where ICE agents had been detaining both immigrants and observers, including a pastor from Queens. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaLota Votes to Crack Down on Fentanyl Trafficking, Protect Long Island Families

    Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Nick LaLota (Suffolk County, NY) released the following statement after voting to pass S. 331, the bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act, making fentanyl-related substances permanently classified as Schedule I drugs and providing Law Enforcement stronger tools to target traffickers. S. 331 is a companion bill to H.R. 27, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act, which LaLota voted to pass in the House in May 2025. 

    “Fentanyl is killing Americans at an alarming rate, and too many Long Island families have felt the devastating impact firsthand. That’s fwhy I proudly voted for S. 331, the Senate’s bipartisan version of the HALT Fentanyl Act—because we need strong, unified action to combat this crisis,” said Rep. LaLota. “With over 48,000 fentanyl-related deaths last year, this bill gives law enforcement the tools they need to prosecute traffickers, disrupt supply chains, and impose harsher penalties on those spreading this poison. I’ll continue supporting serious, bipartisan efforts to protect Suffolk County families and save lives.”

    To read the full text of the bill, click HERE. 

    Background:

    The bipartisan HALT Fentanyl Act (S. 331) permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. This allows Law Enforcement to treat all fentanyl analogues with the same seriousness as fentanyl itself, preventing traffickers from evading prosecution by tweaking chemical formulas. The bill also applies existing fentanyl trafficking penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences, to these related substances.

    To support scientific advancement, the bill streamlines the process for researching Schedule I substances like FRS. It simplifies registration requirements and allows researchers to study multiple substances under a single license. These provisions ensure that public health and law enforcement agencies can better understand and respond to emerging synthetic opioids.

    Congressman LaLota voted for the HALT Fentanyl Act last Congress on May 25, 2023, and is the sponsor of the bipartisan Detect Fentanyl and Xylazine Act, which was signed into law on December 23, 2024. The legislation enhances detection of these deadly drugs in the supply chain to better support interdiction and public health efforts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Demand Answers on Potential Political, Personal Discrimination at VA

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and several of his colleagues are calling on the administration to explain secret hospital guideline changes. In a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins, the Senators request an explanation of why certain VA Medical Center bylaws were changed in a way that could invite discrimination against veteran patients and health care providers.

    Recent reporting has uncovered how the Trump Administration is secretly changing guidelines in a way that leaves VA providers and patients with ambiguity regarding whether certain protected traits, including their political affiliation or sexual orientation, can serve as reasons for denial of health care for veterans or the hiring of medical professionals.

    “We write today to request information regarding recent changes to patient and staff policies governing medical facilities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA),” wrote the Senators in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins. “Having reviewed past and current versions of bylaws for multiple medical facilities within the Department, we have confirmed the Department made changes, in secret and without notification to the veterans you serve or to Congress, that could allow for discrimination in treating patients and hiring medical professionals.”

    The Senators explicitly detailed the difference between the previous version of the bylaws and the new version. Language that previously required VA providers to care for veterans regardless of politics, marital status, age, national origin, and disability has been removed from certain VA health care facilities’ medical bylaws. Language that also previously ensured decisions for who was able to be a part of VA’s medical staff were made without regard to political affiliation, marital status, age, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and union membership have been removed from certain VA facilities’ medical bylaws.

    While the Department has cited President Trump’s discriminatory “Defending Women” Executive Order (EO) as rationale for making these changes, the Senators asserted that as “a grossly overzealous interpretation of this EO and egregious misuse of power.”

    “While many of the previously specified traits that have been removed from VA facilities’ bylaws potentially remain protected under existing statutes, the message VA is sending by stripping explicit references to these criteria is still deeply disturbing. Allowing, let alone encouraging, this ambiguity opens the door for widespread discrimination. These changes invite uncertainty as to whether a patient can be denied access to their earned health care or whether a provider is considered unfit to serve veterans based on anything other than their expertise and credentials. Even the appearance of allowing discrimination directly violates VA’s own mission…” the Senators continued.

    The Senators concluded, “It is your duty to answer to veterans, the public, and Congress as to why VA is sowing confusion and potentially putting veterans at risk and jeopardizing the Department’s medical workforce, clinicians’ licensure, and accreditation of its medical facilities nationwide. We insist you publish proper justification and clarification of these changes so as to leave no uncertainty as to the Department’s protections for patients and employees against unlawful and unethical discrimination.”

    In addition to King, the letter was also signed by Democratic leader Charles Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), John Fetterman (D-PA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

    The full text of the Senators’ letter is available here and below.

    +++

    Dear Secretary Collins: 

    We write today to request information regarding recent changes to patient and staff policies governing medical facilities within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Having reviewed past and current versions of bylaws for multiple medical facilities within the Department, we have confirmed the Department made changes, in secret and without notification to the veterans you serve or to Congress, that could allow for discrimination in treating patients and hiring medical professionals.

    Previous versions of the bylaws outlined specific prohibitions on discrimination against patients “on the basis of race, age, color, sex, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, or disability” (Article III, Section 3.03, paragraph 1). The new version prohibits discrimination only “on the basis of any legally protected status, including legally protected status such as race, color, religion, sex, or prior protected activity.” Additionally, whereas prior versions of bylaws prohibited medical staff hiring decisions based on, among other criteria, national origin, gender, lawful partisan political affiliation, marital status, disability, age, and membership or non-membership in a labor organization (Article III, Section 3.01, paragraph 3), all of these specific criteria have been cut from the new version of the text. The Department, under your leadership, cites only Executive Order (EO) 14168 “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” as reasoning for implementing these bylaw changes. This is a grossly overzealous interpretation of this EO and egregious misuse of power.

    While many of the previously specified traits that have been removed from VA facilities’ bylaws potentially remain protected under existing statutes, the message VA is sending by stripping explicit references to these criteria is still deeply disturbing. Allowing, let alone encouraging, this ambiguity opens the door for widespread discrimination. These changes invite uncertainty as to whether a patient can be denied access to their earned health care or whether a provider is considered unfit to serve veterans based on anything other than their expertise and credentials. Even the appearance of allowing discrimination directly violates VA’s own mission: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.”

    These new guidelines are deeply dangerous and pernicious in practice and principle. It is your duty to answer to veterans, the public, and Congress as to why VA is sowing confusion and potentially putting veterans at risk and jeopardizing the Department’s medical workforce, clinicians’ licensure, and accreditation of its medical facilities nationwide. We insist you publish proper justification and clarification of these changes so as to leave no uncertainty as to the Department’s protections for patients and employees against unlawful and unethical discrimination.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Kaine Push for Swift Approval of Hampton Roads Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Lease

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) are urging the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works to swiftly take up and reapprove the authorization of 18 major Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facility leases, including a proposed lease for an outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads.

    The leases were originally authorized under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act which Sens. Warner and Kaine strongly supported. However, updated cost estimates and rent bids triggered the VA and the General Services Administration (GSA) to seek reauthorization from four congressional committees: the Senate and House Veterans’ Affairs Committees, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. To date, only the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and House Transportation and Infrastructure committees have put forward resolutions to reapprove the leases.

    In a letter to the leaders of the EPW Committee, the senators stressed the current challenges veterans in Hampton Roads are facing when trying to access care. 

    “One of these impacted leases is for a new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads, with a proposed size of 182,230 net usable square feet,” the senators wrote. “This proposed facility would serve a critical need in a high-density region that has increasing demand for VA services. Particularly for those veterans who live on the south side of Hampton Roads – home to more than 60 percent of the patient population at the Hampton VA Medical Center – this clinic would broaden care access, and provide increased services at a location more convenient to many of these veterans.”

    The senators continued, “Those associated with the region are all too familiar with challenges accessing care. The VA acknowledges through its own assessment, that the Hampton VAMC faces many physical challenges, such as frequent flooding and severe access difficulties for a large portion of the veterans it serves due to heavy traffic restricting area patients’ access to the VAMC. Hiring and recruitment challenges, in a state and region that are near the top of the list nationally in terms of share of veteran population, have contributed to challenges accessing timely care over the years. Looking forward, the VA estimates that the already sizable enrollee base in the region is expected to grow by upwards of 10 to 15 percent in the coming decades, leading to a patient population that could support multiple new VA medical centers and outpatient clinics.”

    Sens. Warner and Kaine have long fought to expand health care and benefits for Virginia’s nearly 700,000 veterans. Sens. Warner and Kaine began raising the alarm about the significant backlog of unapproved VA leases in 2016. After putting significant pressure on officials across the federal government, Congress unanimously passed the Providing Veterans Overdue Care Act, legislation written by Sen. Warner and supported by Sen. Kaine, to cut the backlog and get over two dozen delayed VA medical facilities’ leases approved.

    A copy of the letter is available here and below:

    Dear Chair Capito and Ranking Member Whitehouse,

    We write today to urge your committee to take up and pass a resolution approving of 18 major medical facility leases for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which were originally authorized under the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022, and now await reapproval by relevant Congressional committees. This tranche of facility prospectuses includes a planned facility in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, and so we encourage timely action by your committee.

    The PACT Act (P.L.117-168) included authorization and initial support funding for thirty-one veterans’ medical care and research facilities in nineteen states. In the intervening years from when the VA first calculated cost estimates for these projects, to the time they initiated conversations with local developers, the cost estimates for 18 of the facilities had increased. As such, the VA resubmitted those 18 prospectuses for their reapproval by Congressional committees.

    One of these impacted leases is for a new outpatient clinic in Hampton Roads, with a proposed size of 182,230 net usable square feet. This proposed facility would serve a critical need in a high-density region that has increasing demand for VA services. Particularly for those veterans who live on the south side of Hampton Roads – home to more than 60 percent of the patient population at the Hampton VA Medical Center – this clinic would broaden care access, and provide increased services at a location more convenient to many of these veterans.

    Those associated with the region are all too familiar with challenges accessing care. The VA acknowledges through its own assessment, that the Hampton VAMC faces many physical challenges, such as frequent flooding and severe access difficulties for a large portion of the veterans it serves due to heavy traffic restricting area patients’ access to the VAMC. Hiring and recruitment challenges, in a state and region that are near the top of the list nationally in terms of share of veteran population, have contributed to challenges accessing timely care over the years. Looking forward, the VA estimates that the already sizable enrollee base in the region is expected to grow by upwards of 10 to 15 percent in the coming decades, leading to a patient population that could support multiple new VA medical centers and outpatient clinics.

    In recognition of the need to streamline the process whereby Congress considers VA facility approvals and remove some the hurdles and delays to their being built, the PACT Act simplified the acquisition process. Under the law, re-approval of this slate of leases would require resolutions of approval by four Committees in Congress: the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works. As of our writing of this letter, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs and House Transportation and Infrastructure committees have passed resolutions of approval.

    We urge your committee to quickly consider and approve these leases. As always we appreciate your attention to these matters, as well as your efforts to conduct oversight and work with the Executive Branch on important matters impacting federal infrastructure. And we share your commitment to ensuring that veterans who have earned these services and care have the facilities needed to access them in a timely manner.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Warns Against Rescinding Foreign Assistance Funding, Ceding Appropriations Authority To Trump Administration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz

    WASHINGTON – Today, during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on President Trump’s proposed rescission request to Congress, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) warned colleagues against rescinding foreign assistance funding for programs that have long had bipartisan support. Schatz, who is a senior member of the committee and ranking member of the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee which oversees much of the funding being cut in the package, questioned White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought about the lack of clarity from the administration about which specific programs will get cut should the package pass.

    “We do not have to spend foreign assistance dollars in the same way that we always have been spending foreign assistance dollars. There’s plenty of room for reform. But we’re being asked to rescind billions of dollars without even knowing which programs are being canceled,” said Senator Schatz.

    Senator Schatz added, “What’s at stake here is more than the particular provisions of the rescissions package. It is whether we’re going to willingly set up a situation where bipartisan negotiations are ripped up whenever there is a trifecta. If that’s what you want, I think you should vote yes. But if you want to preserve your prerogative, for yourself, for your home state and for this institution—then this is not a particularly close call. Why be an appropriator and just turn around and surrender your authority?”

    The text of Senator Schatz’s testimony, as delivered, is below. Video of the testimony and his exchange with Director Vought is available here.

    Thank you, Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray, members of the Committee. This is the first time I’ve been on this side of the dais. I have to say that the altitude difference is affecting me a little bit. It really is an honor to be here to argue against this rescissions package on behalf of all of you. On behalf of all of you as appropriators.

    Now, I want to be abundantly clear—I like Eric Schmitt a lot, but this is a very important point, and it’s actually fatal to the rescissions package—every single program that Senator Schmitt just mentioned has already been canceled. Every single program. And there’s a longer list that was on a Fox News chyron and Senator Graham and I have kind of gone over all of this. There are a bunch of different examples of terrible sounding things. They are all done, and they all belong in the previous federal fiscal year.

    So, now that it’s Marco Rubio’s State Department, and Marco Rubio’s USAID agency, and now that it is Donald Trump’s White House, none of these things are happening. This is a rescission of Trump’s CR in the current federal fiscal year. And so, if you have a problem with any of those programs, let Lindsey and I write a bill that prohibits the use of funds for any of those seemingly improper uses of funds. That’s the way to do this.

    Colleagues are being asked on this Committee to cut programs that I know each one of you have personally prioritized, because we get the letters. Whether you’re the Chair or the Rank[ing Member] of a subcommittee, you get a letter from your colleagues saying, could you please prioritize XYZ program. And many of the programs—I mean I’m talking about right now. In the same time period, we are receiving letters. Please save this. Please save that. Please, plus up that. That’s what we’re cutting right now in this rescissions package.

    We do not have to spend foreign assistance dollars in the same way that we always have been spending foreign assistance dollars. There’s plenty of room for reform. You’re pushing on an open door. And in fact, the administration has until the end of next year. This is two-year money. There is no rush on this. This is two-year money to align this funding with its new priorities. But we’re being asked to rescind billions of dollars without even knowing which programs are being canceled.

    Just so you understand how this legislation works; it’s big baskets of money. So, you have no idea whether the program that you are prioritizing is going to be cut or not. And they are not providing any clarity about that. You would think that if you’re asking the Congress to use this extraordinary authority under statutory law, that you would have a line by line—here’s what we’re cutting, here’s what we’re keeping, here’s what we’re cutting, here’s what we’re keeping. The answer that we are going to receive is, let me take that under advisement and get back to you. Or—I don’t know—that it’s none of your business. Or, I’m not sure what it is. There is no reason not to have specificity other than, the math doesn’t add up. The things that you care about are being cut in here, and they don’t want to specify it.

    And that brings me to what it is definitely in this package:

    • $900 million in cuts from global health programs including PEPFAR and efforts to combat diseases like malaria, TB and polio.
    • $1.3 billion in cuts to humanitarian assistance, which save lives, provide food, and shelter, and water, and support victims of sexual assault.
    • And $4.6 billion in cuts to economic development assistance to key partners. Whether it’s Jordan with increasing regional tension, the Philippines as it counters Chinese aggression, the Burmese opposition, or Ukraine.
    • And gone is a billion dollars in support for organizations like UNICEF.

    Everybody that was opposed to those things that were on that Fox chyron—everybody that found some of the things that Senator Schmitt talked about as objectionable—also hastened to say I don’t want to cut UNICEF, I don’t want to cut PEPFAR, I don’t want to cut the World Food Programme.

    Guess what is in this rescissions package? All of those things are being cut, and none of the things that you object to. They’ve already been eliminated. This is not just a question of policy. This is also a question of what this committee is even for. Being a Senate appropriator is an honor. It means something. It means that the executive branch proposes and the legislative branch disposes. It means that we, as the article one branch, hold the purse strings. That, that is subject to cloture.

    So, what’s at stake here is more than the particular provisions of the rescissions package. It is whether we’re going to willingly set up a situation where bipartisan negotiations are ripped up whenever there is a trifecta. If that’s what you want, I think you should vote yes. But if you want to preserve your prerogative, for yourself, for your home state and for this institution—then this is not a particularly close call. Why be an appropriator and just turn around and surrender your authority? Because it is SFOPS today, but it’s going to be THUD, it’s going to be Ag, it’s going to be Labor-H, it’s going to be MilCon-VA, it’s going to be CJS tomorrow.

    So, I encourage all of my colleagues on a bipartisan basis to think hard about the precedent that we would be setting if we voted yes on this package.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With AARP Illinois As Congressional Republicans Threaten Cuts To Medicare, SNAP

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 26, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Alan Hollenbeck, State President of AARP Illinois, to discuss the impact of Republican’s budget reconciliation bill which will slash Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP for millions of Americans.  Republicans’ so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act will raise prices and slash Medicaid and Medicare coverage for working Americans in order to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, Republicans’ reconciliation bill will force 16 million Americans to lose their health insurance.

    Durbin and Mr. Hollenbeck also touched on Durbin’s Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act, which would help prevent scammers from stealing Americans’ savings through cryptocurrency schemes.  Each year, Americans, especially seniors, lose tens of millions of dollars to scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs, and this legislation would crack down on crypto scams by adding layers of protections to crypto ATM transactions and requiring greater transparency from cryptocurrency ATM operators.  

    “Many seniors in Illinois rely on Medicare and SNAP to lead a healthy life, but Republicans are willing to slash these programs in order to offer a substantial tax break for billionaires,” said Durbin.  “In my meeting with AARP Illinois leadership today, I made clear that I will push back against this atrocious, dangerous proposal to eliminate health care coverage for 16 million Americans and nutrition benefits for millions more.”

    A photo of the meeting is available here.

    Under Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act, people earning $40,000 a year will see an average tax decrease of $442 per year while people making more than $1 million will see their taxes go down by $79,000 per year.  The Congressional Budget Office’s latest analysis found that the lowest-income households in the U.S. would lose $1,600 a year in federal resources while the highest-income households would see a $12,000 annual boost from tax cuts paid for by slashing Medicaid and SNAP benefits.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: FortuixAgent 2025: This FortuixAgent App Sets New Standard in AI-Driven Trading with Unmatched Security and User Approval

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the fast-evolving world of automated finance, FortuixAgent is making waves as a standout AI-powered trading application that merges advanced algorithmic intelligence with a user-first approach to security. As markets demand smarter, faster, and safer platforms, FortuixAgent is positioning itself as a leader in delivering what traders—both new and experienced—are now demanding.

    Backed by proprietary AI models and designed to support both crypto and forex trades, the FortuixAgent App offers a seamless, fully automated experience bolstered by real-time analytics, risk management tools, and multi-broker integration. It’s not just about automation—it’s about trust. With enhanced encryption protocols and verified user satisfaction ratings across third-party platforms, FortuixAgent is fast earning the confidence of traders around the globe.

    Early user reviews highlight not only its intuitive interface and demo mode but also its consistency in executing trades across volatile conditions. Whether users are exploring new investment opportunities or looking to streamline their current trading strategies, FortuixAgent delivers with precision and transparency.

    As adoption surges in 2025, FortuixAgent is no longer just an app—it’s becoming the new standard for what intelligent, secure trading should look like in the AI era.

    Why Traders Are Switching: Simplicity, Speed, and Proven Accuracy

    As the trading landscape becomes saturated with overly complex tools and unclear metrics, FortuixAgent has emerged as a streamlined solution for everyday investors. Its intuitive interface, fast setup, and easy onboarding have led to widespread adoption across a diverse user base—from part-time crypto enthusiasts to full-time forex professionals.

    Early user reports point to the app’s speed and efficiency as key performance factors. With claimed success rates reaching up to 85% on select market conditions, many traders are seeing consistent outcomes where previously they faced guesswork. Execution times are lightning-fast, allowing users to capitalize on market shifts with minimal lag—an essential advantage in the high-stakes world of digital assets.

    Add to this the ability to activate “hands-free” mode or fine-tune trade parameters manually, and it’s clear FortuixAgent offers flexibility without compromising simplicity. In short, users are switching because the app works—without the noise, clutter, or steep learning curves found in legacy platforms.

    Visit the Official Website Here

    Global Reach, Local Access: Available Across Markets with Multi-Asset Support

    Designed for a connected world, FortuixAgent bridges trading opportunities across multiple geographies and asset classes. Whether users are in North America, Europe, or Asia-Pacific, the app is compatible with a wide range of regulated brokers and supports real-time activity in both cryptocurrency and foreign exchange markets.

    One of the key appeals of FortuixAgent is its multilingual platform and localized onboarding support—features that expand accessibility in regions where many automation tools remain limited or inaccessible. With 24/7 cloud-based uptime and integration across major trading platforms, FortuixAgent ensures users never miss an opportunity, regardless of time zone or asset class.

    The system’s versatility includes support for major currency pairs, altcoins, and emerging digital assets. As global trading ecosystems diversify, FortuixAgent’s universal infrastructure makes it a tool built for now—and for what’s next.

    Demo Mode and Learning Tools: For Beginners and Cautious Traders Alike

    As per official website, Understanding the hesitation some users face when exploring automated trading, FortuixAgent has placed education and trial-based access at the heart of its offering. The built-in demo mode allows users to simulate real trades using live market data—without risking any actual funds. This functionality is designed for both learning and validation, giving users a clear sense of how the system behaves before any capital is committed.

    For newer traders, FortuixAgent provides step-by-step onboarding, intuitive dashboards, and accessible tutorials that demystify complex trading strategies. Meanwhile, experienced users can dig deeper into advanced settings, customizing strategies and risk parameters to suit their style.

    By removing the fear barrier and building confidence through hands-on experience, FortuixAgent is redefining how users engage with automated platforms. It’s not just plug-and-play—it’s test, learn, and grow.

    How to Start Trading on FortuixAgent?

    Getting started with FortuixAgent is designed to be seamless—even for those new to trading automation. The platform offers a guided registration process that connects users to licensed brokers operating in their region. With no prior technical experience required, users can be up and running in just a few simple steps.

    The process begins by visiting the official FortuixAgent website and completing the secure sign-up form. Once registered, users are paired with a verified broker and offered access to a free demo mode, which allows them to explore the system with live market conditions—without any capital at risk.

    When users are ready to trade live, they can fund their broker account with a modest deposit, typically around $250. From there, FortuixAgent’s automated system takes over, executing trades based on real-time signals, AI optimization, and custom user settings. Traders can monitor results, adjust risk levels, or switch back to demo mode at any time.

    It’s trading made simple, safe, and smart—built to match the speed and security that 2025 demands.

    Visit the Official Website Here

    How Does FortuixAgent Work?

    At the core of FortuixAgent is a dynamic AI engine trained to detect and act on profitable trading signals across crypto and forex markets. The system aggregates real-time data from financial news, technical charts, and historical market patterns to create predictive models that guide its automated trading logic.

    Once connected to a user’s broker account, the app continuously scans the markets for trading opportunities based on predefined parameters—like stop-loss, take-profit, and risk tolerance. It executes buy/sell orders automatically and adjusts its behavior as market conditions evolve. Unlike passive bots, FortuixAgent uses adaptive learning algorithms to fine-tune its strategies over time, improving precision as it processes more data.

    Users maintain full control over their account settings. They can choose between full automation or hybrid control, where trades are suggested but not executed without approval. With built-in performance analytics, every trade is traceable, transparent, and backed by logic.

    The result? A trading experience that blends the speed of machines with the strategy of human oversight.

    What Users Are Saying: Verified Feedback Across Trading Communities

    With growing adoption throughout 2025, FortuixAgent has sparked active discussions in trading forums and across review platforms. Many users are praising the app for its consistency, ease of use, and transparency. Independent outlets such as CoinInsider have rated FortuixAgent 93/100, highlighting its AI precision and broker network compatibility. Meanwhile, Republic World and others describe the platform as “genuine and effective,” noting strong user satisfaction.

    Traders frequently mention the platform’s “hands-free reliability,” citing noticeable gains during both volatile and sideways market conditions. Others applaud its responsive customer support and regular system updates—two areas where competing apps often fall short.

    Importantly, the app’s legitimacy is underscored by its public-facing demo environment, zero upfront fees, and traceable broker integrations. In an industry where skepticism is high, FortuixAgent is earning its trust one trade at a time.

    Click here to Visit the official website & Register on the FortuixAgent

    What Makes FortuixAgent Different in 2025? A Comparative Look at the Market

    In a crowded field of trading bots and automation tools, FortuixAgent sets itself apart with its strategic focus on performance transparency, user control, and AI-driven adaptability. Unlike platforms that require high upfront deposits or lock users into rigid algorithms, FortuixAgent offers flexible customization, hands-off automation, and real-time trade visibility—all without hidden fees.

    While many legacy bots focus solely on crypto or forex, FortuixAgent supports multi-asset trading across both markets. This dual capability allows users to diversify strategies while staying within one secure interface. The platform’s emphasis on user education—via demo mode, in-app guidance, and open access to performance metrics—adds another layer of credibility that many alternatives simply lack.

    Perhaps most critically, FortuixAgent maintains broker independence. Users retain full control over funds, executing trades through licensed brokers of their choice. This “non-custodial” architecture minimizes risk while reinforcing transparency—an approach becoming increasingly important in today’s regulation-conscious environment.

    More Information on FortuixAgent Can Be Found On The Official Website Here

    Roadmap & Future Development: What’s Next for FortuixAgent Technology

    Looking ahead, FortuixAgent is not standing still. The development team has outlined an ambitious roadmap for late 2025 and beyond, which includes integrations with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, advanced market sentiment analysis using natural language processing (NLP), and greater personalization for user portfolios.

    Upcoming updates are expected to offer mobile-first enhancements, allowing users even more responsive control through their smartphones and tablets. Plans also include expanding compatibility with additional regulated brokers across new jurisdictions, as well as enhanced AI learning modules that adapt based on individual user behavior.

    This forward-looking posture positions FortuixAgent as not just a trading solution—but a continuously evolving ecosystem built for long-term relevance in the digital finance space.

    Where to Access FortuixAgent Safely in 2025: Official Links & Avoiding Imitations

    As the platform gains global traction, the risk of imitations and misleading websites has grown. To ensure a secure and authentic user experience, the developers behind FortuixAgent urge new users to access the app only through its official website

    Users are cautioned against third-party domains or clone apps that promise unrealistic returns or require upfront deposits outside of FortuixAgent’s established process. Verified links offer demo mode access, official broker partnerships, and encrypted onboarding—all critical for maintaining platform integrity.

    FortuixAgent remains committed to transparency, with support staff available to verify credentials and respond to user queries. In an increasingly noisy digital environment, clarity and legitimacy are the currency of trust—and FortuixAgent is earning it, one user at a time.

    The Final Verdict

    As automated trading platforms grow in popularity, FortuixAgent is emerging as one of the most trusted and forward-looking tools in the market. With its AI-powered core, multilayered security, user-friendly demo mode, and broad broker compatibility, the platform offers a credible and high-performance option for traders seeking an edge in 2025.

    Third-party reviews and early user feedback consistently highlight FortuixAgent’s intuitive design, transparent operation, and real-time execution power. While no trading tool is without risk, FortuixAgent distinguishes itself by empowering users—not overwhelming them—with intelligent automation.

    For traders ready to explore a smarter way to navigate financial markets, FortuixAgent isn’t just a product. It’s a glimpse into the future of trading—where technology works with you, not around you.

    This is a free trading platform with a beginner-friendly approach. People can start trading today. Sign up for a FortuixAgent!

    Contact:-
    FortuixAgent
    (713) 231-4768
    50 W 4th St, New York, NY 10012, USA
    Email: info@fortuixagent.net
    Website: https://fortuixagent.net

    General Disclaimer:
    The content provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are advised to consult a certified financial advisor, licensed loan officer, or legal professional before making any financial decisions. The information presented may not apply to every individual circumstance and is not intended to substitute professional judgment or regulatory guidance. The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website’s content as such. We does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

    Trading Disclaimer:
    Trading cryptocurrencies carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. Before deciding to trade cryptocurrency you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor. ICO’s, IEO’s, STO’s and any other form of offering will not guarantee a return on your investment.

    HIGH RISK WARNING: Dealing or Trading FX, CFDs and Cryptocurrencies is highly speculative, carries a level of non-negligible risk and may not be suitable for all investors. You may lose some or all of your invested capital, therefore you should not speculate with capital that you cannot afford to lose. Please refer to the risk disclosure below. FortuixAgent does not gain or lose profits based on your activity and operates as a services company. FortuixAgent is not a financial services firm and is not eligible of providing financial advice. Therefore, FortuixAgent shall not be liable for any losses occurred via or in relation to this informational website.
    SITE RISK DISCLOSURE: FortuixAgent does not accept any liability for loss or damage as a result of reliance on the information contained within this website; this includes education material, price quotes and charts, and analysis. Please be aware of and seek professional advice for the risks associated with trading the financial markets; never invest more money than you can risk losing. The risks involved in FX, CFDs and Cryptocurrencies may not be suitable for all investors. FortuixAgent doesn”t retain responsibility for any trading losses you might face as a result of using or inferring from the data hosted on this site.
    LEGAL RESTRICTIONS: Without limiting the above mentioned provisions, you understand that laws regarding financial activities vary throughout the world, and it is your responsibility to make sure you properly comply with any law, regulation or guideline in your country of residence regarding the use of the Site. To avoid any doubt, the ability to access our Site does not necessarily mean that our Services and/or your activities through the Site are legal under the laws, regulations or directives relevant to your country of residence. It is against the law to solicit US individuals to buy and sell commodity options, even if they are called “prediction” contracts, unless they are listed for trading and traded on a CFTC-registered exchange unless legally exempt. The UK Financial Conduct Authority has issued a policy statement PS20/10, which prohibits the sale, promotion, and distribution of CFD on Crypto assets. It prohibits the dissemination of marketing materials relating to distribution of CFDs and other financial products based on
    Cryptocurrencies that addressed to UK residents. The provision of trading services involving any MiFID II financial instruments is prohibited in the EU, unless when authorized/licensed by the applicable authorities and/or regulator(s). Please note that we may receive advertising fees for users opted to open an account with our partner advertisers via advertisers websites. We have placed cookies on your computer to help improve your experience when visiting this website. You can change cookie settings on your computer at any time. Use of this website indicates your acceptance of this website. Please be advised that the names depicted on our website, including but not limited to FortuixAgent, are strictly for marketing and illustrative purposes. These names do not represent or imply the existence of specific entities, service providers, or any real-life individuals. Furthermore, the pictures and/or videos presented on our website are purely promotional in nature and feature professional actors. These actors are not actual users, clients, or traders, and their depictions should not be interpreted as endorsements or representations of real-life experiences. All content is intended solely for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as factual or as forming any legally binding relationship
    RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH FUTURES TRADING
    Futures transactions involve high risk. The amount of the initial margin is low compared to the value of the futures contract, so that transactions are “leveraged” or “geared”. A relatively small market movement has a proportionately larger impact on the funds that you have deposited or have to pay: this can work both for you and against you. You may experience the total loss of the initial margin funds as well as any additional funds deposited in the system. If the market develops in a way that is contrary to your position or if margins are increased, you may be asked to pay significant additional funds at short notice to maintain your position. In this case it may also happen that your broker account is in the red and you thus have to make payments beyond the initial investment.
    RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ELECTRONIC TRADING
    Before you begin carrying out transactions with an electronic system, you should carefully review the rules and provisions of the stock exchange offering the system, or of the financial instruments listed that you intend to trade, as well as your broker’s conditions. Online trading has inherent risks due to system responses/reaction times and access times that may vary due to market conditions, system performance and other factors, and on which you have no influence. You should be aware of these additional risks in electronic trading before you carry out investment transactions.
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    Accuracy Disclaimer:
    All information included in this article is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate at the time of writing. However, no representations or warranties are made regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information presented. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk. The publisher does not accept responsibility for typographical errors, outdated information, or changes to products, terms, or policies after publication.
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  • MIL-OSI: Proto Hologram Secures Federal Trademark for “Beam There”

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Los Angeles, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Proto Inc., the original holographic communications and AI spatial computing platform, has officially been awarded the trademark for the phrase “Beam There” by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This marks a major milestone for Proto, whose patented technology has defined a new standard for real-time, lifelike presence across distance since 2018.

    Widely credited as the inventor of freestanding hologram devices, Proto also developed the proprietary software and operating system that powers them — enabling people to appear and interact remotely with stunning realism. Whether used live or powered by AI, Proto allows anyone to “beam” into another space and be seen, heard, and have a real sense of presence. Since the company’s breakout in 2020, “Beam There” has emerged as a natural shorthand for its sci-fi-inspired mission to dissolve the boundaries of time and geography.

    “So if I say to you, ‘Beam There’ — sounds familiar right?” said William Shatner, a Proto Hologram partner. “Proto hologram owns those words: ‘Beam there’… I was recently asked to speak at an important event in Australia. I couldn’t get there in person, but I was able to beam there — And now we can beam anywhere. There’s no telling where this technology will go.”

    Watch William Shatner talk about Proto’s “Beam There” trademark in hologram form

    David Nussbaum, Proto’s Founder, Inventor, and Chairman, said “This framed document might just look like another certificate… but for us at Proto Hologram, it’s a declaration of where the future is headed. ‘Beam There’ isn’t just a phrase — it’s our mission. From hospitals and classrooms to stages, stores, arenas, and living rooms — we’re enabling people to show up anywhere in the world, in real time, with full presence. Location is no longer a limitation.”

    The new trademark expands Proto’s already formidable IP portfolio, which includes multiple issued patents. It further protects the company’s brand leadership as others enter the hologram space — many inspired directly by Proto’s innovations. Proto continues to lead with AI-powered advancements, global partnerships, and commercial momentum, counting more than 20 Fortune 500 companies as clients or partners, 50 universities, teams from every U.S. pro sports league and the biggest names in entertainment. The company has been featured by every major news outlet and was recently honored by TIME, which named Nussbaum to the TIME100 Health List  for 2025.

    Nussbaum added, “We’re not just building hologram technology. We’re building a new language for spatial communication. To every sci-fi fan, tech optimist, and dreamer who ever wanted to teleport — the future is closer than ever. And we’re just getting started.”

    About Proto Inc.: Proto Inc. is the patented leader in hologram technology and AI spatial computing. Proto devices and its platform are in use across enterprise, finance, healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, sports and entertainment. Invented in Los Angeles and with showrooms and distribution partners around the globe, Proto distributes the large Proto Epic and Proto Luma, the desktop-sized Proto M2, and a suite of hologram AI and spatial computing services. Learn more at protohologram.com

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  • India celebrates historic docking of Dragon Spacecraft carrying Indian astronaut to ISS

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a landmark achievement for India’s space ambitions, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, hailed the successful docking of the Dragon spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS). Onboard is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut who will be conducting seven fully indigenous microgravity experiments during his stay — a significant step in India’s space exploration journey.

    Lauding the milestone, Dr. Singh said the mission reflects the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Vishwabandhu Bharat (India as a friend to the world), ideals envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He noted that all the experiments to be carried out by Shukla have been entirely developed by Indian institutions and that the scientific findings will be shared globally to benefit all of humanity.

    “India’s role in space exploration is no longer limited to the launchpad,” said Dr. Singh, who also holds responsibility in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Space, and Department of Atomic Energy. “We are now shaping the future of life and science in space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carries India’s scientific dreams to the frontiers of microgravity.”

    The Axiom-4 mission marks India’s most direct contribution to space biosciences. The seven experiments being undertaken aboard the ISS, Dr. Singh announced, are poised to make vital contributions to sustainability in space and innovation on Earth.

    The first experiment, developed by ICGEB and BRIC-NIPGR New Delhi, examines the behavior of edible microalgae in microgravity. The study will look at growth, metabolism, and oxygen-carbon dioxide recycling potential, which are critical for sustaining life on long-duration space missions.

    The second experiment, a collaboration between UAS Dharwad and IIT Dharwad, explores the germination and nutritional profiles of sprouting seeds like moong and methi in space. The study is expected to help develop nutrient-rich, medicinal food options for astronauts.

    The third experiment, from BRIC-InStem Bengaluru, investigates muscle regeneration in microgravity, aiming to understand and prevent the muscle loss astronauts typically experience during extended missions. Its findings may also inform rehabilitation therapies for patients on Earth.

    In the fourth project, researchers from IISc Bengaluru are studying the survival and reproduction of tardigrades—microscopic organisms known for their resilience—in space conditions. This research is expected to provide insights into human survival strategies in extreme environments.

    The fifth experiment, also by IISc, focuses on how astronauts interact with electronic displays in zero gravity. The data will guide the future design of spacecraft control systems to improve usability and safety.

    Another experiment from ICGEB explores the growth of cyanobacteria using urea as a nitrogen source in space. Cyanobacteria’s ability to recycle carbon and nitrogen could make it a cornerstone of sustainable life support systems in extraterrestrial habitats.

    The final experiment involves exposing seeds of rice, cowpea, sesame, brinjal, and tomato to space conditions to test their resilience. This research could pave the way for space agriculture and the development of climate-resilient crops for Earth.

    “These pioneering efforts represent India’s emergence as a global leader in space biosciences,” Dr. Singh said. “We are no longer followers; India is now leading missions of planetary relevance. These experiments will open new frontiers for sustainable life in space and resilient ecosystems on Earth.”

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Carter’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative John R Carter (R-TX-31)

    Representative John Carter’s (TX-31) Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act passed the House this afternoon, 218-206.

    “I’m proud that the House has passed the first FY26 appropriations bill—my Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill—which reflects House Republicans’ commitment to taking care of our servicemembers, veterans, and their families,” said Subcommittee Chairman John Carter. “This legislation invests in critical infrastructure, such as barracks and child development centers, and fully funds veterans’ healthcare, with a significant focus on mental health services and housing programs that our veterans have earned. As Chairman of the subcommittee, I will continue fighting to ensure those who serve our nation have the support they deserve, and I know my colleagues who voted in favor today share that same commitment. I want to sincerely thank Chairman Cole for his leadership and focus on getting solid bills across the finish line.”

    Key Takeaways

    Champions our veterans by:

    • Fully funding veterans’ health care programs.
    • Fully funding veterans’ benefits and VA programs.
    • Supporting President Trump’s efforts to combat veteran homelessness by investing in the new Bridging Rental Assistance for Veteran Empowerment program.
    • Maintaining funding levels for research, mental health programs, and other programs relied upon by veterans.

    Supports the Trump Administration and the mandate of the American people by: 

    • Protecting the 2nd Amendment rights of veterans, preventing the VA from sending information to the FBI about veterans without a judge’s consent.
    • Syncing up with President Trump’s Executive Orders on no funds for DEI, gender affirming care, and protecting Hyde-like language at the VA.
    • Prohibiting the VA from processing medical care claims for illegal aliens.

    Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by: 

    • Providing robust funding for military construction, enabling continued investment in the Indo-Pacific region, and infrastructure necessary to support the United States’ advanced weapons systems.
    • Maintaining the prohibitions on the closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the use of military construction funds to build facilities for detainees on U.S. soil.
    • Prohibiting the VA from purchasing resources directly or indirectly from the People’s Republic of China.

    A summary of the bill, before adoption of amendments, is available here.

    Bill text, before adoption of amendments, is available here.

    Bill report, before adoption of amendments, is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Massachusetts Man Faces At Least 15 Years for Multiple Offenses, Including Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    While investigating Aden Mohamed for illegal firearm purchases, investigators found child sexual abuse material on his phone

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to conspiring to straw purchase firearms, conspiring to distribute controlled substances, and producing child sexual abuse material.

    According to court records, from late 2020 until at least July 2023, Aden Mohamed (a/k/a “Mike,” a/k/a “AD”), 26, was among the leaders of a wide-ranging criminal conspiracy to traffic firearms purchased by straw purchasers in Maine to sell to customers in Syracuse, New York and Springfield, Massachusetts. Mohamed was often paid in drugs, primarily cocaine, which he used to facilitate the firearms trafficking activity by paying straw purchasers in drugs for their services. Mohamed regularly bought and sold hundreds of grams per week of cocaine as part of this scheme.

    During the investigation into the firearms trafficking conspiracy, law enforcement seized Mohamed’s phone and discovered child sexual abuse material on the device. The resulting investigation revealed that Mohamed had compelled two minors into sexually explicit situations for the purpose of producing child sexual abuse material.

    Mohamed faces up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 on the firearms charges, up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $1 million fine on the drug charges, and at least 15 years imprisonment (up to a maximum 30 years) and a fine up to $250,000 on the production of child sexual abuse material charge. The Court may also order him to pay restitution to the victims. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    As part of a plea agreement with the government, Mohamed – a Somalian national – has agreed to the entry of a judicial order of removal, which will result in his deportation from the United States following a term of at least 15 years of incarceration.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the cases.

    To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child sexual abuse material: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as “child pornography” – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678. If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741.

    Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc.

    STRAW PURCHASING: A straw purchase is an illegal firearm purchase where the actual buyer of the gun, being unable to pass the required federal background check or desiring to not have his or her name associated with the transaction, uses a proxy buyer who can pass the required background check to purchase the firearm for him/her.

    Project Safe Neighborhoods: This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Joveo Launches First-Ever AI Career Site Builder

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MENLO PARK, Calif., June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Joveo, the global leader in AI-led, high-performance recruitment marketing, announced today the launch of its new AI Career Site Builder, purpose-built for recruitment marketing and talent acquisition (TA) professionals. This revolutionary content management system (CMS) enables TA teams to build high-converting career sites, landing pages, and microsites within minutes, using simple prompts.

    Recruitment marketing and talent acquisition teams have long struggled with generic or outdated CMS platforms to build career sites and landing pages. These platforms take a long time to implement, need extensive IT support, and are hard to customize or adapt to recruiting; resulting in disjointed candidate experiences and limited control over employer brand storytelling.

    Joveo’s AI Career Site Builder is designed to give full control back to recruitment marketing and TA teams. From full employer rebranding initiatives to hiring event pages, evergreen career hubs, and DE&I campaigns, recruitment marketers can now launch fully-branded and optimized web pages in record time – accelerating speed-to-hire and dramatically improving candidate experience.

    “Transitioning our career site to Joveo was one of the best decisions we made,” said Adam Wardlow, Vice President of Recruiting and Digital Strategy at Inergroup, a strategic production and recruitment partner to some of the world’s largest consumer brands and 3PLs. “The process was incredibly fast and smooth – what another vendor couldn’t deliver in months, Joveo had up and running in just a few days. Our new site is sleek, easy to update as our business evolves, and purpose-built for driving results. Since launch, we’ve seen a significant increase in conversions and a 160% jump in candidate applications. At a time when job board costs are rising, this surge in organic traffic has delivered a major boost to our recruiting efforts.”

    Unlike generic CMS platforms built for general marketers, web designers, or developers, Joveo’s solution is purpose-built for recruiting. It goes beyond page-building to address the specific needs of talent teams: seamless ATS and CRM integration, job listing personalization, recruitment-specific widgets with a drag-and-drop builder, and a candidate-first, conversational apply flow.

    “You can’t build differentiated candidate experiences with tools designed for generic websites,” said Kshitij Jain, Founder and CEO of Joveo. “Recruitment marketing is a different game – it’s candidate-first, employer brand-driven, and conversion focused. Talent teams need purpose-built tools, not retrofitted ones. That’s why we built our own CMS – an AI-driven, prompt-based platform that empowers teams to launch personalized career sites, landing pages, hiring event pages, and more, faster than ever before. It finally delivers the control, speed, and flexibility that employer branding and recruitment marketing teams have been missing – at scale.”

    Key capabilities:

    • Prompt-based site creation: Enables the creation of career sites, landing pages, and microsites in minutes using natural language prompts – no code or technical support required.
    • Agile landing page creation: Supports the rapid creation of a large number of landing pages for hiring events, niche talent campaigns, and DE&I initiatives – within minutes instead of weeks.
    • Drag-and-drop customization: Offers modular widgets, including employee testimonial sliders, hiring event countdowns, FAQs, real-time social feeds, and much more. These can be directly added and arranged without writing code.
    • AI-powered content generation: Automatically produces headlines, copy, visuals, and layouts aligned with employer brand guidelines, or draws from pre-built media libraries tailored to the organization’s employee value proposition (EVP).
    • On-brand, personalized job listings with deep ATS integrations: Jobs are automatically synced with the ATS, personalized and presented in line with the employer brand.
    • Candidate-first experience: From personalized job content to conversational apply, automated interview scheduling, and responsive design, every page is optimized to engage, guide, and convert candidates.
    • Conversational AI integration: Includes an embedded conversational AI agent to engage candidates, schedule interviews, reduce drop offs, and increase hiring funnel conversions.
    • Built-in search engine optimization and responsiveness: All pages are fully responsive, fast-loading, and technically optimized for search engines (SEO) as well as generative engines (GEO) by default.
    • Career site analytics and performance insights: Includes an award-winning unified analytics dashboard to monitor candidate behavior, content engagement, traffic sources, and conversion metrics.

    Learn more about Joveo’s AI Career Site Builder here.

    About Joveo

    As the global leader in AI-powered, high-performance recruitment marketing, Joveo is transforming talent attraction and recruitment media buying for the world’s largest employers, staffing firms, RPOs, and media agencies. The Joveo platform enables businesses to attract, source, engage, and hire the best candidates on time and within budget.

    Powering millions of jobs every day, Joveo’s AI-led recruitment marketing platform uses advanced data science and machine learning to dynamically manage and optimize talent sourcing and applications across all online channels, while providing real-time insights at every step of the job seeker journey, from click to hire.

    For more information about Joveo’s award-winning platform, visit www.joveo.com.

    Media Contact
    Heather van Werkhooven
    Sr. Director, Content and Thought Leadership, Joveo
    pr@joveo.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/aed7169c-7751-4600-b840-64f57cdb13fa

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Byzanlink Secures $1M in Private Investment to Build Next-Gen Infrastructure for Tokenized Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, UAE, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byzanlink, a real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform bridging traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi), has raised $1 million in a private funding round. The raise attracted a group of early supporters, including Outlier Ventures, NTDP Saudi, Smart IT Frame, Sensei Capital and angel investors Murali Kulala (CEO, Smart IT Frame), Salman Butt (Co-founder, Salla), and Christopher, a seasoned fintech investor, along with several other prominent angel backers.

    Based in Dubai’s DMCC, Byzanlink is building infrastructure to modernize access to institutional-grade investment opportunities through blockchain-based tokenization. The platform is designed to bring greater transparency, operational efficiency, and broader accessibility to financial assets that have traditionally remained out of reach for many investors.

    “Support from such a diverse and forward-thinking group of partners is a strong signal for what we’re building,” said Anbu Kannappan, Founder and CEO of Byzanlink. “We believe the next generation of financial infrastructure will be powered by transparency, automation, and access. We’re committed to building that foundation.”

    With this new capital, Byzanlink will accelerate product development, deepen ecosystem integrations, and strengthen the operational frameworks that support regulatory alignment and institutional adoption. The platform aims to align traditional investment structures with modern financial rails, creating a foundation where capital moves faster, more openly, and with greater programmability.

    As the tokenization of real-world assets gains global momentum, Byzanlink is positioning itself as a core infrastructure layer supporting compliant, yield-bearing financial products for institutions, fintechs, and digital-native treasuries.

    The company’s approach centers on a multi-asset model, with plans to support a range of professionally managed, blockchain-native financial instruments. While exact offerings are under development, the platform will prioritize security, liquidity, and real-time transparency.

    This funding milestone marks a significant step in Byzanlink’s journey to reshape how capital is allocated, managed, and accessed in the digital economy.

    For further updates, visit www.byzanlink.com

    Contact:
    Anbu Kannappan
    anbu@byzanlink.com

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6003cce3-d533-4e90-9f02-6e1097b12752

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RGA Statement on Pritzker Announcing Campaign for Third Term

    Source: US Republican Governors Association

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican Governors Association (RGA) today released the following statement in response to JB Pritzker announcing his campaign for a third term as Illinois Governor:

    “People are fleeing Illinois by the hundreds of thousands and Illinois families continue to suffer the consequences of JB Pritzker’s abject record of failure at home while he spends his time on a national vanity project trying to further his own political career. Opportunities for working Illinois families are in the garbage, criminal illegal immigrants are protected over law-abiding citizens, and Pritzker’s tax hikes are destroying family budgets,” said RGA Rapid Response Director Kollin Crompton. “Pritzker’s reign in Illinois has left families trapped in an economic disaster, and taxpayers are the ones left to shoulder the burden. It’s time to bring common sense to Illinois and end Pritzker’s feast on Illinois’ working families.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why your holiday flight is still not being powered by sustainable aviation fuel

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Salman Ahmad, Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management, University of the West of Scotland

    Fahroni/Shutterstock

    As you wait in the departure lounge for your flight this summer, you may notice your aeroplane being pumped full of fuel ahead of takeoff. And then you may start to wonder why flying is still so dependent on fossil fuels, and whether you should have booked a holiday destination that’s accessible by a more environmentally friendly form of transport.

    So what happened to plans for so-called sustainable aviation fuel? Wasn’t it supposed to be the “game changer” that would make flying a much greener travel option than it used to be?

    Clearly, the move to adopt the technology is facing difficulties. One problem seems to be that there simply isn’t enough sustainable fuel to go around.

    But the business side of the process is also holding back sustainable fuel uptake.

    Research my colleagues and I conducted in 2021 revealed a deeply fragmented landscape at pretty much every step of sustainable fuel development. There are obstacles everywhere, blocking the paths of the producers developing these fuels, the airlines who might use them and the governmental and campaign groups pushing for change.

    Everyone seems to agree that sustainable fuel matters. They just don’t all agree about how to really get it off the ground.

    Our findings demonstrate that producers, for instance, were understandably focused on more research and development to improve efficient production. They were also worried that scaling up facilities could disrupt production that is already in place.

    Airlines meanwhile, are grappling with the economics of moving to sustainable fuel, which is around three to ten times more expensive than conventional fuel. Right now, a litre of conventional aviation fuel costs around £0.96 per litre in the UK – for sustainable aviation fuel it’s around £1.97. (Depending on the length of the journey and the size of the engine, a plane could need around 13,000 litres per hour of flying.)

    They spoke about inconsistent supply (especially at major airports), and the need for clearer regulations and incentives across the industry.

    “Cost is clearly the most important driver,” one airline executive told us, explaining that dealing with those costs would ultimately depend on passenger demand for greener travel – and how willing those passengers are to pay a premium for sustainable fuel.

    Distribution companies that take the sustainable fuel where it needs to go, have found themselves struggling to navigate the complexities of an emerging supply chain. They spoke of the logistical challenges of transporting and storing sustainable fuel, and a lack of clear communication between producers and airlines.

    They saw themselves as a crucial part of the sustainable aviation fuel puzzle, but were concerned about investing in logistics and infrastructure without guaranteed demand.

    Elsewhere, politicians and climate campaigners tend to view the adoption of sustainable fuel from a broader perspective, stressing the urgency of action on climate change. Their thinking is dominated by environmental strategy and sustainable aviation fuel regulation.

    But here, trust becomes an issue. Some of those involved with sustainable fuel development said they doubted government promises to support the sector over the long term. Others are cynical about whether airlines will really prioritise climate action over their very tight profit margins.

    Up in the air

    So sustainable fuel inspires plenty of different viewpoints and concerns. But one common thread was an overwhelming concern about cost and scale of production.

    Aside from being far more expensive than fossil-based jet fuel, building enough production facilities to make more will require billions of pounds of investment.

    The big question is who will foot the bill.

    sustainable fuel, on a wing and a prayer?
    Bulent camci/Shutterstock

    Some of this will need to be tax funded. For if the UK wants to become a leader in the use of sustainable aviation fuel, as the government says it does, it needs more than ambitious targets. It needs to start making things happen.

    And our research suggests that the industry as a whole would benefit from some certainty to encourage investment right across the supply chain. Without a clear and stable regulatory framework, everyone will remain hesitant about committing significant resources to sustainable fuel.

    Collaboration between the key players could also be improved, with a better dialogue between those in the industry and regulators, potentially leading to a shared vision for the future of sustainable aviation fuel.

    That future is by no means doomed. Major commercial airlines like Air France-KLM, IAG (British Airways) and United Airlines in the US are working with sustainable fuel producers around the world.

    But while the desire to decarbonise aviation seems clear, the path forward is not straightforward. It is a complex picture of politics, economics, trust and differing priorities.

    By navigating this turbulence wisely, the sustainable fuel sector can be part of a broader flight path to net zero. But if managed poorly, targets to dramatically increase its use will remain elusive.

    Salman Ahmad received funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to undertake work that informs the contents of this article. He is also a professional member of the Project Management Institue and the Association for Supply Chain Management.

    – ref. Why your holiday flight is still not being powered by sustainable aviation fuel – https://theconversation.com/why-your-holiday-flight-is-still-not-being-powered-by-sustainable-aviation-fuel-258958

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The architecture of the new Queen Elizabeth II memorial aims to commemorate her as ‘a unifying force’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Pippa Catterall, Professor of History and Policy, University of Westminster

    In the heart of London’s St James’s Park, where John Nash’s 200-year-old landscape has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, a new chapter is about to unfold. The site that has long served as the nation’s ceremonial backdrop will soon become home to something unprecedented: a memorial not just to a monarch, but to an entire era.

    The winner of the competition to design Queen Elizabeth II’s memorial has been announced, and perhaps it was inevitable that it would be Norman Foster.

    However, it was also clear that the memorial was intended to be a new national landmark that somehow encapsulated the queen and changed national values and identities during her long reign.

    Almost inevitably, it is to be situated in a Grade-I listed setting in St James’s Park, London. This presented designers with the further challenge of how to sensitively respond to John Nash’s historic landscape design across a site that spans the breadth of the park.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    After initial expressions of interest were sifted, the five candidates shortlisted in February had to come up with a master plan that was emotionally resonant and sustainable.

    It also had to be compatible with the existing use of this extensive site, not least as a thoroughfare presenting vistas of Buckingham Palace and Whitehall. This memorial therefore involved much more than the simple statues of the Queen’s father and grandfather that came before it.

    Even the memorial to Queen Victoria, undoubtedly the most commemorated woman in British history, is modest in scale compared to this new project.

    The Queen Elizabeth II memorial is clearly intended to be very different from Victoria’s imperial confection. The brief for the design specified that it had to be immediately comprehensible to peoples of all races and religions, respect the park’s wildlife, be easy to maintain and be reasonably vandal proof. Above all, the proposal had to evoke the late queen’s qualities and “tell the story of her long reign through integrated design, landscaping and placemaking”.

    The process was therefore an exercise in landscape architecture, rather than producing an artwork.

    The queen herself had considerable familiarity with architecture. During her reign, she opened 122 buildings in London alone, as well as iconic buildings around the world, such as Sydney Opera House.

    The queen described the latter as “a splendid achievement of engineering and architecture”. Her similar enthusiasm when opening the Barbican in London suggests that her architectural tastes were less traditional than her eldest son’s.

    Yet there was no dominant school of architecture among the buildings she opened, nor a New Elizabethan style that defined her reign. It would be impossible to evoke the eclectic architecture range of her reign without pastiche.

    However, if there was no defining architecture, there arguably was a defining architect – the nonagenarian Sir Norman Foster. A working-class lad from Manchester who built a globally renowned architectural brand, his architectural career, which commenced in 1956, nearly coincides with the queen’s reign.

    During that reign, many of the significant buildings she opened, such as Stansted Airport, were designed by Foster. In his career, he has won every major architectural award and produced major landmark buildings all over the world. In consequence, he has been described as the “perfect architect for his era”.

    With all due respect to the acclaimed teams of designers he was competing with, it therefore seems appropriate that his firm, Foster + Partners, should have been chosen to evoke the reign of a monarch during which his buildings featured so prominently.

    A ‘unifying force’

    To win the bid, Foster + Partners had to assemble a multidisciplinary team, including the British artist Yinka Shonibare. Their proposal was felt to address many of the dualities of the Queen’s reign: tradition and modernity, public duty and private faith and the relationship between the UK and the Commonwealth that was always dear to Elizabeth II’s heart.

    To express these dualities, their master plan provided for two gates and two gardens, united by a path and a new translucent bridge over the park’s lake. As Foster reflected, this was intended to convey the queen’s role “as a unifying force”.

    Probably one factor that worked in their favour was the significance given to the Duke of Edinburgh. The firm’s suggestion of a statue of the royal couple together is unusual. The statues of the queen’s parents, in contrast, are separate if adjacent on a staircase on the north side of The Mall facing the park where their daughter’s memorial will appear. This plan brings her back together with the beloved husband she so missed after his death in 2021. It’s a move that the queen would no doubt have thoroughly approved.

    The design concept will, of course, be refined. The architectural renders at present can only give a glimpse of what the memorial landscape will look like in practice, let alone convey the ambience it seeks to evoke. Such details will need to be developed before the designs are submitted for planning permission.

    Nevertheless, it does seem appropriate that, for an era that defies architectural categorisation it should reflect the vision of the man who, more than any other, has been the architect of the age.

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

    – ref. The architecture of the new Queen Elizabeth II memorial aims to commemorate her as ‘a unifying force’ – https://theconversation.com/the-architecture-of-the-new-queen-elizabeth-ii-memorial-aims-to-commemorate-her-as-a-unifying-force-259843

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: York has the fewest pregnant smokers in Yorkshire

    Source: City of York

    York has the lowest rate of pregnant women smoking in Yorkshire and the Humber at the time of delivery, new figures have revealed.

    According to new data published by NHS England Statistics on Women’s Smoking Status at Time of Delivery: Data tables – NHS England Digital only 4.6 per cent (65 women) smoked in York, at the time of their delivery. This shows a significant drop, when compared to figures in 2020, which were 10.4 per cent (167 women).

    Many women have been supported to help quit for good through help from the Health Trainers.

    Cllr Lucy Steels- Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said “Stopping smoking during pregnancy is a positive step you can take for the health of you and your baby.

    “Stopping smoking can be challenging, but you do not have to face this alone. The council’s health trainers can offer support tailored to your needs and look at techniques and strategies to keep you motivated on your journey to becoming smoke free”.

    The Health Trainers offer an incentive scheme of £170 in shopping vouchers which are offered, if they continue to quit during their pregnancy and quit for good.

    Lucy Evans, from Acomb, gave birth at full term to a 7lb 14oz healthy baby girl, Violet, 12 weeks ago. She stopped smoking a week after her first health trainer appointment early in her pregnancy, and received free nicotine gum and patches as well as one-to-one support sessions.

    She has just received her final voucher this week, which she plans to spend on clothes for Violet and a treat for herself.

    She said: “I wanted to quit to make sure my baby was healthy and would definitely recommend this scheme, you get so much support and help and it makes you want to quit even more.

    “I feel a lot healthier, I’m not coughing as much and am breathing better, and I feel like I can handle stress a lot better as I’m not relying on smoking.”

    The service offers personalised, individual support and advice, and signing up is really simple.

    Visit York Health Trainers and complete the online referral form, call 01904 553377 or email cychealthtrainers@york.gov.uk

    Across the region, the Smoking at Time of Delivery (SATOD) data shows that 7.5 per cent (3,901) of pregnant women across Yorkshire and the Humber were recorded as smoking in 2024/25.

    This is 1.8 per cent lower than the previous year, when maternal smoking rates were 9.3 per cent across the region. This equates to 642 fewer women smoking compared to last year.

    This is the lowest rate of smoking during pregnancy recorded in Yorkshire and the Humber since data began to be collected. This also reflects improvement across England as a whole, where SATOD rates fell to 6.1 per cent from 7.4 per cent last year.

    Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of harm to both mother and baby. It increases the risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and sudden infant death. Children born to parents who smoke are also more likely to experience respiratory illness, learning difficulties, and diabetes, and are more likely to grow up to be smokers when compared to children born into smoke-free households.

    As well as the health harms caused by smoking during pregnancy, it also adds to the cost of living and pushes families further into poverty. The average smoker spends £3,000 per year on tobacco, with younger women from the most deprived areas being the most likely to smoke and be exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Laos Railway Carries 10 Billion Yuan in Import and Export Cargo in January-May

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    KUNMING, June 26 (Xinhua) — The China-Laos railway carried more than 2.48 million tonnes of foreign trade cargo worth over 10 billion yuan (about 1.4 billion U.S. dollars) from January to May this year, official data showed Thursday.

    During this period, there was a significant increase in both the volume and cost of transportation. The volume of transportation increased by 7.9 percent year-on-year, and the cost by 33.2 percent.

    In May alone, the railway carried 512,000 tons of cargo worth 3.76 billion yuan, a new record since the railway opened in December 2021.

    As of May 22, the total volume of cargo transported via this railway exceeded 60 million tons, with cross-border shipments reaching 13.9 million tons.

    The range of goods transported has expanded significantly – from 10 to over 3,000 items. Among them are electronics, photovoltaic products, communications equipment, automobiles, agricultural products, industrial goods and essential items. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Guthrie Votes to Fully Fund Department of Veterans Affairs and Support Military Infrastructure Projects

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Brett Guthrie (2nd District Kentucky)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Guthrie (KY-02) issued the following statement following the House passage of H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026 yesterday evening.

    “Our nation owes a true debt of gratitude for those who have chosen to serve our nation in uniform. Last night, the House took a step to ensure that our veterans have access to the benefits that are owed to them and that our active duty servicemembers have the highest quality facilities to support their mission,” said Congressman Guthrie. “This legislation also includes significant funding to upgrade existing infrastructure at Fort Knox, ensuring local soldiers are in the best possible position to carry out their duties in Kentucky and beyond.”

    Specific information about the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026, before adoption of amendments, can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Reps. Barragán and Lofgren Lead Democrats’ Response to Rep. Kim’s Distorted, Partisan Resolution Regarding Trump’s Authoritarian Response to the LA Protests

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 25, 2025

    Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov

    Reps. Barragán and Lofgren Lead Democrats’ Response to Rep. Kim’s Distorted, Partisan Resolution Regarding Trump’s Authoritarian Response to the LA Protests 

    Washington, D.C. —  Today, Representatives Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, led Democrats in introducing a resolution to condemn Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines during the LA protests, while reaffirming support for state and local law enforcement and the people’s First Amendment right to peacefully protest. This resolution provides a fact-based response to Representative Young Kim’s distorted, partisan, and misleading resolution that House Republican leadership will have the House vote on later this week. 

    Rather than working on a bipartisan basis to condemn violence, defend the peaceful expression of First Amendment rights, and thank members of law enforcement, Rep. Kim’s resolution instead falsely claims that violence was widespread across LA and that California’s leadership has “prioritized protecting illegal immigrants and violent individuals over United States citizens” among other highly partisan claims. 

    In contrast, the Barragán-Lofgren resolution accurately notes that violence in LA was limited and under control by local and state law enforcement. When communities exercised their First Amendment right to assemble and protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, President Trump wrongfully deployed the National Guard and active-duty members of the U.S. Marine Corps in violation of the Posse Comitatus Act and without the consent of California Governor Gavin Newsom or local officials. Democrats’ resolution commends the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and maintain peace, supports Americans’ right to protest peacefully, condemns acts of violence, and supports the military servicemembers in the Marines and National Guard while objecting to their current deployment to Los Angeles County. 

    “Our communities have been terrorized by Donald Trump and Stephen Miller’s indiscriminate mass deportation ICE operations — in response, people spoke up and protested to express their fear, anger, and anxiety,” said Rep. Nanette Barragán. “State and local law enforcement had the situation under control and the Trump Administration intentionally escalated the situation when they deployed troops into Los Angeles. Our resolution makes clear that we will not stand by while the federal government tries to intimidate Californians into silence through a show of military force. We must protect the right to protest, condemn violence, and reject authoritarian tactics that have no place in America.”

    “Rep. Kim’s resolution regarding the L.A. protests is not just misguided, inaccurate, and disingenuous: it’s dangerous,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation. “President Trump’s deployment of Marines and the National Guard in response to largely peaceful protests was unprecedented and wrong. Trump’s refusal to coordinate with state and local officials in deploying active-duty troops also put both protestors and state and local law enforcement officers at risk. House Republicans should be conducting vigorous oversight of the shocking deployment of servicemembers – a blatant attempt to take over states’ law enforcement responsibility – not reflexively jumping to providing justification for Trump to send troops into other communities or defending his dangerous attempt to squash constitutionally-protected dissent.”

    “Communities throughout California have been upended by ICE raids where masked ICE agents are using excessive force to go after people without probable cause. People want safer communities, not to see elementary school students and sick people at hospitals deported without due process. Instead of deescalating violence, Trump has fomented it. By deploying Marines and the National Guard against protestors in LA, Trump exacerbated a situation that local officials had under control. The resolution introduced by Rep. Kim does not accurately state the facts of the situation and instead falsely lays blame on Californians for Trump’s escalatory actions. By introducing a resolution with the correct facts, Democrats are standing up for Californians, including our law enforcement officials, who have been repeatedly demonized by partisan hacks looking to score cheap political points,” said Rep. Lieu. 

     “There was only one reason Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles: to launch his pathetic, made-for-TV reality show to justify his authoritarian crackdowns and cruel ICE raids,” said Rep. Kamalger-Dove. “But Angelenos know our city is not on fire.  We see right through the reality TV president’s theatrics that are meant to distract from this Administration’s tanking of our economy, devastating cuts to Medicaid, and the brutality and inhumanity of its mass deportations. If you pan away from the set, you won’t see Trump’s toy soldiers or violence, but real people hurting from his policies. Let’s focus the camera back on that.”

    “The Trump Administration is using our military service members as political pawns to create a false narrative of uncontrolled violence, trample on legal precedent, and perpetuate fear and hate in our communities,” said Rep. Cisneros. “Last week, I led a letter with over 34 of my colleagues demanding that the President withdraw troops from L.A. and allow our local officials and law enforcement to do their jobs.  I’m proud to join California Democrats in demanding answers from the Administration.”

    “As a proud born-and-raised Angeleno, Los Angeles will always be home. The Republican resolution we are voting on this week is a distorted and inaccurate attack on Los Angeles and our great state,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “I thank Representatives Barragan and Lofgren for leading our California colleagues in introducing this resolution that reaffirms our support for peaceful protest and condemns President Trump’s mobilization of the National Guard and Marines on American soil. The President’s unprovoked and politically-motivated escalation of our military sowed more chaos and harm across our communities. My California House Democratic Caucus colleagues will continue to support the Constitutional right to peacefully protest the Trump Administration’s heartless immigration agenda while also swiftly condemning any acts of violence. Our Republican colleagues – especially our California Republican colleagues – need to do the same.”

    “Trump’s deployment of Marines to Los Angeles was a dangerous overreach that bypassed both state and local authority. We all condemn violence. Californians have a right to protest peacefully — and the Governor’s office assured me that local law enforcement had the capacity to get the situation under control,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “The Republican resolution isn’t about safety — it’s political theater aimed at stripping Americans of their rights. Instead of targeting violent criminals, Trump is going after hardworking community members and using military force to intimidate dissent. Our resolution makes clear: we won’t let fear or federal overreach silence Californians exercising their constitutional rights.”

    “This week, Republicans are forcing a vote on a partisan resolution to legitimize Trump’s unacceptable attacks on our community in Los Angeles and to excuse his warrantless mass ICE raids, his takeover of our National Guard, and his deployment of U.S. Marines on the streets of Southern California. This is just wrong. I’m proud to instead join my California Democratic colleagues in introducing this resolution to stand up to Trump’s attacks on California, defend our constitutional rights to due process and free expression, and thank the state and local law enforcement officers who have worked to protect public safety and prosecute those committing acts of violence and vandalism,” said Rep. Chu.

    The resolution is cosponsored by: Reps. Aguilar, Bera, Brownley, Bynum, Carbajal, T. Carter, Chu, Cisneros, Correa, Costa, Dean, DelBene, DeSaulnier, Doggett, Espaillat, Friedman, Garamendi, R. Garcia, S. Garcia, J. Gomez, Gray, J. Hayes, Huffman, Ivey, Jacobs, Hank Johnson, Kamlager-Dove, T. Kennedy, Khanna, Landsman, Larsen, Latimer, Leger Fernandez, Levin, Liccardo, Lieu, Lofgren, Matsui, McCollum, Min, Morelle, Mullin, Panetta, Pelosi, Peters, Pettersen, Rivas, Ross, Ruiz, Salinas, L. Sanchez, Sherman, Simon, Swalwell, Takano, Thanedar, Thompson, N. Torres, Tran, Vargas, Waters, Whitesides. 

    The text of the resolution can be found HERE. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Veteran Services Department Congratulates Local 1125 Retiree on VA Accreditation

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM Local 1125 (District 725) member Bob Svenson recently received his long awaited notice that he has cleared the bar and is now a fully accredited Veterans Administration claims representative. He is now able to represent veterans seeking help with VA claims.

    The status is hard to achieve because it allows these representatives to act much like an attorney, representing veterans in the claims process, and more.  

    “Many times the VA will come back and say your condition is not service connected and the veteran will just walk away,” said Svenson, a disabled U.S. Navy veteran. “Maybe one percent of those people will say, ‘Nope,’ and they’ll fight for it. I want to help everyone fight to get what they deserve.”

    “Bob fought hard for this accreditation and the VA does not make it easy because it’s a very serious process when processing benefits from the VA,” said IAM Assistant Veterans Services Coordinator Bryan Stymacks. “He was banging on doors and making calls to people that could push the VA to act on his application. It takes three to five years sometimes to get through the process to be accredited.”

    The IAM Union launched its Veterans Services Program in January 2021 with one accredited VA claims representative. So far, that representative, IAM Veterans Services Coordinator Rich Evans, has successfully gained more than $406,000 in monthly benefit increases, providing ongoing support to veterans and their 155 spouses and 259 children. The cumulative total of backpay recovered since the start of the program now stands at nearly $3.6 million.

    “I sought accreditation on my own from the VA in 2016 and I know how hard it is to fight within the VA system”, said Evans. “So now there are two accredited claims representatives within the IAM Veterans Services Program, and we could probably use about 20.”

    The IAM offers representation to IAM members and their families free of charge. Also the first labor organization to be recognized by the VA as a Veterans Service Organization (VSO), much like the DAV and American Legion.  Accredited representatives can demand thousands of dollars to help with a claim, but the IAM views the representation as a guaranteed benefit of IAM membership.

    The IAM Veterans Services Department continues to grow and and expand its services to military veteran members, many of whom do not realize that benefits like VA Healthcare can work as a supplement to other health insurance, reducing the out of pocket costs for healthcare for the veteran and enrolling the veteran in the proper programs as they become eligible for Medicare at retirement age. You can find out more here: IAM Veterans Services Intake Form

    “I have three sets of families; my family that’s blood, my next family is my union family, and then it’s my military,” said Svenson. “I don’t care where on the spectrum they are, those are my families – you don’t mess with them.”

    Svenson has been a member of the IAM Veterans Steering Committee since he attended the first veteran’s service training course at the Winpisinger Center in 2020. He is very active in the veterans councils in the western United States, and is based in San Diego with several roles at Local 1125.

    The post IAM Veteran Services Department Congratulates Local 1125 Retiree on VA Accreditation appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Update 298 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remains reliant on one single off-site power line to receive the external electricity it needs to cool its six reactors and their spent fuel, some seven weeks after it lost the connection to its last back-up power line, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

    “The extremely fragile external power situation as well as challenges related to the availability of cooling water after the Kakhovka dam was destroyed two years ago underline the fact that nuclear safety remains highly precarious at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. There are many important issues that must be addressed before it will be feasible to restart the plant,” Director General Grossi said.

    The 330 kilovolt (kV) power line was disconnected on 7 May due to military activities some distance away from the ZNPP, leaving Europe’s largest nuclear power plant (NPP) dependent on one 750 kV line. Before the conflict, it had access to ten off-site power lines. Its six reactors have been in cold shutdown since 2024, but still require cooling water for their reactor cores.

    Almost every day over the past week, the IAEA team based at the ZNPP has continued to hear explosions at various distances away from the site, a constant reminder of the close proximity to the frontline of the conflict.

    The IAEA team has continued to conduct walkdowns across the site as part of the Agency’s mission to monitor and assess nuclear safety and security there.

    Elsewhere in Ukraine, the IAEA teams at Ukraine’s three operating NPPs – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and the South Ukraine – and the Chornobyl site reported hearing air-raid alarms over the past week. The teams at the Chornobyl site and the Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs have all rotated in recent days. Early on 21 June, the IAEA team at the South Ukraine NPP observed a drone around one kilometre from their hotel.

    Two new deliveries of equipment have taken place under the IAEA’s comprehensive assistance programme for nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, bringing the total number of such shipments to 142 since the start of the armed conflict.

    The State Enterprise Ukrainian Geological Company received portable radiation detection and monitoring devices within the framework of the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Kherson Oblast (ISAMKO) programme in response to flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in mid-2023. The two deliveries were supported with funds from Japan.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the General Assembly on the Informal Plenary Meeting on the 80th Anniversary of the UN Charter [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    Eighty years ago, from the ashes of war, the world planted a seed of hope.

    One Charter, one vision, one promise: that peace is possible when humanity stands together.

    The UN Charter is a declaration of hope — and the foundation of international cooperation for a better world.

    And from day one, the United Nations has been a force of construction in a world often marked by destruction.

    A meeting ground where the fiercest rivals can come together to solve global problems.

    An institution where the smallest are represented alongside the most powerful.

    A platform where voices of people everywhere can be heard.

    A place grounded in the principles and letter of the Charter and other rules of international law.

    And an engine of progress for human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

    The Charter has given us the tools to change destinies, save lives, and deliver hope to the most desperate corners of the world.

    And we can draw a direct line from the creation of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war.

    Excellencies,

    Upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter is a never-ending mission. 

    Over the decades, we have celebrated the end of wars — while witnessing the start of others.

    We have delivered lifesaving aid to people in desperate need — while watching more humanitarian disasters unfold.

    We have seen progress towards denuclearization — and simultaneously renewed steps to rearmament.

    We had seen the progression of democracy, human rights, and adherence to international law — while unfortunately now seeing a troubling trend in the opposite direction.

    We have rallied behind the Sustainable Development Goals — and also seen growing gaps in inequalities.

    We have mobilized for climate action — and also are enduring record heat and climate chaos.

    We have witnessed the breathtaking rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence, which hold so much potential for humanity — while we still work to ensure this technology is managed responsibly and safely.

    Excellencies,

    We must continue to advance our work across all these fronts.

    But let’s be clear:  Today, we see assaults on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter like never before.

    The threat or use of force against sovereign nations.

    The violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

    The targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

    The weaponization of food and water.

    The erosion of human rights.

    On and on, we see an all too familiar pattern:

    Follow when the Charter suits, ignore when it does not.

    The Charter of the United Nations is not optional.  

    It is not an à la carte menu.  

    It is the bedrock of international relations. 

    We cannot and must not normalize violations of its most basic principles. 

    Excellences,

    Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, nous devons respecter et renouveler notre engagement envers le droit international — en paroles comme en actes.

    Afin de nous adapter à un monde numérique et de plus en plus multipolaire.

    Afin de faire face aux chocs mondiaux avec unité et détermination.

    Afin d’ouvrir grand nos portes — à la société civile, aux jeunes, au secteur privé.

    Et afin de repenser notre manière d’agir, en bâtissant un multilatéralisme plus fort, renouvelé, inclusif et en réseau — en somme, un multilatéralisme adapté au XXIème siècle.

    En septembre dernier, les États Membres ont adopté le Pacte pour l’avenir, réaffirmant l’engagement du monde en faveur du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    En cet anniversaire, j’invite tous les États Membres à être à la hauteur :

    De l’esprit et de la lettre de la Charte.

    Des responsabilités qu’elle nous confie.

    Et de l’avenir qu’elle nous appelle à construire.

    Pour la paix. Pour la justice. Pour le progrès. Pour « nous les peuples ».

    Merci

    ***
    [All-English]

    Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

    Eighty years ago, from the ashes of war, the world planted a seed of hope.

    One Charter, one vision, one promise: that peace is possible when humanity stands together.

    The UN Charter is a declaration of hope — and the foundation of international cooperation for a better world.

    And from day one, the United Nations has been a force of construction in a world often marked by destruction.

    A meeting ground where the fiercest rivals can come together to solve global problems.

    An institution where the smallest are represented alongside the most powerful.

    A platform where voices of people everywhere can be heard.

    A place grounded in the principles and letter of the Charter and other rules of international law.

    And an engine of progress for human rights, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

    The Charter has given us the tools to change destinies, save lives, and deliver hope to the most desperate corners of the world.

    And we can draw a direct line from the creation of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war.

    Excellencies,

    Upholding the purposes and principles of the Charter is a never-ending mission. 

    Over the decades, we have celebrated the end of wars — while witnessing the start of others.

    We have delivered lifesaving aid to people in desperate need — while watching more humanitarian disasters unfold.

    We have seen progress towards denuclearization — and simultaneously renewed steps to rearmament.

    We had seen the progression of democracy, human rights, and adherence to international law — while unfortunately now seeing a troubling trend in the opposite direction.

    We have rallied behind the Sustainable Development Goals — and also seen growing gaps in inequalities.

    We have mobilized for climate action — and also are enduring record heat and climate chaos.

    We have witnessed the breathtaking rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence, which hold so much potential for humanity — while we still work to ensure this technology is managed responsibly and safely.

    Excellencies,

    We must continue to advance our work across all these fronts.

    But let’s be clear:  Today, we see assaults on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter like never before.

    The threat or use of force against sovereign nations.

    The violation of international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

    The targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

    The weaponization of food and water.

    The erosion of human rights.

    On and on, we see an all too familiar pattern:

    Follow when the Charter suits, ignore when it does not.

    The Charter of the United Nations is not optional.  

    It is not an à la carte menu.  

    It is the bedrock of international relations. 

    We cannot and must not normalize violations of its most basic principles. 

    Excellencies,

    Now more than ever, we must respect and re-commit to international law — in words and deeds.

    To adapt to the digital, increasingly multipolar world.

    To respond to global shocks with unity and resolve.

    To open our doors wider — to civil society, to young people, to the private sector.

    And to update how we work and build a stronger. renewed, inclusive, networked multilateralism — one that is tuned to the 21st century.

    Last September, Member States adopted the Pact for the Future, which reaffirmed the world’s commitment to international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

    On this anniversary, I urge all Member States to live up:

    To the spirit and letter of the Charter.

    To the responsibilities it demands.    

    And to the future it summons us to build.

    For peace. For justice. For progress. For we the peoples.    

    Thank you.

    ***

    [All-French]

    Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Il y a 80 ans, sur les ruines laissées par la guerre, le monde a fait germer l’espoir.

    Une Charte, une vision, une promesse : la paix est possible lorsque l’humanité fait bloc.

    La Charte des Nations Unies est une déclaration d’espoir et le fondement de la coopération internationale pour un monde meilleur.

    Et depuis sa création, l’Organisation des Nations Unies est une force constructive dans un monde souvent marqué par la destruction.

    Un lieu de rencontre où les adversaires les plus féroces peuvent s’unir pour régler des problèmes mondiaux.

    Une institution où les plus petits sont représentés aux côtés des plus puissants.

    Un forum où, de partout, la voix de tous et toutes peut être entendue.

    Un lieu ancré dans les principes et la lettre de la Charte et des autres règles du droit international.

    Et une force motrice pour les droits humains, le développement durable et l’action humanitaire.
     
    La Charte nous a donné les moyens de changer des destins, de sauver des vies et d’apporter de l’espoir dans les endroits les plus éprouvés du monde.

    Nous pouvons établir un lien direct entre la création de l’Organisation des Nations Unies et la prévention d’une troisième guerre mondiale.

    Excellences,

    Défendre les objectifs et principes de la Charte est une mission sans fin.

    Au fil des décennies, nous avons vu avec satisfaction des guerres prendre fin – mais en avons vu d’autres éclater.

    Nous avons apporté une aide vitale à des personnes qui en avaient désespérément besoin – tout en assistant à de nouvelles catastrophes humanitaires.

    Nous avons constaté des progrès vers la dénucléarisation – et observé dans le même temps des mesures de réarmement.

    Nous avons assisté à des avancées en matière de démocratie, de respect des droits humains et du droit international – mains nous constatons malheureusement aujourd’hui une tendance troublante dans la direction opposée.

    Nous avons fait cause commune concernant les Objectifs de développement durable – tout en voyant les inégalités se creuser de plus en plus.

    Nous nous sommes mobilisés en faveur de l’action climatique – et connu dans le même temps des records de chaleur et le chaos climatique.

    Nous avons assisté à l’essor époustouflant de la technologie numérique et de l’intelligence artificielle, qui recèlent un immense potentiel pour l’humanité – tout en continuant d’œuvrer pour que cette technologie soit exploitée de manière responsable et sûre.

    Excellences,

    Nous devons continuer à faire avancer notre travail sur tous ces fronts.

    Mais soyons clairs : aujourd’hui, nous assistons à des attaques contre les buts et principes de la Charte des Nations Unies comme jamais auparavant.

    La menace ou l’usage de la force contre des nations souveraines.

    La violation du droit international, y compris du droit international humanitaire et du droit international des droits humains.

    La prise pour cible de civils et d’infrastructures civiles.

    L’instrumentalisation de la nourriture et de l’eau.

    L’érosion des droits humains.

    Encore et encore, nous observons un schéma bien trop familier :

    Suivre la Charte quand cela nous arrange, l’ignorer quand elle dérange.

    La Charte des Nations Unies n’est pas optionnelle.

    Ce n’est pas un menu à la carte.

    C’est le fondement des relations internationales.

    Nous ne pouvons pas et ne devons pas normaliser les violations de ses principes les plus fondamentaux.

    Excellences,

    Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, nous devons respecter et renouveler notre engagement envers le droit international — en paroles comme en actes.

    Afin de nous adapter à un monde numérique et de plus en plus multipolaire.

    Afin de faire face aux chocs mondiaux avec unité et détermination.

    Afin d’ouvrir grand nos portes — à la société civile, aux jeunes, au secteur privé.

    Et afin de repenser notre manière d’agir, en bâtissant un multilatéralisme plus fort, renouvelé, inclusif et en réseau — en somme, un multilatéralisme adapté au XXIème siècle.

    En septembre dernier, les États Membres ont adopté le Pacte pour l’avenir, réaffirmant l’engagement du monde en faveur du droit international et de la Charte des Nations Unies.

    En cet anniversaire, j’invite tous les États Membres à être à la hauteur :

    De l’esprit et de la lettre de la Charte.

    Des responsabilités qu’elle nous confie.

    Et de l’avenir qu’elle nous appelle à construire.

    Pour la paix. Pour la justice. Pour le progrès. Pour « nous les peuples ».

    Merci.

    ***

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Seeks USD 100M to Sustain Critical Services After Assisting 26M People in 186 Countries in 2024

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva, 26 June 2025 – As the International Organization for Migration (IOM) presents its 2024 Annual Report to the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance (SCPF), the Organization has simultaneously launched a global Resilience Campaign, calling on all its Member States for USD 100 million in flexible funding to protect its core humanitarian operations and maintain critical support for people on the move.

    “In a world where crises are escalating and resources are stretched thin, it’s critical that we protect the systems and solutions that are already saving lives,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Our teams are on the frontlines, delivering results day in and day out. But to sustain this impact, we need more than just commitment – we need support.”

    The Annual Report launched today at the SCPF reveals that IOM assisted more than 26.4 million people in 2024, delivering life-saving aid, fostering solutions to displacement, facilitating safe migration, and supporting recovery and resilience efforts across 186 countries. These results were achieved in a year marked by compounding crises and financial uncertainty, making sustained investment more important than ever.

    The campaign, titled From Reform to Resilience: Securing What We Built Together, comes in response to potential shortfalls in Operational Support Income, the funding stream that enables IOM’s essential systems, such as global data tools that informed 91 percent of Humanitarian Needs Overviews and Response Plans in 2024. With only five percent of IOM’s total income coming from flexible sources, the Organization’s ability to maintain these services is at risk.

    “We are asking that donors and Member States provide just 5 to 10 per cent of existing contribution as flexible funding,” DG Pope added. “Flexible funding is what allows us to act fast in crises. It’s what allows us to support the most vulnerable, not just the most visible. It ensures the institutional stability you asked us to build.”

    In 2024, IOM undertook significant structural realignment measures to increase efficiency, shifting more resources to the field and reducing institutional costs. Efforts that generated USD 38 million in savings include automation, enhancing procurement processes, and staff relocations to lower-cost duty stations.

    Over 6.2 million people received emergency health assistance, nearly 3 million were supported with protection services, and 1.5 million migrants and displaced persons accessed mental health and psychosocial care.

    In fragile and conflict-affected contexts, IOM supported the safe relocation of tens of thousands of individuals and provided recovery assistance to 2.8 million people. As climate-related disasters intensified, almost 900,000 people received support to recover and adapt. Meanwhile, IOM enabled over 220,000 people to move safely and with dignity, and helped nearly 60,000 return voluntarily to their countries of origin.

    IOM’s 2024 Annual Report also highlights the Organization’s growing engagement with governments and the private sector to facilitate safe pathways for regular migration. In 2024, IOM worked with 145 governments to strengthen migration governance and expanded its corporate partnerships, reaching over one million people through joint initiatives with 33 new private sector partners.

    Presented to Member States at the SCPF, the Annual Report not only affirms the scale and scope of IOM’s global operations but also makes clear that the ability to sustain these efforts depends on continued, flexible funding. The Resilience Campaign is a call for solidarity and action. 

    “Behind every figure in the report is a person seeking safety, dignity, and a chance to rebuild. Whether it’s a family displaced by conflict or a community recovering from disaster, flexible support ensures IOM can remain present and responsive. With continued backing, these efforts can go further and reach those who need them most,” DG Pope said.
     

    Note to Editors:

    The full report will be published next week and made available on IOM’s website.

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World Bank Group, IAEA Formalize Partnership to Collaborate on Nuclear Energy for Development

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, sign a partnership agreement to collaborate on the safe, secure and responsible use of nuclear energy for development. (Photo: M Arnaldo/World Bank)

    The World Bank Group and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) sealed an agreement today to work together to support the safe, secure and responsible use of nuclear energy in developing countries. The partnership agreement, signed by World Bank Group President Ajay Banga and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, formalizes multiple engagements between the two institutions over the last year, and marks the World Bank Group’s first concrete step to reengage with nuclear power in decades.

    The agreement also reflects a new, broader approach by the World Bank Group to electrification—one that prioritizes accessibility, affordability, and reliability, while managing emissions responsibly. With electricity demand in developing countries expected to more than double by 2035, this approach aims to help countries deliver the energy people need by enabling pathways that best fit their national context, including development objectives and Nationally Determined Contributions.

    Nuclear energy provides continuous baseload power, enhancing grid stability and resilience. Reliable baseload electricity is essential for job-generating sectors such as infrastructure, agribusiness, healthcare, tourism, and manufacturing. Nuclear power is also a source of high-skilled employment and stimulates investment across the broader economy. In addition, it can adjust to changes in electricity demand and support frequency regulation, enabling greater integration of variable renewable energy sources.

    “Jobs need electricity. So do factories, hospitals, schools, and water systems. And as demand surges—with AI and development alike—we must help countries deliver reliable, affordable power. That’s why we’re embracing nuclear energy as part of the solution—and reembracing it as part of the mix the World Bank Group can offer developing countries to achieve their ambitions. Importantly, nuclear delivers baseload power, which is essential to building modern economies,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga. “Our partnership with the IAEA marks an important step, and I’m grateful to Rafael for his personal commitment and leadership in making this possible. Together, we’ll deepen our expertise, support countries that choose nuclear, and ensure that safety, security, and sustainability guide every step forward.”

    “Today’s agreement is a milestone and the result of a year of joint work since President Ajay Banga kindly invited me to the World Bank Group Executive Board in Washington in June of last year,” IAEA Director General Grossi said. “This landmark partnership, yet another sign of the world’s return to realism on nuclear power, opens the door for other multilateral development banks and private investors to consider nuclear as a viable tool for energy security and sustainable prosperity. Together, we can help more people build a better future.”

    Under the memorandum of understanding signed today, the IAEA will work with the World Bank Group in three key areas:

    • Build knowledge related to the nuclear field: Expand the World Bank Group’s understanding of nuclear safety, security, safeguards, energy planning, new technologies, fuel cycles, reactor lifecycles, and waste management.
    • Extend the lifespan of existing nuclear power plants: Support developing countries in safely extending the life of existing nuclear reactors-one of the most cost-effective sources of low-carbon power-as many global reactors near the end of their original 40-year design life.
    • Advance SMRs: Accelerate the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer flexible deployment, lower upfront costs, and potential for wide adoption in developing economies.

    Thirty-one countries currently operate nuclear power plants, which combined produce about 9% of the world’s electricity, amounting to almost a quarter of all low-carbon power globally. More than 30 other countries, most of them in the developing world, are considering or already embarking on the introduction of nuclear power and are working with the IAEA to develop the necessary infrastructure to do so safely, securely and sustainably.

    “SMRs have great potential to cleanly and reliably power progress and fight poverty, but financing remains a roadblock,” Director General Grossi said. “Today’s agreement is a crucial first step to clearing that path.”

    Contacts

    World Bank Group (London): David Young, (202) 473-4691, dyoung7@worldbankgroup.org;

    International Atomic Energy Agency (Vienna): Jeffrey Donovan, +43 699 165 22443, j.r.donovan@iaea.org

    About the World Bank Group: The World Bank Group works to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet through a combination of financing, knowledge, and expertise. It consists of the World Bank, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA); the International Finance Corporation (IFC); the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA); and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org, ida.worldbank.org/en/home, www.miga.org, www.ifc.org, and www.icsid.worldbank.org. 

    About the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): The IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prevent its use for military purposes. The IAEA supports its member states in developing robust and sustainable nuclear safety and security infrastructures and applies safeguards to verify the peaceful use of nuclear material and technology.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Update 298 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) remains reliant on one single off-site power line to receive the external electricity it needs to cool its six reactors and their spent fuel, some seven weeks after it lost the connection to its last back-up power line, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said today.

    “The extremely fragile external power situation as well as challenges related to the availability of cooling water after the Kakhovka dam was destroyed two years ago underline the fact that nuclear safety remains highly precarious at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. There are many important issues that must be addressed before it will be feasible to restart the plant,” Director General Grossi said.

    The 330 kilovolt (kV) power line was disconnected on 7 May due to military activities some distance away from the ZNPP, leaving Europe’s largest nuclear power plant (NPP) dependent on one 750 kV line. Before the conflict, it had access to ten off-site power lines. Its six reactors have been in cold shutdown since 2024, but still require cooling water for their reactor cores.

    Almost every day over the past week, the IAEA team based at the ZNPP has continued to hear explosions at various distances away from the site, a constant reminder of the close proximity to the frontline of the conflict.

    The IAEA team has continued to conduct walkdowns across the site as part of the Agency’s mission to monitor and assess nuclear safety and security there.

    Elsewhere in Ukraine, the IAEA teams at Ukraine’s three operating NPPs – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and the South Ukraine – and the Chornobyl site reported hearing air-raid alarms over the past week. The teams at the Chornobyl site and the Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs have all rotated in recent days. Early on 21 June, the IAEA team at the South Ukraine NPP observed a drone around one kilometre from their hotel.

    Two new deliveries of equipment have taken place under the IAEA’s comprehensive assistance programme for nuclear safety and security in Ukraine, bringing the total number of such shipments to 142 since the start of the armed conflict.

    The State Enterprise Ukrainian Geological Company received portable radiation detection and monitoring devices within the framework of the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to the Kherson Oblast (ISAMKO) programme in response to flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in mid-2023. The two deliveries were supported with funds from Japan.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –