NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA Publishes New Guidance for ROV Simulator Approval

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA Publishes New Guidance for ROV Simulator Approval

    A suite of guidance documents, primarily for those owning and operating ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) and ROV simulators, has been published by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA). 
     
    One is a revision of an existing document, retitled to – IMCA R006 ‘ROV System Inspection’; the other two are newly developed guidance documents ‘Requirements for IMCA-Approved Class A ROV Simulator Accreditation’ – IMCA R028, and supporting governance document ‘Interim scheme for IMCA approval of simulator systems used for work and skills’ – IMCA G014.
     
    “All are aimed at advancing safety consistency and competency in the offshore industry and were requested by members and their clients” explained Roger Moore, IMCA Technical Adviser. 
     
    “The governance document sets out requirements for the approval of simulator systems (in general) with the technical requirements for an ROV Simulator approval detailed in R028. 

    “The  content of R006 has been reviewed and revised to ensure our offering remains a robust and effective auditing process and also allows for future integration with the IMCA eCMID system. Developed  in collaboration with committee workgroups and industry experts and aligned with best practice, the documents will support IMCA members and training providers in delivering robust, approved programmes that meet modern operational needs, and reflet IMCA’s commitment to promoting technical excellence and competence across the marine contracting sector.”
     

    Summaries of the three publications

    IMCA R006 – ROV Audit (Revision 2.0)
    This document provides guidance aimed at offshore contractors, detailing the audit process for ROV systems, which includes equipment checks and compliance with operational standards. It replaces previous versions from 2001 and 2020, reflecting current industry practices and requirements. The document emphasises the importance of maintaining equipment inventories and following manufacturers’ instructions to ensure compliance with operational procedures. In the imminent future, a feature for ROV audits will be integrated into the eCMID platform, accessible via the eCMID application, allowing ROV Audits to be undertaken digitally. This feature will complement the R006 ROV Audit document. 
     
    IMCA R028 – Requirements for IMCA-Approved Class A ROV Simulator Accreditation
    This new document establishes the criteria for the accreditation of Class A ROV simulators, which are defined as high-fidelity, fully immersive training systems. The document sets out the minimum capabilities, performance benchmarks, and evaluation procedures for simulators to qualify as Class A. The goal is to ensure these simulators offer realistic, effective training that mirrors offshore operational conditions. Accreditation helps assure industry confidence in simulator-based learning and supports the continued development of skilled, competent ROV personnel.
     
    IMCA G014 – Interim scheme for IMCA approval of simulator systems used for work and skills
    This is a guidance document for the approval of simulator systems (in general). The scheme enables members to verify their simulators meet IMCA guidelines. The document outlines the scheme and provides detail on Eligibility for Approval, Fees Structure and Application Process. This document has been written so that future iterations can include any simulator system (e.g. DP), however the only type of simulator that can be approved at the moment, is an ROV simulator. The document was written to support document R028.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Partnering to Provide Dental Care to Special Needs Patients

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    When the need for high-quality dental care for patients with special health care needs meets a learning opportunity for dental residents, a thriving community partnership is born.

    The partnership between the School of Dental Medicine and the Hospital for Special Care (HFSC) epitomizes the benefits of a fruitful community partnership—UConn dental residents get exposure to caring for patients with special health care needs, while hospital patients get access to high-quality dental care.

    Located in New Britain, the Hospital for Special Care is the fourth largest, free-standing long-term acute care hospital in the United States and one of only two in the nation serving both adults and children.

    Identifying a need for onsite dental care for their medically complex patients, the HFSC contacted the School of Dental Medicine in 2022 to re-establish regular and on-going onsite dental care after discontinuing their clinic. Previously, the hospital and dental school had an arrangement that included a pediatric dentistry faculty member from UConn providing on-site dental care for half day per week.

    Nearly two years later, the partnership is thriving. The new arrangement allows HFSC patients to receive timely, and more efficient dental care. It is also more cost-effective, as it has largely eliminated the need for costly medical transportation between New Britain and UConn Health in Farmington for patients in need of dental care.

    Dr. Sadaf Salehi and Dr. Basma Essawy in the onsite dental suite at the Hospital for Special Care.

    “The ability to provide on-site dental care is more patient-friendly, less costly, and more responsive to the needs of a very medically complex patient population,” said Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine.

    “The UConn dental team is truly dedicated to the patients of Hospital for Special Care,” said Jennifer Farley, Chief Quality Officer and Vice President of Organizational Excellence at the Hospital for Special Care. “Since the beginning, the dentists have been aligned with the mission of Hospital for Special Care and are engaged in fulfilling the needs of our patients. We love providing a place for the dental students to develop skills in dentistry for special needs populations. This relationship has been mutually beneficial, and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner.”

    Twice a month, a second-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) resident, accompanied by Dr. Basma Essawy, clinical assistant professor of general dentistry, staff the dental suite at the Hospital for Special Care.

    On a typical day, Essawy and the resident treat patients in the dental suite. At the end of the day, they go bedside to evaluate patients and create a plan of action to care for patients in need of dental care the next time they staff the suite.

    These patients have a large range of medically complex conditions, ranging from traumatic brain injuries, to autism, to heart disease.

    “I feel really grateful at the end of the day to be able to care for special needs patients,” said Essawy.

    Sometimes, situations are emergent. When dental emergencies occur, the presence of the UConn dental on HFSC’s campus is convenient.

    Artwork from a grateful patient on display in the dental suite.

    “One day, we had an emergency towards the end of the day. They called us we were immediately able to go upstairs and handle that situation,” Essawy recalled. “The patient’s mom was there, and you could see how relieved she was that her son was helped immediately.”

    More complex cases, including ones that require oral surgery and sedation, get a referral to the UConn Health Farmington campus.

    To date, there have been over 200 patient encounters since the start of the program.

    For the UConn residents, the learning experience is invaluable. Dr. Natalie Pesun, a second-year AEGD resident, describes her days at the Hospital For Special Care as a “one day long intensive” for caring for patients with special health care needs.

    “There are so many more considerations for special needs patients,” said Pesun. “They are often on more medications, their mouth can’t open as wide, they may have involuntary movements, or it can be harder to explain the treatment. Also, dealing with paperwork side of things, including communicating with conservators and power of attorneys.”

    Pesun continues, “I had done a few hospital rotations in dental school, but this is nothing like it. The need for dental care for special needs patients is huge, and if I hadn’t gone through the AEGD residency program at UConn, I don’t know if I’d be comfortable seeing special needs patients. The  Hospital for Special Care rotation compliments my residency really well.”

    With the partnership being relatively new, Essawy largely credits the success of the program to the teamwork between the Hospital for Special Care and UConn. The HSFC staff, Essawy notes, helps iron out all the challenges to make sure everything is working smoothly. The UConn team gets everything that they need—from an updated dental suite that mimics the one in Farmington, to advice from the Chief Medical Officer to patient coordinators and occupational therapists helping with patient oral desensitization prior to treatment. The support from the hospital staff is crucial.

    “As we grow, we will face challenges, but for now we have a great team that allow us to overcome challenges in a short amount of time,” said Essawy. “Everyone is working to make this program successful.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis to Lead Colorado Delegation to the 2025 Biennial of the Americas Summit in Vancouver & Lead National Governors Association Education Convening

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Delegation will Represent Colorado at the Americas Summit Agriculture, Workforce, and Clean Tech Innovation, Convene Governors and Education Leaders

    DENVER – To encourage and spur more international cooperation, boost our state’s thriving economy, and discuss best practices in agriculture, workforce, and clean tech innovation, Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) are attending the Americas Summit in Vancouver, Canada. As Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), Governor Polis will also convene governors and education leaders for the latest in a series of bipartisan events in support of the NGA Chair’s Initiative, Let’s Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success. 

    “Colorado is a global economic leader, and our strong international relationships with partners like Canada create good-paying jobs for Coloradans, strengthen international markets for made and grown in Colorado products, and boost investment in our state. While Washington pushes our allies away, Colorado will continue to bolster international trade and cooperation that benefits Coloradans, businesses, and our whole economy. The Biennial of the Americas Summit plays an invaluable role in building and strengthening Colorado’s ties with countries throughout the Western Hemisphere, and this Summit is an opportunity for us to show our allies that Colorado is stepping up as a steady partner,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. 

    The Americas Summit brings together influential leaders from across the Americas to explore critical topics such as sustainability, technological advancement, economic growth and cultural exchange. 

    “Canada is a top partner for Colorado in both trade and tourism, accounting for 16% of our state’s exports and bringing more than 176,000 visitors. Now more than ever, we must strengthen this important international relationship to help both of our regions thrive and support the Colorado businesses that depend on these international connections,” said OEDIT’s Executive Director, Eve Lieberman. 

    In addition to attending the Americas Summit, Gov. Polis and OEDIT’s Global Business Development division are hosting additional events to showcase Colorado’s leadership in the advanced industries, the state’s commitment to strong international partnerships, and highlight Colorado’s business strengths: 

    • A roundtable hosted in partnership with the Colorado-headquartered National Science Foundation (NSF) ASCEND Engine to convene stakeholders in the clean energy/climate tech sector and adjacent technology areas that support decarbonization efforts and community resiliency.
    • A convening of Canadian business leaders and Colorado stakeholders to highlight the state’s business advantages, including a nation-leading workforce, central location for global market access and a stable and collaborative ecosystem.
    • A roundtable with leaders of British Columbia to explore the impacts of recent trade policy changes between the U.S. and Canada, and explore opportunities for cross-border collaboration at the state and provincial levels. 

    “International missions ensure that Colorado remains at the forefront with our global partners. The relationships made and strengthened at the Americas Summit enhance our state’s reputation as a global leader in innovation and the advanced industries while identifying new opportunities for cross-border collaboration at the state and provincial levels,” said Michelle Hadwiger, Director of Global Business Development for OEDIT. 

    OEDIT staff includes representation from the Colorado Tourism Office, the Colorado Creative Industries Office, and the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office. Leadership from the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor and Employment will also be in attendance at the summit. 

    While in Vancouver, Governor Polis will also lead a convening of the National Governors Association to discuss how states can ensure students are prepared with the skills needed to succeed and highlight his chairman’s initiative, “Let’s Get Ready! Educating All Americans For Success”. 

    “Funding education that gives students the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the classroom and grow in the workforce is the largest and most important investment Colorado makes each year. This convening provides the opportunity for state and education leaders to share innovative solutions to strengthen student success and achievement,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. 

    The NGA convening includes a visit to Language Nest, for kids ages 0 to three, and Capilano Little Ones Elementary School, where students learn primarily in Squamish, immersing young students in the language and culture at a young age. During the convening, Governor Polis will also moderate panels with Dr. Oon Seng Tan, the Director of the Singapore Center for Character and Citizenship Education, Dr. Timothy Knowels, the President of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and Dr. Vicki Phillips the CEO of the National Center on Education and the Economy. 

    About OEDIT’s Global Business Development Division 

    Global Business Development (GBD) is a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. GBD supports Colorado businesses and communities by using a data-driven approach to recruit, support, and retain businesses that contribute to a robust and diversified economy. We align our portfolio of programs, services, and incentives with industries that benefit Colorado companies and elevate the state’s national and international competitiveness. GBD also hosts foreign delegations and participates in trade and investment missions around the world to strengthen global awareness of Colorado. With a highly educated and motivated workforce, a thriving innovation economy, and nation-leading entrepreneurial spirit, Colorado is a top market for business development. 

    About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade 

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Celebrates Historic Legislative Session Expanding Access to Early Childhood Education

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today joined with educators, parents, and advocates at a news conference to celebrate the accomplishments achieved during the recently adjourned legislative session in passing legislation that will implement the largest expansion of access to early childhood education in Connecticut history.

    At the urging of Governor Lamont, the Connecticut General Assembly approved a suite of bills (Senate Bill 1, House Bill 5003, and House Bill 7288) that will enable thousands of additional children to enroll in high-quality, early childhood education services, which have been unattainable for families.

    “This legislative session was a victory for the many parents, families, and early childhood educators who have been advocating for Connecticut to make early childhood education affordable and accessible for all of our kids,” Governor Lamont said. “Access to early childhood education is massively important to any state’s success, not only because these programs provide valuable tools for children that will lead them to professional achievements in the future, but also because being able to enroll your child in care right now means that parents can join the workforce and earn an income that supports their family. The bills that the General Assembly approved this session represent the largest expansion of early childhood education access in Connecticut history, and I thank them for making this a priority and recognizing that this issue is a major part of what will create a stronger, safer, and resilient state.”

    A significant amount of the legislation that was approved came from the recommendations of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care, which brought together voices from across child care providers, businesses, government, and parents to provide a roadmap on the future of early childhood education in Connecticut.

    “With this legislation, Connecticut provides an early childhood education model for the nation,” Connecticut Early Childhood Commissioner Beth Bye said. “It will make child care free or affordable for tens of thousands of families, and provide a portal where parents can find affordable child care in their community. And as the endowment grows, it will reach more communities and more families. Connecticut’s model is different from other states with its focus on affordability for families, equitable wages for early childhood educators, and local community planning for expansion. The passage of this bill is an achievement shared by many here today who worked for this change this year and for decades – from families, to advocates, to businesses, to providers – all share in this success.”

    “Connecticut is now a national leader in creating a child care system that truly supports working families and boosts our state’s economy,” Eva Bermúdez Zimmerman, director of Child Care for CT, said. “We applaud Governor Lamont and his fellow leaders in government for hearing the voices of parents, providers, and business leaders who advocated fiercely to make child care a top priority in the halls of the capitol. This is transformative legislation for Connecticut, and we are so proud to help make it a reality.”

    “The Endowment bill is the most significant piece of early childhood legislation to pass the General Assembly in my lifetime,” Merrill Gay, executive director of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance, said. “Thank you, Governor Lamont, for proposing this approach to fix the problem that has plagued early care and education from its inception. Most parents can’t afford what it costs to provide high quality care, and early educators shouldn’t have to subsidize the system by working for poverty wages.”

    Establishment of the Early Childhood Education Endowment

    Senate Bill 1 establishes a state-managed Early Childhood Education Endowment fund starting on July 1, 2025, that will initially be funded with up to $300 million in unappropriated surplus funding from the fiscal year 2025 budget. This fund will be used to:

    • Support the expansion of early childhood education providers by adding tens of thousands of slots in Connecticut’s state-funded system available to enroll additional children;
    • Expand opportunities that make early childhood education available at no cost to families enrolled in Early Start CT who earn up to $100,000 per year, and a sliding scale of no more than 7% for families earning more than $100,000 per year.

    In future years, the fund will continue to grow with annual funding from budget surpluses and investments.

    Finally, in fiscal year 2027 the legislation requires that the state launch a health insurance subsidy pilot program for early childhood educators in partnership with Access Health CT. There will be $10 million available for this subsidy.

    Simplifying the ability of families to access early childhood education

    To address concerns from families that Connecticut’s current system of early childhood education services is fragmented and challenging to navigate, House Bill 5003 creates the Early Care and Education Program Portal to provide families with a means of accessing real-time information about slot availability. Available for all Connecticut providers and families, the portal will:

    • Allow families to submit information for resource and referral and enrollment purposes in early childhood programs;
    • Provide the ability for the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood to manage payments to early childhood programs;
    • House information on the availability of free or subsidized slots in each town and on a regional and statewide basis;
    • Allow early childhood providers to enter slot availability and enrollment information into the portal;
    • Be access through a mobile app or internet website; and
    • Allow families to apply for child care subsidies or other assistance, including Care 4 Kids.

    Supporting construction and renovation of child care facilities

    House Bill 7288 – the annual state bond bill – enables the State Bond Commission to authorize up to $80 million in bonds that will be used to support the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood in establishment of the Child Care Facilities Grant Program for Construction and Renovation. This grant program will offer financial assistance for facility improvements for licensed child care centers, group child care homes, and family child care homes.

    All three bills are currently undergoing engrossing and final printing in the legislature’s nonpartisan offices. Once that process has been completed, the bills will be transmitted to the Office of the Governor for the governor’s signature. The governor will sign the bills shortly after they have been transmitted to his office.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Ivey Announces Department of Early Childhood Education Acting Secretary Jan Hume to Take Teaching Role with Auburn University, Will Appoint Ami Brooks to Lead Agency

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced she will appoint Ami Brooks to serve as secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. Jan Hume, after leading the agency for two years and working at the Department for nearly 14 years, will head to her and the governor’s alma mater, Auburn University, to serve as a Professor of Practice in Public Administration. 

    “People like Jan and Ami are why Alabama has led the nation in early childhood education for 19 consecutive years. Throughout her tenure as acting secretary and at the Department, Jan has fully embraced our goal to give every Alabama child a strong start through efforts like improving the quality of Pre-K to implementing new initiatives like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. I am grateful to Jan for her service to Alabama and know Auburn will benefit from her expertise in the years to come,” said Governor Ivey. “I am excited to promote Ami to lead the Department of Early Childhood Education to build on our success. Ami’s several years with the Department and her background as a Pre-K and kindergarten teacher make her exceptionally qualified to lead the agency. Truly, serving our state’s youngest citizens is her passion.”  

    Brooks currently serves as director for the P-3 Partnership at the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, where she administers all aspects of the P-3 program, the foundation of Governor Ivey’s Strong Start, Strong Finish education initiative. She also has background as a coach facilitator with the Department and was one of the state’s first coach facilitators. Both Hume and the governor credit Brooks with being a key leader in the Department’s success over the years. Having managed the implementation of the statewide assessment tool, as well as leading the revision of the Kindergarten Entry Assessment, she has been a major driver in the growth and improvements made to benefit Alabama’s earliest learners. 

    Like the governor, Brooks began her career in the classroom. For nearly two decades, Brooks taught Alabama students ranging from the youngest in Pre-K to the fourth graders studying state history. In 2017, Brooks was selected as a finalist for Alabama Teacher of the Year. 

    “It’s an incredible honor to be appointed by Governor Ivey to serve as Secretary for the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education,” said Brooks. “Young children have always been my joy, and I’m thrilled to continue collaborating with dedicated individuals who share a commitment to giving every child a strong start. It is a privilege to contribute to this important work and help further its positive impact. I am grateful to Governor Ivey for this opportunity. 

    Hume will remain at the Department through the summer to aid in the transition period. Brooks will officially take the helm beginning June 16, 2025.   

    An official headshot of Ami Brooks is attached. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Cohen, Duckworth, Kustoff and Blackburn Introduce Legislation to Improve Roadways Around Airports

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing funding to improve ground transportation into and out of busy airports

    WASHINGTON – Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and David Kustoff TN-8) and Senators Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee today introduced legislation to help improve ground transportation into and out of our nation’s busy airports. The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing federal funding to create an incentive for surface transportation projects at and within five miles of a public airport that improve access, reduce congestion or rehabilitate roads, rail or transit, making catching a flight or coming home from the airport easier and faster for Americans across the country.

    “Improving access and reducing congestion to our nation’s airports through our next surface transportation reauthorization bill makes good economic sense,” Congressman Cohen said. “Our Memphis International Airport, the nation’s busiest cargo airport, is at the confluence of river, rail and highway circuits we call ‘America’s Distribution Center.’ Updates to the ground infrastructure in Memphis and around the country through grants authorized under the Don’t Miss Your Flight Act will modernize and improve the air traveler’s experience.”

    “We’ve all been there—you’re rushing to the airport but then get stuck in traffic outside while worrying that your flight is going to take off without you,” Duckworth said. “Airports like Chicago O’Hare and so many others are building to keep up with the growing passenger demand, but our surface transportation leading into and out of our airports needs to keep pace. That’s one reason why I’m proud to introduce the Don’t Miss Your Flight Act to help make it easier, faster and more reliable for traveling Americans to get into and out of our airports.”

    “Our nation’s airports are working overtime to meet growing passenger demand, and our airports in Tennessee are no exception,” Blackburn said. “The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing federal funding to boost infrastructure projects at and near airports to reduce congestion and make it easier for Americans to catch their flights.”

    “Memphis International Airport is the second busiest cargo airport in the world. It is imperative that shipments can get in and out of Memphis quickly and effectively,” said Kustoff. “The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act is critical legislation that will ensure federal funding is used to modify surface transportation around our nation’s busiest airports and help carry us further into the 21st century.”

    Our nation’s already-busy airports continue to grow—enplanements at U.S. airports are projected to grow from nearly 945 million in 2023 to 1.4 billion in 2040 and to 1.7 billion in 2050. An estimated $19.3 billion is needed to improve access to and from facilities across the country over the next five years.

    The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would create a discretionary grant program using existing Highway Trust funds for road, bridge, tunnel, passenger rail or transit projects that make improvements at and within 5 miles of a public airport that reduce congestion, expand capacity, expand access or rehabilitate surface transportation infrastructure. The Highway Trust Fund is an existing federal account under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration.

    This legislation is endorsed by Air Line Pilots Association, Airports Council International, American Association of Airport Executives, Allied Pilots Association, Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Association of Professional Flight Attendants and Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Cohen, Senator Markey Reintroduce the Complete Streets Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

    House the bill is being co-led by Representatives Jake Auchincloss, Adriano Espaillat, Valerie Foushee and Dina Titus

    WASHINGTON — Representative Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Senator Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today reintroduced the Complete Streets Act, which would transform America’s public roads. The bill would require states to direct a portion of their federal highway funding toward the creation of a Complete Streets Program. A “Complete Street” provides safe and accessible transportation options for children, seniors, and people with disabilities by prioritizing infrastructure for pedestrians, bicyclists, and public transit users. The bill would also require that future construction projects on public roads are designed for the safety of all its road users.  

    “In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrians killed by vehicles, especially in Memphis. Our country is seeing a national safety crisis on our roads. We need streets that can accommodate all means of transportation, from foot traffic and strollers to bicycles, scooters, cars, light trucks and 18-wheelers. The Complete Streets Act will transform communities and make it safer for everyone to make ‘complete’ use of our roadways and adjacent infrastructure,” said Congressman Cohen. 

    “The skyrocketing number of pedestrian and cyclist deaths in our country is a crisis. This moment calls for us to ensure our roads are designed with safety – not speed – as our top priority,” said Senator Markey. “I am grateful for Representative Cohen’s partnership to ensure we prioritize roadway safety and accessibility over a reliance on fast, fossil-fueled vehicles. Let’s build complete streets and complete communities and accelerate into a safer, more accessible future for all.”  

    The Complete Streets Act, is being co-led by Representatives Jake Auchincloss of Massachusetts, Adriano Espaillat of New York, Valerie Foushee of North Carolina, and Dina Titus of Nevada. It is being cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Raphael Warnock of Georgia, Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico. 

    Representative Auchincloss made the following statement:

    “Cities should be built for humans, not cars. Walkable streets are safer, better for business, and more enjoyable for children and families. Promoting walkability should be a bipartisan priority for the next infrastructure bill.”

    Representative Titus made the following statement:

    “Tragically, 2024 was the deadliest year on Clark County roads with almost 300 traffic fatalities. As we work to connect communities through investments in transportation projects, we must also create safe roadways for all motorists and pedestrians. The Complete Streets Act promotes safety, accessibility, and climate-friendly infrastructure while helping communities build safe streets through projects like protected bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks, and more accessible roadway.”

    Representative Foushee made the following statement:

    “Whether by car, bus, bike, or on foot, every person deserves to feel safe while traveling on our roadways. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Complete Streets Act, which will help build safer, more inclusive streets that serve all road users. By investing in our transportation infrastructure, we can give our cities and towns the tools they need to prevent traffic-related injuries and fatalities, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of life for all within our communities.” 

    Representative Espaillat made the following statement:

    “Traffic violence is a public health crisis, and we remain committed to ensuring the highest standards for New Yorkers,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Street safety is critical to the overall health and wellness of our families and communities as we continue to build on the progress made thus far to ensure pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, and drivers are safe during their everyday travels. The Complete Streets Act bolsters our efforts to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents during the planning and development phases of routes throughout our communities.”

     Under the Complete Streets Act, eligible local and regional entities can use funds from their state’s Complete Streets Program for technical assistance and capital funding to build safe street projects such as sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and bus stops. The legislation would also phase in a requirement for states to incorporate Complete Streets elements into all new construction and reconstruction. 

    The legislation is endorsed by the National Complete Streets Coalition, Transportation for America, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, GreenLatinos, People for Bikes and the League of American Bicyclists. 

    Senator Markey and Representative Cohen first introduced the Complete Streets Act in 2019. Elements of the Complete Streets Act were incorporated into the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which was signed into law in 2021. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: 5 benefits Africa’s new space agency can deliver

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Scott Firsing, Senior Research Associate, University of South Africa

    The African Space Agency was officially inaugurated in Cairo’s Space City in April 2025. The event marked a milestone in a process that had been in the works since the early 2000s. Drawing inspiration from the European Space Agency, it unites African Union (AU) member states to harness space technology for development. This is in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063, aimed at advancing Africa into a prosperous future.


    Read more: Africa has ambitious goals for 2063: plans for outer space hold the key to success


    The agency’s goal is to:

    • coordinate and implement Africa’s space ambitions by promoting collaboration among the AU’s 55 member states

    • harness space technologies for sustainable development, climate resilience and socio-economic growth

    • oversee the African Space Policy and Strategy to enhance access to space-derived data

    • foster partnerships with international space agencies like the European Space Agency and others.

    Over 20 African countries operate space programmes and more than 65 African satellites have been launched. It is my view as a global space diplomacy expert that the agency can help ensure that Africa isn’t a bystander in the space economy. This sector is projected to be worth US$1.8 trillion by 2035.

    The space agency positions Africa to address pressing challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the global space economy. These include using satellite data, boosting connectivity, driving economic growth, fostering global partnerships and training future leaders.

    Five benefits

    Valuable eyes in the sky

    Space assets, particularly Earth observation satellites, offer a number of advantages. The continent faces significant climate risks like droughts, fires and floods. This is particularly problematic as the agricultural sector is approximately 35% of Africa’s GDP and employs about half of its people across over 1 billion hectares of arable land.

    Satellite data optimises crop yields, supports climate-resilient farming, and enhances sustainable fisheries and port modernisation. Nigeria’s National Space Research and Deveopment Agency, for example, has used satellites like the NigSat-2 to monitor crop health and predict yields.

    Beyond agriculture, satellites assist in project planning in cities across Africa. Kenya uses a satellite to track urban development trends and enhance municipal urban planning capacities.

    Satellites also keep an eye on Africa’s resource-abundant territories while tackling problems like armed conflict, deforestation, and illegal migration and mining.

    The African Space Agency will help provide access to AI-enhanced satellite data. This will enable even nations with constrained resources to tackle local needs. For instance, Côte d’Ivoire’s first locally made satellite, launched in 2024, shows how African nations are building their own capabilities.


    Read more: Côte d’Ivoire is launching its first satellite for Earth observation – and it’s locally made


    By making it easier to share data, the African Space Agency also positions the continent to generate revenue in the global space data market. That fuels innovation.

    Enhancing connectivity and enabling cutting-edge technology

    Africa’s digital divide is stark. Only 38% of its population was online in 2024, compared to the global average of 68%. The African Space Agency aims to bridge this gap through satellite-based communications. This technology can deliver broadband to remote regions where cell towers and undersea cables are impractical.

    Connectivity enables education, e-commerce and telemedicine.

    Satellite services, like those provided by SpaceX’s Starlink in 21 African countries, will drive digital inclusion. In turn this promises to reduce unemployment and help entrepreneurs.

    The African Space Agency is also positioning Africa to embrace new space technologies. Examples include Japan’s 2025 demonstration of beaming solar power from space, following a US achievement in 2023.

    This could revolutionise energy access. Space-based solar power captures solar energy in orbit via satellite and transmits it as microwaves to Earth. This offers a solution to Africa’s energy poverty. It could provide reliable power to remote areas without extensive grid infrastructure.

    The African Space Agency’s role in coordinating satellite launches and data sharing will make these technologies more accessible and cost-effective.

    Driving economic growth and innovation

    Africa’s space sector, now worth over US$20 billion, is growing rapidly. The industry has seen an increase of private companies and investor support, moving beyond sole dependence on government funding. Investment is being fuelled by 327 NewSpace firms, a term used for the new emerging commercial space industry in nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. These firms often excel in satellite communication, Earth observation and component manufacturing.

    But many African nations lack resources. The agency will lower barriers by fostering collaboration, coordinating national space programmes, and reducing duplication.For example, the African Space Agency’s efforts to streamline satellite development and launches will spur local manufacturing and tech hubs.

    This means that smaller economies will be able to participate.

    Strengthening regional and global connections

    Africa’s space sector relies on partnerships with space agencies and commercial space companies based in the “space powers”. These include the US, Russia, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. These institutions provide launch services, satellite development and ground stations.

    An example is Senegal’s GaindeSAT-1A, a CubeSat launched in 2024 via America’s SpaceX with French collaboration.

    Meanwhile, countries like South Africa are exploring local rocket programmes to enhance the agency’s self-reliance. Africa’s space ground stations are already located across the continent, supporting the European Space Agency and commercial missions. They will soon host a deep space ground station for America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

    Funding remains a challenge. African nations allocated just US$426 million to space programmes in 2025. That’s less than 1% of global spending. The European Space Agency has an US$8 billion budget.

    However, initiatives like the €100 million Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme (2025–2028) aim to boost Africa’s space sovereignty and innovation.

    The agency’s vision extends beyond Earth, with an eye on the Moon. Some members, notably Angola, Nigeria and Rwanda, have already signed the US-led Artemis Accords for lunar exploration. For their part Egypt and South Africa are collaborating with China and Russia on the International Lunar Research Station.


    Read more: Outer space: Rwanda and Nigeria sign an accord for more responsible exploration – why this matters


    Training the next generation

    A skilled workforce is critical to Africa’s space industry. The Africa Space Agency Space City plans to host a training academy. It will build on Egypt’s programmes in space project management, satellite design, and orbital simulation.

    Partnerships like the Africa-EU programme offer scholarships, while private initiatives, such as the Pathways to Space programme by Boeing and the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy, engage students in 63 schools in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

    – 5 benefits Africa’s new space agency can deliver
    – https://theconversation.com/5-benefits-africas-new-space-agency-can-deliver-258098

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: 5 benefits Africa’s new space agency can deliver

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Scott Firsing, Senior Research Associate, University of South Africa

    The African Space Agency was officially inaugurated in Cairo’s Space City in April 2025. The event marked a milestone in a process that had been in the works since the early 2000s. Drawing inspiration from the European Space Agency, it unites African Union (AU) member states to harness space technology for development. This is in line with the AU’s Agenda 2063, aimed at advancing Africa into a prosperous future.




    Read more:
    Africa has ambitious goals for 2063: plans for outer space hold the key to success


    The agency’s goal is to:

    • coordinate and implement Africa’s space ambitions by promoting collaboration among the AU’s 55 member states

    • harness space technologies for sustainable development, climate resilience and socio-economic growth

    • oversee the African Space Policy and Strategy to enhance access to space-derived data

    • foster partnerships with international space agencies like the European Space Agency and others.

    Over 20 African countries operate space programmes and more than 65 African satellites have been launched. It is my view as a global space diplomacy expert that the agency can help ensure that Africa isn’t a bystander in the space economy. This sector is projected to be worth US$1.8 trillion by 2035.

    The space agency positions Africa to address pressing challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the global space economy. These include using satellite data, boosting connectivity, driving economic growth, fostering global partnerships and training future leaders.

    Five benefits

    Valuable eyes in the sky

    Space assets, particularly Earth observation satellites, offer a number of advantages. The continent faces significant climate risks like droughts, fires and floods. This is particularly problematic as the agricultural sector is approximately 35% of Africa’s GDP and employs about half of its people across over 1 billion hectares of arable land.

    Satellite data optimises crop yields, supports climate-resilient farming, and enhances sustainable fisheries and port modernisation. Nigeria’s National Space Research and Deveopment Agency, for example, has used satellites like the NigSat-2 to monitor crop health and predict yields.

    Beyond agriculture, satellites assist in project planning in cities across Africa. Kenya uses a satellite to track urban development trends and enhance municipal urban planning capacities.

    Satellites also keep an eye on Africa’s resource-abundant territories while tackling problems like armed conflict, deforestation, and illegal migration and mining.

    The African Space Agency will help provide access to AI-enhanced satellite data. This will enable even nations with constrained resources to tackle local needs. For instance, Côte d’Ivoire’s first locally made satellite, launched in 2024, shows how African nations are building their own capabilities.




    Read more:
    Côte d’Ivoire is launching its first satellite for Earth observation – and it’s locally made


    By making it easier to share data, the African Space Agency also positions the continent to generate revenue in the global space data market. That fuels innovation.

    Enhancing connectivity and enabling cutting-edge technology

    Africa’s digital divide is stark. Only 38% of its population was online in 2024, compared to the global average of 68%. The African Space Agency aims to bridge this gap through satellite-based communications. This technology can deliver broadband to remote regions where cell towers and undersea cables are impractical.

    Connectivity enables education, e-commerce and telemedicine.

    Satellite services, like those provided by SpaceX’s Starlink in 21 African countries, will drive digital inclusion. In turn this promises to reduce unemployment and help entrepreneurs.

    The African Space Agency is also positioning Africa to embrace new space technologies. Examples include Japan’s 2025 demonstration of beaming solar power from space, following a US achievement in 2023.

    This could revolutionise energy access. Space-based solar power captures solar energy in orbit via satellite and transmits it as microwaves to Earth. This offers a solution to Africa’s energy poverty. It could provide reliable power to remote areas without extensive grid infrastructure.

    The African Space Agency’s role in coordinating satellite launches and data sharing will make these technologies more accessible and cost-effective.

    Driving economic growth and innovation

    Africa’s space sector, now worth over US$20 billion, is growing rapidly. The industry has seen an increase of private companies and investor support, moving beyond sole dependence on government funding. Investment is being fuelled by 327 NewSpace firms, a term used for the new emerging commercial space industry in nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa. These firms often excel in satellite communication, Earth observation and component manufacturing.

    But many African nations lack resources. The agency will lower barriers by fostering collaboration, coordinating national space programmes, and reducing duplication.For example, the African Space Agency’s efforts to streamline satellite development and launches will spur local manufacturing and tech hubs.

    This means that smaller economies will be able to participate.

    Strengthening regional and global connections

    Africa’s space sector relies on partnerships with space agencies and commercial space companies based in the “space powers”. These include the US, Russia, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. These institutions provide launch services, satellite development and ground stations.

    An example is Senegal’s GaindeSAT-1A, a CubeSat launched in 2024 via America’s SpaceX with French collaboration.

    Meanwhile, countries like South Africa are exploring local rocket programmes to enhance the agency’s self-reliance. Africa’s space ground stations are already located across the continent, supporting the European Space Agency and commercial missions. They will soon host a deep space ground station for America’s National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

    Funding remains a challenge. African nations allocated just US$426 million to space programmes in 2025. That’s less than 1% of global spending. The European Space Agency has an US$8 billion budget.

    However, initiatives like the €100 million Africa-EU Space Partnership Programme (2025–2028) aim to boost Africa’s space sovereignty and innovation.

    The agency’s vision extends beyond Earth, with an eye on the Moon. Some members, notably Angola, Nigeria and Rwanda, have already signed the US-led Artemis Accords for lunar exploration. For their part Egypt and South Africa are collaborating with China and Russia on the International Lunar Research Station.




    Read more:
    Outer space: Rwanda and Nigeria sign an accord for more responsible exploration – why this matters


    Training the next generation

    A skilled workforce is critical to Africa’s space industry. The Africa Space Agency Space City plans to host a training academy. It will build on Egypt’s programmes in space project management, satellite design, and orbital simulation.

    Partnerships like the Africa-EU programme offer scholarships, while private initiatives, such as the Pathways to Space programme by Boeing and the Future African Space Explorers STEM Academy, engage students in 63 schools in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

    Scott Firsing 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. 5 benefits Africa’s new space agency can deliver – https://theconversation.com/5-benefits-africas-new-space-agency-can-deliver-258098

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Energy Minister asks NDA to explore clean energy at Moorside

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Energy Minister asks NDA to explore clean energy at Moorside

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks asks the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to explore clean energy at Moorside.

    • Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Cumberland Council to explore clean energy development in Cumbria – protecting billpayers and supporting new jobs as part of government’s Plan for Change
    • Moorside land could be used for range of clean energy projects, from nuclear to solar to wind
    • Builds on Cumbria’s strong nuclear history and decommissioning work at Sellafield – making the region a clean energy powerhouse

    People in Cumbria could benefit from a new jobs and economic growth in Moorside, after Energy Minister Michael Shanks asked the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Cumberland Council to explore the potential for clean energy development on the land.

    The government’s nuclear decommissioning arm, which owns the site adjacent to Sellafield, will work with the local council to explore using the land for clean energy projects – opening up market discussions on privately-backed new nuclear, solar or wind as part of government’s Plan for Change.

    Cumbria has a strong nuclear history and the decommissioning work at Sellafield is a national priority. Any plans for development will consider the requirements of existing major programmes at Sellafield, including plutonium disposition, which will support thousands of skilled jobs and inject billions into Cumbria over the coming decades.

    A new clean energy project could lead to new jobs in the region, while protecting billpayers and boosting the UK’s energy security.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    Unlocking the potential of Moorside for clean energy is a significant step forward in our Plan for Change, supporting skilled jobs, economic growth and energy security in Cumbria and across the UK.

    By working closely with local partners, we can ensure that this historic region continues to lead the way in clean energy innovation, delivering real benefits for communities and protecting billpayers for years to come.

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

    Cumbria has a fantastic nuclear legacy, and opening up this land for development will build on the region’s energy expertise.

    This could lead to new jobs and economic growth in Cumbria, while boosting the nation’s energy security and protecting family finances.

    NDA Group CEO, David Peattie, said:

    Our priority will always be the delivery of our nationally important mission, to safely and securely decommission the UK’s earliest nuclear sites.

    We have unique expertise, resources and assets and we are committed to exploring how we can best utilise these to support wider energy security ambitions and low carbon energy generation.

    That includes looking to identify land not required for our mission, which could be freed up for other uses to deliver benefits to the local community and wider economy.

    Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said:

    This is great news for West Cumbria, a clean energy development will help grow and diversify our future economy.  

    The council are fully committed to working with the NDA together to understand how we can deliver maximum value and benefit from the land at Moorside for the local community.

    Josh MacAlister, MP for Whitehaven and Workington, said:

    Unlocking this land gives us our best chance at new nuclear since the collapse of NuGen. Now we have the government behind us and an agreement on use of the land we can motor ahead to deliver Pioneer Park at pace.

    I will do everything in my power, working with national government and local partners, to secure West Cumbria’s nuclear future.

    Notes to editors

    There are no plans for waste disposal at Moorside, some land is required for Sellafield’s mission delivery including to enable plutonium disposition. 

    Moorside is one of several sites that has the potential to host future civil nuclear projects, though no decisions have yet been made.

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Murkowski Introduce Bill to Strengthen Maine’s Coastal Workforce, Fisheries and Infrastructure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) introduced legislation that would lay the groundwork to boost the workforce, energy and shoreside infrastructure, food security, and economies of coastal communities in Maine and across the country. The Working Waterfronts Act, which is also co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), is comprised of more than a dozen provisions, would support efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and strengthen federal conservation research projects. Included in the legislation is Senator King’s Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act which would allow businesses that provide direct assistance to fishing operations — like gear producers or cold storage — to access loans from the Farm Credit System (FCS) that are already offered to service providers for farmers, ranchers and loggers. 
    “Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state’s success for generations,” said Senator King. “The Working Waterfronts Act would provide Maine’s working waterfronts up and down the coast with the necessary financial, energy and infrastructure resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. It would also help support the necessary workforce to sustain our coastal businesses. Thanks to my colleagues for working with me to ensure our waterfronts have the necessary tools and resources to thrive for years to come.”
    “One of my priorities this Congress was reintroducing the Working Waterfronts Act, a comprehensive and collective effort to harness the potential of the blue economy for Alaska’s coastal communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “With 66,000 miles of coastline, it is vital Alaska strengthens our shoreside infrastructure and supports workforce development to ensure the sustainability and growth of our fisheries, tourism, and mariculture sectors. This legislation will provide essential resources for alternative energy initiatives, improve community processing facilities, and promote safety and wellness in the maritime workforce. Together, we can build a resilient future for our coastal communities while addressing climate change and preserving our precious marine ecosystems.”
    “The men and women who make their living in Maine’s blue economy face growing challenges, including rising costs, workforce shortages, and changing ocean conditions,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan legislation would help address these issues by improving shoreside infrastructure, supporting the next generation of maritime workers, and investing in ocean ecosystem maintenance to ensure that Maine’s coastal communities remain strong for years to come.”
    Bill Highlights:
    Investing in Energy and Shoreside Infrastructure
    Tax Credits for Marine Energy Projects supports projects that produce electricity from waves, tides, and ocean currents.
    Fishing Vessel Alternative Fuels Pilot Program provides resources to help transition fishing vessels from diesel to alternative fuel sources such as electric or hybrid, and funds research and development of alternative fuel technologies for fishing vessels.
    Rural Coastal Community Processing and Cold Storage Grant increases support for community infrastructure such as cold storage, cooperative processing facilities, and mariculture/seaweed processing facilities by establishing a competitive grant program through the Department of Commerce for rural and small-scale projects.
    Working Waterfronts Development Act establishes a grant program for infrastructure improvements for facilities benefitting commercial and recreational fishermen, mariculturists, and the boatbuilding industry.
    Boosting Maritime Workforce Development and Blue Economy
    Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act strengthens financial support for fishery operations by expanding Farm Credit eligibility to fishing industry support businesses.
    Maritime Workforce Grant Program establishes a Maritime Workforce Grant Program, directing the Maritime Administrator to award competitive grants supporting entities engaged in recruiting, educating, or training the maritime workforce.
    Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement (FISH Wellness) Act expands the Coast Guard and CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Fishing Safety Research and Training (FRST) Grant Program to include projects supporting behavioral health in addition to the projects currently supported dedicated to occupational safety research and training.
    Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act establishes at least one ocean innovation cluster in each of the five domestic NOAA Fisheries regions, as well as the Great Lakes and Gulf of Mexico regions. The ocean cluster model fosters collaboration between different sectors – including public, private, and academic – within a geographic region to promote economic growth and sustainability in the Blue Economy.
    Supporting Sustainable and Resilient Ecosystems
    Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act enhances collaboration on ocean acidification research and monitoring through ongoing mechanisms for stakeholder engagement on necessary research and monitoring. This provision would also establish two Advisory Board seats for representatives from Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Tribal organizations, and Tribal consortia affected by ocean acidification and coastal acidification.
    Vegetated Coastal Ecosystem Inventory establishes an interagency working group for the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive national map and inventory detailing vegetated coastal and Great Lakes ecosystems. This inventory encompasses habitat types, species, ecosystem conditions, ownership, protected status, size, salinity and tidal boundaries, carbon sequestration potential, and impacts of climate change.
    Marine Invasive Species Research and Monitoring provides resources and tools to mitigate the impact of invasive species and help limit their spread by authorizing research and monitoring grants for local, Tribal, and regional marine invasive prevention work. This includes training, outreach, and equipment for early detection and response to invasions.
    Senator King is a longtime supporter of working waterfronts and small businesses. He previously introduced the bipartisan Providing Resources for Emergency Preparedness and Resilient Enterprises (PREPARE) Act to reauthorize the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Pilot Program, which would give small businesses the opportunity to take out low-interest loans for the purpose of proactively implementing mitigation measures that protect their property from future disaster-related damage. He also led a bipartisan bill to provide working waterfronts with a 30 percent tax credit on up to $1 million in mitigation expenses, adjusted for inflation annually. In 2024, he was named a Hero of Main Street for his support of small businesses across Maine.
    Senator Collins has consistently fought to strengthen Maine’s working waterfronts. Earlier this year, she successfully pushed the Department of Commerce to restore full funding for Maine Sea Grant, ensuring continued support for coastal research and marine industries in Maine. She secured $15 million in federal funding in the 2024 funding package to help coastal communities recover from storm damage and to launch a new grant program at the Economic Development Administration for working waterfronts. She previously introduced the bipartisan Working Waterfront Preservation Act to create a $20 million annual grant program to support working waterfronts nationwide.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Faculty of Architecture took part in the VIII All-Russian Festival “Architectural Heritage”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Participants of the round table “Preservation and restoration of military memorial complexes and military burials”: Head of the Department for the restoration of cultural heritage sites of the Leningrad Region State Autonomous Cultural Institution “International Restoration Center” Tatyana Afanasyeva; Director of the Leningrad Region State Budgetary Cultural Institution “International Restoration Center “Road of Life” Olga Asanidze; Deputy Chairman of the Leningrad Region Government – Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Vladimir Tsoi; Nadezhda Akulova; Head of the Directorate for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Leningrad Region Oleg Stepanov

    From June 5 to 7, the VIII All-Russian Festival “Architectural Heritage” was held in Ryazan. The festival is an annual national event with foreign participation, a review of achievements in the field of preserving the architectural and urban heritage of our country.

    SPbGASU was represented by the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Head of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage Ekaterina Voznyak, Associate Professors of the Department Nadezhda Akulova, Nina Petukhova, Evgeniya Shuvaeva, Alexander Gorshkov, Senior Lecturer of the Department Maria Kolesova. Our teachers acted as moderators, speakers, and active participants in the dialogue.

    The theme of the festival this year was: “The architectural heritage of ancient cities – the cultural code of memory and its role in preserving the spiritual integrity of Russian historical settlements.” Representatives of government bodies, cultural heritage protection bodies, restoration, design and research organizations, experts in the field of architecture, urban planning, restoration took part in the discussion.

    Participants of the round table “Preservation and restoration of military memorial complexes and military burials”: Head of the Department for the restoration of cultural heritage sites of the State Autonomous Cultural Institution of the Leningrad Region “International Restoration Center” Tatyana Afanasyeva; Director of the State Budgetary Cultural Institution of the Leningrad Region “International Restoration Center “Road of Life” Olga Asanidze; Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Leningrad Region – Chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Vladimir Tsoi; Nadezhda Akulova; Head of the Directorate for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites of the Leningrad Region Oleg Stepanov

    Nadezhda Akulova became a speaker at a round table on the topic of “Preservation and restoration of military memorial complexes and military burials”, which is especially relevant in the year of the eightieth anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    “We talked about the importance of preserving the intangible in the tangible. I informed about the final qualification works of the students of our department, in which the concepts of development and preservation of the historical territories of a number of memorial complexes are deeply worked out. I shared the experience of involving students in a team of architects-restorers to prepare design documentation, which was implemented, using the example of the memorial complex “In Memory of Shot Childhood” in the village of Kirkovo, Tosnensky District, Leningrad Region,” said Nadezhda Akulova.

    Another round table in which Nadezhda Aleksandrovna took part was “Recreation of Lost Architectural Monuments: Experience of Recent Years and Prospects.” The teacher introduced the participants of the meeting to the experience of final qualification works on temple architecture and preservation of historical heritage in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.

    “I presented to my colleagues an object that was a shrine and a stronghold of Orthodoxy on the border with Swedish lands – the Makaryevskaya Pustyn monastery, located in the Tosnensky district of the Leningrad region. Currently, comprehensive work is being carried out on the monastery with both students and professionals. In 2030, the monastery will turn 500 years old, it is very important for the return and strengthening of Orthodoxy on this land and the preservation of the spiritual and historical heritage of these territories,” said Nadezhda Akulova.

    Ekaterina Voznyak, as a moderator, conducted a discussion on “Features of the educational process within the framework of the specialty “Reconstruction and restoration of architectural heritage”.

    Evgeniya Shuvaeva held a round table “Preservation of wooden architecture objects. Theoretical recommendations and practical experience”. Experts and teachers discussed theoretical and regulatory aspects of restoration and adaptation of wooden objects, as well as the features of their use.

    Participants of the round table “Preservation of wooden architecture objects”: head of the architectural workshop ARM2 OOO “NIiPI Spetsrestoratsiya” Maria Shapchenko; chief architect for restoration of the architectural bureau “Studio 44” Ilya Sabantsev; deputy director for restoration of the Kizhi Museum-Reserve Yulia Alipova; chief architect of the project of the Project Group “Rieder” Maya Rieder; Evgeniya Shuvaeva

    The Silver Diploma in the nomination “Best Textbook on Architectural Heritage” was awarded to the work “History of Protection and Restoration of Cultural Heritage Sites”, published by SPbGASU. The authors of the textbook are the chief architect of the State Museum-Reserve “Tsarskoye Selo”, a graduate of SPbGASU Maria Ryadova, the first deputy chairperson of KGIOP of St. Petersburg Ekaterina Kozyreva and Evgeniya Shuvaeva.

    According to Nadezhda Akulova, important issues of further development of SPbGASU in the field of architectural restoration were discussed outside the round tables. Together with representatives of the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments, the Union of Restorers of Russia, the Union of Restorers of St. Petersburg, the Russian Association of Restorers, and the chief architect of the Central Scientific Restoration Design Workshops Sergei Kulikov, plans were outlined for the development of professional and federal state educational standards in restoration areas.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA News: The Largest Tax Cut in History for Working and Middle-Class Americans

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Even Democrats admit the tax policies in the One Big Beautiful Bill are needed and popular — but they still oppose the bill.

    To be clear, that means they’re opposing:

    • The largest tax cut in history for working and middle-class Americans.
    • A 15% tax cut for Americans making between $30,000 and $80,000 per year.
    • NO TAX ON TIPS and NO TAX ON OVERTIME.
    • Boosting the Child Tax Credit to $2,500 for 40 million families.
    • Historic tax cuts for seniors.
    • No tax on car loan interest for American-made cars.
    • Preserving the doubled standard deduction for 91% of taxpayers.
    • Expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to give Americans greater choice and flexibility in how they spend their money on their health.
    • Investment savings accounts to set all newborn American kids on the path to financial security from the very beginning.
    • Increasing the Death Tax exemption for two million family farms. 

    Failing to extend the Trump Tax Cuts alone would stick Americans with the largest tax hike in history.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Minister Gull-Masty on the Auditor General’s Report of Registration Services under the Indian Act

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Ottawa, Ontario (June 10, 2025) — The Minister of Indigenous Services, Mandy Gull-Masty, issued the following statement today:

    “I welcome the Auditor General of Canada’s report of Registration under the Indian Act and appreciate the opportunity to strengthen how we serve First Nations individuals. Registration services are foundational to First Nations individuals’ access to a range of services and programs across Canada. I agree with the Office of the Auditor General’s recommendations and see this audit as a constructive and valuable tool to enhance the fairness, efficiency, and responsiveness of Indigenous Service Canada’s registration processes.

    “While the audit highlights areas for improvement, I want to emphasize that important work is already underway in many of the identified areas. Most notably, the Department is transitioning from a paper-based application system to a more modern, digital format — an initiative that will reduce processing times, minimize errors, and improve client service for the issuance of the secure status card. Last month, I also announced the introduction of Bill S-2 into the Senate, which addresses some of the remaining inequities in the registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act.

    Indigenous Services Canada is working in partnership with First Nations communities to make sure that registration services are delivered with integrity, respect, and a strong focus on client service. ”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorneys for Southwestern Border Districts Charge More than 1150 Illegal Aliens with Immigration-Related Crimes During the Second Week in June as part of Operation Take Back America

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Since the inauguration of President Trump, the Department of Justice is playing a critical role in Operation Take back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    Last week, the U.S. Attorneys for Arizona, Southern California, New Mexico, Southern Texas, and Western Texas charged more than 1150 defendants with Criminal violations of U.S. immigration laws.

    The Southern District of Texas filed a total of 202 cases in immigration and border security-related matters. The filed cases include seven involving human smuggling. A total of 129 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while another 63 face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more. Other relevant cases charged this week relate to other immigration crimes. One such person charged this week is Luis Humberto Gonzalez-Sanchez who was arrested for allegedly harboring 16 illegal aliens in his home in Mercedes. The criminal complaint alleges he harbored over 100 aliens in the last six months for whom he was paid $150 each. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

    The Western District of Texas filed 410 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases. Among the new cases, Mexican national Albert Sanchez-Jaimes was charged with one count of illegal re-entry in Austin. Sanchez-Jaimes was encountered at the Burnet County Jail, where he was booked for alleged charges of boating while intoxicated and marijuana possession. Sanchez-Jaimes has lengthy immigration and criminal records that include four prior removals, a deadly conduct conviction in 2020, multiple convictions for assault on a family member, and two prior convictions for illegal re-entry. In Waco, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Fugitive Operations Team arrested Mexican national Daniel Edgar Perez-Cortez on June 5 as the result of an investigation stemming from a Waco Crime Stoppers referral. Perez-Cortez has a prior conviction for illegal re-entry in 2024, as well as convictions for Driving While Intoxicated and possession of prohibited weapons, and a conviction for deadly conduct discharging a firearm. He’s now federally charged with illegal re-entry and, if convicted, faces up to 20 years in prison.

    The District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 199 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 74 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 104 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 18 cases against 20 individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border vigilance, and federal prosecutors also charged one individual for assaulting a Border Patrol Agent.

    The Southern District of California filed 131 border-related cases this week, including charges of assault on a federal officer, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. A sample of border-related arrests this week: On May 31, 2025, Brenda Esmeralda Sanchez and Marlen Yamille Salmoran, United States citizens, were arrested and charged with False Personation of Immigration Matters and Aggravated Identity Theft. According to a complaint, Sanchez and her adult daughter, Salmoran, attempted to cross the border at the San Ysidro Port of Entry with an unaccompanied undocumented child from Mexico by presenting Customs and Border Protection officers with a genuine U.S. birth certificate belonging to Sanchez’s son. Sanchez has two prior arrests for alien smuggling. On May 31, Ricardo Cuevas Diaz and Luis Armando Bojorquez Cazarez, Mexican citizens with border-crossing cards, were arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, when the two men attempted to cross the border at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, Customs and Border Protection Officers found 128 packages containing 133 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in the air filter, firewall, roof, quarter panels and rear bed of the vehicle.

    The District of New Mexico filed 211 criminal charges related to immigration and border security-related matters. the following criminal charges: 67 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326), 5 individuals were charged this week with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324). 50 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), and 88 individuals were charged this week with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.

    We are grateful for the hard work of our border prosecutors in bringing these cases and helping to make our border safe again.

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Sentencing of man for the manslaughter of Gordon Ogunmuyiwa

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for 21 years with a five-year extended license after beating a man to death and then leaving him to die in an address south east London.

    Paul Campbell, 43 (03.04.79) of Dunheved Road West, Thornton Heath, was found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court of the manslaughter of 62-year-old former doctor Gordon Ogunmuyiwa. The sentence followed a three-week trial that concluded on Thursday, 8 May.

    The court heard that on Saturday, 24 December 2022, Campbell had brutally assaulted Gordon who had visited him at his property. Before fleeing, Campbell had called the paramedics, however, by the time they had arrived Gordon was already dead.

    Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who led the Met’s investigation said: “My thoughts and that of my team remain with Gordon’s family, a much loved brother, friend and neighbour.

    “Gordon was a gentle man with no history of violence. Ill-health, however, had seen him become increasingly vulnerable – something Campbell – a selfish and self-serving man – took advantage of.

    “It is hard to make sense of Campbell’s actions however, I can only hope that today’s sentence can go some way in providing a sense of justice to Gordon’s family.”

    On the day of Gordon’s death, police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 11:00hrs to a report of a man who had died in a house of multiple occupancy in Dunheved Road West, Thornton Heath.

    Officers attended and were informed by paramedics that Campbell – the registered tenant of the address – was not present.

    Detectives attempted to contact him but were unsuccessful. This led officers to make enquiries into Campbell, which resulted in a murder investigation being launched.

    Police interviewed fellow residents at hostel and quickly established a pattern of behaviour that saw Gordon suffer brutal beatings by Campbell.

    A financial search also uncovered that Campbell had been using Gordon’s credit cards. He had bought an iPhone from a second-hand shop, using those cards, a week after Gordon died.

    On Wednesday, 11 January 2023 Campbell was arrested on suspicion of murder and charged the next day.

    A post-mortem examination was conducted and it was clear that Gordon had multiple injuries borne over time.

    However, the assault, heard by neighbours on Saturday, 23 December 2022, was declared to have been particularly vicious and ultimately led to his death.

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Dallas Men Charged with Assaulting a Federal Agent with a Deadly Weapon and Methamphetamine Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Andres Saucedo, Jr., of Dallas, was charged and arrested on June 4, 2025, for shooting at an undercover FBI Task Force Officer who was surveilling Saucedo to interrupt and stop a robbery of methamphetamine from another individual in the Dallas, Texas area, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.  

    According to a criminal complaint filed June 3, 2025, Saucedo and another individual, Angel Flores, were involved in importing and trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin obtained from a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization.  Court documents reveal that Flores sold undercover agents a kilogram of heroin for $7,200 in the Dallas area late last year.  Flores, Saucedo, and others working with them continued selling kilogram quantities of methamphetamine to numerous other individuals from that time until Flores was arrested on May 21, 2025.  The two even orchestrated the sale of two kilograms of methamphetamine on May 20, 2025, the day before Flores was apprehended by FBI SWAT.  

    During the investigation, according to court documents, agents discovered that Flores, Saucedo, and others plotted to rob another drug trafficker of thirty to forty kilograms of methamphetamine on May 19, 2025.  While surveilling Flores and Saucedo to prevent this robbery, Flores and Saucedo realized they were being followed and attempted to lure two federal agents to a place where other coconspirators in their group would ambush and shoot them.  Before reaching the planned ambush location, Saucedo fired a gun at an undercover FBI Task Force Officer in one of the vehicles.  The undercover officer was an FBI Task Force Officer with the Dallas Police Department who was working with the OCDETF North Texas Strike Force.  The Task Force Officer was not struck by the gun fire but had to abandon surveillance at that time for safety.  

    The complaint charges Saucedo with his role in conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, as well as assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal agent by using a dangerous and deadly weapon.  Flores was also charged by complaint with similar crimes in May 2025.

    Saucedo was previously convicted in Federal District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division in December 2011, for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.  He was sentenced to serve 144 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Terry Means in 2012.  Court documents reflect that in that case, Saucedo also conspired with a group of individuals who not only distributed cocaine, but also robbed other drug traffickers as well.

    At his initial appearance on Friday, June 6, 2025, in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian McKay, Saucedo was detained in federal custody.  Flores previously appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Rebecca Rutherford on Friday, May 23, 2025, and was also detained in federal custody.  If convicted, Saucedo and Flores face a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

    “We are fighting drug trafficking on multiple dangerous fronts, as demonstrated by this case,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “Beyond the tragic effects of the illegal drugs that cross our country’s border and flood our communities, drug traffickers unleash significant violence on each other, in our neighborhoods, and against the brave law enforcement officers attempting to stop them.  The full prosecution of those in the drug trade and the violence they bring is a top priority for the safety of our law enforcement partners and our citizens.”

    “This incident serves as a stark reminder of the danger agents and task force officers face every day,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI stands by our colleagues as they carry out their duties to keep our communities safe and pledge to investigate those who use violence against law enforcement.”

    “Assaulting a Federal Agent can never be tolerated and undermines the very fabric of our ability to conduct drug investigations safely and effectively,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Field Division. “We do our jobs to make our community safer, and we will use every tool available to investigate and prosecute those who feel violent acts against our agents are held accountable.”

    “The Dallas Police Department could not be more proud of the work that was done by the women and men of not only our department, but our Federal partners as well,” said Chief of Police Daniel Comeaux of the Dallas Police Department.  “These joint task force and collaborations are essential in keeping our community and its members safe.”

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  

    This operation was conducted by the OCDETF North Texas Strike force with Special Agents and Task Force Officers from DEA, FBI, HSI, the Dallas Police Department, Grand Prairie Police Department and Coppell Police Department all participating.
    Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Coker is prosecuting the case.

    This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Arrest Made Following Montgomery Dry Cleaner Business Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson announced the arrest of a second man in connection with the March 10, 2025, robbery of a Montgomery, Alabama dry-cleaning business. On May 22, 2025, a criminal complaint was filed in the United States District Court in Montgomery charging 57-year-old Spencer Thomas, a resident of Prattville, Alabama, with armed robbery and carjacking. Law enforcement arrested Thomas on May 27, 2025, after locating him in Las Vegas, Nevada. Thomas’s charging documents were unsealed late last week.

                Thomas is the second individual charged in the case. Previously, 58-year-old Zedekiah Sykes was also indicted on charges of armed robbery and carjacking.

                The arrests follow a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Montgomery Police Department, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and the Metro Area Crime Suppression (MACS) Unit, with assistance from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office. Thomas is scheduled to be arraigned in Montgomery on June 17, 2025. Zedekiah Sykes’ trial is currently set for August 11, 2025.

                A criminal complaint and indictment are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

                If convicted on all charges, Thomas and Sykes each face up to 25 years in federal prison. There is no parole in the federal system. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys T. Paul Markovits and Brandon W. Bates.

                This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: EBA publishes No Action letter on the interplay between Payment Services Directive (PSD2/3) and Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) published today a No Action letter advising the EU Commission, EU Council and EU Parliament to ensure that, in the long term, EU law needs to avoid a dual authorisation under two pieces of EU law for the activity of transacting electronic money tokens (EMTs). While the existing Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) still applies, the letter advises national competent authorities (NCAs) to enforce authorisation of PSD2 for a specified subset only of crypto asset service providers (CASPs) that transact EMTs, to do so only after a transition period that ends on 2 March 2026, and then to deprioritise specified PSD2 provisions.

    The letter assesses the provisions set out in MiCA and PSD2 and advises NCAs under PSD2 to view the transfer of crypto assets as a payment service under PSD2 where they entail EMTs and are carried out by the entities on behalf of their clients. It sets out provisions to regard the custody and administration of EMTs as a payment service and to regard a custodial wallet as a payment account where the wallet is held in the name of one or more clients and allows to send and receive EMTs to and from third parties.

    For these services, the No Action letter advises NCAs to require an authorisation under PSD2 only from 2 March 2026 onwards and, during the authorisation process, to apply streamlined procedures that make maximum use of information that legal entities provide during their CASP authorisation process.

    Once an authorisation as a payment services provider is held, NCAs are advised not to prioritise the supervision and enforcement of several elements of PSD2, such as safeguarding, the disclosure of information to consumers (pertaining to the level of applicable charges, the maximum execution time of payment transactions, the unique identifier such as IBAN, and open banking). However, NCAs are also advised to insist on the compliance with other PSD2 provisions, such as strong customer authentication (SCA) for accessing custodial wallets that qualify as payment account and the initiating of EMT transfers, the reporting of payment fraud, and the cumulative calculation of own funds requirements. This is to ensure equally high standards of consumer protection regardless of whether a consumer is using EMTs or more traditional funds as a means of payment.

    Furthermore, NCAs are advised not to consider as payment services (and therefore not to subject to the application of PSD2, including its provisions on licensing) the ‘exchange of crypto-assets for funds’ and ‘exchange of crypto-assets for other crypto-assets’ as defined in MiCA. Additionally, the EBA advises NCAs not to regard as a payment service cases where crypto-asset service providers intermediate the purchase of any crypto-assets with EMTs, and, therefore, not to enforce the application of PSD2 nor to require an authorisation under PSD2 in such cases.

    This advice will result in a large number of EMT transactions not being subject to PSD2 requirements during the intervening period while the Directive still applies. The EBA bases this advice solely on the acknowledgement that any alternative advice would require a much larger number of CASPs to obtain a second authorization. The EBA considers such an alternative to be undesirable, given the burden that dual authorisation would impose on CASPs.

    By contrast, the EBA does not base this advice on the conviction that an authorisation as a CASP under MiCA is sufficient to address the risks that arise from EMT transactions. On the contrary, the success of PSD1, PSD2 and EMD over the past 15 years in bringing about a secure and competitive market for payment services in the EU has shown that for retail payments to be able effectively to fulfil their role in a modern society, consumers and other market actors should be adequately protected and have a high degree of confidence in the stability of the market and the reliability of payment transactions.

    Legal basis and background

    The EBA has issued the letter in response to a request received from the European Commission in December 2024 to address, in close cooperation with ESMA, issues arising from the interplay between MiCA and PSD2. The EBA’s competence to deliver the letter in the form of an Opinion is based on Article 9c of Regulation (EU) No 1093/2010.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) Completes Patrol with Newly Awarded Combat Action Ribbon

    Source: United States Navy

    NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) returned to Naval Station Rota, Spain on Jun. 10, 2025 with a Unit Combat Action Ribbon following completion of her first Forward-Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) patrol in the U.S. Sixth Fleet and Fifth Fleet areas of operations.

    MIL Security OSI –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Giftbit Expands Global Footprint, Emphasizes Ease

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE and CALGARY, Alberta, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Giftbit, a digital payouts and gift card platform for businesses, has launched new features to improve reward management and expand its international offering. Highlights include one-click add-to-wallet functionality for prepaid Visa® cards, enhanced reporting, and a major expansion of its global gift card catalog.

    One-Click Add-to-Wallet Feature

    Recipients of prepaid Visa rewards can now instantly add their balance to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay with a single click. No apps, logins, or manual data entry required.

    “Smooth activation matters,” said Leif Baradoy, Giftbit’s CEO and founder. “Other vendors make people jump through hoops which lead to frustration and user fatigue. We’re focused on a seamless cardholder experience.”

    The update also includes PIN support for spending at gas stations and convenience stores.

    Reward Management a Breeze With New Reporting Dashboard

    Giftbit is proud to launch one of its most highly requested features: an intuitive reward history dashboard. Customers can now easily view, sort, and filter sent rewards by date, status, brand, or campaign, all within the Giftbit web application. This update helps program managers track unclaimed rewards, resend with ease, and monitor contact list health, making it easy to find key details and take action across multiple orders all in one place.

    “The new Rewards History view has made it so much easier for us to stay on top of undeliverable rewards,” said Giftbit customer Hunter Lisenby of United Communications. “We can quickly spot bad contact email addresses and fix the issue without digging through individual orders.” 

    Expanded Global Reach

    Giftbit believes incentive programs should have the ability to reach entire audiences no matter where they reside. That’s why it’s proud to support local currency rewards in over 30 countries, enabling businesses to send payouts in the recipient’s currency for a more personal and seamless experience.

    Supported regions now include:

    Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, United States.
    (Prepaid Mastercard®available globally wherever Mastercard is accepted)

    Strategic Partnerships Expand Catalog Offering

    New partnerships make Giftbit’s gift card catalog more reliable and diverse. Built-in backups prevent outages and strengthen a smooth end-to-end reward experience.

    “A strong catalog is key,” said Nat Salvione, Giftbit’s Chief Commercial Officer. “These partnerships help us deliver stable rewards anytime, anywhere.”

    In addition, Giftbit has upgraded their funding and payment processes to allow customers to fund their accounts in their preferred currency for easier operational control.

    Simplifying Global Rewards, Now and Ahead

    Giftbit continues to invest in the future of global digital rewards. The platform now supports:

    • 1,000+ payout products
    • 30+ local currencies
    • 25 funding currencies
    • Regional brand support in 40+ countries
    • Global prepaid card options in 100+ countries

    These enhancements make it easier than ever for businesses to scale their reward programs across borders with built-in flexibility, choice, and regional support.

    About Giftbit

    Giftbit helps companies send digital payouts and rewards at scale. Its platform offers branded gift cards, prepaid cards, and global payout options, making it easy to incentivize and reward employees, customers, and partners anytime, anywhere.

    Learn more at: www.giftbit.com.

    Media Contact: Zoe North — pr@giftbit.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: AssureSoft Partners with Databricks to Enhance Real-Time Data & AI Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • The partnership reinforces AssureSoft‘s commitment to ensuring high-quality software solutions that create real value for its clients.
    • The company has maintained a 35% year-over-year growth rate over the last five years.

    MIAMI, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AssureSoft, a nearshore software outsourcing company with operations in Latin America and the United States, announced its partnership with Databricks. This enhances the firm’s ability to deliver advanced data analytics, AI, and cloud-native solutions to clients.

    Since 2006, AssureSoft specializes in time zone-aligned staff augmentation and software outsourcing services for US companies across industries such as Technology (SaaS), Healthtech, Fintech, E-commerce, Telecommunications, and Cybersecurity. Over the past five years, AssureSoft has maintained an annual growth rate of 35%.

    As AssureSoft continues to expand, partnering with leading tech organizations like Databricks, which represent the highest industry standards, remains a core pillar of its growth strategy.

    “Joining the Databricks Partner Network means delivering the best real-time data and AI solutions to our clients, so they can rely on fast, intelligent decision-making to stay competitive,” said Daniel Gumucio, CEO of AssureSoft. “Our certified teams bring the expertise and skills needed not only to help companies leverage data as a strategic asset, but also to build the AI-driven capabilities that define the next generation of business.”

    Databricks is built to unify real-time data processing with advanced AI, enabling businesses to act on up-to-the-minute insights. Furthermore, Databricks’ scalable AI and machine learning tools allow companies to develop and deploy models that adapt to evolving data patterns, enhancing predictive accuracy and operational efficiency.

    The Databricks Data Intelligence Platform democratizes access to analytics and intelligent applications by marrying customers’ data with powerful AI models tuned to their business’s unique characteristics. The platform is built on a lakehouse foundation of open data formats and open governance to ensure that all data is completely within the customers’ control.

    AssureSoft leverages these capabilities to deliver real-time insights that help clients stay agile in a fast-changing market.

    How Databricks is Driving Real Business Impact

    Organizations across sectors are using Databricks to improve customer experiences, streamline operations, and make faster, smarter decisions.

    • Healthcare: Early ICU risk detection and optimized patient flows improve care and efficiency.
    • Fintech: Real-time fraud alerts and dynamic credit assessments reduce risk.
    • E-commerce: Personalized promotions and intelligent inventory management boost sales.
    • Telecom: Anomaly detection and usage-based retention strategies enhance service.
    • Cybersecurity: Live threat intelligence and behavioral analytics improve protection.

    This partnership with Databricks reflects AssureSoft’s ongoing evolution as a strategic technology partner. By aligning with one of the most advanced data and AI platforms on the market, the company is positioned to help clients unlock the full potential of their data, delivering smarter insights, faster decisions, and stronger outcomes.

    About AssureSoft

    AssureSoft is a nearshore software outsourcing company with 19 years of experience. With a team of 500+ developers distributed across Latin America, the company provides tailored solutions to U.S. and Canada-based clients through staff augmentation, dedicated software development teams, and end-to-end software outsourcing services. AssureSoft’s headquarters are located in Miami; it operates offices in California and has development centers in four cities across Bolivia and Paraguay. Additionally, the company has development teams in Brazil, Colombia and Peru.

    AssureSoft adheres to global standards in information security compliance and talent development. The company is ISO 27001-certified and has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for five consecutive years. Discover more at www.assuresoft.com

    For Media Inquiries:
    Catalina Soto Pizano
    Corporate Communications Manager
    AssureSoft
    catalina.soto@assuresoft.com

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Industry Veteran John A. Norris Joins LoCorr to Support Distribution Efforts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  LoCorr Funds, a leader in low-correlating alternative investments, is pleased to announce the hiring of industry veteran John A. Norris to accelerate the distribution of LoCorr investment strategies and solutions through financial intermediaries. With over two decades of experience in private wealth management, Norris brings deep knowledge along with a proven track record of driving growth and fostering strong relationships with partner firms.

    In this role, Norris will be responsible for enhancing existing relationships with LoCorr’s broker-dealer partners, as well as expanding distribution through new selling agreements, and placement in models and on recommended lists.

    “We are thrilled to welcome John to LoCorr,” said Kevin Kinzie, CEO of LoCorr Funds. “John’s depth of experience distributing alternative investments will be instrumental as we continue to expand our distribution platform and product placements.”

    Previously, Norris served as Director of Investor Relations for Crowd Street Capital, where he focused on investor fundraising and relationship management. Before that, he spent 18 years with Black Creek Capital Markets (now Ares Management Corporation) as Director of National Sales, leading equity capital raising and focusing on key broker-dealer distribution partners to expand and strengthen home office relationships.

    In addition, LoCorr has welcomed two new internal wholesalers, Drew Dean and Brody Munger, to further strengthen the firm’s distribution efforts with financial advisors. Both support the broader sales team.

    About LoCorr Funds
    LoCorr Funds is a leading provider of low-correlating investment strategies, founded on the belief that non-traditional investment strategies with low correlation to stocks and bonds can reduce risk and help increase portfolio returns. LoCorr offers investment solutions that not only provide the potential for positive returns in rising or falling markets but also help to achieve diversification in investment portfolios. LoCorr Funds is headquartered in Excelsior, MN. For more information, please visit www.LoCorrFunds.com or call 1.888.628.2887.

    For additional information, contact:
    Jenny Brookfield, 952-767-6906

    Past performance does not guarantee future results. There can be no guarantee that any strategy (risk management or otherwise) will be successful. All investing involves risk, including potential loss of principal. Correlation measures how much the returns of two investments move together over time. Diversification does not assure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market.

    The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company, and it may be obtained by calling 1.855.LCFUNDS, or visiting www.LoCorrFunds.com. Read it carefully before investing.

    The LoCorr Funds are distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: AutoScheduler Named to Supply Chain Visibility Award Shortlist for the Supply Chain Excellence Awards USA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AutoScheduler.AI, a leader in Agentic AI Warehouse Orchestration, announces the company has been shortlisted for a Supply Chain Visibility Award for the Supply Chain Excellence Awards USA. AutoScheduler was chosen for increasing pick rates, reducing dock congestion, improving productivity, and optimizing operations for a global consumer packaged goods (CPG) company with an extensive portfolio of beloved food and beverage brands.

    “The global CPG company has hundreds of distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and thousands of vehicles in its distribution network. As the company continued to grow, it faced increasing operational challenges, especially around warehouse visibility, cost control, and overall efficiency,” says Keith Moore, CEO, AutoScheduler.AI. “The AutoScheduler warehouse orchestration platform orchestrates all critical activities inside and around facilities, leading to greater efficiencies and improved operations. We are proud to be shortlisted for this prestigious award.”

    As its scale and complexity grew, the global CPG faced increasing operational challenges, particularly in areas such as warehouse visibility, cost control, and overall efficiency. Complex data systems hindered decision-making and daily operations. Rising costs and a lack of unified optimization tools made controlling expenses difficult. AutoScheduler.AI deployed its warehouse orchestration platform which utilizes advanced algorithms to optimize labor, tasks, and resource allocation, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiencies.

    AutoScheduler integrated seamlessly with the client’s existing systems, consolidating data, automating workflows, and optimizing operations for maximum efficiency. Other benefits included:

    • Eliminating data silos and providing leadership with a single, real-time view of operations.
    • Predicting future bottlenecks and disruptions, allowing leadership to address potential issues before they impact operations proactively.
    • Balancing activities across the warehouse environment based on what happens inside the warehouse every few minutes.
    • Identifies inventory, capacity, and shipping constraints that will cause future challenges and then dynamically schedules shipments to ensure that when an inbound or outbound shipment arrives, the dock staff can act on it.
    • Full-scale orchestration enables AutoScheduler to create opportunities, such as shipping directly from the production line or scheduling additional cross-docks.
    • Proactively creates lower-touch opportunities, such as cross-docking, to help streamline operations.
    • Streamlines planning processes, reducing the time required to plan operations and freeing up leadership to focus on strategic decisions while day-to-day operations are automatically optimized.

    AutoScheduler’s client experienced a 30% increase in pick rates, faster load readiness to reduce dock congestion, increased product flow, increased productivity, decreased detention and dwell times, and reduced costs. AutoScheduler aggregates multi-site data and, using predictive analytics, enables supply chain top officers to rank the sites, quickly identify areas across the network that are out of tolerance or at risk, and take corrective action to mitigate risk before chaos occurs.

    The Supply Chain Excellence Awards, judged by a panel of top supply chain professionals, recognize innovation, supply chain excellence, outstanding business performance, and overall achievements for both supply chain service providers and users. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, in Miami at a glamorous black-tie event hosted by The Supply Chain Excellence Awards USA.

    About AutoScheduler.AI
    AutoScheduler.AI empowers your supply chain with its Agentic AI-based warehouse orchestration platform that integrates with your existing WMS/LMS/YMS or any other solution to drive value across the supply chain by improving throughput, cutting labor costs, and ensuring customer service goals are met. AutoScheduler automates critical tasks for the warehouse like labor scheduling, task sequencing, and dock management, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Our Agentic AI-based platform makes better decisions to create an adaptive, living supply chain. For more information, visit: http://www.AutoScheduler.AI.

    Contact:
    Becky Boyd
    MediaFirst PR
    Becky@MediaFirst.Net
    Cell: (404) 421-8497

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Personal Loans for Bad Credit Guaranteed Approval Direct Lenders | No Credit Check Payday Loans Online – Loans At Last

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bad credit should not stand between a borrower and the funds they need when they are in a financial crisis. If a borrower has a less-than-perfect credit score a traditional bank may not lend the necessary money, but, fortunately, the lending landscape has evolved significantly.

    >>>Visit Official Site To Get Instant Tribal Loans>>>

    If you are looking for the best personal loans for bad credit you can rely on legitimate lenders who specialize in helping Americans with low credit scores. There are lenders who do not judge a person’s credibility with just their credit score.

    This piece will guide you with the knowledge a borrower with a bad credit score needs to possess while looking to get a personal loan or any alternatives.

    >>>Visit Official Site To Get Instant Tribal Loans>>>

    How Is It Possible to Get the Best Personal Loans With a Bad Credit? 

    Now, a low credit score does not automatically mean one will be rejected for a personal loan. Many lenders have started to focus more heavily on the borrower’s current income and financial stability rather than considering only the credit mistakes of the past.

    The new approach has opened doors for borrowers who have faced rejections by traditional financial institutions just a few years ago. The key difference lies in how modern lenders assess risk.

    >>>Visit Official Site To Get Instant Tribal Loans>>>

    Instead of relying solely on credit scores, they are considering factors like:

    • Current monthly income and employment stability
    • Debt-to-income ratio
    • Banking history and account management
    • Overall financial picture and repayment capacity

    How Bad Credit Personal Loans Work? 

    The key difference between typical personal loans and bad credit personal loans are the APRs and fees. When the borrower has bad credit, the APRs and fees are much higher. Otherwise, traditional personal loans and personal loans for bad credit work similarly.

    You, as a borrower, get the necessary amount at once, and after a fixed tenure, you repay the debt. You also have to pay a fixed interest rate (on a monthly basis) over the course of your tenure.

    What’s the Difference Between Personal Loans and Payday Loans?

    Both personal loans and payday loans can help borrowers with bad credit. However, there are significant differences between these financial products. 

    Borrowers should understand the following before making a decision:

    Payday Loans:

    • It is designed for small amounts (typically around $500) with very short repayment periods
    • These loans require minimal documentation and no credit checks which makes them easily accessible
    • They come with extremely high interest rates, often averaging 400% APR or even higher (780%)
    • These loans must be repaid by your next paycheck, usually within a couple of weeks
    • It often includes hidden fees and late payment penalties that can push you toward a debt cycle
    • These loans generally don’t help build credit history since most lenders don’t report to credit bureaus

    Personal Loans:

    • These loans are available for larger amounts with flexible repayment terms ranging from months to years
    • It requires a formal application process including credit checks and income verification
    • It offers significantly lower interest rates compared to payday loans
    • It allows borrowers more time to repay which reduces financial stress
    • These loans may be secured (requiring collateral) or unsecured depending on creditworthiness
    • Payments of these loans are reported to credit bureaus which helps borrowers build or improve credit scores

    If your credit score is low enough to make availing traditional personal loans an impossibility, you can consider payday loans as an alternative. If you avail it from credible lenders, it can be one of the best personal loans for bad credit.

    Loans At Last Connects Bad Credit Borrowers with Lenders

    Loans At Last operates as a loan matching service. It connects borrowers with a network of reputable lenders who specialize in serving customers with varied credit profiles.

    Platforms like Loans At Last are not direct lenders. They act as a bridge between borrowers seeking funds and lenders willing to work with bad credit applicants.

    Their approach offers several advantages for borrowers:

    • Access to multiple lenders through a single application
    • Increased chances of approval by matching with appropriate lenders
    • Competitive comparison of loan terms and rates
    • A streamlined process that saves time and effort

    These platforms have built relationships with lenders who understand the needs of bad credit borrowers. They are willing to look beyond credit scores to assess loan applications.

    They offer personal loans ranging from $100 to $5,000. This range allows enough flexibility for various financial needs.

    For example, with this money borrowers can:

    • Address Small Emergencies: Lower amounts ($100-$500) can cover unexpected bills or short-term cash flow gaps.
    • Handle Moderate Expenses: Mid-range amounts ($500-$2,000) work well for medical bills, larger car repairs, or small home improvements.
    • Manage Significant Financial Needs: Higher amounts ($2,000-$5,000) can address substantial unexpected expenses or major emergencies, and debt consolidation.

    What Types of Payday Loans Are There? 

    If you go for platforms like Loans At Last, you can expect a variety of loans. Here are some of the primary loan types one can avail:

    1. Payday Loans

    Payday loans provide small, short-term funds to bridge gaps until the next paycheck. While some lenders offer up to $5,000, most borrowers typically request $100 to $2,000. These loans are often for urgent needs like bills or minor repairs.

    Key features include:

    • Quick Access: Funds often arrive within hours of approval.
    • Short Repayment: Loans align with the borrower’s next payday.
    • Automatic Debit: Lenders set up auto payments for convenience.
    • High Acceptance: Even unemployed borrowers may qualify with alternative income.

    Although high interest rates are applicable, the fast and easy process makes these loans ideal for emergencies.

    1. Installment Loans

    With installment loans borrowers can repay the loan over time through fixed monthly payments. Depending on affordability, these loans range from $100 to $5,000. If you need larger amounts or require more time to repay it, this loan is ideal.

    Key features include:

    • Flexible Terms: Repayment spans 3 to 24 months.
    • Predictable Payments: Fixed installments simplify budgeting.
    • Larger Amounts: Borrowers access more funds than typical payday loans.
    • Credit Flexibility: Lenders often approve despite poor credit.

    Installment loans make repayment easy for people who manage bigger expenses or prefer extended repayment.

    1. Bad Credit Loans

    Bad credit loans are most suitable for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit scores. In this case, lenders focus on income and affordability, not credit history. Loan amounts range from $100 to $5,000, with terms up to 24 months.

    Key features include:

    • No Hard Credit Checks: Lenders use soft inquiries or alternative data.
    • Accessible Approval: Borrowers with low credit scores often qualify.
    • Flexible Use: Funds cover emergencies, repairs, or personal needs.
    • Quick Processing: Approvals happen within minutes.

    These loans help borrowers access funds without worrying about credit scores.

    1. Same-Day Loans

    Same-day loans deliver funds within hours for urgent financial needs. Borrowers can apply online and often receive approval in minutes. Loan amounts range from $100 to $5,000, which can be repaid within weeks to months.

    Key features include:

    • Fast Funding: Money reaches bank accounts on the same business day.
    • Simple Application: Online forms take minutes to complete.
    • Broad Eligibility: Lenders accept various income sources, including benefits.
    • Flexible Terms: Borrowers choose repayment periods that suit their budget.

    Same-day loans ensure quick relief for unexpected expenses incurred during medical or similar emergencies.

    1. Loans for Unemployed

    There are solutions for unemployed borrowers who have alternative income sources. These loans range from $100 to $5,000. Its repayment terms are up to 24 months. Here, lenders assess affordability and not employment status.

    Key features include:

    • Alternative Income: Benefits, freelance earnings, or other income qualify.
    • Quick Approval: Loan decisions arrive in as little as two minutes.
    • Flexible Repayment: Terms adjust to the borrower’s financial situation.
    • No Job Required: Eligibility focuses on income, not traditional employment.

    These loans empower borrowers to access emergency funds without having traditional jobs.

    What are the Basic Eligibility Criteria for Personal Loans for Bad Credit?

    The best personal loans for bad credit come with minimum eligibility requirements. It means that they are more flexible than traditional bank loans but they will still ensure that a borrower has the capacity to repay the loan.

    Standard eligibility criteria include:

    • Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old (21 in some states)
    • Citizenship/Residency: Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a permanent address
    • Income Verification: Demonstration of regular income (more than $1,000) from employment or other sources
    • Banking Relationship: Active checking account for direct fund deposit and payment processing

    Note: To be eligible for Loans At Last you have to demonstrate an income of at least $1,000 per month.

    A Step-By-Step Guide for Applying for a Personal Loan with a Bad Credit Score

    Generally, the application process for a guaranteed approval personal loan with bad credit is not that complicated. It consists of three to four simple steps. Go through the following steps if you are going to apply for a loan soon.

    Step 1: Choose Your Loan Amount and Term. 

    • The first step is to determine how much money you need and how long it will take you to repay it. Your application approval, total interest cost, and monthly payment amount depend on this decision.
    • Before you determine the amount and the term you should carefully consider your need for the money, the total cost of the loan, and your repayment ability.

    Step 2: Complete The Online Application. 

    • Most online application processes are simple and take a couple of minutes to complete. It generally requires basic information about yourself, your income, and your banking details.
    • An online application section for personal loans or payday loans for bad credit would include personal information including names and social security numbers, employment details, and banking details.

    Step 3: Get Matched With Lenders. 

    • Once you submit your application, the matching service starts working. It finds the lenders that are most likely to approve loans for your specific situation. This process can happen within minutes and may result in multiple loan offers.
    • The system considers your credit profile and score, your employment status and income level, your requested loan amount and term, geographic location and applicable state laws, and lender specialization and preferences.

    Step 4: Receive Funds Within 24 Hours

    • After accepting a loan offer and completing any final verification requirements, approved borrowers typically receive funds within 24 hours through direct deposit to their bank account.
    • The funding timeline depends on application time, verification requirements, and banking processing time. A borrower can also monitor funding status with the tracking information that the lender provides.

    Final Thoughts on Best Personal Loans for Bad Credit

    The modern lending landscape offers legitimate alternatives through specialized lenders. They do not focus on past credit mistakes but approve a loan by evaluating your current financial capacity.

    The best personal loans for bad credit, however, come with higher interest rates. They are there to provide relief when traditional banks are not an option. Platforms like Loans At Last streamline the process by connecting you with appropriate lenders, offering amounts from $100 to $5,000 with flexible repayment terms.

    You should carefully assess your repayment ability, compare loan offers, and choose reputable lenders who report payments to credit bureaus before borrowing. You should also remember that these loans are for temporary financial problems and not for solving long-term debts.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    1. Can I get a personal loan with a credit score under 600?

    Yes, it is possible to get a personal loan with a credit score under 600, but it is going to be difficult. Because only some lenders may consider this credit score “fair”. If your credit score is below 600, you can consider alternative options to traditional banking.

    1. How quickly can I get approved and funded?

    Most bad credit personal loan lenders approve loans quickly, often within minutes of submitting an application. Once they approve the application, the funding can occur within 24 hours.

    1. What income do I need to qualify? 

    Most lenders require borrowers to demonstrate a regular monthly income of at least $1,000 or more. This income can come from various sources, but it has to be verifiable and sufficient to cover both loan payments and daily living expenses.

    Attachment

    • Loans At Last

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Astral Dynamic Networks Selects Palni as Strategic Partner to Advance Next-Gen Communication Products

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Astral Dynamic Networks (Astradyne, Inc.), a forward-thinking leader in software-defined communication systems, today announced a strategic partnership with Palni, Inc. via its Strategic Partnership Initiative. This collaboration is designed to accelerate the development and refinement of Astradyne’s next-generation platform, a foundation specifically focused on advancing communication technology through intelligent, software-first products that aim to redefine global interaction, commerce, and connectivity.

    This partnership represents an additional step forward in Astradyne’s mission to bring transformative products to market, providing solutions that are not just technologically advanced but purpose-built to impact how people, businesses, and governments connect and operate. Palni was selected for its deep technical expertise and proven ability to scale complex communication technologies. Working closely with Astradyne’s engineering team, Palni will help optimize and expand the capabilities and reach of these products for global impact.

    “Together, we aim to push the boundaries of communication technology, enhancing our platform’s capabilities and delivering transformative products to a rapidly evolving world,” said Fabrizio Boccardi, CEO of Astradyne. “This partnership reflects our commitment to innovation and our belief in the power of strategic collaboration to drive meaningful change.”

    “We’re proud to join forces with Astradyne on this ambitious initiative,” said Marty Chintakindi, CEO at Palni Inc. “Our team is excited to contribute to a platform that’s not just about infrastructure but about delivering real-world products that can shape the future of communication and connectivity.”

    This collaboration is part of Astradyne’s broader strategy to engage with top-tier partners who can help bring its visionary technologies to market with precision, resilience, and global scalability.

    About Astradyne
    Astradyne is a visionary technology company pioneering software-first solutions for commerce, communication, and social interaction. With a relentless focus on innovation, Astradyne is developing intelligent systems and products that transform and expand connectivity, interaction, efficiency, and security.

    About Palni, Inc.
    Palni Inc. is a well-regarded developer of cutting-edge communication technologies, recognized for providing high-performance, scalable solutions with its software development and Gen AI capabilities. Through a collaborative approach and extensive technical expertise, Palni helps partners create the infrastructure and products of the future.

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Numem Addresses AI’s Dirty Secret: Memory Is the Real Bottleneck

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AI has a memory problem. Traditional SRAM and DRAM were never designed to meet the scale and intensity of today’s AI workloads – and their limitations in power, bandwidth and density are slowing progress. As models grow and inference demands surge across data centers and edge environments, memory has become the critical bottleneck. Processing performance has skyrocketed by 60,000X over the past 20 years, but DRAM bandwidth has improved only 100x creating a mismatch known as the “memory wall,” where the faster processors are limited by the slower memory access speeds.

    The urgency of this challenge is now widely acknowledged – reflected in government-backed initiatives such as the CHIPS Act, which supports broader semiconductor innovation, including next-generation memory technologies designed to overcome the memory wall.

    Memory That Moves at the Speed of AI
    Numem is scaling the memory wall with a purpose-built solution. The company’s AI Memory Engine is a fully synthesizable, highly configurable memory subsystem IP that enables significant improvements in power efficiency, performance, intelligence, and endurance not only for Numem’s patented MRAM-based architecture, but also third-party MRAMs, RRAM, PCRAM, and Flash Memory, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of emerging memory technologies.

    By combining Numem’s patented AI Memory Engine with its MRAM architecture and deep expertise in memory architecture and performance optimization, the company has developed a next-generation MRAM supporting die densities up to 1GB. This optimized, foundry-ready MRAM delivers SRAM-class performance with up to 2.5X higher memory density in embedded applications and 100X lower standby power consumption. With these advancements, Numem has transformed MRAM into a production-ready, scalable memory building block for next-generation, AI-focused workloads.

    “AI’s momentum is at risk because memory systems are still stuck in the past,” said Max Simmons, CEO of Numem. “We built our technology from the ground up to eliminate that bottleneck and unlock the full potential of next-generation AI.”

    Innovative Answers – Without the Wait
    Unlike theoretical solutions still on the drawing board, Numem’s AI Memory Engine – combined with the company’s MRAM architecture – is foundry-ready and production-capable today. Operating under a fabless, capital-efficient model, the company leverages standard foundry environments to enable rapid, scalable deployment with minimal investment risk and maximum flexibility.

    Added Simmons, “Every week, I hear the same thing from customers: their memory can’t keep up. Not enough performance, not enough density, and way too much power consumption. AI workloads are pushing existing architectures to the limit – especially in areas like automotive, where in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems now rely on multiple cameras and real-time AI. DRAM just isn’t cutting it. It’s too slow to boot, consumes too much power, and simply can’t meet the performance demands of modern systems.”

    From designing custom SoCs to chiplet-based memory expansion, Numem provides integration-ready IP and silicon to accelerate cutting-edge product roadmaps.

    Key Benefits of Numem’s AI Memory Engine:

    • SRAM-class performance with up to 2.5X higher memory density in the same embedded footprint
    • Flexible power management architecture supporting multiple power modes
    • Seamless integration into both data center and edge environments
    • High endurance, enabling MRAM to support SRAM- and DRAM-like architectures
    • Scalable, software-defined memory without requiring costly hardware overhauls
    • Enables high-performance MRAM with a significantly lower power profile than SRAM through precise management of MRAM’s non-volatile characteristics

    Additionally – and importantly – Numem’s AI Memory Engine delivers 30–50% power savings over existing high-bandwidth memory solutions. These savings translate directly into lower operating costs and a reduced carbon footprint, making it an ideal solution for companies prioritizing both performance and environmental responsibility. As the industry moves toward more energy-efficient infrastructure, Numem is strategically positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for low-power, high-efficiency memory technologies.

    Meeting the Market Where AI Is Headed
    According to a report by Polaris Market Research, the total addressable market (TAM) for MRAM is projected to grow to USD 25.1 billion by 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.3%. Numem is poised to play a pivotal role in this growing market, sitting at the intersection of AI acceleration and memory modernization. Backed by production-ready technology, proven performance, and a scalable architecture, Numem is well positioned to power the next generation of AI infrastructure – where memory is no longer a bottleneck but a performance enabler.

    About Numem
    Founded in 2016 in Sunnyvale, Calif., Numem is transforming AI and data center efficiency from edge to core. By reimagining AI memory hierarchies, Numem eliminates bottlenecks that constrain power and performance. Its patented, innovative solutions, including the Numem AI Memory Engine SOC subsystem IPs, and Memory SOC Chip/Chiplets, enable high-performance MRAM. These technologies address memory bottlenecks with a fraction of the power consumption of traditional SRAM and DRAM, delivering faster and more efficient data processing. For more information, please visit www.numem.com or connect with the company on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Stephanie Olsen
    Lages & Associates
    (949) 453-8080
    stephanie@lages.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0711851b-4d6d-439f-93b8-3b19236366e4

    The MIL Network –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal, Ezell Bipartisan Bill to Bolster American Shipping Fleet Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Chair Mike Ezell (R-MS-04) announced their bipartisan American Cargo for American Ships Act passed the House of Representatives. The legislation will strengthen U.S. cargo preference laws to stop the ongoing decline of U.S. flagged ships engaged in international trade. The legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

    “American cargo transported on American ships strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and protects our supply chains from external threats,” said Rep. Carbajal. “My bipartisan bill will strengthen the U.S. shipping fleet by ensuring that taxpayer-funded cargo is moved on U.S.-flagged ships. I’ll continue working across the aisle to get this bill across the finish line and signed into law.”

    “This is a major victory for American workers, our national security, and our economy,” Rep. Ezell said. “The American Cargo for American Ships Act strengthens our maritime capabilities and ensures we’re not dependent on foreign vessels to move U.S. goods—especially during times of crisis. A strong U.S.-flagged fleet means a more secure and self-reliant America. I’m proud to see this bill, which keeps American cargo on American ships, restores fairness to our system, and gives our mariners a fighting chance against heavily subsidized foreign competitors, pass the House. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to act swiftly and send it to the President’s desk.”

    The American Cargo for American Ships Act would increase cargo preference for all U.S. Department of Transportation cargoes to 100 percent. The Cargo Preference Act of 1954 requires that 50 percent of Civilian Agencies cargo and Agricultural Cargo be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels – it is the maritime industry’s “Buy America” law. Maritime Administration (MARAD) is the lead federal agency that manages Cargo Preference activities and compliance.

    In 2022, MARAD testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and highlighted the decline of U.S. flagged ships. Per MARAD, there were 106 ships in the foreign trade flying the U.S. flag in 2012. Four years later, there were just 77 vessels. Today, from that low point, we have grown back to 87 foreign trading ships under the U.S. flag.

    In 2022, Carbajal, as Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation subcommittee, sent a letter to the MARAD Administrator Rear Admiral Ann Phillips asking them to do more to encourage compliance with U.S. cargo preference laws.

    The American Cargo for American Ships Act is supported by: American Maritime Congress, American Maritime Officers, American Maritime Officers Service, American Roll-on Roll-off, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, Sailors Union of the Pacific, Seafarers International Union, Transportation Institute, U.S. Ocean, Waterman Logistics, Hapag Lloyd USA, American President Lines LLC.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Violence against women in Ghana is deeply rooted in culture and family ties – study

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Eric Y Tenkorang, Professor of Sociology,, Memorial University of Newfoundland

    Intimate partner violence is controlling behaviour that results in harm to victims. This can be physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, economic or spiritual harm. Women are overwhelmingly the victims and survivors of intimate partner violence.

    Globally, about one third of women have experienced some type of intimate partner violence. In Ghana too, one third of women have experienced physical and sexual abuse.

    Research has linked women’s experiences of intimate partner violence to their socio-economic marginalisation, although it can happen to wealthy women too. Beyond the socio-economic reasons, some also make cultural arguments.

    One such factor is lineage: lines of ancestry. Lineage is a major source of wealth, privileges and responsibilities in Ghana and more broadly in sub-Saharan Africa.

    Some people trace their ancestry through maternal kin members. Women in these matrilineal societies wield socio-economic and cultural power because inheritance goes through the female line. As carriers of the lineage, women have some cultural value.

    In a patrilineage, people trace their ancestry through men. Inheritance goes through the male line. Women cannot source wealth from the lineage. There is noticeable gender ordering and hierarchies in patrilineal societies. Male children are considered the carriers of the lineage.

    Despite these two predominant lineage systems, there is also bilateral descent. In bilateral systems, kinship is traced to both maternal and paternal sides of the family.

    Recent studies have suggested a link exists between lineage and intimate partner violence. But there is limited evidence as to why this might be the case.

    One of my research interests is violence against women in African cultures and I have published extensively on this subject. For a recent study, my team collected survey data, including in-depth interviews, from the three ecological areas of Ghana – coastal, middle and northern. These reflect differences in ecology, culture and modernity.

    About 1,700 women responded to our survey questions on lineage and intimate partner violence. Of these, about 30 women were followed up for an in-depth interview.

    We found differences in experiences of violence between women depending on the lineage system they were part of. Awareness of this pattern could inform efforts to prevent violence and empower women.

    What we found

    A major finding was that women in matrilineal communities experienced lower levels of intimate partner violence than women in patrilineal communities or bilateral ones. Part of the reason is women’s access to resources.

    We also found that bride price payments elevated patrilineal women’s risks of experiencing intimate partner violence. Bride price payment is an exchange of resources from the groom to the family of the bride. This is in acknowledgement that marriage has taken place. Women in patrilineal systems were more likely to experience physical, sexual and emotional violence when bride price was fully paid than when it was partially paid.

    Unlike patrilineal women, matrilineal and bilateral women only experienced emotional and physical violence when bride price was fully paid.

    The backdrop

    Ghana passed its landmark Domestic Violence Act in 2007. It criminalises acts that are likely to result in intimate partner violence. This opened the door to the establishment of a Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit to prosecute perpetrators. Structures are also in place to provide support for victims of abuse.

    But criminalising intimate partner violence offers only a partial remedy to the problem. This is particularly true when behaviours that lead to such acts of violence are deeply rooted in inequality, culture and patriarchy.

    Despite recent efforts to bridge gender inequality, Ghana continues to lag behind other societies in this area. Ghanaian women are discriminated against socially and culturally. They are excluded from participating in major decisions related to their households and communities. They are also marginalised economically, creating less opportunity for upward mobility.

    The patriarchal nature of Ghanaian society has not helped. It has worked in tandem with existing social arrangements to deepen inequality and further render women powerless.

    In my view, part of matrilineal women’s reduced risk of experiencing intimate partner violence may be explained by access to maternal resources, where they benefit more than their patrilineal and bilateral counterparts.

    This background also helps explain why bride price arrangements make a difference. Contemporary feminist analysis of the payment of bride price suggests it may be interpreted as “wife ownership and purchase”. This can be a tool for oppressing and controlling women.

    These findings support the argument that bride price payment may have negative consequences for Ghanaian women. This is especially so for those in patrilineal cultures where the norms and expectations associated with these payments are stronger.

    A path to safety

    Establishing cultural reasons why some women are at greater risk than others of experiencing intimate partner violence is important for policy in Ghana and has implications for sub-Saharan Africa.

    Our research findings point to the need to empower women by providing them with the resources they need to flourish and fight abuse. It shows lineage can be a conduit for resource exchange and distribution.

    Also, public education can help correct narratives of ownership and purchase which are linked to intimate partner violence. Bride price payments should have symbolic, not commercial, significance.

    – Violence against women in Ghana is deeply rooted in culture and family ties – study
    – https://theconversation.com/violence-against-women-in-ghana-is-deeply-rooted-in-culture-and-family-ties-study-257947

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 11, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: What keeps girls from school in Malawi? We asked them and it’s not just pregnancy

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Rachel Silver, Assistant Professor, York University, Canada

    Coverage of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns on girls in Malawi emphasised the risks they faced as a result of not attending school. In particular, concerns about pregnancy garnered significant media attention.

    The United Nations Children’s Fund, for example, published an article in March 2021 entitled “Schoolgirl shakes off COVID-19 regret: Lucy’s return to school”. Under a glossy photograph of a smiling girl, readers learn about 16-year-old Lucy, one of 13,000 Malawian students who became pregnant during COVID-19 school closures. The story went on to detail the dire consequences of sexual activity to Lucy’s well-being, and the redemptive power of an eventual return to school.

    The Unicef piece echoed thousands of similar publications circulated after March 2020 that analysed COVID-19’s unique risk for girls in the global south and lamented lost returns to girls’ education.

    In response to COVID-19 surges, Malawian schools closed for over seven months, during which the percentage of pregnancies to young women aged 10-19 did increase from 29% to 35% of total pregnancies.

    Yet, our research has demonstrated that international development organisations and media outlets focused mostly on narrow, sexualised framings of risk to African girls and women rather than on the many intersecting and ongoing barriers to their well-being and school retention. These challenges both predate and extend beyond COVID-19.

    As scholars of international development education who have conducted research in Malawi for over a decade, we decided to join Malawian educational activist and collaborator Stella Makhuva to research how girls themselves narrated their experiences of the COVID-19 years. What did they consider a risk to their schooling?

    Together, we designed a longitudinal study from 2020 to 2023 that included multiple rounds of interviews and participatory journalling methods with 22 upper primary and secondary school girls in southern Malawi.

    We found that for girls in our study, COVID-19 was less a rupture – an unusual event that threatened their education in unprecedented ways – than an added variable in the already complex calculations girls and their families made about whether and how to remain in school.

    We argue that it was not pregnancy itself, but escalating resource constraints, that kept girls from school. And that interventions must do something about the real problem: inequitable systems.

    The stories told by the girls illustrate this. (All the names are pseudonyms.)

    Their stories

    When Faith joined our study in 2020, she was attending a peri-urban primary school near her home. She lived in a mud and grass-thatched house with her parents, both subsistence farmers who supported Faith’s and her siblings’ education. During school closures, she studied with friends to keep up with academic content when she was not helping with her parents’ farm.

    Yet school costs threatened Faith’s return to school upon reopening. Despite primary school being officially “free” by government mandate, students at her school were required to contribute 800 Malawi kwacha (close to US$1 at the time) per term to a school fund for infrastructure projects and upkeep. Not paying into the fund resulted in exclusion from classes.


    Read more: Does free schooling give girls a better chance in life? Burundi study shows the poorest benefited most


    When Faith eventually passed the Primary School Leaving Certificate Exam and enrolled in secondary school, the costs to schooling rose from 5,000 kwacha (about US$6.50 in early 2021) to 20,000 kwacha (about US$19 in late 2022). Faith worried about whether her parents, whose maize and tomato yields suffered from poor rains, would be able to pay.

    On top of this, Faith paid other costs, from exam fees and bicycle rental fees to supplemental lessons in which she learned material never covered during school hours. She said she and her family often sacrificed eating sufficiently to save money.

    Still, Faith was repeatedly pushed out of school until her fee balance was met. Before, during, and after COVID-19 school closures, girls like her were pushed out of school for a lack of regular fee payments.

    Faith’s school-going was also threatened by warming temperatures and new rain patterns that left her family with diminished food and income. Added to this were volatility in government agricultural subsidies to small farmers, inflated school fees, and the increasing privatisation of public education in Malawi.


    Read more: Malawi faces a food crisis: why plans to avert hunger aren’t realistic and what can be done


    Like Faith, all of the girls in our study worked to supplement their schooling with part time lessons, holiday classes, or by repeating grades given educational quality concerns. Based in under-resourced schools with low exam pass rates, girls knew that they were provided an incomplete education.

    According to Brightness,

    We do not learn fully what we are supposed to cover, and some teachers tend to be absent during their lessons. This makes us lag behind … As a result during exams they ask some questions which some of us … did not learn.

    Empirical evidence has shown how teacher engagement has long been influenced by the region’s high disease burden, especially due to HIV/Aids. This has left teachers both ill and caring for ill relatives.

    While teacher disengagement, therefore, reflected factors such as competing care responsibilities, professional dissatisfaction and stress, girls were deeply frustrated by what felt like abandonment.

    Rethinking pregnancy and parenting

    Mainstream discourses that missed key barriers to girls’ school retention and performance, such as privatisation and food insecurity, misrepresented student pregnancy as an emergent “crisis”.

    Prior to the pandemic, sexuality and school-going already overlapped for many girls in Malawi, where adolescent pregnancy rates were threefold the global average. Still, girls in our study countered the idea that schooling and sex were incompatible. They also challenged the idea that school was inherently safe and that it was pregnancy that kept them from school.


    Read more: Education and gender equality: focus on girls isn’t fair and isn’t enough — global study


    Many of the girls’ stories emphasised continuity with what came before the pandemic.

    We have found this in past research. Schooling and sexuality are not necessarily opposed; but parents and teachers try to protect girls from sexuality; and parenting and non-parenting girls alike face significant resource-related barriers to schooling.

    Conclusion

    If girls’ choices, particularly around sexuality, do not represent the greatest or only source of risk for girls’ schooling, interventions must respond to this reality. They should support well-being and address the broader conditions in which girls live and learn. The problem is inequity, not pregnant girls.

    – What keeps girls from school in Malawi? We asked them and it’s not just pregnancy
    – https://theconversation.com/what-keeps-girls-from-school-in-malawi-we-asked-them-and-its-not-just-pregnancy-258401

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 11, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 668 669 670 671 672 … 2,663
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress