Category: Transport

MIL-OSI Security: Body in Hampshire confirmed to be Yajaira Castro Mendez

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives can confirm the body found in Hampshire on Saturday, 7 June is sadly that of Yajaira Castro Mendez from Ilford.

Yajaira was last seen in Camden on Thursday, 29 May. Following extensive enquiries by officers a murder investigation was launched.

Detectives carried out urgent enquiries and during searches in the Bolderwood area of Hampshire, they found a body.

Formal identification has now taken place. Her family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Sean Beasley, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“Officers have been working around the clock and continue to investigate the circumstances.

“There are still crime scenes in place and we’re working closely with Hampshire Police. We thank the community for their patience as we carry out our investigation and we continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.”

On Friday, 6 June, Juan Francisco Toledo, 51 (17.10.1973), of Lambeth appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court charged with murder.

He was remanded in custody to next appear on Tuesday, 10 June at the Old Bailey.

He had been arrested on Wednesday, 4 June in Lambeth.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact police via 101 or @MetCC quoting CAD 3020/06JUN2

To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

MIL Security OSI –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Amid Unprecedented Attacks on Veterans and Rising National Security Concerns, Congressmen Chris Deluzio, Pat Ryan, Ted and Lieu Lead 18 Democratic Members of Congress to Launch Veterans Caucus
Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Ted Lieu (CA-36) led 18 House Democratic colleagues in launching the first-ever Democratic Veterans Caucus.

Chaired by Congressman Ryan, an Army veteran; Congressman Ted Lieu, an Air Force veteran; and Congressman Chris Deluzio, a Navy veteran, the Democratic Veterans Caucus is composed of members from across the country. The caucus’ formation comes amidst unprecedented security breaches at the Department of Defense, threats to veterans’ health care, and growing national security threats across the globe.

Uniting these voices is especially important and timely given the reconciliation fight. President Trump, aided by House Republicans, is trying to push through massive cuts to both Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 10% of all veterans rely on Medicaid for health care, and there are 1.2 million veterans living in households – alongside seniors and children – who utilize SNAP benefits.

“I love this country, and I am proud to join with my fellow veterans and Democrats in the U.S. House. The Democratic Veterans Caucus is a powerful space to do that,” said Congressman Deluzio. “My fellow veterans and I in Congress are ready to go to the mat for America’s veterans and servicemembers and our country’s national security. We swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, and America needs us now more than ever.”

“I refuse to let our draft-dodging President lecture us about what it means to be a Patriot while he cuts veterans’ health care, insults Gold Star families, and installs an incompetent loyalist who is dangerously politicizing the Department of Defense. It’s our duty, as those who have borne the battle, to fight for our fellow veterans and for the country we love so dearly,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “Our loyalty is to no man. It is to the Constitution we swore an oath to protect and defend. Our mission is to deliver for our men and women in uniform and every freedom-loving American.”

“Our veterans deserve our gratitude. That is why it is despicable that the Trump Administration is leaving veterans behind,” said Congressman Ted Lieu. “From harmful DOGE cuts at the VA to attempts at rolling back benefits for veterans exposed to toxins, our nation’s heroes are experiencing unprecedented attacks on their care. We’re standing up this Caucus to fight for our veterans and uphold the oath we all took to defend the constitution. I am grateful to work with Reps. Deluzio and Ryan and all the Members in our Caucus to uplift veteran and service member voices.”

“Veterans served this country with honor and sacrifice. They kept their promises to defend our freedom, and now it’s our duty to keep our promises to them,” said Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. “As a former Navy helicopter pilot, I am disgusted by the Trump Administration’s decision to cut their health care and food assistance to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. It is a betrayal not just of our veterans, but of the values this nation stands for. This caucus was formed to unite those of us who have worn the uniform and to fight back against these attacks. I will continue to stand in the breach to protect the care and services our veterans have earned.”

“America is the land of the free because we are home to generations of brave veterans. We have a sacred obligation to fight for these patriots in the face of the Trump Administration’s cruel and senseless cuts to critical healthcare and lifesaving services,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), who served as an intelligence officer for more than a decade in the Navy Reserve. “Veterans from New Hampshire and across the country deserve fighters in the United States Congress, and that is what this caucus is all about.”

“As an Army Ranger and paratrooper, I learned the ethos of servant leadership. True leaders jump out of the plane first, and always eat last. But that’s not the leadership we’re seeing from President Trump. Instead, we’re seeing Republicans cut veterans benefits and take away health care and food assistance in order to give the wealthiest Americans a massive tax break. It’s wrong for working families and our servicemembers. As a veteran and now a Democratic Member of Congress, I’m fighting back,” said Congressman Crow.

“Veterans need a united front to protect the benefits that they have earned,” said Rep. Panetta. “At a time when we have an Administration that is cutting benefits, this caucus brings together Members who have served in uniform to ensure that the federal government upholds its commitment to defending the rights, benefits, and dignity of our fellow veterans. Fortunately, we know how to fight those who threaten our values and veterans’ services because we are committed to serving those who served our country.”

“Our veterans have given so much to our country, and for this Administration to cut and dismantle programs that benefit them and their families is simply disgraceful,” said Congressman Conaway. “While my Republican colleagues stand by and watch, this caucus serves as a coalition of former service members ready to push back. Every member of this caucus knows what it means to serve, and we will use our voices to ensure that promises made to veterans are promises kept.”

“When I joined the U.S. Army, I took an oath to defend the Constitution. As a member of Congress, I am honored to represent the 72,000 veterans in the Seventh District. Sadly, we have a Commander-in-Chief whose incompetence and chaos put American lives at risk and hurts our veterans,” said Vindman. “That’s why my Democratic colleagues who’ve worn the uniform and I are standing together and speaking out. We have a duty to defend the values and people that make America the greatest country in the world — and to ensure that no one, not even the President, gets away with undermining them.”

“I joined the Army Reserves when I was 18 because I felt it was my duty to give back to the country that gave me and my family so much. My parents fled communist Vietnam in search of freedom and democracy, and because America welcomed them, our family could not only survive but thrive. I am proud to join my fellow Veterans in the House Democratic caucus to stand up for all Veterans at a time when they are seeing their benefits cut, their expertise ignored, and their federal jobs terminated,” said Rep. Derek Tran (CA-45). “I was proud that the first bill I introduced as a Member of Congress was the Protect Veteran Jobs Act, to protect the livelihoods of Veterans who have served our country honorably and who continue to do so through civilian service. Our veterans have always had our backs, the Democratic Veterans Caucus will always step up to have theirs.”

“As a Marine, I will not stand by while Donald Trump insults our veterans and dismantles the services and benefits they rightfully earned,” said Congressman Salud Carbajal. “We have a responsibility to care for the heroes who defended our rights and freedoms. This Administration has abandoned this sacred duty through reckless actions, like rolling back the PACT Act and allowing DOGE to attack the VA. It’s heartless, cruel, and un-American. That’s why I’m proud to stand with my colleagues to launch the Democratic Veterans Caucus.”

“President Trump is not a veteran but that hasn’t stopped him from creating chaos and uncertainty in the lives of those who are. From threatening veterans’ health care to pushing reckless cuts to the benefits they’ve earned, the Trump administration has treated our community like collateral damage in a partisan agenda,” said Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan. “As a veteran, a Member of Congress, and a proud advocate for those who’ve worn the uniform, I believe we have a sacred obligation to protect and honor our veterans—not undermine their health, dignity, or security. The launch of the Democratic Veterans Caucus couldn’t come at a more urgent moment. We are stepping up and stepping in to ensure veterans receive the care, respect, and support they’ve rightfully earned.”

“In the Marines, we were taught that you can fail a run and come back the next day—but if you lie, you’re out. Veterans, and all Americans, deserve leaders who tell the truth, and who respect service and sacrifice,” said Congressman Seth Moulton. “Yet Donald Trump and his Republican allies lie every day about their commitment to the military and the veteran community. Democratic veterans in Congress aren’t afraid to call out the hypocrisy—and fight to make sure no one who served this country is left behind. I’m proud to be part of this new caucus and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

“As a combat veteran with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam and as a Purple Heart recipient, I know our nation’s responsibility to our men and women in uniform,” said Congressman Mike Thompson. “Make no mistake: by firing over 80,000 VA staff, many of them veterans, this Administration isn’t just hurting us and our families — they are making every American worse off. Proud to join the Democratic Veterans Caucus as a founding member to continue our fight to protect those who have served our nation.”

“As a Navy veteran, I’m appalled by the President’s assault on veterans and their families,” said Congressman Gil Cisneros. “I’ve seen firsthand the detrimental effects of this administration on our veteran community. From cutting health care and veteran benefits to disparaging the honor of those who have served, the attacks from the President are un-American and vile. I stand firmly with my colleagues in the Democratic Veterans Caucus and know we will fight to protect the honor of veterans, their health care, mental health care, and their families.”

“I am proud to represent one of the largest veterans’ populations in the country,” said Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03). “As a veteran of the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve, I look forward to continuing my work protecting America’s veterans, especially their health care, with the launch of the Democratic Veterans Caucus.”

Members of the Democratic Veterans Caucus Include:
1. Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA) – Marine Corps Reserve
2. Rep. Gil Cisneros (CA) – Navy
3. Rep. Herb Conaway (NJ) – Air Force
4. Rep. Jason Crow (CO) – Army
5. Rep. Don Davis (NC) – Air Force
6. Rep. Chris Deluzio (PA) – Navy
7. Rep. Jared Golden (ME) – Marine Corps
8. Rep. Maggie Goodlander (NH) – Navy Reserve
9. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA) – Air Force
10. Rep. Ted Lieu (CA) – Air Force
11. Rep. Seth Moulton (MA) – Marine Corps
12. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA) – Navy Reserve
13. Rep. Pat Ryan (NY) – Army
14. Rep. Bobby Scott (VA) – Army
15. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ) – Navy
16. Rep. Mike Thompson (CA) – Army
17. Rep. Derek Tran (CA) – Army
18. Rep. Eugene Vindman (VA) – Army
Congressman Deluzio is a U.S. Navy veteran, deployed to Iraq and at sea, and is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.

###

MIL OSI USA News –
June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Canning — RCMP seeking information to identify a person involved in sexual assault against a youth

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Kings District RCMP is seeking information from the public to identify a person involved in a sexual assault against a youth victim in Canning.

On June 6, at approximately 3:40 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a sexual assault that occurred on a walking trail between Northeast Kings Education Centre and the Glooscap District Arena.

Responding officers learned that approximately 10 minutes prior, a male assaulted then sexually assaulted a youth victim who was walking to the arena from the school.

A search of the area, assisted by RCMP Police Dog Services, was not successful in locating the suspect.

At this time, the male, who approached the victim from behind, is believed to be a youth. He is described as white, 5-foot-5 and heavy build. At time of the incident, he was wearing a ski mask, a red shirt and winter gloves.

“I want to assure everyone in our communities that this investigation is a top priority for us. We have engaged various specialized units to assist our committed local investigators”, says S/Sgt. Ed Nugent, King District RCMP. “We encourage anyone who may have information about the incident to contact us. You can also provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.”

Kings District RCMP: 902-679-5555

Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers: toll-free, 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or the P3 Tips app.

If you have experienced sexual violence, you are not alone. The elimination of gender-based and sexual violence continues to be a priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP, and the RCMP employs a trauma-informed approach. Survivor support is available and you can contact us and discuss an incident before deciding to further participate in the investigation and court process.

File: 2025-784797

MIL Security OSI –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Hedgehog poo could hold important secrets about local biodiversity

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sophie Lund Rasmussen, Research fellow in Ecology and Conservation, University of Oxford

Jayne Morgan

Biodiversity, the rich variety of life found on Earth, is vanishing. I’m a conservation scientist keen to monitor this loss to better understand where efforts to reverse it will be most effective. And I might have hit on a novel solution.

I study European hedgehogs, the popular spiky mammals that inhabit our gardens. Hedgehog populations are declining massively, with an estimated loss of up to 75% in the rural areas of the UK during the past 25 years.

Thanks to insights gained in my research, I, Dr Hedgehog, believe that this species could be helpful for mapping wider biodiversity. More specifically, its poo.

One probable cause of the decline in hedgehogs is a decline in insects, which form a major part of their diet. During my many nights of radio-tracking hedgehogs, I came up with the idea of analysing environmental DNA (eDNA) contained in samples of hedgehog poo to discover what the hedgehogs are eating and through that, what’s living locally.

The eDNA method could reveal genetic traces of all organisms present in the samples in a single analysis. And, as we’ll see, these prickly mammals have a surprisingly liberal diet.

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Due to the loss of natural habitats, hedgehogs are increasingly living in gardens, and this is where the battle to save the hedgehog will take place. My research showed that European hedgehogs in residential areas normally visit ten to 14 gardens a night.

Here, they eat a wide selection of prey, primarily insects, snails, slugs and worms, but also birds’ eggs (from ground-nesting birds – they don’t climb trees). They are scavengers too, and will munch on all sorts of dead animals.

What most people don’t realise is that these adorable little creatures are also ferocious predators. If they can get their paws (or perhaps more correctly, their jaws) on live prey, they will eat chicks that have fallen out of nests or amphibians such as salamanders, newts and frogs. They are excellent swimmers and sometimes catch fish in garden ponds.

I have seen hedgehogs taking on adult pigeons or full-sized chickens, and winning. Hedgehogs also sometimes chew on the faeces of foxes and lick the saliva onto their spines, probably with the purpose of masking their scent against predators.

Prickly, but not picky.
Nojafoto/Shutterstock

We are not sure whether hedgehogs eat fruit and plants intentionally, or if they are actually after the worms or insects living on them – hedgehogs are officially categorised as “insectivores” – but vegetation shows up in the stomachs of dead hedgehogs too. The DNA from plants ingested by the insects, worms and snails eaten by hedgehogs, will also show up in an analysis of hedgehog poo.

In terms of a guide to local biodiversity, hedgehogs are the full package.

Hedgehogs live and forage in a small area. They poop a lot, and their faeces are easy to recognise and collect. If we keep the hedgehog population going, we won’t run out of sample material any time soon.

Before DNA analysis was invented, it was very difficult to determine the diet of a hedgehog, because a slug is reduced to nothing after a trip through its digestive tract, and it’s hard to identify a species from a chewed-off beetle leg. In contrast, it only takes a tiny fragment of a species to show up in an eDNA analysis of hedgehog faeces, so imagine what we could discover.

In these times of drastic biodiversity loss, we need to establish good and reliable methods for monitoring biodiversity. An analysis of a hedgehog poo could even reveal elusive species which may have been categorised as extinct in the area.

My idea of biodiversity monitoring through hedgehog poo has spawned ridicule and numerous rejection letters for funding applications. I refused to let it stop me. So I have created a crowdfunding campaign where you can support the research by purchasing a hedgehog poo and getting a certificate. I have 800 hedgehog faecal samples collected from all over Denmark, England and Scotland, stored in a freezer ready to be analysed.

The work has begun, and my colleagues and I have found some very interesting results already. One is the remarkable scarcity of bird DNA in hedgehog faecal samples collected from islands, where hedgehogs are accused of posing a threat to ground-nesting birds by eating their eggs. We are confident that our method works as we tested it beforehand by feeding quail eggs to hedgehogs, and found lots of bird DNA in the samples.

When I have managed to raise the remaining funds, we will continue the investigation.

This is the story of how I discovered that hedgehog droppings are gold. If you would like to know more, watch my talk on the subject here.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Sophie Lund Rasmussen 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. Hedgehog poo could hold important secrets about local biodiversity – https://theconversation.com/hedgehog-poo-could-hold-important-secrets-about-local-biodiversity-256644

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why wind farm developers are pulling out at the last minute

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Thomas York, Postgraduate Researcher in Human Geography, University of Leicester

ShutterDesigner/Shutterstock

The UK government’s strategy for tackling climate change received a major blow in May when Danish developer Ørsted announced that adverse economic developments had halted its 2.4 gigawatt (GW) Hornsea 4 wind farm in the North Sea.

The government aims to generate at least 43GW of offshore wind power (current capacity is 14.7GW) and 95% of all energy from renewable sources by 2030.

These targets are now in jeopardy. The cancellation of Hornsea 4 follows a similar decision by Swedish developer Vattenfall, which stopped work on its 1.4GW Norfolk Boreas wind farm in 2023.

What is forcing renewable energy developers to pull out when they are due to make their final investment decision?

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The offshore wind industry is exposed to fluctuations in the prices of raw materials necessary to meet rising global demand for renewable energy. This vital part of the energy transition, alongside the phaseout of fossil fuels, has been impeded by inflation caused by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Building a wind turbine requires significant amounts of steel, copper and aluminium, all of which doubled or tripled in price between 2020 and 2023. Turbine manufacturers have raised prices in an effort to recover recent losses. This affects the profitability forecasts of wind energy developers like Ørsted and the viability of each of their projects.

Impending national and international net zero targets also mean that developers globally are having to make earlier investments in transmission infrastructure. An exponential increase in demand for scarce high-voltage cabling has already led to high-profile cancellations of offshore wind farms in the US.

Electricity network operators are scrambling to update power grids.
Esbobeldijk/Shutterstock

Rising demand for rare earth metals used to make magnets in turbine generators has also been snared by geopolitical issues. The mining, processing and refining of these metals is dominated by China, which manufactures over 90% of these magnets.

A shortage of boats

Developers need boats to build offshore wind farms. Here lies another strain on the timescales of developers.

Ørsted ceased work on its 2.2GW Ocean Wind development zone off the coast of New Jersey in 2023, citing a vessel delay in its decision to cancel the project.

According to the advocacy group WindEurope, demand for vessels capable of installing foundations and turbines and laying cables will outstrip availability within the next five years. The gap between the two is forecast to skyrocket between 2028 and 2030. This will make it harder to commission the wind farms that the UK government is relying on to reach its 43GW target by the end of the decade.

Delays caused by these issues can result in a problem known as “contract erosion”. In their contracts, developers have a commissioning window within which turbines have to start generating. If they are not operational within this time, they lose their subsidies on a day-by-day basis.

Rising costs mean that even one of the world’s biggest wind farms, Dogger Bank in the North Sea, will not be profitable for its developer, Equinor. As a prospect for generating financial returns, renewable energy still cannot compete with oil and gas.

This is the key argument of economic geographer Brett Christophers in his recent book The Price is Wrong. Christophers argues that, if national governments continue to rely so heavily on private sector investment to build renewable energy, decarbonisation is unlikely to proceed as fast as it needs to. It is simply not profitable enough.

Misguided planning reform

How might the UK defy difficult global conditions and meet its 43GW target by 2030? So far, the government’s main proposal has been to relax timelines for the planning process of wind farms.

Earlier in 2025 it opened a consultation on reforms to the contracts for difference process, which is how developers bid for long-term energy generation contracts, prior to an auction round in summer 2025.

The main proposed change was to allow developers of fixed-bottom offshore wind projects to bid in the auction before receiving a development consent order, or a DCO. A DCO defines the approved scope of a development, taking into account environmental surveys, land rights and developer proposals.

It can take more than two years for a DCO to be awarded. The government hopes that fast-tracking fixed-bottom developments will result in more contracts being awarded in the latest auction, but will this work?

The government is aware of the risks. Planning permission could be refused after a contract has been awarded, and projects without consent face even greater uncertainty over costs than developments that already have a DCO.

The government might be able to get more projects into the pipeline, but the supply chain is already stretched to its limits. Through the state-owned investment body GB Energy, the government has pledged £300 million to bolster the domestic supply chain for components required for offshore wind, like platforms and cabling.

However, this investment largely focuses on new technologies for floating offshore wind, leaving fixed-bottom projects like Hornsea 4 at the mercy of vessel delays and raw material price rises. If something does not change to mitigate costs and increase returns for developers, the government’s 2030 target is in doubt.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Thomas York receives funding from the University of Leicester’s Future 50 doctoral training pathway.

– ref. Why wind farm developers are pulling out at the last minute – https://theconversation.com/why-wind-farm-developers-are-pulling-out-at-the-last-minute-256842

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Edmund White was my friend – I know first-hand why his writing meant so much to queer readers

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hugh Stevens, Senior Lecturer Department of English Language & Literature, UCL

When I was 19 years old, I visited New York for ten days on the way to London. I was flying from New Zealand, that small island nation in the South Pacific where all sexual acts between men were still illegal. My body was naive and innocent, but my mind had somehow (partly through conversations with older, less naive students at Auckland University) absorbed essential knowledge about gay life happening elsewhere.

Gay life happened in London, in Paris, in San Francisco. But more than anywhere else, it happened in New York. I was terrified. What would happen to me, in those sinful cities of the plain? With any luck I would be corrupted, and thoroughly de-moralised.

It was November 1982, and Manhattan was freezing, especially after sub-tropical Auckland. On my first day, I walked ten or so blocks south from my hostel in Chelsea to Greenwich Village. My knees trembled, but still they carried me towards my goal. The theme tune from Sesame Street went through my mind: “Come and play, everything’s A-OK, friendly neighbours there, that’s where we meet, can you tell me how to get, how to get to Christopher Street?”

It wasn’t difficult – you just walked south on Seventh Avenue. Where Seventh met Christopher, if you turned right, you passed an improbable number of gay bars and seedy bookstores until you reached the infamous, nefarious Christopher Street pier. I turned left. I walked past the Stonewall Inn, and soon I came to a not-so-seedy bookstore, the Oscar Wilde Memorial Bookshop, where Christopher Street met Gay Street. Intrigued by the name – how could I not be? – I went inside.

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I was the only customer in the shop. Behind the counter, piled with books, were a woman, and a man. They started talking to me. The man, Edmund White, told me that he was a writer, and the books were copies of his new novel, A Boy’s Own Story (1982). A real novelist! I looked at the book, at the beautiful boy in a lilac vest on its cover – a new hardback. It was too expensive for me.

Sensing that my hesitation was financial, the woman told me that another book by the author, States of Desire: Travels in Gay America (1980), was much cheaper. By the time I left the shop I had a copy of States of Desire, and two invitations. One to join Ed for tea at the New York Institute for the Humanities, and another to hear him read from a novel-in-progress.

He was billed alongside the painter Joe Brainard, who was reading from his own wonderful book, I Remember (1975). “I remember how much, in high school, I wanted to be handsome and popular. I remember when, in high school, if you wore green and yellow on Thursday it meant that you were queer.”

I remember that Edmund’s voice, reading from his book Caracole (1985), was fluent and mellifluous. But I found his prose much more difficult to follow than Brainard’s poetry. After the reading there was a party, with biscuits, rounds of Brie and grapes. Among these confident Americans I was shy, and I thought the Brie was impossibly sophisticated – I had grown up with New Zealand Tasty Cheddar.

Enchanted worlds

I met Ed at the New York Institute for the Humanities on a cold, grey afternoon, and walked with him to his apartment on Lafayette Street. We chatted as we drank tea. “What authors do you like?” he asked me. “What music do you listen to?” He gave me a copy of A Boy’s Own Story, which he signed: “For Hugh, at the beginning of a friendship.”

This was indeed the beginning of a friendship, although I haven’t seen Ed since 1998. I introduced him when he read from yet another novel, The Farewell Symphony (1997), at the University of York. Ed was extrovert and gregarious, whereas I am introverted, often painfully shy – and not good at keeping in touch.

But over the years I have read and reread Ed’s work. His autobiographical novels, his memoirs, his short stories, his travel writing, his criticism, his biography of the French writer Jean Genet, his utilitarian guide to criminal pleasures, The Joy of Gay Sex (1977).

Why does his writing mean so much to me – and to many other queer readers? Ed may have been confident, gregarious, never afraid to speak or to write about his own queer life, and the queer lives of others. But his writing also charted the anxieties, the anguish, the remorse, the self-loathing that were probably a part of every “gay” life in America in the 50s and 60s. And many gay lives in New Zealand in the 80s, for that matter.

In A Boy’s Own Story the narrator remembers the enchantment of a marionette troupe performing Sleeping Beauty at his third birthday party. The performance transported him to a world in which “evil was defeated and love crowned”, in which “things devolved with the logic of art, not life”. Ed himself was such an enchanter: his art may have imitated life, but it also created magical worlds for his readers, enabling them to defeat evil and to find love.

Our lives can imitate art. His art gives us the thrill of articulating what may not be articulated, of speaking the names that dare not be spoken, as when, on the last page of A Boy’s Own Story, the “boy” (now a remembering man) tells us how “scandalised” he was when Mr Beattie, the teacher he is seducing, “asked me to lick the bright red head, to roll my tongue around the head of his penis”. How scandalised and thrilled I was reading those words.

Now Edmund is gone – he passed away on June 3 age 85 – but his enchanted worlds remain. They are there for us to read, and to reread, to inspire us to remember, remember, remember.

Hugh Stevens 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. Edmund White was my friend – I know first-hand why his writing meant so much to queer readers – https://theconversation.com/edmund-white-was-my-friend-i-know-first-hand-why-his-writing-meant-so-much-to-queer-readers-258504

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Diverticular disease: the surprisingly common gut condition you’ve probably never heard of

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sophie Davies, Lecturer in Nutrition & Dietetics, Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University

It’s not something people often talk about at the dinner table, but your gut health plays a huge role in your overall wellbeing. And one of the most common conditions affecting the large intestine is diverticular disease.

Diverticular disease or diverticulosis is where small bulges or pouches (called diverticula) form in the wall of the colon, often due to a weakening in the muscle layer. These pouches are usually harmless, but in some cases they can become inflamed or infected – a condition known by the slightly different name of diverticulitis.

Around 70% of people in western countries will have developed diverticular disease by the time they reach 80. It’s also increasingly showing up in younger adults, which may be linked to the low-fibre, highly processed nature of many modern diets. UK dietary surveys show that people are currently consuming only 60% of their recommended daily fibre intake.

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The reasons some people develop diverticular disease and others don’t aren’t fully understood. However, several factors have been identified as contributors, including the structure and movement of the colon, diet, fibre intake, obesity, physical activity and genetics.

Most people with diverticular disease don’t experience symptoms. However, some may report pain or discomfort in the lower left side of the abdomen – often worse after eating – as well as bloating, diarrhoea or constipation. These symptoms can mimic other digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), making diagnosis more complex.

Despite how common it is, diverticular disease is often misunderstood. Many people have no symptoms at all, while others experience ongoing digestive discomfort.

Diverticulitis (when diverticula in the colon become inflamed or infected) is usually marked by more severe symptoms, including constant abdominal pain, a high temperature, nausea, and in some cases, changes in bowel habits. These symptoms warrant urgent medical attention, as untreated diverticulitis can lead to complications.

Thankfully, small changes in diet and lifestyle can make a big difference and outdated advice is quickly being replaced by evidence based recommendations. Historically, people with diverticular disease were told to avoid foods like nuts, seeds and popcorn out of fear that they might get stuck in the diverticula and cause inflammation. However, this idea has now been debunked.

Updated guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence confirms there is no need to avoid these foods unless specifically advised to do so by a healthcare professional.

What does help is a high-fibre diet. Fibre softens stools and makes them easier to pass, which helps reduce pressure in the colon and prevent constipation – one of the known risk factors for diverticulitis. When stools are small and hard, they may become lodged in the diverticula, increasing the chance of inflammation or infection.

In addition to eating more fibre, staying well hydrated and being physically active also support healthy digestion. Water helps fibre do its job, while regular movement can encourage normal bowel function and reduce the risk of complications.

If you’re unable to meet fibre targets through food alone, your doctor or dietitian may recommend fibre supplements or mild laxatives.

Official UK guidance advises adults to eat at least 30g of fibre per day. Some simple ways to do this include starting your day with a high-fibre breakfast cereal and adding fresh or dried fruit. Switching to wholemeal or granary breads, choosing wholewheat pasta or brown rice, and including more lentils, chickpeas, beans and vegetables in your meals can all help.

For example, grated carrot, red lentils or kidney beans can easily be added to mince-based dishes, while raw vegetables such as peppers or carrots work well with dips like hummus or guacamole.

Read more:
Some vegetables are pretty low in fibre. So which veggies are high-fibre heroes?

When increasing your fibre intake, it’s best to do so gradually. A sudden jump in fibre can cause bloating or gas, so give your digestive system time to adapt.

By making small, sustainable changes to your diet and lifestyle – like eating more fibre, staying hydrated and moving your body – you can reduce your risk of discomfort and complications. With up-to-date medical advice and a balanced approach to nutrition, it’s entirely possible to keep your gut happy, healthy and functioning well for years to come.

Sophie Davies 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. Diverticular disease: the surprisingly common gut condition you’ve probably never heard of – https://theconversation.com/diverticular-disease-the-surprisingly-common-gut-condition-youve-probably-never-heard-of-256922

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Shoemaker Clarks is turning 200. Its Quaker roots made it a pioneer of ethical business

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nicholas Burton, Professor, Department of Leadership and Human Resource Management, Northumbria University, Newcastle

DELBO ANDREA/Shutterstock

For many, the Clarks brand is a byword for sturdy school shoes and functional footwear for those of more mature years. The manufacturing and retailing company was set up two centuries ago in Somerset, England, in the shadows of Glastonbury Tor, by brothers Cyrus and James Clark. In 2025, it is celebrating its 200th anniversary and remains a formidable force both on the high street and online.

Less well known is that the Clark brothers, like chocolatier families Cadbury and Rowntree, were Quakers. This small religious community has produced a remarkable and disproportionate number of scientists, thinkers and campaigners for justice, peace and human rights. In addition, its contribution of ethical businesses has dominated many industries in the UK.

The Lloyds and Barclays of the banking dynasties were Quakers. The Jacobs (of biscuits and crackers fame) were Quakers. So were the Rathbones (fund management), the Penroses (founders of Waterford Crystal) and the Waterhouse family (accountancy), to name just a few.

The Quakers – more formally known as the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) – have a history of nearly 400 years in Britain and the US. While Quakerism has Christian foundations, Quakers also emphasise moral commitments to peace, truth, integrity, simplicity and equality – the five testimonies in Quaker theology. These came to define how Quakers approach the world, and their businesses.

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As early Quakers were deemed radical and challenged the established church, they became persecuted by the state during the 17th century. They were excluded from political and public life, as well as from universities. Perhaps as a direct consequence, Quakers became highly active entrepreneurs and came to dominate many industries through a combination of their testimonies and outward entrepreneurial action.

This led to the reputation that Quaker firms had for trustworthiness and integrity. Their impact was perhaps so acute as to represent a distinctive form of ethical entrepreneurship.

While not all Quakers were engaged in commerce, and not all those who were succeeded, a disproportionate number did. Such commercial success is all the more intriguing, as the Quakers were a very small (and, from the mid-18th century, declining) minority of the UK population (about 20,000 in total today).

Zero-waste beginnings

Quaker values and the entrepreneurial spirit are woven through the history of Clarks. For example, the original business idea by James in 1825 to produce sheepskin slippers was born of a desire to eliminate waste, with slippers produced from off-cuts of sheepskin rugs.

Like many Quaker businesses, Clarks has always supported social and environmental causes. Family members took a central role in the anti-abolitionist movement and in women’s suffrage.

It also invested a proportion of its profits in local community amenities, such as building homes, constructing classrooms, funding a theatre, a library, an open-air swimming pool, a town hall and playing fields near the company’s base in Street, Somerset.

Today, Clarks continues to play an active community role. It champions corporate responsibility and high sustainability criteria in its business operations and supply chains. This focus draws interesting parallels with the modern social enterprise sector, and ethical, purpose-driven business accreditation schemes such as B Corporation status, which assesses profit-making firms on their environmental, social and governance credentials.

The moral commitments of the members of the Clarks family in these formative years of the firm have left their mark and shaped its later development. The 200-year history of the firm represents a close affinity between the values of the company and the values of Quakers.

A classic – the Clarks Wallabee shoe.
Rushay/Shutterstock

However, all firms from time to time face challenges to the way they do business. The balance between economics and ethics can be a fine line to tread. It’s no different for Clarks. Struggling to survive the impact of the COVID pandemic in 2020, and with losses mounting, the Clark family sold its stake to a private equity firm.

Within 12 months, Clarks workers accused the new owners of betraying the company’s philanthropic roots by threatening them with dismissal if they did not accept significant pay cuts. Clarks said at the time that renegotiating workers’ terms would be a “very last resort” and that almost half of the workers in the distribution centre in question would receive a pay rise.

The dispute involved strike action and mediation, eventually leading to a resolution. Afterwards, Clarks said in a joint statement with the Community union that the resolution had protected workers’ livelihoods and recognised their loyalty to the firm.

This demonstrated how firms can face repeated cycles of crises, including competitive, financial and economic shocks that bring debates about ethics into focus. These crisis events are typically more acute when a founder, CEO or family departs, and especially when those involved with the company honour its tradition and legacy. Rathbones, the fund management company with Quaker origins, was faced with similar challenges when the family was no longer actively involved.

Yet despite the economic and financial pressures that Clarks faced in this exceptional period, the firm is also attempting to protect the core of its moral backbone. It echoes an affinity – albeit a more distant one – with the Quakerism of the founding family.

This stance can potentially be fragile, however. Businesses must remain viable as businesses – and only last year Clarks was facing up to a difficult trading environment by cutting 150 office staff. Indeed, the previous conversation within the firm and the community about betrayal clearly expresses a strong moral view, shaped by the links to Quaker values. It is also a conversation about the future strength of those ties, and one that places values at the heart of its future.

Nicholas Burton 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. Shoemaker Clarks is turning 200. Its Quaker roots made it a pioneer of ethical business – https://theconversation.com/shoemaker-clarks-is-turning-200-its-quaker-roots-made-it-a-pioneer-of-ethical-business-258323

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Belt and Road Initiative Provides Opportunities to Boost Global Economic Growth, Promote Shared Prosperity – Chinese Ambassador to Russia

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

Moscow, June 9 (Xinhua) — The Belt and Road Initiative offers opportunities to boost global economic growth and promote common prosperity, Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an article titled “High-Quality Joint Construction of the Belt and Road Brings More Development Opportunities to the World,” published recently in the Russian newspaper Trud.

“The joint construction of the Belt and Road is an important initiative put forward by General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, who views the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind from a strategic height. It provides important opportunities for driving global economic growth and promoting global common prosperity,” the publication said.

As the Chinese diplomat noted, for 12 years, the Belt and Road Initiative has consistently adhered to the “principles of joint discussion, joint construction and joint use, constantly expanding the scope and areas of cooperation, and raising its level.” He emphasized that within the framework of the initiative, a global partnership network has been created, including more than 150 countries, thousands of projects are being implemented – both large infrastructure projects and small ones that are effective in terms of improving the well-being of the people. “This truly promotes ‘hard connectivity’ in the field of infrastructure, ‘soft connectivity’ in the field of rules and standards, as well as ‘cordial connectivity’ in people-to-people exchanges between countries,” the article states.

Zhang Hanhui cited data showing that in the first quarter of 2025, the share of countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative in China’s foreign trade turnover reached 51.1 percent. In April, construction of key facilities of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway began, and in May, Colombia officially joined the large family of high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, which, according to the ambassador, once again demonstrated “the attractiveness, influence and inspiring power of this initiative.”

The article emphasizes that the world is currently entering a new turbulent and volatile period, accompanied by a revival of anti-globalist sentiments and protectionism. “The United States openly violates the rules of the World Trade Organization, goes against the basic laws of economics and market principles, acts contrary to common sense, shifts internal problems to external partners and seeks to benefit at the expense of the entire world. They brazenly unleash tariff and trade wars, which seriously damage the multilateral trading system and the existing economic order, harming the interests of the international community, especially the countries of the Global South,” the publication says.

At the same time, as the Chinese Ambassador to the Russian Federation noted, China, raising high the “banner” of mutual benefit and common gain, joint development and opposition to hegemony, relying on a solid foundation, high stability and powerful development potential of a super-large economy, unites like-minded people advocating for justice and equality in international trade, and firmly responds to the “mirror duties” of the United States.

“The high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road has always adhered to the principle of openness in cooperation and mutual benefit through cooperation. China has been steadily expanding openness, removing barriers, increasing market access, promoting the construction of Silk Road e-commerce pilot cooperation zones, and concluding free trade and investment protection agreements with more and more countries,” Zhang Hanhui explained, stressing that the initiative has become a key force in safeguarding multilateralism and free trade.

Speaking about the development of the digital economy and artificial intelligence, which are increasingly becoming an important engine of global economic growth every day, the ambassador noted that China insists on stimulating industrial innovation through scientific and technological innovations and accelerating the formation of productive forces of new quality. In an effort to eliminate the digital divide, China will promote the formation of an open, fair, impartial and non-discriminatory global environment for innovative development, so that together with the countries of the Global South, we can board the “high-speed train” of the digital economy and green development, the author of the article assured.

As Zhang Hanhui pointed out, China welcomes Russia’s continued participation as a supporter and important cooperation partner in the Belt and Road Initiative. “We highly appreciate Russian President Vladimir Putin’s three-time participation in the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and his repeated important statements in support of the initiative,” he added.

In May of this year, during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Russia, a number of new important agreements were reached on the development of Chinese-Russian relations. In a joint statement, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to linking the Belt and Road Initiative with the Eurasian Economic Union, as well as promoting the coordinated development of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Greater Eurasian Partnership.

“The Chinese side will take advantage of the implementation of the agreements reached by the heads of state to deepen China-Russia cooperation and coordination, and continuously expand the space for mutually beneficial development at a higher level and with greater sustainability and vitality, which will open up new opportunities for global prosperity and make new contributions to advancing the building of a community with a shared future for mankind,” Zhang Hanhui assured, adding that the joint construction of the Belt and Road stands on the right side of history, is in line with the logic of the era’s progress, and follows the true path of human development. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kamlager-Dove Leads Federal Push to Support Increased Pay, Workplace Protections, and Opportunities for Incarcerated Firefighters
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, during a press conference hosted at the Los Angeles City Stentorians, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) announced the introduction of the Fairness, Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Expungement for Incarcerated Firefighters (FIRE) Act. Rep. Kamlager-Dove was joined by Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), who represents a district that was heavily impacted by the Eaton Fire, and advocates from the Forestry Fire Recruitment Program, Vera Institute of Justice, American Civil Liberties Union, and the entertainment industry.

The FIRE Act is a response to the involvement of over 1,000 incarcerated firefighters in combating the devastating wildfires in southern California at the beginning of 2025, despite making $5-$10 dollars per day. This legislation supports incarcerated firefighters by establishing fair labor standards, providing occupational protections, and expanding opportunities for both current and formerly incarcerated individuals in firefighting.

“Earlier this year, over 1,000 incarcerated firefighters quite literally saved our city. Yet, they were only compensated $5 to $10 per day for their heroic efforts—and despite demonstrating their commitment to serving our community, will face barriers to employment and service when returning to society,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “I’m proud to introduce the FIRE Act, which honors the dignity and service of our incarcerated firefighters by establishing fair labor standards, providing career training opportunities, and creating a clear pathway to expungement for those who have already demonstrated their commitment to rehabilitation. The American dream is about second chances—and the FIRE Act offers exactly that.”

“In my district, the Eaton Fire scorched 14,000 acres, destroyed 9,500 structures, displaced 20,000 residents, and claimed 18 lives. The devastation was heartbreaking, but if not for the heroic efforts of our firefighters, it could have been even worse. And the reality is that hundreds of these firefighters were face-to-face with these fires using nothing but hand tools, while earning just a few dollars per day, just because they are incarcerated,” said Congresswoman Chu. “I’m proud to join Rep. Kamlager-Dove in introducing the FIRE Act legislation that ensures incarcerated firefighters can continue serving our communities with dignity by receiving fair wages, labor and safety protections, and a pathway to full-time firefighting careers upon re-entry.”

“The FIRE Act is a necessary step toward fairness and inclusion in the fire service,” said Robert Hawkins, President of The Los Angeles City Stentorians. “We’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication of incarcerated firefighters protecting our communities. This legislation honors their service and promotes the equity our profession stands for.”

“Thank you to Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove for recognizing the contributions of incarcerated individuals who are serving our communities as wildland firefighters,” said Royal Ramey, Co-Founder and CEO of The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program. “She has stood by us ever since she was a State Senator, and the FIre Act ensures that our government cares for these individuals while they are incarcerated and expands the career opportunities available to them when they return home.”

“As a former incarcerated firefighter, I know firsthand the risks these workers take, the challenges they face upon release, and the care they have for the communities they protect.” said Andony Corleto, program associate for Vera California at the Vera Institute of Justice. “It’s time to honor these heroes with fair wages, safety on the job, and the chance to keep protecting California upon their release.”

“The FIRE Act will help incarcerated firefighters carry out their emergency responsive work and pursue meaningful and rewarding careers upon release. It is far past time for the nation to recognize and support the safety, labor, and re-entry needs of incarcerated people who risk it all to protect our communities,” said Summer Lacey, criminal justice director at the ACLU of Southern California.

To support both currently and formerly incarcerated firefighters, the Fairness, Inclusion, Rehabilitation, and Expungement for Incarcerated Firefighters (FIRE) Act would:
- Expand occupational safety coverage to incarcerated firefighters in state and federal correctional facilities.
- Require annual safety reports from all relevant facilities.
- Recognize incarcerated firefighters as employees entitled to wage protections.
- Provide $20 million annually for states to adopt safety and wage protections and enforce compliance.
- Fund job training, placement, and mentoring programs to help formerly incarcerated firefighters secure long-term employment.
- Establish a pathway for expungement for incarcerated firefighters upon successful completion of probation and reentry.
The FIRE Act was cosponsored by Reps. Ted Lieu (CA-36), Maxine Waters (CA-43), Judy Chu (CA-28), John Garamendi (CA-08), Eleanor Holmes-Nortion (DC-AL), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Cleo Fields (LA-06).

This legislation is endorsed by the ACLU, National Urban League, Prison Policy Initiative, Brennan Center for Justice, Reentry Working Group, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, Center for Employment Opportunities, National Legal Aid & Defender Association, Amity Foundation, Anti-Recidivism Coalition.

Bill text is available here.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –
June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Video Recap of Rep. Kamlager-Dove’s Tour of Community Clinic At Risk of Closing Due to Republican Medicaid Cuts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

On Friday, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) joined St. John’s Community Health President & CEO Jim Mangia for a tour of St. John’s Avalon Health and Access Center to highlight the devastating ripple effects of Republican-led Medicaid cuts on Los Angeles communities.

California’s 37th District ranks fourth highest in the nation for Medicaid enrollment, with over 400,000 residents relying on Medicaid. Located in CA-37, this clinic offers a comprehensive ecosystem of care for low-income patients, providing services that extend beyond healthcare, including a counseling center, food bank, laundry facilities, and a computer lab—all of which are at risk due to the Medicaid cuts included in the budget reconciliation package passed by House Republicans.

Check out a video recapping Rep. Kamlager-Dove’s visit here.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Bills to Expand Access to Palliative Care, Hospice Care

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), member of the Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus, joined her colleagues in introducing a pair of bipartisan bills to expand access to palliative and hospice care. The Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act and Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act would put critical care for Wisconsinites’ aging and sick loved ones within reach for more families. Palliative care focuses on relieving and preventing patients’ suffering and improving their quality of life.

“Having served as my grandmother’s primary caretaker as she got old, this issue is deeply personal for me and countless Wisconsinites who have had similar experience caring for a loved one,” said Senator Baldwin. “I know the challenges both patients and caregivers face, and we need to better support both of them. I am proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to expand and improve palliative care for American families because everyone deserves to know that if they need it, compassionate and affordable care is within reach.”

The Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act would better allow families to access that critical service as early as possible by establishing a demonstration project through Medicare to expand access to palliative care at the time of diagnosis of serious illness or injury. Currently, patients on Medicare can only access palliative care through hospice. This legislation would provide comprehensive palliative care services much earlier in the course of illness, improving quality of life for the patient and their family and often also improving outcomes.

The Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act would carve out payment for transfusion services within the Medicare hospice benefit, allowing for separate billing to Medicare for transfusions. Patients needing this care would be able to continue to receive it outside of the hospice bundle, while still receiving full hospice benefits. Currently, many patients needing transfusions to maintain quality of life (due to conditions such as leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma) often wait much longer to opt into hospice because they can lose access to transfusion care when they do so, given that such care currently is paid for out of a capped hospice benefit amount. Hospices are allowed to cover transfusions, but it is very costly, so few patients can afford to do so on a regular basis when in hospice care.

Medical research shows that palliative and hospice care have been associated with enhanced quality of life for patients, reduced hospital expenditures and lengths of stay, and longer patient survival time.

“The reintroduction of the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act is a meaningful step toward ensuring patients and families can receive high-quality care when and where they need it. Building on the success of the Medicare Care Choices Model, we believe a concurrent care approach within hospice should be developed for national dissemination,” said Dr. Steve Landers, CEO of the National Alliance for Care at Home. “We also appreciate Senator Rosen’s leadership on the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act, which addresses a key access challenge. The Alliance is proud to support these efforts to expand person-centered, community-based care.”

“The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) has long championed a Medicare payment model designed to close the gaps in care for individuals with serious illness, as well as their families and caregivers. This model aims to support palliative care teams of all sizes, structures, and regions in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care,” said Kristina Newport, MD FAAHPM, HMDC, AAHPM Chief Medical Officer. “We are proud to endorse the bipartisan Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act, which proposes testing a community-based palliative care model. We commend Senators Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, and Fischer—co-chairs of the Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus—for their leadership in introducing this vital legislation and their dedication to expanding access to palliative care. This effort will help align treatments with patients’ unique goals and preferences, enabling more care to be delivered in the settings where patients live.”

“We commend Sens. Rosen, Barrasso, and Baldwin for the introduction of the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act,” said Belinda R. Avalos, MD, president of the American Society of Hematology. “This bill will support critical access to transfusions for patients with blood cancers in hospice and will make great strides in guaranteeing comprehensive palliative care.”

“The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies applauds Senators Rosen, Barrasso, and Baldwin for reintroducing the Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act,” said Debra BenAvram, FASAE, CAE, AAB CEO. “The Association is committed to advancing patients’ access to safe blood transfusions throughout the continuum of care, and this bill addresses an important barrier for patients receiving care under the Medicare hospice benefit.”

“Blood transfusions are a proven palliative measure that can significantly enhance the quality of life for many patients,” said Kate Fry, CEO of America’s Blood Centers. “This legislation bridges a gap in care, ensuring patients can receive transfusions while also benefiting from the holistic support provided under the Medicare hospice benefit. It’s a compassionate step forward in patient-centered care that recognizes the complex needs of those navigating serious illnesses.”

Senator Baldwin has championed efforts to expand access to palliative care and grow our palliative care and hospice workforce. Senator Baldwin previously introduced the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA) to help build the palliative care workforce through enhanced training, improved education and increased funding for palliative care research.

The Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act is led by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and co-sponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).

The Improving Access to Transfusion Care for Hospice Patients Act is also led by Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and co-sponsored by Senator Barrasso (R-WY).

MIL OSI USA News –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Remarks at the Crypto Task Force Roundtable on Decentralized Finance

Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

Thank you and good afternoon.[1] It is a great pleasure to be with you today. Let me begin by thanking Commissioner Peirce and the Crypto Task Force for their organizing today’s event, and Commissioner Crenshaw and Commissioner Uyeda for their participation. Of course, I very much thank the roundtable panelists and our moderator, Troy Parades, for their voluntary contribution of time and talent to our endeavor.

Today’s roundtable is titled “DeFi and the American Spirit.” This is an apt title because the American values of economic liberty, private property rights, and innovation are in the DNA of the DeFi, or Decentralized Finance, movement.

Blockchains, of course, are a very creative and potentially revolutionary innovation that have us rethinking evidence of ownership and transfer of intellectual and economic property rights. They are shared databases that enable ownership of a type of digital property called crypto assets without reliance on an intermediary or central party. Instead, these peer-to-peer networks incorporate an economic mechanism to encourage participants to validate and maintain the database in accordance with the network’s rules. These are free market systems where users pay demand-based fees to network participants to have their transactions included within a so-called “block” of data with finite storage capacity.

The prior U.S. government administration discouraged Americans from participating in these market-based systems by asserting through lawsuits, speeches, regulation, and threatened regulatory action that participants and staking-as-a-service providers may be engaged in securities transactions. I am grateful to the Division of Corporation Finance staff for clarifying its view that voluntary participation in a proof-of-work or proof-of-stake network as a “miner,” “validator,” or “staking-as-a-service” provider is not within the scope of the federal securities laws.[2] As happy as I am over that step, it is not a duly promulgated rule with the force of law, so we cannot stop there. The Securities and Exchange Commission must adopt a regulation based on the authority that Congress has given us.

Another core feature of blockchain technology is the ability for individuals to have self-custody of crypto assets in a personal digital wallet. The right to have self-custody of one’s private property is a foundational American value that should not disappear when one logs onto the internet. I am in favor of affording greater flexibility to market participants to self-custody crypto assets, especially where intermediation imposes unnecessary transaction costs or restricts the ability to engage in staking and other on-chain activities.

The prior President’s administration undermined innovation in self-custodial digital wallets and other on-chain technologies by asserting through regulatory actions that the developers of such software may be conducting brokerage activity. Engineers should not be subject to the federal securities laws solely for publishing this type of software code. As one court put it, it would be irrational to hold the developer of a self-driving car liable – here, quoting from the court’s decision – “for a third-party’s use of the car to commit a traffic violation or to rob a bank. In those circumstances, one would not sue the car company for facilitating the wrongdoing; they would sue the individual who committed the wrong.”[3]

Many entrepreneurs are developing software applications that are designed to function without administration by any operator. The idea of self-executing software code that is accessible to everyone, but controlled by no one, and that enables private, peer-to-peer transactions may sound like science fiction. But, blockchain technology makes possible an entirely new class of software that can perform these functions without an intermediary. I do not believe that we should allow century-old regulatory frameworks to stifle innovation with technologies that could upend and most importantly improve and advance our current, traditional intermediated model. We should not automatically fear the future.

These on-chain self-executing software systems have proven to be resilient in the face of crises. While centralized platforms waivered and failed under recent stresses, many on-chain systems continued to operate as designed pursuant to open-source code.[4]

Most current securities rules and regulations are premised upon the regulation of issuers and intermediaries, such as broker-dealers, advisers, exchanges, and clearing agencies. The drafters of these rules and regulations likely did not contemplate that self-executing software code might displace such issuers and intermediaries. I have asked the Commission staff to explore whether further guidance or rulemaking may be helpful for enabling registrants to transact with these software systems in compliance with applicable law.

I also am excited about the use of on-chain software systems by issuers and intermediaries to eliminate economic frictions, increase capital efficiency, enable new types of financial products, and enhance liquidity. Current securities regulations already contemplate the use of new technologies by issuers and intermediaries, but I have asked the staff to consider whether amendments to the Commission’s rules and regulations would be better suited to provide needed accommodation for issuers and intermediaries who seek to administer on-chain financial systems.

While the Commission and its staff work to propose fit-for-purpose rules of the road for on-chain financial markets, I have directed the staff to consider a conditional exemptive relief framework or “innovation exemption” that would expeditiously allow registrants and non-registrants to bring on-chain products and services to market. An innovation exemption could help fulfill President Trump’s vision to make America the “crypto capital of the planet”[5] by encouraging developers, entrepreneurs, and other firms that are willing to comply with to certain conditions to innovate with on-chain technologies in the United States.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to the discussions to follow.

[1] These remarks reflect my individual views as Chairman of the Commission and do not necessarily reflect the views of the full Commission or my fellow Commissioners.

[3] Risley v. Universal Navigation Inc., 690 F. Supp. 3d 195, 217 (S.D.N.Y. 2023), aff’d in part, vacated in part, remanded, No. 23-1340-CV, 2025 WL 615185 (2d Cir. Feb. 26, 2025) (internal citations omitted).

MIL OSI USA News –

June 10, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Oklahoma Small Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by May Storms

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to Oklahoma small businesses, private nonprofits and residents to offset physical and economic losses from severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding occurring May 19. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Kevin Stitt on June 4.

The declaration covers the Oklahoma counties of Atoka, Coal, Haskell, Hughes, Latimer, McIntosh, Pittsburg and Pushmataha.

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

Applicants may be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include insulating pipes, walls and attics, weather stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows to help protect property and occupants from future disasters.

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

Interest rates are as low as 4% for businesses, 3.62% for nonprofits, and 2.81% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available.”

Beginning Tuesday, June 10, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

The DLOC hours of operations are listed below.

PITTSBURG COUNTY

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Pittsburg Public School

Old Gymnasium

200 West Grand St.

Pittsburg, OK 74560

Opens at 12 p.m., Tuesday, June 10

Mondays – Fridays, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Closes at 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 2

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return physical damage applications is Aug. 5, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 6, 2026.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 10, 2025

MIL-OSI: Fast Payout Online Casinos: Your Guide to Quick and Secure Withdrawals By All iGaming!

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Houston, TX, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fast payout online casinos are changing the game by providing players with rapid access to their winnings, often within hours or even instantly. With the growing demand for speed and reliability, these casinos prioritize quick cashouts, allowing you to enjoy your earnings without unnecessary delays.

All iGaming, a trusted authority in online gambling reviews, carefully evaluates the fastest payout options, focusing on withdrawal times, payment methods, and the overall trustworthiness of each platform. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the world of fast payout online casinos, ensuring you can enjoy a seamless and efficient gaming experience.

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Criteria	Description
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Payment Method Variety	Support for fast payment methods like cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum) and e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill) is essential.
Withdrawal Limits	High or no withdrawal limits ensure players can access large winnings without restrictions.
Verification Efficiency	Streamlined KYC processes minimize delays in payout approvals.
Player Feedback	Real player experiences confirm the consistency of advertised payout speeds.
Technical Reliability	Robust platforms ensure glitch-free, rapid transaction processing.
Licensing and Security	Licensed casinos with SSL encryption and 2FA protect player data and funds.

✔️Withdrawal Processing Times

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The speed of withdrawals heavily depends on the payment methods available. All iGaming evaluates casinos that support cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, which enable near-instant transactions, and e-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill, known for their rapid processing. These options are critical for an easy cash out online casino experience.

✔️Withdrawal Limits

Low withdrawal limits can hinder players, especially those with significant winnings. All iGaming favors casinos with high or no withdrawal caps, ensuring players can access their full earnings in a single transaction, a hallmark of the best online casino fast payout platforms.

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Real-world experiences provide valuable insights. All iGaming collects and analyzes player reviews to confirm that a casino’s advertised payout speeds align with actual performance, ensuring reliability in fastest online casino payout claims.

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A casino’s platform must be robust to handle rapid transactions without errors. All iGaming tests the technical infrastructure of each casino to ensure it supports seamless, quick withdrawals, a key feature of fast payout casinos.

✔️Licensing and Security

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Secure Transaction Tips: Advice on protecting personal and financial information during deposits and withdrawals.
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➡️Emerging Trends in Fast Payout Casinos for 2025

The fast payout casino landscape is evolving rapidly, with several trends shaping the future in 2025:

Blockchain Technology: Beyond cryptocurrencies, blockchain offers transparent, secure payment systems. Some casinos are adopting decentralized platforms for even faster, verifiable transactions, enhancing the fastest online casino payout experience.
Biometric Verification: Facial recognition and fingerprint scanning are streamlining KYC processes, reducing verification times and speeding up withdrawals.
Real-Time Payment Systems: Advanced gateways enable instant transfers, making same day withdrawal online casinos more accessible.
AI and Automation: Artificial intelligence automates identity verification and fraud detection, accelerating payout approvals in instant payout casinos.
Mobile Optimization: With mobile gaming on the rise, casinos are optimizing platforms for seamless mobile withdrawals, ensuring an online casino with easy withdrawal on smartphones.
Digital Wallet Integration: Integration with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets offers instant payment capabilities, enhancing the easy cash out online casino experience.

These innovations promise to make fast payout casinos even more efficient, delivering unparalleled convenience for players seeking to win real money online instantly.

➡️Tips for Selecting a Trusted Fast Payout Casino

All iGaming offers these practical tips to choose a reliable fast payout online casino:

Verify Withdrawal Times: Ensure the casino offers same-day or instant payouts, confirmed by player reviews and independent ratings.
Check Payment Methods: Opt for casinos supporting fast options like cryptocurrencies and e-wallets, avoiding those limited to slow methods like bank transfers.
Review Withdrawal Policies: Understand pending times, minimum/maximum limits, and fees to avoid surprises.
Confirm Licensing: Choose casinos licensed by trusted authorities for guaranteed safety and fairness.
Test Customer Support: Contact support to assess responsiveness, ensuring quick resolution of withdrawal issues.
Rely on Trusted Reviews: Use All iGaming’s unbiased evaluations to find the best fast payout online casinos.

These steps help players select a fast withdrawal online casino that delivers a secure, efficient experience.

Final Verdict On Fast Payout Online Casinos

Fast payout online casinos are redefining the online gambling experience by offering players the convenience of quick access to their winnings. Whether you’re seeking an instant cash out casino, a same day withdrawal casino, or the fastest paying online casinos, the ability to withdraw funds swiftly enhances trust, satisfaction, and financial flexibility. All iGaming, with its expert reviews and player-focused insights, simplifies the process of finding these platforms, ensuring you can enjoy a seamless and rewarding gaming journey.

The rapid evolution of technology, from blockchain to AI, is set to make fast payout casinos even more efficient in 2025, promising a future where withdrawals are faster and more secure than ever. However, with this convenience comes the responsibility to gamble wisely. All iGaming’s educational resources and responsible gambling tools empower players to set limits, stay informed, and maintain control, ensuring that the thrill of fast payouts remains a positive experience.

By trusting All iGaming’s recommendations, players can confidently explore the world of fast paying online casinos, knowing they’re backed by a platform dedicated to transparency, safety, and player empowerment. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or new to online gaming, All iGaming is your partner in discovering the best online casino fast payout options for 2025 and beyond.

>>FIND YOUR IDEAL CASINO WITH RAPID PAYOUTS – EXPERT RANKINGS INSIDE!

➡️About All iGaming

All iGaming is a trusted, independent source for online gambling reviews, providing impartial evaluations of top casinos based on thorough, player-centered assessments. With a focus on transparency and player empowerment, All iGaming assesses casinos on game variety, bonuses, customer support, and payout speeds. The platform is dedicated to promoting responsible gambling through educational resources, self-assessment tools, and expert guidance to foster healthy gaming habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are fast payout online casinos?

Fast payout online casinos process withdrawals quickly, typically within 24 hours or less, allowing players to access winnings promptly. They are also known as instant withdrawal casinos or same day payout casinos.

Which payment methods offer the fastest withdrawals?

Cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and e-wallets (e.g., PayPal, Skrill) are the fastest, often enabling instant or same-day payouts in a fast withdrawal online casino.

How can I verify a casino’s payout speed?

Check player reviews, independent ratings, and test the withdrawal process with a small amount to confirm the casino’s speed, ensuring it’s a fastest payout online casino.

Are fast payout casinos safe?

Yes, if licensed by reputable authorities and equipped with security measures like SSL encryption and 2FA. All iGaming only recommends safe fast payout casinos.

Can I get instant withdrawals at online casinos?

Many instant payout casinos offer immediate withdrawals, especially those supporting cryptocurrencies, which process transactions almost instantly.

What should I look for in a fast payout casino?

Seek casinos with proven fast payout records, diverse quick payment methods, transparent policies, and positive feedback, ensuring an online casino with easy withdrawal.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, we do not endorse or guarantee the legitimacy of any listed casinos. Online gambling involves financial risk and may be subject to legal restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Please ensure compliance with local laws before engaging in any gambling activities. We encourage responsible gambling and recommend that players exercise caution when participating in online gambling. Always verify the details of any casino and consult legal advisors before making decisions.

Email:support@alligaming.com

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All iGaming

The MIL Network –

June 10, 2025

MIL-OSI: RockED and NCM Associates Launch Strategic Partnership to Elevate Automotive Dealership Training
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. and KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RockED, the premiere people development platform for the automotive industry, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with NCM Associates, the leader in 20 Groups, consulting, coaching, training, and data reporting for the automotive industry and many other industries. This partnership will bring the RockED platform to automotive dealerships nationwide, equipping them with training content intended to close productivity gaps and drive greater efficiency at the dealership level.

The automotive industry is constantly changing due to advancements in electric vehicles, the incorporation of AI, changing consumer expectations, and a heightened focus on cybersecurity and data protection. NCM and RockED recognize the growing demand for alternative training formats. This partnership will offer the automotive industry a gamified, microlearning platform proven to drive performance through the following:
- Content consumption: RockED offers bite-sized, focused lessons that are easy to consume, retain, and apply—delivering real-time knowledge at the moment of need and in the flow of work. The platform encourages daily engagement to maintain a “streak” of learning and builds skills on a daily basis to create a habit of learning.
- Content quality: To stay relevant, RockED has partnered with thought leaders in the industry to deliver high-end, video-based content delivered in a familiar social media-like format to optimize usage. This format puts every dealership employee in front of the most relevant content delivered by the most respected leaders in the automotive space.
- Data-driven content delivery: The data and analytics engine built into the RockED platform provides real-time data around the consumption of training content — topics, modules, and assessments — which can be used to strategize around knowledge gaps to determine when, how much, and what type of support is needed. What’s more, is that this targeted content can be delivered down to the individual user with personalized learning journeys that prove to drive performance gains.
By partnering with NCM Associates, RockED is poised to significantly enhance the training experience for thousands of dealerships across the country.

“We are excited to partner with RockED to deliver innovative learning solutions that align with the dynamic needs of the automotive industry,” said Paul Faletti, President and CEO of NCM Associates. “By combining our expertise in dealership performance with RockED’s microlearning technology, we can help our clients adapt faster, train smarter, and achieve sustainable success.”

With decades of expertise in helping dealers improve performance and profitability, NCM Associates deeply understands the unique challenges dealers face. Together, the two companies will meet those challenges with an innovative approach to learning that is:
- Highly accessible: Employees can access training anytime, anywhere, on any mobile device, making learning more convenient and consistent.
- Relevant and timely: Content will be tailored to current industry trends, ensuring dealership teams receive up-to-date insights on everything from technician retention to EV adoption. In addition, NCM convenes dealership leaders throughout the year; now, each in-person meeting will be supplemented with training delivered through RockED to fortify the meeting outcomes.
- Performance-driven: The partnership will leverage NCM Associates’ data-driven performance metrics to track progress and ROI, ensuring dealerships see measurable results.
Over time, NCM Associates plans to explore opportunities to integrate RockED into its existing training programs and consulting services across areas like fixed operations, sales, finance, and leadership. The goal is to thoughtfully integrate RockED’s innovation into the proven consulting and performance models NCM has delivered for decades.

“Dealerships that want to win in 2025 and beyond need to embrace new approaches to training and people development,” said Matthias Stoever, CEO of RockED. “Our partnership with NCM Associates represents a game-changing opportunity for dealers to leverage microlearning as a competitive advantage. Together, we’re setting a new standard for how dealership teams learn and grow.”

About RockED
RockED is the premier people development platform for the automotive industry supporting the entire employee lifecycle from pre-hire and onboarding to upskilling and career transitions. With microlearning content, gamified delivery, and real-time feedback, RockED is educating the automotive workforce and solving the industry’s greatest business challenges.

About NCM Associates
NCM Associates is a trusted leader in 20 Groups, consulting, coaching, training, and data reporting for the automotive industry and many other industries. With over 75 years of experience, NCM helps dealers achieve peak performance through peer collaboration, expert guidance, and proven best practices.

The MIL Network –
June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council crackdown sees more than 2,600 homes tidied up

Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

Published: Monday, 9th June 2025

More than 17,000 council properties have been inspected over the last 12 months as part of an ongoing commitment to ensure housing estates are kept clean and tidy.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has carried out street inspections at 17,285 homes all over the city since June 2024 – and identified 2,949 cases of untidy gardens, fly-tipping and graffiti.

In that time, estate officers have worked proactively with tenants to clean up and maintain their gardens – and 88 per cent of cases have already been resolved.

Now the council is reminding tenants that it is their responsibility to keep their gardens or yards tidy and free from rubbish.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “If you are a council tenant, it is your responsibility to ensure your gardens and yards are kept tidy and visually pleasing.

“Our officers have worked extremely hard over the last 12 months and have successfully visited every street in their individual patches. They have also worked closely with tenants to resolve some of the issues which were identified, and I’m pleased that over 2,600 cases have already been closed. I hope that residents have started to notice improvements in their neighbourhood.

“We have identified a number of hotspot areas where we will be stepping up our street inspections in the future and we will continue to work with our tenants to ensure all of our estates are kept clean and tidy.

“Everyone has a right to live in a cleaner, greener and safer city so we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary.”

Council tenants struggling to maintain their gardens should contact their housing officer for support.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council offers a chargeable bulky waste collection service for large items that may require removal. To book a collection call 01782 234234 or visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/bulkywaste

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen’s innovative internship programme shortlisted for national award The University of Aberdeen Careers and Employability Service has been recognised for projects which significantly enhance graduate and student employability through smart use of resources.

Source: University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen term two interns at a celebration event

The University of Aberdeen Careers and Employability Service has been recognised for projects which significantly enhance graduate and student employability through smart use of resources.
The team has been shortlisted for the highly competitive Employability Impact Award at the upcoming AGCAS (Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services) Awards for Excellence 2025.
This year’s shortlist for the Employability Impact Award includes just five ambitious initiatives from across the UK — among them the University of Aberdeen’s innovative ABDN Internship programme.
The ABDN Internship programme includes innovative part-time, term-time paid internships, funded by the University, which see students work for a total of 70 hours over the course of seven weeks on a project set by a local employer.
The programme also includes Interns with Impact (funded by The Wood Foundation) which are internships exclusively in the third sector as well as a Group Virtual internship which allows students to undertake an internship wherever they are based over the summer.
The Employability Impact Award aims to honour a single initiative that has meaningfully advanced student or graduate employability, placing emphasis on impact over scale or expenditure.
Tracey Innes, Head of Careers and Employability at Aberdeen, said: “Being shortlisted for the Employability Impact Award is testament to our team’s dedication to creating high quality and meaningful opportunities for our students. We’re extremely proud of the experiences created for our students.
“The ABDN Internship programme is a true partnership approach and we’d like to thank our wonderful host organisations as well as funders such as The Wood Foundation and Santander.
“This prestigious nomination highlights the University of Aberdeen’s ongoing commitment to equipping students and graduates for today’s dynamic job market, leveraging smart, inclusive and effective programmes to foster meaningful career outcomes.”
The winners will be unveiled at the AGCAS Awards for Excellence ceremony, held during the AGCAS Annual Conference on 17 June 2025 in Newcastle.
Any organisations interested in finding out more about the ABDN Internship programme or about hosting an internship please visit https://employers.careerhub.abdn.ac.uk/content/internships or contact employers@abdn.ac.uk.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: St Leonard’s Place void reveals new archaeological discovery

Source: City of York

Published Monday, 9 June 2025

Remnants of what is believed to be one of the largest medieval hospitals in the north of England have been found inside the void which recently opened on St Leonard’s Place in central York.

The void, which is in the middle of the road outside York Theatre Royal, was made safe before contractors and archaeology teams began investigation works. These also necessitated a lane closure to keep workers, traffic and the public safe.

Once the void had been accessed, archaeologists uncovered what is believed to be part of the 12th-13th century St Leonard’s Hospital which stretched from the modern day Museum Gardens to the Theatre Royal. This was an area that post Reformation was used as the Royal Mint, giving it its post medieval name of Mint Yard, which were demolished several hundred years ago and a road made on top of it. The archaeological find was discovered as work was taking place to repair the sinkhole on St Leonard’s Place.

The findings have been recorded in line with CIFA standards, images have been taken and recorded with further analysis to take place.

It is anticipated that the remains are likely the buildings of Mint Yard, which by the 1800’s were a warren of residencies, yards and stables and were demolished to make way from the new Georgian streetscape in 1836, as it became one of the most fashionable parts of the city at the time. The demolished parts of the city walls were then used to create a base for their new road, which we now know as St Leonard’s Place.

Following the archaeological recording, it has now been deemed that works can resume to repair the void. It is expected that work in the current area will take until Tuesday morning, before moving the site closer to the Theatre Royal, to ensure the road surface is fully repaired. During this period the traffic management arrangements will stay the same and it is hoped that the road will reopen to two-way traffic on Friday 13 June.

Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said:

We thank people for their patience and we know these emergency works have caused disruption to residents, visitors and bus operators.

“We knew that there is a lot of complex archaeology in the area dating back to the Roman legionary fortress. Throughout the works we have been live to this while doing all we can to get off site as quickly as possible. However these finds, while fascinating, have set our timescales back a bit.

“We will continue to share updates as the work progresses. At peak times the inner ring road is very busy so we’re asking people to plan ahead, use the outer ring road to traverse the city where possible and consider other ways to travel to the city centre. That includes getting the bus, walking or cycling. While some buses are being diverted they will continue to serve communities across the city. Dedicated travel information is available at www.york.gov.uk/StLeonardsPlace.”

ENDS

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MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Nine Defendants Arrested for Methamphetamine Trafficking

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

FARGO – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that beginning on May 15, 2025, a multi-state law enforcement operation resulted in the arrests of nine defendants following their indictment by a federal grand jury in the District of North Dakota for roles in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy with ties to the Almighty Latin King Nation criminal street gang.

The defendants arrested are:

Ricardo Jaquez, 46, Oakes, North Dakota

Israel David Flores, a/k/a Izzy, 45, Audubon, Minnesota

Michelle Lee Fuller, 38, Audubon, Minnesota

Jose Manuel Jaquez, a/k/a Cash, 36, Oakes, North Dakota

Jacob Edward Lambert, 37, Oakes, North Dakota

Ashley Marie Bleecker, 40, Belcourt, North Dakota

Alfredo Hernandez Jaquez, a/k/a Freddy, 47, Wells, Minnesota

Wesley Wayne Tolleson, 37, Wells, Minnesota

Jason Leonard Gulden, 44, Aberdeen, South Dakota

All defendants have made appearances in federal court in North Dakota and face up to life in prison with a 10-year minimum mandatory if convicted.

This case is part of Operation Crown Down, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in North Dakota and other states. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

An indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Division of Drug Enforcement; Homeland Security Investigations; the Oakes Police Department; the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation; the Cass County Drug Task Force; the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force; the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force; the CEE-VI Drug Task Force; the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Brown County (South Dakota) Sheriff’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew P. Kopp.

# # #

MIL Security OSI –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Bristol, Virginia Man Convicted on Federal Drug Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ABINGDON, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Bristol, Virginia man of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine following a three-day jury trial in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.

Christopher M. Sullivan, 31, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of using a communication facility in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sullivan conspired with Christopher David Johnson – an inmate in a Georgia state prison – and numerous others to traffic and distribute kilograms of methamphetamine from Georgia into Southwest Virginia.

Johnson used smuggled cell phones to operate a large-scale methamphetamine-distribution operation from his prison cell in Georgia. He regularly communicated with his co-conspirators using Facebook, WhatsApp, Signal, phone calls, and text messaging to coordinate deliveries, pricing, quantities, recruitment, intimidation, and sales.

Evidence showed that Sullivan regularly communicated with Johnson to accomplish the goals of the conspiracy. Sullivan also distributed methamphetamine for Johnson, wired money to Mexico at Johnson’s direction, and paid Johnson for methamphetamine.

In December 2024, Johnson was sentenced for his role in the conspiracy to 20 years in federal prison – to run following his state prison time – and ten years of supervised release. Eighteen other defendants received prison sentences ranging from three to fifteen years. At sentencing, Sullivan faces a minimum prison sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years.

Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the DEA Washington Division made the announcement.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and multiple law enforcement agencies in Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia investigated the case, including the Bristol (Tennessee) Police Department, the Bristol (Virginia) Police Department, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, the 2nd Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Georgia State Patrol.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Pierce and Corey Hall are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Amid Trump-Musk Fight, Warren Presses Rubio on National Security Contingency Plans for Musk-Linked Government Contracts
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

June 07, 2025

After Trump threatened to cancel Musk’s contracts, Musk warned that SpaceX would “begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately”

“If Mr. Musk breaches his current contracts or they are canceled immediately, it could leave critical gaps that endanger U.S. interests and national security.”

Text of Letter (PDF)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, pressed Acting National Security Advisor Marco Rubio on contingency plans in place if Elon Musk violates his current contractual obligations and fails to deliver services national security agencies are counting on to keep Americans safe. As part of their public feud earlier this week, President Trump threatened to cancel Musk’s government contracts — and Musk, in turn, warned that SpaceX would begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft “immediately.”

“No petty social media fight between the president and a billionaire should jeopardize U.S. national security,” wrote Senator Warren.

Elon Musk’s companies have significant contracts with the U.S. government to provide key national security services, including NASA’s approximately $5 billion contract with SpaceX to send and bring home astronauts and supplies to the International Space Station. SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, which Musk threatened to decommission, is the only U.S. vessel capable of carrying astronauts to and from the station. The Department of Defense also relies heavily on SpaceX, including for launch services that support Space Force operations and spy satellites.

“If Mr. Musk breaches his current contracts or they are canceled immediately, it could leave critical gaps that endanger U.S. interests and national security,” wrote Senator Warren.

Senator Warren has previously raised concerns that the U.S. government’s dependence on a mercurial billionaire puts U.S. national security at risk, including in May 2024, when she urged the Department of Defense to hold SpaceX accountable following reports that the company was allowing Starlink terminals to be used by Russian forces and sanctioned paramilitary forces.

As the Trump-Musk feud continues, Senator Warren pressed Secretary Rubio for answers to a series of questions in order to understand what contingency plans and options the administration could exercise to ensure that reckless decisions do not create an interruption in critical national security services.

Senator Warren has long fought to ensure federal contractors are acting the best interest of the American people:
- In May 2025, Senators Warren, Warner, Shaheen and other lawmakers pushed for corruption investigations into the Trump Administration’s favors for Elon Musk’s Starlink.
- In March 2025, Senator Warren, Representative Raskin, Senator Blumenthal, and other lawmakers pushed White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles on corruption by the Trump Administration.
- In a May 2024 hearing held by the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Strategic Forces subcommittee, Senator Warren pressed Department of Defense officials on what steps they were taking to hold SpaceX accountable for Russia’s illegal use of Starlink.
- In May 2024, Senator Warren sent a letter calling on the Department of Defense to hold SpaceX accountable for the use of Starlink by Russia and other sanctioned U.S. adversaries.
MIL OSI USA News –
June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: MENG INTRODUCES LEGISLATION PROVIDING BACK PAY TO UNJUSTLY FIRED VA EMPLOYEES

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Grace Meng (6th District of New York)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06) introduced legislation to require full back pay for employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) who were unjustly fired and later reinstated. The Reinstating Employee Salaries to Original Rates and Entitlements (RESTORE) Act (H.R.3192) would apply to all VA employees who were terminated and later rehired on or after January 20, 2025.

In January, the President issued an Executive Order calling for significant reductions in the federal workforce in conjunction with the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).” Department communications show that as of March, VA officials had already fired 6,000 employees, and were planning to cut another 80,000 jobs, which would return staffing to 2019 levels. In addition to career civil servants, these actions have mainly targeted probationary employees, who have been in their positions for less than two years or recently received a promotion. As a result, thousands of veterans and federal workers have been terminated across multiple federal agencies, including the VA. These employees were responsible for providing core VA services, including health care, benefits services, housing loans, and burial and memorial services, among others.

This year, Meng invited Luke Graziani, a constituent from Woodside, Queens and a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who was unjustly fired from his job as a public affairs officer at a New York City veterans’ hospital, as her guest to President Trump’s address to Congress in March to stand against the ongoing mass firings of federal employees and veterans. He was among the tens of thousands of federal workers that the Administration has unfairly terminated across the federal government since January.

“VA employees, like Luke Graziani, take an oath to serve our veterans, regardless of who is in the Oval Office. Without them, veterans would be left without the care and benefits they were promised when they made the commitment to serve and protect our nation,” said Meng. “These dedicated public servants, many of whom are veterans themselves, should never have been fired from their jobs. The RESTORE Act guarantees back pay for thousands of these illegally fired VA employees who have devoted their careers to serving our communities. They are not government waste, nor are the salaries they rely on.”

Graziani was abruptly laid off in February as the Administration began its attempts at sweeping cuts to the federal workforce. Meng had intervened with the VA on his behalf, urging the agency to reinstate him. He was rehired in April after a federal judge ordered the VA and other federal agencies to reinstate probationary workers who were fired. Fortunately, Graziani was reinstated with backpay, but many VA employees haven’t had the same experience, and current federal law doesn’t mandate the Administration provide it in this circumstance.

Across the country there are about 2.3 million federal workers who serve their communities each day. Approximately 6,000 federal workers live in Meng’sCongressional District alone.

Now introduced in the House, the RESTORE Act must be passed by the House Committee on Veteran Affairs before it can be brought to the floor for a vote.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Doggett and Ocasio-Cortez Urge DOJ To Investigate New Allegations That UnitedHealth is Endangering Patients to Maximize Profits from Medicare Advantage Program
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

Reporting from The Guardian alleges UnitedHealth Group is paying nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers and promote do-not-resuscitate orders to increase profits
Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Lloyd Doggett (TX-37) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi urging the Department of Justice to expand its reported investigation into UnitedHealth Group to include reports that the company is engaging in fraud through the Medicare Advantage program. Investigative reporting from The Guardian accuses the healthcare conglomerate of trying to deliberately reduce access to care for nursing home residents in order to pocket more money from the federal government.

“The potential harm of UnitedHealth’s business practices extends far beyond waste of taxpayer dollars and appears to be endangering enrollees and harming health outcomes. We strongly urge you to expand your ongoing investigations to include the allegations outlined in The Guardian and other appropriate lines of inquiry concerning the impact of UnitedHealth’s business practices on patients,” wrote the lawmakers.

The full letter is available here.

Last month, it was reported that the Department of Justice opened up a criminal investigation into UnitedHealth Group for possible Medicare fraud. The lawmakers request Attorney General Bondi expand the DOJ’s current investigation to include new allegations that UnitedHealth Group has engaged in the following business practices regarding the Medicare Advantage Program:
- Paying nursing homes to delay or deny patients hospitalizations to increase profits.
- Pressuring patients to establish do-not-resuscitate orders, which instruct providers to not perform CPR for patients who have stopped breathing.
- Providing financial incentives for enrolling residents in UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage long-term care plans.
Last month, Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) and Raul Ruiz (CA-25) introduced an amendment to the Republicans’ reconciliation bill to crack down on corporate profiteering in the Medicare Advantage program and strengthen traditional Medicare. Separately, Representative Doggett led House Members in urging Republican leadership to pass legislation to rein in rampant taxpayer overpayments to Medicare Advantage plans.
MIL OSI USA News –
June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Major Mexican Narcotrafficker Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison

Source: US State of California

A Mexican national who operated as a high-level cocaine trafficker was sentenced today to 232 months in prison for directing an international drug trafficking conspiracy.

According to court documents, Jorge Humberto Perez Cazares, also known as Cadete, 41, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was a leader and organizer of a transnational drug trafficking organization that was responsible for shipping multiple tons of cocaine from Central America into Mexico for further distribution into the United States, specifically Los Angeles. Perez Cazares used violence to protect his narcotics shipments and worked with a close affiliate of the co-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.

“Jorge Humberto Perez Cazares was a major Mexican narcotrafficker responsible for shipping multiple tons of cocaine from Central America into Mexico for distribution in Los Angeles,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Drug traffickers like Perez Cazares use violence to profit off bringing poisonous drugs into the United States with no regard for the welfare of our citizens. Today’s sentence demonstrates that the Department of Justice will not rest in bringing drug trafficking leaders to justice.”

“This sentence marks the downfall of a trafficker who fueled violence and addiction on both sides of the border,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to target the command structure of these cartels and dismantle their operations.”

“Jorge ‘Cadete’ Perez Cazares wasn’t just moving multi-ton quantities of cocaine — he was fueling a criminal empire. Perez Cazares funneled substantial amounts of narcotics into the United States and profited off the pain of addiction,” said Acting Administrator Robert Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “The government proved he was no middleman — he was a leader. And now, justice is delivering a sentence worthy of the destruction he caused.”

In February 2014, U.S. law enforcement targeted Perez Cazares’s Los Angeles-based distribution network, raiding three stash houses and seizing $1.4 million in cash and more than 70 kilograms of cocaine. Around the same time, Perez Cazares personally negotiated a deal with a Guatemalan drug trafficker for over $23 million in cocaine. Days later, he was arrested by Guatemalan authorities while traveling in a truck with 514 kilograms of cocaine. In June 2016, he was arrested again in Mexico pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest warrant and extradited to the United States on July 30, 2021.

In April 2024, shortly before trial, Perez Cazares pleaded guilty to the sole count of conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. The DEA Miami Office and DEA Guatemala Country Office provided critical assistance. Perez Cazares’s capture and extradition were made possible thanks to key international coordination between the Government of Guatemala, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

Trial Attorney Douglas Meisel of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section is prosecuting the case.

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 other transnational criminal organizations 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 and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Combating organized crime: Brazil’s President Lula visit underscores INTERPOL’s central role

Source: Interpol (news and events)

9 June 2025

New INTERPOL taskforce targeting criminal networks in Latin America launched during Brazilian state visit to international police’s global headquarters

LYON, France – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva today underscored Brazil’s commitment to combating transnational organized crime during his visit to INTERPOL, the world’s largest policing organization.

The visit represents a strong endorsement of INTERPOL’s mission and its leadership role as central to tackling one of the most urgent security challenges of our time.

A new INTERPOL Task Force Against Organized Crime in Latin America was also officially launched during the visit of President Lula and the Brazilian delegation, which included Ricardo Lewandowski, Minister of Justice and Public Security, Mauro Vieira, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrei Augusto Passos Rodrigues, General Director of the Brazilian Federal Police and the Ministers of Mines and Energy, and of Science, Technology and Innovation.

Aimed at targeting criminal networks and drug trafficking across the region and beyond, the International joint Task force, based at INTERPOL’s offices in Latin America and the Caribbean, will focus on disrupting and dismantling the most dangerous transnational organized crime groups, capturing high-value targets, and targeting the financial infrastructure of these networks.

The Letter of Intent between Brazil and INTERPOL signed during the state visit will see an even greater exchange of information, expertise and best practice in the fight against crime, further strengthening Brazil’s position as a leader in combating all forms of crime.

Welcomed by INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza and President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, the Brazilian President was briefed on INTERPOL’s critical work in supporting member countries to protect vulnerable populations, preserve the environment and dismantle organized crime networks.

President Lula said:

“The election of Valdecy Urquiza as Secretary General of INTERPOL is recognition of Brazil’s prominent role in combating transnational crime.

“This Organization works to search for and apprehend some of the most dangerous criminals on the planet, combats terrorism, rescues victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation, and protects the environment.

“Crime is evolving at an unprecedented speed, requiring urgent and coordinated multilateral action.

“No country will be able to defeat transnational crime alone.

“As with other current challenges that require collective action, such as climate change and digital governance, police cooperation will remain a priority in Brazilian foreign policy.”

INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said:

“We are confronting a security landscape more volatile than ever, as transnational organized crime reaches unprecedented levels — more dynamic, more digital, and more deeply embedded across borders.

“This is no longer just a security issue. Organized crime is a global phenomenon threatening justice, undermining climate resilience, as well as stalling social and economic progress.

“The threat is real, it is growing, and the moment to act is now.

“The agreement between INTERPOL and Brazil sends a powerful message: we are placing the fight against organized crime at the top of the global agenda.

“Now is the time for countries to follow Brazil’s lead and reinforce INTERPOL’s efforts. Only by working together — through a truly global and coordinated response — can we dismantle criminal networks and ensure a safer world for all.”

During the visit, President Lula awarded Secretary General Urquiza with Brazil’s Order of Rio Branco Medal, at the rank of Grand Officer. Established in 1963, the decoration recognizes individuals—both Brazilian and foreign—who have made significant contributions to Brazil’s international relations and global cooperation.

MIL Security OSI –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI: Highest Payout Online Casinos Australia: All iGaming Recommends These Real Money Casinos for Aussie Players
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

San Francisco, CA, June 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — All iGaming brings the excitement of online casinos in Australia right to your fingertips, combining traditional gambling thrills with digital convenience. As Aussies flock to online casinos, the demand for flexible, fun gaming experiences continues to grow. Whether you’re enjoying classic pokies or playing live dealer blackjack, there’s something for everyone.

In this guide, All iGaming helps you navigate the top platforms, the latest trends, and essential safety tips for an enjoyable, secure gaming experience. Whether you’re just starting or already a pro, we’ve got you covered.

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Generous welcome bonuses, free spins, and loyalty programs are staples of online casinos in Australia, designed to attract new players and reward regulars. These offers can significantly boost your bankroll, giving you more chances to explore and win. However, the real draw is the potential for substantial payouts, with progressive jackpots and high RTP (Return to Player) games offering life-changing rewards.

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Emerging Trends in Online Casinos Australia for 2025

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Top Features of Online Casinos Australia

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Tips for an Unforgettable Gaming Experience by All iGaming

At All iGaming, we believe that strategic planning is key to making the most of online casinos in Australia. Here are some expert tips to help you maximize your experience: Start by setting a budget and sticking to it, using responsible gambling tools to avoid overspending. Explore free demo modes to familiarize yourself with games before wagering real money, especially for complex titles like poker or live dealer roulette.

Leverage bonuses wisely by focusing on offers with low wagering requirements and high RTP games to improve your odds. Regularly check for new promotions, as online casinos

Australia frequently updates its offers. Engage with community forums or live chat features to exchange tips with other players, enhancing your skills and enjoyment.

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Responsible Gambling in Best Online Casinos Australia

Responsible gambling is a cornerstone of the online casinos in Australia experience. The potential for financial loss makes it critical to approach gaming as entertainment, not an income source. Set time limits take regular breaks to maintain balance, and use self-exclusion options if needed to curb excessive play.

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Conclusion: Embrace the Thrill of Online Casinos Australia

Online casinos in Australia offer a vibrant mix of tradition and innovation, delivering unforgettable gaming from across the country. With diverse games, advanced technology, and rewarding opportunities, these platforms cater to all preferences. By choosing licensed sites and practicing responsible gambling, you can dive into this exciting world with confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions for Best Online Casinos Australia
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Online casinos in Australia are virtual gambling platforms that allow players to enjoy a wide range of games like pokies, blackjack, and live dealer tables from anywhere in the country. They operate using secure software from top providers, offering real money wagering and sometimes free play options. Players sign up, deposit funds via various payment methods, and access games through a website or mobile app, with winnings withdrawable subject to terms.
1. Are online casinos in Australia legal?
The legality of online casinos in Australia is governed by the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001, which restricts licensed operators from offering certain services to Australian residents. However, many players access offshore sites that are licensed elsewhere (e.g., Malta or Curaçao). It’s your responsibility to ensure compliance with local laws, as regulations may vary by state or territory.
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To stay safe at online casinos in Australia, choose platforms with valid licenses, SSL encryption, and eCOGRA certification. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and verify payment methods. Stick to reputable sites and avoid sharing sensitive information with unverified operators.
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You can enjoy a variety of games, including:
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1. What payment methods are accepted?
Best online casinos Australia support:
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- E-Wallets: PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more for fast transactions.
- Bank Transfers: Direct deposits for larger amounts. Check each casino’s policy, as withdrawal times and fees vary
Disclaimer:

The legality of online gambling in Australia is governed by the Interactive Gambling Act (IGA) 2001, which imposes restrictions on services provided to Australian residents. Many online casinos operate from offshore jurisdictions, and their legal status may vary depending on your location. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations before engaging in any online gambling activities.

This content is not intended to provide financial, legal, or investment advice. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified professional or legal advisor before making any decisions related to online casinos. All iGaming is not affiliated with or in control of any third-party websites or services linked within this content, and we are not liable for their content, security, or practices.

Email:support@alligaming.com

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The MIL Network –
June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man who drove bus into girl after taking drugs is sent to prison

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A bus driver who killed a young girl while under the influence of drugs has been jailed for four years.

Martin Asolo-Ogugua was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 9 June for causing the death of 9-year-old, Turkish and British national, Ada Bicakci by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drugs.

Asolo-Ogugua, 23 (17.07.01) of Banfield Road, Southwark, fell asleep at the wheel, having taken cannabis the previous night. He mounted the opposite pavement at the exact moment Ada was riding her bike across it with her family.

Detective Sergeant Sam Miles, who led the investigation, said:

“Asolo-Ogugua will have to spend the rest of his life regretting the night he chose to stay awake before getting behind the wheel of a bus with cannabis in his system.

“It’s a night that has cost him his freedom and snatched away the life of an innocent little girl.

“Ada had her whole life ahead of her.

“She lived in the area and attended a local primary school where she was a popular and happy pupil.

“In a remarkable show of courage and humility, Ada’s family chose to take her life forward to help others by donating her organs.

“I can only hope today’s sentence brings some closure for Ada’s family who have remained a pillar of strength throughout these proceedings.”

Police were called to the scene at Watling Street near the junction with Halcot Avenue in Bexleyheath at 09:03hrs on Saturday, 3 August 2024 where a bus had collided with two children, causing what paramedics described as life-threatening injuries to a little girl.

Ada’s family managed to jump to safety, suffering only superficial wounds, but Ada was left with catastrophic injuries.

Ada was taken to hospital but, despite the best efforts of medical staff, she sadly died on the afternoon of Monday, 5 August. Her family have continued to be supported by specialist officers.

At the scene, officers undertook a drug-test on Asolo-Ogugua, which he failed. He was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and drug-driving.

Detectives from the Met’s Roads and Transport team launched an investigation, which included gathering and reviewing CCTV that showed the bus, driven by Asolo-Ogugua, had left its depot around 08:45hrs on the morning of the incident.

Officers followed its route west on London Road, with Ada on a footpath heading east on Watling Street, and pinpointed the moment Asolo-Ogugua fell asleep, with the bus free to drift across the carriageway and into the path of the young family.

Officers built enough evidence to charge him on Thursday, 13 February with causing death by dangerous driving while under influence of drugs as well as driving while over the drug limit.

He pleaded guilty to both offences at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, 22 April.

Asolo-Ogugua was also disqualified from driving for seven years.

Ada’s father, Bora, said:

“The images of that horrific moment remain seared into my mind. That scene replays endlessly, a constant reminder of the day my world fractured beyond repair.

“This tragedy happened on my watch, a father’s ultimate failure. My world has been turned upside down, and with it, the foundations of my family have crumbled.

“My darling Ada. Our thanks are not enough to show our gratitude for you. We will honour your name with acts of magnitude. You will never be forgotten.

“We will make this story one of love and thanks that we owe everybody. Your presence, and passing, will leave a mark in this country and we will fight to make drug driving a part of its history.”

Senior Crown Prosecutor, Miranda Jollie, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

“Asolo-Ogugua was reckless and utterly selfish to get behind the wheel of a bus after consuming drugs and put many lives at risk that day.

“His actions have robbed a young girl of her entire life. Our thoughts remain with Ada’s family and friends as they try to come to terms with their unimaginable loss

“I hope his sentence today can help to bring some closure for Ada’s family and highlight the devastating consequences of drug driving.”

MIL Security OSI –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Major Mexican Narcotrafficker Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Prison

Source: United States Attorneys General 9

A Mexican national who operated as a high-level cocaine trafficker was sentenced today to 232 months in prison for directing an international drug trafficking conspiracy.

According to court documents, Jorge Humberto Perez Cazares, also known as Cadete, 41, of Sinaloa, Mexico, was a leader and organizer of a transnational drug trafficking organization that was responsible for shipping multiple tons of cocaine from Central America into Mexico for further distribution into the United States, specifically Los Angeles. Perez Cazares used violence to protect his narcotics shipments and worked with a close affiliate of the co-leader of the Sinaloa Cartel.

“Jorge Humberto Perez Cazares was a major Mexican narcotrafficker responsible for shipping multiple tons of cocaine from Central America into Mexico for distribution in Los Angeles,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Drug traffickers like Perez Cazares use violence to profit off bringing poisonous drugs into the United States with no regard for the welfare of our citizens. Today’s sentence demonstrates that the Department of Justice will not rest in bringing drug trafficking leaders to justice.”

“This sentence marks the downfall of a trafficker who fueled violence and addiction on both sides of the border,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to target the command structure of these cartels and dismantle their operations.”

“Jorge ‘Cadete’ Perez Cazares wasn’t just moving multi-ton quantities of cocaine — he was fueling a criminal empire. Perez Cazares funneled substantial amounts of narcotics into the United States and profited off the pain of addiction,” said Acting Administrator Robert Murphy of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “The government proved he was no middleman — he was a leader. And now, justice is delivering a sentence worthy of the destruction he caused.”

In February 2014, U.S. law enforcement targeted Perez Cazares’s Los Angeles-based distribution network, raiding three stash houses and seizing $1.4 million in cash and more than 70 kilograms of cocaine. Around the same time, Perez Cazares personally negotiated a deal with a Guatemalan drug trafficker for over $23 million in cocaine. Days later, he was arrested by Guatemalan authorities while traveling in a truck with 514 kilograms of cocaine. In June 2016, he was arrested again in Mexico pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest warrant and extradited to the United States on July 30, 2021.

In April 2024, shortly before trial, Perez Cazares pleaded guilty to the sole count of conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case. The DEA Miami Office and DEA Guatemala Country Office provided critical assistance. Perez Cazares’s capture and extradition were made possible thanks to key international coordination between the Government of Guatemala, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

Trial Attorney Douglas Meisel of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section is prosecuting the case.

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 other transnational criminal organizations 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 and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

MIL Security OSI –

June 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Axel Heitmueller as the PM’s Expert Adviser on Health
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Appointment of Axel Heitmueller as the PM’s Expert Adviser on Health

Axel Heitmueller has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Health.
Axel Heitmueller has been appointed as the Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser on Health. The Prime Minister’s Expert Adviser will advise ministers and drive forward the Government’s vision for health and social care.

Axel brings with him extensive experience working in the healthcare sector as CEO of Imperial College Health Partners and Executive Director of Strategy at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust Hospital.

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Published 9 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 10, 2025

Category: Transport

A shortage of boats

Misguided planning reform

Enchanted worlds

Zero-waste beginnings

Reporting from The Guardian alleges UnitedHealth Group is paying nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers and promote do-not-resuscitate orders to increase profits

Appointment of Axel Heitmueller as the PM’s Expert Adviser on Health

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