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  • MIL-OSI: Oportun Enters Cooperation Agreement with Findell Capital

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN CARLOS, Calif., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oportun Financial Corporation (Nasdaq: OPRT) (“Oportun” or the “Company”), a mission-driven financial services company, today announced it has entered into a multi-year cooperation agreement (the “Agreement”) with Findell Capital Management LLC (collectively with its affiliates, “Findell”) to end the contested director election.

    Under the terms of the Agreement, Findell has agreed to support and vote in favor of Oportun’s nominees, CEO Raul Vazquez and Carlos Minetti, at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) and the Oportun Board of Directors (the “Board”) has agreed to appoint Warren Wilcox to the Board as a Class III director following the Annual Meeting, with a term expiring at the Company’s 2028 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Following the appointment of Mr. Wilcox, the Board will consist of nine directors. One incumbent director will retire at or before Oportun’s 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

    In connection with the Agreement, Findell has agreed to withdraw its notice of intent to nominate a director candidate for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting. The Agreement also contains customary standstill and non-disparagement provisions and voting commitments, and will remain in effect until 15 days before the nomination deadline for the Company’s 2028 Annual Meeting.

    The foregoing summary of the Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Agreement, which will be filed as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

    About Oportun 

    Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT) is a mission-driven financial services company that puts its members’ financial goals within reach. With intelligent borrowing, savings, and budgeting capabilities, Oportun empowers members with the confidence to build a better financial future. Since inception, Oportun has provided more than $20.3 billion in responsible and affordable credit, saved its members more than $2.4 billion in interest and fees, and helped its members set aside an average of more than $1,800 annually. For more information, visit Oportun.com. 

    Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements  

    Certain statements in this communication are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this communication, including statements as to the operation of the Agreement, are forward-looking statements. These statements can be generally identified by terms such as “expect,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “predict,” “project,” “outlook,” “continue,” “due,” “may,” “believe,” “seek,” or “estimate” and similar expressions or the negative versions of these words or comparable words, as well as future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “likely” and “could.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, financial trends and risks and uncertainties that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These risks and uncertainties include those risks described in our filings with the SEC, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as our subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there is no assurance that the events or results suggested by the forward-looking statements will in fact occur, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. 

    Investor Contact 
    Dorian Hare 
    (650) 590-4323 
    ir@oportun.com 

    Innisfree M&A Incorporated 
    Scott Winter / Gabrielle Wolf / Jonathan Kovacs 
    (212) 750-5833 

    Media Contact 
    FGS Global  
    John Christiansen / Bryan Locke 
    Oportun@fgsglobal.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.5 (EPT/RI) – Inspired Plc – AMENDMENT

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.5 (EPT/RI)

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITH RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY STATUS DEALING IN A CLIENT-SERVING CAPACITY
    Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)        Name of exempt principal trader: Shore Capital Stockbrokers Ltd
    (b)        Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Inspired Plc
    (c)        Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Inspired Plc
    (d)        Date dealing undertaken: 11 July 2025
    (e)        Has the EPT previously disclosed, or is it today disclosing, under the Code in respect of any other party to this offer? No

    2.        DEALINGS BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received Lowest price per unit paid/received
    Ordinary Purchases 148,508 80.1p 80.02p
    Ordinary Sales 180,899 80.445p 80.25p

    (b)        Derivatives transactions (other than option)

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Options transactions in respect of existing securities

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercising

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Number of securities Exercise price per unit
           

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
           

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    3.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)        the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)        the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    None
    Date of disclosure: 14 July 2025
    Contact name: Laura Parmenter
    Telephone number: 0207 647 8154

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s dealing disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.
    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Music Licensing, Inc. and Pro Music Rights Featured in Bloomberg News and Los Angeles Times Amid Industry Spotlight on Licensing Fees

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NAPLES, FL, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Pro Music Rights, were recently featured in Bloomberg News and the Los Angeles Times in connection with national coverage on the rising costs and growing complexity of music licensing for restaurants and bars. The coverage highlights Pro Music Rights as a leading innovator among performance rights organizations (PROs), positioned to modernize an industry long dominated by legacy structures.

    Industry Coverage Underscores Growing Demand for Reform

    The July 9, 2025 Bloomberg News article, “Restaurants, Bars Say They’re Getting Squeezed by Rising Music Licensing Costs,” and the July 11, 2025 Los Angeles Times article, “Restaurants, bars consider turning off music as licensing fees skyrocket,” detailed the operational challenges faced by small and mid-sized businesses as they navigate a fragmented licensing environment. In both features, Pro Music Rights was profiled as a scalable, technology-forward alternative that is reshaping performance rights licensing through transparency and accessibility.

    Redefining the Licensing Model with Transparency and Efficiency

    Established in 2018, Pro Music Rights has introduced a modernized, business-friendly licensing framework that aligns cost with clarity and usage:

    • Flat Monthly Rate: A consistent $50 per location simplifies budgeting and ensures affordability across business segments.
    • Usage-Based Structure: Fees are capped at $0.01 and assessed only on the percentage of music represented by Pro Music Rights, eliminating arbitrary overcharges.
    • Clear, Accessible Terms: The company avoids hidden costs, exclusivity arrangements, and convoluted agreements, promoting long-term trust and compliance.

    This approach offers a differentiated value proposition in a sector historically criticized for opacity and inconsistent enforcement.

    Market Share, Artist Representation, and Platform Integration

    Pro Music Rights commands an estimated 7.4% share of the U.S. performance rights market, representing a growing catalog of more than 2.5 million works, including music composed with the use of artificial intelligence. Its artist roster includes major names such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Nipsey Hussle, 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane, Fall Out Boy, Lil Yachty, Soulja Boy, Trinidad James, Lil Uzi Vert, MoneyBagg Yo, Sauce Walka, Larry June, Young Dolph, and many others.

    The catalog is licensed to a wide range of global platforms, including TikTok, iHeartMedia, Triller, Napster, Vevo, 7Digital, and others, reinforcing the company’s commercial relevance and strategic licensing reach.

    Diversified Intellectual Property Portfolio

    Beyond its performance rights operation, Music Licensing, Inc. maintains a diversified and revenue-generating intellectual property portfolio. Assets include royalty interests tied to Listerine® Mouthwash and musical works performed by globally recognized artists such as The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Rihanna, Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus, XXXTentacion, Lil Wayne, Mike Posner, DaBaby, and others.

    This asset mix reflects a strategic focus on acquiring, monetizing, and scaling high-value IP with recurring income potential.

    Commitment to Regulatory Engagement and Structural Reform

    Music Licensing, Inc. and Pro Music Rights continue to work closely with the U.S. Copyright Office and relevant industry stakeholders to advocate for reforms that foster transparency, accountability, and competitive balance in the music licensing ecosystem. This engagement underscores a broader vision for long-term sustainability and operational excellence across all facets of music rights management.

    About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (ProMusicRights.com)

    About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC:SONG)  (ProMusicRights.com)

    Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is a diversified holding company and the fifth public performance rights organization (PRO) established in the United States. It is recognized under the federal registry of the United States government. The company licenses music to some of the most prominent platforms and businesses, including TikTok, iHeartMedia, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others.

    Pro Music Rights holds an estimated 7.4% market share in the United States, representing a catalog of more than 2.5 million works by notable artists such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Lil Yachty, MoneyBagg Yo, Larry June, Trae Pound, Sauce Walka, Trae Tha Truth, Sosamann, Soulja Boy, Lex Luger, Trauma Tone, Lud Foe, SlowBucks, Gunplay, OG Maco, Rich The Kid, Fat Trel, Young Scooter, Nipsey Hussle, Famous Dex, Boosie Badazz, Shy Glizzy, 2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Trinidad James, Chingy, Lil Gnar, 3OhBlack, Curren$y, Fall Out Boy, Money Man, Dej Loaf, Lil Uzi Vert, and many others, including works generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

    Additionally, Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) holds royalty interests in Listerine “Mouthwash” Antiseptic and a vast portfolio of musical works by globally renowned artists, including The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Mike Posner, blackbear, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, XXXTentacion, BlueFace, The Game, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Ne-Yo, MoneyBagg Yo, Halsey, Desiigner, DaniLeigh, Rihanna, and many others.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person.

    Non-Legal Advice Disclosure:

    This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein.

    Non-Investment Advice Disclosure:

    This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication

    Contact: investors@ProMusicRights.com

    SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kamchatka Breakthrough: Schoolchildren Design the Future with the Support of HSE and Business

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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    ABC ABC ABC A A A A A

    Regular version of the site

    Date

    July 14

    Headings

    The article mentions

    Persons

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WHO urges roll-out of first long-acting HIV prevention jab

    Source: United Nations 2

    Injectable lenacapavir – LEN, for short – is a highly effective, long-acting antiretroviral alternative to daily oral pills and other shorter-acting options, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

    “While an HIV vaccine remains elusive, lenacapavir is the next best thing: a long-acting antiretroviral shown in trials to prevent almost all HIV infections among those at risk,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

    Test kit advantage

    WHO’s support for the injectable drug is significant because HIV prevention efforts are stagnating around the world.

    To make it easier for people to receive the injection close to home, the UN agency also recommends the use of rapid testing kits for the disease, as opposed to “complex, costly procedures”.

    According to the agency, 1.3 million people contracted HIV in 2024; people most impacted were sex workers, men who have sex with men, transgender people, people who inject drugs, people in prisons, and children and teens.

    “WHO is committed to working with countries and partners to ensure this innovation reaches communities as quickly and safely as possible,” insisted Tedros, in comments during the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) on HIV Science, in Kigali, Rwanda.

    The recommendation for LEN is also in line with the US health authorities which approved it in June.

    Call for implementation

    Although access to the LEN injection remains limited outside clinical trials today, WHO urged governments, donors and partners to incorporate LEN “immediately” within national combination HIV-prevention programmes.

    Other WHO-supported HIV-prevention options include daily oral tablets, injectable cabotegravir – which is injected once every two months – and the dapivirine vaginal ring, as part of a growing number of tools to end the HIV epidemic.

    Funding dilemma

    Amid massive funding cuts to the global effort to end HIV-AIDS – including the leading US Government programme launched in 2003, PEPFAR, focusing on combating the disease in Africa – WHO also issued new operational guidance on how to sustain priority HIV services.

    “We have the tools and the knowledge to end AIDS…what we need now is bold implementation of these recommendations, grounded in equity and powered by communities,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director of WHO’s Department of Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes and incoming Director of Science, Research, Evidence and Quality for Health.

    HIV remains a major global public health issue.

    By the end of 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV with an estimated 65 per cent in Africa. Approximately 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes globally, and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV, including 120,000 children.

    More positively, access to HIV drugs continues to expand, with 31.6 million people receiving treatment in 2024, up from 30.3 million a year earlier. Without anti-retroviral medication, the HIV virus attacks the body’s immune system, leading ultimately to the onset of AIDS.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • Madhya Pradesh CM Courts UAE Investment During Dubai Visit, Secures Major Partnership Commitments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, currently on a three-day visit to the UAE as part of his Dubai-Spain tour from July 13–19, is making strong headway in attracting international investments. His meetings with UAE officials and global investors have already yielded substantial commitments.

    On the second day of his Dubai visit, Dr. Yadav held in-depth talks with UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, focusing on investment prospects under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the I2U2 collaboration. He outlined Madhya Pradesh’s strengths, including its industrial infrastructure, supportive policies, and investor-friendly environment across sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, pharmaceuticals, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing.

    Significant investment commitments have already been secured. Vinay Thadani, Director and CEO of Grew Solar, confirmed an existing investment of ₹3,000 crore in the state, with plans to scale it up to ₹10,000 crore, covering renewable energy, textiles, and other key sectors.

    Another key development came from Dr. Yadav’s meeting with Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO). Both sides agreed to establish an MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai. The initiative will promote joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy, while also supporting skill development, MSME growth, and educational exchange.

    Highlighting the broad scope of his visit, the Chief Minister said, “We have been meeting with various stakeholders since morning, including embassy officials. We discussed how the Indian and MP governments can make doing business with foreign partners simpler.” He also mentioned plans to develop food parks, explore mining potential, and support industrial setups.

    Aviation also emerged as a focus area. Dr. Yadav noted efforts to boost flight connectivity and promote the state’s Air Ambulance service, with investor support under the Indian government’s guidance.

    Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations, expressed strong interest in partnering with the state. “It was a terrific opportunity to meet the CM of Madhya Pradesh. Having been in India for seven years, I’ve seen the scale of investment and vision the CM brings,” he said.

    The Dubai leg of Dr. Yadav’s tour spans multiple sectors, including energy, health, services, and wellness. Particular investor interest has been noted in Madhya Pradesh’s mineral wealth, specifically gold, diamonds, and cement. The CM emphasized the state’s diverse offerings: mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, plug-and-play industrial parks, and air cargo facilities.

    The collaboration frameworks laid out during the visit are expected to deepen India-UAE ties while furthering the vision of a ‘Developed Madhya Pradesh.’ The Chief Minister’s targeted approach, through structured discussions with officials and direct engagement with investors, is positioning the state as a top destination for UAE and global investment.

    The visit began with Dr. Yadav’s address to the Indian diaspora on Sunday and continued with presentations to international investors, projecting Madhya Pradesh as one of India’s most investment-friendly and fastest-growing states.

  • MIL-OSI Video: Fisheries Subsidies: Zambia’s acceptance

    Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

    On 14 July, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Zambia’s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies from Zambia’s WTO Ambassador Eunice M. Tembo Luambia. Just six more acceptances are needed for the Agreement to enter into force.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_Xc6jOwLsY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Procurement Ombud Urges Use of Mediation Services to Address Issues in Administration of Federal Construction Contracts

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Ottawa, July 14, 2025

    The Office of the Procurement Ombud (OPO) released a new research study under its Knowledge Deepening and Sharing initiative, examining recurring issues related to the administration of federal construction contracts.

    Over the past few years, OPO received numerous complaints from procurement stakeholders about issues related to the administration of federal construction contracts. OPO launched this research study to identify the underlying causes of these issues and to provide practical recommendations for improving contract administration practices.

    Some of the common issues raised include poorly defined scopes of work, inconsistent use of standard contract documents and a lack of clarity and effectiveness of substantial performance clauses and inadequate dispute resolution mechanisms. These issues disproportionately affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), often leading to project delays, cost overruns, and disputes. Ultimately, they undermine the fairness and efficiency of federal construction projects and jeopardize the achievement of best value for Canadian taxpayers.

    Contract administration plays a critical role in preserving the value established during the contract award process. Effective administration ensures proper stewardship of taxpayer dollars and helps deliver the infrastructure Canadians rely on—on time and on budget.

    As the only federal organisation mandated to investigate and mediate issues related to the administration of construction contracts, OPO is encouraging federal departments and suppliers to use its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) services. These services offer a timely, cost-effective way to resolve disputes early and keep construction projects on track.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • First section of bullet train’s undersea tunnel opens in Maharashtra

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major boost to India’s first high-speed rail project, the construction of the first section of the 21 km undersea tunnel between Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Thane has been successfully completed. This undersea tunnel is part of the ambitious Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train project, which is being built in collaboration with Japan using advanced Shinkansen technology.

    According to the latest update from the Ministry of Railways, civil construction across the 508 km corridor is progressing rapidly. So far, 310 km of viaducts have been constructed, alongside the completion of 15 major river bridges, while work on four more bridges is at an advanced stage. Of the planned 12 stations along the route, five have already been completed and three more are nearing completion.

    One of the engineering highlights of the project is the Mumbai terminus at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). This station will be located 32.5 metres below ground level and has been designed with a robust foundation capable of supporting a 95-metre high building above ground, showcasing cutting-edge construction capabilities.

    In a major boost to India-Japan technological cooperation, the Japanese government has confirmed that the next-generation E10 Shinkansen trains will be deployed on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad corridor. Notably, these trains will debut simultaneously in Japan and India, underlining the depth of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

    The entire bullet train corridor is being built using state-of-the-art Shinkansen technology, which is globally recognised for its exceptional speed, safety and reliability standards. This project aims to redefine India’s passenger rail experience and set new benchmarks for infrastructure development in the country.

    Track laying, installation of overhead electrical wires, and procurement of operational systems are also progressing in parallel, ensuring that the project stays on schedule.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: G20’s ability to respond to multilateral tests critical

    Source: Government of South Africa

    The G20 countries’ ability to respond collectively to mounting challenges facing the multilateral system will determine both the speed of global recovery and the future of sustainable development.

    This is according to National Treasury Director-General, Dr Duncan Pieterse, who delivered remarks at the opening session of the G20 Finance Track meetings being held in KwaZulu-Natal this week.

    “The multilateral system is being tested, and our collective ability to respond, will shape the pace of our recovery, but also the prospects for inclusive and sustainable development. 

    “As the G20, we have the responsibility to demonstrate leadership, and our Presidency places a very strong emphasis on strengthening the role of the G20 in delivering concrete solutions, fostering a more stable and effective and resilient international financial architecture, enhancing debt sustainability, addressing liquidity challenges, as well as strengthening multilateral development banks, and ensuring financing for development,” Pieterse said.

    He added that the meetings take place at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty.

    “While there are signs of resilience in some areas, various challenges remain: uneven growth trajectories, elevated debt levels, persistent inflationary pressures, and the complex implications of tightening financial conditions. 

    “At the same time, various long-term transitions including digitalisation, climate finance and demographic shifts are reshaping the foundations of our economies,” the DG noted.

    Finance track meetings

    Pieterse explained that this week, sessions have been dedicated in line with “our commitment to deepen policy dialogue at the Deputies level”.

    “These discussions are instrumental in shaping the outcomes of the Finance Track, and reaffirming our commitment as the Presidency to Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” he said.

    On Monday, the sessions kicked off with an update from the Council of Europe Development Bank on its monitoring and reporting framework.

    “[This framework] is a critical tool for tackling the implementation of the G20 MDB roadmap as it enables MDBs to assess how they are working better as a system, enhancing their effectiveness and maximising developmental impact.

    “This will be followed by a pandemic response financing simulation exercise that will be facilitated by the World Bank and the objective of this exercise is to simulate a coordinated pandemic response financing scenario, enabling participants to explore practical mechanisms for mobilising and deploying resources rapidly and effectively during a global health emergency,” he said.

    On Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank will give updates on the global sovereign debt roundtable.

    “This discussion is geared towards promoting information exchange between the GSDR and the G20 to enhance the effectiveness of both platforms while respecting the distinct roles. 

    “Significant progress has been made on the GSDR work, including the publication of the GSDR playbook on sovereign debt restructurings during the Spring Meetings in April, and another important milestone that was achieved was the publication of a G20 note on the steps of debt restructuring under the common framework,” Pieterse explained.

    On the same day, the Chairperson of the Africa Expert Panel, led by former Minister of Finance for South Africa, Trevor Manuel, will give an update on the work of the panel. 

    “[This] section will provide Deputies with an overview of the work of the Panel, which…aims to advance Africa’s collective development interest within the G20 Finance Track. We will be getting an update from Minister Manuel on this so that we can ensure that we align African priorities with the global economic reform efforts that we are discussing in the G20,” he said.

    Over the next two days, the delegates will have sessions dedicated to the drafting of a communique.

    “We really want to thank the G20 members for very constructive inputs and engagements thus far, which started last week virtually, and we believe that those engagements have set a very strong foundation for our discussions over the next two days.

    “We are very pleased with the collaborative spirit shown during the virtual discussions, and we believe that we are able to achieve agreement in most of the areas which will enable us to provide the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors with an opportunity to achieve the first Communique under South Africa’s Presidency,” Pieterse concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Approves Gardenia (Genipin) Blue Color Additive While Encouraging Faster Phase-Out of FD&C Red No. 3

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 14, 2025

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it had granted Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s (GBIG) color additive petition to use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. It is the fourth color derived from natural sources approved by the FDA for use in foods in the last two months.
    The FDA action is in line with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s priority to work with industry to phase out the use of all synthetic, petroleum-based dyes from the nation’s food supply as part of the administration’s broader Make America Healthy Again initiative.
    Since Secretary Kennedy announced a series of measures in April to work with industry to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food, about 40 percent of the food industry has committed to a voluntary phase-out of such dyes.
    “Every day, children are exposed to synthetic chemicals in food that serve no purpose and threaten their health,” Secretary Kennedy said. “The FDA’s approval of gardenia blue shows we’re finally putting kids first. Thanks to Dr. Marty Makary’s bold leadership, we’re cutting through industry influence and taking decisive action to Make America Healthy Again.”
    Gardenia (genipin) blue is derived from the fruit of the gardenia, a flowering evergreen. The FDA has approved the color additive for use in sports drinks, flavored or enhanced non-carbonated water, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, hard candy, and soft candy.
    “This expedited timeline underscored our serious intent to transition away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply, said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Now, by expanding the palette of available colors derived from natural sources, food manufacturers have a variety of options available that will make it easier to end their use of petroleum-based dyes.”
    The three colors derived from natural sources approved in May were: galdieria extract blue, a blue colorant derived from the unicellular red algae Galdieria sulphuraria; calcium phosphate, a white powder; and butterfly pea flower extract, a blue color that can be used to achieve a range of shades including bright blues, intense purple, and natural greens.
    Under section 721 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, color additives must be FDA-approved before they may be used in foods. The FDA determines whether a color additive is safe to use by considering the projected human dietary exposure to the color additive, the additive’s toxicological data, and other relevant information, such as published literature. Once the FDA approves a color additive, any manufacturer can use the coloring in accordance with the conditions of use.
    In addition to approving a new color additive, the FDA also announced today that it had sent a letter to manufacturers encouraging them to accelerate the phase-out of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods, including dietary supplements, sooner than the January 15, 2027, required deadline. This earlier phase-out was another of the series of measures introduced by Secretary Kennedy in April.
    “The FDA believes that accelerating the phase out of the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods will help further the goal of Making America Healthy Again,” the FDA said in the letter.
    On Friday, July 11, Consumer Brands—a national trade association for manufacturers of consumer packaged goods—announced their voluntary commitment to encourage the makers of America’s food and beverage products to remove certified Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors from products served in schools nationwide by the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Approves Gardenia (Genipin) Blue Color Additive While Encouraging Faster Phase-Out of FD&C Red No. 3

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 14, 2025

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it had granted Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s (GBIG) color additive petition to use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. It is the fourth color derived from natural sources approved by the FDA for use in foods in the last two months.
    The FDA action is in line with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s priority to work with industry to phase out the use of all synthetic, petroleum-based dyes from the nation’s food supply as part of the administration’s broader Make America Healthy Again initiative.
    Since Secretary Kennedy announced a series of measures in April to work with industry to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food, about 40 percent of the food industry has committed to a voluntary phase-out of such dyes.
    “Every day, children are exposed to synthetic chemicals in food that serve no purpose and threaten their health,” Secretary Kennedy said. “The FDA’s approval of gardenia blue shows we’re finally putting kids first. Thanks to Dr. Marty Makary’s bold leadership, we’re cutting through industry influence and taking decisive action to Make America Healthy Again.”
    Gardenia (genipin) blue is derived from the fruit of the gardenia, a flowering evergreen. The FDA has approved the color additive for use in sports drinks, flavored or enhanced non-carbonated water, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, hard candy, and soft candy.
    “This expedited timeline underscored our serious intent to transition away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply, said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Now, by expanding the palette of available colors derived from natural sources, food manufacturers have a variety of options available that will make it easier to end their use of petroleum-based dyes.”
    The three colors derived from natural sources approved in May were: galdieria extract blue, a blue colorant derived from the unicellular red algae Galdieria sulphuraria; calcium phosphate, a white powder; and butterfly pea flower extract, a blue color that can be used to achieve a range of shades including bright blues, intense purple, and natural greens.
    Under section 721 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, color additives must be FDA-approved before they may be used in foods. The FDA determines whether a color additive is safe to use by considering the projected human dietary exposure to the color additive, the additive’s toxicological data, and other relevant information, such as published literature. Once the FDA approves a color additive, any manufacturer can use the coloring in accordance with the conditions of use.
    In addition to approving a new color additive, the FDA also announced today that it had sent a letter to manufacturers encouraging them to accelerate the phase-out of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods, including dietary supplements, sooner than the January 15, 2027, required deadline. This earlier phase-out was another of the series of measures introduced by Secretary Kennedy in April.
    “The FDA believes that accelerating the phase out of the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods will help further the goal of Making America Healthy Again,” the FDA said in the letter.
    On Friday, July 11, Consumer Brands—a national trade association for manufacturers of consumer packaged goods—announced their voluntary commitment to encourage the makers of America’s food and beverage products to remove certified Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors from products served in schools nationwide by the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Approves Gardenia (Genipin) Blue Color Additive While Encouraging Faster Phase-Out of FD&C Red No. 3

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 14, 2025

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it had granted Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s (GBIG) color additive petition to use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. It is the fourth color derived from natural sources approved by the FDA for use in foods in the last two months.
    The FDA action is in line with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s priority to work with industry to phase out the use of all synthetic, petroleum-based dyes from the nation’s food supply as part of the administration’s broader Make America Healthy Again initiative.
    Since Secretary Kennedy announced a series of measures in April to work with industry to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food, about 40 percent of the food industry has committed to a voluntary phase-out of such dyes.
    “Every day, children are exposed to synthetic chemicals in food that serve no purpose and threaten their health,” Secretary Kennedy said. “The FDA’s approval of gardenia blue shows we’re finally putting kids first. Thanks to Dr. Marty Makary’s bold leadership, we’re cutting through industry influence and taking decisive action to Make America Healthy Again.”
    Gardenia (genipin) blue is derived from the fruit of the gardenia, a flowering evergreen. The FDA has approved the color additive for use in sports drinks, flavored or enhanced non-carbonated water, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, hard candy, and soft candy.
    “This expedited timeline underscored our serious intent to transition away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply, said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Now, by expanding the palette of available colors derived from natural sources, food manufacturers have a variety of options available that will make it easier to end their use of petroleum-based dyes.”
    The three colors derived from natural sources approved in May were: galdieria extract blue, a blue colorant derived from the unicellular red algae Galdieria sulphuraria; calcium phosphate, a white powder; and butterfly pea flower extract, a blue color that can be used to achieve a range of shades including bright blues, intense purple, and natural greens.
    Under section 721 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, color additives must be FDA-approved before they may be used in foods. The FDA determines whether a color additive is safe to use by considering the projected human dietary exposure to the color additive, the additive’s toxicological data, and other relevant information, such as published literature. Once the FDA approves a color additive, any manufacturer can use the coloring in accordance with the conditions of use.
    In addition to approving a new color additive, the FDA also announced today that it had sent a letter to manufacturers encouraging them to accelerate the phase-out of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods, including dietary supplements, sooner than the January 15, 2027, required deadline. This earlier phase-out was another of the series of measures introduced by Secretary Kennedy in April.
    “The FDA believes that accelerating the phase out of the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods will help further the goal of Making America Healthy Again,” the FDA said in the letter.
    On Friday, July 11, Consumer Brands—a national trade association for manufacturers of consumer packaged goods—announced their voluntary commitment to encourage the makers of America’s food and beverage products to remove certified Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors from products served in schools nationwide by the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Approves Gardenia (Genipin) Blue Color Additive While Encouraging Faster Phase-Out of FD&C Red No. 3

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 14, 2025

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it had granted Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s (GBIG) color additive petition to use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. It is the fourth color derived from natural sources approved by the FDA for use in foods in the last two months.
    The FDA action is in line with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s priority to work with industry to phase out the use of all synthetic, petroleum-based dyes from the nation’s food supply as part of the administration’s broader Make America Healthy Again initiative.
    Since Secretary Kennedy announced a series of measures in April to work with industry to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food, about 40 percent of the food industry has committed to a voluntary phase-out of such dyes.
    “Every day, children are exposed to synthetic chemicals in food that serve no purpose and threaten their health,” Secretary Kennedy said. “The FDA’s approval of gardenia blue shows we’re finally putting kids first. Thanks to Dr. Marty Makary’s bold leadership, we’re cutting through industry influence and taking decisive action to Make America Healthy Again.”
    Gardenia (genipin) blue is derived from the fruit of the gardenia, a flowering evergreen. The FDA has approved the color additive for use in sports drinks, flavored or enhanced non-carbonated water, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, hard candy, and soft candy.
    “This expedited timeline underscored our serious intent to transition away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply, said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Now, by expanding the palette of available colors derived from natural sources, food manufacturers have a variety of options available that will make it easier to end their use of petroleum-based dyes.”
    The three colors derived from natural sources approved in May were: galdieria extract blue, a blue colorant derived from the unicellular red algae Galdieria sulphuraria; calcium phosphate, a white powder; and butterfly pea flower extract, a blue color that can be used to achieve a range of shades including bright blues, intense purple, and natural greens.
    Under section 721 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, color additives must be FDA-approved before they may be used in foods. The FDA determines whether a color additive is safe to use by considering the projected human dietary exposure to the color additive, the additive’s toxicological data, and other relevant information, such as published literature. Once the FDA approves a color additive, any manufacturer can use the coloring in accordance with the conditions of use.
    In addition to approving a new color additive, the FDA also announced today that it had sent a letter to manufacturers encouraging them to accelerate the phase-out of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods, including dietary supplements, sooner than the January 15, 2027, required deadline. This earlier phase-out was another of the series of measures introduced by Secretary Kennedy in April.
    “The FDA believes that accelerating the phase out of the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods will help further the goal of Making America Healthy Again,” the FDA said in the letter.
    On Friday, July 11, Consumer Brands—a national trade association for manufacturers of consumer packaged goods—announced their voluntary commitment to encourage the makers of America’s food and beverage products to remove certified Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors from products served in schools nationwide by the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Approves Gardenia (Genipin) Blue Color Additive While Encouraging Faster Phase-Out of FD&C Red No. 3

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 14, 2025

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it had granted Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s (GBIG) color additive petition to use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. It is the fourth color derived from natural sources approved by the FDA for use in foods in the last two months.
    The FDA action is in line with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s priority to work with industry to phase out the use of all synthetic, petroleum-based dyes from the nation’s food supply as part of the administration’s broader Make America Healthy Again initiative.
    Since Secretary Kennedy announced a series of measures in April to work with industry to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes in food, about 40 percent of the food industry has committed to a voluntary phase-out of such dyes.
    “Every day, children are exposed to synthetic chemicals in food that serve no purpose and threaten their health,” Secretary Kennedy said. “The FDA’s approval of gardenia blue shows we’re finally putting kids first. Thanks to Dr. Marty Makary’s bold leadership, we’re cutting through industry influence and taking decisive action to Make America Healthy Again.”
    Gardenia (genipin) blue is derived from the fruit of the gardenia, a flowering evergreen. The FDA has approved the color additive for use in sports drinks, flavored or enhanced non-carbonated water, fruit drinks and ades, ready-to-drink teas, hard candy, and soft candy.
    “This expedited timeline underscored our serious intent to transition away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the food supply, said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Now, by expanding the palette of available colors derived from natural sources, food manufacturers have a variety of options available that will make it easier to end their use of petroleum-based dyes.”
    The three colors derived from natural sources approved in May were: galdieria extract blue, a blue colorant derived from the unicellular red algae Galdieria sulphuraria; calcium phosphate, a white powder; and butterfly pea flower extract, a blue color that can be used to achieve a range of shades including bright blues, intense purple, and natural greens.
    Under section 721 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, color additives must be FDA-approved before they may be used in foods. The FDA determines whether a color additive is safe to use by considering the projected human dietary exposure to the color additive, the additive’s toxicological data, and other relevant information, such as published literature. Once the FDA approves a color additive, any manufacturer can use the coloring in accordance with the conditions of use.
    In addition to approving a new color additive, the FDA also announced today that it had sent a letter to manufacturers encouraging them to accelerate the phase-out of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods, including dietary supplements, sooner than the January 15, 2027, required deadline. This earlier phase-out was another of the series of measures introduced by Secretary Kennedy in April.
    “The FDA believes that accelerating the phase out of the use of FD&C Red No. 3 in foods will help further the goal of Making America Healthy Again,” the FDA said in the letter.
    On Friday, July 11, Consumer Brands—a national trade association for manufacturers of consumer packaged goods—announced their voluntary commitment to encourage the makers of America’s food and beverage products to remove certified Food, Drug & Cosmetic (FD&C) colors from products served in schools nationwide by the start of the 2026–2027 school year.
    Related Information

    Related Information

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    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Most of the planned coal capacity retirements are in the Midwest or Mid-Atlantic regions

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    July 14, 2025

    Based on what power plant owners and operators have reported to EIA, the total operating capacity of U.S. coal-fired power plants is scheduled to fall from 172 gigawatts (GW) in May 2025 to 145 GW by the end of 2028, according to our Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. On a regional basis, 58% of the planned coal capacity retirements are in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

    Coal consumption in the U.S. electric power sector has fallen since its peak in the late 2000s because of increased competition from other electricity sources, especially from natural gas and renewables. Furthermore, coal-fired power plants have been subject to regulations regarding emissions that require plants to add equipment, modify processes, or stop operation.

    Our inventory of operating capacity and planned retirements reflects power plant operators’ responses to our monthly survey as of May 2025. These plans may change as operators respond to changing environmental and other policies and power market dynamics.

    For example, Talen Energy, in collaboration with the PJM Interconnection and other entities, recently agreed to delay retirement of its Brandon Shores coal-fired power plant in Maryland until 2029. Talen Energy had previously planned to retire Brandon Shores in June 2025. Similarly, in May 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy ordered a 90-day delay of the planned retirement of Consumers Energy’s J.H. Campbell plant in Michigan.

    Potential changes to regulations add uncertainty to power plant operation and retirement decisions. In particular, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reconsidering several regulations that would affect coal plants. For example, in April 2024, EPA released new steam electric effluent limitations guidelines (ELG) that limit the discharge of toxic metals and other pollutants in wastewater coming from coal-fired power plants. These more stringent limitations are currently set to take effect in 2028 but are among the regulations EPA is reconsidering.

    In addition, an April 8 executive order provided 47 companies with a two-year exemption from more stringent Mercury and Air Toxic Standards (MATS) issued by EPA last year. The exemption runs from July 8, 2027, to July 8, 2029. Many coal-fired plants added pollution-control systems in the previous decade to comply with MATS regulations.

    Principal contributor: Jonathan Church

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Magazine: All Together Now

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Each time the Huskies win another championship, it is not just the team’s performance that galvanizes UConn Nation; it is the collective experience of fans chanting in unison in Gampel or at Rentschler, celebrating together in the streets, and proudly displaying their UConn gear that forges a strong sense of community. By synchronizing our appearances, our actions, and — as my research team’s studies reveal — our emotions, fandom compels us to act as one, look as one, and feel as one.

    Growing up in Greece, I witnessed this deep emotional investment firsthand. Entire cities would come to a standstill before a football derby, with those not in the stadium glued to their televisions. I met couples who left their own wedding receptions early to attend a match, showing up at the stadium still dressed in their wedding attire. Scientific research shows that sports fans can identify so strongly with their team that they experience the game’s emotional highs and lows as though they were playing the game themselves. One study shows testosterone levels rising among fans of the winning team and falling among those of the losing team. Those reactions can even be observed in the brain.

    When a team of researchers placed Red Sox and Yankees fans in a brain scanner and showed them real games, they found that fans watching a negative performance by their team activated the regions of the brain typically associated with the experience of pain. Correspondingly, their team’s success triggered activity in an area related to the brain’s reward system. Intriguingly, similar feelings of pleasure were elicited by watching their opponents fail.

    And while the game itself provides excitement and fosters engagement, recent research suggests that the strongest connections among fans are often forged in the stands, through ritualized interactions that shape and reinforce collective identities.

    My research team has been exploring these effects at UConn and beyond. In a real-life experiment, we used wearable technology to track the emotional responses of Husky fans over an entire basketball season. As they watched the men’s and women’s games live, either in the stadium or on television, we found that those in the stadium reported more meaningful experiences and felt a stronger sense of connection with other fans ­compared to those watching together on TV. These shared experiences even left measurable traces in their bodies: Fans in the stadium exhibited greater emotional synchrony, their hearts beating in unison. In fact, physical co-presence was the most important predictor of emotional synchrony overall, more so than any element of the game itself, such as its pace, outcome, or score difference.

    Read on for more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Magazine: All Together Now

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Each time the Huskies win another championship, it is not just the team’s performance that galvanizes UConn Nation; it is the collective experience of fans chanting in unison in Gampel or at Rentschler, celebrating together in the streets, and proudly displaying their UConn gear that forges a strong sense of community. By synchronizing our appearances, our actions, and — as my research team’s studies reveal — our emotions, fandom compels us to act as one, look as one, and feel as one.

    Growing up in Greece, I witnessed this deep emotional investment firsthand. Entire cities would come to a standstill before a football derby, with those not in the stadium glued to their televisions. I met couples who left their own wedding receptions early to attend a match, showing up at the stadium still dressed in their wedding attire. Scientific research shows that sports fans can identify so strongly with their team that they experience the game’s emotional highs and lows as though they were playing the game themselves. One study shows testosterone levels rising among fans of the winning team and falling among those of the losing team. Those reactions can even be observed in the brain.

    When a team of researchers placed Red Sox and Yankees fans in a brain scanner and showed them real games, they found that fans watching a negative performance by their team activated the regions of the brain typically associated with the experience of pain. Correspondingly, their team’s success triggered activity in an area related to the brain’s reward system. Intriguingly, similar feelings of pleasure were elicited by watching their opponents fail.

    And while the game itself provides excitement and fosters engagement, recent research suggests that the strongest connections among fans are often forged in the stands, through ritualized interactions that shape and reinforce collective identities.

    My research team has been exploring these effects at UConn and beyond. In a real-life experiment, we used wearable technology to track the emotional responses of Husky fans over an entire basketball season. As they watched the men’s and women’s games live, either in the stadium or on television, we found that those in the stadium reported more meaningful experiences and felt a stronger sense of connection with other fans ­compared to those watching together on TV. These shared experiences even left measurable traces in their bodies: Fans in the stadium exhibited greater emotional synchrony, their hearts beating in unison. In fact, physical co-presence was the most important predictor of emotional synchrony overall, more so than any element of the game itself, such as its pace, outcome, or score difference.

    Read on for more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Magazine: All Together Now

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Each time the Huskies win another championship, it is not just the team’s performance that galvanizes UConn Nation; it is the collective experience of fans chanting in unison in Gampel or at Rentschler, celebrating together in the streets, and proudly displaying their UConn gear that forges a strong sense of community. By synchronizing our appearances, our actions, and — as my research team’s studies reveal — our emotions, fandom compels us to act as one, look as one, and feel as one.

    Growing up in Greece, I witnessed this deep emotional investment firsthand. Entire cities would come to a standstill before a football derby, with those not in the stadium glued to their televisions. I met couples who left their own wedding receptions early to attend a match, showing up at the stadium still dressed in their wedding attire. Scientific research shows that sports fans can identify so strongly with their team that they experience the game’s emotional highs and lows as though they were playing the game themselves. One study shows testosterone levels rising among fans of the winning team and falling among those of the losing team. Those reactions can even be observed in the brain.

    When a team of researchers placed Red Sox and Yankees fans in a brain scanner and showed them real games, they found that fans watching a negative performance by their team activated the regions of the brain typically associated with the experience of pain. Correspondingly, their team’s success triggered activity in an area related to the brain’s reward system. Intriguingly, similar feelings of pleasure were elicited by watching their opponents fail.

    And while the game itself provides excitement and fosters engagement, recent research suggests that the strongest connections among fans are often forged in the stands, through ritualized interactions that shape and reinforce collective identities.

    My research team has been exploring these effects at UConn and beyond. In a real-life experiment, we used wearable technology to track the emotional responses of Husky fans over an entire basketball season. As they watched the men’s and women’s games live, either in the stadium or on television, we found that those in the stadium reported more meaningful experiences and felt a stronger sense of connection with other fans ­compared to those watching together on TV. These shared experiences even left measurable traces in their bodies: Fans in the stadium exhibited greater emotional synchrony, their hearts beating in unison. In fact, physical co-presence was the most important predictor of emotional synchrony overall, more so than any element of the game itself, such as its pace, outcome, or score difference.

    Read on for more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Magazine: All Together Now

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Each time the Huskies win another championship, it is not just the team’s performance that galvanizes UConn Nation; it is the collective experience of fans chanting in unison in Gampel or at Rentschler, celebrating together in the streets, and proudly displaying their UConn gear that forges a strong sense of community. By synchronizing our appearances, our actions, and — as my research team’s studies reveal — our emotions, fandom compels us to act as one, look as one, and feel as one.

    Growing up in Greece, I witnessed this deep emotional investment firsthand. Entire cities would come to a standstill before a football derby, with those not in the stadium glued to their televisions. I met couples who left their own wedding receptions early to attend a match, showing up at the stadium still dressed in their wedding attire. Scientific research shows that sports fans can identify so strongly with their team that they experience the game’s emotional highs and lows as though they were playing the game themselves. One study shows testosterone levels rising among fans of the winning team and falling among those of the losing team. Those reactions can even be observed in the brain.

    When a team of researchers placed Red Sox and Yankees fans in a brain scanner and showed them real games, they found that fans watching a negative performance by their team activated the regions of the brain typically associated with the experience of pain. Correspondingly, their team’s success triggered activity in an area related to the brain’s reward system. Intriguingly, similar feelings of pleasure were elicited by watching their opponents fail.

    And while the game itself provides excitement and fosters engagement, recent research suggests that the strongest connections among fans are often forged in the stands, through ritualized interactions that shape and reinforce collective identities.

    My research team has been exploring these effects at UConn and beyond. In a real-life experiment, we used wearable technology to track the emotional responses of Husky fans over an entire basketball season. As they watched the men’s and women’s games live, either in the stadium or on television, we found that those in the stadium reported more meaningful experiences and felt a stronger sense of connection with other fans ­compared to those watching together on TV. These shared experiences even left measurable traces in their bodies: Fans in the stadium exhibited greater emotional synchrony, their hearts beating in unison. In fact, physical co-presence was the most important predictor of emotional synchrony overall, more so than any element of the game itself, such as its pace, outcome, or score difference.

    Read on for more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Magazine: All Together Now

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Each time the Huskies win another championship, it is not just the team’s performance that galvanizes UConn Nation; it is the collective experience of fans chanting in unison in Gampel or at Rentschler, celebrating together in the streets, and proudly displaying their UConn gear that forges a strong sense of community. By synchronizing our appearances, our actions, and — as my research team’s studies reveal — our emotions, fandom compels us to act as one, look as one, and feel as one.

    Growing up in Greece, I witnessed this deep emotional investment firsthand. Entire cities would come to a standstill before a football derby, with those not in the stadium glued to their televisions. I met couples who left their own wedding receptions early to attend a match, showing up at the stadium still dressed in their wedding attire. Scientific research shows that sports fans can identify so strongly with their team that they experience the game’s emotional highs and lows as though they were playing the game themselves. One study shows testosterone levels rising among fans of the winning team and falling among those of the losing team. Those reactions can even be observed in the brain.

    When a team of researchers placed Red Sox and Yankees fans in a brain scanner and showed them real games, they found that fans watching a negative performance by their team activated the regions of the brain typically associated with the experience of pain. Correspondingly, their team’s success triggered activity in an area related to the brain’s reward system. Intriguingly, similar feelings of pleasure were elicited by watching their opponents fail.

    And while the game itself provides excitement and fosters engagement, recent research suggests that the strongest connections among fans are often forged in the stands, through ritualized interactions that shape and reinforce collective identities.

    My research team has been exploring these effects at UConn and beyond. In a real-life experiment, we used wearable technology to track the emotional responses of Husky fans over an entire basketball season. As they watched the men’s and women’s games live, either in the stadium or on television, we found that those in the stadium reported more meaningful experiences and felt a stronger sense of connection with other fans ­compared to those watching together on TV. These shared experiences even left measurable traces in their bodies: Fans in the stadium exhibited greater emotional synchrony, their hearts beating in unison. In fact, physical co-presence was the most important predictor of emotional synchrony overall, more so than any element of the game itself, such as its pace, outcome, or score difference.

    Read on for more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AI in K-12 Education: Partners in Progress, Not Replacements

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries worldwide, educators and researchers with the Neag School of Education are exploring how it might reshape teaching and learning. The Neag School’s annual Teaching and Learning with Technology Conference in May offered insights into AI’s promise and challenges in the classroom, including how AI can enhance creativity, personalize learning, and support teachers, while preserving the deeply human heart of education.

    Timothy “TJ” Neville ’04 MA, ’18 MA, an instructional technology specialist with Farmington Public Schools who has over two decades of experience in education and technology and presented at the conference, emphasized that education remains fundamentally human. While AI is powerful, he insists it should be viewed as a partner, not a replacement, for teachers.

    “Education has always been, and will remain, a deeply human endeavor,” Neville says. “AI offers an opportunity to elevate our practice — not to replace our expertise.”

    “While AI is powerful, it should be viewed as a partner, not a replacement, for teachers,” Timothy “TJ” Neville ’04 MA, ’18 MA says.

    He encourages educators to see AI as a collaborative tool that can generate resources, manage routine tasks, and give teachers time to focus on what humans do best: building relationships and fostering deeper learning.

    One of AI’s biggest strengths is helping teachers tailor learning to students’ diverse needs. For example, simple tools like student interest surveys combined with AI allow teachers to craft lessons that engage learners more personally. Neville’s district trains educators to use AI to create leveled readings, contextual vocabulary lists, and visual representations of complex texts.

    “AI can help teachers address students’ readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles,” Neville says. “Teachers can quickly generate differentiated resources that remove barriers and make learning more accessible to all.”

    Neville recalls a successful example from his district, where teachers used AI to support multilingual learners struggling with reading comprehension. By generating differentiated resources and visual aids, teachers could offer immediate, personalized help. This approach soon expanded to benefit all students, as well as led to further training for staff, showing how AI’s impact can ripple through an entire district..

    “Teachers could respond in the moment,” Neville says. “If a student struggled with a text, a teacher could create a visualization instantly, helping them understand.”

    Education has always been, and will remain, a deeply human endeavor. AI offers an opportunity to elevate our practice — not to replace our expertise. &#8212 Timothy ‘TJ’ Neville ’04 MA, ’18 MA

    Shuyu Wang, a Neag School of Education doctoral student who presented at the conference, agrees. Drawing on her experience with an educational technology company in China, Wang describes how AI-powered platforms let students interact through tablets while software tracks engagement data. This helps teachers analyze learning behaviors and tailor support in real time. She believes personalized learning is one of AI’s most promising contributions, helping teachers spot learning gaps and save time.

    “Teachers spend so much time creating materials for different students,” she says. “AI can automate parts of that, freeing teachers to connect emotionally and socially with students.”

    Despite its benefits, AI in education comes with significant challenges. Neville highlights the need for clear guidance on transparency, privacy, and equity: “It’s crucial that students know if AI is being used to provide feedback. Transparency is essential.”

    He warns against “cognitive offloading,” where students become too dependent on AI and fail to develop critical thinking skills. Wang shares similar concerns, particularly about how AI might increase pressure on students to chase perfection or its lack of emotional intelligence.

    “AI can’t read emotions like teachers can,” she says. “If a student is upset, a teacher can see that and respond with care.”

    Another challenge is bias. Both Neville and Wang stress that AI models are trained on human-created data — which means bias inevitably seeps in, regardless of which country the AI or its training data originated from. Wang believes educators and students must learn to think critically about AI outputs.

    “We should read classic literature, news from different countries, and diverse perspectives,” she says. “Only then can we judge whether AI’s answers are trustworthy.”

    AI’s ability to produce polished work quickly raises questions about traditional assessments. Neville believes educators should shift focus from final products to the learning process itself.

    Teachers spend so much time creating materials for different students. AI can automate parts of that, freeing teachers to connect emotionally and socially with students. &#8212 Shuyu Wang, Neag School doctoral student

    “We want assessments that capture how students think, problem-solve, and apply tools,” he says. “The goal is to help students become more self-aware and reflective.”

    Wang echoes this sentiment. She believes AI can improve the efficiency of assessments but worries that it often overlooks the emotional effort students pour into their work.

    “It’s unfair if we only look at outputs,” she says. “AI can’t measure the feelings and creativity people invest in what they create.”

    Beyond helping students, Neville sees AI reshaping professional development for teachers. Tools like Edthena let teachers upload lesson videos for AI-driven analysis and feedback. Other platforms, like Swivl’s Mirror Talk, provide live feedback during instruction.

    “AI can make professional development more personalized and practical,” Neville says. “It can tailor support to each educator’s needs.”

    He envisions AI simulations where teachers get feedback from AI personas acting as students or supervisors, helping them practice real-world teaching scenarios. Wang believes the same strategies used to personalize student learning can enhance teacher training.

    “In our training programs, the learning needs are the same,” she says. “AI can help teachers build portfolios, gather feedback, and get support tailored to them.”

    Del Siegle, the Neag School’s Lynn and Ray Neag Chair for Gifted Education and Talent Development and organizer of the Teaching and Learning with Technology Conference, has explored how AI can help overcome creative roadblocks. For many, the biggest challenge in creative work is the fear of the blank page. Siegle believes AI offers a way past that paralysis.

    “AI isn’t here to replace our imaginations but to partner with them,” Siegle wrote in Gifted Child Today.

    AI isn’t here to replace our imaginations but to partner with them. &#8212 Del Siegle

    Creativity, he notes, is vital for problem-solving and well-being. Students who engage creatively understand their learning more deeply and gain confidence. While AI can generate poems, images, and ideas, Siegle argues it’s not truly creative in the human sense — it lacks emotion, experience, and personal meaning. But it can still be a powerful tool to help us get started.

    “Just make it exist first. You can make it good later,” Siegle says about the importance of overcoming perfectionism.

    AI tools like Goblin.tools and MagicSchool.ai help students break big tasks into smaller steps. They can produce rough drafts that students later refine, easing anxiety about starting.

    “AI can be the friendly assistant nudging us to take that first step,” Siegle says.

    Some fear AI will stifle creativity, leaving students reliant on algorithms instead of thinking for themselves, but Siegle argues that AI often sparks more original ideas. One study he cites found that students using ChatGPT generated more unique ideas than those using traditional brainstorming. He envisions students defining creative problems — like designing science experiments or writing stories — while AI suggests new angles, helps organize ideas, and offers fresh perspectives. This collaboration, he believes, creates results neither humans nor AI could achieve alone.

    As AI grows more capable, Siegle predicts it will transform the skills schools emphasize. Instead of memorizing facts, students will focus on creative thinking, connecting ideas across disciplines, and evaluating information critically. AI can help students at every level of creativity, Siegle says, from small personal projects to professional innovations. For everyday creators, AI offers a safe, judgment-free space to experiment without fear of failure. Wang agrees, stressing that AI should remain an assistant, not a replacement.

    “Teachers bring empathy, flexibility, and human understanding that technology can’t replicate,” she says.

    Neville echoes the same optimism, with caution: “AI can be an incredible tool. But it must always serve to enhance — not replace — the deeply human work at the heart of education.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AI in K-12 Education: Partners in Progress, Not Replacements

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries worldwide, educators and researchers with the Neag School of Education are exploring how it might reshape teaching and learning. The Neag School’s annual Teaching and Learning with Technology Conference in May offered insights into AI’s promise and challenges in the classroom, including how AI can enhance creativity, personalize learning, and support teachers, while preserving the deeply human heart of education.

    Timothy “TJ” Neville ’04 MA, ’18 MA, an instructional technology specialist with Farmington Public Schools who has over two decades of experience in education and technology and presented at the conference, emphasized that education remains fundamentally human. While AI is powerful, he insists it should be viewed as a partner, not a replacement, for teachers.

    “Education has always been, and will remain, a deeply human endeavor,” Neville says. “AI offers an opportunity to elevate our practice — not to replace our expertise.”

    “While AI is powerful, it should be viewed as a partner, not a replacement, for teachers,” Timothy “TJ” Neville ’04 MA, ’18 MA says.

    He encourages educators to see AI as a collaborative tool that can generate resources, manage routine tasks, and give teachers time to focus on what humans do best: building relationships and fostering deeper learning.

    One of AI’s biggest strengths is helping teachers tailor learning to students’ diverse needs. For example, simple tools like student interest surveys combined with AI allow teachers to craft lessons that engage learners more personally. Neville’s district trains educators to use AI to create leveled readings, contextual vocabulary lists, and visual representations of complex texts.

    “AI can help teachers address students’ readiness levels, interests, and learning profiles,” Neville says. “Teachers can quickly generate differentiated resources that remove barriers and make learning more accessible to all.”

    Neville recalls a successful example from his district, where teachers used AI to support multilingual learners struggling with reading comprehension. By generating differentiated resources and visual aids, teachers could offer immediate, personalized help. This approach soon expanded to benefit all students, as well as led to further training for staff, showing how AI’s impact can ripple through an entire district..

    “Teachers could respond in the moment,” Neville says. “If a student struggled with a text, a teacher could create a visualization instantly, helping them understand.”

    Education has always been, and will remain, a deeply human endeavor. AI offers an opportunity to elevate our practice — not to replace our expertise. &#8212 Timothy ‘TJ’ Neville ’04 MA, ’18 MA

    Shuyu Wang, a Neag School of Education doctoral student who presented at the conference, agrees. Drawing on her experience with an educational technology company in China, Wang describes how AI-powered platforms let students interact through tablets while software tracks engagement data. This helps teachers analyze learning behaviors and tailor support in real time. She believes personalized learning is one of AI’s most promising contributions, helping teachers spot learning gaps and save time.

    “Teachers spend so much time creating materials for different students,” she says. “AI can automate parts of that, freeing teachers to connect emotionally and socially with students.”

    Despite its benefits, AI in education comes with significant challenges. Neville highlights the need for clear guidance on transparency, privacy, and equity: “It’s crucial that students know if AI is being used to provide feedback. Transparency is essential.”

    He warns against “cognitive offloading,” where students become too dependent on AI and fail to develop critical thinking skills. Wang shares similar concerns, particularly about how AI might increase pressure on students to chase perfection or its lack of emotional intelligence.

    “AI can’t read emotions like teachers can,” she says. “If a student is upset, a teacher can see that and respond with care.”

    Another challenge is bias. Both Neville and Wang stress that AI models are trained on human-created data — which means bias inevitably seeps in, regardless of which country the AI or its training data originated from. Wang believes educators and students must learn to think critically about AI outputs.

    “We should read classic literature, news from different countries, and diverse perspectives,” she says. “Only then can we judge whether AI’s answers are trustworthy.”

    AI’s ability to produce polished work quickly raises questions about traditional assessments. Neville believes educators should shift focus from final products to the learning process itself.

    Teachers spend so much time creating materials for different students. AI can automate parts of that, freeing teachers to connect emotionally and socially with students. &#8212 Shuyu Wang, Neag School doctoral student

    “We want assessments that capture how students think, problem-solve, and apply tools,” he says. “The goal is to help students become more self-aware and reflective.”

    Wang echoes this sentiment. She believes AI can improve the efficiency of assessments but worries that it often overlooks the emotional effort students pour into their work.

    “It’s unfair if we only look at outputs,” she says. “AI can’t measure the feelings and creativity people invest in what they create.”

    Beyond helping students, Neville sees AI reshaping professional development for teachers. Tools like Edthena let teachers upload lesson videos for AI-driven analysis and feedback. Other platforms, like Swivl’s Mirror Talk, provide live feedback during instruction.

    “AI can make professional development more personalized and practical,” Neville says. “It can tailor support to each educator’s needs.”

    He envisions AI simulations where teachers get feedback from AI personas acting as students or supervisors, helping them practice real-world teaching scenarios. Wang believes the same strategies used to personalize student learning can enhance teacher training.

    “In our training programs, the learning needs are the same,” she says. “AI can help teachers build portfolios, gather feedback, and get support tailored to them.”

    Del Siegle, the Neag School’s Lynn and Ray Neag Chair for Gifted Education and Talent Development and organizer of the Teaching and Learning with Technology Conference, has explored how AI can help overcome creative roadblocks. For many, the biggest challenge in creative work is the fear of the blank page. Siegle believes AI offers a way past that paralysis.

    “AI isn’t here to replace our imaginations but to partner with them,” Siegle wrote in Gifted Child Today.

    AI isn’t here to replace our imaginations but to partner with them. &#8212 Del Siegle

    Creativity, he notes, is vital for problem-solving and well-being. Students who engage creatively understand their learning more deeply and gain confidence. While AI can generate poems, images, and ideas, Siegle argues it’s not truly creative in the human sense — it lacks emotion, experience, and personal meaning. But it can still be a powerful tool to help us get started.

    “Just make it exist first. You can make it good later,” Siegle says about the importance of overcoming perfectionism.

    AI tools like Goblin.tools and MagicSchool.ai help students break big tasks into smaller steps. They can produce rough drafts that students later refine, easing anxiety about starting.

    “AI can be the friendly assistant nudging us to take that first step,” Siegle says.

    Some fear AI will stifle creativity, leaving students reliant on algorithms instead of thinking for themselves, but Siegle argues that AI often sparks more original ideas. One study he cites found that students using ChatGPT generated more unique ideas than those using traditional brainstorming. He envisions students defining creative problems — like designing science experiments or writing stories — while AI suggests new angles, helps organize ideas, and offers fresh perspectives. This collaboration, he believes, creates results neither humans nor AI could achieve alone.

    As AI grows more capable, Siegle predicts it will transform the skills schools emphasize. Instead of memorizing facts, students will focus on creative thinking, connecting ideas across disciplines, and evaluating information critically. AI can help students at every level of creativity, Siegle says, from small personal projects to professional innovations. For everyday creators, AI offers a safe, judgment-free space to experiment without fear of failure. Wang agrees, stressing that AI should remain an assistant, not a replacement.

    “Teachers bring empathy, flexibility, and human understanding that technology can’t replicate,” she says.

    Neville echoes the same optimism, with caution: “AI can be an incredible tool. But it must always serve to enhance — not replace — the deeply human work at the heart of education.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Antisocial tenant evicted as part of tackling County Lines

    Source: City of York

    Following a ruling by a District Judge, a council tenant was evicted yesterday (Thursday 10 July 2025), after criminal activities and anti-social behaviour caused misery for their neighbours.

    This follows reports from local residents to the Council and North Yorkshire Police about substance misuse and dealing, and anti-social behaviour at a home in the west of the city.

    The anti-social behaviour in the home and local area included loud noise and arguments at the house, which disrupted and worried local people about its impact on their families.

    Following ongoing work with residents and North Yorkshire Police, City of York Council served the tenant a number of legal warnings of eviction. The tenant then unsuccessfully appealed against the warnings and also breached them.

    The Council then applied to York County Court for an eviction warrant. After considering the evidence, the District Judge granted it and evicted the tenant on Thursday 10 July.

    Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Communities at City of York Council, said:

    Working with the police and neighbours, as this case shows, we take action against tenancy breaches to stop anti-social behaviour. We also fully support work to tackle illegal activity such as County Lines and the misery it heaps on communities.

    “This home will now be prepared to be sensitively re-let to another tenant as quickly as possible.”

    Sergeant Charlotte Gregory, from the York Community Safety Hub, said:

    Alongside City of York Council, we have worked tirelessly to robustly address the deeply concerning behaviour of the tenant, resulting in the County Court granting full possession of the property back to the Council.

    “This positive outcome, which falls under Operation Titan, North Yorkshire Police’s dedicated effort to combat County Lines drug dealing, shows we will use all available powers to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. The multi-agency approach involves more than criminal convictions, as this successful eviction clearly demonstrates.

    “The detrimental impact this behaviour has on residents, and the community as a whole, will not be tolerated.

    “We encourage residents to keep feeding information to the Council, to the police, or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

    “You can be assured that we will use it effectively against those suspected of being involved in drug dealing and related anti-social behaviour in our area.”

    The tenant was advised where they could get information about their options for new accommodation.

    To report anti-social behaviour:

    To report drug-related crime:

    • Anyone with any information about suspected drug-related crime are urged to make a report via the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling 101 and speaking to the Force Control Room.
    • Always dial 999 if an emergency response is required.
    • If you would prefer to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make a report online.

    The signs of drug-dealing can include:

    • Increased callers at a home at all times of the day or night
    • Increase in cars pulling up for short periods of time
    • Different accents at a home
    • Anti-social behaviour at a home
    • Not seeing the resident for long periods of time
    • Drug-related waste such as small plastic bags and syringes
    • Windows covered or curtains closed for long periods.

    For professional support for substance-related issues, visit:

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –