NewzIntel.com

Category: Artificial Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI USA: Auburn Team Wins 2025 NASA Moon and Mars Design Competition

    Source: NASA

    A team from Auburn University took top honors in NASA’s 2025 Revolutionary Aerospace Systems – Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) Competition Forum, where undergraduate and graduate teams competed to develop new concepts for operating on the Moon, Mars and beyond. 
    Auburn’s project, “Dynamic Ecosystems for Mars Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) Testing, Evaluation, and Reliability (DEMETER)” advised by Dr. Davide Guzzetti, took home top prize out of 14 Finalist Teams from academic institutions across the nation. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University took second place overall for their concept, “Adaptive Device for Assistance and Maintenance (ADAM),” advised by Dr. Kevin Shinpaugh. The University of Maryland took third place overall with their project, “Servicing Crane Outfitted Rover for Payloads, Inspection, Operations, N’stuff (SCORPION),” advised by Dr. David Akin, Nich Bolatto, and Charlie Hanner. 
    The first and second place overall winning teams will present their work at the 2025 AIAA Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery (ASCEND) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada in July. 

    The RASC-AL Competition, which took place from June 2-4, 2025, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a unique initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and the aerospace industry, empowering undergraduate and graduate students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges in space exploration. This year’s themes included “Sustained Lunar Evolution – An Inspirational Moment,” “Advanced Science Missions and Technology Demonstrators for Human-Mars Precursor Campaign,” and “Small Lunar Servicing and Maintenance Robot.”  
    “The RASC-AL Competition cultivates students who bring bold, imaginative thinking to the kinds of complex challenges we tackle at NASA,” said Dan Mazanek, RASC-AL program sponsor and senior space systems engineer at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. “These teams push the boundaries of what’s possible in space system design and offer new insights. These insights help build critical engineering capabilities, preparing the next generation of aerospace leaders to step confidently into the future of space exploration.” 
    As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the RASC-AL Competition stands as an opportunity for aspiring aerospace professionals to design real-world solutions to complex problems facing the Agency. By engaging with the next generation of innovators, NASA can collaborate with the academic community to crowd-source new solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. 
    Additional 2025 Forum Awards include: 
    Best in Theme: Sustained Lunar Evolution: An Inspirational Moment 

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 

    Project Title: Project Aeneas 

    Advisor: Dr. Kevin Shinpaugh 

    Best in Theme: Advanced Science Missions and Technology Demonstrators for Human-Mars Precursor Campaign 

    Auburn University 

    Project Title: Dynamic Ecosystems for Mars ECLSS Testing, Evaluation, and Reliability (DEMETER) 

    Advisor: Dr. Davide Guzzetti 

    Best in Theme: Small Lunar Servicing and Maintenance Robot 

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 

    Project Title: Adaptive Device for Assistance and Maintenance (ADAM) 

    Advisor: Dr. Kevin Shinpaugh 

    Best Prototype: South Dakota State University 

    Project Title: Next-gen Operations and Versatile Assistant (NOVA) 

    Advisor: Dr. Todd Letcher, Allea Klauenberg, Liam Murray, Alex Schaar, Nick Sieler, Dylan Stephens, Carter Waggoner 

    RASC-AL is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying disciplines related to human exploration, including aerospace, bio-medical, electrical, and mechanical engineering, and life, physical, and computer sciences. RASC-AL projects allow students to incorporate their coursework into space exploration objectives in a team environment and help bridge strategic knowledge gaps associated with NASA’s vision. Students have the opportunity to interact with NASA officials and industry experts and develop relationships that could lead to participation in other NASA student research programs.   
    RASC-AL is sponsored by the Strategies and Architectures Office within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, and by the Space Mission Analysis Branch within the Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate at NASA Langley. It is administered by the National Institute of Aerospace.   
    For more information about the RASC-AL competition, including complete theme and submission guidelines, visit: http://rascal.nianet.org. 
    National Institute of Aerospace

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom provides eligible homeowners $20,000 through new CalAssist Mortgage Fund for California disaster survivors

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 5, 2025

    What you need to know: California is launching the CalAssist Mortgage Fund on June 12, 2025, to provide $105 million in relief offering up to $20,000 to homeowners whose homes were destroyed in recent disasters, including the Los Angeles firestorms.

    LOS ANGELES — California is launching the CalAssist Mortgage Fund on June 12, 2025, to provide grants up to $20,000 to homeowners whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable in recent fire, floods, and other disasters. This includes those individuals whose homes were destroyed by the LA-area firestorms earlier this year.

    “Homeowners whose home was destroyed in a recent fire, flood or other disaster deserve support in their recovery. We know that recovery takes time, and the state is here to support. Today, California is extending this ongoing support to disaster victims in Los Angeles and beyond, by assisting with mortgage payments to relieve financial pressure and stress as families rebuild and recover.”  

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    This new disaster mortgage relief program, managed by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA), will be paired with $25 million in additional housing counseling support through CalHFA’s National Mortgage Settlement Housing Counseling Program, and none of the funds impact the proposed 2025-2026 budget.

    The CalAssist Mortgage Fund provides relief for the most vulnerable homeowners whose homes have been destroyed or left uninhabitable as the result of a disaster that received a State of Emergency proclamation by the Governor or a Major Disaster Declaration approved by the President between January 2023 and January 2025, such as the Eaton Fire, Palisades Fire, Park Fire and San Diego floods.

    When applications open on June 12, eligible homeowners can apply for grants covering up to three months of mortgage payments, up to $20,000 total.

    “When disaster strikes and families lose their homes, every step toward recovery makes a meaningful difference,” said Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of California’s Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. “The CalAssist Mortgage Fund will provide more than $100 million in valuable support to help ease the financial pressure survivors face, giving them a little more breathing room as they navigate the challenging path of rebuilding their lives.”

    How to access funding

    To provide time for affected homeowners to get prepared to apply, application and eligibility information about the CalAssist Mortgage Fund is now available at CalAssistMortgageFund.org. These grants do not have to be repaid and applying to the program is free. Grants will be sent directly to the approved homeowner’s mortgage servicer.

    “For communities affected by disasters, the CalAssist Mortgage Fund will provide homeowners with financial assistance that allows them to focus on healing and recovery,” said Rebecca Franklin, Chief Deputy Director at CalHFA. “Hard-working families across the state, from Altadena to Chico, deserve relief as they work to recover from these devastating events.”  

    Homeowners can call the CalAssist Mortgage Fund for in-depth, one-on-one assistance with preparing and completing their application. Call 800-501-0019 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additionally, homeowners can also access free support and services from HUD-certified housing counseling agencies.

    The Governor previously had secured commitments from more than 400 financial institutions, including five major lenders (Bank of America, Citi, JPMorgan Chase, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo), to offer homeowners impacted by the L.A. wildfires a 90-day forbearance of their mortgage payments, without reporting these payments to credit reporting agencies or charging late fees.

    Fast-tracking rebuilding efforts 

    Governor Newsom has provided unprecedented support to assist Los Angeles’ recovery from this year’s firestorms. In addition to recently announcing a new AI tool to supercharge the approval of building permits, Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders. Additionally, he signed an executive order to cut more red tape and continue streamlining rebuilding, recovery, and relief for survivors. The Governor also issued an executive order removing barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly. 

    Giving survivors a stronger voice in recovery

    To help provide the Los Angeles community with a stronger voice in the rebuilding and recovery efforts, Governor Newsom launched Engaged California, a new platform that gives Californians a unique opportunity to share their thoughts and connect with other people on topics that are important to them. It creates new opportunities for Californians to connect with their government to inform and shape policy through honest, respectful discussions. The program was launched in February with the first use case focusing on the impacts of the Los Angeles wildfires.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 4, 2025

    News What you need to know: California added a record of nearly 7,000 megawatts of new clean energy capacity in 2024, marking the largest single-year increase in state history and the third consecutive year of unprecedented growth. SACRAMENTO – California has achieved…

    Jun 4, 2025

    News What you need to know: California leads the nation in strong gun safety laws, correlating with thousands of lives saved. Sacramento, California – Year after year, California is ranked as the #1 state in the country for its strong gun safety laws — along with some…

    Jun 4, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – For the second year in a row, California ranks highest on Fortune 500’s list as the state with the most corporations generating the largest revenues. As host to 58 Fortune 500 companies, California leads the nation – followed by Texas with 54 and New…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Celebrates Galaxy S25 Edge Launch with Live Performance by Doechii at Edge NYC

    Source: Samsung

    On Friday, May 30th, Samsung Galaxy and Doechii, – both innovators pushing boundaries in music and technology – united for a private performance at the Edge NYC in Hudson Yards. To celebrate, Samsung hosted a private event 1,100 feet above the ground at the iconic venue.
    NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 30: A view of the atmosphere during Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge launch at Edge at Hudson Yards on May 30, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Samsung Galaxy)
    The exclusive performance marked the debut of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, a category-defining slim smartphone with pro-level performance and advanced AI capabilities.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 369

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 369
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM CDT Thu Jun 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southeast Colorado
    Southwest Kansas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms developing in southeast Colorado will
    continue to intensify through the afternoon while spreading
    generally eastward into southwest Kansas. The more intense storms
    will be capable of producing a few tornadoes and very large hail up
    to 2.5 inches in diameter. Some clustering of storms is expected by
    this evening, with a gradual increasing in the threat for severe
    outflow gusts up to 75 mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 55 miles east northeast of Lamar CO to
    15 miles east of Elkhart KS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 366…WW 367…WW 368…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 29020.

    …Thompson

    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 369
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM CDT Thu Jun 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southeast Colorado
    Southwest Kansas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms developing in southeast Colorado will
    continue to intensify through the afternoon while spreading
    generally eastward into southwest Kansas. The more intense storms
    will be capable of producing a few tornadoes and very large hail up
    to 2.5 inches in diameter. Some clustering of storms is expected by
    this evening, with a gradual increasing in the threat for severe
    outflow gusts up to 75 mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 55 miles east northeast of Lamar CO to
    15 miles east of Elkhart KS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 366…WW 367…WW 368…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 29020.

    …Thompson

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW9
    WW 369 TORNADO CO KS 051900Z – 060200Z
    AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    55ENE LAA/LAMAR CO/ – 15E EHA/ELKHART KS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM E/W /46ENE LAA – 32W LBL/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 29020.

    LAT…LON 38360027 36990018 36990308 38360322

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU9.

    Watch 369 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (40%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB’s advisory services to work with Bulgarian government on greening coal-powered Maritsa East Complex
    • Goal is to promote clean energy at site where open-pit mines operate
    • EIB assistance to extend to Bulgarian efforts to boost EU funding

    Bulgaria will receive advisory support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for greening one of Europe’s largest sites for coal-fired electricity production – the Maritsa East Complex. Both sides today signed an agreement under which the EIB will advise the Bulgarian government as it pursues a plan to decarbonise the Maritsa East Complex, which generates up to 35% of the country’s electricity.

    EIB Advisory will work with the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy to ensure the timely development of priority projects promoting renewable energy at the Maritsa East Complex, which has among the largest open-pit coal mines operating in Europe. EIB Advisory will also help to strengthen the Ministry’s capacity to manage complex projects and expand European Union funding.

    “Fostering economic and social cohesion is at the heart of the EIB’s mission and we stand ready to support a just transition for the Bulgarian regions most affected by the shift away from mining and carbon-intensive energy production and industrial activities,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “Our approach endeavours to ensure that no people or places are left behind in the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society.”

    The burning of coal to produce electricity is major source of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change and cutting emissions at Maritsa East Complex is key for the clean-economy goals of Bulgaria and the EU as a whole.

    “Efforts to decarbonise the Maritsa East Complex are key to its sustainable development and to ensuring conditions for competitiveness and growth of the economy and the better well-being of Bulgarians,” said Bulgarian Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov. “We are happy that the government has the EIB as a partner in the process. It is an institution with many years of experience and proven expertise. I am confident that this cooperation will ensure the sustainable long-term operation of the Maritsa East Complex in line with the challenges of the green future.”

    The Ministry of Energy, supported by EIB Advisory under a technical assistance accord signed in early 2024, has made substantial progress in defining a strategic pathway for the transition of the Maritsa East Complex.

    The assistance included a comprehensive analysis of the state of the complex, an assessment of existing infrastructure and the development of an investor roadmap. These efforts clarified the scope of high-impact projects that can be implemented in the near term to drive Bulgaria’s decarbonisation strategy. Investment priorities by the companies operating in the Maritsa East Complex were also identified, refining the list of strategic projects contributing to the transition efforts.

    The EIB provides its advisory support under the European Commission’s InvestEU Advisory Hub to help Bulgaria’s coal-to-clean energy transition.

    Background information  

    About the EIB  

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. The EIB finances investments in eight core priorities that support EU policy objectives: climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and the bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.    

    In addition to financing, the EIB offers advisory services that help public and private partners develop and implement high-quality, investment-ready projects. In 2024 alone, EIB advisory teams helped mobilise over €200 billion of investments across Europe and beyond.

    About the InvestEU Advisory Hub

    The InvestEU programme provides the EU with long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery and growth. It helps mobilise private investments for the EU’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible.

    The InvestEU Advisory Hub is the central entry point for project promoters and intermediaries seeking advisory support and technical assistance related to centrally managed EU investment funds. Managed by the European Commission and financed by the EU budget, the InvestEU Advisory Hub connects project promoters and intermediaries with advisory partners, who work directly together to help projects reach the financing stage.

    EIB Advisory provides technical and financial expertise to support the development of sustainable and bankable projects in various sectors. In Bulgaria, EIB experts are assisting public authorities and businesses in preparing infrastructure investments in energy, energy efficiency, healthcare, transport and the environment, improving project planning and enhancing access to funding through tailored services and capacity building.

    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    ©EIB
    Download original
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    ©EIB
    Download original
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ramirez, Jacobs, Jayapal, Pocan, 18 Members of Congress Introduce Legislation to Condition Weapons to Israel, Save Lives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    The legislation comes as the government of Netanyahu escalates ground operations in Gaza and the West Bank and the Trump Administration advocates for the displacement of Palestinians

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of Congress Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Mark Pocan (WI-02)  led 18 members of Congress to introduce the Block the Bombs Act. The legislation would withhold the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel and demand Israel’s compliance with U.S. and international law. Given Netanyahu and Trump’s plan to continue and expand ground operations in Gaza and the West Bank and displace Palestinians, the Block the Bombs Act is an important and time-sensitive step to assert Congress’s oversight authority to protect civilians from starvation, displacement, and death.

    Watch the Press Conference

     

    Amid the negotiation of a new ceasefire deal, it is reported that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 54,000 people, while the entire 2.1 million population of Gaza faces prolonged food shortages due to Israeli military blockades. Nearly half a million people are facing a possible famine, acute malnutrition, starvation, illness, and death. Since filing the bill, 36 people, including children, were killed while sleeping in a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City, and more than two dozen have been killed close to aid distribution points in Gaza. The actions of Netanyahu’s government in Gaza have been described by Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as “war crimes” against Palestinians. 

    “Netanyahu and Trump are a lethal, unaccountable, extremist duo. Trump has bypassed Congressional oversight on weapons transfers. The Israeli government is currently escalating attacks on the civilian population of Gaza. They are both out of control. Congress needs to assert its oversight authority,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Enough is enough. By introducing the Block the Bombs Act, a broad coalition is listening to the American people who don’t want their taxpayers’ money to continue supporting gross violations of US, international, and humanitarian law.”

    “Self-defense cannot be justification for killing tens of thousands of people, imposing a humanitarian blockade, or forcing the displacement of a population. And yet, this is exactly what the Netanyahu Government has done for more than a year in Gaza. The United States shouldn’t facilitate this any longer by transferring offensive weapons to Israel that will be used to prolong and compound this mass suffering and death,” said Congresswoman Jacobs. “While I will always support the Iron Dome and other defensive systems, I believe we can’t in good conscience send offensive weapons systems that have caused significant civilian casualties and violated U.S. and international law.” 

    “This is a moment of great moral consequence. Over the past year and a half, the Government of Israel has repeatedly used U.S.-supplied weapons in violation of both international and U.S. laws,” said Jayapal. “We can no longer be complicit and allow our tax dollars to facilitate this violence and destruction. I am proud to co-lead this bill that would prevent the transfer of the most egregious offensive weapons to Israel without firm assurances that they will not be used indiscriminately against civilian populations.”

    “For the last year and a half, Benjamin Netanyahu has laid siege to Gaza, killing at least 54,000 people, repeatedly displacing the entire population, and cutting off access to desperately needed humanitarian aid,” said Congressman Pocan. “This commonsense bill will prevent more unchecked transfers of these offensive weapons systems that are used to violate international human rights laws and hopefully help bring this devastating conflict to an end.”

    The Block the Bombs Act requires Israel’s government to establish in writing the use of offensive weapons in accordance with US and International law, and it must be approved by Congress through a joint resolution. The legislation focuses on the worst-offending offensive weapons that are supplied by the US and have been involved in the grossest civilian casualties and documented violations of international law in Gaza. It does not impact Iron Dome or Israel’s ability to defend itself. 

    The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16) Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús Chuy García (IL-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    It also has the support of local and national organizations like Adalah Justice Project, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action), Amnesty International USA, Arab Resource & Organizing Center Action (AROC Action), Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Center for Constitutional Rights, Center for International Policy Advocacy, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Christians for a Free Palestine, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Defense for Children International – Palestine, Demand Progress, Emgage Action, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, Human Rights Watch, Illinois Muslim Action Network, IfNotNow Movement, IMEU Policy Project, Indivisible, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Jews for Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ), Justice Democrats, MADRE, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Advocates, New Internationalism Project, Institute for Policy Studies, Presbyterian Church (USA), Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), Rabbis for Ceasefire, Rising Majority, Sunrise Movement, The American Council for Judaism, The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), Win Without War, Working Families Party

    “The Block the Bombs Act is a historic bill that prohibits the transfer and sale of specific U.S. weapons to Israel that the Israeli government has consistently used to commit atrocities against civilians in violation of both international and U.S. law,”” said Brad Parker, Associate Director of Policy at the Center for Constitutional Rights. “It’s a straightforward challenge to United States complicity in Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza as Israeli forces block humanitarian assistance and directly target schools, hospitals, and civilians. As the Israeli government escalates the murder, starvation, and forcible transfer of Palestinians with President Trump’s full support, we recognize and appreciate the bold leadership of Reps. Ramirez, Jacobs, Jayapal, and Pocan.”

    “Despite opportunities to change course, the Biden administration failed to do so. And now the Trump administration is failing to do so. They have to stop providing weapons to Israel, and they won’t do it without Congressional oversight. Which is why this Block the Bombs Bill is so important. It is your right to demand it, and we are standing with Congresswoman Ramirez to build support for it,” said Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International, during a press conference.

    “Our weapons have been used to inflict atrocity after atrocity against Palestinians in Gaza. This is why HR 3565, the Block the Bombs Act, is so necessary. By passing it, Congress will prevent the Trump administration from delivering more bombs, artillery shells, and tank rounds that would enable further atrocities against the Palestinian people,” expressed Josh Ruebner, Policy Director of IMEU, at a press conference. 

    “We’ve documented how the Israeli government has collectively punished the civilian population, deprived the population of objects indispensable to its survival, and used starvation as a weapon of war. This year, Human Rights Watch found that US officials are complicit in Israel’s war crimes and will remain so unless and until weapons are suspended. Legislation like the Block the Bombs Act is long overdue. We hope members will support this effort in recognition of the humanity and dignity of the population suffering in Gaza and to bring US actions in line with US and international law,” Ida Sawyer, Director for Crisis and Conflict of Human Rights Watch. 

    For photos and videos of the event, click here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    Israel’s war in Gaza began after a Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel’s military campaign has killed over 54,000 people, mostly women and children. The offensive has destroyed vast areas, displaced around 90% of the population, and left people almost completely reliant on international aid. According to the United Nations, Gaza is “the hungriest place on Earth. The agency warns that the entire Palestinian territory’s population is at risk of famine, given that the mission to deliver help is “one of the most obstructed aid operations in recent history.”

    At the moment, Hamas militants are still holding 58 hostages, around a third believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Burlison Reintroduces Reliable Grid Act to Reverse Democrat-Led EPA Assault on U.S. Energy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) reintroduced the Reliable Grid Act to stop the damage caused by radical Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations pushed under Democratic administrations that have crippled America’s power grid and triggered a nationwide energy-reliability crisis.

    The bill bars the EPA Administrator from enforcing any regulation that restricts power plant operations or reduces dispatchable power capacity unless the agency can definitively prove it will not compromise the reliability or security of the grid.

    “The grid is on the brink because of years of reckless Democrat policies that shut down reliable energy in the name of climate extremism,” said Rep. Burlison. “From the Obama-era Clean Power Plan to Biden’s absurd 90% carbon-capture rule, these policies were designed to shut down affordable, reliable energy. My Reliable Grid Act puts an end to this madness and stops future radical EPA tyrants from destroying our energy infrastructure.”

    According to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation’s 2023 Long-Term Reliability Assessment, most of the United States is now at elevated or high risk of blackouts and energy shortfalls. The Reliable Grid Act requires that before the EPA can impose any new regulation on power plants, all affected regions must be rated at “normal risk” by NERC—a standard the agency cannot currently meet due to the damage already inflicted by its past policies.

    Industry Support

    Alex Epstein, president of the Center for Industrial Progress and creator of Energy Talking Points, issued the following statement in support of the Reliable Grid Act:

    “America’s grid is in a state of rapidly worsening crisis, with the Federal government and many state governments pursuing a ruinous policy of reducing the supply of reliable power plants through shutdowns and increasing demand for reliable power through EV and other electrification mandates. The crisis is being compounded by new demand from data centers and AI.

    I have said for years that the most obvious and urgent step is to pause all new grid-threatening activity by the EPA—the leading force shutting down reliable power plants—until the grid crisis is resolved.

    Thankfully, Rep. Eric Burlison has offered a bill, the Reliable Grid Act, that does exactly that. If passed, the Act would stop the premature retirement of reliable generators by the EPA Administrator until the EPA demonstrates it can reliably meet electricity demand without frequent shortages in supply and in capacity safety margins.

    I hope the new Congress and Administration takes up the Reliable Grid Act as a top priority. It is a crucial step toward undoing the near-fatal damage the outgoing administration has done to our grid and moving toward a future of abundant, affordable, and ultra-reliable American electricity.”

    Cosponsor: Rep. Brandon Gill (TX-26)  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Wins AI Research Center Selection

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The Higher School of Economics has become one of the winners of the third wave of research centers in the field of artificial intelligence. The HSE Center for Optimization and Adaptation of Large Fundamental Models (AI Center) will work on creating new methods and tools to make training, use, and adaptation of complex artificial intelligence models cheaper and more efficient.

    At the Russian Government Coordination Center, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the results of the selection of the third wave of research centers in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The winning universities and research organizations will receive grants to conduct research and create breakthrough world-class industry solutions.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko reported that the winners were HSE, Innopolis, ISP RAS, ITMO, MIPT, Skoltech, and for the first time, Lomonosov Moscow State University will be involved in the research.

    “Investments in AI research centers have already proven their effectiveness. The first wave of centers dealt with issues of strong, trusted, ethical artificial intelligence. The second wave is dedicated to industry research for medicine, transport, industry and smart cities. These centers create almost half of all Russian scientific groundwork in AI. President Vladimir Putin has set the task of publishing at least 450 papers at top-level conferences in the field of AI in the world by 2030 — A*. We see that investments are achieving results, so the government continues to develop such support programs,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.

    A total of 19 applications from centers from 10 regions of Russia were submitted to the competition. The centers’ programs stated key areas of foresight in fundamental and exploratory research in the field of AI, conducted in 2024: agent/multi-agent systems, elements of strong AI, fundamental and generative AI models.

    Expert support for the competitive selection and subsequent support for the implementation of research center activity programs is provided by the Strategic Agency for Support and Formation of AI Developments (SAPFIR), a project office created on the basis of the Skolkovo Foundation.

    “In 2025, the Strategic Agency for Support and Formation of AI Developments (SAPFIR), created on the basis of the Skolkovo Foundation, acted as the coordinator of the third wave of the competitive selection of research centers in the field of artificial intelligence. Each of the 7 winners will receive 676 million rubles for 2 years to conduct research in the field of strong, trusted, multi-agent artificial intelligence. Over the next 2 years, SAPFIR will focus on supporting research centers to achieve all their goals in both the scientific and commercial parts. Their activities will contribute to the creation of a technological reserve in Russia in the field of artificial intelligence, as well as attracting the best personnel of the country to the development of science in the field of artificial intelligence,” said SAPFIR Director Tatyana Soyuznova.

    The Higher School of Economics has confirmed its readiness to successfully cope with the tasks set thanks to the rich experience accumulated during the previous stages. For the period 2021–2024 HSE AI Center of the first wave has implemented more than 20 socially significant projects and about 30 initiatives for industrial partners. Initially, its activities were focused on companies with a high degree of maturity of AI technologies (IT, fintech, telecommunications), but subsequently the center managed to extend its competencies to less prepared industries, such as tourism, transport, household chemicals and genetics. This made it possible to develop solutions with prospects for scaling in industries, taking into account the priorities of the National Strategy for the Development of AI.

    The HSE AI Center’s third wave program will be aimed at creating new architectures and approaches to reduce training costs, as well as to improve the efficiency and adaptation of large fundamental models. Scientific research will cover four key areas AI foresight: architecture and algorithms of machine learning, development of fundamental and generative models, ensuring security and trust, system management and decision-making. Innovative software products will be used in the financial sector, science and education, information security and the labor market. The center’s partners include the country’s leading technology companies (Sber, VTB, Alfa-Bank, MTS Web Services, Gazprombank, T-Bank, ALMI Partner) and government agencies (the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Federal Service for Labor and Employment (Rostrud)).

    The head of the HSE AI Center will be Alexey Naumov, Doctor of Computer Science, Director Institute of AI and Digital SciencesHe has authored over 40 A* level AI conference publications on high dimensional probability, statistics, machine learning, reinforcement learning, and is a member of the AI Alliance scientific advisory board.

    “Our center will focus on creating fundamentally new architectures and effective methods that will significantly reduce the costs of training and operating large fundamental models of artificial intelligence, increase their performance, and expand the range of possible applications,” said Alexey Naumov. “This will allow us to get closer to creating strong artificial intelligence capable of solving the most complex problems and bringing real benefits to society and business. We actively collaborate with leading technology companies and scientific organizations, combining the efforts of the best scientists and practitioners to achieve our goals and make a significant contribution to the future of AI technologies.”

    The core of the HSE AI Center will be Institute of AI and Digital Sciences Faculty of Computer Science at HSE. Leading researchers and experts will also work on projects within the third wave Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), Center of Language and Brain, MIEM im. A.N. Tikhonova, Labor Market Research Laboratories, International Laboratory of Intangible Assets Economy, HSE – Perm, and also Schools of Computer Science, Physics and Technology of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – Saint Petersburg.

    The HSE AI Center project office team, led by Deputy Vice-Rector Elena Kozhina, will coordinate work on projects and initiatives aimed at developing AI technologies and implementing innovative solutions in various sectors of the economy and social sphere. The project office will become a key link in the successful implementation of projects, ensure effective interaction between all participants in the processes and allow for the effective implementation of orders from industrial partners.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: FDA Approved Anticancer Peptide Drug Conjugate Market Clinical Trials Insight

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Delhi, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global Peptide Drug Conjugate Market, Drug Sales, Price, Dosage and Clinical Trials Insight 2030 Report Highlights:

    • Global Peptide Drug Conjugate Market Opportunity: > USD 1400 Million
    • Global Peptide Drug Conjugate Market Trends By Region and Indications
    • Global Peptide Drug Conjugate Market Growth 2018-2024: > 300% Absolute Growth and 27% CAGR Growth
    • Approved Peptide Drug Conjugate Dosage, Sales and Price Insight
    • Approved Peptide Drug Conjugate Sales Global and Regional Insight: 2 Drugs Approved
    • Global Peptide Drug Conjugate Clinical Trials Insight: > 30 Drugs
    • Global Peptide Drug Conjugates Clinical Trials Insight By Company, Country, Indication and Phase
    • Peptide Drug Conjugate Proprietary Technologies and Methodologies Insight By Company

    Download Report:
    https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-peptide-drug-conjugate-market-peptide-adc-market-anticancer-peptide-conjugate-clinical-trials

    Peptide drug conjugates constitute a novel category of targeted therapies that make use of disease-targeting peptides to specifically deliver small molecule drugs to the target cells. This blended strategy enables drugs to be targeted more precisely to ailing tissues, minimizing systemic toxicity and maximizing therapeutic benefit. With more than 30 peptide drug conjugates candidates now in different stages of clinical trials, the domain is accelerating at breakneck speed. Most of these candidates are being developed and evaluated for oncology, where the demand for highly targeted therapies is still paramount. Nonetheless, investigations have also been pushed into neurodegenerative disease and inflammatory disorders, which suggests a wider therapeutic scope for this modality.

    As of May 2025, 2 peptide drug conjugates have been approved by the regulators. Novartis’s Lutathera, a radiolabeled peptide for the treatment of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs), exemplifies the potential of targeted delivery in cancer. The second agent that has been approved, Pepaxti (melflufen), by Oncopeptides, is employed to treat multiple myeloma and demonstrates the utility of peptide to enhance the therapeutic index of known cytotoxic agents. All these achievements underscore the potential for peptide drug conjugates and have opened up doors for more firms to enter the pipeline for developing new candidates.

    Platform technologies are leading the way in driving peptide drug conjugate innovation. For example, PeptiDream’s PDPS (Peptide Discovery Platform System) leverages massive libraries of macrocyclic peptides to quickly find high-affinity binders. They are optimized as targeting agents in peptide drug conjugates, enabling more targeted drug delivery. By targeting cytotoxic payloads directly to disease-associated receptors, these technologies reduce off-target effects, improving efficacy and safety for patients. The growing use of such platforms by biotech companies and pharmaceutical companies highlights their significance in the present drug development scenario.

    Regulatory assistance is also supporting the development of peptide drug conjugates. Sudocetaxel zendusortide (TH1902), a peptide drug conjugate from Theratechnologies, was granted the Fast Track Designation by the FDA. This candidate has been designed against sortilin-expressing solid tumors and is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials. As the first compound from Theratechnologies’ SORT1+ Technology™, it is an example of innovation in peptide targeting and an accelerated regulatory pathway that allows for accelerated development. Designations such as these not only support the therapeutic potential of these compounds but also foster investment and accelerate clinical advancement.

    The peptide drug conjugate field involves a diverse range of stakeholders, including major pharmaceutical companies like Novartis and Oncopeptides, as well as specialized biotechnology firms such as Bicycle Therapeutics and Theratechnologies. Additionally, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) and contract research organizations (CROs) are increasingly becoming integral to the development process, providing essential services from early-stage discovery through to clinical and commercial manufacturing.

    In spite of this momentum, market hurdles exist. One major hindrance is the complexity of peptide drug conjugate manufacturing, which sometimes necessitates specialized facilities and intense quality control, potentially pushing up development expense. To overcome it, strategic alliances with seasoned CDMOs can streamline manufacturing and lower operational costs. Regulatory complexity regarding newer payloads or novel peptide-linker chemistries is another hurdle. Anticipation of the regulatory agencies through proactive interaction and utilization of existing designations can smooth over the complexity.

    Looking to the future, the prospects for peptide-drug conjugates are encouraging. As ever improving technology platforms advance and additional clinical information becomes available, peptide drug conjugates are destined to become a staple of targeted therapy, not just oncology, but perhaps a wide variety of chronic and orphan diseases.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BlueCat highlights the next generation of Intelligent Network Operations solutions at Cisco Live

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlueCat Networks, a leading provider of Intelligent Network Operations solutions that help organizations modernize, optimize, and secure their network infrastructure, is proud to be the first vendor to market with a suite of products aimed at making networks more agile so that companies can focus on innovation. At Cisco Live, BlueCat will unveil the next generation of its Unified DDI platform, Integrity X, as well as other exciting updates to its industry-leading product set. Additionally, BlueCat will introduce a new certified Cisco Splunk application for its network observability and intelligence solutions, LiveWire and LiveNX.

    Accelerate network transformation

    Organizations need networks that change fast. However, increased complexity and legacy solutions create unnecessary drag. When the network is slow to deliver, organizations struggle to create memorable customer experiences, proactively detect and mitigate cyber threats, and harness the benefits of cloud and artificial intelligence.
      
    Intelligent NetOps is an integrated portfolio of network infrastructure services. It discovers and enables network access, automates provisioning and workflows, captures and analyzes operational data, and continuously optimizes and secures the network across hybrid and multicloud environments.

    “A key challenge faced by networking teams is to efficiently and effectively manage disparate infrastructure across multiple environments while ensuring high levels of security and user experience,” said Brandon Butler, IDC Senior Research Manager for Enterprise Networks. “BlueCat’s DDI management and network observability solutions help teams overcome these challenges by providing intelligent visibility and analytics, which can be correlated with changes occurring across the network and on individual devices, enabling teams to maintain reliability and accelerate transformation initiatives.”

    BlueCat launches Integrity X: The future of enterprise DDI

    Integrity X redefines how enterprise network teams automate and manage core DNS, DHCP, and IP address management (DDI) infrastructure. Built on a modern React framework and with an API-first design that leverages the same OpenAPI interface customers already use for automation, this release introduces a fully reimagined user experience—engineered to streamline workflows, strengthen security posture, and accelerate innovation across hybrid environments.
      
    “These enhancements are exactly what enterprise teams need,” said a senior developer of system design and architecture engineering at a large health care data provider. “BlueCat is listening, solving real-world DDI challenges, and enabling agile network infrastructure.”

    A next-generation DDI platform for modern networks

    Integrity X delivers unmatched scalability, performance, accessibility, and extensibility—bringing together everything network teams need in a single, unified DDI solution:

    • Unified by design: A cohesive platform experience that feels fast, seamless, and intuitive—tailored to the needs of today’s dynamic enterprise environments.
    • API-first innovation: Built on a fully RESTful API that is OpenAPI 3.0 compliant, enabling rapid feature delivery, seamless integration, and long-term extensibility for automation-driven organizations.
    • Accessibility for all: WCAG 2.1 AA-compliant by design, with high-contrast visuals, full keyboard navigation, and screen reader support—ensuring inclusive access for all users.
    • Multi-language support: Global-ready with localization in English, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese.
    • Real-time visibility: Always-on monitoring and a powerful new appliance metrics dashboard, based on open-source Prometheus, give teams instant insight into DNS, DHCP, and IPAM health—enabling proactive operations and faster troubleshooting.  

    “Integrity X provides a modern, standards-based path forward for customers who want control,” said Scott Fulton, Chief Product and Technology Officer at BlueCat. “New customers are relieved with the low-risk migration from other solutions, and existing customers have already been impressed with the ease of automation, scalability, and flexibility of the platform.”

    BlueCat enriches Splunk integration and DNS and DHCP health analysis

    BlueCat now provides NOC and SOC Dashboards to diagnose performance and security issues in your network with an improved certified Splunk application:

    • LiveWire captures, analyzes, and simultaneously streams enriched security and performance telemetry from your network to Splunk and LiveNX.
    • LiveNX continuously analyzes enriched telemetry, SNMP, and API data for security indicators and network anomalies and sends alerts to Splunk to help in threat hunting and resolving anomalies.
    • LiveNX alerting engine sends security indicators and network anomalies to Splunk, aiding in threat hunting or resolving anomalies.
    • BlueCat’s Splunk crosslink capabilities enable quick packet or flow diagnostic research all from within Splunk.

    LiveWire and LiveNX 25.1 releases include additional instrumentation for DNS and DHCP, as well as automated troubleshooting for routine runtime, performance, and security issues surrounding these mission-critical services.

    Micetro is now available on Cisco’s Global Price List (GPL)

    BlueCat also announced that Micetro, an intuitive universal DDI orchestration solution, is available on the Cisco GPL. Micetro seamlessly integrates with Meraki, delivering improved IPAM visibility and DHCP orchestration. Expanded availability streamlines procurement for customers and partners. It showcases BlueCat and Cisco’s commitment to enhancing network operations with integrated solutions.

    About BlueCat
    BlueCat’s Intelligent Network Operations (NetOps) provide the analytics and intelligence needed to enable, optimize, and secure the network to achieve business goals. With an Intelligent NetOps suite, organizations can more easily change and modernize their network as business requirements demand. BlueCat’s growing portfolio includes unified core network services, security and compliance, as well as network observability and intelligence. These solutions can be deployed in hybrid or multicloud environments, in the data center, at remote or branch locations, and via SD-WAN. BlueCat’s Intelligent NetOps solutions have been recognized by GigaOm as market leaders in their 2025 Radar Report for Network Observability and their 2024 Radar Report for DDI. BlueCat is headquartered in Toronto and New York, with additional offices in the United States, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Singapore, Serbia, and the United Kingdom. Learn more at bluecat.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Completes State-Wide Bill Signing Tour, Signing New Laws to Reduce Housing Costs, Make Colorado Safer and Save People Money

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis completed his 2025 bill state-wide signing tour, signing bills passed by Democrats and Republicans during the landmark 2025 legislative session. Governor Polis signed 476 bills, 87.5% of which were bipartisan, breaking down barriers to housing Coloradans can afford, increasing funding for students and teachers, enhancing public safety, saving people money, protecting the domestic and wild animals Colorado calls home, and protecting and expanding access to outdoor recreation. 

    “This session we continued delivering on our commitment to reduce the cost of living in our state by passing laws to build more housing people can afford, increase student funding to drive student success, improve public safety and more. I am proud of the progress we delivered this year and was thrilled to travel the state from Grand Junction to Alamosa, Keenesberg, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins and more to sign these transformational laws in the communities that make Colorado the best state in the nation to live, raise a family, and thrive,” said Governor Polis. 

    MORE HOUSING NOW: 

    IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY: 

    • SB25-310 – Proposition 130 Implementation: This law supports funding for local law enforcement agencies to help recruit peace officers by providing financial reimbursements and tuition assistance for initial and continuing education and training for peace officers, as well as pay incentives and bonuses. The bill also provides funding to ensure that the families of fallen officers get the support they need after losing their loved one in the line of duty.
    • HB25-1062 Penalty for Theft of Firearm: This law cracks down on gun theft by reclassifying firearm theft as a class 6 felony regardless of the value of the firearm stolen.
    • HB25-1171 – Possession of Weapon by Previous Offender Crimes: This law adds first-degree motor vehicle theft to the list of criminal offenses that would make an individual ineligible to possess a firearm.
    • SB25-281 – Increase Penalties Careless Driving: adjusts penalties for persons convicted of careless driving, making each individual seriously injured or killed in a careless driving event a separate violation and clarifies that careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death is an included crime for the purposes of the “Victim Rights Act”.
    • A State Budget to Make Colorado Safer: Governor Polis continues working to make Colorado safer for everyone and by signing this year’s budget, Colorado continues investing in preventing and addressing crime. This includes:
      • Youth Crime Prevention: Helping to prevent at-risk youth from entering the criminal justice system through increased funding for prevention services.
      • Community Corrections Capacity: The budget also provides $2.4 million to invest in community corrections placement, increasing capacity.
      • Supporting Crime Victims: Additionally, this budget implements Colorado’s Proposition KK, designating $30.0M in spending authority to crime victims’ services, $8 million for mental health services, and $1 million for school safety.
      • $15 million ongoing for critical public safety communication infrastructure, supporting over 1,000 local, regional, state, tribal, and federal public safety entities.
      • Funding for CBI’s Colorado Gangs Database: The Colorado Gangs database (CoG) is an application that stores gang information such as gang names, gang members, gang contacts, and is used by law enforcement as an investigative tool. It allows law enforcement the ability to add and change any information about the gangs, tracking gangs, and gang members that they contact during patrol or other investigative efforts conducted by law enforcement. This information is also queryable in the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC), which provides law enforcement with the most accurate information possible.
    • HB25-1146 – Juvenile Detention Bed Cap: This law allows judicial districts to utilize more juvenile detention beds to ensure that individuals deemed high-risk do not re-enter communities before receiving the rehabilitative services they need.
    • SB25-168 – Prevention of Wildlife Trafficking: This law will crack down on wildlife trafficking to keep Coloradans and wildlife safe. 

    FULLY FUND SCHOOLS AND SUPPORT COLORADO’S WORKFORCE: 

    • HB25-1320 – School Finance Act: This legislation implements Colorado’s student-focused school finance formula without bringing back the budget stabilization factor. It also increases per-pupil funding again to $11,864, an increase from FY24-25 of $412 per student, or an average of $9,000 per classroom.
    • SB25-315 – Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs: This legislation realigns Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness administration and funding to ensure all students have the opportunity to graduate high school with postsecondary credit, an industry-recognized credential, or work-based learning experience.
    • HB25-1278 – Education Accountability System: This legislation modernizes Colorado’s K-12 accountability system for the first time since 2009 to better measure student outcomes, including the creation of a new sub-indicator to support postsecondary and workforce readiness before graduation.
    • HB25-1192 – Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement: This legislation ensures that every student takes a course incorporating all financial literacy standards before they graduate high school, as well as practice filling out financial aid forms so that they are equipped with the know-how to plan for and secure their financial futures.
    • HB25-1038 – Postsecondary Credit Transfer Website: This law will support students by providing more information about how their credits earned through prior learning, concurrent and dual enrollment, and GT Pathways courses will transfer to each Colorado public institution. By allowing students to evaluate and compare the value of their transfer credits across institutions and programs, students can save money and more successfully plan their educational journeys. 

    DRIVING COLORADO’S ECONOMY: 

    • HB25-1005 – Tax Incentive for Film Festivals: This legislation supports film festivals in Colorado and helped the state land the iconic Sundance Film Festival, starting in 2027, which will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits and thousands of jobs.
    • HB25-1021 – Tax Incentives for Employee-Owned Businesses: This law helps businesses by save more toward taxes, when they transition to employee-owned, which is good for employees and businesses.
    • HB25-1090 – Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices: This legislation will help eliminate fees that drive up costs and get rid of deceptive practices that make Coloradans spend more money than they want.
    • HB25-1001 – Enforcement Wage Hour Laws: This legislation combats wage theft, ensuring that more workers are paid fairly, on time, and in full. It enhances enforcement of Colorado’s wage and hour laws, disincentivizes violations, and provides the Department of Labor and Employment with new tools to prevent and address wage theft.
    • HB25-1215 – Redistribution of Lottery Fund: This legislation directs the first $4 million of the lottery fund to the outdoor equity fund, increasing outdoor recreation opportunities and protecting Colorado parks. 

    SAVING PEOPLE MONEY: 

    FREE STATE OF COLORADO: 

    BOLD CLIMATE GOALS AND IMPROVING AIR QUALITY: 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BCMI and XBE Announce Merger to Drive the Future of Technology in Heavy Materials and Construction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The technology leaders have strategically combined their heavy materials and construction software into one powerful, integrated system – from raw materials to job site and customer experience.

    REDMOND, Wash., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BCMI Corp. and XBE, trusted technology leaders in the heavy construction materials industry, are excited to announce their merger. The strategic move positions the combined company as the most comprehensive software provider in the market, with an unparalleled range of capabilities spanning ready mixed concrete, aggregates, asphalt, cement, heavy construction and heavy logistics — all supported by cloud-native, mobile-friendly, AI-enabled technology.

    Individually, each company has collaborated directly with industry thought leaders to develop widely adopted, purpose-built software. Together, the combined entity will immediately expand on existing product integrations and the companies will leverage their strengths, teams and processes to deliver more value to the industry, faster. 

    “We are truly creating a powerhouse of innovation,” says Craig Yeack, Founder and President of BCMI. “XBE and BCMI grew market share and revenue at stellar rates in 2024, propelled by their respective value delivery of critical industry technology. Our shared North Star is to accelerate the creation of cutting-edge business-critical tools for the entire industry, specifically harnessing AI.” 

    The merger is especially impactful for heavy materials producers with multiple lines of business, who will now benefit from an integrated, cloud-based platform that spans production, dispatch, logistics, jobsite delivery and customer experience. Materials producers will be able to leverage a full product suite that connects the proven solutions they already use — BCMI Ready-Mix Dispatch, Material Pro, Material Now and XBE — plus jointly developed offerings.   

    Yeack will serve as President of BCMI, and Sean Devine, Founder and CEO of XBE, will serve as CEO of the combined entity. Together, they will lead a team of more than 100 industry experts committed to driving meaningful innovation for producers, contractors and suppliers across North America.

    “Nearly half of XBE’s customers are already in the ready-mix space,” says Devine. “Joining forces with BCMI—the market leader in ready-mixed concrete technology—allows us to better serve this strategic segment with a unified, future-ready platform.”

    As part of their commitment to the industry, XBE and BCMI will maintain their focus on customer collaboration, open APIs and cloud-native, mobile-friendly technology. Enhanced offerings from the combined roadmap will be released incrementally, giving customers full control over their adoption timelines.

    Together, XBE and BCMI are building the future of heavy materials and construction technology: unified, AI-powered and customer-first.

    About BCMI 

    BCMI Corp.’s cloud-based, mobile software empowers producers of concrete, aggregates, asphalt and cement to improve business processes and strengthen customer relationships. The BCMI Platform includes concrete dispatch, CRM & quoting, invoicing, mix management, performance analytics, mobile apps for producers and contractors, eTicketing, eOrders, and ProPilot AI solutions. BCMI’s performance analytics, interactive communication tools and AI-assisted solutions keep materials producers and contractors aligned with real-time business solutions. For more on BCMI Cloud-Based Dispatch, Material Pro and Material Now apps, visit www.bcmicorp.com. 

    About XBE
    XBE’s mission is to integrate the physical and financial operations of heavy construction, bulk logistics, and bulk materials. With XBE, customers maximize profitability, reinvest in growth, and scale with confidence. XBE provides a comprehensive operations management platform that includes scheduling and resource planning, financial management, dispatch and logistics optimization, rate agreements, materials and inventory management, reporting and analytics, compliance monitoring, and collaboration tools. XBE platform products include PriceBee (pricing and quoting) and Gauge (equipment asset utilization). For more information, visit www.x-b-e.com.

    Media contact

    Jennifer Jensen
    PR & Media Specialist, BCMI Corp.
    jennifer.jensen@bcmicorp.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Radcred Relaunches Personal Loan Marketplace to Expand Access for U.S. Borrowers With No Credit Check

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Glendale, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Disclaimer: RadCred is not a lender and does not make credit or underwriting decisions. It is a personal loan marketplace that connects applicants with a network of licensed third-party lenders. Loan terms, rates, and approval times vary by lender and are not guaranteed by RadCred. Submitting a loan request does not guarantee approval or funding. All financial decisions should be made with care and reviewed with a financial advisor if needed. Availability of loan products may vary by state. RadCred does not charge users any fees for using the platform.

    The revamped platform aims to simplify access to personal loans by bridging the gap between consumers and vetted lenders nationwide.

    RadCred, a U.S.-based digital platform, has relaunched as a full-service personal loan marketplace. The redesigned site is built to improve access to unsecured loans and streamline connections between borrowers and direct lenders. The update expands the company’s ability to serve applicants across a wide credit spectrum, including those with bad credit scores.

    The revised platform introduces tools that allow users to submit a single application to access offers from multiple licensed lenders. Borrowers can now explore options for same-day loans, quick loan approvals, and even no credit check personal loans. This format simplifies the application process while giving consumers more control over their borrowing decisions.

    “We wanted to create a space where users, regardless of credit score, can view and compare real offers from verified lenders,” said Lara Smith, Senior Accounting Executive of RadCred. “This relaunch reflects our commitment to transparency and efficiency in personal lending.”

    Key Features of the Updated Platform

    The revamped RadCred platform introduces key features aimed at improving borrower access, especially for those seeking quick loan approval, no credit check options, or support with bad credit, while simplifying comparisons and accelerating the overall lending process.

    Broader Loan Options
    RadCred now supports unsecured personal loans ranging from $300 to $35,000. These include emergency cash advances, short-term installment plans, and options suited for debt consolidation or education-related needs. Borrowers can use the same platform to access small urgent loans or explore longer repayment terms.

    Support for Borrowers with Bad Credit
    RadCred’s network includes lenders who consider income and employment status rather than only credit score. The updated platform highlights no credit check loan categories and bad credit loan filters, enabling users to find potential options even if they have limited credit history.

    Soft Credit Inquiries
    Applicants using RadCred undergo only a soft credit check at the pre-qualification stage. This approach does not affect their credit score and helps determine basic eligibility before a formal application. Users can explore instant loan offers without risk to their credit report.

    Streamlined Application Process
    Borrowers submit a single digital application, which is securely shared with multiple lenders in RadCred’s network. The platform then presents loan offers side by side, including interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. This system allows users to evaluate multiple personalized offers efficiently.

    Faster Approval and Disbursement
    Many lenders in RadCred’s network offer quick loan approval and same day funding for eligible applicants. Those who accept an offer early in the day may receive funds in their account by the evening or the next business morning.

    Digital Lending in the Current Market

    The relaunch of RadCred comes at a time when more Americans are turning to online platforms for personal finance solutions. Rising living costs and higher interest rates on credit cards have driven demand for alternative forms of credit. According to industry reports, unsecured personal loan balances reached $232 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2023.

    Online lending has grown significantly, with platforms that offer digital-first tools and inclusive criteria gaining momentum. Consumers are seeking options that support quick access, straightforward application processes, and transparent terms, particularly those that accommodate borrowers with bad credit scores or limited borrowing history.

    RadCred’s upgraded interface addresses these needs by focusing on ease of use and lender accessibility. The company’s role as a marketplace, not a lender, ensures that users can compare multiple products in one place without bias toward a single provider.

    Roadmap and Future Development

    Looking ahead, RadCred plans to introduce additional resources for borrowers. Planned updates include:

    • AI-powered matching tools for better loan-personalization
    • Educational content about managing loan repayments
    • Partnerships with credit unions and local banks to expand lender coverage

    These changes are designed to continue improving access and supporting informed borrowing personal loan decisions.

    About RadCred

    RadCred is a personal loan marketplace based in Glendale, California. The platform connects applicants with a network of licensed lenders offering unsecured loan products. These include personal loans, emergency loans, and installment loan plans tailored to a range of credit backgrounds. RadCred is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. Its goal is to simplify the loan search process and help borrowers compare offers efficiently.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ormat Technologies Announces Strategic Leadership Changes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • ORMAT EXPANDS MANAGEMENT TEAM TO SUPPORT ELECTRICITY SEGMENT GROWTH AND EGS INITIATIVES
    • ARON WILLIS APPOINTED EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ELECTRICITY SEGMENT
    • DANIEL MOELK APPOINTED SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, RESOURCES, DRILLING, & EGS

    RENO, Nev., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) (the “Company” or “Ormat”), a leading geothermal and renewable energy company, is pleased to announce the appointment of two distinguished executives to its senior management team. These strategic appointments are poised to propel the next phase of the Company’s growth and enhance its operational excellence within the renewable energy sector.

    Aron Willis Appointed Executive Vice President, Electricity Segment

    Effective June 4, 2025, Aron Willis will assume the role of Executive Vice President, Electricity Segment at Ormat Technologies. In this capacity Aron will oversee the operations of the Electricity Segment, ensuring alignment with the Company’s strategic goals and financial targets. Aron will also be responsible for optimizing plant performance, implementing advanced AI tools, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to foster future growth.

    Aron brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the power generation industry, with a proven track record of leadership and financial and operational expertise. His career includes significant roles at TransAlta Corporation and Northwest Digital Power, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing large-scale operations and driving substantial growth initiatives. At TransAlta Corporation, Aron held several senior leadership positions, including Executive Vice President of Project Delivery & Construction, Executive Vice President of Growth and Senior Vice President of Operations & Commercial Management. He also managed TransAlta’s Australian operations for 10 years, comprising approximately 500MW of generating capacity. Aron holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Finance from the University of Calgary.

    Daniel Moelk Appointed Senior Vice President, Resources, Drilling & EGS

    In July 2025, Daniel Moelk will join Ormat as Senior Vice President, Resources, Drilling & EGS. Daniel will lead our Resources, Drilling, and EGS teams with a focus on implementing sophisticated processes and innovative technologies. His work will focus in part on creating efficiencies through the use and advanced AI tools and developing Ormat’s ongoing drilling and exploration global roadmap.

    Daniel brings nearly 18 years of valuable operations and drilling management experience within the geothermal industry. Most recently, Daniel served as the EVP of European Operations for Eavor Technologies Inc, a company focused on EGS development where he successfully executed some of the industry’s most challenging and complex drilling campaigns. Daniel has played pivotal roles in expanding geothermal drilling operations across his career, in particular at Steag GMBH, PT Sejahtera Alam Energy while he was located in Indonesia, Daldrup & Sohne AG, Mannvit Engineering Consultants, and Iceland Drilling Inc. Daniel holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iceland.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Aron Willis and Daniel Moelk to Ormat’s leadership team, where their valued backgrounds and experience will help drive the next phase of development and growth for our leading geothermal operations,” said Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat Technologies. “Their extensive experience and proven track records in the power generation and geothermal industries will be invaluable as we continue to support our growth through continued innovation. These appointments reflect our commitment to strengthening our leadership team, advancing our strategic objectives for generation growth, expanding our profitability, and focusing efforts on EGS development. I am confident that Aron and Daniel, both of whom will report directly to me, will play pivotal roles in our ongoing success.”

    Blachar continued, “I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to Shimon Hatzir for his long-standing service to the Company and his exceptional leadership and dedication over the past 36 years. Shimon has made significant contributions to Ormat in various capacities, including leading our R&D and engineering division, leading wide range of technology developments, and managing the design of numerous power plants. He also led our energy storage segment, and most recently, heading the Electricity Segment including the Resource and Drilling operations I wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

    ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

    With six decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company, and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,538MW with a 1,248MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 290MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

    ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

    Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as our projections of annual revenues, expenses and debt service coverage with respect to our debt securities, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, or “contemplate” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat’s plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under “Risk Factors” as described in Ormat’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2025, and in Ormat’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed from time to time with the SEC.

    These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and, except as legally required, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Ormat Technologies Contact:
    Smadar Lavi
    VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting
    775-356-9029 (ext. 65726)
    slavi@ormat.com    		 Investor Relations Agency Contact:
    Joseph Caminiti or Josh Carroll
    Alpha IR Group
    312-445-2870
    ORA@alpha-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft helps dismantle transnational scam network targeting older adults

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft helps dismantle transnational scam network targeting older adults

    On May 28, 2025, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the country’s federal police service, executed raids at 19 locations across India to dismantle cyber-enabled financial fraud networks, including tech support fraud schemes. This operation, which disrupted a malicious enterprise impersonating Microsoft and targeting older adults in Japan, resulted in the arrest of six key operatives, the takedown of two illegal call centers, and the seizure of digital and physical infrastructure, such as computers, storage devices, digital video recorders, and phones.

    Through close collaboration with the Japan Cybercrime Control Center (JC3), a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating cybercrime in Japan, Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) identified the India-based malicious ecosystem behind these scams. The DCU alerted Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) and CBI, helping them to take decisive action against the individuals behind the operations.

    This case represents an evolution in the DCU’s disruption approach for cyber-enabled financial fraud. With the growth of cybercrime-as-a-service, connectivity among cybercriminals has increased and become more global. We must continue to look at the full ecosystem in which these actors operate and coordinate with multiple international partners to meaningfully address cybercrime. In the case of tech support fraud, where cybercriminals are increasingly using technology like artificial intelligence to scale their operations, we have transitioned away from focusing on individual call centers to targeting the highest levels of the operation and proactively disrupting their technical infrastructure. 

    The impact of cross-sector collaboration 

    Our collaboration with JC3 marked the DCU’s first partnership with a Japan-based organization to assist victims, proving crucial to the operation’s success. On an ongoing basis, JC3 provided actionable identifiers for malicious pop-ups that urged recipients to call fake technical support lines, believing they were contacting Microsoft. This information, coupled with additional threat intelligence and signals data, was then analyzed by the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC), enabling Microsoft to proactively take down approximately 66,000 malicious domains and URLs globally since May 2024. The intelligence gathered was then integrated into Microsoft services to strengthen them against abuse.  

    Importantly, the information from JC3 enabled the DCU to identify the broader network behind these scams—encompassing pop-up creators, search-engine optimizers, lead generators, logistics and technology providers, payment processors, and talent providers. These actors used generative AI to scale their operations, including to identify potential victims, automate the creation of malicious pop–up windows, and perform language translations to target Japanese victims. This activity highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals and underscores the importance of proactive global collaboration to protect victims. 

    Examples of malicious pop-ups impersonating Microsoft. 

    Continued commitment to cybercrime prevention 

    Cyber-enabled financial fraud disproportionately targets older adults, and unfortunately, this growing trend is global. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, tech support fraud was the most frequently reported crime type reported by older Americans (over 60) in 2023, resulting in nearly $590 million in losses. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance reported that, in Japan, the majority of scams target adults over the age of 45. This was consistent with what we observed in this operation, with approximately 90% of the 200 people affected being over the age of 50.

    The DCU has long been at the forefront of combatting sophisticated scams, and our ongoing collaboration with global law enforcement has led to hundreds of arrests and increasingly severe prison sentences worldwide. However, as cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, we too must take more aggressive action to protect those vulnerable to fraud. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and expanding collaborations with law enforcement and civil society, the DCU is intensifying its efforts to disrupt cybercrime operations from the top down. We are grateful for our ongoing collaboration partners across sectors and will continue to look for new ways to help protect people from cybercrime.

    Important: Microsoft will never send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer. If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from, or associated with, Microsoft and believe it was a scam, report the incident via our online reporting tool: microsoft.com/reportascam.  

    Doing so assists us with our ongoing investigations with law enforcement as we take appropriate action against those targeting our customers. We also use these insights to strengthen our technology to better protect consumers from fraudulent tactics. 

    For more information on how individuals can protect themselves, please visit: Protect yourself from tech support scams (microsoft.com). 

    Tags: cybercrime, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit, The Digital Crimes Unit

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to protect yourself from narcissists’ weapon of choice – passive aggression

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Waldeck, Assistant Professor in Psychology, Coventry University

    Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock

    Imagine asking a coworker to help you on a project, and although they agree, they
    suddenly “forget” whenever the deadline approaches. Or a friend saying “you look
    beautiful today, I barely recognised you,” after you show them your new haircut.

    Perhaps you know all too well the feeling of a parent or partner ignoring you following some perceived slight.

    On the surface this behaviour may seem relatively minor. But if it happens often, this could indicate a narcissist is using passive-aggressive behaviour to try and hurt you.

    To protect yourself, it helps to know where a narcissist is coming from.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The term “narcissist” can refer to people with high levels of narcissism, not necessarily that they have a clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. There are generally two types: grandiose and vulnerable.

    Grandiose narcissists usually view themselves as special and superior to others and are likely to brag about their achievements. Vulnerable narcissists tend to be self-conscious, sensitive to the slightest criticism and have an insatiable need for external appreciation.

    Both can be self-centred and prone to aggression, though passive-aggressive behaviour may be more often used by vulnerable narcissists.

    One explanation for their behaviour could be their motivation to become dominant and gain status. For example, they may feel like belittling their competition strengthens chances of getting a promotion at work. Another reason is that they can be thin-skinned. Any negative evaluation against them, like being left out of a work social event, may trigger a defensive reaction to attack another person to try and maintain their self-esteem.

    They also have a tendency to feel ostracised even when it’s not true. Research has shown that when narcissists are provoked, they tend to respond with aggression. Subtly undermining someone is more deniable than overt ways of expressing their anger and resentment.

    Here are some examples to help you spot when it’s happening:

    • social exclusion – avoiding eye contact, ignoring messages, excluding
      you from their social media account or withholding affection to punish you

    • hostile undertone – making fun of others through jokes, backhanded
      compliments or sending messages that suggest you are at fault while minimising their role in a conflict

    • indirect criticism – sharing embarrassing stories, or trying to undermine you by gossiping to others

    • sabotage – regularly leaving tasks that are their responsibility to
      complete to the last minute, and making it your problem.

    Narcissists can leave you feeling confused and hurt.
    Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

    Such behaviour on its own might not be much bother, but being exposed to
    it regularly could cause distress. As an example, repeatedly being socially excluded at work has been linked to emotional exhaustion and reduced wellbeing.

    Research on victims of narcissistic behaviours is limited, perhaps because passive-aggressive behaviour is often hidden. But the research we do have has shown people on the receiving end of narcissistic abuse experience anxiety, depression, low self-worth and a tendency to prioritise others’ needs over their own.

    How you can protect yourself

    Given that narcissists react aggressively to criticism, it’s probably best not to fight fire with fire. The following approaches may help.

    Set clear boundaries. Make it clear you will not tolerate such behaviour. You could say something like: “I noticed you are not responding. I am willing to chat with you when you are ready to talk respectfully.”

    Emotional detachment. Narcissists will probably throw digs or sarcastic comments your way to get a reaction. Once they get a reaction, the cycle escalates. One helpful technique may be “grey rocking”, where you keep your interactions and responses as brief and as uninteresting as possible. When a sarcastic comment is made, you could just say “yep” or “noted”.

    Look after yourself. Prioritise your own needs and your wellbeing. For instance, immerse yourself in hobbies you enjoy or have fun with friends. Try also to make space for reflection so you can avoid internalising their comments. It’s about them, not you.

    Seek support. Reaching out to people you trust or seeking professional support from a counsellor may help to strengthen your resilience. In the context of work, you may reach out to HR if the passive-aggressive behaviour is persistent, but remember to document everything and be factual. This may help minimise a narcissist’s efforts to gaslight you or others.

    Power imbalance

    Not everyone can easily create distance between themselves and that narcissistic person they know. Some people may be living with a narcissist, work with one, or they could be part of their social circle.

    Given that narcissists often crave status, there’s a good chance there may be a power imbalance between you. This can be tricky as you may feel intimidated if they persistently use passive-aggressive behaviour, if they are senior to you at work for instance.

    In this situation, it’s even more important to save important email chains, log conversations and seek support from HR if needed. If there’s a power imbalance with someone outside work, take extra care to set clear boundaries with them.

    Each situation is different, and some things will be beyond your control.

    What you can do though is focus on what’s within your control: your reactions, your wellbeing, and the support systems around you.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How to protect yourself from narcissists’ weapon of choice – passive aggression – https://theconversation.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-narcissists-weapon-of-choice-passive-aggression-258021

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Vice Premier Calls for Fair, Safe Gaokao

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TAIYUAN, June 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang inspected preparations for China’s national college entrance examination, known as the gaokao, and work on advancing energy sector reform in north China’s Shanxi Province from June 3 to 4, stressing the need to maintain fairness and ensure safety in the gaokao.

    Visiting the Shanxi Provincial Entrance Examination Administration Center and a middle school examination center in Taiyuan City, Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said that the gaokao is of key significance to the national economy and people’s well-being, directly affecting the interests of millions of families. He called for upholding the vital principle of fairness and justice in the reform of the college entrance examination and admissions system and the organization of the gaokao.

    In addition, the Chinese vice premier stressed the importance of strict security for examination questions, taking measures against cheating, and providing comprehensive support to students.

    Ding Xuexiang also visited the Shanxi Institute of Applied Science and Technology, calling on the school to adapt to the new situation of the country’s industrial modernization, train highly qualified personnel required for socio-economic development, and increase employment support for graduates. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing Emma: The AI Event Planner from Events in Minutes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, CA , June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Events in Minutes, the AI-powered marketplace trusted by PayPal, Google, LinkedIn, Uber, and Meta, today launched Emma, a conversational AI Event Planner that takes the grunt work out of organizing gatherings of any size while keeping the host firmly in control.

    Events in Minutes introduces Emma, AI Event Planner

    How Emma Works

    1. Call +1 (415) 634-4617 and describe the event you have in mind—whether it’s a ten-person workshop or a thousand-person conference.
    2. Emma searches reviews, verifies quality, and checks real-time availability and pricing across a rigorously screened vendor network.
    3. She delivers a concise shortlist (2-4 best options per category) so you make the final calls without drowning in research.
    4. Approve and book through Events in Minutes; contracts, receipts, and messages live in one tidy dashboard.

    Why It Matters

    “Planning an event shouldn’t feel like a second job,” said Hojr Pisheh, Co-Founder & CEO. “Emma handles the scouting, vetting, and scheduling so hosts can focus on creative choices, confident they’re choosing from the best, most reliable vendors.”

    • Any event, big or small: professional planning isn’t just for large budgets anymore.
    • Time saved: Emma replaces hours of Google searches and phone tag with one streamlined conversation.
    • Quality assured: only vendors meeting strict reliability and review thresholds appear on your shortlist.
    • All-in-one checkout: pay once, track everything, skip the paperwork chaos.

    A Market Ripe for Reinvention

    The global events industry tops $1 trillion annually, yet booking remains fragmented and manual. By adding AI automation with a vetted vendor marketplace, Events in Minutes compresses what used to take weeks into a painless, guided workflow.

    About Events in Minutes

    Founded in 2023 and headquartered in San Francisco, Events in Minutes is an AI-native marketplace that makes booking events as easy as ordering take-out. The platform pairs event hosts with top-tier vendors through transparent pricing, real-time availability, and one-click checkout—delivering a delightful planning experience for every occasion.

    Media Contact
    press@eventsinminutes.com
    https://eventsinminutes.com/

    Events in Minutes Introduces Emma, AI Event Planner

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/803aea67-ddc1-4802-a232-d07fd859f298

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF and AUC wrap up First MENA Economic Research Conference: Steering Macroeconomic and Structural Policies in a Shifting Global Economic Landscape

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 5, 2025

    Cairo: Following two days of high-level dialogue and expert analysis, the inaugural IMF MENA Economic Annual Research Conference co-organized by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the American University in Cairo, concluded with a strong call for coordinated, evidence-based policy responses to the region’s old and new pressing economic challenges. Held on May 18–19, 2025, the conference served as a critical platform for advancing rigorous research tailored to the realities of the Middle East and North Africa. It brought together global policymakers, academics, government officials and thought leaders to bridge the discussion on global economic issues with regional realities. The event marked a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the IMF and a leading university in the region, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening the link between academic research and policy development.

    Jihad Azour, Director of the IMF’s Middle East and Central Asia Department, noted that trade tensions and increasing uncertainty affecting the global economy, alongside ongoing regional conflicts and climate risks, are creating new layers of complexities for MENA policymakers. Azour called for building a regional platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas that connects MENA to world-class research centers to provide reliable analysis and develop workable and innovative policy responses to old and new economic issues facing the region. “We are deeply grateful to President Ahmad Dallal and AUC for their commitment to fostering dialogue, research, and policy innovation in the region.”

    AUC President Ahmad Dallal highlighted the event’s role as a vital platform in fostering collaboration between governments, academia and the private sector. “This is about generating ideas that are globally informed but deeply rooted in the realities of our region,” he noted. Dallal affirmed that this type of multi‑stakeholder engagement is at the heart of AUC’s mission and reflects the University’s commitment to research, education, and open dialogue as drivers of stability, resilience, and inclusive growth.

    Under the theme “Steering Macroeconomic and Structural Policies in a Shifting Global Economic Landscape,” discussions centered on four pivotal issues shaping the future of the MENA region and the global economy:

    • Fiscal Policy: With public debt at historic highs, experts stressed the importance of rebuilding fiscal buffers while tackling social inequalities, aging populations, and climate pressures. Proposals included reforms in fiscal frameworks and measures to mobilize revenues including through multinational taxation and more progressive tax systems.
    • Monetary Policy: Participants reflected on the lessons of recent inflationary shocks, emphasizing the need for more preemptive and well communicated policy responses to global shocks and sector-specific disruptions—particularly for emerging markets.
    • Industrial Policy: Speakers examined the renewed interest in industrial policy as a tool to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and climate resilience. The discussion highlighted the need to balance vertical strategies with horizontal reforms that promote private investment, trade integration, and productivity.
    • Green Transition and AI: The intersection of climate action and digital transformation sparked debate about their potential to reshape labor markets. Recommendations included investing in human capital, developing targeted safety nets, and aligning policy tools to support job creation in low-emission sectors.

    Throughout the sessions, there was a clear consensus that the MENA region’s economic resilience depends on institutional reforms, cross-border cooperation, and investment in skills and innovation. Participants also underscored the importance of embedding policy in local realities—an approach that both the IMF and AUC pledged to champion moving forward.

    In addition to prominent global and regional academics, as well as economists and government officials from across the region, and representatives of international and regional organizations, the conference brought together policymakers, including Rania El Mashat, minister of planning, economic development and international cooperation, Egypt; Youssef Boutros-Ghali, member of the Specialized Council for Economic Development, Egypt; Mahmoud Mohieldin, United Nations special envoy on financing the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda; and Martin Galstyan, governor of the Central Bank of Armenia.

    As Nigel Clarke, IMF Deputy Managing Director concluded, “This conference is a milestone demonstrating the IMF’s commitment to deepening engagement with the research and academic community, as we strive to ensure that the IMF support is not only responsive to the needs of member countries, but also built on rigorous tested analytics and importantly, it’s aligned with local realities. Through this kind of multi-stakeholder dialogue, we aim to better understand how all our expertise and resources can be directed towards the most pressing challenges of the region.”

    Visit the conference website for more details and to rewatch Day 1 and Day 2 of the discussions.

    Founded in 1919, The American University in Cairo (AUC) is a leading English-language, American-accredited institution of higher education and center of the intellectual, social, and cultural life of the Arab world. It is a vital bridge between East and West, linking Egypt and the region to the world through scholarly research, partnerships with academic and research institutions and study abroad programs.

    The University offers 39 undergraduate, 52 master’s and two PhD programs rooted in a liberal arts education that encourages students to think critically and find creative solutions to conflicts and challenges facing both the region and the world.

    An independent, nonprofit, politically non-partisan, non-sectarian and equal opportunity institution, AUC is fully accredited in Egypt and the United States.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Angham Al Shami

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/04/pr25180-imf-auc-wrap-up-1st-mena-conf-macroecon-structural-policies-shifting-global-econ-landscape

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Ricketts Issues Red Alert on Communist China

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the threat Communist China poses to the American way of life. On the 36th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, he spoke with Nebraska reporters about Communist China and his recent Congressional Delegation to the Shangri-La Dialogue.

    ”Dictator Xi Jinping has told his military to be ready to seize Taiwan by 2027,” said Ricketts. ”[Communist China’s] actions threaten peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific… Communist China is the very greatest threat to our very way of life. Communist China is actively threatening our rules-based system that we’ve had in place for over 80 years and that has kept peace.”

    Ricketts also highlighted Communist China’s coercion in the Indo-Pacific, and spoke to the importance of America’s continued engagement in the region with our partners.

    “Countries throughout the region know that Communist China is an inconsistent trading partner and a bad neighbor,” said Ricketts. “While Beijing focuses on coercing its neighbors, we are working with our regional partners to deepen relationships. What we heard from America’s friends and partners   in the Indo-Pacific is that they want America there. They want to have a renewed emphasis on strengthening their defense capabilities as well.”

    Watch the video here.

    TRANSCRIPT:

    Senator Ricketts:

    ”Thank you all for joining our weekly press call.

    “36 years ago today, the People’s ‘Liberation Army’ killed or wounded tens of thousands of pro-democracy Chinese protesters in Tiananmen Square.

    “Communist China’s attacks on freedom are not only existential threats to America and the rest of the world but are a tragic reality for their own people.

    “To this day, the Communists censor any mention of these attacks in China in media and across their online platforms, including AI platforms like DeepSeek.

    “Just go use DeepSeek, plug in Tiananmen Square, and see what you get.

    “We remember the lost lives, repression suffered, and the sacrifices made in the Chinese struggle for freedom.

    “I participated in the Shangri-La Dialogue Friday and Saturday of last week in Singapore with Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth.

    “The Shangri-La Dialogue is an annual conference where world leaders meet to discuss defense policy and national security in the Indo-Pacific.

    “Now, why does this matter to Nebraskans?

    “The Indo-Pacific is critical to our peace and prosperity.

    “Communist Chinese aggression has threatened some of our largest trade partners, Japan and South Korea.

    “Singapore hosts over 6000 American companies that are doing business in Asia.

    “This includes ADM, which has nine facilities and processing plants in Nebraska,

    “$5.3 trillion worth of trade flows through the South China Sea.

    “This makes up about 21% of all global trade.

    “If global trade in the region is disrupted by Communist Chinese aggression, Nebraskans would feel it in their pocketbooks.

    “We would not be able to export our agricultural products.

    “We would also not be able to import products, which would drive up prices.

    “The topic that was top of mind for everyone was the increasing aggression from Communist China.

    “Communist China has been infringing upon economic zones of countries other than just Taiwan and attacking them using cyber networks.

    “Dictator Xi Jinping has told his military to be ready to seize Taiwan by 2027 all these actions threaten peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific.

    “Both the Trump and Biden administrations have declared Communist China our foremost geopolitical threat.

    “Communist China is the very greatest threat to our very way of life.

    “Communist China is actively threatening a rules-based system that we’ve had in place for over 80 years and is kept to peace.

    “Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s speech at the conference was heralded as one of the most detailed accounts of the Indo-Pacific by a secretary of defense in years.

    “He said, ‘America is proud to be back in the Indo-Pacific.

    “’America and our interests are here to stay.’

    “I was happy to see the extent of America’s presence at the conference.

    “Unlike Communist China, we sent our top security and defense officials.

    “In addition to Secretary Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, attended.

    “So did Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan King.

    “Admiral Sam Paparo, the INDOPACOM commander in charge of the region, also spoke of the importance of the Indo-Pacific

    “The US Congress was represented by a bipartisan, bicameral delegation from the House and Senate.

    “Countries throughout the region know that Communist China is an inconsistent trading partner and a bad neighbor.

    “While Beijing focuses on coercing its neighbors, we are working with our regional partners to deepen relationships.

    “What we heard from America’s friends and partners in the Indo-Pacific is that they want America there.

    “They want to have a renewed emphasis on strengthening their defense capabilities as well.

    “In the Senate, I am working with my colleagues to make sure we are ready for Xi Jinping aggression.

    “We are making all aspects of our government ready to respond to Beijing’s malign influence and their illegal, coercive, deceptive, and aggressive behavior, we are playing a decisive role in supporting our Indo-Pacific allies and partners.

    “At the same time, we are complicating Xi Jinping plan to take Taiwan through force or coercion.

    “This trip with Senator Duckworth follows an April trip I took to Taiwan and the Philippines with Senator Chris Coons and Ted Budd.

    “These trips highlight the threat posed by Communist China and make it clear to win the fight against Communist China, we must help our regional partners as they help us.

    “What we see in our trips are not weak partners asking for shelter or protection.

    “They are force multipliers for our deterrence.

    “That’s why I’ve been leading legislation like the PORCUPINE Act, which would make it easier for Taiwan to buy American weapons and supplies.

    “I’m also a co-sponsor of the COUNTER Act, which would address the threats of Communist China’s military bases across the globe.

    “I’m leading action to make sure America is ready to counter the Communist threat to our way of life.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 5 June 2025 Donors making a difference: cholera

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Cholera is a severe diarrhoeal disease that can be fatal within hours if not treated. Quick access to treatment is therefore crucial. Researchers estimate that there are 1.3 to 4 million cases and 21 000 to 143 000 deaths from cholera worldwide each year, with cases surging since 2021. Over 40 countries reported cases last year, and WHO estimates that 1 billion people are directly at risk.

    Cholera remains a global public health threat closely linked to inequality and inadequate social and economic development. Access to safe water, basic sanitation and hygiene are essential to prevent cholera and other waterborne diseases.

    WHO works to improve prevention and control of cholera globally, as well as increase awareness. WHO and partners also support research for the development of innovative strategies to prevent and control cholera.

    Below are some examples of how WHO is collaborating with governments and partners across the world, with critical financial support from donors, to prevent and control cholera.

    WHO and the French Development Agency strengthen emergency community responses to cholera in Democratic Republic of Congo

    WHO and the French Development Agency launch a cholera response project in Haut-Katanga to strengthen emergency community responses.
    Photo by: WHO/Joel Lumbala

    WHO, in partnership with the French Development Agency, has launched a catalytic US$ 392 000 project, working closely with the health authorities of Haut-Katanga and the National Program for the elimination of cholera and the fight against other diarrheal diseases.

    This project aims to drastically reduce the risk of cholera epidemics in this southeastern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project will provide medical supplies, improve infection prevention and control, install 40 oral rehydration points and build two semi-durable isolation treatment centres in the Kafubu and Kipushi health zones.

    Over six months, the project will train 50 registered nurses and 140 community health workers in integrated disease surveillance and response, while raising awareness amongst the population on good hygiene practices. The health zones will also be empowered to locally produce liquid chlorine (bleach) to facilitate the decontamination of households affected by suspected cases of cholera, the treatment of drinking water and medical needs in health facilities. Solar kits and reagents will be available for 6 months.

    Read the full story (in French)

    Angola reinforces actions to end cholera with WHO support

    Deploying rapid response teams, training health personnel, establishing cholera treatment centres and units, providing safe drinking water, intensive community engagement, and the rollout of targeted vaccination campaigns is part of the urgent response measures against cholera. Photo by: WHO/Angola

    Since the onset of a cholera outbreak in Angola in January 2025, more than 14 000 cases and 505 associated deaths have been reported. Around 50% of the cases affected people under 20 years.

    The Ministry of Health, in close coordination with WHO and other development partners, carried out a series of urgent response measures. These included deploying rapid response teams, training health personnel, establishing cholera treatment centres and units, providing safe drinking water, intensive community engagement, and the rollout of targeted vaccination campaigns.

    In addition, health authorities, with support from WHO and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), mapped and treated the country’s main water access points. In early 2025, 28 public health officials from 15 municipalities in five of the most affected provinces were trained in mapping water sources. Nearly 320 water sources were mapped, improving access to treated water for people, particularly in Luanda and Icolo e Bengo provinces, which account for around 94% of cholera cases and 15% of related deaths in the country.

    Read the full stories here and here

    How WHO is supporting cholera outbreak response in Sudan

    A child receives oral cholera vaccine in Baqa’a shelter for internally displaced people in Gedaref, October 2024. Photo by: WHO/Omer Tarig

    The Federal Ministry of Health of Sudan declared a cholera outbreak on 12 August 2024, following the confirmation of cases in Kassala State. Heavy rains, flooding, overcrowding, and limited access to clean water in displacement sites and within communities contributed to the rapid spread of the disease. As of 18 January 2025, the outbreak had affected 84 localities across 11 states, with more than 51 300 cases and 1 359 deaths reported.

    As part of the response, the Federal Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and UNICEF, has conducted oral cholera vaccination campaigns in 8 states, reaching 7.4 million people.

    WHO is supporting the outbreak response through comprehensive health interventions that include strengthening surveillance, deployment of rapid response teams for swift investigation of alerts, case management and improving water quality, sanitation and hygiene services in displacement sites and other at-risk communities.

    WHO is able to deliver on its cholera commitment through the financial contribution of donors: Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the European Union Commission, United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTF), and the Governments of France and Germany.

    Read the full story

    WHO and partners launch second cholera vaccine dose to protect young refugees in Cox’s Bazar

    A young girl receives the 2nd dose of the OCV Vaccine in the Rohingya Camps. Photo by: WHO/Terence Ngwabe Che

    In April 2025, WHO, in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and health sector partners, launched the second round of a targeted Oral Cholera Vaccination (OCV) campaign in Cox’s Bazar. This initiative aims to administer a second dose of the vaccine to Rohingya refugee children aged 1 to 5 years.

    This builds on the success of the initial mass vaccination campaign conducted in January 2025, across the Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban districts, and on Bhasan Char Island. A total of 1.4 million doses were administered from the 1.6 million doses supplied by the International Coordinating Group on Oral Cholera Vaccine Provision for Cholera Control.

    The vaccine deployment followed an approved request by the Directorate General of Health Services, Communicable Disease Control, with operational support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

    Read the full story

    WHO and King Salman Humanitarian Aid & Relief Centre expand life-saving health interventions

    KSRelief Supervisor-General, Abdullah Al Rabeeah, and Dr Tedros, signing funding agreements in response to humanitarian crises at the Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum on 24-25 February 2025, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Photo by: WHO/Karim Yassmineh.

    WHO and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief) agreed on a series of new pledges to deliver life-saving health measures for people threatened by cholera and malaria in Yemen. The pledges also support health services for Sudanese who have fled conflict to neighbouring Egypt, and to support polio eradication efforts in countries where the virus continues to circulate. The agreements were signed during the fourth Riyadh International Humanitarian Forum, being held on 24-25 February.

    WHO’s Country Office in Yemen and KSrelief finalized a donation of US$ 2.1 million to support an existing agreement to expand cholera response and control measures, and improve access to treatment in affected and high-risk areas.

    Read the full story

    Purified water, lives saved: the fight against cholera in Haiti continues

    OPS/WHO delivering materials to the Ministry of Public Health and Population to respond against cholera. Photo by: OPS/WHO

    PAHO/WHO continued to support the Ministry of Public Health and Population in its fight against cholera since its resurgence in October 2022. Access to clean and safe water remains a major challenge in Haiti and is a key factor in the decline of the disease across the country.

    With support from the UNCERF and in partnership with the health authorities, PAHO/WHO implemented a project to improve access to drinking water for Acute Diarrhea Treatment Centres, facilities established to treat cholera patients.

    Installing a water treatment unit made it possible to supply drinking water, on demand, by tanker trucks to a network of 15 distribution points, consisting of tankers installed in as many health facilities throughout the department. In the second phase, 218 departmental health officers were trained on methods for accessing drinking water, effective sanitation techniques, and essential hygiene practices to prevent water-related diseases.

    Read the full story (in French)

    Malawi declares end of cholera outbreak

    Case management at Area 25 cholera treatment centre. Photo by: WHO/Ovixlexla Kamenyagwaza-Bunya

    The Government of Malawi, through its Public Health Institute, declared the end of a protracted cholera outbreak that started in March 2022 and lasted over two years. WHO and partners supported the set-up of cholera treatment centres and units and oral rehydration points, provided clinical mentorship, and supported the development of referral guidelines and standardized patient records from the initial stages of the outbreak.

    The surveillance team supported the roll out of the One Health Surveillance Data Platform, intensified case investigations, and strengthened laboratory testing and event-based surveillance. WHO also provided support for oral cholera vaccination campaigns, where over four million doses were administered with a utilization rate of almost 100%.

    To strengthen resilience and bolster global health security, in June 2023, WHO conducted a Scoping Mission which led to the development of a 2-year roadmap. WHO continues to work with multi-sectoral partners and the donor community to support implementation of these priorities. In 2024, USAID and FCDO UK provided funds towards preparedness activities.

    Read the full story

    South Sudan steps up vaccination, response measures to curb cholera

    A vaccinator administering oral cholera vaccine in Renk, Upper Nile State, during December 2024’s campaign after the September outbreak declaration.
    Photo by: WHO/Atem John Ajang

    The Government of South Sudan declared a cholera outbreak in October 2024. In January 2025, the Ministry of Health, with support from WHO and partners, rolled out several oral cholera vaccination campaigns in four high-risk countries: Malakal, Juba, Renk, and Rubkona.

    With support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, around four million doses of the vaccine were approved and around 910 000 doses administered (as of January 2025) in the four counties, which is above 90% coverage.

    WHO continues to distribute essential medical supplies for cholera response to local and national health authorities and partners, which can treat 4 700 cholera cases. WHO has also facilitated the establishment of a 50-bed cholera treatment centre at Juba Teaching Hospital and is supporting the deployment of nine rapid response teams from national level to 11 priority counties to support implementing partners on the ground to provide critical case management.

    Read the full story

    Scaling up cholera testing in Zimbabwe

    WHO staff build cholera treatment centres with support of communities. Photo by: WHO/Vivian Mugarisi

    To ramp up testing for cholera in Zimbabwe, WHO supported the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) with training of 986 nurses in antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) testing, addressing critical staff shortages at rural health centres. Additionally, 44 laboratory personnel at provincial and district levels were trained in cholera culture, further strengthening diagnostic capacity.

    Prior to the training programme, testing capabilities were limited. Between the outbreak’s onset in February 2023 and 18 January 2024, only 2 090 antigen RDTs and 2 250 culture tests were conducted across 10 health centres. Following the training, the number of antigen RFT tests increased to 9 853, a staggering 371% increase. The success of the programme is attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders including UNICEF, Higher Life Foundation, JHPIEGO, World Vision International and WHO, with MoHCC leading the efforts.

    Funding for the training activities came from the Health Resilience Fund (HRF), UNCERF and the United States Department of the State (USDOS). HRF is a pool of funding from the European Union, the Government of Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

    Additionally, in a significant boost to Zimbabwe’s healthcare infrastructure, WHO donated a wide range of medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC). The equipment, valued close to USD$1.8 million, was funded by various donors and partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF), USAID, and the Government of Japan.

    Read the full stories here and here

    ***

    Read more about WHO’s work on cholera

    The donors and partners acknowledged in this story are (in alphabetical order)

    African Development Bank, European Union, French Development Agency, Germany, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Health Resilience Fund, Higher Life Foundation, International Coordinating Group on Oral Cholera Vaccine Provision for Cholera Control, Ireland, Japan, JHPIEGO, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, UNICEF, UN Central Emergency Response Fund, UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTF), United States Department of the State, USAID, World Vision International.

    WHO’s work is made possible through all contributions of our Member States and partners. WHO thanks all donor countries, governments, organizations and individuals who are contributing to the Organization’s work, with special appreciation for those who provide fully flexible contributions to maintain a strong, independent WHO.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Europe trade mission will promote B.C. tech, attract investment

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    A B.C. delegation will travel to Europe to promote the province’s expertise in technology to support investment and trade opportunities for businesses in the province, and good-paying jobs for British Columbians.

    The best of B.C. technology and agricultural technology will be highlighted on the world stage during three major tech conferences: London Tech Week, GreenTech in Amsterdam and VivaTech in Paris. These events provide a platform to showcase what B.C. has to offer and attract investment, driving sustainable and innovative growth in B.C.

    Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, and Rick Glumac, Minister of State for Trade, will be in Europe from June 9 until June 14, 2025.

    “Now more than ever, it’s critical that we reach into new markets and promote B.C. as a competitive destination for business across all sectors,” Gibson said. “We will be meeting with investors, key government officials and stakeholders to build connections and showcase our world-class, made-in-B.C. technology.”

    In early 2023, the B.C. government introduced the Trade Diversification Strategy to strengthen and expand the province’s trading base. Through this initiative, B.C. is fostering trade and investment opportunities in new markets while growing its presence in established ones, increasing both the number and diversity of B.C. exporters.

    Today, the province benefits from a network of more than 50 trade and investment representatives across 14 key markets in North America, Europe and Asia. Given rising global trade tensions, the urgency of these efforts has become more pronounced.

    “B.C. is already seeing strong results since the launch of our Trade Diversification Strategy, with exports growing in new and existing markets globally,” Glumac said. “We will be travelling with numerous B.C. companies on this European trade mission to build on our efforts to diversify trade and showcase the incredible innovation coming from B.C.”

    The ministers will be meeting with key representatives during three major tech conferences overseas:

    • London Tech Week is a collection of events featuring tech innovation, entrepreneurship and talent. The Province will highlight B.C.’s economic priorities and gain perspectives on B.C.-U.K. trade and investment, while connecting with B.C. companies successfully operating in the U.K.
    • VivaTech is Europe’s biggest tech and startup event, with companies from more than 25 sectors and more than 2,000 investors and funds. Canada is Country of the Year for 2025 and Scale AI, the Canadian AI Cluster, is organizing a delegation for about 100 Canadian companies, of which 16 are from B.C. In addition, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and National Research Council are organizing an Ocean Tech mission to France with 11 companies, eight of which are from B.C. As part of that mission, they will be at Vivatech, where a specific focus session on their technologies will be held.  
    • GreenTech Amsterdam is the premier global trade show for horticulture technology, bringing together more than 13,000 professionals and 530 exhibitors from around the world. The event showcases cutting-edge innovations in areas such as greenhouse automation, robotics, AI, climate control, water and energy solutions, and vertical farming. This is the fourth year that B.C. will participate with a booth at the event.

    “Greentech Amsterdam is a prime opportunity to showcase leading companies with made-in-B.C. technologies that advance food production, open doors to global partnerships and drive long-term growth,” said Seychelle Cushing, executive director, B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation. “The B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation is proud to partner with leading agri-businesses, government and academia to showcase B.C.’s leadership in agritech innovation on the world stage.”

    The EU meetings build on the work underway on Premier David Eby’s trade mission focused on key markets in Asia, as B.C. elevates and expands its trade efforts for new partnerships in light of the ongoing global trade conflict.

    B.C. is the economic engine of the new Canada and innovation is at the heart of this transformation, positioning the province as a global destination for tech talent and investment.

    Quick Facts:

    • In 2022, the European Union was B.C.’s fifth-largest destination for exports.
    • With 20 EU members and seven non-EU members adopting the euro as their official currency, trade and competition is facilitated between businesses in the region while concurrently providing price stability.
    • The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement was established in 2017 and facilitates trade between Canada and the European Union.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the deputy minister’s recent mission to Hannover Messe in Germany, visit: https://www.britishcolumbia.ca/news-stories/b-c-fuels-innovation-at-hannover-messe-2025/

    To read the Trade Diversification Strategy, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/international-investment-and-trade/trade-diversification-strategy

    For more about the StrongerBC Economic Plan, visit:
    https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/economic-plan/

    For more about trade and investment in B.C., visit: www.britishcolumbia.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Talkdesk achieves full FedRAMP authorization for CX Cloud Government Edition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talkdesk®, Inc., a global provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered customer experience (CX) technology that serves enterprises of all sizes, today announced it has achieved FedRAMP® Authorization for Talkdesk CX Cloud Government Edition™.

    The authorization validates that Talkdesk meets the stringent security and compliance standards of the United States (U.S.) federal government for cloud service providers, reinforcing its commitment to supporting public sector customers with a secure, simple cloud contact center platform purpose-built to deliver modern stakeholder service.

    FedRAMP certification requires a meticulous and rigorous product assessment, ensuring adherence to the most stringent security standards. With full FedRAMP Authorization, Talkdesk is strategically positioned to expand its services to U.S. federal and state agencies and higher education institutions—enhancing modernization of citizen and other stakeholder services at government agencies at an accelerated scale, without the hindrance of lengthy procurement cycles or concerns over sensitive data management.

    Talkdesk CX Cloud Government Edition brings key benefits for government agencies. It enhances citizen experiences with voice engagement support across multiple channels, including call control and orchestration and routing features; agent workspace to place all relevant customer information on a single pane of glass; quality management to evaluate and improve agent interactions; workforce management to forecast, plan, and develop staff schedules; standard and custom reporting with bespoke and granular access to data and dashboards; and Bring Your Own Carrier (BYOC) capabilities.

    “Public sector organizations are challenged with meeting the CX needs of the stakeholders they serve while ensuring those interactions and data stay secure. Agencies can now implement and use Talkdesk CX Cloud Government Edition with confidence,” said Tiago Paiva, chief executive officer and founder of Talkdesk. “This designation unblocks lengthy procurement motions and allows any agency to leverage Talkdesk’s modern, yet secure, cloud-based CX platform to accelerate enhanced citizen service, while maintaining stakeholder trust, security, and compliance.”

    About Talkdesk

    Talkdesk® is on a mission to rid the world of bad customer experience. With our cloud-native, generative AI-powered CX platform, purpose-built industry solutions, and extensible AI offerings, we empower enterprises in the cloud and on-premises to deliver exceptional customer experiences that make them more competitive, grow revenue, reduce costs, and provide operational efficiencies. With specialized workflows and integrations delivered out of the box for our Industry Experience Clouds, Talkdesk accelerates value for our customers faster and more simply than legacy or one-size-fits-all solutions.

    Partnering with enterprises globally, we deliver continuous innovation and breakthrough results. Our commitment to reliability and security, paired with our track record of delivering on promises, sets us apart in the industry. Elevate customer experiences, streamline operations, and increase revenue with Talkdesk. Companies that love their customers use Talkdesk.

    Talkdesk is a registered trademark of Talkdesk, Inc. All product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.

    Media Contact:

    Talkdesk Public Relations
    pr@talkdesk.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Your chance to see the brand new Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy in Sunderland

    Source: City of Sunderland

    There’s still time to have your photo taken with the brand new Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy when it puts in a special appearance in Sunderland’s Keel Square this Friday 6 June.

    The trophy the world’s top women’s rugby teams will be competing for this summer will be in Keel Square between 10 am and 4pm on the first day of the three-day Sunderland Food and Drink Festival. 

    World Rugby unveiled the new trophy last month to tie in with the start of the 100-day countdown to the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Sunderland on Friday 22 August. This will see England’s Red Roses take on the USA at the Stadium of Light.

    The trophy’s visit marks the culmination of a nationwide tour of all eight host cities and towns as excitement continues to build for the record-breaking tournament.

    Ahead of its visit to Keel Square on Friday, youngsters from local schools got their chance to put their rugby skills to the test and have their photos taken with rugby’s newest icon when it stopped off at Hylton Castle on Wednesday.

    Councillor Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic to have the trophy visiting Sunderland as we count down to hosting the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup on 22 August.

    “Having the opening game here is a brilliant opportunity to showcase our city on the international stage.

    “We’re really looking forward to welcoming England’s Red Roses and the USA teams to Sunderland, as well as rugby fans from this country and across the world when the tournament kicks off in Sunderland in August.

    “It was also great to see our own young players, who could well be the next generation of top rugby stars, demonstrating their own rugby skills during the trophy’s stop off at Hylton Castle on Wednesday.”

    The 2025 tournament is the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history after selling more than 300,000 tickets – more than twice the total attendance at the last tournament in New Zealand in 2021.

    People visiting Keel Square on Friday will be able to see the new Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy and the bespoke RWC 2025 Defender Trophy Tour Vehicle and have the opportunity to have their photo taken with them both.

    Councillor Beth Jones is Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism: “With excitement continuing to build now that we’re less than 100 days away from the tournament kicking off in Sunderland, this is a brilliant opportunity to have your photo taken with the trophy that the top women’s rugby teams in the world are going to be competing for this summer,” she said.

    “It’s also a great chance to find out more about the sport so I’d encourage everyone to come down, have your photo taken with the trophy and enjoy a fantastic time at the Food and Drink Festival while you’re here.”

    Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director, Sarah Massey, said: “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 promises to be a landmark tournament for the sport and the trophy tour to our host locations provides a brilliant opportunity to ignite excitement across England.

    “We look forward to celebrating with fans and encouraging even more people to be a part of this unforgettable tournament.”

    Sunderland Food & Drink Festival is set to take place across Keel Square, High Street West and Market Square from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 June.

    Featuring food from across the world including street food and artisan produce, visitors will also be able to enjoy the live stage programme in Keel Square from 11am to 7pm every day.

    For more information on the food and drink festival visit https://sunderlandfooddrinkfest.co.uk/live-entertainment/

    To find out more about the Women’s Rugby World Cup, how to get tickets and how to get involved in free rugby activities in Sunderland visit:Rugby World Cup 2025 – MySunderland

    To find out more about free rugby activities provided by Newcastle Rugby Foundation as community engagement programme partner for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and how to get involved visit: WRWC Countdown – Newcastle Rugby Foundation

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces new parliamentary secretary team

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced a new parliamentary secretary team focused on building Canada strong.

    Canadians elected this new government with a mandate to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build a stronger economy, to bring down costs, and to keep our communities safe. Parliamentary secretaries will support their respective cabinet ministers and secretaries of state to deliver on this mandate.

    The new parliamentary secretary team is appointed as follows:

    • Karim Bardeesy becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
    • Jaime Battiste becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
    • Rachel Bendayan becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
    • Kody Blois becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
    • Sean Casey becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
    • Sophie Chatel becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    • Madeleine Chenette becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Sport)
    • Maggie Chi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health
    • Leslie Church becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretaries of State for Labour, for Seniors, and for Children and Youth, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families (Persons with Disabilities)
    • Caroline Desrochers becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    • Ali Ehsassi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy (Canada-U.S. Trade)
    • Mona Fortier becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Peter Fragiskatos becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
    • Vince Gasparro becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)
    • Wade Grant becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    • Claude Guay becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    • Brendan Hanley becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs
    • Corey Hogan becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    • Anthony Housefather becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience
    • Mike Kelloway becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
    • Ernie Klassen becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries
    • Annie Koutrakis becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Jobs and Families
    • Kevin Lamoureux becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
    • Patricia Lattanzio becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
    • Ginette Lavack becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services
    • Carlos Leitao becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry
    • Tim Louis becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy (Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy)
    • Jennifer McKelvie becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    • Marie-Gabrielle Ménard becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
    • David Myles becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Nature)
    • Yasir Naqvi becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (International Development)
    • Taleeb Noormohamed becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation
    • Rob Oliphant becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Tom Osborne becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board
    • Jacques Ramsay becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Safety
    • Pauline Rochefort becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Rural Development)
    • Sherry Romanado becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
    • Jenna Sudds becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
    • Ryan Turnbull becomes Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue and Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)

    Prime Minister Carney also announced that Élisabeth Brière will serve as Deputy Chief Government Whip, and Arielle Kayabaga will serve as Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

    Quote

    “Canada’s new parliamentary secretary team will deliver on the government’s mandate for change, working collaboratively with all parties in Parliament to build the strongest economy in the G7, advance a new security and economic partnership with the United States, and help Canadians get ahead.”

    Quick Fact

    • Parliamentary secretaries are chosen by the Prime Minister to assist ministers and secretaries of state.

    Associated Link

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: For both artists and scientists, slow looking allows surprising connections to surface

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Amanda Bongers, Assistant Professor, Chemistry Education Research, Queen’s University, Ontario

    Scientists need skills in visual analysis and critical thinking, but these skills aren’t being taught or practised nearly enough in our university classrooms.

    The fast pace and complex visuals in chemistry lectures can be overwhelming.
    (Lee Nachtigal/Flickr), CC BY

    One reason why science is hard to learn is because it relies on visuals and simulations for things we cannot see with the naked eye. In topics like chemistry, students struggle to translate complicated symbols to the atoms and molecules they are meant to represent.

    Surprisingly, most university chemistry classrooms are not helping students with these tasks. Students spend lectures passively viewing slides packed with images without engaging with them or generating their own. Relying on innate ability, rather than teaching visual thinking and analysis skills, leaves many students feeling lost in the symbols and resorting to arduous and unproductive memorization tactics.

    What can we do to help students analyze and learn from scientific visuals? Fortunately, we can look to the arts for inspiration. There are parallels between the skills learned in art history and those needed in science classrooms.

    Developing a trained eye

    Feeling baffled by a work of art is similar to the experience of many chemistry learners. In both scenarios, viewers might ask themselves: What am I looking at, where should I look and what does it mean?

    And while a portrait or landscape may seem straightforward in its message, these works of art are filled with information and messages hidden to the untrained eye.

    The longer a viewer takes to look at each image, the more information can be uncovered, and the viewer can ask more questions and explore further.

    For example, in the 18th-century painting Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Tabletop by Dutch painter Rachel Ruysch, looking beyond the flowers painted in full bloom reveals a swarm of insects, which art historians regard in a wider context of spiritual meditations upon mortality.

    Did you notice the insects in ‘Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Tabletop?’
    (Rijksmuseum)

    The field of art history is dedicated to exploring works of art, and emphasizes visual analysis and critical thinking skills. When an art historian studies a work of art, they explore what information may be contained within the work, why it was presented in that manner and what this means in a broader context.



    Read more:
    Mike Pence’s fly: From Renaissance portraits to Salvador Dalí, artists used flies to make a point about appearances

    Process of looking, asking questions

    This process of looking and asking questions about what you are looking at is needed at all levels of science, and is a useful general skill.

    The non-profit organization Visual Thinking Strategies has created resources and programs to support educators, from kindergarten to high school, in using art for discussion in their classrooms.

    These discussions about art help young learners develop skills for reasoning, communicating and coping with uncertainty. Another resource, “Thinking Routines” from Harvard’s Project Zero, includes more suggestions for leading engagement with art and objects to help students cultivate observation, interpretation and questioning.

    Critical viewing means slowing down

    Such approaches have also been embraced in medical education, where medical students learn critical viewing through close-looking activities with art, and explore themes of empathy, power and care.

    Viewing art can help teach people critical viewing, a skill essential for interpreting medical imaging.
    (Shutterstock)

    Medical humanities programs also help young professionals to respond to ambiguity. Learning how to analyze art changes how people describe medical images, such as photos of clinical interactions, and has been shown to improve their empathy scores.

    The skills needed for visual analysis of art works require us to slow down and let our eyes wander and brains think. Slow and deep looking involves taking four or five minutes to silently view a work of art, allowing surprising details and connections to surface. Students training in medical imaging in the field of radiology can learn this slow and critical viewing process by interacting with art.

    Students in classrooms

    Now imagine the difference between a leisurely setting like a gallery to a classroom, with the pressure to listen, look, copy and learn from visuals and prepare for exams.

    How long are students spending analyzing these complex chemistry diagrams? Research that colleagues and I conducted suggests very little.

    When we observed chemistry classrooms, we found that students either passively viewed images while the instructor discussed them, or copied visuals as the instructor drew them. In both cases, they are not engaging with the visuals or generating their own.

    When teaching chemistry, Amanda, the lead author of this story, has seen students feel pressure to find a “correct” answer quickly when solving chemistry problems, causing them to overlook important but less obvious information.

    Visual analysis in chemistry education

    Our team of artists, art historians, arts educators, chemistry teachers and students is working to bring arts-inspired visual analysis into university chemistry classrooms.

    Through mock lectures followed by in-depth discussions, our preliminary research has found intersections between the practices and teachings of the visual arts skills and the skills needed for chemistry education, and we’ve designed activities for teaching students these skills.

    A focus group with university science educators helped us refine the activities to work for educators’ classrooms and goals. Through this process, we’ve identified new ways of thinking about and engaging with visuals and as our research evolves, so may these activities.

    Example of a visual analysis activity pairing a work of art with a chemistry visual. Left: ‘Cubist Study of a Head’ by Elemér de Kóródy, 1913 (The Met). Right: Analysis of a cycloaddition reaction (Author provided).

    Many students in university science classrooms will not pursue a traditional career in science, and their programs rarely lead to a specific job, yet visual thinking skills are essential in the wide skill sets needed for their future careers.

    Visual analysis and critical thinking are becoming even more important in daily life now with the rise of AI-generated images and videos.

    Developing skills to slow down and look

    Integrating the arts into other disciplines can support critical thinking and introduce learners to new perspectives. We argue that the arts can help science students develop essential visual analysis skills by teaching them to slow down and simply look.

    “Thinking like a scientist” has come to mean asking questions about what you see, but this could easily be framed as thinking like an art historian:

    1. Look closely for details;

    2. Consider details together and in context (for example, by asking: “Who created this and why?”);

    3. Recognize the need for broad technical and fundamental knowledge to see the less obvious, and;

    4. Accept uncertainty. There may be more than one answer, and we may never know for sure!

    Amanda Bongers receives funding from SSHRC and NSERC.

    Madeleine Dempster receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

    – ref. For both artists and scientists, slow looking allows surprising connections to surface – https://theconversation.com/for-both-artists-and-scientists-slow-looking-allows-surprising-connections-to-surface-252355

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Predictive AI model could help forecast neurodegenerative diseases

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s are a growing concern in the U.S., with over 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease today. By 2060, that number is expected to grow, affecting nearly 13 million people. These diseases are not only hard on individuals and families, but are costly, with more than $230 billion spent in the U.S. each year in caregiving alone. As the population ages, the need for new ways to detect and address the silent emergence of these diseases has never been more urgent. 

    New artificial intelligence predictive models used in brain research may provide a way to better predict how a person’s brain ages over time, helping doctors recognize warning signs long before clinical symptoms surface. 

    Supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation, a team of researchers led by Paul Bogdan, an associate professor in the University of Southern California Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has developed a cutting-edge AI system capable of generating a future MRI of a person’s brain from just a single scan. This technology opens the door to identifying subtle changes that may signal the earliest stages of neurodegenerative diseases — potentially years before traditional diagnostic methods could detect them.

    To build the tool, the team combined two advanced AI techniques: a 3D diffusion model and a ControlNet, which allow the system to “control” or guide image generation based on input data. In this case, the input is a baseline brain MRI from a healthy adult. From that single image, the AI model predicts a realistic follow-up MRI, simulating how that specific brain might look years later. 

    Credit: Gengshuo Liu, University of Southern California

    Diagram of the AI model: Part A (U-Net diffusion model) processes 3D medical images, while part B (ControlNet) uses a person’s earlier MRI to guide predictions. Researchers first trained the U-Net model as a baseline model and then trained ControlNet to make predictions based on the baseline images.

    This research was funded by multiple NSF grants — including those focused on medical cyber-physical systems, uncertainty modeling and formal methods that enhance trustworthiness — and brought together multidisciplinary fields such as health care, cyber-physical systems, mathematical modeling and formal methods. Researchers included Gengshuo Liu (electrical and computer engineering doctoral student), Nikhil Chaudhari (biomedical engineering doctoral student), Nikos Kanakaris (engineer), Chenzhong Yin (data science expert) and Andrei Irimia (neuroscientist). 

    The NSF funding was instrumental to laying the groundwork for brain modeling research, developing mathematical frameworks that capture the time-dependent, complex spatiotemporal physiological changes of the brain and ensuring the robustness and reliability of the AI-generated MRIs to generate not just accurate images, but also meaningful insights about how the brain evolves. 

    “NSF support was absolutely essential for thinking outside the box and critical to our successful AI model solving an urgent challenge our society faces — detecting neurological disorders very early on in order to take proactive measures and improve quality of life,” said Bogdan. “Each of these projects gave us critical building blocks — from modeling complex systems, to handling uncertainty, to making machine learning more explainable. Without that foundation, this level of scientific integration and investigation wouldn’t have been possible.”  

    The implications of this work are significant for early detection of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, significant reduction of health care costs and improvement to the quality of life of patients and caregivers.

    Credit: Gengshuo Liu, University of Southern California

    The image shows a comparison of real and AI-generated (synthetic) brain scans from a 76-year-old participant. The top two rows show the real and synthetic images, while the bottom rows highlight the differences between them.

    And the applications don’t stop there. The AI framework used in this study could also be adapted to predict changes in other organs or body systems, enabling more personalized and preventive care across many health conditions. Researchers plan to expand the training dataset to include individuals with different follow-up intervals and a wider age range. They are also exploring clinical partnerships with anyone interested in extending these AI models and validating them in real-world health care settings. 

    In the future, a single MRI taken during a routine checkup could give doctors a window into a person’s neurological future and help take proactive measures so that certain neurological disorders are either avoided or their onset significantly delayed. With continued federal investments, tools like this could one day become part of standard preventive medicine and save countless lives. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: iQor CXBPO™ Unveils infinityAiQ™ Platform Powering the Future of Intelligent Customer Experiences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iQor CXBPO™, an award-winning customer experience business process outsourcing (BPO) provider, today announced the launch of infinityAiQ™, a unified intelligence platform that combines human expertise, AI, and analytics to optimize every stage of the customer experience. The platform is designed to help clients deepen loyalty, reduce costs, and increase revenue through smarter, more adaptive CX operations.

    Built to power iQor’s CXBPO model, the infinityAiQ platform integrates intelligence across the agent and customer lifecycles — from hiring and training to engagement, resolution, and recovery. It combines secure infrastructure, proprietary AI tools, and enriched data pipelines into a cohesive, scalable system. A key component, Insights iQ™, extracts predictive, real-time intelligence from every customer interaction. Powered by iQor’s VALDI advanced analytics engine and enhanced through an industry-first collaboration with OpenAI, Insights iQ enables brands to act on 100% of conversations — not just samples — to uncover trends, detect churn risks, and accelerate action.

    “infinityAiQ is the engine propelling our CXBPO model to help clients compete in a world where customer experience drives business growth,” said iQor President and CEO Chris Crowley. “By harnessing data, technology, and expertise, we deliver a scalable foundation for faster innovation, smarter decisions, and stronger customer relationships. This platform enables our clients to move beyond traditional outsourcing models and into proactive, insight-driven growth.”

    infinityAiQ offers three integrated solution pillars to help brands turn customer experience into competitive advantage:

    • People iQ: Intelligent hiring, onboarding, and training systems that match best-fit talent to client needs, building high-performing, scalable teams.
    • Process iQ: Streamlined workflows and automation that reduce costs and improve speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
    • Insights iQ: Predictive analytics and real-time decisioning tools that identify patterns, uncover opportunities, and drive revenue-enhancing CX strategies.

    iQor’s investment in automation and machine learning enables its infinityAiQ platform to process over 2.7 billion tokens per week through LLMs and apply advanced predictive analytics to 100% of the call volume, driving significant improvements in performance and customer experience.

    “infinityAiQ is the culmination of years of investment in secure infrastructure, proprietary AI, and advanced analytics,” said Prabhjot Singh, Chief Digital Officer at iQor. “We’ve engineered a platform that transforms unstructured data from every interaction into real-time business intelligence — fueling predictive decisioning, automation, and continuous optimization across the CX journey.”

    With iQor’s PCI-DSS, SOC 1 and 2 Type 2, HITRUST, and ISO 27001 certifications, as well as HIPAA compliance, infinityAiQ provides clients with the confidence of operating on a secure, resilient infrastructure. Whether deployed as a full contact center solution or integrated with existing systems, the platform is designed to deliver unmatched intelligence and flexibility across omnichannel environments without disruption.

    To learn more about how infinityAiQ powers unified intelligence for unmatched CX results, visit www.iqor.com/infinityAiQ.

    About iQor CXBPO™
    iQor CXBPO™ is a trusted partner in intelligent customer experience solutions, delivering exceptional results for global brands. With 40,000 employees across 10 countries, we combine 30 years of industry expertise with cutting-edge AI-driven innovations to optimize customer interactions at every stage. Our agile, scalable solutions ensure seamless omnichannel engagement, driving loyalty and measurable business success. Recognized as a Great Place to Work® and a leader in CX excellence, we elevate performance through a people-first approach, operational expertise, and secure, technology-enabled solutions. Learn more at iQor.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Ethical Web AI Launches AI Vault SaaS on AWS Marketplace

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bubblr Inc., doing business as Ethical Web AI (OTC: BBLR), a leader in enterprise-specific generative AI, is proud to announce the launch of AI Vault SaaS on the AWS Marketplace. This new software-as-a-service version of AI Vault marks a major milestone for the company, dramatically simplifying deployment and expanding market accessibility.

    AI Vault Enterprise—Ethical Web AI’s original flagship solution—requires integration into a client’s AWS environment, often involving time and DevOps resources. While larger enterprises may accommodate this with ease, smaller companies and those seeking to trial the product may find it a barrier to adoption.

    The new AI Vault SaaS eliminates this friction. Now available directly via the AWS Marketplace, it allows businesses to deploy instantly without needing to configure their cloud infrastructure. This significantly shortens the sales cycle and makes it easy for companies of all sizes to experience AI Vault’s capabilities firsthand.

    “The launch of AI Vault SaaS is a game-changer,” said Steve Morris, CTO and Founder of Ethical Web AI. “Amazon’s support has been phenomenal throughout this process. Our recent accreditation as an AWS Software Partner has been one of the most significant milestones in our history. It’s enabled us to deliver both versions of AI Vault through the AWS Marketplace and unlock powerful co-marketing opportunities.”

    AI Vault SaaS is priced at $20 per user, slightly higher than the $15 per user cost of AI Vault Enterprise due to Ethical Web AI absorbing the full computational workload. Despite this, both offerings remain more cost-effective than typical generative AI competitors, offering significantly greater enterprise control and transparency.

    The company expects to onboard its first five clients within the next week, a milestone that will activate expanded AWS co-marketing support and signal the start of a full-scale commercial push through direct sales and reseller partnerships.

    About AI Vault
    AI Vault is a groundbreaking generative AI platform engineered for enterprises that prioritise security, privacy, and control. With 27% of global businesses—especially financial institutions and highly regulated organisations—hesitant to adopt generative AI due to data concerns, AI Vault provides a trusted alternative.

    The platform offers:

    • Full control and visibility over AI interactions within the organisation
    • Zero data sharing with Ethical Web AI or any third-party LLM partners
    • Protection through three USPTO patents, including a key patent that guarantees client data never leaves their environment

    Watch the explainer video to see AI Vault in action:

    AI Vault Explainer Video (https://ethicalweb.ai/ai-vault-explainer-video/)

    About Ethical Web AI
    Ethical Web AI is a mission-driven technology company advocating for a safer, more transparent internet. Our patented generative AI solutions are designed to empower enterprises with the tools they need to innovate confidently—without compromising ethics, privacy, or security.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management. They are subject to several uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the Company’s current plans and expectations, future operations, and financial condition. The Company reserves the right to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events or otherwise.

    Media and investor contact: tom.symonds@ethicalweb.ai

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Navigating Global Challenges: What’s in it for Europe? | ICMA Annual General Meeting & Conference

    Source: Deutsche Bundesbank in English

    Check against delivery.

    1. Introduction
    Ladies and gentlemen.
    I don’t know what your early morning routine looks like, but mine has changed significantly. Every morning when I get up, the first thing I do is to check the news for developments that I would not have expected even some months ago. Global uncertainty and tectonic shifts are everywhere.
    Today, I would like to take a closer look at what this means for Europe. More specifically: how can Europe make the most of the current circumstances, where many international investors look for new investment opportunities? 
    2. Global threats: Weak growth and high debt
    Let me recap some of the challenges our world is facing. 
    First, the global economy is experiencing a longer period of relatively weak growth. The reasons for this are manifold:

    Growing trade barriers,

    overcapacity in China and
    concentration risks along the supply chain.

    All these factors are becoming a more pressing issue. Trade barriers, such as tariffs and export restrictions, fragment international markets and reduce the efficiency of global trade. Overcapacity in China in key industries can lead to further price pressure, especially in Europe. Concentration in either critical industries like the chip industry or commodities, such as rare earths, can create economic dependencies.
    Besides significant headwinds resulting from geopolitical tensions, we have country-specific challenges. These include:

    Demographic change, causing a shortage of skilled workers.
    Small and medium-sized companies not using the full potential of digitalisation.
    Slow administration and high degree of bureaucracy.

    These factors matter, especially in Europe. 
    And in addition to all this, we are facing broader challenges that you all are aware of. A short list: climate change, degradation of nature and the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on our economies.
    We also need to talk about rising global debt. Fiscal deficits and public debt-to-GDP ratios have grown significantly in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDE). In 2025, even in advanced economies the debt-to-GDP ratio has reached an average level of 110 %.[1]
    High debt is a significant risk for financial stability. High debt also limits governments’ room for manoeuvre.
    3. Uncertainty causes high volatility in financial markets
    At the same time we face significant uncertainty that is evident in the high volatility on financial markets. This year alone, volatility indicators in many market segments spiked at various occasions:
    In early March, when the new German government presented its fiscal plans. In April, markets reacted strongly to the announcement of “reciprocal” tariffs by the US administration. Recently, we have seen rising yields in many countries, particularly at the long end of the yield curve.
    In part this increase in rates can be seen as a normalisation, as central banks are slowly withdrawing from bond markets. But rising term premia may also reflect heightened awareness of fiscal sustainability with regard to a number of countries, including the US. 
    This shows that: Fiscal leeway is not infinite. This is what even leading government bond markets are telling us. 
    In such an environment, market participants have to deal with remarkable changes. Probably the most prominent one involves rising US Treasury yields, which normally go hand in hand with a rising US dollar. Recently, however, this correlation has been reversed. 
    Potential vulnerabilities also originate from non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs). We saw high margin calls affecting hedge funds, to mention just one example. We have to keep a close eye on NBFIs, not least since they control roughly 50 % of global financial assets.[2]
    Bottom line: In recent months we have experienced significant volatility in financial markets. The good news: Financial markets remained quite resilient, despite this high volatility. But with all these uncertainties and rising debt levels also in advanced economies it is clear: We are not out of the woods. 
    4. Europe has benefited so far
    Europe, in particular, has been holding up relatively well amid this uncertainty and volatility. The euro has appreciated against the US dollar and against the currencies of other major trading partners. European equity markets have been outperforming their peers in other regions. German government bonds have served as a stability anchor and a safe haven, especially amid the uncertainty around tariffs. 
    Looking at government bond spreads in Europe, there were no signs of fragmentation even in times of market stress. We are seeing more and more non-European entities issuing bonds in euro instead of US dollar. Finally, the German government’s fiscal package was well received. The biggest part of the rise in Bund yields following news about the spending plans reflected an improved medium-term growth outlook. 
    So, that’s the good news, but let’s also be honest: Part of the market reaction towards Europe is due to positive expectations about future outcomes. It seems that to some extent we are being praised for reforms we have yet to implement. 
    Beyond that, the strength that Germany and Europe have shown is more relative in nature, so far. In other words, we have also benefited from higher uncertainty in other parts of the world. 
    But it is also true that many investors are discovering Europe to be a safe haven. It is a place where democracy, the rule of law and the principle of checks and balances are part of the DNA.
    5. How can Europe benefit in the future?
    Against this backdrop, how can Germany and Europe preserve and build on these positive developments? Or, put differently, how can we ensure that the current tailwind does not become a lukewarm breeze?
    First, we have to make sure that democracy, rule of law and the principle of checks and balances remain the backbone of Europe. 
    Second, any fiscal space needs to be used in a smart way, fostering growth. This means that financial resources must be channelled into productive investments. 
    Third, growth requires not only smart support from the government. The biggest effort must come from the corporate sector itself.
    European companies have to become more competitive to keep pace with global dynamics. This includes making advances in digitalisation and AI, as well as driving innovation in disruptive technologies and areas. 
    Companies have to stay alert and agile. They have to adapt to the speed of key developments and remain open to change. For that, they need to recruit skilled people.
    To get skilled people, Europe must ensure a well-functioning education system, including good universities. We must secure that everyone has access to educational institutions. 
    That leads me to my last point: We need a social system that ensures social cohesion. At the same time, a social system has to be balanced to provide incentives for work and to avoid overburdening fiscal capacities.
    I could go on listing all the areas where Europe needs to improve. But let me come to an end.
    6. Conclusion
    Ladies and gentlemen.
    The momentum is now on Europe’s side, but it will not be endless. Europe needs to speed up. The public and private sector both need to accelerate and intensify their efforts to ensure their economies remain globally competitive. That’s what investors expect. 
    A major cornerstone of Europe’s promise as a safe haven lies in its democracy, its rule of law and its system of checks and balances. These are some of Europe’s greatest treasures. 
    Being a passionate European, I will do my best to safeguard these treasures. In my case, by stressing the value of central bank independence.
    Footnotes

    International Monetary Fund (2025): World Economic Outlook, 14 April 2025.
    Financial Stability Board (2024): Global Monitoring Report on Non-Bank Financial Intermediation, 16 December 2024.

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Europe News –