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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Manufacturing Sales Sees Second Best Growth in Canada

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 15, 2025

    Strong Manufacturing Sector Fueling Economic Resilience

    Today’s manufacturing sales figures show that Saskatchewan saw an increase of 4.4 per cent in May 2025 compared to April 2025. This is the second highest month-over-month increase among the provinces.

    “These positive numbers highlight once again that Saskatchewan remains the best place in Canada to live, work, raise a family and start a business,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “The huge growth we are seeing in manufacturing sales means businesses can invest with confidence as our economy continues to grow and prosper.”

    Manufacturing sales, including shipments, inventories and orders, represent the dollar value of goods sold by manufacturers. 

    Saskatchewan continues to see significant economic growth. Statistics Canada’s latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) numbers indicate that the province’s real GDP at basic prices reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion in 2024, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

    Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second-highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.

    Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada. 

    For more information, visit: InvestSK.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First part of £50 million Aberdeen beachfront redevelopment officially opened

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    The first part of a £50million redevelopment of Aberdeen beach was officially opened today with the unveiling of the new-look Broadhill.

    Aberdeen’s Lord Provost, Councillor David Cameron, toasted the occasion with a cup of tea from a tartan flask and a traditional rowie at a striking new viewpoint on top of the well-known landmark.

    The five-hectare Broadhill has been transformed with new access steps, footpaths, viewpoints, drystone walls, timber and concrete seating and landscaping. The work has been completed in time for the public to enjoy the site as a vantage point for the forthcoming Tall Ships Race (19-22 July).

    As he surveyed the completed works, the Lord Provost said: “This is an exciting occasion to toast with the first part of the beachfront works finished.

    “As thousands of people come into the city for the Tall Ships Races, the revamped Broadhill with additional seating and a viewpoint will be a prime place to watch the vessels sail into the harbour as well as the spectacular Red Arrows display.”

    Broadhill is part of the biggest redevelopment of Aberdeen beach for 35 years with work well under way in creating a beach park and a large events field.

    The Broadhill works have seen more than 10,000 new trees, shrubs, and underlying vegetation planted across the site to help enhance the natural environment by further diversifying the habitat and ecological value of the area.

    The Lord Provost was joined for today’s opening ceremony by members of the city’s Young Ambassadors, a group of young people who contributed ideas for the beach plans.

    Aberdeen City Council’s Co-Leaders welcomed today’s opening as the first project to be completed in the ambitious Aberdeen City Centre and Beach Master Plan.

    Co-leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “It is good to see the first of the beach works finished as the first of the City Centre and Beach Master Plan projects.  We hope many generations to come will make good use of the changes at Broadhill. The beachfront is one of the jewels in the city’s crown and the work taking place in the area will further transform the beach area for the enjoyment of everyone.

    “The works are the biggest redevelopment the beach has had for 35 years and is the next step to make Aberdeen an even better place for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

    Co-leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “We welcome the works finishing at Broadhill. As work continues at the beach, I am looking forward to more of the works finishing and people of all ages being able to make use of the great new facilities.

    “We welcome the input of the Young Ambassadors who helped to shape the new facilities here at the city’s beach.  The Council is committed to working with Aberdeen’s residents, beach users, partner organisations, and businesses at the beach to make Aberdeen beach and the Links the envy of other cities and a place where local people and visitors alike will want to visit to again and again.”

    The other beach works have seen five new buildings and shelters currently being constructed for the play and events sites along with a new skate landscape while the foundations have been laid for a large bespoke play structure called the Rope Factory which is set to become an iconic attraction.

    The play area will have four zones – sport, adventure, woodland, and coastal – all with different free activities.

    The 2.5-hectare events field will have an amphitheatre and will be able to host festivals, larger concerts and gatherings. The play park and events field are due for completion in Autumn 2026.

    Hub North Scotland is the council’s development and delivery partner for the master plan projects and the main contractor for the beach works is the Robertson Construction Group.

    Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, said: “This is a landmark moment for the beach redevelopment with the transformation of Broadhill and the progress on the other works. Robertson has done a fantastic job in completing the Broadhill and every day now you can see the progress on the rest of the area. This will be a ‘must-visit’ destination when completed.”

    Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Construction Group, said: “The opening of Broadhill is the first completed project as part of the overall transformation of Aberdeen’s beach. Being the trusted delivery partner, we understand the importance of bringing the vision of Aberdeen City Council and the local community to life.

    “Working closely with hub North Scotland and the Council, significant progress is being made in the creation of well-designed, connected spaces which will be home to high-quality facilities. The vision to redevelop the beach will benefit the community through the provision of public realm spaces that will inspire wellbeing and activity and contribute to the local and regional economy.”

    Work is progressing on stripping out the former Beach Leisure Centre in preparation for demolition of the building, which is due to begin next month. The Linx Ice Arena is open for business as normal during the works.

    The beach improvements are part of a £150million commitment by Aberdeen City Council towards the City Centre and Beach Master Plan. Works are well under way on a new streetscape for the Union Street Central area while construction on the new market building is progressing as planned. Work is also due to begin on new streetscape improvements to the Castlegate next month. These areas will create vibrant and accessible areas to help make the city a destination of choice for the benefit of residents, visitors, and businesses.

    Pic caption: Cllr Martin Greig, the Lord Provost Dr David Cameron, Richard Park, chief executive of hub North Scotland, and Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson Construction Group, with some of the Young Ambassadors in the background, on one of the viewing platforms at the new-look Broadhill

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chinese Nationals Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud Elderly Victims

    Source: US FBI

    WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that eight Chinese nationals who obtained student visas to attend college in the United States were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Those indicated include: Yankun Jiang, 24, of State College, PA, Hanlin Yang, 24, of State College; Chenhao Chen, 25, of California; Xiaoqing Tu, 24, of California; Dongjie Lu, 35, of California; Lei Bao, 22, of New York; Kuo Zhang, 31, of New Jersey; and Jiacheng Zhang, 25, of Florida.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that beginning in or about August of 2023 and continuing until on or about February 22, 2024, the defendants orchestrated a wide-scale computer “pop-up” scam targeting elderly victims falsely claiming that their computer or bank accounts had been compromised.  The indictment further alleges that members of the conspiracy traveled to victims’ homes and posed as federal law enforcement officers to collect large sums of cash from the victims claiming that the assets would be protected, among other falsehoods.  It is alleged that more than 50 victims across 19 states were defrauded of more than $10,000,000.

    “These indictments highlight the relentless efforts of Homeland Security Investigations to safeguard our elderly population from complex fraud operations,” stated Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of HSI Philadelphia. “Schemes like these cause significant emotional and financial harm to elderly victims across the country. HSI, in partnership with the FBI, remains steadfast in our commitment to securing justice for the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable.”

    “As outlined in the indictment, this criminal enterprise not only exploited elderly victims but did so by impersonating federal law enforcement—an egregious abuse of trust,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office. “We urge older Americans and their families to remain alert to these kinds of scams. The FBI will never ask for money or payment of any kind. We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations for their dedicated work in bringing this case forward.”

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chinese Nationals Charged with Conspiracy to Defraud Elderly Victims

    Source: US FBI

    WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that eight Chinese nationals who obtained student visas to attend college in the United States were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Those indicated include: Yankun Jiang, 24, of State College, PA, Hanlin Yang, 24, of State College; Chenhao Chen, 25, of California; Xiaoqing Tu, 24, of California; Dongjie Lu, 35, of California; Lei Bao, 22, of New York; Kuo Zhang, 31, of New Jersey; and Jiacheng Zhang, 25, of Florida.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, the indictment alleges that beginning in or about August of 2023 and continuing until on or about February 22, 2024, the defendants orchestrated a wide-scale computer “pop-up” scam targeting elderly victims falsely claiming that their computer or bank accounts had been compromised.  The indictment further alleges that members of the conspiracy traveled to victims’ homes and posed as federal law enforcement officers to collect large sums of cash from the victims claiming that the assets would be protected, among other falsehoods.  It is alleged that more than 50 victims across 19 states were defrauded of more than $10,000,000.

    “These indictments highlight the relentless efforts of Homeland Security Investigations to safeguard our elderly population from complex fraud operations,” stated Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of HSI Philadelphia. “Schemes like these cause significant emotional and financial harm to elderly victims across the country. HSI, in partnership with the FBI, remains steadfast in our commitment to securing justice for the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held fully accountable.”

    “As outlined in the indictment, this criminal enterprise not only exploited elderly victims but did so by impersonating federal law enforcement—an egregious abuse of trust,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office. “We urge older Americans and their families to remain alert to these kinds of scams. The FBI will never ask for money or payment of any kind. We are grateful to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations for their dedicated work in bringing this case forward.”

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd is prosecuting the case.

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 20 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Debtors Who Failed to Disclose Foreign Assets Lose Bankruptcy Discharge After U.S. Trustee Program Investigation

    Source: US State of California

    A Texas couple who failed to disclose assets in Dubai and Pakistan waived their bankruptcy discharge of more than $14.6 million in unsecured debt after an investigation by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP).

    On May 30, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas approved a waiver of discharge by chapter 7 debtors Hasan Farid Hashmi and Umme Salma Hashmi. As a result, the Hashmis remain personally liable for their debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from them after the case is closed.

    “The bankruptcy system depends on transparency,” said Lisa Lambert, U.S. Trustee for Region 6, which includes the Northern District of Texas. “Debtors who intentionally undermine that system should not receive the benefit of a fresh start.”

    The Hashmis filed for bankruptcy in September 2023 after the closure of several Texas hospitals owned by Hasan Hashmi, a physician. Among their assets, the couple listed a $2 million Dallas home as their only real estate and two American bank accounts with small balances. They also disclosed that they had established a trust for their descendants — which Dr. Hashmi managed as trustee — but claimed no interest in the trust’s assets as owners or beneficiaries. An investigation by the USTP’s Dallas office, however, revealed that the Hashmis owned several other properties and bank accounts in Dubai and Pakistan and that they used funds from the trust to pay personal expenses.

    In February 2024, the USTP filed a complaint seeking to bar the Hashmis’ bankruptcy discharge for making false oaths; concealing assets; failing to maintain financial records; failing to cooperate with the chapter 7 trustee’s document requests; and refusing to obey a court order requiring the Hashmis to comply with the U.S. Trustee’s document requests. One day before trial, the Hashmis agreed to waive their discharge.

    The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 88 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada invests $13.4 million in Rogers Pass Centre and Trans-Canada Highway 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Work will improve safety for visitors, the traveling public, and wildlife

    July 15, 2025                            Rogers Pass/Glacier, BC                    Parks Canada

    The Government of Canada is committed to protecting natural and cultural treasures in Canada and advancing infrastructure projects at Parks Canada administered sites to conserve the environment, create economic and tourism opportunities and ensure the safety of visitors travelling to and through these iconic places.

    Today, the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, announced $13.4 million for infrastructure improvements to the Rogers Pass Centre in Glacier National Park and key assets along the Trans-Canada Highway through Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks.

    The Rogers Pass Centre is an essential visitor experience and public safety node and rest point for travellers along this busy national corridor. During the rehabilitation, a temporary facility called Summit Station will provide travellers with visitor experience and safety information, park pass sales and merchandise, thereby ensuring minimal disruption to these services.

    This funding will also support critical roadway improvements along the Trans-Canada Highway, including:

    ·        Upgrades to the Mount Revelstoke National Park entrance overpass to meet current safety standards

    ·        Installation of an eco-passage to enable wildlife of all sizes to cross more safely

    ·        Slope stabilization in Glacier National Park to address landslide impacts to the highway

    ·        Drainage and surfacing improvements to improve safety

    This Government of Canada investment is ensuring that future generations can safely connect with the cultural and natural heritage of Rogers Pass National Historic Site and Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks while helping to protect and conserve important infrastructure, support the local economy and contribute to growth in the tourism sector.

                                                                                                       -30-

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Debtors Who Failed to Disclose Foreign Assets Lose Bankruptcy Discharge After U.S. Trustee Program Investigation

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Texas couple who failed to disclose assets in Dubai and Pakistan waived their bankruptcy discharge of more than $14.6 million in unsecured debt after an investigation by the Department of Justice’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP).

    On May 30, the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas approved a waiver of discharge by chapter 7 debtors Hasan Farid Hashmi and Umme Salma Hashmi. As a result, the Hashmis remain personally liable for their debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from them after the case is closed.

    “The bankruptcy system depends on transparency,” said Lisa Lambert, U.S. Trustee for Region 6, which includes the Northern District of Texas. “Debtors who intentionally undermine that system should not receive the benefit of a fresh start.”

    The Hashmis filed for bankruptcy in September 2023 after the closure of several Texas hospitals owned by Hasan Hashmi, a physician. Among their assets, the couple listed a $2 million Dallas home as their only real estate and two American bank accounts with small balances. They also disclosed that they had established a trust for their descendants — which Dr. Hashmi managed as trustee — but claimed no interest in the trust’s assets as owners or beneficiaries. An investigation by the USTP’s Dallas office, however, revealed that the Hashmis owned several other properties and bank accounts in Dubai and Pakistan and that they used funds from the trust to pay personal expenses.

    In February 2024, the USTP filed a complaint seeking to bar the Hashmis’ bankruptcy discharge for making false oaths; concealing assets; failing to maintain financial records; failing to cooperate with the chapter 7 trustee’s document requests; and refusing to obey a court order requiring the Hashmis to comply with the U.S. Trustee’s document requests. One day before trial, the Hashmis agreed to waive their discharge.

    The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 88 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: MBG token pre-sale sold out in less than 1 hour

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MultiBank Group reports that its MBG token pre-sale sold out in less than an hour after launch amid high community demand. The initial allocation of 7 million tokens at $0.35 each was fully subscribed through MultiBank.io and Uniswap. The pre-sale attracted a broad base of participants.

    The MBG token is tied to MultiBank Group’s operational performance, including:

    • $35+ billion in daily trading turnover and $29 billion in audited assets.
    • A planned $440 million buyback and burn program.
    • Utility across trading, staking, and tokenized RWAs within the MultiBank ecosystem.

    In addition, MBG is integrated with MultiBank’s core businesses – traditional CFD and FX trading, regulated digital asset exchanges, a $3 billion portfolio of tokenized ultra-luxury real estate, and the forthcoming institutional-grade hybrid crypto-tradfi exchange (MEX).

    According to the project’s documentation, MBG is structured to provide long-term value to holders through its deflationary mechanics, asset backing, and broad utility. Tokenomics include a maximum supply of 500 million tokens, with allocations for staking rewards, ecosystem growth, and a phased release schedule to maintain market stability.

    Commenting on the results, the Multibank’s Chairman Naser Taher stated:

    “The sell-out of our initial MBG Token offering in less than an hour is a decisive validation of our vision. The market has spoken, and it has spoken with speed and conviction.”

    Second and final pre-sale opens soon

    To accommodate the demand, MultiBank Group confirms a second and final pre-sale of the MBG token ahead of the Token Generation Event (TGE) scheduled for July 22. This phase offers 3 million additional tokens at $0.35 each.

    For more information and to join the second pre-sale, visit this page.

    About MultiBank Group

    MultiBank Group, established in California, USA in 2005, is a global leader in financial derivatives. With over 2 million clients in 100+ countries and a daily trading volume exceeding $35 billion, it offers a broad range of brokerage and asset management services. Renowned for innovative trading solutions, robust regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service, the Group is regulated by 17+ top-tier financial authorities across five continents. Its award-winning platforms provide up to 500:1 leverage across Forex, Metals, Shares, Commodities, Indices, and Cryptocurrencies. MultiBank Group has received over 80 international awards for trading excellence and regulatory compliance. For more information, users can visit MultiBank Group’s website.

    Contact
    Mr.Nikolas Neofytou
    nikolas.neofytou@multib

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9b3e87c0-fb41-4b39-baf8-8dcf1a8c41f5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Fortinet Recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SASE Platforms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT), the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced it has been recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for SASE Platforms and ranked #1 in the Secure Branch Network Modernization use case in the accompanying Gartner Critical Capabilities for SASE Platforms report, which Fortinet believes underscores its ability to converge advanced secure SD‑WAN, universal ZTNA, and AI-Powered threat protection into a single, flexible solution.

    “We are honored to be recognized as a Leader in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms and believe this recognition validates our commitment to organic innovation—building a unified, AI-powered platform that spans all SASE use cases,” said Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President of Products and Solutions at Fortinet. “We believe being positioned in the Leaders quadrant in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SASE Platforms affirms our strategy of blending proven secure SD‑WAN, universal ZTNA, and AI‑powered threat protection under a single operating system, FortiOS, and one license for added simplicity and faster ROI.”

    The most unified, flexible, and intelligent SASE platform
    This latest recognition, in Fortinet’s view, validates its unified‑platform strategy for secure digital acceleration. It follows Fortinet’s acknowledgement as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD‑WAN for the fifth consecutive year—where it was positioned highest for Ability to Execute—as well as being named a 2024 Gartner Peer Insights™ Customers’ Choice for Security Service Edge (SSE), and a 2025 Customers’ Choice for SD-WAN and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA).

    Fortinet Unified SASE is built natively on FortiOS, delivering consistent security and user experience from campus to cloud to remote users through a single-vendor platform. Fortinet’s tightly integrated approach enables centralized management through one console and one agent, reducing complexity while streamlining policy enforcement and deployment. Fortinet offers over 160 points-of-presence (PoPs) and simplified licensing tiers to meet customer needs. Monthly product innovations, including AI-driven security workflows, keep the platform ahead of evolving threats and business needs.

    Powering High-Performance Branch Experiences and Sovereign SASE at Global Scale

    Fortinet believes the recognition in Secure Branch Network Modernization use case in the Gartner Critical Capabilities for SASE Platforms report also underscores the company’s strength in helping customers replace legacy architectures like MPLS with a simplified, high-performance branch experience. Organizations can rapidly deploy new sites using zero-touch provisioning and centralized orchestration, significantly reducing the time and effort typically required to roll out branch locations. By converging networking and security at the edge, Fortinet empowers IT teams to deliver secure, scalable access with reduced operational overhead and lower total cost of ownership with seamless integration between secure SD-WAN and SSE that can be completed in minutes.

    Fortinet continues to differentiate itself in a fast-growing market projected by Gartner to exceed $28.5 billion by 2028, with ongoing investment in its global SASE infrastructure, simplified packaging, and partner enablement. These efforts reflect Fortinet’s commitment to helping customers, channel partners, and service providers capitalize on the growing demand for hybrid work security, branch modernization, and the ability meet data sovereignty needs for regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government.

    Analyst and Customer Validation
    Fortinet’s Leader position in SASE adds to the company’s broader recognition across the cybersecurity industry, including being acknowledged in 11 Gartner Magic Quadrant reports spanning security and networking. In addition to being named a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for both SASE Platforms and SD-WAN, Fortinet remains the only vendor recognized as a Customers’ Choice across all core components of SASE—SD-WAN, SSE, and ZTNA—according to Gartner Peer Insights™. Fortinet believes these distinctions further validate Fortinet’s Security Fabric platform strategy and its ability to unify security and networking across every edge.

    Additional Resources

    Note for Gartner Peer Insights™: Reviews from vendor partners or end users of companies with less than $50M in revenue are excluded from this methodology. See the full “Voice of the Customer” methodology.

    Gartner and Peer Insights are trademarks of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences, and should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product, or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

    Gartner, Forecast Analysis: Secure Access Service Edge, Worldwide, By Charanpal Bhogal, Charlie Winckless, Neil MacDonald, Andrew Lerner, John Watts, Shailendra Upadhyay, Christian Canales, Marissa Schmidt, Jonathan Forest, 05 February 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), By Jonathan Forest, Neil MacDonald, Dale Koeppen, 9 July 2025

    Gartner, Critical Capabilities for SASE Platforms, By Jonathan Forest, Andrew Lerner, Charlie Winckless, 14 July 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Security Service Edge, By Charlie Winckless, Thomas Lintemuth, Dale Koeppen, Charanpal Bhogal, 20 May 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Data Center Switching, By Andrew Lerner, Simon Richard, Nauman Raja, Jorge Aragon, Jonathan Forest, 31 March 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Cyber-Physical Systems Protection Platforms, By Katell Thielemann, Wam Voster, Ruggero Contu, 12 February 2025

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms, By Max Taggett, Nikul Patel, Franz Hinner, Deepak Mishra, 16 December 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Access Management, By Brian Guthrie, Nathan Harris, Abhyuday Data, Josh Murphy, 2 December 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN, By Jonathan Forest, Karen Brown, Nauman Raja, 30 September 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Endpoint Protection Platforms, By Evgeny Mirolyubov, Franz Hinner, Deepak Mishra, Satarupa Patnaik, Chris Silva, 23 September 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Privileged Access Management, By Abhyuday Data, Michael Kelley, Nayara Sangiorgio, Felix Gaehtgens, Paul Mezzera, 9 September 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant Security Information and Event Management, By Andrew Davies, Mitchell Schneider, Rustam Malik, Eric Ahlm, 8 May 2024

    Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Wired and Wireless LAN Infrastructure, By Mike Leibovitz, Christian Canales, Nauman Raja, Tim Zimmerman, 25 June 2025

    Note: Fortinet acquired Perception Point in December 2024. Perception Point was recognized in the 2024 Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms

    “Fortinet was recognized in 11 different Magic Quadrant reports including being named an Honorable Mention in Magic Quadrant for Data Center Switching, for Access Management, and for Privileged Access Management.”

    Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Security Service Edge, Peer Contributors, 27, September 2024. Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Security Service Edge, Peer Contributors, 29, September, 2023

    Gartner, “Voice of the Customer for SD-WAN,” Peer Contributors, 25 June 2025.

    Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights™ ‘Voice of the Customer’: SD-WAN, Peer Contributors, 2025, 2024, & 2023

    Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights™ ‘Voice of the Customer’: WAN Edge Infrastructure, Peer Contributors, 2022, 2021 & 2020

    Gartner, Gartner Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Zero Trust Networking, 24, February 2025

    About Fortinet
    Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTS”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.

    Copyright © 2025 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, the Fortinet logo, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiASIC, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiMail, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiAgent, FortiAI, FortiAIOps, FortiAgent, FortiAntenna, FortiAP, FortiAPCam, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCache, FortiCall, FortiCam, FortiCamera, FortiCarrier, FortiCASB, FortiCentral, FortiCNP, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiCSPM, FortiCWP, FortiDAST, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiDeceptor, FortiDeploy, FortiDevSec, FortiDLP, FortiEdge, FortiEDR, FortiEndpoint FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFirewall, FortiFlex FortiFone, FortiGSLB, FortiGuest, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiLAN, FortiLink, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiNDR, FortiPAM, FortiPenTest, FortiPhish, FortiPoint, FortiPolicy, FortiPortal, FortiPresence, FortiProxy, FortiRecon, FortiRecorder, FortiSASE, FortiScanner, FortiSDNConnector, FortiSEC, FortiSIEM, FortiSMS, FortiSOAR, FortiSRA, FortiStack, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiTrust, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLM, FortiXDR and Lacework FortiCNAPP. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Leads Legislation to Support Rural Behavioral Health by Fully Funding Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Farmers First Act, which would expand and improve behavioral health services in rural communities and connect those in times of crisis with trained medical professionals to receive the personalized care that they need.

    This legislation would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), increase funding to a total of $15,000,000 annually over the next five years, and allow FRSAN regional centers to establish referral connections with certified community behavioral health clinics, critical access hospitals, and rural health centers.

    “Agriculture is the economic engine of Iowa, and our farmers and producers work long hours and make unseen sacrifices to feed and fuel our country and the world. Those sacrifices can take a toll on our farm producers, especially when commodity prices tumble or severe weather destroys crops,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I’m glad to lead legislation to fully fund the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, providing farmers with real support in times of crisis. I will always stand with our producers and ensure that they have access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve.”

    “Dairy farmers routinely endure volatile economic environments that are naturally cause for emotional stress. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network provides vital resources that can support producers and their families during times of crisis. We commend Representative Randy Feenstra and Ranking Member Angie Craig for leading the bipartisan Farmers First Act to continue and strengthen FRSAN for the betterment of all farmers and rural communities,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.

    “On behalf of over 60,000 pork producers nationwide, we commend Congressman Feenstra and Ranking Member Craig for addressing the critical issue of mental and behavioral health in agriculture. As farmers and ranchers, we face unique stressors that are often beyond our control. By prioritizing these resources, we can strengthen the resilience of rural communities and ensure long-term support for both producers today and future generations,” said Duane Stateler, President of National Pork Producers Council.

    “Farmers face incredible stressors in their day-to-day work and often feel as though the weight of the world rests on their shoulders as they navigate tough times while maintaining farms that have been passed down through multiple generations of family members,” said Kenneth Hartman Jr., Illinois farmer and President of the National Corn Growers Association. “Yet, they often find it hard to access the mental health tools they need to cope with these challenges. That’s why we are deeply appreciative for the sponsors of this legislation for working to extend mental health resources to growers through this important legislation.”

    “From trade uncertainty to labor shortages and natural disasters, many stressors are weighing heavily on the minds of farmers and ranchers. Resources supported through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network are more critical now than at any time in recent memory. Farm Bureau appreciates Representatives Craig and Feenstra, as well as Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their tireless commitment to supporting farmer and rancher mental health across the country,” said Sam Kieffer, Vice President of Public Policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

    “U.S. soybean farmers face serious pressures, from the impacts of ongoing tariffs to looming, unscientific threats to crop protection tools and seed oils. These policy and market challenges take a toll, not just financially, but mentally. Mental health remains an often-unspoken crisis in rural communities, and ASA is committed to addressing it head-on. The Farmers First Act of 2025 would provide critical support by reauthorizing the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and strengthening mental health resources farmers can count on. We thank Representative Feenstra for championing this legislation and standing with farm families,” said Caleb Ragland, President of the American Soybean Association and soybean farmer from Magnolia, Kentucky.

    “Farmers and ranchers across the United States face unique and extreme stresses in their work to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. NASDA applauds the bipartisan Farmers First Act, which bolsters access to critical mental health resources through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. State departments of agriculture play an important role in coordinating FRSAN operations and NASDA looks forward to continuing to support these invaluable activities,” said Ted McKinney, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

    “When farmers struggle, ag retailers feel it too—financially, emotionally, and as part of the same rural fabric. The Farmers First Act recognizes that mental health is a shared concern in agriculture, and strengthening the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network helps support not just our customers, but our communities and our own teams as well,” said Hunter Carpenter, Senior Director of Public Policy at the Agricultural Retailers Association.

    “The Farmer Veteran Coalition strongly supports the reauthorization of the Farmers First Act. Expanding and strengthening the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is essential to ensuring farmers, ranchers have access to the mental health resources they need to thrive. We commend Representatives Feenstra and Craig, as well as Senators Baldwin and Ernst, for their bipartisan leadership in prioritizing the well-being of those who feed our nation. This bill will provide critical support for agricultural producers facing stress, isolation, and mental health challenges, and we urge swift passage this Congress,” said Jeanette Lombardo, Chief Executive Officer of the Farmer Veteran Coalition.

    “The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Congressman Feenstra and Ranking Member Craig for their leadership on ensuring access to mental health care for rural agricultural communities. The Farmers First Act supports the continuation of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, expanding the network of rural providers to deliver critical services to farming and ranching populations. We look forward to working with Congress to continue bringing much-needed resources to our agricultural populations,” said Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Health Association.

    “Farmers in rural communities face unique mental health and substance use challenges, often with limited access to care,” said Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “The reintroduction of the Farmer’s First Act by Representatives Feenstra and Craig is a meaningful step toward expanding access to high-quality behavioral health services in agricultural communities. By supporting programs that leverage proven models like Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), this bill will help ensure that farmers and their families can access comprehensive, coordinated care no matter where they live.”

    “Farming and the financial insecurity associated with farming can be very stressful. Farmers dealing with stress-related mental health challenges often feel stigmatized if they seek help, which only compounds the problem. We applaud Representatives Feenstra (R-IA) and Craig (D-MN) and Senators Baldwin (D-WI) and Ernst (R-IA) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Farmers First Act to increase resources available to farmers and rural communities to address mental health challenges,” said Steve Etka, Policy Director, Midwest Dairy Coalition. 

    “Farmers are daily facing the changing and unpredictable weather patterns that can devastate the best laid plans. They must deal with rising cost of inputs, uncertainty about trade, uncertainty about support services, uncertainty about the role of the USDA and managing difficult financial decisions against a backdrop of uncertainty around the domestic economy. Organic dairy farmers care for the environment, care for their livestock and for the health and welfare of their family and their customers every day. Dairy farming is many times a solitary occupation and farmers need access to all the resources possible to deal with the stress and uncertainty in their lives. We wholeheartedly support the Farmers First Act and all the assistance it can provide to care for our farm families,” said Ed Maltby, Executive Director of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance.

    “Ensuring sufficient access to evidence-based mental health services continues to be a challenge in many rural and agricultural communities, in many cases a challenge that has endured over generations,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. (APA Services). “The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network program continues to be a lifeline to many of these communities. APA Services applauds Representatives Feenstra and Craig and Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their efforts to ensure adequate mental health resources in rural communities, and we ask Congress to swiftly enact the Farmers First Act.”

    “Any farmer will tell you—agriculture is an incredibly demanding and often stressful profession, especially during times of economic hardship. Tragically, suicide rates among farmers are two to five times higher than the national average. One of the biggest challenges in addressing this crisis is the persistent stigma around mental health in rural communities, which too often prevents individuals from seeking help. NAWG is deeply grateful to Congressman Feenstra for his leadership on this critical legislation and for his unwavering commitment to expanding access to mental health resources for farmers and rural communities across the country,” said Chandler Goule, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Wheat Growers.

    “The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network helps provide essential support to our nation’s producers” said Doug O’Brien, President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association. “The National Cooperative Business Association applauds the bipartisan leadership to increase access to mental health services for rural communities while providing a critical lifeline to our farmers and ranchers”

    “The Organic Trade Association applauds Congressman Feenstra for recognizing that a healthy farm system begins with healthy farmers,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. “We proudly support the Farmers First Act which safeguards the well-being of farmers.”

    “Farming is a stressful job, even in good times, and rural residents often face unique barriers to seeking mental health care,” said Christy Seyfert, Farm Credit Council President and CEO. “FRSAN brings valuable stress assistance services and expertise to the farm and ranch communities most in need of resources. Farm Credit commends Ranking Member Craig, Representative Feenstra, and Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their leadership on the Farmers First Act.”

    “Since it was funded in the 2018 Farm Bill, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) has been an essential lifeline for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers, who face increased levels of stress and often lack access to mental health support services,” said Hannah Tremblay, Farm Aid’s Policy & Advocacy Manager. “Farm Aid enthusiastically supports the Farmers First Act of 2025 which continues the crucial work of the FRSAN to support and strengthen the agricultural workers we all depend upon. Importantly, the increased funding will allow for deeper support networks and increased outreach to underserved farmers and agricultural workers. As farmers struggle with an uncertain farm economy, FRSAN is now more critical than ever.”

    “We are grateful to Representatives Randy Feenstra and Angie Craig for reaffirming the clear and present need for increased funding of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance network. Many reasons exist for ongoing farm stress and mental health challenges for farmers and farm workers. Continued FRSAN funding is essential to ensure critical support services and programming reach populations where the need is great, and resources are often limited,” said David Howard, Policy Development Director at Young Farmers.

    “Farming can be incredibly stressful, and too many rural communities still don’t have the mental health support they need,” said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union. “The Farmers First Act will help get essential resources to farmers who are struggling. We thank Representatives Feenstra and Craig and Senators Baldwin and Ernst for leading the charge and urge Congress to reauthorize FRSAN with increased funding.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Leads Legislation to Support Rural Behavioral Health by Fully Funding Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Farmers First Act, which would expand and improve behavioral health services in rural communities and connect those in times of crisis with trained medical professionals to receive the personalized care that they need.

    This legislation would reauthorize the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), increase funding to a total of $15,000,000 annually over the next five years, and allow FRSAN regional centers to establish referral connections with certified community behavioral health clinics, critical access hospitals, and rural health centers.

    “Agriculture is the economic engine of Iowa, and our farmers and producers work long hours and make unseen sacrifices to feed and fuel our country and the world. Those sacrifices can take a toll on our farm producers, especially when commodity prices tumble or severe weather destroys crops,” said Rep. Feenstra. “It’s why I’m glad to lead legislation to fully fund the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, providing farmers with real support in times of crisis. I will always stand with our producers and ensure that they have access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve.”

    “Dairy farmers routinely endure volatile economic environments that are naturally cause for emotional stress. The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network provides vital resources that can support producers and their families during times of crisis. We commend Representative Randy Feenstra and Ranking Member Angie Craig for leading the bipartisan Farmers First Act to continue and strengthen FRSAN for the betterment of all farmers and rural communities,” said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.

    “On behalf of over 60,000 pork producers nationwide, we commend Congressman Feenstra and Ranking Member Craig for addressing the critical issue of mental and behavioral health in agriculture. As farmers and ranchers, we face unique stressors that are often beyond our control. By prioritizing these resources, we can strengthen the resilience of rural communities and ensure long-term support for both producers today and future generations,” said Duane Stateler, President of National Pork Producers Council.

    “Farmers face incredible stressors in their day-to-day work and often feel as though the weight of the world rests on their shoulders as they navigate tough times while maintaining farms that have been passed down through multiple generations of family members,” said Kenneth Hartman Jr., Illinois farmer and President of the National Corn Growers Association. “Yet, they often find it hard to access the mental health tools they need to cope with these challenges. That’s why we are deeply appreciative for the sponsors of this legislation for working to extend mental health resources to growers through this important legislation.”

    “From trade uncertainty to labor shortages and natural disasters, many stressors are weighing heavily on the minds of farmers and ranchers. Resources supported through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network are more critical now than at any time in recent memory. Farm Bureau appreciates Representatives Craig and Feenstra, as well as Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their tireless commitment to supporting farmer and rancher mental health across the country,” said Sam Kieffer, Vice President of Public Policy at the American Farm Bureau Federation.

    “U.S. soybean farmers face serious pressures, from the impacts of ongoing tariffs to looming, unscientific threats to crop protection tools and seed oils. These policy and market challenges take a toll, not just financially, but mentally. Mental health remains an often-unspoken crisis in rural communities, and ASA is committed to addressing it head-on. The Farmers First Act of 2025 would provide critical support by reauthorizing the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network and strengthening mental health resources farmers can count on. We thank Representative Feenstra for championing this legislation and standing with farm families,” said Caleb Ragland, President of the American Soybean Association and soybean farmer from Magnolia, Kentucky.

    “Farmers and ranchers across the United States face unique and extreme stresses in their work to feed, fuel, and clothe the world. NASDA applauds the bipartisan Farmers First Act, which bolsters access to critical mental health resources through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network. State departments of agriculture play an important role in coordinating FRSAN operations and NASDA looks forward to continuing to support these invaluable activities,” said Ted McKinney, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

    “When farmers struggle, ag retailers feel it too—financially, emotionally, and as part of the same rural fabric. The Farmers First Act recognizes that mental health is a shared concern in agriculture, and strengthening the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network helps support not just our customers, but our communities and our own teams as well,” said Hunter Carpenter, Senior Director of Public Policy at the Agricultural Retailers Association.

    “The Farmer Veteran Coalition strongly supports the reauthorization of the Farmers First Act. Expanding and strengthening the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is essential to ensuring farmers, ranchers have access to the mental health resources they need to thrive. We commend Representatives Feenstra and Craig, as well as Senators Baldwin and Ernst, for their bipartisan leadership in prioritizing the well-being of those who feed our nation. This bill will provide critical support for agricultural producers facing stress, isolation, and mental health challenges, and we urge swift passage this Congress,” said Jeanette Lombardo, Chief Executive Officer of the Farmer Veteran Coalition.

    “The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) applauds Congressman Feenstra and Ranking Member Craig for their leadership on ensuring access to mental health care for rural agricultural communities. The Farmers First Act supports the continuation of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, expanding the network of rural providers to deliver critical services to farming and ranching populations. We look forward to working with Congress to continue bringing much-needed resources to our agricultural populations,” said Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Health Association.

    “Farmers in rural communities face unique mental health and substance use challenges, often with limited access to care,” said Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “The reintroduction of the Farmer’s First Act by Representatives Feenstra and Craig is a meaningful step toward expanding access to high-quality behavioral health services in agricultural communities. By supporting programs that leverage proven models like Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), this bill will help ensure that farmers and their families can access comprehensive, coordinated care no matter where they live.”

    “Farming and the financial insecurity associated with farming can be very stressful. Farmers dealing with stress-related mental health challenges often feel stigmatized if they seek help, which only compounds the problem. We applaud Representatives Feenstra (R-IA) and Craig (D-MN) and Senators Baldwin (D-WI) and Ernst (R-IA) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Farmers First Act to increase resources available to farmers and rural communities to address mental health challenges,” said Steve Etka, Policy Director, Midwest Dairy Coalition. 

    “Farmers are daily facing the changing and unpredictable weather patterns that can devastate the best laid plans. They must deal with rising cost of inputs, uncertainty about trade, uncertainty about support services, uncertainty about the role of the USDA and managing difficult financial decisions against a backdrop of uncertainty around the domestic economy. Organic dairy farmers care for the environment, care for their livestock and for the health and welfare of their family and their customers every day. Dairy farming is many times a solitary occupation and farmers need access to all the resources possible to deal with the stress and uncertainty in their lives. We wholeheartedly support the Farmers First Act and all the assistance it can provide to care for our farm families,” said Ed Maltby, Executive Director of the Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance.

    “Ensuring sufficient access to evidence-based mental health services continues to be a challenge in many rural and agricultural communities, in many cases a challenge that has endured over generations,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. (APA Services). “The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network program continues to be a lifeline to many of these communities. APA Services applauds Representatives Feenstra and Craig and Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their efforts to ensure adequate mental health resources in rural communities, and we ask Congress to swiftly enact the Farmers First Act.”

    “Any farmer will tell you—agriculture is an incredibly demanding and often stressful profession, especially during times of economic hardship. Tragically, suicide rates among farmers are two to five times higher than the national average. One of the biggest challenges in addressing this crisis is the persistent stigma around mental health in rural communities, which too often prevents individuals from seeking help. NAWG is deeply grateful to Congressman Feenstra for his leadership on this critical legislation and for his unwavering commitment to expanding access to mental health resources for farmers and rural communities across the country,” said Chandler Goule, Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Wheat Growers.

    “The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network helps provide essential support to our nation’s producers” said Doug O’Brien, President and CEO of the National Cooperative Business Association. “The National Cooperative Business Association applauds the bipartisan leadership to increase access to mental health services for rural communities while providing a critical lifeline to our farmers and ranchers”

    “The Organic Trade Association applauds Congressman Feenstra for recognizing that a healthy farm system begins with healthy farmers,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association. “We proudly support the Farmers First Act which safeguards the well-being of farmers.”

    “Farming is a stressful job, even in good times, and rural residents often face unique barriers to seeking mental health care,” said Christy Seyfert, Farm Credit Council President and CEO. “FRSAN brings valuable stress assistance services and expertise to the farm and ranch communities most in need of resources. Farm Credit commends Ranking Member Craig, Representative Feenstra, and Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their leadership on the Farmers First Act.”

    “Since it was funded in the 2018 Farm Bill, the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) has been an essential lifeline for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers, who face increased levels of stress and often lack access to mental health support services,” said Hannah Tremblay, Farm Aid’s Policy & Advocacy Manager. “Farm Aid enthusiastically supports the Farmers First Act of 2025 which continues the crucial work of the FRSAN to support and strengthen the agricultural workers we all depend upon. Importantly, the increased funding will allow for deeper support networks and increased outreach to underserved farmers and agricultural workers. As farmers struggle with an uncertain farm economy, FRSAN is now more critical than ever.”

    “We are grateful to Representatives Randy Feenstra and Angie Craig for reaffirming the clear and present need for increased funding of the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance network. Many reasons exist for ongoing farm stress and mental health challenges for farmers and farm workers. Continued FRSAN funding is essential to ensure critical support services and programming reach populations where the need is great, and resources are often limited,” said David Howard, Policy Development Director at Young Farmers.

    “Farming can be incredibly stressful, and too many rural communities still don’t have the mental health support they need,” said Rob Larew, President of National Farmers Union. “The Farmers First Act will help get essential resources to farmers who are struggling. We thank Representatives Feenstra and Craig and Senators Baldwin and Ernst for leading the charge and urge Congress to reauthorize FRSAN with increased funding.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Mining Meets Mobile, PFMCrypto Unveils Smart BTC Mining for Everyone

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin’s ecosystem gains global momentum, PFMCrypto is proud to introduce a major leap in accessible crypto mining: the launch of BTC-focused cloud mining contracts. Now available on both web and mobile platforms, these flexible short-term contracts allow users to mine BTC remotely and receive daily BTC rewards—no mining hardware, no complex setup, and no prior experience required. For the first time, retail participants can engage with the Bitcoin economy through a streamlined, fully integrated platform.
    Explore the PFMCrypto website or download the app today.

    BTC Cloud Mining Is Here—Simple, Smart, and Rewarding:
    Traditionally known as the world’s first and most decentralized digital asset, Bitcoin now enters a new chapter with PFMCrypto’s latest innovation: easy-to-use cloud mining. Users can mine BTC directly or leverage PFMCrypto’s intelligent AI engine to automatically switch between the most profitable assets—including ETH, XRP, DOGE, USDC, and more—for optimized returns. All earnings are paid out daily in your chosen cryptocurrency, providing reliable income regardless of market fluctuations.
    Designed for both everyday users and professional investors, this platform empowers users to generate consistent crypto earnings from anywhere, at any time.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s BTC Cloud Mining Contracts:
    –  Full BTC Integration: Deposit, purchase, mine, and withdraw BTC directly within the platform.
    –  Multi-Coin Mining Support: Mine and receive earnings in ETH, XRP, DOGE, USDC, USDT, SOL, LTC, and BCH.
    –  AI Revenue Optimization: Proprietary algorithms automatically allocate mining power to the top-performing assets to maximize returns.
    –  100% Remote Access: No mining equipment needed—fully accessible via the PFMCrypto mobile app or browser.
    –  Capital Protection: All contracts include full principal return upon maturity, reducing risk while growing crypto assets.

    Mining Contracts for Every Budget and Strategy:
    PFMCrypto offers a broad range of mining contracts that support BTC-based deposits and withdrawals. Each contract is crafted for flexibility, predictable income, and effective risk management:
    $10 Contract – 1 Day – Earn $0.66 (Free with signup bonus)
    $100 Contract – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 reward
    $500 Contract – 5 Days – Earn $6.15 daily
    $5,000 Contract – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 daily
    $20,000 Contract – 45 Days – Earn $380.00 daily
    Whether you’re testing the waters or building a long-term portfolio, PFMCrypto provides low-risk, high-transparency contracts that deliver stable daily income in BTC.
    Click here to explore more BTC cloud contracts.

    Why PFMCrypto’s BTC Mining Stands Out?
    –  Accessible to Everyone: No mining rigs, no setup, no complexity—just tap and earn.
    –  BTC-Native Integration: Deposit, mine, and withdraw BTC in one seamless ecosystem.
    –  Stable Returns, Smart Allocation: An AI-powered engine dynamically adjusts mining strategies to maximize rewards and ensure daily income across all supported coins.
    –  Multi-Asset Flexibility: Mine BTC directly or diversify earnings into other top digital assets—all with one contract.
    –  Instant Setup, Global Access: Mine from anywhere using your phone or browser—securely and remotely.

    Get Started Today in 3 Easy Steps:
    1.  Sign Up – Create your account and receive a $10 welcome bonus
    2.  Choose a Plan – Select a short- or long-term contract (1–60 days available)
    3.  Start Earning – Track daily profits and withdraw in the token of your choice

    Start mining BTC now at: https://pfmcrypto.net 
    Or download the PFMCrypto mobile app (available for iOS & Android).

    BTC Mining for a Digital Future:
    Since 2018, PFMCrypto has helped millions of users around the world generate passive crypto income through secure, smart, cloud-based mining. With the introduction of BTC mining, the platform offers the ideal combination of institutional-grade infrastructure and retail accessibility. Now, users can choose to earn directly in BTC or diversify into major digital assets—all within a secure, fully remote environment.
    “Bitcoin has always been secure, decentralized, and globally trusted,” said a PFMCrypto spokesperson. “Now, it’s also mineable—securely, remotely, and profitably. We’ve eliminated the barriers so anyone can participate in Bitcoin’s future growth.”
    Markets may shift—but daily mining income can remain steady.

    the BTC mining revolution today at: https://pfmcrypto.net 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Mining Meets Mobile, PFMCrypto Unveils Smart BTC Mining for Everyone

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin’s ecosystem gains global momentum, PFMCrypto is proud to introduce a major leap in accessible crypto mining: the launch of BTC-focused cloud mining contracts. Now available on both web and mobile platforms, these flexible short-term contracts allow users to mine BTC remotely and receive daily BTC rewards—no mining hardware, no complex setup, and no prior experience required. For the first time, retail participants can engage with the Bitcoin economy through a streamlined, fully integrated platform.
    Explore the PFMCrypto website or download the app today.

    BTC Cloud Mining Is Here—Simple, Smart, and Rewarding:
    Traditionally known as the world’s first and most decentralized digital asset, Bitcoin now enters a new chapter with PFMCrypto’s latest innovation: easy-to-use cloud mining. Users can mine BTC directly or leverage PFMCrypto’s intelligent AI engine to automatically switch between the most profitable assets—including ETH, XRP, DOGE, USDC, and more—for optimized returns. All earnings are paid out daily in your chosen cryptocurrency, providing reliable income regardless of market fluctuations.
    Designed for both everyday users and professional investors, this platform empowers users to generate consistent crypto earnings from anywhere, at any time.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s BTC Cloud Mining Contracts:
    –  Full BTC Integration: Deposit, purchase, mine, and withdraw BTC directly within the platform.
    –  Multi-Coin Mining Support: Mine and receive earnings in ETH, XRP, DOGE, USDC, USDT, SOL, LTC, and BCH.
    –  AI Revenue Optimization: Proprietary algorithms automatically allocate mining power to the top-performing assets to maximize returns.
    –  100% Remote Access: No mining equipment needed—fully accessible via the PFMCrypto mobile app or browser.
    –  Capital Protection: All contracts include full principal return upon maturity, reducing risk while growing crypto assets.

    Mining Contracts for Every Budget and Strategy:
    PFMCrypto offers a broad range of mining contracts that support BTC-based deposits and withdrawals. Each contract is crafted for flexibility, predictable income, and effective risk management:
    $10 Contract – 1 Day – Earn $0.66 (Free with signup bonus)
    $100 Contract – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 reward
    $500 Contract – 5 Days – Earn $6.15 daily
    $5,000 Contract – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 daily
    $20,000 Contract – 45 Days – Earn $380.00 daily
    Whether you’re testing the waters or building a long-term portfolio, PFMCrypto provides low-risk, high-transparency contracts that deliver stable daily income in BTC.
    Click here to explore more BTC cloud contracts.

    Why PFMCrypto’s BTC Mining Stands Out?
    –  Accessible to Everyone: No mining rigs, no setup, no complexity—just tap and earn.
    –  BTC-Native Integration: Deposit, mine, and withdraw BTC in one seamless ecosystem.
    –  Stable Returns, Smart Allocation: An AI-powered engine dynamically adjusts mining strategies to maximize rewards and ensure daily income across all supported coins.
    –  Multi-Asset Flexibility: Mine BTC directly or diversify earnings into other top digital assets—all with one contract.
    –  Instant Setup, Global Access: Mine from anywhere using your phone or browser—securely and remotely.

    Get Started Today in 3 Easy Steps:
    1.  Sign Up – Create your account and receive a $10 welcome bonus
    2.  Choose a Plan – Select a short- or long-term contract (1–60 days available)
    3.  Start Earning – Track daily profits and withdraw in the token of your choice

    Start mining BTC now at: https://pfmcrypto.net 
    Or download the PFMCrypto mobile app (available for iOS & Android).

    BTC Mining for a Digital Future:
    Since 2018, PFMCrypto has helped millions of users around the world generate passive crypto income through secure, smart, cloud-based mining. With the introduction of BTC mining, the platform offers the ideal combination of institutional-grade infrastructure and retail accessibility. Now, users can choose to earn directly in BTC or diversify into major digital assets—all within a secure, fully remote environment.
    “Bitcoin has always been secure, decentralized, and globally trusted,” said a PFMCrypto spokesperson. “Now, it’s also mineable—securely, remotely, and profitably. We’ve eliminated the barriers so anyone can participate in Bitcoin’s future growth.”
    Markets may shift—but daily mining income can remain steady.

    the BTC mining revolution today at: https://pfmcrypto.net 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Travis Credit Union Foundation Awarded $75,000 Inclusiv Matched Savings Grant

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VACAVILLE, Calif., July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Travis Credit Union Foundation is proud to announce it has been awarded a $75,000 grant through the Inclusiv Build and Matched Savings Initiative, a nationally recognized program supporting innovative financial inclusion efforts. This prestigious grant will significantly enhance the Foundation’s Financial Coaching Grants Program, empowering underserved households across Northern California through a powerful combination of coaching and matched savings.

    The Inclusiv grant, awarded to only 11 credit unions nationwide, will allow the Foundation to launch a Matched Savings Initiative, providing financial coaching clients who save at least $300 over six months with a matching deposit of $300. This incentive not only boosts personal savings but strengthens long-term financial resilience for individuals and families across 12 Northern California counties.

    Now in its second year, the Financial Coaching Grants Program is also expanding its reach. The Foundation is awarding grants to two new nonprofit partners:

    • AGC Construction Education Foundation
    • C.O.P.E. Family Support Center

    These organizations join a growing network of trusted partners that includes Safequest Solano, Vacaville Solano Services, and the San Pablo Economic Development Corporation, all of whom participated in the 2024 cohort. Together, these organizations have helped over 150 clients begin personalized financial coaching journeys focused on debt reduction, credit repair, and improved savings.

    “This grant reflects our belief that real change happens when strategy meets compassion,” said Damian Alarcon-Young, President of the Travis Credit Union Foundation. “By aligning financial coaching with matched savings, we’re using every tool available to empower local families—and we’re doing it in partnership with organizations who share our values. This is a win for everyone involved and a signal to our communities that we are willing to go the extra mile with them, not just for them.”

    For more information, visit tcufund.org/grants

    About Travis Credit Union Foundation 
    The Travis Credit Union Foundation supports financial education and wellness initiatives and is the philanthropic arm of Travis Credit Union. The foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves through financial education, charitable giving and community support. Travis Credit Union generously funds the administrative costs of the Travis Credit Union Foundation, allowing for 100% of funds raised to go back to the community. To learn more about the Travis Credit Union Foundation’s mission and how to participate in all it is doing to build financial wellness in the communities it serves, visit tcufund.org. 

    The Foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3).  Tax ID #82-4159040 

    Media Contact 
    Michelle Sabolich 
    AVP, Corporate Communications 
    Travis Credit Union 
    media@traviscu.org 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP Holders Gain New Passive Income Opportunity as BlockchainCloudMining Launches Seamless BTC Mining via XRP

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    [New York, NY, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin smashes past the $120,000 milestone today, BlockchainCloudMining has announced a groundbreaking update that allows XRP holders to directly mine Bitcoin through its advanced cloud infrastructure—without converting or selling their XRP.

    This timely launch arrives amid renewed global interest in crypto asset utilization, positioning BlockchainCloudMining as a top choice for investors seeking stable, automated daily returns instead of volatile speculative trading.

    A Game-Changer for XRP Utility: Mine BTC Without Converting

    Until now, XRP—known for its transaction speed and low fees—has lacked flexible income-generation mechanisms. BlockchainCloudMining solves this by allowing users to purchase Bitcoin mining contracts directly with XRP, opening up daily BTC earnings without the need for exchanges or technical know-how.

    “XRP is no longer just a digital store of value—it’s now a tool for producing Bitcoin income every day,” said a spokesperson for BlockchainCloudMining.

    Platform Features That Set BlockchainCloudMining Apart:

    • Register and earn $12 instantly
    • Daily BTC dividends, auto-deposited
    • Zero service or management fees
    • Support for 9+ major cryptocurrencies including XRP, BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, SOL, DOGE, LTC, and BCH
    • Secure and scalable: McAfee® certified, Cloudflare® protected, 100% uptime
    • 24/7 live support for all users
    • Generous referral program: Up to $50,000 in bonuses

    Contract Options with Transparent Returns:

    Users can choose from a range of contract packages designed to suit every budget—from beginner to institutional investor. Highlights include:

    • New User Trial – $100 for 2 days, return: $106
    • WhatsMiner M66S – $500 for 7 days, return: $545.50
    • WhatsMiner M60 – $1,000 for 14 days, return: $1,196
    • Bitcoin Miner S21+ – $3,000 for 20 days, return: $3,900
    • ALPH Miner AL1 – $10,000 for 35 days, return: $15,950
    • ANTSPACE HK3 – $33,000 for 40 days, return: $59,400

    Earnings are credited every 24 hours automatically—no trading, no waiting.

    Why Now?

    With Bitcoin reaching all-time highs and XRP still undervalued compared to its 2017 peak, 2025 presents a golden window for holders to maximize asset utility and generate passive income.

    As markets mature, BlockchainCloudMining is helping to shift investor behavior toward long-term income strategies, reducing risk exposure while increasing daily yield.

    About BlockchainCloudMining

    BlockchainCloudMining is one of the fastest-growing cloud mining platforms of 2025, serving millions of users in over 180 countries. Its mission is to democratize mining by eliminating technical and financial barriers and empowering crypto holders to earn sustainably—anytime, anywhere.

    Start earning with your XRP today.
    Visit: www.blockchaincloudmining.com
     Media Inquiries: info@blockchaincloudmining.com

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: 3 ways Canadians can take control of their finances in an age of economic uncertainty

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Omar H. Fares, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Business, University of New Brunswick

    Canadian consumers are beginning to move from short-term economic concerns to a more persistent mindset of financial precarity, and it’s starting to affect how they live.

    People are delaying major purchases and starting to show signs of subscription fatigue, according to recent findings. One recent survey found that 70 per cent of Canadians are deferring major life decisions, including home ownership and family planning, as a consequence of this sustained economic uncertainty.

    This anxiety is now reflected in broader sentiment. The Bank of Canada’s latest Consumer Expectations Survey found a sharp rise in economic pessimism. About two-thirds of Canadians now anticipate a recession within the year, up from 47 per cent in late 2024.

    Concerns about job security, debt repayment and access to credit are also mounting. For the first time since early 2024, more consumers report cutting back on spending. Home-buying intentions are declining, especially among those expecting a downturn, and an increasing share of mortgage holders plan to reduce expenses ahead of higher renewal payments.

    Consumers are no longer just reacting to inflation or interest rates, but adjusting to the idea that financial uncertainty may be here to stay.

    Why today’s economic anxiety feels different

    While the link between economic uncertainty and reduced spending is well established, what makes today’s situation different is the convergence of multiple pressures facing consumers.

    This includes a challenging job market — particularly for younger Canadians — concerns about the disruptive effects of AI-driven automation, the threat of tariffs from the United States, ongoing global conflicts and the growing cost of living.

    With economic uncertainty now a defining feature of everyday life for many Canadians, the sense of financial precarity is shaping how people think, plan and spend.

    Addressing this new reality will require equipping ourselves with tools and mental habits that can help develop financial stability, even in unpredictable times. Here are three research-backed ways to do this.

    A Global News segment about how half of Canadians are living bill-to-bill.

    1. Budget based on values

    With many people feeling the pinch or uncertainty around money, a more deliberate, values-based approach to personal finance is needed beyond traditional budgeting methods. If you’re looking for more control over your finances, it can help to shift your focus from just tracking where your money goes to making sure it goes where you actually want it to.

    Research in consumer behaviour supports this shift in mindset. Mental accounting, introduced by economist Richard Thaler, explains how people naturally divide their money into mental categories like stability, family or learning. Budgeting then becomes less about cutting back and more about making intentional choices.

    Studies have found that pairing this kind of values-based budgeting with simple practices, such as setting clear goals and automating transfers, can lead to lower spending and more consistent long-term behaviour. The goal is not to manage every dollar perfectly, but to make sure your money aligns with what matters most to you.

    Since values tend to guide sustainable decision-making, a practical starting point is to identify three to five core values, such as financial security, personal development or time with family. Next, review your recent transactions and group them by the value they support. This reframes budgeting as a way to assess whether your current spending aligns with what you consider most important.

    From there, assign a reasonable monthly amount to each category based on your income and fixed obligations. You don’t need to track every detail, but having value-based benchmarks will improve day-to-day choices.

    Renaming categories in your budgeting app or spreadsheet is another important approach. For example, changing “discretionary” to “family time” or “well-being” can reinforce the link between spending and values. Set up automated transfers that reflect your goals; this might include creating a savings buffer, funding education or contributing to a low-risk investment account. Automation helps reduce decision fatigue and supports consistency.

    2. Use pessimism to your advantage

    While recognizing economic risks is entirely rational, how people respond to that risk makes a significant difference. Psychologists have studied a mindset known as “defensive pessimism,” a strategy that involves anticipating potential problems in order to plan effectively, rather than being overwhelmed by uncertainty.

    Unlike chronic anxiety or fear, which can impair decision-making and lead to poorer financial and consumption choices, defensive pessimism encourages people to take a more measured, thoughtful approach. It combines realism with preparation and helps individuals stay focused and responsive in uncertain conditions.

    People are more resilient when they focus on what can be changed. In practical terms, this might include learning a new skill, starting a side project or strengthening personal or professional networks.

    To apply defensive pessimism, start by clearly identifying what could go wrong, then outline specific actions to address those possibilities. Break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps, create a backup plan and regularly reassess progress. This approach helps maintain focus, reduce surprises and turn worry into preparation.

    These small, proactive steps with detailed personal reflection can offer a sense of agency that counters feelings of helplessness. Rather than ignoring challenges, defensive pessimism coupled with consistent reflection is about figuring out how to work around them.

    3. Adopt a long-term outlook

    Despite ongoing uncertainty, maintaining a long-term financial perspective remains very important. Research consistently shows that people who engage in long-term planning tend to accumulate greater wealth over time.

    Long-term planning involves continuing to plan for future goals such as retirement or education, even when timelines need to shift due to changing circumstances.

    One of the greatest challenges with this approach is known as the “sour grape effect.” This refers to the tendency people have to downplay a future goal or reward after experiencing early setbacks or failures.

    A 2020 study with 1,304 participants in Norway and the U.S. found that setbacks can lead individuals to disengage from their goals. Participants were given either positive or negative feedback on an initial task and then asked to predict how much happiness they would feel if they succeeded in a later round.

    Those who experienced failure anticipated much less happiness from future success. When everyone actually did succeed, their levels of happiness were the same regardless of initial feedback. Setbacks can lead people to devalue their goals as a self-protective strategy. However, participants with high achievement motivation did not show this bias.

    In other words, when short-term disappointments are interpreted as failure, there is a risk that people may give up on long-term plans altogether. In these moments, the most effective course of action is staying consistent and committed, while still remaining agile enough to adapt as needed.

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

    – ref. 3 ways Canadians can take control of their finances in an age of economic uncertainty – https://theconversation.com/3-ways-canadians-can-take-control-of-their-finances-in-an-age-of-economic-uncertainty-260785

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: 3 ways Canadians can take control of their finances in an age of economic uncertainty

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Omar H. Fares, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Business, University of New Brunswick

    Canadian consumers are beginning to move from short-term economic concerns to a more persistent mindset of financial precarity, and it’s starting to affect how they live.

    People are delaying major purchases and starting to show signs of subscription fatigue, according to recent findings. One recent survey found that 70 per cent of Canadians are deferring major life decisions, including home ownership and family planning, as a consequence of this sustained economic uncertainty.

    This anxiety is now reflected in broader sentiment. The Bank of Canada’s latest Consumer Expectations Survey found a sharp rise in economic pessimism. About two-thirds of Canadians now anticipate a recession within the year, up from 47 per cent in late 2024.

    Concerns about job security, debt repayment and access to credit are also mounting. For the first time since early 2024, more consumers report cutting back on spending. Home-buying intentions are declining, especially among those expecting a downturn, and an increasing share of mortgage holders plan to reduce expenses ahead of higher renewal payments.

    Consumers are no longer just reacting to inflation or interest rates, but adjusting to the idea that financial uncertainty may be here to stay.

    Why today’s economic anxiety feels different

    While the link between economic uncertainty and reduced spending is well established, what makes today’s situation different is the convergence of multiple pressures facing consumers.

    This includes a challenging job market — particularly for younger Canadians — concerns about the disruptive effects of AI-driven automation, the threat of tariffs from the United States, ongoing global conflicts and the growing cost of living.

    With economic uncertainty now a defining feature of everyday life for many Canadians, the sense of financial precarity is shaping how people think, plan and spend.

    Addressing this new reality will require equipping ourselves with tools and mental habits that can help develop financial stability, even in unpredictable times. Here are three research-backed ways to do this.

    A Global News segment about how half of Canadians are living bill-to-bill.

    1. Budget based on values

    With many people feeling the pinch or uncertainty around money, a more deliberate, values-based approach to personal finance is needed beyond traditional budgeting methods. If you’re looking for more control over your finances, it can help to shift your focus from just tracking where your money goes to making sure it goes where you actually want it to.

    Research in consumer behaviour supports this shift in mindset. Mental accounting, introduced by economist Richard Thaler, explains how people naturally divide their money into mental categories like stability, family or learning. Budgeting then becomes less about cutting back and more about making intentional choices.

    Studies have found that pairing this kind of values-based budgeting with simple practices, such as setting clear goals and automating transfers, can lead to lower spending and more consistent long-term behaviour. The goal is not to manage every dollar perfectly, but to make sure your money aligns with what matters most to you.

    Since values tend to guide sustainable decision-making, a practical starting point is to identify three to five core values, such as financial security, personal development or time with family. Next, review your recent transactions and group them by the value they support. This reframes budgeting as a way to assess whether your current spending aligns with what you consider most important.

    From there, assign a reasonable monthly amount to each category based on your income and fixed obligations. You don’t need to track every detail, but having value-based benchmarks will improve day-to-day choices.

    Renaming categories in your budgeting app or spreadsheet is another important approach. For example, changing “discretionary” to “family time” or “well-being” can reinforce the link between spending and values. Set up automated transfers that reflect your goals; this might include creating a savings buffer, funding education or contributing to a low-risk investment account. Automation helps reduce decision fatigue and supports consistency.

    2. Use pessimism to your advantage

    While recognizing economic risks is entirely rational, how people respond to that risk makes a significant difference. Psychologists have studied a mindset known as “defensive pessimism,” a strategy that involves anticipating potential problems in order to plan effectively, rather than being overwhelmed by uncertainty.

    Unlike chronic anxiety or fear, which can impair decision-making and lead to poorer financial and consumption choices, defensive pessimism encourages people to take a more measured, thoughtful approach. It combines realism with preparation and helps individuals stay focused and responsive in uncertain conditions.

    People are more resilient when they focus on what can be changed. In practical terms, this might include learning a new skill, starting a side project or strengthening personal or professional networks.

    To apply defensive pessimism, start by clearly identifying what could go wrong, then outline specific actions to address those possibilities. Break big tasks into smaller, manageable steps, create a backup plan and regularly reassess progress. This approach helps maintain focus, reduce surprises and turn worry into preparation.

    These small, proactive steps with detailed personal reflection can offer a sense of agency that counters feelings of helplessness. Rather than ignoring challenges, defensive pessimism coupled with consistent reflection is about figuring out how to work around them.

    3. Adopt a long-term outlook

    Despite ongoing uncertainty, maintaining a long-term financial perspective remains very important. Research consistently shows that people who engage in long-term planning tend to accumulate greater wealth over time.

    Long-term planning involves continuing to plan for future goals such as retirement or education, even when timelines need to shift due to changing circumstances.

    One of the greatest challenges with this approach is known as the “sour grape effect.” This refers to the tendency people have to downplay a future goal or reward after experiencing early setbacks or failures.

    A 2020 study with 1,304 participants in Norway and the U.S. found that setbacks can lead individuals to disengage from their goals. Participants were given either positive or negative feedback on an initial task and then asked to predict how much happiness they would feel if they succeeded in a later round.

    Those who experienced failure anticipated much less happiness from future success. When everyone actually did succeed, their levels of happiness were the same regardless of initial feedback. Setbacks can lead people to devalue their goals as a self-protective strategy. However, participants with high achievement motivation did not show this bias.

    In other words, when short-term disappointments are interpreted as failure, there is a risk that people may give up on long-term plans altogether. In these moments, the most effective course of action is staying consistent and committed, while still remaining agile enough to adapt as needed.

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

    – ref. 3 ways Canadians can take control of their finances in an age of economic uncertainty – https://theconversation.com/3-ways-canadians-can-take-control-of-their-finances-in-an-age-of-economic-uncertainty-260785

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Decisions We Take Now ‘Will Shape Development Trajectories for Decades to Come’, Deputy Secretary-General Tells High-Level Political Forum

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s remarks at the opening of the 2025 high-level political forum on sustainable development, in New York today:

    In 2015, the world made a landmark commitment to achieve sustainable development and ensure that no one is left behind.

    The 2030 Agenda built on previous decades of development efforts and carried forward the vision and lessons of the Millenium Development Goals.

    It framed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) around a paradigm shift that integrates the three core dimensions of sustainable development — economic growth, social inclusion and environmental sustainability — and underscored the vital role of effective governance and strong institutions.

    It carried a promise to everyone, everywhere, to live in dignity, on a safe and healthy planet.

    Today, a decade later, we meet again as the world grapples with conflicts and deepening geopolitical tensions.

    The fabric of multilateralism is fading, and the SDGs seem out of reach.  Hard-won development gains are at serious risk, as a multitude of challenges, exacerbated by the chronic shortfall in adequate financing.

    Alarmingly, half of the world’s poorest countries have yet to return to their pre-pandemic income levels.

    Inequalities have amplified.  Trade tensions are escalating.  The climate crisis is worsening.  Democracy is under threat.  And the debt crisis continues to tighten its grip on the world’s poorest countries.

    The situation is truly sobering.  Yet, the latest data show that while progress on SDGs has been uneven and limited, there is reason for hope.

    Social protection and health systems are expanding, especially in middle-income countries, where they are reaching more people.

    More mothers are surviving childbirth and more children are living beyond their fifth birthday.

    Education access is broadening, creating new pathways for young people.

    The number of girls who are in school and studying STEM subjects is higher than ever before.

    Countries are investing in better data and technology, for policies to reach the furthest behind.

    There are promised investments in digital connectivity and clean energy, to serve those in the most remote areas.

    Meanwhile, the world has united behind an ambitious global agreement to confront deep-seated structural challenges and unlock faster, more inclusive progress.

    The Pact for the Future, adopted last September, builds on existing reforms and commitments and charts a bold way forward to revive multilateralism and collective action, anchored in peace, solidarity and cooperation.

    The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development renewed our commitment to deliver on the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, take forward debt solutions and tackle the international financial architecture.

    The Ocean Conference in Nice generated important consensus on critical issues, from marine protected areas to plastic pollution, illegal fishing and maritime security.

    The thirtieth anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30) and the twenty-fifth anniversary of the women, peace and security agenda, reignited political drive for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    And there are many more opportunities this year to push our agenda forward:

    The Second Stocktake of the UN Food System Summit.

    The Second World Summit on Social Development.

    The Biennial Summit on Finance.

    The thirtieth UN Climate Change Conference, and ahead of that, new, updated and economy-wide nationally determined contributions to get our climate goals back on track.

    We must build on these achievements.  Make the most of the momentum and drive action — particularly through this high-level political forum.

    We are under pressure because the truth is:  expectations are high, trust is eroding and crises are deepening, as we strive to deliver on our promise of the 2030 Agenda.

    This forum is an important opportunity to reflect, exchange and course correct.  It is our space to amplify the momentum, share lessons and good practice, deepen partnerships and reignite our collective ambition to fulfil the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    Over the coming days, we must reflect honestly and constructively on progress.  Particularly on SDG3 on health and well-being; SDG5 on gender equality and women’s empowerment; SDG8 on decent work and economic growth; SDG14 on life below water; and SDG 17 on partnerships and means of implementation — this all with human rights at the centre of everything we do and hope to achieve.

    And we must focus on the theme of this year’s meeting:  “Inclusive solutions, based in science and evidence,” and take heed of key findings of the Secretary-General’s Report on the SDGs.

    We need solutions that address persistent challenges, that can be adapted and applied across diverse contexts and that improve the lives of billions of people who are left behind:  the 800 million people living in extreme poverty; the 2.2 billion people without safe drinking water; the 2.3 billion suffering food insecurity; the 3.4 billion without safely managed sanitation; and the countless women, Indigenous Peoples, smallholder farmers and other marginalized groups unable to access formal health and protection systems.

    This forum will also welcome the tenth set of voluntary national reviews, or VNRs.  They present a temperature check of every country’s journey.

    Since 2016, a total of 190 countries have conducted close to 400 VNRs.

    This voluntary national exercise has been almost universally adopted:  a heartening sign of commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs and evidence that the SDGs are now deeply woven into national plans, policies and monitoring frameworks.

    These reviews are powerful road maps to achieve the SDGs and mobilize all stakeholders.  Across regions, we have seen civil society’s engagement deepen — driving progress nationally and locally.  VNRs have helped build knowledge and data and offered practical pathways to dismantle structural barriers that hold us back.  Over the past decade, they have inspired action through inclusive, scalable approaches, grounded in local realities.

    I look forward to the 37 VNR presentations at this forum, and I encourage other countries to engage and foster a meaningful exchange of experiences. It is up to all of us to build on our successes and make this forum count.

    We have come far.  And have even further to go.  But we have much further to go if we are to honour the promise of the SDGs.

    The pathway to 2030 is narrowing.  And the decisions we take now — where we invest, what we prioritize, and where we reform — will shape development trajectories for decades to come.

    With five years to go, the Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative marks a historic step to build on recent reforms and ensure that the United Nations remains a trusted, agile partner, ready to tackle today’s challenges and tomorrow’s uncertainties, and drive our collective push for the 2030 Agenda nationally, regionally and globally.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Ntshavheni releases historic National Security Strategy to strengthen people-centred security

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has released the public versions of key national intelligence documents, in what she described as a historic milestone in South Africa’s democratic journey and a significant step towards greater transparency, accountability and institutional reform. 

    The Minister released the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) 2019 – 2024, the National Intelligence Priorities (NIPs), and the National Security Strategy (NSS) 2024 – 2029 during a media briefing in Cape Town on Tuesday. 

    The Minister had earlier in the day tabled the 2025 State Security Agency Budget Vote in Parliament.

    At the briefing, she underscored that this was the first time in the country’s history that such core national intelligence instruments were being published in a manner that is both transparent and structured, while preserving the integrity of national security.

    “It is not only a profound step forward, but a clear paradigm shift in how the intelligence community relates to the State, to Parliament, and to the people,” Ntshavheni said. 

    The Minister framed the public release of the NIE and NSS as part of a broader shift towards constitutional accountability, transparency and national resilience, in line with Section 198 of the Constitution and the recommendations of the 2018 High-Level Review Panel on the State Security Agency (SSA).

    “The release of the NIE, NIPs and NSS represents not only compliance with that directive but a deliberate act of democratic renewal. It is our commitment to building a modern, ethical, and professional intelligence capability, guided by law, oversight, and strategic foresight. 

    “This is part of our commitment to transform the sector to serve the Constitution, not partisan interests,” she said. 

    Key threats and priorities identified

    The NIE 2019 – 2024 provides a comprehensive assessment of the threats facing the nation, ranging from illegal migration, cybercrime, transnational organised crime, to climate and domestic instability. The Estimate is built around five core themes: threats to the economy, territorial integrity, the authority of the State, citizen well-being, and foreign influences.

    The Minister detailed how the National Intelligence Priorities were aligned with government’s Medium-Term Strategic Framework, and focused on challenges such as:

    • Countering border-based threats and foreign infiltration in strategic sectors.
    • Strengthening cyber forensic capabilities to curb illicit financial flows.
    • Investigating threats to South Africa’s sovereign economic capacity.
    • Preventing terror financing, drug trafficking, and human smuggling.

    On the foreign intelligence front, the focus includes consolidating South Africa’s continental leadership role, defending its interests in multilateral fora, and countering espionage and hostile foreign interference.

    A whole-of-society security strategy

    Central to the Minister’s announcement was the unveiling of the new National Security Strategy (2024 – 2029), which introduces a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to security.

    “The NSS is grounded in the principle that national security is inseparable from human security, economic stability, democratic governance, social justice and above all national interest,” the Minister said. 

    The strategy is underpinned by eight critical pillars, including:

    • Protection of South Africans or Public Security (Well-being of South Africans).
    • Protection of Territorial Integrity of the Republic.
    • Protection and Projection of the Country’s Sovereignty.
    • Protection of the Economy or Economic Security.
    • Protection of Cyberspace and the Environment.
    • Protection and Promotion of Technology and Innovation.
    • Protection of the Environment and Natural Resources or Environmental Security.
    • Protection of South Africa’s Culture and Heritage (Cultural Security).

    Each pillar speaks to the State’s responsibility to safeguard not only physical borders, but also economic sovereignty, digital resilience and social cohesion.

    Intelligence in Service of the People

    Ntshavheni emphasised that the publication of these documents is not the end, but rather “the beginning of a new, progressive chapter” in national intelligence.

    “We do so in a world of rapidly evolving threats, hybrid warfare, misinformation, climate-induced instability, and shifting geopolitical dynamics. Our national security response must be anticipatory, inclusive, and adaptive,” she said. 

    She concluded by honouring the national intelligence community and reaffirming the importance of principled intelligence that serves the people and the Constitution, not partisan interests.

    “Let history reflect that we chose transparency over secrecy, service over self-interest, and reform over inertia, and this is done within the constraints of our national security interests.

    “Let us now work together to protect and advance our democratic gains through intelligence that is principled, professional, and people-centred,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Lendmark Financial Services Fuels its Wisconsin Expansion Plans, Opening Four New Branches in Delavan, Janesville, Madison, and Menomonee Falls

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MILWAUKEE, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lendmark Financial Services (Lendmark), a leading provider of personalized loan solutions, is proud to announce the expanded access of its services to more customers throughout southern Wisconsin.

    In the past 30 days alone, Lendmark has opened four new branches in the communities of Delavan, Janesville, Madison, and Menomonee Falls, as part of the company’s long-term plans to strengthen its presence in the Midwest and meet the growing consumer demand for relationship-focused financial solutions.

    These recent branch openings bring Lendmark’s presence in Wisconsin to 16 locations, since entering the Badger State less than two years ago, and reaffirm the company’s commitment to supporting the financial well-being of individuals and families throughout the state – with plans to continue this momentum in the months ahead.

    Each branch is expected to serve hundreds of customers, retailers and auto dealerships in the first year, with the Delavan branch located at 1741 E. Geneva Street, Suite 100; the Janesville branch at 2610 E. Milwaukee Street; the Madison branch at 1 Dempsey Road, Suite 4; and the Menomonee Falls branch at N95 W18394 County Line Road. Respectively, Branch Managers Meagan Sweeney, Amy Koch, Rebecca Rogers, and Christina Muskin will oversee the daily operations of their branches, each focused on building strong personal relationships with customers and the surrounding community.

    “We’re excited to continue growing across the beautiful state of Wisconsin while proudly serving these hard-working communities that reflect the true spirit of the Midwest,” said Mike McIntire, Vice President of Branch Operations at Lendmark. “Grounded in genuine care and compassion, our number one priority is ensuring Wisconsin residents experience unmatched service and guidance from our local branch teams, with personalized loan terms tailored to meet their specific financial needs.”

    In addition to serving consumers directly, Lendmark provides financing solutions for thousands of retailers and independent auto dealerships, allowing these businesses’ customers to obtain Lendmark financing. Local businesses that are interested in partnering with Lendmark to provide financing solutions for their customers should visit the branch or call the desired location: Delavan: 262-725-8008; Janesville: 608-352-6272; Madison: 608-866-9988; Menomonee Falls: 262-293-6166.

    Lendmark’s ‘Climb to Cure’ is its signature cause-related initiative. The company has committed to raising $10 million by 2025 to mark its 10-year anniversary partnering with CURE Childhood Cancer. So far, Lendmark’s employees, partners and customers have raised more than $9 million to support CURE, an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to funding targeted pediatric cancer research that is utilized nationwide.

    About Lendmark Financial Services
    Lendmark Financial Services (Lendmark) provides personal and household credit and loan solutions to consumers. Founded in 1996, Lendmark strives to be the lender, employer, and partner of choice by offering stability and helping consumers meet both planned and unplanned life events through affordable loan offerings. Today, Lendmark operates more than 525 branches in 22 states across the country, providing personalized services to customers and retail business partners with every transaction. Lendmark is headquartered in Lawrenceville, Ga. For more information, visit www.lendmarkfinancial.com.

    Media Contact
    Jeff Hamilton
    Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
    jhamilton@lendmarkfinancial.com
    678-625-3128

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Regional School Feeding Forum kicks off in Latin America and the Caribbean

    Source: World Food Programme

    SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras – Around 200 participants from 18 countries, including government ministers, representatives of civil society, international financial institutions, and the United Nations, are meeting in San Pedro Sula from 15-17 July for a key forum to strengthen commitments to school feeding programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.

    The XI Regional School Feeding Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean, co-organized by the Government of Honduras and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), is a high-level event for leaders to help transform national school feeding programmes into an engine for social protection, sustainability, and inclusion.

    Government-led school meal programmes in Latin America and the Caribbean reach over 80 million children – second to only South Asia, according to WFP’s flagship State of School Feeding Worldwide 2022 report – with a collective annual investment of approximately USD 7.6 billion. These governments are also increasingly choosing to use local produce for school meals; stimulating local markets, and including seasonal foods in school menus.

    School meals are a vital way to boost school enrollment and attendance, and offer a return on investment of between USD 7 and USD 35 for every USD 1 invested. In Latin America, they have also proven key in helping to promote healthy eating practices and provide good nutrition for children

    A healthy diet in Latin America costs on average USD 4.56 per person per day – the highest daily cost globally, according to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report released in 2024. Around 180 million Latin Americans cannot afford this – and by 2050, climate impacts could increase the cost of a healthy diet by an additional 34 percent.

    A Committed Host

    Honduras joins the list of countries that have hosted the Regional School Feeding Forums, promoting spaces in favor of children for more than two decades. In the country, over 1.2 million schoolchildren receive sustainable school meals across more than 20,000 pre-primary and primary public schools nationwide. Between 2022 and 2025, the country will invest more than USD 140 million to provide over 79,000 metric tons of fortified food to help prevent childhood anemia and malnutrition.

    The National School Feeding Programme, led by the Ministry of Social Development (SEDESOL), aims to ensure food security, school attendance, and the integral development of future generations as part of a national poverty reduction strategy. It reaches nearly 43 percent of school-aged children enrolled in public schools, including 97,400 girls and boys from the country’s nine Indigenous and Afro-Honduran peoples, across 1,074 educational centers.

    “The wellbeing of our children is at the heart of our social protection policies and the fight against poverty in Honduras,” said Mirtha Gutiérrez, Minister of Social Development. “The National School Feeding Programme not only ensures food security but also promotes school reintegration and combats child malnutrition. At SEDESOL, we are ready to implement this public policy as a State strategy, strengthening governance and ensuring the sustainable continuity of the programme.”

    In close coordination with the Ministry of Education, more than 4,000 school gardens have been established to improve access to fresh foods. Additionally, the country has launched the National Network of Agricultural Schools, comprising of seven specialized schools and more than 200 community-based institutes and associated educational centers.

    “This regional forum is a crucial space to showcase the positive experiences in school feeding,” said Minister of Education, Professor Daniel Esponda. “Honduras is building a food autonomy policy, promoting the use of locally produced foods in school meals, with the goal that what is served in schools is grown in the communities themselves.”

    WFP Support for National Efforts

    WFP works with governments in the region to strengthen national school feeding efforts – with support tailored to the local context. For example, transforming empty shipping containers into kitchens in El Salvador; providing lunches to children affected by violence in Haiti; connecting farms with nearby schools in Guatemala; and promoting fortified rice in schools in Peru.

    “We reach students in vulnerable areas with critical support: those affected by drought, environmental degradation, and social exclusion from the Dry Corridor to the high Andean zones to the Amazon,” said Lola Castro, WFP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “Delivering life-changing assistance to communities affected by conflict, displacement, and migration, or in places with high malnutrition, poor access to water and health services, and increasing urban food insecurity is critical. Ensuring the quality and coverage of food assistance when funding is limited is not easy. But the returns are undeniable.”

    Towards the Global Summit

    School meals programmes are the largest social safety net in the world, according to the World Bank, but the scope of these programs is still very uneven across countries. In Latin American and the Caribbean alone, the range is huge with some countries spending only USD 10 per child per year, while others invest up to USD 300.

    During the three-day Forum, participants will explore the value of school feeding for greater social protection, explore the role of schools as catalysts for sustainability and resilience, and promote school feeding with a focus on indigenous peoples.

    Additionally, the new report “More than a Meal” on the potential of school feeding in Guatemala and Peru to address malnutrition in an efficient and cost-effective manner will be presented. Produced jointly by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and WFP, the report explores how to improve meals in school so that the hours children spend at school count towards improving their nutrition.

    Latin America and the Caribbean is a region pioneering the expansion of school meals programmes to meet some of the biggest challenges facing people and our planet – from childhood nutrition to climate resilient food systems. The Forum is a key event to exchange experiences and jointly prepare for the 2nd Global School Feeding Summit, which will take place in Fortaleza (Brazil) at the end of the year.

    Note to editors: For more information and audiovisual content on the forum, visit the website.

    #                           #                            #

    The United Nations World Food Program is the largest humanitarian organization in the world, which saves lives during emergencies and provides food assistance to build a road to peace, stability and prosperity amongst populations which are recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter: @wfp_media @wfp_es

    Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel.

    For more information, please contact us with (email: name.lastname@wfp.org):

    María Gallar, World Food Programme, mobile: +34 662 435 125, maría.gallar@wfp.org
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Presidio Accelerates Industry Transformation with AWS: New Verticals, AI, and Co-Developed Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Presidio, a leading technology services and solutions provider, today announced a new Vertical market strategy featuring tailored industry-specific solutions and dedicated teams of industry experts. This initiative builds on major milestones in our strategic collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) reinforcing the companies’ joint commitment to accelerating digital transformation across key verticals. This strategic shift and expansion reflect the two companies continued investment in a vertical market strategy and innovation roadmap.

    “By deepening our vertical market focus, we’re providing customers with the perfect blend of industry-specific and cutting-edge technology expertise to drive meaningful outcomes faster than ever before,” said Chris Cagnazzi, Chief Innovation Officer at Presidio. “Together with AWS we’re developing innovative new solutions, accelerating AI adoption and shaping the future of digital transformation across every industry.”

    Presidio’s expanded industry vertical market strategy includes:

    • Dedicated industry expertise: Specialized teams with deep domain knowledge are now focused on healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, sports, media, entertainment, state and local government and education.
    • Co-Development with AWS: Presidio and AWS are developing new offerings tailored to the needs of customers in each vertical.
    • Captivate for every vertical: Captivate transforms video and sensor data into real-time insights that drive engagement, efficiency, and compliance. Presidio’s AI-powered platform empowers organizations to unlock new revenue streams, streamline operations, and deliver personalized experiences at scale.

    Major milestones accomplished over the past year include:

    • Launched Presidio Captivate: This innovative audience experience solution includes accelerators that leverage AWS for scalability, flexibility, and intelligence to drive immersive experiences and dynamic monetization opportunities. The first tailored solution is specifically for the Sports, Media and Entertainment industries.
    • Expansion of AI Accelerators through AWS: Presidio HAI accelerators powered by AWS enable clients to rapidly deploy intelligent solutions that drive business outcomes. Presidio HAI combines human expertise and AI capabilities for responsible AI adoption and significantly accelerates software development and application modernization.
    • $1 Billion in AWS Marketplace Transactions: Presidio was among the first companies to achieve $1 billion in AWS Marketplace sales. This was driven by a consultative approach and comprehensive lifecycle services that help clients optimize technology investments.

    Presidio is actively hiring across its vertical practices and digital transformation teams. To explore open roles and join a company at the forefront of industry innovation, visit presidio.com/careers.

    About Presidio

    At Presidio, speed and quality meet technology and innovation. Presidio is a trusted ally for organizations across industries with a decades-long history of building traditional IT foundations and deep expertise in AI and automation, security, networking, digital transformation, and cloud computing. Presidio fills gaps, removes hurdles, optimizes costs, and reduces risk. Presidio’s expert technical team develops custom applications, provides managed services, enables actionable data insights, and builds forward-thinking solutions that drive strategic outcomes for clients globally. For more information, visit www.presidio.com.

    Contacts:

    Press: PR@Presidio.com

    Investor Relations: Investors@presidio.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Opens Business Recovery Center in Los Angeles to Help Businesses Impacted by Los Angeles Civil Unrest

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened an SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Los Angeles County to assist small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations affected by the Los Angeles County civil unrest occurring July 6‑18.

    The new center, located in Los Angeles, provides a one-stop resource where SBA customer service representatives are available to meet individually with business owners and nonprofits to answer questions and assist with the disaster loan application process. No appointment is necessary and walk-ins are welcome. Those who prefer to schedule an in-person appointment in advance can do so at appointment.sba.gov.

    The center’s hours of operation are as follows:

    LOS ANGELES COUNTY
    Business Recovery Center
    City of Los Angeles Business Source Center
    East Los Angeles Region
    1780 E. First St.
    Los Angeles, CA  90033

    Mondays – Fridays, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Opened at 2 p.m., Monday, July 14

    “SBA’s Business Recovery Centers have consistently proven their value to business owners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Business owners can visit these centers to meet face‑to‑face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.”

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

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

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

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

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 27, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: New research: AI could make breast cancer screening more accurate and easier

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: New research: AI could make breast cancer screening more accurate and easier

    At Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, we’ve been working with partners at the University of Washington, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and other institutions to explore whether artificial intelligence can help bring greater clarity, accuracy, and trust to breast cancer screening. 

    This week, our joint research team released the results of a new study published in Radiology, detailing a promising AI approach that aims not just to detect cancer—but to do so in a way that radiologists can trust and patients can understand. 

    The challenges with current breast cancer screening 

    Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In the United States alone, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection through screening is the most powerful tool available to save lives, with a 20% to 40% reduction in mortality for women aged 50-69—yet it remains an imperfect science. 

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is among the most sensitive screening tools available, especially for women at higher risk. But for all its sensitivity, MRI comes with serious trade-offs: high rates of false positives, significantly increased anxiety for patients, and unnecessary biopsies. The problem is especially acute for the nearly 50% of women who have dense breast tissue—a condition that not only increases the risk of breast cancer but also makes it harder to detect abnormalities through traditional imaging methods like mammograms. 

    Too often, these challenges translate into a troubling equation: more scans, more uncertainty, and more follow-up procedures that turn out to be unnecessary. In fact, only a small fraction—less than 5%—of women undergoing breast MRI screening are ultimately diagnosed with cancer. 

    A smarter model, built for the real world 

    The model—called FCDD (Fully Convolutional Data Description)—is based on anomaly detection rather than standard classification. That’s an important shift. Instead of trying to learn what every possible cancer looks like, the model learns what normal breast scans look like and flags anything that deviates.

    This approach is particularly effective in real-world screening settings where cancer is rare and abnormalities are highly varied. Across a dataset of over 9,700 breast MRI exams, the model was tested in both high- and low-prevalence scenarios—including realistic screening populations where just 1.85% of scans contained cancer.

    Here’s what we found:

    • Improved accuracy in low-prevalence populations: FCDD outperformed traditional AI models in identifying malignancies while dramatically reducing false positives. In screening-like settings, it achieved double the positive predictive value of standard models and cut false alarms by more than 25%.
    • Exceptional explainability: Unlike most AI models, FCDD doesn’t just give a “yes” or “no”—it generates heatmaps that visually highlight the suspected tumor location in the two-dimensional MRI projection. These explanation maps matched expert radiologist retrospective annotations with 92% accuracy (pixel-wise AUC), far exceeding other models.
    • Generalizability across institutions: Without retraining, the model maintained high performance on a publicly available external dataset and an independent internal dataset, suggesting strong potential for broader clinical adoption.

    Making AI impactful, not just impressive 

    This model is more than a technical achievement. It’s a step toward making AI useful in clinical workflows—providing triage support, reducing time spent on normal cases, and focusing radiologists’ attention where it matters most. By improving specificity at high sensitivity thresholds (95–97%), the model could help reduce unnecessary callbacks and biopsies, easing emotional and financial burdens for patients. 

    Importantly, the code and methodology have been made open to the research community. You can explore the project here: GitHub Repository, and the paper here.

    As with all AI in healthcare, the path to impact requires more than algorithms. It requires trust. Trust is built not only by performance metrics but also by transparency, interpretability, and a clear understanding of the clinical context in which these tools are deployed. 

    Where we go from here 

    We still have work ahead. The model will need to be tested prospectively in larger, diverse clinical populations. But the results are promising—and they mark an important shift in how we think about the role of AI in medicine. Rather than asking doctors to trust a black box, we’re building models that shine a light on what they see and why. 

    “We are very optimistic about the potential of this new AI model, not only for its increased accuracy over other models in identifying cancerous regions but its ability to do so using only minimal image data from each exam. Importantly, this AI tool can be applied to abbreviated contrast-enhanced breast MRI exams as well as full diagnostic protocols, which may also help in shortening both scan times and interpretation times,” said Savannah Partridge, Professor of Radiology at the University of Washington and senior author of the study. “We are excited to take the next steps to assess its utility for enhancing radiologist performance and clinical workflows.” 

    AI will not replace radiologists. But with the right design and oversight, it can give them sharper tools and clearer signals to increase confidence in evaluating difficult cases.  

    Breast cancer is a global challenge. With AI, we have a chance to detect it earlier, reduce unnecessary interventions, and ultimately save more lives. That is a future worth building toward—one pixel, one scan, and one breakthrough at a time. 

    Tags: AI, AI for Good

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: DRML Miner Launches Cutting-Edge Cloud Mining Platform for BTC, ETH, DOGE and More

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the field of digital currency investment, mining has become a popular way for many people to gain wealth. Now, ETH and Bitcoin holders can easily enter the mining market through the DRML Miner platform and enjoy high returns and zero-hassle cloud mining experience.

    DRML Miner provides users with an easy mining solution that does not require technical knowledge and complex settings. Users only need to register on the platform and choose a suitable mining package to automatically start the mining process and receive income in real time. This platform is particularly suitable for investors who want to take advantage of the opportunities in the cryptocurrency market but want to avoid cumbersome operations.

    Why choose DRML Miner?

    High yield: DRML Miner promises to provide investors with competitive returns in the industry and help users realize wealth appreciation.

    High yield: DRML Miner promises to provide investors with competitive returns in the industry and help users realize wealth appreciation.

    Zero hassle: Whether you are a novice or an experienced investor, DRML Miner’s cloud mining system eliminates the need for complex hardware configuration and maintenance, and users can start mining with simple operations.

    Safe and reliable: The platform uses the most advanced security technology to ensure that users’ funds and personal information are strictly protected.

    Professional support: DRML Miner provides 24-hour customer service to help users solve problems at any time.

    As the demand for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies continues to grow, DRML Miner makes investing more convenient. Whether you are an investor looking to increase passive income or a user who wants to actively participate in the digital currency revolution, DRML Miner can provide you with an ideal solution.

    Register now, join DRML Miner, start your Bitcoin mining journey, and make your investment more competitive!

    Click here to explore more contract options.

    $10 contract – 1 day – earn $0.6 per day

    $100 contract – 2 days – earn $3.50 per day

    $500 contract – 5 days – earn $6.50 per day

    $5,000 contract – 30 days – earn $77.50 per day

    $8,000 contract – 40 days – earn $132 per day

    $50,000 contract – 50 days – earn $975 per day

    After the contract is launched, the system will automatically distribute the mining income to your account balance every day, and support withdrawal or reinvestment at any time

    Join DRML Miner now to secure your cryptocurrency future

    Thousands of people around the world already trust DRML Miner – and it’s easy to see why. The platform stands out for its rock-solid security, full transparency, and resilience, even during turbulent times in the cryptocurrency market. In addition, DRML Miner is committed to ESG standards, which means you’re not just pursuing profits, you’re supporting sustainable, low-impact mining that protects the planet.

    Take control of your cryptocurrency journey now! Sign up today and start mining BTC, ETH, DOGE, XRP, LTC, and SOL without having to manage hardware or pay high electricity bills. With DRML Miner, you get a dedicated partner focused on your long-term success.

    About DRML Miner:

    DRML Miner is a leading platform focusing on cloud mining technology, committed to providing users with efficient, secure and easy-to-use cryptocurrency mining services. We aim to help every investor seize opportunities and realize wealth appreciation in the rapidly developing digital currency market.

    Explore the new future of XRP mining. Please visit: https://https://drmlminers.com

    Click here to download the app: https://drmlminers.com/xml/index.html#/app

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or a trading recommendation. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and may result in the loss of funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New research: AI could make breast cancer screening more accurate and easier

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: New research: AI could make breast cancer screening more accurate and easier

    At Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, we’ve been working with partners at the University of Washington, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and other institutions to explore whether artificial intelligence can help bring greater clarity, accuracy, and trust to breast cancer screening. 

    This week, our joint research team released the results of a new study published in Radiology, detailing a promising AI approach that aims not just to detect cancer—but to do so in a way that radiologists can trust and patients can understand. 

    The challenges with current breast cancer screening 

    Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In the United States alone, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Early detection through screening is the most powerful tool available to save lives, with a 20% to 40% reduction in mortality for women aged 50-69—yet it remains an imperfect science. 

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is among the most sensitive screening tools available, especially for women at higher risk. But for all its sensitivity, MRI comes with serious trade-offs: high rates of false positives, significantly increased anxiety for patients, and unnecessary biopsies. The problem is especially acute for the nearly 50% of women who have dense breast tissue—a condition that not only increases the risk of breast cancer but also makes it harder to detect abnormalities through traditional imaging methods like mammograms. 

    Too often, these challenges translate into a troubling equation: more scans, more uncertainty, and more follow-up procedures that turn out to be unnecessary. In fact, only a small fraction—less than 5%—of women undergoing breast MRI screening are ultimately diagnosed with cancer. 

    A smarter model, built for the real world 

    The model—called FCDD (Fully Convolutional Data Description)—is based on anomaly detection rather than standard classification. That’s an important shift. Instead of trying to learn what every possible cancer looks like, the model learns what normal breast scans look like and flags anything that deviates.

    This approach is particularly effective in real-world screening settings where cancer is rare and abnormalities are highly varied. Across a dataset of over 9,700 breast MRI exams, the model was tested in both high- and low-prevalence scenarios—including realistic screening populations where just 1.85% of scans contained cancer.

    Here’s what we found:

    • Improved accuracy in low-prevalence populations: FCDD outperformed traditional AI models in identifying malignancies while dramatically reducing false positives. In screening-like settings, it achieved double the positive predictive value of standard models and cut false alarms by more than 25%.
    • Exceptional explainability: Unlike most AI models, FCDD doesn’t just give a “yes” or “no”—it generates heatmaps that visually highlight the suspected tumor location in the two-dimensional MRI projection. These explanation maps matched expert radiologist retrospective annotations with 92% accuracy (pixel-wise AUC), far exceeding other models.
    • Generalizability across institutions: Without retraining, the model maintained high performance on a publicly available external dataset and an independent internal dataset, suggesting strong potential for broader clinical adoption.

    Making AI impactful, not just impressive 

    This model is more than a technical achievement. It’s a step toward making AI useful in clinical workflows—providing triage support, reducing time spent on normal cases, and focusing radiologists’ attention where it matters most. By improving specificity at high sensitivity thresholds (95–97%), the model could help reduce unnecessary callbacks and biopsies, easing emotional and financial burdens for patients. 

    Importantly, the code and methodology have been made open to the research community. You can explore the project here: GitHub Repository, and the paper here.

    As with all AI in healthcare, the path to impact requires more than algorithms. It requires trust. Trust is built not only by performance metrics but also by transparency, interpretability, and a clear understanding of the clinical context in which these tools are deployed. 

    Where we go from here 

    We still have work ahead. The model will need to be tested prospectively in larger, diverse clinical populations. But the results are promising—and they mark an important shift in how we think about the role of AI in medicine. Rather than asking doctors to trust a black box, we’re building models that shine a light on what they see and why. 

    “We are very optimistic about the potential of this new AI model, not only for its increased accuracy over other models in identifying cancerous regions but its ability to do so using only minimal image data from each exam. Importantly, this AI tool can be applied to abbreviated contrast-enhanced breast MRI exams as well as full diagnostic protocols, which may also help in shortening both scan times and interpretation times,” said Savannah Partridge, Professor of Radiology at the University of Washington and senior author of the study. “We are excited to take the next steps to assess its utility for enhancing radiologist performance and clinical workflows.” 

    AI will not replace radiologists. But with the right design and oversight, it can give them sharper tools and clearer signals to increase confidence in evaluating difficult cases.  

    Breast cancer is a global challenge. With AI, we have a chance to detect it earlier, reduce unnecessary interventions, and ultimately save more lives. That is a future worth building toward—one pixel, one scan, and one breakthrough at a time. 

    Tags: AI, AI for Good

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Gold Price Prediction: Can Gold Reach $5,000 in 2025? — TheExpertVault Releases Forecast on Gold Prices as of July 15

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, Illinois, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gold prices are soaring in 2025 — and investors are taking notice. As of July 15, gold is trading at $3,361 per ounce, shattering historical highs. With economic uncertainty mounting, inflation persisting, and central banks aggressively buying bullion, TheExpertVault has released a timely warning.

    Worried about cash and stocks in 2025?

    Gold is surging, and smart investors are moving fast.

    This free 2025 Gold Guide reveals top Gold IRA companies, expert tips, and how to protect your savings before the next market shock.

    Get your free 2025 Gold Guide now

    Gold at $3,361 — What’s Driving the Momentum?

    Gold’s rise hasn’t come out of nowhere. Over the past 18 months, several powerful forces have pushed the precious metal into record territory: inflation remains high, U.S. national debt has surged past $40 trillion, and geopolitical risks continue to escalate across multiple regions including Eastern Europe, Taiwan, and the Middle East. On top of this, global central banks are accumulating gold reserves at an unprecedented pace—making gold more attractive to retail and institutional investors alike.

    In short, a combination of economic pressure and geopolitical tension is driving investors toward safe-haven assets. Gold isn’t just a hedge anymore; for many, it’s becoming a foundational part of a retirement strategy.

    Explore TheExpertVault’s free GoldGuide Now

    Can Gold Reach $5,000 in 2025?

    According to TheExpertVault’s latest research, the possibility of gold reaching $5,000 per ounce by the end of 2025 is no longer far-fetched. This scenario hinges on several unfolding macroeconomic dynamics. First is the weakening of the U.S. dollar, as interest rate pressure and national debt weigh on currency confidence. Second, rising geopolitical instability continues to push investors toward tangible assets. And third, the ongoing trend of global de-dollarization is driving countries to diversify reserves away from fiat-based instruments and into gold.

    These forces combined could very well lift gold prices to new all-time highs within the next six months.

    Why $5,000 Isn’t Out of Reach

    At face value, a 49% increase from current levels might appear ambitious—but historical precedent says otherwise. During the 1970s, gold surged over 1,400% in response to stagflation and monetary shocks. Following the 2008 global financial crisis, it nearly tripled in just three years. Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, gold has already climbed more than 80%, outperforming many traditional investment classes.

    Gold has consistently proven its strength when other assets falter, and the economic backdrop of 2025 may once again set the stage for a massive run.

    What It Means for Retirement Investors

    Should gold continue its climb, early investors—particularly those using tax-advantaged vehicles like Gold IRAs—could see significant growth in their retirement portfolios. A Gold IRA allows individuals to hold IRS-approved precious metals in a self-directed account while benefiting from tax deferral and regulated storage.

    Start protecting your retirement with a Gold IRA — see our top picks summarized.

    TheExpertVault’s July 15 Outlook

    While some might view gold’s rise as a short-term surge, TheExpertVault’s analysts see broader structural forces at play. With government debt, inflation uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions showing no signs of easing, gold’s long-term trajectory looks increasingly bullish.

    Final Thoughts: Why Gold IRAs Still Matter in 2025

    As inflation lingers and market uncertainty persists, investors are increasingly turning to tangible assets for retirement planning. Gold IRAs offer a tax-advantaged, regulated path to do just that—but not all providers are created equal.

    This year’s rankings focus on credibility, cost-efficiency, and investor-first service to help you make an informed decision. As the role of alternative assets grows, choosing the right partner will be key.

    Gold IRA Companies: FAQs

    What is the most trusted gold IRA company?
    Several firms are highly regarded, but the trusted ones combine transparency, consistent customer satisfaction, and educational support.

    Are gold IRAs a good investment?
    Gold IRAs can be an effective long-term hedge, ideal for diversification and wealth preservation during economic downturns.

    How do I choose a custodian?
    Look for IRS-approved custodians with clear pricing, responsive service, and secure storage options.

    Can you make money with a Gold IRA?
    Yes, especially when gold prices rise over time. While gold doesn’t pay dividends, it offers protection and appreciation potential—making it a valuable addition to a balanced portfolio.

    Company Name: TheExpertVault
    Customer Support Email: info@theexpertvault.com
    Phone Number: 888-728-8834
    Website: www.theexpertvault.com

    Disclaimer: This analysis was conducted by TheExpertVault’s editorial team, based on independent research and third-party data. This is not financial advice. Always perform your own due diligence before making any investment decision.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multiple Defendants Charged in Cockfighting and Illegal Gambling Operation

    Source: US FBI

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal grand jury charged multiple defendants for conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act and operate an illegal gambling business, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. 

    A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges James Shawn Murphree, 48, of Blountsville, Alabama, Denny Gonzalez-Guzman, 30, of Albertville, Alabama, Kasten Finis Murphree, 22, of Blountsville, Alabama, Kelby Shawn Murphree, 27, of Blountsville, Alabama, and Kimberly Ann Evans, 48, of Hayden, Alabama, with conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act and the Prohibition on Illegal Gambling Businesses. 

    According to the indictment, a cockfight is a contest where roosters fight each other. The fights are supervised by a referee, and the fight ends when one rooster is dead or refuses to continue fighting. Typical cockfights employ weapons that are attached to the backs of the roosters’ legs.  Owners and operators of cockfighting arenas, called “pits,” hold organized fights where people can fight their trained roosters against other roosters in cockfighting tournaments called “derbies.” In a derby, large numbers of cockfighters pit their roosters against one another for entertainment.  Spectators gamble on the outcomes of the cockfights, and the owners of the roosters stand to gain financially through their own wager, an arrangement where the derby winners receive a pre-determined portion of the derby entry fees, or through the enhanced value of their winning roosters.

    The indictment alleges that between March 2025 and June 2025, Kimberly Evans, James Murphree, Kasten Murphree, and Kelby Murphree conspired to organize multiple cockfighting derbies in Blountsville, Alabama. Attendees paid $40 to watch the fight. Competitors who entered roosters in the derbies paid an entry fee between $700 and $1,000. The winner of the derby would receive a share of the prize pool money.  

    The Gulf of America (“GoA”) Homeland Security Task Force, in partnership with United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, conducted this long-term investigation. The GoA Homeland Security Task Force is comprised of authorities from Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. This investigation and operation received significant support from the United States Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection, and ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Hundscheid and Jonathan S. Cross are prosecuting the case.  

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

    An indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Multiple Defendants Charged in Cockfighting and Illegal Gambling Operation

    Source: US FBI

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A federal grand jury charged multiple defendants for conspiring to violate the Animal Welfare Act and operate an illegal gambling business, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. 

    A two-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges James Shawn Murphree, 48, of Blountsville, Alabama, Denny Gonzalez-Guzman, 30, of Albertville, Alabama, Kasten Finis Murphree, 22, of Blountsville, Alabama, Kelby Shawn Murphree, 27, of Blountsville, Alabama, and Kimberly Ann Evans, 48, of Hayden, Alabama, with conspiracy to violate the Animal Welfare Act and the Prohibition on Illegal Gambling Businesses. 

    According to the indictment, a cockfight is a contest where roosters fight each other. The fights are supervised by a referee, and the fight ends when one rooster is dead or refuses to continue fighting. Typical cockfights employ weapons that are attached to the backs of the roosters’ legs.  Owners and operators of cockfighting arenas, called “pits,” hold organized fights where people can fight their trained roosters against other roosters in cockfighting tournaments called “derbies.” In a derby, large numbers of cockfighters pit their roosters against one another for entertainment.  Spectators gamble on the outcomes of the cockfights, and the owners of the roosters stand to gain financially through their own wager, an arrangement where the derby winners receive a pre-determined portion of the derby entry fees, or through the enhanced value of their winning roosters.

    The indictment alleges that between March 2025 and June 2025, Kimberly Evans, James Murphree, Kasten Murphree, and Kelby Murphree conspired to organize multiple cockfighting derbies in Blountsville, Alabama. Attendees paid $40 to watch the fight. Competitors who entered roosters in the derbies paid an entry fee between $700 and $1,000. The winner of the derby would receive a share of the prize pool money.  

    The Gulf of America (“GoA”) Homeland Security Task Force, in partnership with United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, conducted this long-term investigation. The GoA Homeland Security Task Force is comprised of authorities from Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. This investigation and operation received significant support from the United States Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection, and ICE-Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Hundscheid and Jonathan S. Cross are prosecuting the case.  

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

    An indictment contains only charges.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sixteen Members of a Violent Gang in San Germán, Puerto Rico, Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

    Source: US FBI

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 2, 2025, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 16 violent gang members from the municipality of San Germán with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) Ponce and Mayagüez Strike Force were in charge of the investigation of the case, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The Guaynabo Municipal Police SRT collaborated during the arrests.

    “As alleged in the indictment, the members of this drug trafficking organization conducted their criminal activities in the presence of minors, in complete disregard to the detriment of the children,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to protect our children, make Puerto Rico neighborhoods safe, and bring criminals to justice.”

    “The FBI’s commitment to public safety is unwavering. I want to thank the men and women of the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office, the Police of Puerto Rico and local partners that worked tirelessly to disrupt this violent criminal enterprise,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “This group thought they were above the law and our message is simple: if you choose to operate like a street army, then you’re choosing to face the FBI—rest assured your days terrorizing our communities are numbered.”

    The indictment alleges that from in or about the year 2023 through the present, the drug trafficking organization distributed cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”),cocaine, fentanyl or a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and marihuana within 1,000 feet of Manuel F. Rossy Public Housing Project (PHP), and other areas nearby the municipality of San Germán, all for significant financial gain and profit.

    The object of the conspiracy was the large-scale distribution of controlled substances at the Manuel F. Rossy PHP, and other areas nearby in the Municipality of San Germán, all for significant financial gain and profit. It was part of the manner and means of the conspiracy that there were at least two (2) drug points operating within the inside of two (2) apartments inside the PHP, and that sellers would sell drugs through a window to avoid being seen and/or detected by law enforcement.

    As part of the conspiracy the defendants would secure the entrance to the apartments that were utilized as drug points, with two (2) by four (4) wooden studs, to allow time for them to dispose of the drugs in the event of an unexpected law enforcement search and seizure.

    In preserving power and protecting territory, the members of the organization would use intimidation, force, and violence in order to maintain control of the drug trafficking operations and intimidate rival drug trafficking organizations. Moreover, they would give beatings to other co-conspirators and/or residents of the housing projects, with different weapons, including horse whips, as discipline for violating certain rules.

    The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, to include leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, facilitators, andlookouts. The defendants charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy are:

    [1] Jonathan Humberto Peraza-Rosa, a.k.a. “El Negro”

    [2] Jesed Natan Pagán-Ríos, a.k.a. “J”

    [3] Karvinson Javier Medina-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Champi/Jampi”

    [4] Giancarlo Robles-Pérez, a.k.a. “Gps/Penuelas/Jp”

    [5] Kelvin Torres-Alvarado, a.k.a. “Pito Ciribillo/Ciribi”

    [6] Eliezer Mikael Cruz-Molinary, a.k.a. “Mikael”

    [7] Yafet Omar Alameda-Torres

    [8] Anabel Tina Rodríguez

    [9] Jan Louis García-Franqui

    [10] Joe Armando Cotte-Ruiz, a.k.a. “Chevy”

    [11] Katiushcka Angelis Toro-Flores, a.k.a. “Katy/Angie”

    [12] John Eric Javier Cintrón-Massanet, a.k.a. “Budah”

    [13] Yadiel Omar Ponce De Leon-Ruiz, a.k.a. “Koby/Kobe”

    [14] Joel Rivera-Medina, a.k.a. “Fugitivo”

    [15] Melvin Jermaine Mitchel-Pérez, a.k.a. “JM/El Padrino”

    [16] Justin Daniel Nieves

    Nine defendants are charged in Count Six with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    The FBI thanks the PRPB Ponce and Mayagüez Strike Force for their assistance in this investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort, Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares, and FBI Special AUSA Frank M. Norris are prosecuting the case. If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug and firearms charges in Count Six, the defendants face a minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. All defendants charged in the drug conspiracy are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $2,850,900.

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

    The take-down is part of the FBI’s Summer Heat initiative, which is taking place across the country during the summer months.  Summer Heat is targeting violent offenders and gang members who terrorize our communities and is part of Director Patel’s commitment to the American people to Crush Crime.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –