Category: Education

MIL-OSI Analysis: New therapy teplizumab could delay type 1 diabetes by years – if caught early

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Oram, Professor of Diabetes and Nephrology, University of Exeter

Dorde Krstic/Shutterstock.com

For more than a century, type 1 diabetes has meant one thing: a lifetime administering insulin. But for the first time, science is breaking that paradigm – not by managing the disease, but by intercepting it before symptoms even appear.

As the first patients in the UK begin receiving the groundbreaking new therapy, teplizumab, we are developing ways to identify who might benefit from a drug that only works if given before any symptoms appear. At the Royal Devon NHS, we are currently treating the first UK adult, Hannah Robinson, who was found to have early type 1 diabetes by chance during routine pregnancy screening.

About 10% of people with diabetes have type 1, while the remaining 90% have type 2, a condition linked to lifestyle factors where insulin is still produced but does not work properly. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that leads to complete loss of insulin production from the pancreas. Without insulin, blood sugar levels rise dangerously, increasing the risk of blindness, kidney failure and early death.

Although type 1 is often thought of as a disease of childhood, research from the University of Exeter has highlighted that more than half of all new cases occur in adults.

For millions around the world living with type 1 diabetes, treatment to keep blood sugar in check means lifelong daily insulin. However, using insulin comes with its own risks.

If blood sugar drops too low, it can cause hypoglycaemia, or “hypos”, which in severe cases may lead to seizures or even death. It is no surprise that constantly balancing between high and low blood sugars takes a heavy toll on both physical and mental health. During her pregnancy, Robinson needed insulin and saw firsthand how “life completely revolves around balancing your blood glucose”.

Teplizumab offers a completely different approach. Instead of simply replacing insulin, it targets the immune attack that causes type 1 diabetes.

Our immune system is usually remarkably good at telling friend from foe, protecting us from infections and cancer while leaving our own organs alone. But sometimes, for reasons still not fully understood, this balance breaks down in a process known as autoimmunity. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas, destroying insulin-producing cells.

Diabetes symptoms.

Teplizumab works by retraining the immune system and dialling down the specific cells that target the pancreas. Studies show it can delay the disease and the need for insulin therapy by two to three years, with generally mild side-effects. For Robinson, who knows all too well from pregnancy and the full-time job that is living with type 1 diabetes, the possibility of a few extra years without insulin really mattered.

The drug is already approved in the US and is under review for routine NHS use, although a few children and teenagers in the UK have also received it through special access programmes.

Finding people early

There is a catch. By the time people develop symptoms of type 1 diabetes, such as thirst, weight loss and fatigue, more than three-quarters of their insulin-producing capacity is already destroyed.

For teplizumab and similar therapies to work, they need to be given before symptoms appear, while blood sugar levels are still normal. This means these treatments are not an option for people who already have established type 1 diabetes.

So how do we find people at this early stage? Fortunately, it is possible to detect the beginnings of the autoimmune attack many years before symptoms show using simple blood tests that measure immune markers called pancreatic autoantibodies.

Just a few drops from a finger prick can reveal whether the immune system has started to target the pancreas. Finding people early not only offers the chance to delay disease progression, it can also help avoid the life-threatening emergencies that sometimes come with a first diagnosis – such as diabetic ketoacidosis.

With type 1 diabetes affecting roughly one in 200 people, there is still the question of who to test. Not everyone’s risk is the same. When we think of inherited diseases, we often imagine conditions caused by a single gene change, such as cystic fibrosis.

Type 1 diabetes does have a genetic component, but it involves many different genes, each nudging a person’s risk up or down. Having genetic risk alone is not enough, with unknown environmental factors also needed to tip the balance.

Nine in ten people who develop type 1 diabetes have no family history. While testing relatives of people with type 1 is a logical first step, research at the University of Exeter suggests that combining all these genetic factors into a single risk score could help predict who might develop the disease and identify babies who should be monitored more closely. This could become an important tool as we move towards wider genomic screening.

It is still early days, but we are seeing a fundamental shift in how we approach type 1 diabetes. For more than a century, treatment has meant patients taking on the daily burden of replacing the insulin their bodies can no longer make. Now, the focus is turning to therapies that tackle the immune problem at its source, with the hope of stopping the disease before it fully develops and opening the door to an insulin-free future.

Richard Oram has received research grants or contracts from Randox and Sanofi. He has also received royalties and license from Randox, consulting fees from Sanofi, Provention Bio, and Janssen and payment or honoraria from Sanofi and Novo Nordisk. He has served on data safety monitory board or advisory board for Sanofi.

Nicholas Thomas serves on an advisory boards for Sanof (manafacturer of Teplizumab) guiding the technical delivery of therapy within the NHS. He is currently employed by Exeter University as an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow.

– ref. New therapy teplizumab could delay type 1 diabetes by years – if caught early – https://theconversation.com/new-therapy-teplizumab-could-delay-type-1-diabetes-by-years-if-caught-early-259814

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall: China, Get the Hell Out of American Agriculture

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
Senator Marshall Delivers Remarks at Unveiling of USDA’s National Farm Security Action Plan
Washington – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), joined Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, along with Governors from across the country, and other members of Congress, at the USDA, where they unveiled their National Farm Security Action Plan to protect American agriculture from foreign threats like China.
Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full remarks.
Full remarks as delivered:
“Well, good morning, everybody. America’s abundant food supply is not guaranteed. It’s a strategic asset we must fiercely protect. Farm and ranch security is national security, and I’m proud today to share how Kansas is at the heart of this mission. Today, we tell China to get the hell out of American agriculture. Today, China, here’s your ticket, do not pass go. Get the hell out of American agriculture, and the Trump administration is going to lead the way.
“Now, I want to start by just thanking Secretary Rollins, and maybe we can help you get some Angus cattle someday for your farm. But I do want to say thank Secretary Rollins, and President Trump, and his administration, for his unwavering commitment to our farmers, our ranchers, and rural America. The big reconciliation bill we just passed exemplifies this support. It strengthened the farm safety net, including increased reference prices, it makes key business tax deductions permanent, and doubles the estate tax exemption up to $30 million for couples, and streamlines the 45Z tax credit. Folks, 45Z is going to do more for agriculture than all the soybeans and sorghum we sold to China in the past five years.
“This bill empowers our agriculture communities and secures our family farms for generations to come. Now, as a fifth-generation farm kid, I learned how agriculture underpins our economic stability, our public health, our national defense, our geopolitical autonomy, and our rural way of life.
“It contributes $1.5 trillion to GDP and supports over 22 million jobs, yet we often take it for granted. Our farmers, ranchers, and our food supply chains face grave threats… specifically bioterrorism, procurement disruptions, and foreign ownership. A virus like COVID, which was made in a lab, could target our beef and dairy cattle industry next, or a fungus could devastate our wheat and our corn. Whether it’s from nature or made in a laboratory by a foreign adversary, these risks demand vigilance.
“Let me share how Kansas is leading the fight. We’re proud to host the Animal Health Corridor that stretches from Columbia, Missouri, to Manhattan, Kansas – the little apple – to Lincoln, Nebraska, where cutting-edge research thrives. And why in the world would we let scientists from foreign adversaries in those experiments and in those laboratories? I’ll never know. And why we’re doing research with American dollars in those foreign countries, or threats, I’ll never know either.
“I want to thank President Trump – in his first term, he welcomed the USDA Economic Research Service, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, to Kansas City, which complements the national bio-agro defense facility in Manhattan. This synergy makes Kansas a global hub for agricultural innovation.
“Our strength lies in our collaboration by uniting public and private sectors with land grant universities like my alma mater, the fighting, ever-fighting mighty Wildcats of Kansas State University, we’re building a resilient food supply. There you go. Coach Tuberville, ‘Let’s Go Wildcats.’
“I want to just commend the Department of Defense and all the agencies up here today for your joint efforts to combat diseases like avian influenza, screw worm, and foot and mouth, protecting our farmers and communities. And finally, this, let me just concur with Coach Tuberville that I’m going to champion for the Secretary of Agriculture to be part of CFIUS. President Trump could appoint her, and Congress can make that legal for years to come as well. That’s the best way to counter these emerging threats. Think about it – China, right now, owns land next to Whiteman Air Force Base where our B2s were launched, who did just a spectacular job of, yes, obliterating Iran’s nuclear armament.
“They own land next to Fort Riley, Kansas, home of the Big Red One Infantry Division as well. We need someone who thinks of agriculture when they wake up in the morning, and they go to bed, and they think of agriculture as national security. Again, we can’t take our food supply for granted. Kansas is leading the way, but it takes a national resolve to protect our farms, to fortify our biosecurity, and keep America’s food in American hands. Thank you so much. God bless.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: AFT to launch National Academy for AI Instruction with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic and United Federation of Teachers

Source: Microsoft

Headline: AFT to launch National Academy for AI Instruction with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic and United Federation of Teachers

NEW YORK – The AFT, alongside the United Federation of Teachers and lead partner Microsoft Corp., founding partner OpenAI, and Anthropic, announced the launch of the National Academy for AI Instruction today. The groundbreaking $23 million education initiative will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all 1.8 million members of the AFT, starting with K-12 educators. It will be based at a state-of-the-art bricks-and-mortar Manhattan facility designed to transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States.

The academy will help address the gap in structured, accessible AI training and provide a national model for AI-integrated curriculum and teaching that puts educators in the driver’s seat.

Teachers are facing tremendous technological changes, which include the challenges of navigating AI wisely, ethically and safely. They are overwhelmed and looking for ways to gain the skills they need to help their students succeed. The program is the first partnership between a national union and tech companies, structured to create a sustainable education infrastructure for AI.

To best serve students, we must ensure teachers have a strong voice in the development and use of AI,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft. “This partnership will not only help teachers learn how to better use AI, it will give them the opportunity to tell tech companies how we can create AI that better serves kids.”

The announcement was made at the headquarters of the AFT’s largest affiliate, the 200,000-member New York City-based UFT, where hundreds of educators were on hand for a three-day training session, including six hours of AI-focused material that highlighted practical, hands-on ways to marry the emerging technology with established pedagogy.

“AI holds tremendous promise but huge challenges—and it’s our job as educators to make sure AI serves our students and society, not the other way around,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “The direct connection between a teacher and their kids can never be replaced by new technologies, but if we learn how to harness it, set commonsense guardrails and put teachers in the driver’s seat, teaching and learning can be enhanced.”

“The academy is a place where educators and school staff will learn about AI—not just how it works, but how to use it wisely, safely and ethically. This idea started with the partnership between lead partner Microsoft and the AFL-CIO in late 2023. We jointly hosted symposiums over the past two summers, but never reached critical mass to ensure America’s educators are coaches in the game, not spectators on the sidelines. Today’s announcement would not be possible without the cooperation of Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic and the leadership at the United Federation of Teachers, and I thank them for their efforts.”

“When it comes to AI in schools, the question is whether it is being used to disrupt education for the benefit of students and teachers or at their expense. We want this technology to be used by teachers for their benefit, by helping them to learn, to think and to create,” said Chris Lehane, chief global affairs officer of OpenAI. “This AI academy will help ensure that AI is being deployed to help educators do what they do best—teach—and in so doing, help advance the small-‘d’ democratizing power of education.”

“We’re at a pivotal moment in education, and how we introduce AI to educators today will shape teaching for generations to come,” said Anthropic Co-founder and Head of Policy Jack Clark. “That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with the AFT to empower teachers with the knowledge and tools to guide their students through this evolving landscape. Together, we’re building a future where AI supports great teaching in ethical and effective ways.”

Anchored by the New York City facility, the National Academy for AI Instruction will serve as a premier hub for AI education, equipped with cutting-edge technology and operated under the leadership of the AFT and a coalition of public and private stakeholders. The academy will begin instruction later this fall and then scale nationally. Over five years, the program aims to support 400,000 educators—approximately 10% of the U.S. teaching workforce—reaching more than 7.2 million students.

Through the training of thousands of teachers annually and by offering credential pathways and continuing education credits, the academy will facilitate broad AI instruction and expand opportunity for all.

“For so long, there have been many new programs that were weaponized against educators,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “Our goal is to develop a tool that gives educators the ability to train their AI and incorporate it into their instructional planning, giving them more one-on-one time with their students.”

“Sometimes as a teacher you suffer burnout and you can’t always communicate to the class in the right voice or find the right message and I feel like these AI tools we are working with can really help with that—especially phrasing things in a way that helps students learn better,” says Marlee Katz, teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing in multiple New York City public schools in the borough of Queens. “The tools don’t take away your voice, but if I need to sound more professional or friendly or informed, I feel like these tools are like a best friend that can help you communicate. I love it.”

“As an instructional technology specialist for over 27 years, watching educators learn and work with AI reminds me of when teachers were first using word processors. We are watching educators transform the way people use technology for work in real time, but with AI it’s on another unbelievable level because it’s just so much more powerful,” says Vincent Plato, New York City Public Schools K-8 educator and UFT Teacher Center director. “I think the UFT and the AFT were right to say AI is something educators should take ownership of, not only because it can assist with enhancing the way they interact with and meet the needs of students, but also because AI assists with educator workflow. It can be a thought partner when they’re working by themselves, whether that’s late-night lesson planning, looking at student data, or filing any types of reports—a tool that’s going to be transformative for teachers and students alike.”

Together, Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic and the AFT are proud to help our nation’s teachers become AI-proficient educators and to leverage this unique partnership to democratize access to AI skills, ensuring that students from all backgrounds are prepared to thrive in an AI-driven future.

Designed by leading AI experts and experienced educators, the program will include workshops, online courses, and hands-on training sessions, ensuring that teachers are well-equipped to navigate an AI-driven future. It will bring together interdisciplinary research teams to drive innovation in AI education and establish a national model for AI-integrated teaching environments. Finally, the academy will provide ongoing support and resources to help educators stay updated with the latest advancements in AI. Innovation labs and feedback cycles will ensure these tools are refined based on actual classroom experiences.

Through scalable training modules, virtual learning environments and credential pathways, the program empowers a diverse range of educators to become confident leaders in AI instruction. In turn, these teachers will bring AI literacy, ethical reasoning and creative problem-solving into classrooms that might otherwise be left behind in the digital transformation.

The idea for the academy was first proposed by venture capitalist, educator, activist and AFT member Roy Bahat. He is currently the head of Bloomberg Beta, the venture capital arm of Bloomberg, and will be joining the academy’s board of directors.

For more information about the National Academy for AI Instruction, please visit AIinstruction.org.

About the AFT

The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company with a mission to ensure that artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity.

About Anthropic

Anthropic is an AI safety and research company that creates reliable, interpretable, and steerable AI systems. Anthropic’s flagship product is Claude, a large language model trusted by millions of users worldwide. Learn more about Anthropic and Claude at anthropic.com.

About UFT

The UFT represents nearly 200,000 members and is the sole bargaining agent for most of the nonsupervisory educators who work in the New York City public schools. This includes teachers; retired members; classroom paraprofessionals; and many other school-based titles including school secretaries, school counselors, occupational and physical therapists, family child care providers, nurses, and other employees at several private educational institutions and some charter schools.

Contacts:

AFT Press
[email protected]

Microsoft Media Relations, We. Communications
[email protected]

OpenAI Media Relations
[email protected]

Anthropic Media Relations
[email protected]

UFT Press
[email protected]

MIL OSI Global Banks –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/KOREA – Appointment of auxiliary bishop of Seoul.

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Tuesday, 8 July 2025

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Matthew Kwang-Hee Choi, until now director of the Department of Culture and Communication and spokesperson for the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul, Korea, as auxiliary bishop of the same ecclesiastical circumscription, assigning him the titular see of Elephantaria in Mauretania.Msgr. Matthew Kwang-Hee Choi was born on 21 September 1977 in Seoul. He studied philosophy and theology at the Catholic University of Korea, obtaining a licentiate in theology.He was ordained a priest on 2 July 2004 for the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul.After ordination, he first served as parish vicar of Mook-dong and Shingsa-dong in Seoul (2004-2007). He was awarded a licentiate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome (2008-2012), and exercised his pastoral ministry at the Catholic Youth Biblical Group (2013-2020). He served as formator in the Saint Peter formation programme for young priests of the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul (since 2020) and deputy director of the Saint Imbert Centre for Spiritual Exercises in Seoul (2021-2023).Since 2023 he has been director of the Department of Culture and Communication of the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul, member of the Presbyteral Council, secretary of the Public Relations Commission, member of the Commission for the Foreign Missions, member of the Archdiocesan Council, member of the Society for Study Grants of Onggi, member of the Commission for the Approval of Private Associations of the Lay Apostolate, member of the Commission for the Causes of Saints, deputy chair of the Diocesan Mass Media Commission, director of the Academy of Catholic Art, director of the Gallery 1898, head of the Association of Catholic Journalists, and head of Signis Korea.Since 2024, he has served as spokesperson for the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul and head of external relations for the organization of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, and since 2025, member of the management board of the John Paul II Youth Foundation. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 8/7/2025)
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July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDONESIA – A priest: “Positive impact” of the government’s child nutrition program

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – “I hear mostly positive things about the nutrition and free meals program for children, launched by the Indonesian government last January, in various parts of Indonesia. It is having an impact on children’s nutrition, and even Catholic schools and our seminaries have benefited,” says Father Alfonsus Widhiwiryawan Sx, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Indonesia and local Xaverian missionary, in an interview with Fides, during a public debate in the country on the program launched by President Propbowo Subianto. “Of course,” the priest continues, “one must always differentiate and consider the local situation in the various regions, given the vastness and diversity of the regions that make up Indonesia. But in general, one can say that we can observe a positive impact, especially in the poorest regions such as Papua and Borneo, where the problem of food security for children in indigenous communities is particularly serious,” emphasizes Father Widhiwiryawan, who, in his role as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, has the opportunity to travel to dioceses of the archipelago and assess the situation firsthand. “The implementation of the program,” he notes, “is carried out by the provincial governments and the organization of the kitchens. This is another aspect to consider, and one that is multifaceted. In addition, in the implementation of the program, certain schools are selected and given priority according to established criteria. I can say that I have also observed positive comments and reactions in Catholic parishes and schools because it is a tool in the educational process,” he notes. “Some teachers and people working in the education sector,” he says, “report that the program is more than just a gesture of charity, as it contributes to educational results: Improving children’s nutrition leads to increased performance and learning results, which clearly correlate with better overall human development,” he emphasizes. Locally, the government program is supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which leads a coalition of international partners. These partners, who also share the goal of improving nutrition across the country, provide technical assistance for the program and help monitor results, contact beneficiary families, set standards, and control the quality of the food provided. According to the National Agency for Nutrition, the government’s free school meals program reached nearly 7 million beneficiaries by July 2025. The program, announced by President Prabowo Subianto during his election campaign and with which he won support, was launched on January 6th and is intended to reach 82 million children nationwide with a gradual expansion. 1,873 food service units, officially called “Food Service Units,” are already in operation to implement the program. The program plans to open another 473 units nationwide in the coming weeks and establish partnerships with approximately 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises or local cooperatives that will supply the food service units with raw materials and local products. According to the government’s goals, the program is expected to reach 24 million beneficiaries by the end of August. However, the program has also caused confusion and sparked a political debate. According to some observers, investing public funds in such a welfare program means diverting necessary resources from measures to stimulate the economy and employment. To finance the program, the government has cut funding to the Ministries of Public Works, Health, and Education. Meanwhile, unemployment is rising across the country, and the International Monetary Fund has predicted that it will rise in Indonesia from 4.9% in 2024 to 5% in 2025. But Prabowo’s feeding program has also been the subject of further controversy: hundreds of children who benefited from it suffered food poisoning, and authorities have raised concerns about accountability and corruption. The media points out that President Prabowo is focusing on low-income social groups and raises doubts about the sustainability of the program, which, when fully implemented, will cost USD 44 billion a year, or about 8% of the national budget. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 8/7/2025)
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July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Mission among migrants: The Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cixi celebrates its 100th anniversary

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Diocesi di Ningbo

Ningbo (Agenzia Fides) – In his homily at the solemn Mass that opened the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the parish of Hushan, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1925-2025), Bishop Francis Xavier Jin Yangke of the Diocese of Ningbo, in the Chinese province of Zhejiang, emphasized the principles of gratitude, transmission of faith, and mission. The anniversary month of initiatives and celebrations, which began on June 28, became an opportunity for the parish to reflect on the history of the parish and the changes that have characterized the missionary work of its members, who were willing to respond to the “signs of the times” in a context marked in recent decades by major economic and social changes related to urbanization processes and the phenomenon of immigration within the country and from other countries.During the month of celebration, parishioners also commemorated the 18th anniversary of the “House of the Faithful” which is dedicated specifically to supporting pastoral initiatives for Catholic migrant workers. Cixi is a county-level city in the prosperous Chinese province of Zhejiang, which consistently ranks at the top of the gross domestic product rankings. Located in the Yangtze River Delta, Cixi, as a manufacturing center for ironware and household appliances, attracts numerous Chinese and foreign workers. Of the city’s two million residents, approximately half are migrant workers. Eighteen years ago, on June 1, 2007, the “House of the Faithful” was inaugurated in the Xushan parish to provide a place for Catholic workers from other parts of the country to gather. A place where they can cultivate their affiliation with the Church and receive support in their witness of faith, even in the workplace.Educational opportunities and opportunities for exchange at weekends, charitable initiatives, catechism, pilgrimages, and communal worship are just some of the initiatives and communal moments that have developed around the center over time. In its first year of opening, 13 baptisms were registered among the migrant workers involved in the center’s initiatives. On the occasion of the Year of St. Paul, proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI from June 28, 2008, to June 29, 2009, a pilgrimage and a study course on the letters of the Apostle Paul were organized to “make Christ known to all.” Today, the center has become an integral and important part of the life of the parish. Each year, approximately 10 newly baptized people become members of the center and the faith community.The solemn Mass that inaugurated the parish’s centenary celebrations on June 28 was attended by 29 religious sisters, 29 concelebrating priests, and more than 800 faithful from the five parishes of the Cixi deanery and the 12 mission stations of the Xushan parish. Bishop Francis Xavier Jin recalled the parish’s history and vicissitudes, highlighting the aforementioned “key words”: “gratitude to the Lord and all who have contributed, especially the silent believers, the courageous and steadfast believers who dedicated their youth to spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom of God”; “the transmission of the authentic faith,” preserved by the Church’s tradition, which is “the lifeblood of the development of the diocese and the parish”; and the “mission,” calling everyone to “be courageous in witnessing to the faith” and “to care for others and serve the community.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 8/7/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New phonics-inspired framework to boost standards for children
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

New phonics-inspired framework to boost standards for children

New writing framework published to build a nation of confident writers as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
A focus on handwriting, encouraging children to speak out loud and a renewed focus on reception are part of a first-of-its-kind writing framework, as the Education Secretary says the next generation should be as good at putting pen to paper as they are posting on TikTok.

The new framework, published today (8 July), will give teachers practical tools and guidance to plan high quality lessons and teach writing from reception and throughout primary school, so that thousands more pupils can build strong foundations in language, spelling and handwriting.

This includes integrating writing tasks across all subjects, as well as encouraging children to speak out loud words and sentences before writing them down, and similarly using dictation where children write down words, phrases and sentences a teacher has said out loud.

Even in a digital age, strong writing skills are a vital tool for everyday life and work, helping children explore their thoughts, share their ideas, and make sense of the world around them. Evidence also shows good writing skills can unlock future success and are directly linked to progress in education as well as future earnings.

Building on the success of the government’s reading framework and its focus on phonics teaching, which has seen 100,000 more children every year build strong foundations in reading, the new writing framework is a first step towards transforming how writing is taught, with those with lower attainment set to benefit most, so no child is left behind.

The launch comes as Key Stage 2 assessment (SATs) results were published this morning (Tuesday) showing the percentage of children meeting the expected standard in writing remains below pre-pandemic levels.

In 2024, just over half (55%) of white working-class children left primary school meeting the expected standard in writing, compared to 78% among non-disadvantaged children.

Similarly, only 30% of children with special educational needs met the expected standard in writing, compared to 83% of children without.

The scale of these divides is why, alongside support like the writing framework, the government will in the autumn publish an ambitious schools white paper to reform the SEND system and raise outcomes for disadvantaged children – supporting the Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

Far too many children are leaving school unable to write well, holding them back from future success.

Writing remains a crucial skill for young people to achieve and thrive in school and later in life. We want them to be as confident putting pen to paper as they are posting on TikTok.

Our new writing framework is a first step towards transforming how writing is taught in primary schools, as we work to boost outcomes for disadvantaged children and those with SEND, and deliver on our Plan for Change.

This forms part of the government’s mission to break the link between a child’s background and success, building on plans to ensure every child gets the best possible start in life including by boosting early literacy skills through the expansion of the government’s network of English Hubs.

The framework has been drafted with expert guidance from a range of sector experts including academics, leading practitioners and organisations.

STEP Academy Trust, Executive Director of Primary Education, Dr Tim Mills MBE said:

Writing is notoriously difficult: the cognitive equivalent of ‘digging ditches’ according to psychologist Ronald Kellogg. Learning to write is one of the most challenging undertakings facing children, and so one of the most difficult to teach.

However, it is extremely susceptible to teaching. As with the reading framework, we have sought to distil the growing research and evidence around learning to write into useful knowledge, guidance and practical advice. The aim is to support primary schools teach this vital academic, social and creative life skill by providing them with a coherent understanding of the demanding, sometimes messy progression to becoming a competent and motivated writer.

Deputy Headteacher, Stanley Road Primary School, Andrew Percival, said:

As writing is one of the most cognitively demanding tasks that we expect children to master, it is essential that teachers have the support they need to ensure all pupils can flourish as writers.

The writing framework provides schools with evidence-informed guidance that will help them set pupils on the path to becoming confident and proficient writers.

Headteacher and Director St Matthew’s Research School, Sonia Thompson, said:

The Writing Framework is designed to provide teachers and leaders with evidence informed tools and reflection points. It is not a checklist but a guide for improving confidence and practice, which will lead to improved pupil writing outcomes.

The announcement today builds on the action already underway to drive high and rising standards in literacy including a National Year of Reading, investing £27.7 million to support the teaching of reading and writing in primary school as well as the ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review.

The English Hubs programme provides expert advice and support to schools to improve the teaching of reading driving high and rising standards in English across the country.

The National Year of Reading, set to start in January 2026, will unite parents, schools, libraries and businesses to get people reading and help reverse the decline in reading for pleasure and boost children’s literacy skills.

DfE media enquiries

Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

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Published 8 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: High altitude training leads to breathtaking results for our swimmers Faye Rogers broke her own European, British and Scottish Record on the final day of the Scottish Swimming Championships with scores of other Aberdeen student swimmers picking up medals.

Source: University of Aberdeen

The UOAPS team during their high-altitude training in Andorra

Faye Rogers broke her own European, British and Scottish Record on the final day of the Scottish Swimming Championships with scores of other Aberdeen student swimmers picking up medals.
The haul came hot on the heels of the University of Aberdeen Performance Swimming Team’s (UOAPS) two-week training camp at altitude in Andorra.
Paralympic and world champion Faye bettered her previous 100m butterfly S10 European Record time of 1:04.17 that she swum at the Aquatics GB World Championship Trial in London in April – winning in a time of 1:04.04 at Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Meanwhile there were also golds for Tom Beeley (200m fly), Jamie Ferguson (100m backstroke) and Jack Milne (S14 100 Breaststroke) while Aiden Anderson picked up three (Junior Champion – 1500m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 400m freestyle) with Faye Rogers collecting another gold for the 400m freestyle.
Overall UOAPS came 3rd in the Team points Table for The Scottish National Open Championships which was held on 27-29th June.
UOAPS were represented in 80 Final swims throughout the meet resulting in nine golds, three silvers and five bronze medals.
Gold medals

Tom Beeley – 200m fly

Faye Rogers – Para 100m freestyle (British Record)

Jamie Ferguson – 100m backstroke

Aiden Anderson – Junior Champion 1500m freestyle

Faye Rogers – Para 400m freestyle

Aiden Anderson – Junior Champion 800m freestyle

Aiden Anderson – Junior Champion 400m freestyle

Silver medals

Jack Milne Para – 100m Breaststroke

Faye Rogers – Para 200m Individual medley

Jamie Ferguson 50 Backstroke

Bronze medals

Emily Riach – 1500m freestyle

Jack Milne – 200m individual medley

Faye Rogers- Para 200m fly (World Record / European Record /British Record)

UOAPS 4 x 100m freestyle relay – (Mary Mischenko, Cameron Travis, Kieran Lennox, Amelia Mardel)

UOAPS mixed 4 x 50m medley relay – (Mary Mischenko, Micha Van Blerk, Maree Wood, Kieran Lennox)

The Team competed shortly after returning from a two-week performance training camp at altitude in Pas de la Casa, Andorra. Located in the Pyrenees mountains, Pas de la Casa is a ski resort town and the highest point in Andorra, sitting at an elevation of 2,080 meters (6,800 feet) above sea level.
Training at altitude offers significant physiological benefits, including increased red blood cell production and improved oxygen-carrying capacity, which can enhance endurance and overall aerobic performance once athletes return to sea level.
Reduced oxygen and structured training together help the body produce energy more efficiently and strengthen the cardiovascular system
With excellent swim and gym facilities at their disposal, the Team was able to complete a focused and demanding training block designed to maximise these adaptations. The camp provided an ideal environment for building fitness, reinforcing technique, and fostering team cohesion in preparation for upcoming competitions.

Related Content

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: “Economic development without the AI factor is no longer possible”

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The International Summer Institute on Artificial Intelligence in Education Research, organized by Institute of Education HSE University together with East China Normal University (ECNU). It was attended by over 50 participants and key speakers from more than ten countries in Asia, Europe, North and South America. They discussed the use of AI technologies in education and other areas.

Opening the program, Professor Meng Yu and Vice Dean of the School of Computer Science at East China Normal University Xu Fei emphasized that the rapid development of AI technologies requires international cooperation and interdisciplinary research. “We are pleased to join forces with the Institute of Education at the Higher School of Economics and are confident that the week in Shanghai will become a starting point for long-term joint projects,” said Meng Yu and Xu Fei.

Director of the Institute of Education Evgeny Terentyev recalled that research alliances between Russian and Chinese universities are acquiring strategic importance and opening up new horizons for cooperation. He also presented the results of one of the latest studies by InoBra — a typology of Russian universities’ reactions to generative AI: from ban to active implementation. The analysis showed that most universities are still in the grey zone, not formalizing the rules for using new technologies.

In his speech, HSE Academic Director Yaroslav Kuzminov outlined five areas in which AI is already transforming higher education. First, this is the need to change educational practices and educational routines. Second, the new role of human cognitive skills. Third, the possibility of overcoming educational failure by establishing a mechanism for personalized feedback. In addition, these are new learning formats (including gaming). The fifth area is new mechanisms for integrating into the labor market, based on real skills, and not on the ability to perform routine operations.

He also emphasized possible areas of using AI for good, to strengthen a person. “Efficient (competent) implementation of AI in education, based on transparent rules, motivation of students to perform more complex tasks with the help of AI than without it, as well as personalized recommendations – all this together can reduce educational failure and release economic potential, creating equal opportunities for the formation of a competitive workforce and ensuring sustainable development. Therefore, let’s move towards the literacy of the future and AI literacy with the understanding that economic development without the AI factor is no longer possible, but regression in the case of careless, illiterate use is quite likely,” said Yaroslav Kuzminov.

This leitmotif was continued by Ekaterina Kruchinskaya, senior lecturer Department of Higher Mathematics HSE University. She spoke about the results of a survey of students from ten selective (top) universities in Russia. The survey showed that students most often use generative models to retell texts, analyze data, and program, but the time savings remain minimal due to the need to check the results. At the same time, the practices of use are still not organized, and students mainly use AI to relax more, but not to use the capabilities of generative models to perform more complex, creative tasks.

“The danger of using generative AI will be significantly reduced when these practices of its use become more institutionalized, and students are motivated not to imitate, but to improve their real results,” Ekaterina Kruchinskaya summed up.

The lecture was given by Okan Bulut, a professor at the University of Alberta (Canada), who spoke about the problems of using artificial intelligence in education. He highlighted the key challenges in assessing the use of AI and discussed how this technology can be used for the benefit of learning. Continuing the topic, Associate Professor Mick Funghi of the Education University of Hong Kong spoke about changing traditional ideas about computer-supported collaborative learning. He explained that if previously technologies were viewed only as a means for students to interact with each other, now AI tools themselves are becoming full-fledged participants in the process. Using the example of group work with text, Professor Funghi also highlighted the new risks of freeriding – cases when students use AI primarily to save time, rather than to deepen collaboration – and proposed a research agenda focusing on the behavior of individual participants.

The first day ended with academic “speed dating”: the participants exchanged ideas for their projects and outlined the tasks they would work on during the week in Shanghai. Ahead of them are a series of lectures, master classes and workshops on research methods. Following the work, each participant will present their research, taking into account the recommendations received during the summer institute from experts from the Institute of Education of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and the Higher Communist Party of Ukraine.

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kelly leads introduction of Treat and Reduce Obesity Act to combat obesity epidemic, improve Americans’ health

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA), Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (R-IA), and Gwen Moore (D-WI) introduced the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA), bipartisan legislation to combat the obesity crisis in the United States by providing regular screenings.

The bill would also prevent diseases associated with obesity through expanded coverage of new health care specialists and chronic weight management medications for Medicare recipients.

“The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act takes a critical step toward improving patient costs and patient outcomes,” said Rep. Kelly. “This bipartisan legislation would allow seniors struggling with obesity to take a responsible, proactive approach to improve their health and live longer, more active lives. I look forward to working with the Trump administration and the team at CMS, including my friend Dr. Mehmet Oz, to make America healthy again!”

“Obesity is a complex, chronic disease and a growing public health crisis that costs our nation billions each year,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz. “As an emergency physician, I’ve treated countless patients suffering from diabetes, heart disease, and other serious complications linked to obesity. The bipartisan Treat and Reduce Obesity Act would give seniors struggling with obesity access to Medicare coverage for proven medications and behavioral therapies, empowering them to live healthier, longer lives.”

“As a physician and former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I have seen firsthand how obesity contributes to serious and preventable health conditions. The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act allows Medicare beneficiaries to access life-changing treatments, including behavioral therapy and FDA-approved medications. This bipartisan legislation improves health outcomes, lowers long-term costs, and helps Americans live longer and healthier lives,” said Dr. Miller-Meeks.

“Obesity poses a growing health risk to millions of Americans, especially older adults. TROA would support critical medical interventions that can help those struggling with obesity, improving the overall health and wellbeing of Medicare beneficiaries,” said Rep. Moore.

You can find the full bill text here.

Senator Bill Cassidy leads companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

BACKGROUND

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diseases associated with obesity such as heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and certain types of cancer are the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. TROA would work to directly prevent these comorbidities.

The scientific understanding of obesity has evolved, recognizing it as a complex, chronic, and relapsing disease. Obesity is a public health crisis in the United States. The total economic and societal impact of obesity rose to $1.4 trillion in the United States in 2018, up from $976 billion in 2014.

A recent study found that Medicare beneficiaries with obesity and at least one other chronic illness could significantly reduce healthcare costs through weight management. Annual savings were estimated at up to 38% or nearly $10,000 in medical cost savings. Additionally, the USC Schaeffer Center found coverage of new obesity treatments could generate approximately $175 billion in cost offsets to Medicare in the first 10 years alone, increasing to $700 billion in 30 years. Coverage of medications to treat obesity will enhance human health and reduce federal healthcare costs by lowering the risks and prevalence of costly obesity-related chronic diseases.

The following organizations have endorsed TROA this Congress: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pas, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American Diabetes Association, American Gastroenterological Association, American Medical Group Association, American Psychological Association, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, American Society for Nutrition, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, Black Woman’s Health Imperative, Boehringer-Ingelheim, ConscienHealth, Currax, Diabetes Leadership Council, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Eli Lilly and Company, Endocrine Society, Gerontological Society of America, Global Liver Institute, Healthcare Leadership Council, HealthyWomen, Intuitive Surgical, MedTech Coalition for Metabolic Health, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, National Consumers League, National Council on Aging, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Kidney Foundation, Novo Nordisk, Obesity Action Coalition, Obesity Medicine Association, Ro, Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, The Obesity Society, Trust for America’s Health, WW Weight Watchers International, and YMCA of the USA.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kentucky IAM Leader Celebrates 30 Years of Membership by Giving Back to Her Union and Her Community

Source: US GOIAM Union

The IAM proudly honors IAM Local 830 member Theresa Martinez as she approaches an extraordinary milestone – 30 years of union membership on Sept. 1. Martinez’s dedication to the labor movement is matched only by her commitment to community service and social justice.

Theresa’s union career is a reflection of integrity, leadership, and tireless service. A proud union member in a Right-to-Work state, she has always paid her dues, not out of obligation, but out of principle and solidarity. Her actions speak volumes: in 2024, she served as Chief Strike Captain during a critical labor strike, stepping up to lead without hesitation, even though her own working days would conclude before the contract’s expiration. She ensured every shift was covered, kept detailed records, and became a key force in the successful coordination of strike logistics.

She also served on the IAM Local 830 Election Committee, helping to protect the integrity of the IAM’s democratic processes. Her steady hand and strong moral compass have made her a trusted leader within the IAM family.

“Martinez represents the very best of the IAM. Her courage, compassion, and commitment to her union siblings on the shop floor – and to her neighbors and her community – are extraordinary,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “She not only honors our values, she lives them. We are incredibly proud to call her one of our own.”

But Theresa’s story doesn’t end on the union floor. It is deeply marked by personal resilience and transformed into a light of hope for others. In 2012, her 23-year-old daughter, Ashley Martinez, was killed by a drunk and drugged driver. From the depths of loss, Theresa emerged with purpose. For more than a decade, she has served as a fierce advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), dedicating her time to education, prevention, and healing.

She regularly speaks to high school students and serves on Victim Impact Panels across Kentucky, sharing Ashley’s story to deter impaired driving. She’s worked closely with the Louisville Metro Police Department and the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety on public outreach campaigns. She’s also a weekly volunteer with the MADD Helpline and an active participant in the annual Walk Like MADD event.

In 2019, her advocacy helped achieve a major legislative victory with the unanimous passage of Kentucky’s Ignition Interlock Bill. That success, and the lives it will protect, stand as a testament to the power of persistence and love in action.

“Theresa reminds us what it means to fight not only for a better contract but for a better world,” said IAM Local 830 Secretary-Treasurer Joshua Fouts. “Her leadership on the picket line was inspiring, but what’s even more powerful is her daily work as a community advocate, a listener, and a builder of hope. Her daughter Ashley would be incredibly proud.”

Martinez also serves as President of the Compassionate Friends Chapter in Louisville, Ky., offering peer support to parents who have lost children. For her work, she has been recognized with the Bell Award, one of Louisville’s highest honors for volunteerism, and was named a Tom Drexler Hometown Hero at a University of Louisville football game.

As the IAM reflects on Theresa’s 30 years of union membership, we honor not only her service to the labor movement but also her humanity. In her, we see the strength of our union siblings – resilient, committed, and driven by love and justice.

Her story reminds us that being part of a union means standing for something bigger than ourselves. Theresa Martinez stands for all of us.

The post Kentucky IAM Leader Celebrates 30 Years of Membership by Giving Back to Her Union and Her Community appeared first on IAM Union.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kentucky IAM Leader Celebrates 30 Years of Membership by Giving Back to Her Union and Her Community

Source: US GOIAM Union

The IAM proudly honors IAM Local 830 member Theresa Martinez as she approaches an extraordinary milestone – 30 years of union membership on Sept. 1. Martinez’s dedication to the labor movement is matched only by her commitment to community service and social justice.

Theresa’s union career is a reflection of integrity, leadership, and tireless service. A proud union member in a Right-to-Work state, she has always paid her dues, not out of obligation, but out of principle and solidarity. Her actions speak volumes: in 2024, she served as Chief Strike Captain during a critical labor strike, stepping up to lead without hesitation, even though her own working days would conclude before the contract’s expiration. She ensured every shift was covered, kept detailed records, and became a key force in the successful coordination of strike logistics.

She also served on the IAM Local 830 Election Committee, helping to protect the integrity of the IAM’s democratic processes. Her steady hand and strong moral compass have made her a trusted leader within the IAM family.

“Martinez represents the very best of the IAM. Her courage, compassion, and commitment to her union siblings on the shop floor – and to her neighbors and her community – are extraordinary,” said IAM Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “She not only honors our values, she lives them. We are incredibly proud to call her one of our own.”

But Theresa’s story doesn’t end on the union floor. It is deeply marked by personal resilience and transformed into a light of hope for others. In 2012, her 23-year-old daughter, Ashley Martinez, was killed by a drunk and drugged driver. From the depths of loss, Theresa emerged with purpose. For more than a decade, she has served as a fierce advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), dedicating her time to education, prevention, and healing.

She regularly speaks to high school students and serves on Victim Impact Panels across Kentucky, sharing Ashley’s story to deter impaired driving. She’s worked closely with the Louisville Metro Police Department and the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety on public outreach campaigns. She’s also a weekly volunteer with the MADD Helpline and an active participant in the annual Walk Like MADD event.

In 2019, her advocacy helped achieve a major legislative victory with the unanimous passage of Kentucky’s Ignition Interlock Bill. That success, and the lives it will protect, stand as a testament to the power of persistence and love in action.

“Theresa reminds us what it means to fight not only for a better contract but for a better world,” said IAM Local 830 Secretary-Treasurer Joshua Fouts. “Her leadership on the picket line was inspiring, but what’s even more powerful is her daily work as a community advocate, a listener, and a builder of hope. Her daughter Ashley would be incredibly proud.”

Martinez also serves as President of the Compassionate Friends Chapter in Louisville, Ky., offering peer support to parents who have lost children. For her work, she has been recognized with the Bell Award, one of Louisville’s highest honors for volunteerism, and was named a Tom Drexler Hometown Hero at a University of Louisville football game.

As the IAM reflects on Theresa’s 30 years of union membership, we honor not only her service to the labor movement but also her humanity. In her, we see the strength of our union siblings – resilient, committed, and driven by love and justice.

Her story reminds us that being part of a union means standing for something bigger than ourselves. Theresa Martinez stands for all of us.

The post Kentucky IAM Leader Celebrates 30 Years of Membership by Giving Back to Her Union and Her Community appeared first on IAM Union.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Free ‘Skin Check’ Screenings to be Available at Rhode Island Beaches

Source: US State of Rhode Island

Between mid-July and mid-August, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Brown Dermatology, and partners statewide will be making free skin cancer screenings available at select Rhode Island parks and beaches on four dates.

“Along with getting in the shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, getting a skin check is the most important thing you can do to protect against skin cancer,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones and complexions, which is why all Rhode Islanders should take advantage of these free, convenient skin cancer checks. Cancer screenings have the power to save lives.”

“One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Everyone is at risk, even those with darker skin tones,” said John C. Kawaoka, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Residency Program Director at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. “Protecting yourself from the sun is incredibly important, as is getting your skin checked. We will once again be at the local beaches and parks doing skin cancer screenings as part of Skin Check. Every year we find a number of skin cancers, including melanoma, many of which people had no idea that they had.”

“Skin Check wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of our volunteers and partners.” said Megan Daniel, Executive Director of the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island. “As Rhode Island’s state cancer coalition, we work diligently to improve cancer care and survivorship, which includes improving access to cancer screening. Skin Check has a long history of providing free screenings to residents in our communities who need it most. It’s inspiring to see individuals and businesses who want to support this service and help reduce the burden of cancer in Rhode Island.”

“Brown University Health is thrilled to partner on another season of Skin Check,” said Carrie Bridges, MPH, Vice President of Community Health and Equity at Brown University Health Community Health Institute. “Many Rhode Islanders look forward to skin cancer screening at local beaches, parks and festivals, and Brown University Health Community Health Institute is honored to be able to help facilitate access to this critical preventive service and appropriate follow-up care. This year, we continue our efforts to reach more diverse audiences of people who will benefit from this free screening.”

All screenings will be private and provided by dermatologists and dermatology residents affiliated with Brown Dermatology. The first 100 people at each event will be screened. People who require follow-up will be referred for dermatology consults. People are asked to wear bathing suits or clothing that can easily be removed to reveal the areas of skin that they would like checked.

NBC10 (WJAR) is the media partner for the Skin Check screening events. Other partners include Brown Dermatology, the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, Brown University Health Community Health Institute, RIDOH, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

Free Cancer Screenings Dates and Locations:

— Saturday, July 12, 11am-1pm: Scarborough Beach North (Narragansett) — Friday, July 18, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Easton’s Beach (Newport) — Saturday, August 2, 11am-1pm: Scarborough Beach North (Narragansett) — Friday, August 15, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Lincoln Woods State Park (Lincoln)

Prevention and Early Detection

The two ways to stay sun safe this summer are prevention (using sunscreen, wearing protective apparel, and staying out of the direct sun) and early detection (getting screened).

Prevention: — Apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more with both UVA and UVB protection (“broad spectrum” sunscreen). Make sure to put it on all areas of skin exposed to the sun, including ears, neck, nose, eyelids, fingers and toes, and reapply every two hours. — Use water-resistant sunscreen while swimming, boating or exercising; — Seek shade, especially when the sun rays are the strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM; — Wear protective clothing, such as UPF clothing (UV resistant); — Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck; — Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection where possible; — Use caution near water, sand and snow because they reflect and intensify the rays of the sun and can increase your chances of sunburn; — Avoid indoor tanning.

Early detection: — Talk with your primary care professional about seeing a dermatologist and getting screened for skin cancer, especially if you have a family history of it. — Watch your moles and skin spots over time. If you see changes in their size, color, number, or thickness, they need to be checked by a primary care professional or a dermatologist. — Get your kids screened. Skin cancer is a growing concern for children, especially among adolescents. Talk with your child’s pediatrician about skin cancer screening. — If you work outdoors, you should be screened annually by a dermatologist.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Free ‘Skin Check’ Screenings to be Available at Rhode Island Beaches

Source: US State of Rhode Island

Between mid-July and mid-August, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Brown Dermatology, and partners statewide will be making free skin cancer screenings available at select Rhode Island parks and beaches on four dates.

“Along with getting in the shade and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, getting a skin check is the most important thing you can do to protect against skin cancer,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones and complexions, which is why all Rhode Islanders should take advantage of these free, convenient skin cancer checks. Cancer screenings have the power to save lives.”

“One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Everyone is at risk, even those with darker skin tones,” said John C. Kawaoka, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology and Residency Program Director at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. “Protecting yourself from the sun is incredibly important, as is getting your skin checked. We will once again be at the local beaches and parks doing skin cancer screenings as part of Skin Check. Every year we find a number of skin cancers, including melanoma, many of which people had no idea that they had.”

“Skin Check wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of our volunteers and partners.” said Megan Daniel, Executive Director of the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island. “As Rhode Island’s state cancer coalition, we work diligently to improve cancer care and survivorship, which includes improving access to cancer screening. Skin Check has a long history of providing free screenings to residents in our communities who need it most. It’s inspiring to see individuals and businesses who want to support this service and help reduce the burden of cancer in Rhode Island.”

“Brown University Health is thrilled to partner on another season of Skin Check,” said Carrie Bridges, MPH, Vice President of Community Health and Equity at Brown University Health Community Health Institute. “Many Rhode Islanders look forward to skin cancer screening at local beaches, parks and festivals, and Brown University Health Community Health Institute is honored to be able to help facilitate access to this critical preventive service and appropriate follow-up care. This year, we continue our efforts to reach more diverse audiences of people who will benefit from this free screening.”

All screenings will be private and provided by dermatologists and dermatology residents affiliated with Brown Dermatology. The first 100 people at each event will be screened. People who require follow-up will be referred for dermatology consults. People are asked to wear bathing suits or clothing that can easily be removed to reveal the areas of skin that they would like checked.

NBC10 (WJAR) is the media partner for the Skin Check screening events. Other partners include Brown Dermatology, the Partnership to Reduce Cancer in Rhode Island, Brown University Health Community Health Institute, RIDOH, and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM).

Free Cancer Screenings Dates and Locations:

— Saturday, July 12, 11am-1pm: Scarborough Beach North (Narragansett) — Friday, July 18, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Easton’s Beach (Newport) — Saturday, August 2, 11am-1pm: Scarborough Beach North (Narragansett) — Friday, August 15, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Lincoln Woods State Park (Lincoln)

Prevention and Early Detection

The two ways to stay sun safe this summer are prevention (using sunscreen, wearing protective apparel, and staying out of the direct sun) and early detection (getting screened).

Prevention: — Apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or more with both UVA and UVB protection (“broad spectrum” sunscreen). Make sure to put it on all areas of skin exposed to the sun, including ears, neck, nose, eyelids, fingers and toes, and reapply every two hours. — Use water-resistant sunscreen while swimming, boating or exercising; — Seek shade, especially when the sun rays are the strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM; — Wear protective clothing, such as UPF clothing (UV resistant); — Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck; — Wear wrap-around sunglasses with UV protection where possible; — Use caution near water, sand and snow because they reflect and intensify the rays of the sun and can increase your chances of sunburn; — Avoid indoor tanning.

Early detection: — Talk with your primary care professional about seeing a dermatologist and getting screened for skin cancer, especially if you have a family history of it. — Watch your moles and skin spots over time. If you see changes in their size, color, number, or thickness, they need to be checked by a primary care professional or a dermatologist. — Get your kids screened. Skin cancer is a growing concern for children, especially among adolescents. Talk with your child’s pediatrician about skin cancer screening. — If you work outdoors, you should be screened annually by a dermatologist.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: INNOPROM-2025: the fight for technological leadership

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The Polytechnic stand continues its work at the INNOPROM exhibition, and the official delegation of SPbPU takes an active part in the business program. On July 8, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Yekaterinburg. At the forum, the Prime Minister assessed the exhibits and opened the main strategic session “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough”.

“I would like to sincerely welcome the participants and guests of the main industrial exhibition of Russia. This year it has a significant anniversary. For the 15th time, Yekaterinburg has become the center of attraction for companies of industrial leaders – both our country and our friendly states. In order to identify new growth points, expand the range of business contacts,” said Mikhail Mishustin. – Today’s discussion is devoted to a very important topic – industrial breakthrough. President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum emphasized that the Russian economy must become more technological. This is a serious challenge, the solution of which will require combining the efforts of educational and scientific institutions, industry and other sectors, the expert community and investors, state corporations and development institutions, ministries and departments, regional authorities. I am absolutely convinced that together we will be able to achieve the goals set in this area. And a good support, of course, will be the success of domestic manufacturers.”

The industrial world is currently experiencing a period of dramatic change and instability. In the context of growing uncertainty, the largest market players are actively looking for new growth points and strategic allies. Technological development is becoming a key area of production transformation. The priority vector is the creation of intelligent and automated systems, where artificial intelligence plays a central role in managing production processes. However, technological progress is only one component of success in the struggle for leadership. An equally important aspect is the formation of a reliable ecosystem of partnerships based on many years of experience of joint work and mutual trust. The key factors in this strategy are the painstaking work of higher education institutions in training qualified personnel, as well as close interaction between educational institutions, enterprises and business representatives.

Thus, the chief designer for the key scientific and technological development area of SPbPU “System Digital Engineering”, director of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov was one of the key speakers of the round table “Implementation of strategic projects of technological leadership within the framework of the program “Priority-2030”. The participants of the meeting discussed the mechanisms of interaction of the program with the system of higher education, including the assessment of the implemented educational programs, methodological approaches to training and forms of cooperation between educational institutions and the business community.

Alexey Ivanovich recalled that in 2025, each university included the section “Strategic Technological Leadership” in its comprehensive development program, identifying three strategic technological projects. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, following the presentation of the University Development Program at the Council of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, entered the leading group of universities participating in the Priority-2030 program.

It is important to note that in accordance with the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated May 20, 2023 No. 1315-r, the term “technological leadership” is defined as the superiority of technologies or products in key parameters (functional, technical, cost) over foreign analogues. It is for the purpose of achieving technological leadership according to this definition that SPbPU concentrates its efforts on three key scientific and technological areas (KST): KST-1 “Systemic digital engineering” – development of technologies and products superior to foreign analogues, based on digital twin technology and the CML-Bench® Digital Platform KST-2 “New materials, technologies, production” – creation of science-intensive industries for the repair and manufacture of products for various purposes; KST-3 “Artificial intelligence for solving cross-industry problems” – development of digital platform solutions for analyzing multimodal data, – said Alexey Ivanovich.

A solemn and pleasant ceremony took place at our stand during business negotiations. SPbPU Academic Secretary Dmitry Karpov presented the SPbPU “For Merits” badge of distinction to Anatoly Sludnykh, General Director of the Ural Optical-Mechanical Plant named after E. S. Yalamov (UOMZ). The award was given by a unanimous decision of the Polytechnic Academic Council for his great contribution to the development of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. UOMZ is a long-standing and reliable partner of the Polytechnic. So, quite recently The plant’s delegation visited our university.

According to Anatoly Sludnykh, the enterprise is interested in using technologies and materials developed by Polytechnic University scientists, as well as in additional training of its technologists and engineers at the university. SPbPU, in turn, is determined to strengthen ties and expand cooperation with the Ural Optical and Mechanical Plant and other enterprises of the Shvabe holding.

We should add that the Polytechnic stand enjoys increased attention from specialists and visitors to the INNOPROM exhibition. They evaluate the advanced engineering developments of our university and communicate with the university specialists. But the exhibit of the SPbPU History Museum is of particular value – a fragment of the legendary “Cable of Life”. This is a gift from Polytechnic graduates who, after graduating from the university, made a successful career at Lenenergo.

September 23, 1942 was a turning point in the history of Leningrad during the siege. On this day, the besieged city began receiving electricity from the Volkhov Hydroelectric Power Station. The unique project was completed in just 48 days. Power engineers had to lay 104 kilometers of overhead power lines and five 23-kilometer cable strands along the bottom of Lake Ladoga. The work was carried out under constant enemy fire near the front line. A three-core cable with a 120 mm² cross-section ensured the transmission of significant amounts of electricity. The system operated for almost two years, supplying not only industrial enterprises, but also the everyday needs of city residents.

Director of the SPbPU History Museum Valery Klimov shared his memories of the outstanding engineer Nikodim Tumanov, who supervised the cable laying. In 1935, he graduated from the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute as an external student, defending his diploma project on the topic of “Expansion of the electrical network of the Central District of the Leningrad electrical network.”

When he was assigned to lead the group, he said: “I understood that this task was impossible. But if I refused, someone else would refuse, a third – and the city would be left without electricity. I decided for myself that I had to try. Leningraders are those people who did not refuse. Perhaps that is why we survived. And as long as a person believes, he lives,” Valery Yuryevich quoted Nikodim Tumanov.

I noticed that there are not many stands here that have the logo of the 80th anniversary of the Victory. Our stand has one. This year the country celebrated a great anniversary, and that is why we brought to Yekaterinburg one of the symbols of the Victory and the heroism of Leningraders – “Cable of Life”, – emphasized Valery Klimov.

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Graphenix Development Inc. Awarded $100,000 SuperBoost Grant to Extend Cycle Life of Silicon Anode Lithium-Ion Batteries

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Graphenix Development Inc. (GDI), a Rochester-based battery materials company, has been awarded a $100,000 SuperBoost grant from the National Science Foundation’s Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York. The funding will support GDI’s efforts to extend the cycle life of its 100% silicon anode technology through the development of a prelithiation method designed to improve battery durability and performance across sectors including defense, automotive, medical and wearable technologies.

GDI’s silicon anodes are fabricated using a solvent-free, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. The result is a high energy-density electrode that eliminates graphite, powders, binders and toxic solvents — simplifying the manufacturing process and enabling a more sustainable, domestically sourced battery supply chain. The SuperBoost project will focus on integrating lithium iron oxide (LFO) into high-nickel cathodes to enable in situ prelithiation, a method that compensates for lithium loss during early charging cycles and helps extend battery life.

National security and defense applications are a key focus of GDI’s work, particularly as the United States seeks to secure domestic supply chains and enhance energy resilience. The project builds on GDI’s existing industry collaborations, including a next-generation tactical battery initiative with a U.S.-based defense-sector customer and ongoing evaluations with automotive manufacturers.

Experimental work will take place at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Battery Development Center, where GDI will validate LFO-based cathode formulations in coin cells before scaling to pouch cells assembled in RIT’s dry room facility.

“This support from the NSF Energy Storage Engine will allow us to advance a key part of our technology roadmap,” said Robert Anstey, CEO of GDI. “Improving cycle life through prelithiation will further enhance GDI’s performance advantages in Li-ion. We have already proven >30% energy density, and 15-minute fast charging with defense cell makers. Extending cycle life further and improving durability will be particularly important for dual-use applications.”

Fernando Gómez-Baquero, director of the Translation Pillar at the NSF Energy Storage Engine, emphasized the role of the grant in strengthening battery innovation in the region. “Cycle life is a major challenge for silicon anode batteries,” he said. “GDI’s approach to addressing this through prelithiation aligns with the Engine’s mission to accelerate high-impact technologies that bolster U.S. manufacturing and national security.”

Meera Sampath, CEO of the NSF Energy Storage Engine, noted the broader goals of the SuperBoost initiative. “Our SuperBoost program is designed to reduce the time it takes to bring cutting-edge energy storage technologies to market — from five years to fewer than two,” said Sampath. “GDI’s work reflects the kind of advanced materials innovation that not only strengthens domestic supply chains but also supports critical defense applications, positioning upstate New York as a center for next-generation battery solutions.”

About Graphenix Development Inc.

Graphenix Development Inc. (GDI) is developing a next-generation battery anode platform based on 100% silicon. Its proprietary PECVD fabrication process eliminates graphite, solvents, and binders, resulting in a cleaner, more scalable pathway to high energy-density lithium-ion batteries. Proving in 3^rd party testing to increase energy density by >30% up to 900Wh/L, and enabling hundreds of repeated <15-minute charging cycles. GDI is headquartered in Rochester, NY. Learn more at www.gdinrg.com.

Contact:
Robert Anstey
CEO and Founder
Graphenix Development Inc.
rob.anstey@graphnx.com

About the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York

The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, led by Binghamton University, is a National Science Foundation-funded, place-based innovation program. The coalition of 40+ academic, industry, nonprofit, state, and community organizations includes Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Griffiss Institute, Launch-NY and NY-BEST as core partners. The Engine advances next-gen battery technology development and manufacturing to drive economic growth and bolster national security. Its vision is to transform upstate New York into America’s Battery Capital.

For more information on the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, visit https://upstatenyengine.org/.

Contact:
Fernando Gómez-Baquero Ph.D.
Translation Pillar Director
NSF Upstate New York Energy Storage Engine
fernando@cornell.edu

The MIL Network –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: SA’s agricultural exports reach US$3,36 billion

Source: Government of South Africa

For the first quarter of 2025, South Africa’s agricultural exports reached US$3,36 billion, which translates to a 10% increase year-on-year, says Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.

This is due to the work that government has been doing in expanding market access and defending trade over the past year.

“We facilitated new access for avocados to China, maize to Japan and India, beef to Iran, and table grapes to the Philippines and Vietnam. We managed a quick resolution to Botswana’s temporary ban on South African maize and wheat, reopening the border within two weeks.

“We were part of the Presidential delegation to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in China, secured protocols for wool, dairy and meat exports, and participated in high-level delegations to Davos, Japan, and Berlin,” the Minister said on Tuesday in Cape Town.

Furthermore, South Africa had formal bilateral engagements with counterparts from the G7, African Union (AU), and G20, to advance the country’s market access and biosecurity agenda.

Addressing the Department of Agriculture’s Post-Budget Vote Media Briefing, the Minister outlined the significant strides the department has made in expanding market access, restoring biosecurity, delivering targeted farmer support, fighting food insecurity and empowering young people in the sector.

Restoring biosecurity and disaster preparedness

Over the past year, government has prioritised biosecurity as the world witnessed an increase in animal and plant disease risks.
The Minister said biosecurity is no longer a technical matter, but an economic and national imperative.

“Over the past year, we have established the National Biosecurity Compact and a Biosecurity Council, which bring together scientists, industry experts and officials to coordinate outbreak responses.

“[We have] deployed animal health technicians to vaccinate against Foot and Mouth Disease in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as adopted a new proactive, strategic approach,” Steenhuisen.

Moreover, government relaunched the National Biosecurity Hub in partnership with the University of Pretoria and commenced the country’s first avian influenza vaccination campaign that was supported by upgraded digital disease surveillance.

“Our efforts are restoring confidence in our export systems and protecting farmers from catastrophic losses,” the Minister said.

Delivering targeted farmer support

According Steenhuisen, this year, over 6 000 farmers received direct support through a R1.7 billion allocation, creating 3 000 jobs.

“Through Ilima/Letsema, we supported 67.492 vulnerable households, generating nearly 9 500 work opportunities. We launched new smallholder farmer programmes in Jozini and beyond, focused on shifting the paradigm from “grow and sell” to “grow to sell”.

Ilima/Letsema is a government programme aimed at reducing poverty through increased food production initiatives.

In addition, government fast tracked the global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) accreditation for emerging producers and expanded access to finance through a restructured Blended Finance Scheme.

“We have made it clear; the future of agriculture lies with the youth. Over 3 000 agricultural graduates have entered internship programmes. We have begun integrating all 11 agricultural colleges into the higher education system, starting with Elsenburg.

“We are investing in climate-smart agriculture, pollinator protection, agroecology, and digital agri-tech tools to make agriculture attractive to the next generation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Calls to designate the Bishnoi gang a terrorist group shine a spotlight on Canadian security laws

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Basema Al-Alami, SJD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Toronto

British Columbia Premier David Eby recently called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to designate the India-based Bishnoi gang a terrorist organization.

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown echoed the request days later. The RCMP has also alleged the gang may be targeting pro-Khalistan activists in Canada.

These claims follow a series of high-profile incidents in India linked to the Bishnoi network, including the murder of a Punjabi rapper in New Delhi, threats against a Bollywood actor and the killing of a Mumbai politician in late 2024.

How terrorism designations work

Eby’s request raises broader legal questions. What does it mean to label a group a terrorist organization in Canada and what happens once that label is applied?

Under Section 83.05 of the Criminal Code, the federal government can designate an entity a terrorist organization if there are “reasonable grounds to believe” it has engaged in, supported or facilitated terrorist activity. The term “entity” is defined broadly, covering individuals, groups, partnerships and unincorporated associations.

The process begins with intelligence and law enforcement reports submitted to the public safety minister, who may then recommend listing the group to cabinet if it’s believed the legal threshold is met. If cabinet agrees, the group is officially designated a terrorist organization.

A designation carries serious consequences: assets can be frozen and financial dealings become criminalized. Banks and other institutions are protected from liability if they refuse to engage with the group. Essentially, the designation cuts the group off from economic and civic life, often without prior notice or public hearing.

As of July 2025, Canada has listed 86 entities, from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to far-right and nationalist organizations. In February, the government added seven violent criminal groups from Latin America, including the Sinaloa cartel and La Mara Salvatrucha, known as the MS-13.

This marked a turning point: for the first time, Canada extended terrorism designations beyond ideological or political movements to include transnational criminal networks.

Why the shift matters

This shift reflects a deeper redefinition of what Canada considers a national security threat. For much of the post-9/11 era, counterterrorism efforts in Canada have concentrated on groups tied to ideological, religious or political agendas — most often framed through the lens of Islamic terrorism.

This has determined not only who is targeted, but also what forms of violence are taken seriously as national security concerns.

That is why the recent expansion of terrorism designations — first with the listing of Mexican cartels in early 2025, and now potentially with the Bishnoi gang — feels so significant.

It signals a shift away from targeting ideology alone and toward labelling profit-driven organized crime as terrorism. While transnational gangs may pose serious public safety risks, designating them terrorist organizations could erode the legal and political boundaries that once separated counterterrorism initiatives from criminal law.

Canada’s terrorism listing process only adds to these concerns. The decision is made by cabinet, based on secret intelligence, with no obligation to inform the group or offer a chance to respond. Most of the evidence remains hidden, even from the courts.

While judicial review is technically possible, it is limited, opaque and rarely successful.

In effect, the label becomes final. It brings serious legal consequences like asset freezes, criminal charges and immigration bans. But the informal fallout can be just as harsh: banks shut down accounts, landlords back out of leases, employers cut ties. Even without a trial or conviction, the stigma of being associated with a listed group can dramatically change someone’s life.

What’s at stake

Using terrorism laws to go after violent criminal networks like the Bishnoi gang may seem justified. But it quietly expands powers that were originally designed for specific types of threats. It also stretches a national security framework already tainted by racial and political bias.

Read more:
Canadian law enforcement agencies continue to target Muslims

For more than two decades, Canada’s counterterrorism laws have disproportionately targeted Muslim and racialized communities under a logic of pre-emptive suspicion. Applying those same powers to organized crime, especially when it impacts immigrant and diaspora communities, risks reproducing that harm under a different label.

Canadians should be asking: what happens when tools built for exceptional threats become the default response to complex criminal violence?

As the federal government considers whether to label the Bishnoi gang a terrorist organization, the real question goes beyond whether the group meets the legal test. It’s about what kind of legal logic Canada is endorsing.

Terrorism designations carry sweeping powers, with little oversight and lasting consequences. Extending those powers to organized crime might appear pragmatic, but it risks normalizing a process that has long operated in the shadows, shaped by secrecy and executive discretion.

As national security law expands, Canadians should ask not just who gets listed, but how those decisions are made and what broader political agendas they might serve.

Basema Al-Alami 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. Calls to designate the Bishnoi gang a terrorist group shine a spotlight on Canadian security laws – https://theconversation.com/calls-to-designate-the-bishnoi-gang-a-terrorist-group-shine-a-spotlight-on-canadian-security-laws-259844

MIL OSI –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Northern B.C. shows how big resource projects can strain rural health care

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gary N. Wilson, Professor of Political Science, University of Northern British Columbia

American tariffs and fears of a prolonged recession have increased calls to expand resource development and infrastructure projects in Canada. The pace and scope of expansion projects like these have major implications for Canada on many levels, including: commitments to environmental sustainability, relations with Indigenous Peoples and the quality of local health services.

In a study that I conducted with environmental health researcher Barbara Oke in northern British Columbia, we found that major resource projects can strain local health-care services in rural and remote regions. In particular, the influx of workers connected with development projects puts significant pressures on health-care providers. This is especially concerning as local health-care services are already experiencing funding, infrastructure and staff shortages.

Therefore, it’s critical that government and industry actively consider these pressures when planning new projects.

Health-care services under pressure

In recent years, northern British Columbia has been home to some of the biggest capital investment projects in Canada, including a major hydroelectric dam, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, pipelines and mines.

Our interviews with leaders from Northern Health, the region’s main health-care provider, have highlighted the link between major development projects and the pressures experienced by their health-care system.

Pressures on the local health-care system mainly stem from the influx of a non-local workforce when compared to the size of the nearest community, and local contexts. The smaller the community, the more vulnerable its health-care system is to additional pressures, especially if capacity challenges already exist.

How well a project manages its health service impacts clearly matters. When project workers resided in well-managed camps supported by competent onsite medical service providers, the pressures on the local system were less than when workforces did not have adequate accommodation and health supports.

An older workforce

Contrary to some popular assumptions that itinerant project workforces consist mainly of young, risk-taking individuals, most workers seeking health-care services were older and managing multiple chronic illnesses or disease risk factors.

Therefore, most of the pressure on health-care services did not come from what one would consider typical “workplace injuries” but, rather, from workers experiencing injuries and illnesses common within any population.

One health-care interviewee said: “It’s not that [project workers] are asking for special services, but just having more people needing health care adds to [the] pressure.”

Emergency departments

Impacts to the health-care system were felt primarily in the emergency departments of local hospitals and health-care centres.

Many communities in northern B.C. do not have walk-in clinics and most doctor’s offices are already at patient capacity.

So if a project does not provide its own on-site medical supports, the only option for workers is to seek care at a local emergency department, which are supposed to respond to urgent issues.

When staff have to deal with non-urgent needs, such as prescription renewals, sick notes or to manage regular ailments, it compounds the challenges and congestion faced by emergency departments.

Cumulative impacts on health services

Beyond emergency departments, industry pressures have cascaded throughout the system, affecting services such as primary care, infectious disease, diagnostic and lab services, and administrative and ambulance transfer services.

Rising workloads, combined with higher private-sector wages and an industry-driven increase in the cost of living, have made it harder to retain and recruit staff — especially in housekeeping, food services, laundry, administration, ambulance services and care aide roles.

Several people interviewed noted the consistent and cumulative pressures of projects on the health-care system.

While the pressures from a single project may seem inconsequential, the impacts from multiple projects in the same area pose a significant challenge to health-care services.

Balancing resource development and health care

The strategic and economic value of resource development is difficult to ignore.

Major infrastructure projects contribute to both local and provincial economies. When managed well, the economic benefits of such projects can positively contribute to community health.

But when not managed properly, the pressures that major infrastructure projects place on local health-care services can be significant. Therefore, we strongly urge governments and businesses to consider their impacts on overburdened and hard-working health-care providers in rural and remote communities.

Barbara Oke contributed to this article. She recently completed her Master’s of Arts in Political Science at UNBC.

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

– ref. Northern B.C. shows how big resource projects can strain rural health care – https://theconversation.com/northern-b-c-shows-how-big-resource-projects-can-strain-rural-health-care-256059

MIL OSI –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nadine Riedel, Director of the Institute for Public and Regional Economics, University of Münster

South Africa’s personal income tax system is in the spotlight as the country’s tax filing season gets under way. Personal income tax is an important way of redistributing income from higher-earning to less-well-off individuals.

But how effectively does it do this and what can get in the way?

At the heart of any redistributive tax system is its structure: which incomes are taxed or exempted, which expenses are tax deductible, how the tax rate schedule is designed, and which tax credits are granted, including how much they reduce the tax owed. The schedule translates taxable income into the taxpayers’ tax liability by defining tax rates by tax brackets. The top tax rate is 45%.

In a recent study we explore how features such as tax rates, deductions, credits, and bracket adjustments shape the redistributive capacity of South Africa’s personal income tax system. For this research, we analyse all the income tax returns of South African taxpayers provided by South Africa’s Revenue Service for the tax years 2015 and 2018. (All records were made anonymous.)

The country´s personal income tax operates under a progressive tax scheme: People pay higher rates of tax as their income rises. Those with lower incomes may owe no income tax at all, while top earners can face marginal rates as high as 45%.

Based on our analysis, this progressive rate schedule is the most effective mechanism for redistributing income from higher- to lower-income earners. By contrast, “tax expenditures” – that is, expenses, which taxpayers can deduct from what they owe in tax – lower the redistributive impact of the personal income tax system.

Put differently: Allowing taxpayers to claim tax deductions and tax credits reduces the extent to which personal income taxation effectively lowers gaps between the after-tax income of high- and low-income earners.

A number of recent tax policy reforms further dampened the redistributive capacity of the system. The spotlight is on potential policy reforms that may counter this.

Weaknesses

Our research shows that the benefits from tax expenditures in the country’s personal income tax system lower its ability to narrow income gaps. South African taxpayers can deduct various expenses from the personal income tax base and their tax liability respectively, including expenses for donations, home offices, certain insurance contributions and public offices.

Many of these benefits are claimed by a relatively small number of taxpayers (often below 1% of the taxpayer population or under 100,000 taxpayers) and are concentrated among top earners. And average deduction amounts can be high.

Even more widely used deductions and credits, such as those for pensions and medical schemes, are disproportionately claimed by higher-income individuals.

We also found that recent reforms have weakened the redistributive capacity of the personal income tax system.

Over the years, adjustments have been made, some intended to improve equity, others driven by the need to bolster revenues. A closer look at three key reforms offers some insight into the impact they have had on the distributive goal of the country’s tax system.

In 2016, pension-related deductions were redesigned to be more generous and to harmonise the treatment of different pension funds. The goal of the reform was to create a fairer and more coherent pension deduction system. While the number of taxpayers claiming pension deductions increased after the reform, our research found that that the policy change still disproportionately benefited higher-income earners. This is because they are more likely to make pension contributions – and do so in larger amounts.

As a result, the policy reduced the overall redistributive impact of the personal income tax system. In other words, it lowered the extent to which personal income taxation reduces income gaps between higher and lower income taxpayers.

The following year, the government introduced a new top tax bracket which raised the marginal tax rate on incomes above R1.5 million (today roughly R1.8 million or US$100,700) from 41% to 45%. That is, if you earn more than R1.5 million, you pay 45% of this income in tax.

The stated aim of the reform was to strengthen the progressivity of the personal income tax system. But our analysis suggests that the real-world impact was limited. This is because the pre-tax incomes of high earners grew more slowly than those of lower-income individuals after the reform. This may reflect that high income earners responded to the reform by lowering their taxable income. They could do so by tax avoidance – high income earners may, for example, shift income to the (potentially lower-taxed) future by compensation through stock options or higher retirement contributions. Or it could be through real adjustments, like earlier retirement entry or less job effort (and, in consequence, lower earnings).

Between 2015 and 2018, inflation pushed wages and prices upward, but tax thresholds did not keep pace. This led to many taxpayers being shifted into higher tax brackets despite no real change in their purchasing power (referred to as bracket creep). This raised effective tax rates, but also had a regressive side-effect: lower- and middle-income earners were disproportionately affected, weakening the personal income tax system’s ability to reduce income inequality.

For example, because of bracket creep, a significant fraction of low-income taxpayers – around 3% – became liable for tax. Without bracket creep they would have stayed below the tax exemption threshold.

Reforms to the tax system

South Africa’s progressive personal income tax structure has played an important redistributive role. Nevertheless, its effectiveness has been weakened by tax expenditures, bracket creep, and uneven reform outcomes.

Targeted policy adjustments can strengthen its redistributive capacity.

Deductions and tax credits: Most of these are regressive, with benefits concentrated among higher-income earners. Phasing out some could strengthen redistribution. But not without trade-offs. After all, deductions and credits also recognise unavoidable expenses, such as work-related or medical costs, and encourage behaviour like charitable giving or retirement saving.

Yet their appropriateness remains widely debated and their use differs across countries.

Beyond fairness, tax expenditures come with other downsides, too. For example, they can complicate tax enforcement and open the door to misreporting, particularly where qualifying expenses are hard to verify.

Policymakers might also consider shifting from deductions to tax credits.
While deductions reduce the taxable income of an individual, tax credits directly reduce the tax owed. Individuals in higher tax brackets gain a relatively higher advantage from deductions, as their tax rate is higher. Contrarily, one rand of tax credit provides the same relief to all taxpayers with a positive tax liability.

Making credits refundable, though potentially costly, could further boost their redistributive effect.

Standardised deductions could help as well, by allowing fixed rand amounts for certain expenses without requiring proof of payment, and offering relief to lower-income taxpayers who often forgo claims due to lack of resources or knowledge.

Finally, addressing bracket creep by automatically indexing tax brackets to inflation could preserve the progressivity of the personal income tax system over time, shielding lower- and middle-income taxpayers from a quiet rise in tax burdens.

Prof. Dr. Nadine Riedel receives funding from UNU WIDER.

This research is part of the so-called SATIED program. In the context of the program, I act as an academic work stream lead and receive compensation through UNU WIDER (which is the University of the UN) for this role.

Ida Zinke 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. Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short – https://theconversation.com/tax-season-in-south-africa-the-system-is-designed-to-tackle-inequality-how-it-falls-short-260351

MIL OSI –

July 9, 2025
Mansukh Mandaviya kicks off Weightlifting League, says “Mirabai Chanu is the perfect role model”

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the 2025 season of the ASMITA League in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday. The 2025 season of ASMITA began with the weightlifting league, where 42 girls are participating in eight different weight categories during the two-day event being held in the Open category.

In the current financial year 2025–26, 852 leagues across 15 sports disciplines have been planned. The leagues, spread across the states and Union Territories, will feature over 70,000 female athletes. Last season, 550 leagues were conducted across 27 sports disciplines, enabling the participation of 53,101 female athletes.

“It is our mission to create opportunities at every level and then spot talent and groom them. I see there is a lot of fire in the eyes of these kids who have turned up here in Modinagar. I am sure we will be able to find another Mirabai Chanu,” said Mandaviya.

Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu was among the host of dignitaries present at the inauguration of the ASMITA weightlifting league. Boosting the morale of the participants was Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse.

“ASMITA is a big pillar in our robust sports programme. Women have demonstrated their ability to excel in sports, and the sky is the limit for them. The intent in the eyes of the kids is something that needs to be cultivated,” said Raksha Khadse.

“You can’t have a better role model than Mirabai Chanu. Having come from a remote village in Manipur and achieved excellence at the highest levels, she has created a benchmark for all women weightlifters. Her presence should inspire the young girls who are taking part in weightlifting,” said Dr. Mandaviya.

He also reiterated the government’s “360-degree” commitment to sports and emphasised how this is reflected in the sports budget, which has increased fourfold in the last 10 years.

“We are looking to reach every corner of India and tell aspiring sportspersons that we now have a pathway for you to rise and shine. Our Khelo Bharat Niti (sports policy) has been designed in this manner, and by collaborating with the National Education Policy, we are giving a lot of impetus to school sports. These efforts will be reflected in the Khelo India calendar that we have created. There will be no dearth of opportunities,” he added.

Olympian Mirabai said the ASMITA Leagues, which started in 2021, have been a huge boon for women in sports. “Its tiered structure is perfectly scripted. Everyone now has a vision of how to make it to the highest level. We didn’t get such opportunities, and that’s why ASMITA is a blessing for women who want to play a sport and dream big,” said Mirabai.

IANS

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: XAVIER DEROT APPOINTED DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

July 3^rd, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

XAVIER DEROT APPOINTED DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF MOBILIZE FINANCIAL SERVICES

Martin Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Mobilize Financial Services, has announced the appointment of Xavier Derot as Deputy CEO, effective July 1, 2025. This appointment is subject to the approval of the European Central Bank.

Xavier Derot, currently VP, Sales and Operations and a member of the Executive Committee of Mobilize Financial Services since September 1, 2024, will take up the role of Deputy CEO alongside Vincent Gellé, starting July 1, 2025.

This second appointment aims to strengthen the bank’s governance.

About Xavier Derot

Xavier Derot, 52, began his career at RCI Banque in 2000 as Head of International Development.
A graduate of the Grenoble Graduate School of Business in 1994, he held various positions within RCI Banque, both internationally in three different countries and in corporate functions.
Among these roles, he notably managed the bank’s relationship with Nissan from 2006 to 2010 and served as Regional Operations Director for RCI Banque’s G10 and Euromed subsidiaries.
Abroad, Xavier served as Managing Director of the German subsidiary and then of RN Bank Russia—the joint venture between RCI Bank-Nissan and UniCredit in Russia—between 2013 and 2022. Since October 2022, Xavier has held the position of International Director of Mobilize Financial Services, overseeing operations in 12 countries within the Group.
Since September 1, 2024, he has served as VP, Sales and Operations on the Executive Committee of Mobilize Financial Services.
Xavier is married and has two children.

Contact

About Mobilize Financial Services   
Attentive to the needs of all its customers, Mobilize Financial Services, a subsidiary of Renault Group, creates innovative financial services to build sustainable mobility for all. Mobilize Financial Services, which began operations over 100 years ago, is the commercial brand of RCI Banque SA, a French bank specializing in automotive financing and services for customers and networks of Renault Group, and also for the brands Nissan and Mitsubishi in several countries. 
With operations in 35 countries and over 4,000 employees, Mobilize Financial Services financed more than 1,2 million contracts (new and used vehicles) in 2023 and sold 3,7 million service contracts. At the end of December 2024, average earning assets stood at 61 billion euros of financing and pre-tax earnings at 1 194 million euros.
Since 2012, the Group has deployed a deposit-taking business in several countries. At the end of December 2024, net deposits amounted to 30,5 billion euros, or 50 % of the company’s net assets.    
To find out more about Mobilize Financial Services: www.mobilize-fs.com/  

Attachment
- UK – Communiqué Mobilize FS – Nomination Xavier Derot DGD – 202507
The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Solomon Partners Hires Jonathan Hemmert as a Partner to Build a Dedicated Professional Services Group

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solomon Partners, a leading ﬁnancial advisory ﬁrm and independent affiliate of Natixis, today announced that Jonathan Hemmert joined the ﬁrm as a Partner in its newly formed Professional Services Group. With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Hemmert brings deep expertise to Solomon. In this role, he will serve clients within the Professional Services space, focusing on Human Capital businesses, including specialized broker-dealers and consulting ﬁrms.

Previously, Mr. Hemmert was a Managing Director at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW), where he led the ﬁrm’s efforts across the broker-dealer and specialty advisory space. His notable transaction experience includes the sale of Battea-Class Action Services to SS&C Technologies, Aviditi Advisors to Piper Sandler, Triago to Houlihan Lokey, CRC-IB by CohnReznick to Canaccord Genuity, DBO Partners to Piper Sandler, Capstone Partners to Mizuho, and DH Capital to Citizens Financial. Mr. Hemmert graduated summa cum laude with a BA from Bucknell University.

“Jonathan has an exceptional track record of advising clients across the Professional Services landscape,” said Marc Cooper, CEO of Solomon Partners. “His deep industry expertise and commitment to clients make him a perfect addition to our growing team.”

“I look forward to joining Solomon’s growth-oriented platform. The ﬁrm’s entrepreneurial and client-centric culture will resonate with the core client base across the Professional Services and Human Capital sectors,” Mr. Hemmert commented. “The professional services landscape is evolving fast. The inﬂux of institutional capital is going to accelerate and broaden the scope of M&A activity, and we will continue to be at the forefront of this marketplace.”

About Solomon Partners

Solomon Partners is a leading investment bank – one of the first independent firms in the industry. We maximize shareholder value for our clients through our unmatched expertise and experience. We advise on mergers & acquisitions, restructurings and capital solutions across a range of sectors including Business Services; Consumer Retail; Distribution; Financial Institutions; Financial Sponsors; Fintech; Grocery, Pharmacy & Restaurants; Healthcare; Industrials; Infrastructure, Power & Renewables; Media & Entertainment; Professional Services; and Technology. Solomon Partners is an independently operated affiliate of Natixis, part of Groupe BPCE. For further information, visit solomonpartners.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0b7fcbf4-e248-4cd0-8a69-d4df798c7ffc

The MIL Network –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nadine Riedel, Director of the Institute for Public and Regional Economics, University of Münster

South Africa’s personal income tax system is in the spotlight as the country’s tax filing season gets under way. Personal income tax is an important way of redistributing income from higher-earning to less-well-off individuals.

But how effectively does it do this and what can get in the way?

At the heart of any redistributive tax system is its structure: which incomes are taxed or exempted, which expenses are tax deductible, how the tax rate schedule is designed, and which tax credits are granted, including how much they reduce the tax owed. The schedule translates taxable income into the taxpayers’ tax liability by defining tax rates by tax brackets. The top tax rate is 45%.

In a recent study we explore how features such as tax rates, deductions, credits, and bracket adjustments shape the redistributive capacity of South Africa’s personal income tax system. For this research, we analyse all the income tax returns of South African taxpayers provided by South Africa’s Revenue Service for the tax years 2015 and 2018. (All records were made anonymous.)

The country´s personal income tax operates under a progressive tax scheme: People pay higher rates of tax as their income rises. Those with lower incomes may owe no income tax at all, while top earners can face marginal rates as high as 45%.

Based on our analysis, this progressive rate schedule is the most effective mechanism for redistributing income from higher- to lower-income earners. By contrast, “tax expenditures” – that is, expenses, which taxpayers can deduct from what they owe in tax – lower the redistributive impact of the personal income tax system.

Put differently: Allowing taxpayers to claim tax deductions and tax credits reduces the extent to which personal income taxation effectively lowers gaps between the after-tax income of high- and low-income earners.

A number of recent tax policy reforms further dampened the redistributive capacity of the system. The spotlight is on potential policy reforms that may counter this.

Weaknesses

Our research shows that the benefits from tax expenditures in the country’s personal income tax system lower its ability to narrow income gaps. South African taxpayers can deduct various expenses from the personal income tax base and their tax liability respectively, including expenses for donations, home offices, certain insurance contributions and public offices.

Many of these benefits are claimed by a relatively small number of taxpayers (often below 1% of the taxpayer population or under 100,000 taxpayers) and are concentrated among top earners. And average deduction amounts can be high.

Even more widely used deductions and credits, such as those for pensions and medical schemes, are disproportionately claimed by higher-income individuals.

We also found that recent reforms have weakened the redistributive capacity of the personal income tax system.

Over the years, adjustments have been made, some intended to improve equity, others driven by the need to bolster revenues. A closer look at three key reforms offers some insight into the impact they have had on the distributive goal of the country’s tax system.

In 2016, pension-related deductions were redesigned to be more generous and to harmonise the treatment of different pension funds. The goal of the reform was to create a fairer and more coherent pension deduction system. While the number of taxpayers claiming pension deductions increased after the reform, our research found that that the policy change still disproportionately benefited higher-income earners. This is because they are more likely to make pension contributions – and do so in larger amounts.

As a result, the policy reduced the overall redistributive impact of the personal income tax system. In other words, it lowered the extent to which personal income taxation reduces income gaps between higher and lower income taxpayers.

The following year, the government introduced a new top tax bracket which raised the marginal tax rate on incomes above R1.5 million (today roughly R1.8 million or US$100,700) from 41% to 45%. That is, if you earn more than R1.5 million, you pay 45% of this income in tax.

The stated aim of the reform was to strengthen the progressivity of the personal income tax system. But our analysis suggests that the real-world impact was limited. This is because the pre-tax incomes of high earners grew more slowly than those of lower-income individuals after the reform. This may reflect that high income earners responded to the reform by lowering their taxable income. They could do so by tax avoidance – high income earners may, for example, shift income to the (potentially lower-taxed) future by compensation through stock options or higher retirement contributions. Or it could be through real adjustments, like earlier retirement entry or less job effort (and, in consequence, lower earnings).

Between 2015 and 2018, inflation pushed wages and prices upward, but tax thresholds did not keep pace. This led to many taxpayers being shifted into higher tax brackets despite no real change in their purchasing power (referred to as bracket creep). This raised effective tax rates, but also had a regressive side-effect: lower- and middle-income earners were disproportionately affected, weakening the personal income tax system’s ability to reduce income inequality.

For example, because of bracket creep, a significant fraction of low-income taxpayers – around 3% – became liable for tax. Without bracket creep they would have stayed below the tax exemption threshold.

Reforms to the tax system

South Africa’s progressive personal income tax structure has played an important redistributive role. Nevertheless, its effectiveness has been weakened by tax expenditures, bracket creep, and uneven reform outcomes.

Targeted policy adjustments can strengthen its redistributive capacity.

Deductions and tax credits: Most of these are regressive, with benefits concentrated among higher-income earners. Phasing out some could strengthen redistribution. But not without trade-offs. After all, deductions and credits also recognise unavoidable expenses, such as work-related or medical costs, and encourage behaviour like charitable giving or retirement saving.

Yet their appropriateness remains widely debated and their use differs across countries.

Beyond fairness, tax expenditures come with other downsides, too. For example, they can complicate tax enforcement and open the door to misreporting, particularly where qualifying expenses are hard to verify.

Policymakers might also consider shifting from deductions to tax credits. While deductions reduce the taxable income of an individual, tax credits directly reduce the tax owed. Individuals in higher tax brackets gain a relatively higher advantage from deductions, as their tax rate is higher. Contrarily, one rand of tax credit provides the same relief to all taxpayers with a positive tax liability.

Making credits refundable, though potentially costly, could further boost their redistributive effect.

Standardised deductions could help as well, by allowing fixed rand amounts for certain expenses without requiring proof of payment, and offering relief to lower-income taxpayers who often forgo claims due to lack of resources or knowledge.

Finally, addressing bracket creep by automatically indexing tax brackets to inflation could preserve the progressivity of the personal income tax system over time, shielding lower- and middle-income taxpayers from a quiet rise in tax burdens.

– Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short
– https://theconversation.com/tax-season-in-south-africa-the-system-is-designed-to-tackle-inequality-how-it-falls-short-260351

MIL OSI Africa –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: XV International Industrial Exhibition “Innoprom”.

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The International Industrial Exhibition “Innoprom” has been held in Yekaterinburg annually since 2010 and is the main industrial, trade and export platform in Russia, serving as a platform where the foundations of industrial policy are laid. About 80% of the exhibition visitors are professional buyers from different countries of the world, specialists of industrial enterprises making decisions on the introduction of new products and technologies in production.

The 15th International Industrial Exhibition Innoprom is taking place from July 7 to 10 at the Yekaterinburg-Expo IEC. The theme of Innoprom 2025 is Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough.

Drive

Meeting of Mikhail Mishustin with Acting Governor of Sverdlovsk Region Denis Pasler

Mikhail Mishustin inspected a prototype of the modernized Il-114-300 passenger aircraft

Five countries are represented with national expositions this year: the partner country of Innoprom-2025 – the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as the republics of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus.

Among Russian companies, large-scale stands will be presented by the Rostec State Corporation, the Rosatom State Corporation, Sber, GPB, Sinara, TMK, and PC Transport Systems. Collective expositions are planned to be presented by 33 regions of Russia: Vologda Oblast, DPR, Zaporozhye Oblast, Kaluga Oblast, Kirov Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Kurgan Oblast, Lipetsk Oblast, LPR, Moscow, Orenburg Oblast, Oryol Oblast, Perm Krai, Primorsky Krai, Rostov Oblast, Republic of Bashkortostan, Republic of Karelia, Komi Republic, Mari El Republic, Republic of Tatarstan, Samara Oblast, Sakhalin Oblast, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Tambov Oblast, Tver Oblast, Tomsk Oblast, Tula Oblast, Udmurt Republic, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Chuvash Republic, Kherson Oblast, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug – Yugra.

Collective national expositions occupy an area of 2,445 sq. m. Official delegations are expected from China, the UAE, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Myanmar, Egypt, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic, Congo, Burkina Faso, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as countries represented with national expositions. Delegations of business representatives from at least 52 countries are expected, including Iran, Qatar, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, and Turkey.

The main tracks of the Innoprom business program are: International Cooperation, Industrial Innovations, Digital Production, Industrial IT, Cybersecurity in Industry, Finance and Industry, Industrial Infrastructure, New Mobility, Technologies for Cities, Labor Productivity, Human Resources, and Educational Solutions for Industry. The business program sessions will be held throughout all four days of the exhibition.

The key event of the Innoprom-2025 business program will be the main strategic session “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough”, within the framework of which the presentation of the 11th Russian National Industrial Award “Industry” is planned.

The award was established in 2014 by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to promote the implementation of advanced technologies in industrial production and public recognition of the best practices of Russian companies in industrial development. In 2015, “Industry” was awarded the status of a Government Award. In 2025, a record number of applications was received – 392. The largest number of applications came from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sverdlovsk, Moscow and Chelyabinsk regions. The nominees were Biotekhno LLC, KEAZ JSC, Optic Fiber Systems JSC, NPP Radar MMS JSC and Severstal PJSC. The projects of the laureate and nominees will be presented at the stand of innovative industrial projects of the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The Department of Construction Materials Technology and Metrology has developed methods to improve the fire safety of concrete

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Associate Professor of the Department of Construction Materials Technology and Metrology Dmitry Panteleev completed the research work “Crack resistance of dispersion-reinforced concrete after high-temperature heating” as part of the grant competition for the implementation of research work by scientific and pedagogical workers of SPbGASU in 2025.

Every year in Russia there are many fires in buildings and structures. Their number can be reduced by increasing the requirements for the structural safety of buildings. For this, when designing, in addition to calculating the load-bearing structure for strength, it is also necessary to carry out a fire resistance calculation to guarantee the preservation of the load-bearing capacity in fire conditions for a specified time.

In case of fire, high fire resistance of building structures is a guarantee not only of the structural integrity of the building, but also of the safety of people. After the fire starts to affect the structure, concrete can explode, breaking off from the heated surface in plates. Pieces of peeling concrete fly off with a bang to a distance of up to 10 m.

During the research, fibre-reinforced concrete compositions were designed and manufactured, followed by determination of their properties after exposure to high-temperature heating.

It was found that the use of steel fiber can increase the crack resistance and fracture toughness of concrete structures, thereby making them safer in the event of a fire, while the use of synthetic microfiber helps to avoid explosive destruction.

As a result of the research, effective versions of fiber concrete were developed using high-modulus steel and low-modulus synthetic fibers to obtain highly fire-resistant concrete, to increase their technical and economic efficiency, reliability and operational safety of building and structure structures.

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: The 2nd course for Kazakh entrepreneurs has been completed in Qingdao

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — The second course for Kazakh entrepreneurs was held in Qingdao, Shandong Province, east China, in late June and early July.

The 2nd training course on regional trade and economic cooperation between agricultural enterprises of China and Kazakhstan was held at the Institute of Trade and Economics of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) of Qingdao University. It was attended by 13 entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan, the local newspaper Dazhong Ribao reports.

The course participants visited the SCO International Exhibition Centre, the SCO One-Stop Service Platform and local enterprises, where they learned about the development of livestock technology and China’s achievements in the application of intelligent agricultural technologies.

In addition, last Friday the institute hosted a business meeting of entrepreneurs from China and Kazakhstan.

“The meeting allowed us to establish contacts with several Kazakh enterprises. The parties agreed to deepen contacts to promote the implementation of agricultural investment projects in Kazakhstan,” Wang Huawei, director of investments at one of the Qingdao investment companies, told the newspaper in an interview.

Since its establishment in 2022, the SCO Institute of Trade and Economics has conducted 175 courses, attended by 12,000 people from SCO countries and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. -0-

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Global Oncology Breakthroughs Being Fueled by Advancements in Clinical Trials and New Therapies
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global oncology market, including breakthrough treatments, is experiencing substantial growth, with revenues projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years. Several factors are driving this expansion, including rising cancer incidence, advancements in therapies like precision medicine and immunotherapy, and increased investment in research and development. A report from Grand View Research said that the global breakthrough therapy designation market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% through 2030. It is a process designed to escalate the development and assessment of sanctioning of drugs & biologics that are proposed for treating severe diseases, whereas primary clinical evidence notifies that the drug determines considerable enhancement over existing therapy on a clinically significant endpoint. Furthermore, the BT (Breakthrough) designation lets pharma companies hasten the developmental process by offering additional support and assistance from the FDA and making medications available to the public faster. The report continued: “Apart from breakthrough designation therapy, there are some important tools, all of which have been in place for many years, such as fast-track designation, accelerated approval, and priority review. All of these are inclined toward approving drugs used to treat serious disorders. Although these processes can reduce a drug’s time to market, standard clinical testing is required for the development process, which usually involves three phases of large-scale and controlled trials.” Active oncology biotech and pharma companies in the markets this week include Oncolytics Biotech^®Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), Mustang Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBIO), Verastem Oncology (NASDAQ: VSTM), Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDF), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN).

Grand View Research continued: “The increasing prevalence of life-threatening conditions and the necessity for the rapid development of pipeline drugs are also some factors that propel the breakthrough therapy drug market. This is primarily driven by the significant unmet need for effective treatments for severe conditions currently available. Manufacturing companies are particularly attentive to drugs designated as breakthrough therapies due to the accelerated market access and higher returns on investment. Breakthrough therapy drugs often undergo less extensive clinical trials, which is a direct consequence of their market designation. The FDA’s enhanced support for small-scale industries in research and development, including increased funding and expedited drug approval processes, is further stimulating the market for breakthrough therapy drugs. Collectively, these elements are pushing the breakthrough therapy drug market forward. Further, innovative gene and cell therapies are offering new treatment decisions for previously untreatable illnesses, mainly drifting to more breakthrough therapy designations. Moreover, the regulatory support agencies are streamlining processes and offering assistance for breakthrough therapies to speed up their development and sanction. Another aspect leading the breakthrough therapy designations is the cross-sector collaborations between academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes that are lifting the upgradation and the advancement of new breakthrough therapies completely.”

Oncolytics Biotech^®Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) Highlights Transformative Pelareorep Survival Data in Multiple Tumors and Commitment to Registration-Enabling Studies
- Comparison with multiple landmark first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma studies substantiates strong two-year survival benefit of 21.9% vs. 9.2% historical benchmark
- Consistent survival benefit compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy in randomized studies in the large HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer indication
- Data from over 1,100 patients across tumor types reveals a favorable, well-understood safety profile
— Oncolytics Biotech ^® Inc. ($ONCY $ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, today announced a strategic update highlighting its compelling clinical data from two tumor types and outlining a sharpened focus on advancing pelareorep, the Company’s intravenously delivered oncolytic virus immunotherapy, into registration-enabling studies.

“We are no longer in the business of funding proof-of-concept studies,” said Jared Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. “We have meaningful clinical data in hand—not just signals. The survival benefit across multiple tumor types demands a focused approach to take pelareorep directly into registration-enabling trials. We will use our fast-track status to find the most efficient regulatory path forward this summer to advance our platform in a product technology.”

Results from two completed first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) trials demonstrate a strong and consistent efficacy signal showing extremely rare 2-year overall survival rates of 21.9% vs. 9.2% based on pooled data from over 100 patients across two studies evaluating pelareorep combined with a chemotherapy backbone. In addition, a best-in-class 62% objective response rate (ORR) was observed in a single-arm study of pelareorep in combination with a chemotherapy backbone and a checkpoint inhibitor in 13 evaluable patients. These results collectively represent promising efficacy for a therapeutic regimen that includes an immunotherapy in this difficult-to-treat cancer. Currently, there are no approved immunotherapies for first-line treatment of mPDAC…

…Pelareorep’s clinical activity in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer – a large indication with continued significant unmet medical need and no currently approved immunotherapies – has been demonstrated in two randomized phase 2 studies, both of which showed a median overall survival (mOS) benefit of greater than 10 months compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy (IND.213 mOS: 21.0 vs. 10.8 months; BRACELET-1 mOS: not statistically reached; conservative estimate = 32.1 months vs. 18.2 months). In the randomized, controlled BRACELET-1 study, pelareorep combined with paclitaxel yielded a 12.1-month median progression-free survival (PFS) compared to 6.4 months in the paclitaxel alone control arm.

“Pelareorep represents a tipping point for immunotherapy in cold tumors,” said Dr. Thomas Heineman, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics. “It is delivering consistent immunologic and clinical responses in multiple tumor types. Most impressively, pelareorep activates the immune system to produce clinical benefits in cancers that are typically unresponsive to immunotherapies like mPDAC and unresectable HR+/HER2- breast cancer, creating new oncology entry points for immune-based combination therapies.” CONTINUED… Read these full press releases and more news for ONCY at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-oncy/

Other recent oncology developments in the biotech industry of note include:

Mustang Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on translating today’s medical breakthroughs in cell therapies into potential cures for difficult-to-treat cancers, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to Mustang for MB-101 (IL13Ra2-targeted CAR T-cells) for the treatment of recurrent diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma (astrocytomas) and glioblastoma (GBM).

The FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation to drugs and biologics that are intended for safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. Orphan Drug Designation provides certain incentives, such as tax credits toward the cost of clinical trials upon approval and prescription drug user fee waivers. If a product receives Orphan Drug Status from the FDA, that product is entitled to seven years of market exclusivity for the disease in which it has Orphan Drug designation, which is independent from intellectual property protection.

Verastem Oncology (NASDAQ: VSTM), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new medicines for patients with RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers, recently announced that updated results from the Phase 1/2 FRAME study conducted by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust were published online in Nature Medicine. The full manuscript, titled “Defactinib with avutometinib in patients with solid tumors: the phase 1 FRAME trial,” was the first-in-human study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of avutometinib in combination with defactinib in patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other solid tumor types.

“The FRAME study was the early foundation for the recent FDA approval of avutometinib plus defactinib in KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer and we are pleased to see that the mature data set continues to show the safety and tolerability of this combination therapy,” said Dan Paterson, president and chief executive officer of Verastem Oncology. “This supports our ongoing commitment to advancing our research into the combination for use in other solid tumors, including RAMP 205 in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer.”

Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers, recently announced the company has appointed Roger Sidhu, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Sidhu is a veteran executive and clinician with over 20 years of experience and a strong track record of success in oncology research, development, and regulatory strategy. Dr. Sidhu succeeds Dr. Fairooz Kabbinavar who will remain with the company in an advisory role. The company also announced it will share additional clinical data from its lead program in RAS-mutated mCRC on July 29, 2025.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Sidhu to lead the clinical program for onvansertib through the next phase of development. Dr. Sidhu is a respected clinician and seasoned executive with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through late-stage clinical development across multiple therapeutic areas including in first-line mCRC. As we move forward, we thank Dr. Kabbinavar for his leadership in progressing onvansertib’s clinical development across multiple tumor types,” said Mark Erlander, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Oncology. “In addition to today’s medical leadership transition, we are announcing our plan to share an update of clinical data from the ongoing CRDF-004 trial on July 29, at which point we expect to release a substantive dataset.”

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN)‘s Imfinzi (durvalumab) has been approved in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of adult patients with resectable muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as neoadjuvant treatment, followed by Imfinzi as monotherapy adjuvant treatment after radical cystectomy (surgery to remove the bladder).

The approval by the European Commission follows the positive opinion of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use and is based on results from the NIAGARA Phase III trial, which were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

In a planned interim analysis, the Imfinzi-based perioperative regimen demonstrated a statistically significant 32% reduction in the risk of disease progression, recurrence, not undergoing surgery, or death versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy with radical cystectomy alone (based on event-free survival [EFS] hazard ratio [HR] of 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.82; p<0.0001). Estimated median EFS was not yet reached for the Imfinzi arm versus 46.1 months for the comparator arm. An estimated 67.8% of patients treated with the regimen were event free at two years compared to 59.8% in the comparator arm.

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SOURCE: FN Media Group

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Global Oncology Breakthroughs Being Fueled by Advancements in Clinical Trials and New Therapies
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global oncology market, including breakthrough treatments, is experiencing substantial growth, with revenues projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years. Several factors are driving this expansion, including rising cancer incidence, advancements in therapies like precision medicine and immunotherapy, and increased investment in research and development. A report from Grand View Research said that the global breakthrough therapy designation market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% through 2030. It is a process designed to escalate the development and assessment of sanctioning of drugs & biologics that are proposed for treating severe diseases, whereas primary clinical evidence notifies that the drug determines considerable enhancement over existing therapy on a clinically significant endpoint. Furthermore, the BT (Breakthrough) designation lets pharma companies hasten the developmental process by offering additional support and assistance from the FDA and making medications available to the public faster. The report continued: “Apart from breakthrough designation therapy, there are some important tools, all of which have been in place for many years, such as fast-track designation, accelerated approval, and priority review. All of these are inclined toward approving drugs used to treat serious disorders. Although these processes can reduce a drug’s time to market, standard clinical testing is required for the development process, which usually involves three phases of large-scale and controlled trials.” Active oncology biotech and pharma companies in the markets this week include Oncolytics Biotech^®Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), Mustang Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBIO), Verastem Oncology (NASDAQ: VSTM), Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDF), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN).

Grand View Research continued: “The increasing prevalence of life-threatening conditions and the necessity for the rapid development of pipeline drugs are also some factors that propel the breakthrough therapy drug market. This is primarily driven by the significant unmet need for effective treatments for severe conditions currently available. Manufacturing companies are particularly attentive to drugs designated as breakthrough therapies due to the accelerated market access and higher returns on investment. Breakthrough therapy drugs often undergo less extensive clinical trials, which is a direct consequence of their market designation. The FDA’s enhanced support for small-scale industries in research and development, including increased funding and expedited drug approval processes, is further stimulating the market for breakthrough therapy drugs. Collectively, these elements are pushing the breakthrough therapy drug market forward. Further, innovative gene and cell therapies are offering new treatment decisions for previously untreatable illnesses, mainly drifting to more breakthrough therapy designations. Moreover, the regulatory support agencies are streamlining processes and offering assistance for breakthrough therapies to speed up their development and sanction. Another aspect leading the breakthrough therapy designations is the cross-sector collaborations between academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes that are lifting the upgradation and the advancement of new breakthrough therapies completely.”

Oncolytics Biotech^®Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) Highlights Transformative Pelareorep Survival Data in Multiple Tumors and Commitment to Registration-Enabling Studies
- Comparison with multiple landmark first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma studies substantiates strong two-year survival benefit of 21.9% vs. 9.2% historical benchmark
- Consistent survival benefit compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy in randomized studies in the large HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer indication
- Data from over 1,100 patients across tumor types reveals a favorable, well-understood safety profile
— Oncolytics Biotech ^® Inc. ($ONCY $ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, today announced a strategic update highlighting its compelling clinical data from two tumor types and outlining a sharpened focus on advancing pelareorep, the Company’s intravenously delivered oncolytic virus immunotherapy, into registration-enabling studies.

“We are no longer in the business of funding proof-of-concept studies,” said Jared Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. “We have meaningful clinical data in hand—not just signals. The survival benefit across multiple tumor types demands a focused approach to take pelareorep directly into registration-enabling trials. We will use our fast-track status to find the most efficient regulatory path forward this summer to advance our platform in a product technology.”

Results from two completed first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) trials demonstrate a strong and consistent efficacy signal showing extremely rare 2-year overall survival rates of 21.9% vs. 9.2% based on pooled data from over 100 patients across two studies evaluating pelareorep combined with a chemotherapy backbone. In addition, a best-in-class 62% objective response rate (ORR) was observed in a single-arm study of pelareorep in combination with a chemotherapy backbone and a checkpoint inhibitor in 13 evaluable patients. These results collectively represent promising efficacy for a therapeutic regimen that includes an immunotherapy in this difficult-to-treat cancer. Currently, there are no approved immunotherapies for first-line treatment of mPDAC…

…Pelareorep’s clinical activity in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer – a large indication with continued significant unmet medical need and no currently approved immunotherapies – has been demonstrated in two randomized phase 2 studies, both of which showed a median overall survival (mOS) benefit of greater than 10 months compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy (IND.213 mOS: 21.0 vs. 10.8 months; BRACELET-1 mOS: not statistically reached; conservative estimate = 32.1 months vs. 18.2 months). In the randomized, controlled BRACELET-1 study, pelareorep combined with paclitaxel yielded a 12.1-month median progression-free survival (PFS) compared to 6.4 months in the paclitaxel alone control arm.

“Pelareorep represents a tipping point for immunotherapy in cold tumors,” said Dr. Thomas Heineman, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics. “It is delivering consistent immunologic and clinical responses in multiple tumor types. Most impressively, pelareorep activates the immune system to produce clinical benefits in cancers that are typically unresponsive to immunotherapies like mPDAC and unresectable HR+/HER2- breast cancer, creating new oncology entry points for immune-based combination therapies.” CONTINUED… Read these full press releases and more news for ONCY at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-oncy/

Other recent oncology developments in the biotech industry of note include:

Mustang Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on translating today’s medical breakthroughs in cell therapies into potential cures for difficult-to-treat cancers, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to Mustang for MB-101 (IL13Ra2-targeted CAR T-cells) for the treatment of recurrent diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma (astrocytomas) and glioblastoma (GBM).

The FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation to drugs and biologics that are intended for safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. Orphan Drug Designation provides certain incentives, such as tax credits toward the cost of clinical trials upon approval and prescription drug user fee waivers. If a product receives Orphan Drug Status from the FDA, that product is entitled to seven years of market exclusivity for the disease in which it has Orphan Drug designation, which is independent from intellectual property protection.

Verastem Oncology (NASDAQ: VSTM), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new medicines for patients with RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers, recently announced that updated results from the Phase 1/2 FRAME study conducted by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust were published online in Nature Medicine. The full manuscript, titled “Defactinib with avutometinib in patients with solid tumors: the phase 1 FRAME trial,” was the first-in-human study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of avutometinib in combination with defactinib in patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other solid tumor types.

“The FRAME study was the early foundation for the recent FDA approval of avutometinib plus defactinib in KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer and we are pleased to see that the mature data set continues to show the safety and tolerability of this combination therapy,” said Dan Paterson, president and chief executive officer of Verastem Oncology. “This supports our ongoing commitment to advancing our research into the combination for use in other solid tumors, including RAMP 205 in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer.”

Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers, recently announced the company has appointed Roger Sidhu, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Sidhu is a veteran executive and clinician with over 20 years of experience and a strong track record of success in oncology research, development, and regulatory strategy. Dr. Sidhu succeeds Dr. Fairooz Kabbinavar who will remain with the company in an advisory role. The company also announced it will share additional clinical data from its lead program in RAS-mutated mCRC on July 29, 2025.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Sidhu to lead the clinical program for onvansertib through the next phase of development. Dr. Sidhu is a respected clinician and seasoned executive with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through late-stage clinical development across multiple therapeutic areas including in first-line mCRC. As we move forward, we thank Dr. Kabbinavar for his leadership in progressing onvansertib’s clinical development across multiple tumor types,” said Mark Erlander, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Oncology. “In addition to today’s medical leadership transition, we are announcing our plan to share an update of clinical data from the ongoing CRDF-004 trial on July 29, at which point we expect to release a substantive dataset.”

AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN)‘s Imfinzi (durvalumab) has been approved in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of adult patients with resectable muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as neoadjuvant treatment, followed by Imfinzi as monotherapy adjuvant treatment after radical cystectomy (surgery to remove the bladder).

The approval by the European Commission follows the positive opinion of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use and is based on results from the NIAGARA Phase III trial, which were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

In a planned interim analysis, the Imfinzi-based perioperative regimen demonstrated a statistically significant 32% reduction in the risk of disease progression, recurrence, not undergoing surgery, or death versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy with radical cystectomy alone (based on event-free survival [EFS] hazard ratio [HR] of 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.82; p<0.0001). Estimated median EFS was not yet reached for the Imfinzi arm versus 46.1 months for the comparator arm. An estimated 67.8% of patients treated with the regimen were event free at two years compared to 59.8% in the comparator arm.

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SOURCE: FN Media Group

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Xsolis’ AI-Driven Solution, New Features Evaluated in KLAS Second Look Report
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FRANKLIN, Tenn., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xsolis, an AI-driven technology company that reduces administrative waste by enabling collaboration between healthcare providers and payers, was featured today in the KLAS Second Look Report, “Xsolis Platform 2025: Improving Utilization Management, Length of Stay & Denial Performance Through AI-Driven Offerings in the Mid-Revenue Cycle.” The KLAS Second Look Report focuses on how the customer experience has changed over the past four years, including as a result of enhancements made available within Dragonfly, the next generation of the company’s AI-driven platform.

KLAS is an independent research organization that helps healthcare providers make informed technology decisions by offering accurate, honest, and impartial vendor performance information. KLAS interviewed Xsolis clients in early 2025 for a second look, and reports the following anonymized key findings:
- Respondents report satisfaction within the Key Performance Indicators:
  - Supports integration goals
  - Product has needed functionality (delivers solutions as expected)
  - Executive involvement
  - Likely to recommend
- 89% of KLAS-surveyed customers report using Xsolis’ AI technology to minimize preventable denials
- 91% of respondents say they are Satisfied or Highly Satisfied with Overall Performance
- 88% of respondents say they saw outcomes Immediately, Within 6 Months, or Within 6-12 Months
- 78% engage in payer-provider communications through the Dragonfly platform
- Respondents who have been on Xsolis’ AI-driven platform for more than one year report excitement about new updates and functionalities that are being offered as a result of Dragonfly
- Respondents report the top reasons they selected the Xsolis platform as: advanced AI technology, excellent customer service, seamless EHR integration, and positive references
- Respondents say the Xsolis platform has reduced the length of patient stays, saved on costs, and improved observation rates and denials rates
“What has changed with our most recent KLAS survey effort is our expanded footprint and the problems Xsolis solves, including optimizing length-of-stay and increasing payer-provider collaboration, which have been critical in bringing relief to our clients,” said Joan Butters, CEO and co-founder of Xsolis. “As we enhance our solutions to deliver frictionless healthcare in meaningful, new ways for our clients, it is both validating and informative to learn their feedback as we continue to meet their evolving needs.”

A Kaiser Family Foundation survey from 2023 revealed claims denials are up, with nearly one in five adults experiencing health insurance claim denials in the previous year. Adjudicating denials costs just under $20 billion a year, and around half of denials are ultimately overturned — a costly problem that can be improved with tools that accelerate payer-provider alignment. Late 2024 marked an inflection point for payer-provider friction and how it affects the patient experience, accelerating the need for transparency and reform.

Xsolis was featured in a KLAS Top 20 Emerging Solutions Report and as one of the top five solutions for reducing the cost of care in 2022 and was listed in 2025 as No. 1 Best in KLAS for Physician Advisory Services for the fourth year. A payer client’s and provider client’s use of Xsolis’ shared platform was recognized in a 2023 KLAS Points of Light Case Study, which highlights successful payer-provider initiatives that lead to an improved patient experience.

As a pioneer in the practical, effective application of AI in healthcare, Xsolis has been helping its clients make more informed medical necessity decisions during utilization reviews since 2013. Dragonfly represents the next generation of the company’s AI-driven platform and was launched in late 2024. The platform is powered by Predictive AI models, offers new Generative AI tools, and can be augmented with advanced analytic packages such as Navigate to reduce length of stay or Revenue Integrity Insights. Xsolis also offers Denials Management Services and Physician Advisory Services. To date, Xsolis’ solutions are used in more than 500 hospitals nationwide, with two-thirds having shared AI platform access with their networked health plans.

To learn more about Xsolis, please visit: www.xsolis.com

Download the KLAS Second Look Report here: https://www.xsolis.com/2025-klas-second-look-report/

KLAS subscribers can access the report here: https://klasresearch.com/report/xsolis-platform-2025-improving-utilization-management-length-of-stay-and-denial-performance-through-ai-driven-offerings-in-the-mid-revenue-cycle/3746

About Xsolis
Xsolis is an AI-driven technology company that reduces administrative waste by enabling collaboration between healthcare providers and payers. Dragonfly®, its AI-driven proprietary platform, is the first and only solution to use real-time predictive analytics to continuously assign an objective medical necessity score and assess the anticipated level of care for every patient, enabling more efficiency across the healthcare system. Xsolis is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information, visit www.xsolis.com.

About KLAS
KLAS is a research and insights firm on a global mission to improve healthcare. Working with thousands of healthcare professionals and clinicians, KLAS gathers data and insights on software and services to deliver timely reports and performance data that represent provider and payer voices and act as catalysts for improving vendor performance. The KLAS research team publishes reports covering the most pressing questions facing healthcare technology today, including emerging technology insights, that provide early insights on the future of healthcare technology solutions. KLAS also fosters measurement and collaboration between healthcare providers and payers and best practice adoption. Learn more at klasresearch.com.

The MIL Network –
July 9, 2025