NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-Evening Report: Memo to Shane Jones: what if NZ needs more regional government, not less?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeffrey McNeill, Honorary Research Associate, School of People, Environment and Planning, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    If the headlines are anything to go by, New Zealand’s regional councils are on life support.

    Regional Development Minister Shane Jones recently wondered whether “there’s going to be a compelling case for regional government to continue to exist”. And Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is open to exploring the possibility of scrapping the councils.

    This has all been driven by the realisation that the government’s proposed resource management reforms would essentially gut local authorities of their basic planning and environmental management functions. Various mayors and other interested parties have agreed. While some are circumspect, there’s broad agreement a review is needed.

    At present, each territorial council writes its own city or district plan. Regional councils write a series of thematic plans addressing different environmental issues. All the plans contain the councils’ regulatory “rules” that determine what people can or cannot do.

    Under the coming reforms, the territorial and regional councils of each region would have only a single chapter each within a broader regional spatial plan. Their function would, for the main part, involve tweaking all-embracing national policies and standards.

    Further, all compliance and monitoring – now a predominantly regional council activity – is to be taken over by a national agency (possibly the Environment Protection Authority). This won’t leave much for regional councils to do, compared with their broad remits now.

    How regional government evolved

    In truth, regional councils have been targets since they were created as part of the Labour government’s 1989 local government reform. Carried out in lockstep with the drafting of the Resource Management Act (passed in 1991), this established two levels of local government.

    City and district councils were to be responsible for infrastructure and the built environment. The new regional councils were more opaque, essentially multi-function, special-purpose authorities, recognising that some government actions are bigger than local but smaller than national.

    In the event, they became what in many countries would be thought of as environmental protection agencies. Their boundaries were drawn to capture river catchments, reflecting their catchment board antecedents, which looked after soil erosion and flood management.

    Other functions were drawn from other government departments. Air-quality management came from the old Department of Health. Coastal management was partly inherited from the Ministry of Transport, shared with the Department of Conservation.

    Public transport and civil defence were tacked on, given their cross-territorial scale and lack of anywhere else to put them.

    Parochialism and politics

    All their various functions have meant regional councils determine who gets to use the region’s resources – and who misses out. And political decisions are a surefire way to make enemies.

    For example, the Resource Management Act applied the presumption that no one could discharge any contaminant into water unless expressly allowed by a rule or a resource consent. Regional councils therefore required their territorial councils to upgrade their rubbish dumps and sewage treatment systems.

    Similarly, farmers could no longer simply take water to irrigate or empty cowshed effluent straight into the nearest stream as of right. The necessary infrastructure upgrades were expensive.

    Ironically, these attempts to minimise the immediate impacts of such demands on water users saw urban voters and environmental groups criticise the councils and the government for being too soft on “dirty dairying” and other polluters.

    Parochialism also plays a part, as does the feeling in some rural communities that they’re forgotten by their regions’ cities, where most voters live. The perceived poor handling of events such as last year’s Hawke’s Bay flooding and the 2018 Wellington bus network failure have not helped.

    The government even replaced Environment Canterbury’s elected council with appointed commissioners in 2010 over performance concerns, particularly in water management.

    Yet the regional council model has largely survived intact – with two exceptions. The Nelson-Marlborough Regional Council was replaced by the Nelson City and Marlborough and Tasman District unitary councils in 1992, as a token sacrifice to the conservative wing of the National government, which vehemently opposed the new regions.

    The genesis of the Auckland Council super-region can be traced to the 1999–2008 Labour government’s frustration at getting a unified position from the city’s seven councils on where to build a stadium for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Not everyone is happy with the resulting metro-regional solution.

    Who will be accountable?

    If regional government is indeed put to rest, it will be another phase in this piecemeal evolutionary process. But the new model will still require central government to have a significant regional presence – and commensurate central government funding.

    But central government has had a regional-scale presence for a long time. Police, the fire service, economic development and social welfare agencies all have their own regional boundaries. Public health and tertiary training and education are also essentially regional.

    All these functions are inherently political. And in many other countries, they are are delivered by regional governments. Maybe, once the implications are looked at more closely, leaving regional councils intact will seem the easier and cheaper option. Indeed, there is a counter argument that we need more regional government, not less.

    The current impulse for local government change – including district council amalgamation – continues an ad hoc process going back more than 30 years. As I have argued previously, the form, function and funding of local government need to be considered together.

    The regional level of administration will not go away. But the overriding question remains: who should speak for and be accountable to their communities for what are ultimately still political decisions, whoever makes them?

    Jeffrey McNeill 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. Memo to Shane Jones: what if NZ needs more regional government, not less? – https://theconversation.com/memo-to-shane-jones-what-if-nz-needs-more-regional-government-not-less-259778

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces District Court and District Attorney Appointments

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces District Court and District Attorney Appointments

    Governor Stein Announces District Court and District Attorney Appointments
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced the following appointments to the District Court:

    Caroline F. Quinn to the District Court for Judicial District 8, serving Edgecombe, Nash, and Wilson Counties. Quinn is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable William “Bill” Farris retired.

    • Quinn currently serves as the Clerk of the Superior Court in the 8th Judicial District and previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the 8th Prosecutorial District. She received her B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her J.D. from Campbell University.

    Andrew T. Warren to the District Court for Judicial District 34, serving Alleghany, Ashe, Wilkes, and Yadkin Counties. Warren is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable William Brooks retired.

    • Warren is currently an Associate at Crumpton Law Firm. He received his B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and his J.D. from Charlotte School of Law.

    The Governor also made the following District Attorney appointment:

    Jason T. Waller as District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 13, serving Johnston County. Waller is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable Susan Doyle retired.

    • Waller currently serves as a Senior Assistant District Attorney in the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office. He received his B.A. and J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

    “This group of attorneys is exceptionally talented, and they all come to their new positions with a wealth of experience,” said Governor Josh Stein. “They each have a strong record of service, and I look forward to seeing all that they accomplish in their new roles.” 

    Jul 1, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: High schoolers experience immersive college experience at GEAR UP summer academy – West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    Nearly 115 rising 10th and 11th grade students from across West Virginia spent four days living and learning on the campus of Marshall University as part of the 2025 GEAR UP summer academy.

    The academy, sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s federally funded Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative, provided students with a fully immersive college experience. Participants lived in campus residence halls, attended engaging academic sessions led by Marshall University professors, and took part in leadership development activities designed to strengthen their readiness for college and careers.

    “This program gives students a powerful glimpse into their potential future as college students,” said Mallory Carpenter, GUU! Director and Assistant Director of West Virginia GEAR UP at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. “By staying on a college campus, learning from college professors, and forming bonds with peers across the state, students begin to see themselves in that next chapter of their educational journey. It’s not just about preparing them for college—it’s about showing them they belong there.”

    Throughout the week, students explored academic subjects, participated in team building and career exploration sessions, and received valuable mentorship from current college students. These mentors shared their own college experiences and helped students envision pathways to success in higher education and beyond.

    Ricki Stewart, a GEAR UP alumnae, former counselor, and current Summer Academy supervisor, remarked on GEAR UP’s impact on her life and the lives of students currently enrolled in the program. “GEAR UP U! is something I look forward to every year. The students get to participate in innovative learning activities and make friendships that last a lifetime. Being a part of their experiences has been remarkable. This program is a way for all students to feel welcomed and inspired. It makes them feel that college and lifelong success are attainable.”

    West Virginia GEAR UP serves students in Boone, Clay, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Nicholas, Roane, Wayne, Webster, and Wirt counties, helping them plan and prepare for college through year-round services such as campus visits, financial aid workshops, tutoring, and mentoring.

    GEAR UP opens doors for teenagers in West Virginia and gives them hope for what they can achieve,” stated Braxton Nichols, a Roane County High School student and GEAR UP U! participant. “GEAR UP U! is such a good preparation for college and adult life. We learn teamwork, collaboration, and communication—all things you need to be successful after high school.”

    For more information about West Virginia GEAR UP and how it supports students and families, visit www.wvgearup.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: Sakhalin Region will be presented as an energy and logistics center of the Asia-Pacific region on the “Far East Street” within the framework of the EEF

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Sakhalin Region will traditionally be one of the participants in the Far East Street exhibition, which will be held from September 3 to 9 as part of the tenth, anniversary Eastern Economic Forum – 2025 in Vladivostok. The exhibition is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Far Eastern Federal District. The only island region in the country will present information about its main investment and social projects, history and culture, and will also talk about the development of unmanned aviation.

    “Sakhalin Oblast is one of the leading regions in the Far East in terms of attracting investment. In the national investment climate rating, Sakhalin Oblast ranks first in the Far Eastern Federal District and fourth in the country. There is growth in the manufacturing industry, coal industry, and construction. Entrepreneurs can take advantage of the benefits of the priority development area, free port, and preferential regime on the Kuril Islands. The region is actively developing scientific and technologically. An international-level campus is being created on the instructions of the President. An engineering school and an electrical engineering laboratory are operating, the first stage of the Oil and Gas Industrial Park has been launched, and a research and production center for the development of unmanned systems has been created. This and much more allows us to create new production facilities, attract new personnel, and train young specialists. Thanks to the master plan, the urban environment of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is changing. I am sure that the region has something to show and be proud of,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev.

    The main pavilion of the Sakhalin Region on the “Far East Street” will be made in the form of waves. This year it will be decorated with installations on the theme of logistics: a hydrogen train, a UAV, an airplane and the port of Korsakov. Next to it there will be an investor’s pavilion in the form of a scallop shell.

    “The Eastern Economic Forum has long been an important platform for the Sakhalin Region to develop the region’s economy. Over the past five years, we have signed more than 60 agreements here, which will create 5.7 thousand jobs, and launch key projects in energy, transport, and education. Among them are the modernization of the electric grid complex, the development of hydrogen energy, the continuation of gasification of the region, the modernization of port infrastructure, the construction of clinics, and the development of science as part of the construction of the SakhalinTech campus. It is important for us that Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands become increasingly attractive for living, and that comfort for residents and visitors to the region grows. And we will consistently continue this work in the future,” said Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko.

    An installation dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War will be placed inside the pavilion. The exhibition “Roads of Victory” will tell about the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk operation and the landing on Shumshu. It is planned to show a film about the expedition to the island, videos about reconstructions of battles in the Kholmsky and Smirnykhovsky districts.

    “On the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, we are creating a memorial complex on Shumshu Island dedicated to the Kuril landing operation. Shumshu is one of the islands of the Kuril chain. In fact, World War II ended there. The Kwantung Army was defeated. Our soldiers defeated the superior forces of the enemy, demonstrated mass heroism, landed in the water with full equipment and attacked tanks and firing points that were on the heights. This is one of the most significant pages in our history,” concluded Yuri Trutnev.

    In the Tourism zone, new programs will be presented: military-historical tours “Battle for Shumshu” and “Liberation of the South of Sakhalin”, seasonal offers for winter and summer recreation, as well as gastronomic tours and the “Far East – Land of Adventure” project.

    The Sakhalin – Showcase of Russia zone will showcase key projects of the master plan for the first belt of the agglomeration, as well as the main areas of development of the region: medicine, science and education, logistics, culture, and the urban environment.

    The results of the decade of work of the Sakhalin Region Development Corporation will be presented in a separate zone. With the help of multimedia technologies, the exposition will present the results of the organization’s work over 10 years, including the initiatives of the Merci Agro Sakhalin livestock complex, the Gorizont residential complex, the Uyun territory development project, the agropark and the oil service park.

    The UAV and BEK zone will tell about how the island region strives to become a leader in Russia in the implementation of unmanned aircraft systems. This topic will be dedicated to a separate exposition aimed at promoting Sakhalin’s achievements in this area.

    In 2025, Sakhalin Oblast plans to hold three international forums – Wings of Sakhalin, Energy of Sakhalin and Islands of Sustainable Development: Climate Aspect – at a new venue – the Pushisty drone port. The Sakhalin Expo exposition will be dedicated to the development of congress and exhibition activities in the region.

    Next to the main pavilion there will be a stand “Made in Sakhalin”. The exposition will present regional brands – clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, gastronomic products, health products, and achievements of the film industry and computer graphics will also be demonstrated. The pavilion’s design will include works by Sakhalin photographers and musicians, as well as various murals, including an image of the Aniva lighthouse – the unofficial symbol of the region.

    The art object “Happy Motherhood” will also be exhibited, symbolizing family values. 2025 has been declared the Year of Happy Motherhood on the islands. The regional government’s social block is paying special attention to solving the demographic issue and creating conditions under which women can successfully combine motherhood with professional activity, without sacrificing either their career or family.

    This year, the cultural program of the Sakhalin Region is aimed at popularizing the work of local authors and musicians. Songs by Sakhalin composer and poet Georgy Zobov will be presented, performed by artists of the Variety Academy, accompanied by the dance studio “Aritmiya” and the group Dreambox. The duet “Vishnya” will present a combination of electronic music, songs and ethnic music. The ensemble of the Variety Academy of Larisa Dolina will perform cover versions of famous hits of the Russian variety art. Stilt walkers of the theater studio 2233 will also perform for the guests.

    In addition, the regional delegation will present a series of unique performances called “Sea Meditation”. For three days, Sakhalin artist Konstantin Kolupaev will create paintings dedicated to the beauty and power of nature on a huge canvas using unique techniques. Spectators will be able to watch the master at work.

    As part of the sports program, Sakhalin Oblast plans to organize an interactive platform using VR glasses, where you can try alpine skiing, ski jumping or parachuting. There will be a chess platform called “Beat the Champion.”

    The 10th Eastern Economic Forum will be held on September 3–6 at the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok. During these days, the exhibition will be available to forum participants, and on September 7, 8, and 9, it will be open to everyone. The EEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA reacts to Senate’s passage of Trump administration’s budget bill

    Source: US National Education Union

    By: Celeste Fernandez, NEA Communications

    Published: July 1, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Trump administration’s budget bill, advancing a plan that slashes funding for education, health care, and nutrition—harming students, working families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more.

    The following can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle: 

    “Let’s be clear: this is a betrayal of students, educators, and working families. This isn’t just a political failure, but a moral one as well. The senators who voted for this bill are turning their backs on those who need their support the most. This bill will devastate our schools and communities—all to finance massive tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.

    “This bill strips essential funding from our schools, further restricts access to higher education, burdens those already struggling, and threatens to leave children sick, students hungry, and futures shattered—all to finance tax breaks for billionaires. When they redirect public dollars to fund private school vouchers, they weaken public education and limit opportunities for students. They siphon crucial funding from public schools—serving 90 percent of students—and redirect it to private institutions with no accountability. Access to affordable, quality higher education will slip further out of reach for countless students.

    “This legislation abandons students, pushes aspiring educators out of the profession, and deprives working families of the basic supports they need to survive. Educators see the harm this bill will cause—and we will not be silent. We will hold accountable any politician who abandons our students and communities. We will organize, we will fight back, and we will not stop until every student, in every ZIP code, has access to the opportunities they deserve.” 

    ###

    Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social & https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA reacts to Senate’s passage of Trump administration’s budget bill

    Source: US National Education Union

    By: Celeste Fernandez, NEA Communications

    Published: July 1, 2025

    WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Trump administration’s budget bill, advancing a plan that slashes funding for education, health care, and nutrition—harming students, working families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more.

    The following can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle: 

    “Let’s be clear: this is a betrayal of students, educators, and working families. This isn’t just a political failure, but a moral one as well. The senators who voted for this bill are turning their backs on those who need their support the most. This bill will devastate our schools and communities—all to finance massive tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy.

    “This bill strips essential funding from our schools, further restricts access to higher education, burdens those already struggling, and threatens to leave children sick, students hungry, and futures shattered—all to finance tax breaks for billionaires. When they redirect public dollars to fund private school vouchers, they weaken public education and limit opportunities for students. They siphon crucial funding from public schools—serving 90 percent of students—and redirect it to private institutions with no accountability. Access to affordable, quality higher education will slip further out of reach for countless students.

    “This legislation abandons students, pushes aspiring educators out of the profession, and deprives working families of the basic supports they need to survive. Educators see the harm this bill will cause—and we will not be silent. We will hold accountable any politician who abandons our students and communities. We will organize, we will fight back, and we will not stop until every student, in every ZIP code, has access to the opportunities they deserve.” 

    ###

    Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social & https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Banco Santander Chile welcomes Andrés Trautmann Buc as the Bank’s New CEO and Country Head

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTIAGO, Chile, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NYSE: BSAC; SSE: Bsantander). Andrés Trautmann Buc was officially welcomed as the new CEO and Country Head of Banco Santander Chile (“Santander Chile” or the “Company”), an appointment previously announced last February, in the presence of Héctor Grisi, CEO of Banco Santander. Trautmann thus replaces Román Blanco, who is leaving the Chilean subsidiary after a successful tenure with the bank.

    At the meeting, which was attended via streaming by all employees across the country, Grisi thanked Román Blanco for his work over the years, highlighting the strong position of the Chilean subsidiary in terms of results and market share. “The Group is proud to have a bank like Santander Chile: number one in loans, with practically one in three SMEs in the country as a client, and an ROE of 25.9% in a highly competitive environment. We must be Best in Class in each of the markets in which we operate, and to achieve this, it is essential to combine our local presence with the strength of our global scale. That is our greatest strength; we have exceptional teams and a solid culture. Developing it to its full potential is the great challenge we face.” Thus, the executive addressed the bank’s employees, asking them to “give Andrés the same support they gave Román, because having a team that supports him is essential.”

    For his part, Trautmann stated, “I am deeply proud to represent Santander Chile in this new position, a leading bank in the local industry that has made significant contributions to the Group’s global objectives. I know I have a first-class team with whom we will continue to dedicate ourselves strongly to supporting the progress of people and companies with innovative products and services that make their daily lives easier and boost the development of their businesses.”

    In his first appearance as CEO and country head, Trautmann emphasized that “Santander is present in key markets in Europe and the Americas. One of our key goals is precisely to leverage this global capacity and, through our experience and market knowledge, contribute to the growth of Chilean companies that are the driving force of our economy. We also want our more than 4.3 million customers to have a similar service experience in the different geographical areas where the Group operates, so that they feel part of an international entity. This is what they can experience today through the Work/Café branch network deployed in more than nine countries.”

    For his part, Román Blanco stated that “over these three years, we have made great progress in a context where digital banking is advancing rapidly. In this context, we strengthened the growth of Getnet, also adding new features, and Santander Consumer Finance, in addition to the launch of digital accounts and new ways of serving our customers, such as the Work/Café Expresso model.” The executive concluded by thanking “everyone who has been part of this journey over these three years and who has made it possible to accomplish all these achievements. Chile is a country of multiple opportunities and great growth potential. I am convinced that Santander is in the best hands, because through Andrés’s leadership, his business vision, and his ability to work as a team, they will be able to face the new challenges of this industry and achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.”

    Local Perspective with International Experience
    Trautmann, who holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Chile, has a distinguished career at Santander, having joined the Group in 2007. He began his career as Head of Institutional and Corporate Sales at Santander Chile, then, between 2010 and 2012, he was in charge of Structured Products Sales in London for Santander UK. From 2013 to 2018, he was responsible for Andean Region Sales for Goldman Sachs in New York. That year, he assumed the position of Head of Markets for Santander’s local subsidiary until 2021, when he was appointed Executive Vice President of CIB at Santander Chile, a global division that supports corporate and institutional clients with high-value-added services, products, and solutions.

    From his initial position at Markets, he has led significant achievements such as tripling the growth of the Sales and Trading business and then, from CIB, the Investment Banking area, also driving the expansion of CIB products in large companies, leveraging the global capabilities of the Santander Group. Recently, the executive has also added the Corporate and Institutional Banking and Santander Consumer Finance businesses to his responsibilities, which has given him a comprehensive view of the bank’s management.

    As of March 31, 2025, the bank had total assets of Ch$67,059,423 million (US$70,284 million), total gross loans (including those owed by banks) at amortized cost of Ch$41,098,666 million (US$43,075 million), total deposits of Ch$30,607,715 million (US$32,080 million), and bank owners’ equity of Ch$4,400,233 million (US$4,612 million). The BIS capital ratio was 16.9%, with a core capital ratio of 10.7%. As of March 31, 2025, Santander Chile employed 8,712 people and had 237 branches throughout Chile. Banco Santander Chile is one of the companies with the highest risk ratings in Latin America, with an A2 rating from Moody’s, A- from Standard & Poor’s, A+ from the Japan Credit Rating Agency, AA- from HR Ratings, and A from KBRA. All of our ratings have a stable outlook as of the date of this report.

    CONTACT INFORMATION
    Investor Relations
    Banco Santander Chile
    Bandera 140, Floor 20
    Santiago, Chile
    (562) 26483583

    Email: irelations@santander.cl
    Website: www.santander.cl

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Old National Names Matt Keen Chief Information Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — (NASDAQ: ONB) – Old National Bancorp (“Old National”) has appointed Matt Keen as Chief Information Officer (CIO). In this role, Keen will join Old National’s Executive Leadership Team – the company’s senior-most group of C-suite executives.

    Keen brings more than three decades of experience in significant technology leadership roles at national companies, including leading architecture development, as well as experience with brokerage and banking services, cloud service optimization, and platform modernization.

    “As Old National continues our Midwest and Southeast expansion, our technology strategy and capabilities are also evolving to continue meeting our ever-growing clients’ needs and expectations,” said Old National Chairman & CEO Jim Ryan. “Matt’s wide-ranging technology expertise will be essential for helping us innovate and deliver client-focused solutions, while also supporting the personal relationships that have always been the heart of our success.”

    Keen’s previous technology leadership experience included consulting with American Express as part of his tenure at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, almost 15 years at Ameriprise Financial (formerly a division of American Express), and six years at Two Harbors Investments. Most recently, he served as CIO for Bremer Bank, which became a division of Old National Bank on May 1, 2025.

    As Old National’s CIO, Keen will lead a forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology as an enabler for business success. He will shape and execute the company’s technology strategy, working closely and collaboratively with all aspects of the business to identify ways to increase efficiencies and drive growth. With a particular emphasis on innovation, Keen and his team will use technology, as well as data and analytics, to effectively support and enhance the client and team member experience, to meet their ever-evolving expectations.

    “I’m looking forward to continuing to advance the strong technology foundation that has enabled Old National to achieve its growth goals,” Keen said. “Through a collaborative approach and intense focus on our clients, we’ll bring forward the best technology capabilities to serve the business and support the culture that our team members, clients, and communities expect and appreciate.”

    A resident of Chanhassen, Minn., Keen holds a degree in quantitative methods and computer science from the University of St. Thomas.

    Keen succeeds retiring Chief Information Officer Paul S. Kilroy, who joined Old National in 2020. During his tenure, Kilroy spearheaded a groundbreaking partnership with Infosys that vastly improved contact center quality and stabilized information quality metrics across the organization, leading to a 2024 “Tech Exec of the Year” honor from the Indianapolis Business Journal.

    ABOUT OLD NATIONAL
    Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB) is the holding company of Old National Bank. As the fifth largest commercial bank headquartered in the Midwest, Old National proudly serves clients primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. With approximately $70 billion of assets and $37 billion of assets under management (including Bremer Financial Corporation on a pro forma basis as of March 31, 2025), Old National ranks among the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the United States. Tracing our roots to 1834, Old National focuses on building long-term, highly valued partnerships with clients while also strengthening and supporting the communities we serve. In addition to providing extensive services in consumer and commercial banking, Old National offers comprehensive wealth management and capital markets services. For more information and financial data, please visit Investor Relations at oldnational.com. In 2025, Points of Light again named Old National one of “The Civic 50” — an honor reserved for the 50 most community-minded companies in the United States.

    Investor Relations:
    Lynell Durchholz
    (812) 464-1366
    lynell.durchholz@oldnational.com

    Media Relations:
    Rick Vach
    (904) 535-9489
    rick.vach@oldnational.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5d64d8b1-0fab-4151-8bd2-c21133a36465

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Self determination theory: how to use it to boost wellbeing

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mark Fabian, Reader of Public Policy, University of Warwick

    Self-determination theory (SDT) is one of the most well established and powerful approaches to wellbeing in psychological research literature. Yet it doesn’t seem to have broken through into popular discussions about wellbeing, happiness and self-help. That’s a shame, because it has so much to contribute.

    A foundational idea in self-determination theory is that we have three basic psychological needs: for autonomy, competence and relatedness.

    Autonomy is the need to be in control of your own life rather than being controlled by others. Competence is the need to feel skilful at the tasks one values or needs to thrive. Relatedness refers to feeling loved and cared for, and a sense of belonging to a group that provides social support.

    If our basic psychological needs are met, then we are more likely to experience wellbeing. Symptoms include emotions such as joy, vitality and excitement because we’re doing the things we love, for example. We’ll probably have a sense of meaning and purpose because we live within a community whose culture we value.

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

    Conversely, when our basic needs are thwarted we should see symptoms of illbeing. Anger, frustration and boredom grow when our behaviour is controlled by parents, bureaucrats, bosses or other forces that press our energies towards their ends instead of ours.

    Depression is liable when we our competence is overwhelmed by failure. And anxiety is often a social emotion that arises when we’re worried about whether our group cares for us.

    So we should cultivate our basic psychological needs – but how? You need to discover what you want to do with your life, what skills to become competent in, who to relate to and what communities to contribute to.

    Using motivation to find your way

    Here’s where the second foundational idea in SDT can be super helpful, as I explain in my new book, Beyond Happy: How to rethink happiness and find fulfilment. SDT proposes a motivational spectrum running from extrinsic at one end to intrinsic at the other. Finding out where you are on the spectrum for a certain activity or task can help you work out how to be happier.

    The more extrinsically motivated something is, the more self-regulation it requires. For example, when refugees flee their homes due to encroaching war, there is often a large part of them that wants to stay. Willpower is required to act. In contrast, intrinsically motivated behaviour springs spontaneously from us. You don’t need willpower to get stuck into your hobbies.

    Each type of motivation comes with different emotional signals and deciphering them can help us find what values, behaviour and groups suit us.

    The spectrum of motivation according to self-determination theory.
    CC BY-NC

    “Identified” motivation, for example, sits between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. It occurs when we value an activity but don’t inherently enjoy it. That’s why success in identified behaviour is usually met with a feeling of accomplishment or the warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you do the right thing, like going a bit out of your way to put your rubbish in a bin.

    In contrast, “introjected” motivation is where you value something contingent to the behaviour itself. Many of us loathe the gym, for example, but we want to be healthy. A child might not want to practice the cello, but they do want their parent’s approval.

    Because introjection is relatively extrinsic, it requires willpower, and probably a bit more of it than for identified behaviour. Completion of an introjected activity is often met with relief rather than accomplishment and little desire to keep going.

    Sometimes things that are dependent on introjected behaviour can make us unhappy. In teen dramas, for example, the protagonist often does something because they want to be popular, but when they win the approval of the cool kids they realise those kids are mean and lame.

    Why money, power and status won’t make you happy

    If that’s how you feel, you’ve found something inauthentic to you. Then there’s very little chance the introjected activity will lead to your wellbeing. In fact, SDT has identified some common values. You’ll recognise them immediately: popularity, fame, status, power, wealth and success.

    They’re extrinsic because they’re not peculiar to you. If you get rich doing the thing you love, that’s great, but many of us never even think about what we love because we’re too busy thinking about how to get rich.

    Extrinsic pursuits are ultimately bad for our wellbeing because they’re all poor substitutes for basic psychological needs. When our autonomy is thwarted by strict parents or disciplinarian teachers, we crave power. When we don’t know what sort of life to build and thus what skills we need competence in, we adopt other people’s notions of success instead.

    Extrinsic pursuits often emerge from a wounded place and a defensive reaction. When we’re lonely or feel unloved for who we are, for example, we might compensate by seeking fame or popularity. We’ll start talking about our accomplishments on LinkedIn, for example.

    The problem is that the people this attracts don’t value you specifically, only your power, status or money. You sense that if you ever lost those things, you would lose these people too.

    SDT can help you learn to listen to your emotions and interpret your motivations instead, and use them to guide you towards the values, activities and people that are right for you.

    For example, if you feel joyful and fulfilled when you solve a complex puzzle, perhaps consider a career that involves that activity, such as law or engineering. If such puzzles feel like torture, that’s a signal too. Perhaps something more relational or intuitive, like social work, would work better.

    When you pursue things that are authentic to you it will nourish your sense of autonomy. You’ll build competence in those activities because they’re intrinsically motivated. And you’ll form deep relationships with the people you encounter because you genuinely like each other. Wellbeing will follow.

    Mark Fabian 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. Self determination theory: how to use it to boost wellbeing – https://theconversation.com/self-determination-theory-how-to-use-it-to-boost-wellbeing-259829

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Dune director Denis Villeneuve will helm the next Bond – but what will his 007 be like?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By William Proctor, Associate Professor in Popular Culture, Bournemouth University

    Wiki Commons/Canva, CC BY-SA

    The James Bond franchise has lain dormant for four years, since Daniel Craig’s swansong as 007, No Time to Die. A legal quarrel between Bond’s producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, and Amazon Studios resulted in a stalemate and production on a new Bond film has remained in limbo.

    Nevertheless, speculation has been rife about which actor will next play Ian Fleming’s super-spy (the latest actor to be associated with the role is former Spider-man Tom Holland).

    When news surfaced in February 2025 that Amazon MGM (Amazon purchased MGM in 2021) had effectively become Bond’s new custodians, critics and audiences alike expressed concern – to put it lightly. Many feared that Jeff Bezos was more interested in stimulating Amazon Prime membership by driving multiple content streams through spin-offs and merchandising than protecting Fleming’s legacy.

    However, last week’s announcement that Denis Villeneuve has been appointed as the director of the 26th Bond film is a savvy move. It’s a declaration of intent that seeks to promote and market Amazon MGM as safe harbour for the Bond franchise.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    The announcement positions the next era of Bond as a prestigious exercise helmed by “a cinematic master”, not a journeyman director. Villeneuve was previously offered the opportunity to direct No Time to Die, but turned the role down because of his commitment to the Dune films.

    By appointing Villeneuve, Amazon has managed to radically shift the public debate. Villeneuve is “much more than a technical director”, wrote Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw. “He is an alpha-grade auteur in the same league as Christopher Nolan.”

    Other critics have pointed to his rare ability to “combine blockbuster momentum (and ticket sales) with the finer, more nuanced sensibilities of a filmmaker always concerned with slowing down, honing in on character and theme”.

    Although Sam Mendes, director of Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015), came with artistic status, Villeneuve is something different – a marquee name frequently described as an auteur.

    Villeneuve talks about his love for Bond.

    Since his transition from making mostly low-key independent films in his native Canada to his arrival in Hollywood with Prisoners, starring Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal (2013), Villeneuve has amassed an impressively eclectic filmography.

    He has proven that he is as comfortable shooting realistic crime thrillers (Sicario, 2015) and surrealist cinema that David Lynch would be proud of (Enemy, 2013), as he is with science fiction (Arrival, 2016, Blade Runner 2049, 2017, and the Dune films, 2021 and 2024).

    Villeneuve’s Bond

    Although Sicario may be the closest in terms of genre to the Bond films, establishing Villeneuve as a director who can expertly shoot action sequences, it is nevertheless difficult at this stage to conceptualise what a Villeneuve Bond film might be like.

    Some critics have suggested that the director’s cinematic resume, eclectic as it is, might not bode well for Bond. The Hollywood Reporter’s film critic Benjamin Svetkey, for instance, worries that Villeneuve’s “lugubrious, meditative filmmaking” is sorely lacking in humour – which could be fatal for 007. “A certain amount of wit and winking is critical to the character,” he claims.

    It is early days for Amazon MGM and Villeneuve. As yet, there is reportedly no treatment, no script, no writer and – more pointedly – no actor appointed to the role. Whatever happens, the 26th Bond film is likely to be a hard reboot that wipes the slate clean (again) after the fate of 007 in No Time to Die.

    Villeneuve’s choice for Bond is unlikely to be as cartoonish as Pierce Brosnan’s iteration.

    Although Villeneuve has said that he intends to honour tradition and that Bond is “sacred territory” for him, Bond’s capacity for revision and regeneration has been key to the franchise’s longevity.

    As socoiologists Tony Bennett and Janet Woollacott argue in their seminal study, Bond and Beyond, the figure of Bond has over the past six decades “been differently constructed at different moments,” with “different sets of ideological and cultural concerns”.

    So what kind of Bond film Villeneuve ends up directing largely depends on the story and whichever actor is anointed as the next James Bond. It is doubtful that audiences will expect a campy pantomime Bond like Roger Moore, or a Bond with an invisible car, like Pierce Brosnan in the cartoonish Die Another Day (2002). Villeneuve’s choice of Casino Royale as his favourite 007 may provide a clue. But it is also unlikely that the director will be satisfied with slavishly repeating the past.

    William Proctor 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. Dune director Denis Villeneuve will helm the next Bond – but what will his 007 be like? – https://theconversation.com/dune-director-denis-villeneuve-will-helm-the-next-bond-but-what-will-his-007-be-like-260140

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: State Council Commission Meeting at the State University of Management: Technical Innovations and Traditional Values Will Become Priorities of Russian Education Until 2036

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On July 1, 2025, a joint meeting of the commissions of the State Council of the Russian Federation in the areas of “Personnel”, “Youth and Children”, “Family” was held at the site of the State University of Management to consider the draft Strategy for the Development of Education in the Russian Federation until 2036.

    The moderator of the meeting, Russian journalist and TV presenter Ernest Matskyavichyus, introduced the main participants in the discussion and reported that more than 1,000 experts worked on the text of the Education Development Strategy, many of whom are present at the meeting.

    The Chairman of the Commission of the State Council of the Russian Federation on “Personnel”, Governor of the Kaluga Region, and graduate of the State University of Management Vladislav Shapsha noted in his welcoming speech that the education system should be flexible and adaptive, integrated into the real sector of the economy and continuous.

    “Today, a situation has arisen where one specialty is no longer enough for an educated person; at least two are needed to always be prepared for the changing situation on the labor market. Qualified specialists of a new type must think innovatively and be able to solve problems in the context of rapid digital transformation and global competition. The key tasks now are: synchronizing education with the labor market, overcoming imbalances in personnel training and forming a system of advanced training, since in the future the situation will change even faster, and artificial intelligence can sharply reduce employment in many areas of labor activity,” warned Vladislav Shapsha.

    The Chairman of the State Council of Russia Commission on “Youth and Children”, Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug Dmitry Artyukhov expressed pleasure at the representative meeting on such a comprehensive topic.

    “Education is a vital area that concerns absolutely everyone: teachers, parents, and millions of children and young people across the country. We have done serious work on the Education Development Strategy on the instructions of the President. Now it is time to move on to action – to focus on implementing our plans. Together, we are laying the foundation for the future of Russian education. This is a vital state task, because it is education that solves key problems for the country: it provides knowledge and skills, trains personnel for the economy, and most importantly, brings up a new generation of Russians,” said Dmitry Artyukhov.

    The Chairman of the State Council of Russia’s Commission on the “Family” Direction, Head of the Republic of Mordovia Artem Zdunov drew the attention of those gathered to the fact that the document under discussion will determine the development vectors not only of education itself, but also through it of the entire country as a whole.

    “I will note two key priorities of the Strategy. The first is the further implementation of high-quality education regardless of the place of residence and social status of the family. Much has already been done for this: new schools and kindergartens have been built, major repairs have been carried out, and institutions have been equipped with modern equipment. The second priority is that the education system should be built on the basis of traditional Russian values, including a strong family. Efforts in this direction should be systemic and continuous, starting from kindergarten to university. The cult of large families should be spread everywhere, similar to how this year we widely celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War – information should be broadcast from TV screens, from the Internet, from billboards on city streets and in educational institutions,” said Artem Zdunov.

    Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation Irina Shvartsman said that a public opinion poll was conducted to prepare the draft Strategy for the Development of Education, which affected 338 thousand people. The structure of the Strategy was developed by 15 working groups, including representatives of all departments, the Presidential Administration, the Russian Academy of Education and other experts.

    “The strategy does not hide the problems, it is designed to identify and eliminate them. These are the problems of a shortage of personnel and wages, dilapidated buildings, bureaucratic burden on teachers, and the ideological gap between teachers and students. One of the main values in the education system should be a person. The rights of children and teachers should be equally protected. And to achieve humanitarian and scientific-technical leadership of Russia in the world, it is necessary not only to train qualified specialists, but also to work systematically in the direction of patriotic education,” said Irina Shvartsman.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Dmitry Afanasyev noted that for the first time in Russia a single document on issues of education development is appearing.

    “In response to current challenges, the Ministry of Education and Science proposes to create a new list of specialties that meet the country’s strategic objectives, reboot and update state programs such as “Priority 2030” and “Advanced Engineering Schools”, and continue to build new university campuses. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the influence of domestic education abroad, develop online forms of education, and promote the Russian language as the language of international communication. In this area, the Strategy still requires revision,” Dmitry Afanasyev said.

    Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev noted the significant number of GUU graduates at a meeting of the State Council commissions and spoke about the work of the university.

    “The need to change the education system is obvious, but its conservatism can also have its advantages. Until the 1990s, GUU was not a management university, but an engineering and economics university. And we managed to preserve elements of the previous system. Starting in 2022, we are actively reviving the system of training industry managers who understand and know the production base well. For this purpose, GUU is implementing a system of seamless project-based learning. The structure of the university includes the Pre-University – a budget school where, in addition to studying general subjects, students begin to get used to practice-oriented learning. GUU is probably the only university in the country where project-based learning is practiced in 100% of areas of education, starting from the 1st year, which by the end of the study leads to a high level of graduate employment. In addition, we do not forget about the meanings – we are a leading university in the field of educational work, we support student families, and we encourage employees to have children. Our task is not only to raise a competent manager, but also to educate him as a responsible citizen who works for the benefit of the state and society,” said Vladimir Stroyev.

    In addition, the rector of the State University of Management introduced the meeting participants to the scientific and technical achievements of the university, in particular, to the system of work of the inter-university design bureau, and invited those interested to take a tour of the university.

    The meeting was also attended by: Deputy Head of the Secretariat of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Government Antony Shvindt, Director of the Department of Personnel Policy of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation Alexey Svistunov, Deputy Governor of the Kaluga Region Tatyana Leonova, Deputy Head of the Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science Evgeny Semchenko and many other experts.

    Summing up the panel discussion, the Chairman of the State Council of the Russian Federation Commission on Personnel Vladislav Shapsha particularly highlighted the topic raised by many speakers about the key role of education within the Education Development Strategy. “You can teach a lot, but if a person does not have a moral core, then his technical skills can be harmful. The Russian person has always been spiritual. You cannot understand Russia with your mind, you cannot measure it with a common yardstick…”, Vladislav Valerievich concluded the meeting of the State Council commissions with a quote from a poem by Fyodor Tyutchev.

    After the end of the panel discussion, the participants of the meeting of the State Council commissions were given a tour of the State University of Management, as promised by the rector. In addition to the experts, the moderator of the discussion, Ernest Matskyavichyus, did not miss this opportunity.

    The guests were shown the new workshop of the student design bureau “Innovative Solutions”, the Engineering Project Management Center and the Media Center of the State University of Management. Antoniy Shvindt paid special attention to the scientific and technical developments of the State University of Management. Aleksey Svistunov appreciated the comfort and equipment of the premises. Ernest Matskyavichyus, naturally, was most interested in the studios, and Tatyana Leonova even proposed a project for a series of short educational videos on the topic of management science.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why frequent nightmares may shorten your life by years

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Timothy Hearn, Senior Lecturer in Bioinformatics, Anglia Ruskin University

    Lightfield Studios/Shutterstock.com

    Waking up from a nightmare can leave your heart pounding, but the effects may reach far beyond a restless night. Adults who suffer bad dreams every week were almost three times more likely to die before age 75 than people who rarely have them.

    This alarming conclusion – which is yet to be peer reviewed – comes from researchers who combined data from four large long-term studies in the US, following more than 4,000 people between the ages of 26 and 74. At the beginning, participants reported how often nightmares disrupted their sleep. Over the next 18 years, the researchers kept track of how many participants died prematurely – 227 in total.

    Even after considering common risk factors like age, sex, mental health, smoking and weight, people who had nightmares every week were still found to be nearly three times more likely to die prematurely – about the same risk as heavy smoking.

    The team also examined “epigenetic clocks” – chemical marks on DNA that act as biological mileage counters. People haunted by frequent nightmares were biologically older than their birth certificates suggested, across all three clocks used (DunedinPACE, GrimAge and PhenoAge).

    The science behind the silent scream

    Faster ageing accounted for about 39% of the link between nightmares and early death, implying that whatever is driving the bad dreams is simultaneously driving the body’s cells towards the finish line.

    How might a scream you never utter leave a mark on your genome? Nightmares happen during so-called rapid-eye-movement sleep when the brain is highly active but muscles are paralysed. The sudden surge of adrenaline, cortisol and other fight-or-flight chemicals can be as strong as anything experienced while awake. If that alarm bell rings night after night, the stress response may stay partially switched on throughout the day.

    Continuous stress takes its toll on the body. It triggers inflammation, raises blood pressure and speeds up the ageing process by wearing down the protective tips of our chromosomes.

    On top of that, being jolted awake by nightmares disrupts deep sleep, the crucial time when the body repairs itself and clears out waste at the cellular level. Together, these two effects – constant stress and poor sleep – may be the main reasons the body seems to age faster.

    Your brain clears out waste when you sleep.
    Teeradej/Shutterstock.com

    The idea that disturbing dreams foreshadow poor health is not entirely new. Earlier studies have shown that adults tormented by weekly nightmares are more likely to develop dementia and Parkinson’s disease, years before any daytime symptoms appear.

    Growing evidence suggests that the brain areas involved in dreaming are also those affected by brain diseases, so frequent nightmares might be an early warning sign of neurological problems.

    Nightmares are also surprisingly common. Roughly 5% of adults report at least one each week and another 12.5% experience them monthly.

    Because they are both frequent and treatable, the new findings elevate bad dreams from a spooky nuisance to a potential public health target. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia, imagery-rehearsal therapy – where sufferers rewrite the ending of a recurrent nightmare while awake – and simple steps such as keeping bedrooms cool, dark and screen free have all been shown to curb nightmare frequency.

    Before jumping to conclusions, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The study used people’s own reports of their dreams, which can make it hard to tell the difference between a typical bad dream and a true nightmare. Also, most of the people in the study were white Americans, so the findings might not apply to everyone.

    And biological age was measured only once, so we cannot yet say whether treating nightmares slows the clock. Crucially, the work was presented as a conference abstract and has not yet navigated the gauntlet of peer review.

    Despite these limitations, the study has important strengths that make it worth taking seriously. The researchers used multiple groups of participants, followed them for many years and relied on official death records rather than self-reported data. This means we can’t simply dismiss the findings as a statistical fluke.

    If other research teams can replicate these results, doctors might start asking patients about their nightmares during routine check-ups – alongside taking blood pressure and checking cholesterol levels.

    Therapies that tame frightening dreams are inexpensive, non-invasive and already available. Scaling them could offer a rare chance to add years to life while improving the quality of the hours we spend asleep.

    Timothy Hearn 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. Why frequent nightmares may shorten your life by years – https://theconversation.com/why-frequent-nightmares-may-shorten-your-life-by-years-260008

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Where does the UK most need more public EV chargers?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Labib Azzouz, Research Associate in Transport and Energy Innovation, University of Oxford

    Electric vehicle chargers at a motorway service station in Grantham, England. Angus Reid/Shutterstock

    The automotive and EV industry has repeatedly insisted that the UK needs more electric vehicle (EV) chargers to help motorists make the switch from conventional fossil-fuel burning cars.

    The Labour government has announced £400 million to install EV chargers, mainly on streets in poorer residential neighbourhoods, in place of the Conservative’s £950 million rapid charging fund that was directed at installing chargers in motorway service stations.

    Does it matter where these chargers are – and who pays to build them?

    The short answer is yes, it does matter. Our research conducted at motorway and local EV charging stations across England – including those located in residential areas, high streets and community centres – indicates that these two types of infrastructure serve distinct groups of users and fulfil different purposes.

    Suggesting that one can substitute for the other risks sending mixed signals to both the industry and the driving public.

    We found that motorway charging stations tend to cater to wealthier men, who are more likely to own premium EVs with long-range batteries and better performance. Many of these drivers have access to home chargers, so their use of public chargers is only for occasional, long-distance travel for business, leisure, or holidays – trips that require chargers along motorways.

    Convenience and charging speed are often more important than the price of public charging, particularly when the travel costs of these drivers are covered by their employers.

    Local public charging stations, on the other hand, serve more diverse groups. These include drivers from lower-income households who are more likely to own older and smaller EVs with shorter ranges. Access to home charging is often limited, especially for people living in flats or urban areas without driveways, garages or off-street parking.

    Not everyone can plug in at home.
    Andersen EV/Shutterstock

    Local chargers are also vital for taxi and delivery drivers who depend on their vehicles for work and make frequent short trips throughout the day. There are many professional drivers without access to workplace charging stations who need alternative local provision – something the Conservative government recognised in its 2022 EV charging strategy.

    Ultimately, the transition to EVs should take a balanced approach that carefully considers social equity, economic viability and environmental impact.

    Different locations serve different drivers

    Motorway charging stations are commercially attractive to private investors, such as energy companies, specialist charging providers and car manufacturers, despite their higher upfront costs and complex requirements.

    This is because service stations offer greater short-term revenue due to their ability to set premium prices. This is a result of there being limited alternatives and high demand for rapid charging, especially among long-distance travellers, and the willingness of EV drivers to pay for speed and convenience – unlike in more price-sensitive neighbourhood settings.

    Unsurprisingly, the government found that the rapid deployment of motorway chargers in recent years has been largely driven by the private sector. Our research highlighted that these revenues could be enhanced by a broader range of retail, dining and relaxation amenities, turning the time waiting for a car to charge into a more productive and pleasurable experience.

    Residential charging stations may not offer high profits per charge, but they typically require lower capital investment and benefit from consistent and predictable use. They are also suited to measures for reducing strain on the grid and balancing energy supply and demand.

    These measures include tariffs that make it cheaper to charge EVs during off-peak hours, or technology that allows cars to feed electricity stored in batteries back into the grid. These features make them appropriate for public funding, where return on investment is measured not just in profit but in value for the public.

    Considering that local EV charging serves those who do not have access to home charging and who drive for a living, the case for public funding is even stronger. These sorts of chargers make switching to an EV easier for different groups.

    For example, safe and carefully placed public chargers could help more women switch to EVs – although our research suggests that, while “careful placement” might refer to residential areas, it doesn’t necessarily mean on streets. Well-lit car parks and community destinations are sometimes considered safer options.

    Charging points outside a community centre in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
    AlanMorris/Shutterstock

    By helping EV drivers make frequent short trips, local chargers can also significantly reduce urban air pollution, emissions and noise, contributing to more liveable, healthier cities.

    That said, motorway charging stations and those near key transport corridors still play a crucial role in a comprehensive national network, and public funding may be required in more peripheral and rural areas of the UK where installations lag and commercial interest is limited.

    While long-distance trips are less frequent than short ones, they account for a disproportionately large share of energy use and emissions. Switching such trips to electric will be essential to reaching net zero goals.

    It seems reasonable to prioritise public investment in local EV charging infrastructure to support a fairer EV transition, but this should not be limited to on-street chargers. Investment is needed in residential and non-residential areas, public car parks, community centres and workplaces.

    Different types of EV charging are not interchangeable – all are needed to support the switch.

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

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

    Labib Azzouz has received funding from the UK Research and Innovation via the UK Energy Research Centre and Innovate UK as part of the Energy Superhub Oxford (ESO) project.

    Hannah Budnitz receives government funding from UK Research and Innovation grants via the Economic and Social Research Council and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. She has also previously received funding from Innovate UK and the Department for Transport.

    – ref. Where does the UK most need more public EV chargers? – https://theconversation.com/where-does-the-uk-most-need-more-public-ev-chargers-259623

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Bear season 4: this meaty restaurant drama is still an enticing bingeable prospect

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jane Steventon, Course Leader, BA (Hons) Screenwriting; Deputy Course Leader & Senior Lecturer, BA (Hons) Film Production, University of Portsmouth

    Take a soupçon of identity crisis, a pinch of perfectionism, a scoop of burnout and mix thoroughly with a large measure of fraternal grief and sear over a hot grill and voilà! You have The Bear, a perfectly blended drama about a chef on the edge, driven by relentless ambition and exacting standards as he turns his family’s humble sandwich shop into a fine-dining restaurant.

    This intoxicating family drama was eaten up by critics and audiences alike in 2022, its first season garnering a rare perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the subsequent two reaching scores of 99% and 89% respectively. It’s certainly a hard act to follow for season four.

    The first ten minutes of The Bear’s pilot episode thrillingly defined what was to come in high-octane style and scene-setting detail. The first season delivered a clever mix of authentic dialogue and setting, relatable family dysfunction and dynamic production style.

    Showstopping scenes of stressful kitchen heat were served up alongside a delectable range of new and established talent in the form of Jeremy Allen White (Carmy), Ebon Moss-Bachrach (Richie), Ayo Edebiri (Sydney) and Oliver Platt (Cicero/Uncle Jimmy).

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    In charge is showrunner Christopher Storer, who came up with the concept after being inspired by his friend’s father Chris Zucchero, the owner of Chicago sandwich joint Mr Beef.

    With his professional chef sister also serving as a consultant, Storer succeeded in creating a deliciously authentic and intensely real drama. Buoyed along the way by 21 Emmys and five Golden Globes, Storer also watched his cast ascend, the tortured-soul performance of White garnering particular praise.

    Testing the parameters of a long-running show, Storer focused in on the entire cast of characters and their backstories, a successful tactic used by shows such as Orange is the New Black to keep the drama – largely confined to a kitchen set – fresh.

    Pulling in Hollywood die-hards Oliver Platt and Jamie Lee Curtis for familial tough-love roles further enriched the mix, often using a non-chronological timeframe to go back to moments of family turbulence and tension. This made for three-dimensional characters and enabled evolution around difficult themes such as the aftermath of suicide and generational trauma.

    The Bear has come a long way in three seasons, starting with a spit and sawdust establishment serving up the lunchtime beef sandwiches for its working customers.

    Carmy’s experience and longing for the high-end restaurant of his dreams hurtled forward in season two, as he sent his core crew off in different directions to hone their skills and help form his vision. A restaurant trying to win success but plagued with challenges, there were exhausting familial tensions embedded in every episode of season three.

    Several themes play out in The Bear: love, family, loyalty, community and purpose. The relationship between Carmy and cousin Richie (not a real cousin, but a term of endearment) is key to linking past and future. Richie provides some of the highlights of comedy and pathos as he spits truth bombs, most frequently at talented sous-chef Syd.

    It is Syd who follows Carmy’s aspirations for gastronomic perfection but can’t abide the lack of order or the intense highs and lows that inevitably go hand in hand with his talent. And this is one central question to consider for the latest series: just how long will the audience remain loyal to Carmy and his endless quest for artistry in a high-failure rate industry?

    It’s all in the sauce

    Storer begins season four with a ghost. Carmy and his dead brother Mikey (Jon Berthal) banter in a seven-minute scene, with Carmy ultimately confiding the dream of a restaurant as Mikey watches him make tomato sauce (“too much garlic”). The tomatoes resonate: Mikey left behind money hidden in tomato cans that ended up saving Carmy’s sanity and his dream of a proper restaurant.

    Just as oranges represent death to Frances Ford Coppola, Storer uses tomatoes to underscore themes; here they symbolise familial loyalty and history, a solid base to a meal, a core ingredient. Mikey was one of the core ingredients in Carmy’s life, and now he’s gone.

    Carmy awakens to a rerun of Groundhog Day on late-night TV and fittingly, we too are back – same dish, now more seasoned and enriched with its core ingredients and ready to serve up a big bowlful of family, love, ambition, strife and grief.

    The episode furthers the theme of loyalty as the restaurant receives The Tribune’s review – the cliffhanger of the season three finale. Naturally, Storer doesn’t let up – the food critic highlights “dissonance” and Carmy is back in emotional chaos, with Syd urging him to lighten up and lose the misery.

    In truth, this series could do with adding some more humour in the mix; the teasing and frivolous banter of season one has got somewhat lost in the seasons that followed.

    Storer ramps up the tension, setting several ticking clocks in place: chiefly Uncle Jimmy’s notice period for the business to turn a profit is literally installed on a digital clock in the kitchen. Then Syd’s headhunter calls, offering her desired autonomy and an exit strategy from the chaos.

    And Carmy raises the stakes with an intention to gain a Michelin star. Thus a heroic journey is set in place for the whole cast, with future battles both internal and external laid out.

    There’s too much going on at this feast and the feeling of being stuffed full of story is tangible by the end of the first episode. Still, with a season lining up more emotional turbulence steered by White, more celebrity cameos (Brie Larson and Rob Reiner are lined up) and the excellent cinematography and performances that we have come to expect, Storer stirs his secret sauce.

    The Bear still offers an entertaining and enticing proposition, bingeable and mostly satisfying.

    Jane Steventon 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. The Bear season 4: this meaty restaurant drama is still an enticing bingeable prospect – https://theconversation.com/the-bear-season-4-this-meaty-restaurant-drama-is-still-an-enticing-bingeable-prospect-260143

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways to avoid illness like the Lionesses

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Samantha Abbott, Doctoral Researcher, Department of Sport Science, Nottingham Trent University

    England’s Beth Mead cheering on podium after win v Germany in the Women European Championship Final 2022 photographyjp/Shutterstock

    Think back to the last time you had a cold or the flu. Now imagine stepping onto the pitch for a European Cup final, while battling through those symptoms. For elite athletes, illness can strike at the worst possible time – and it could hit women harder.

    Research suggests that female athletes are more susceptible to cold and flu-like illnesses than their male counterparts. For England women’s national football team, the Lionesses, this risk only increases before a major tournament like the Euros.

    Close contact, shared kit, disrupted sleep and travel all add up to a perfect storm for infection. But targeted nutritional strategies, alongside good sleep and hand hygiene, can offer a crucial line of defence.

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

    1. Fuel first: energy matters for immunity

    Before anything else, players need to eat enough. Energy supports both performance and immune function. In fact, female athletes who didn’t meet their energy needs in the run-up to the 2016 Olympics were four times more likely to report cold or flu symptoms.

    This is especially relevant in women’s football, where low energy and carbohydrate intake has been documented among professional players and recreational players too. Regular meals and snacks that include carbohydrate-rich foods like oats, bread and pasta, especially around training, are essential to meet energy demands and support immune health.

    2. Eat the rainbow

    Athletes are often encouraged to go beyond the public’s five-a-day fruit and veg target, aiming instead for eight to ten portions daily. Why? Because colourful plant foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds: all vital for immunity.



    Read more:
    We’re told to ‘eat a rainbow’ of fruit and vegetables. Here’s what each colour does in our body

    Each colour offers unique benefits. For instance, red fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Orange produce like carrots get their colour from beta-carotene, which is converted by the body into vitamin A – a key vitamin for immune health.

    Eating a rainbow of colours means getting a wide range of nutrients.

    3. Vitamin C: powerful but timing matters

    Vitamin C has long been linked with reducing the risk and severity of cold and flu symptoms. One Cochrane review found that regular vitamin C intake halved the risk of illness in physically active people.

    However, more isn’t always better. Long-term use of high-dose vitamin C supplements could blunt training adaptations – the structural and functional changes the body undergoes in response to repeated exercise – because of its anti-inflammatory effects. That’s why vitamin C is most effective when used strategically, such as during high-risk periods like travel or intense competition. Good food sources include oranges, kiwis, blackcurrants, red and yellow peppers, broccoli and even potatoes.

    4. Gut health supports immune health

    Around 70% of the immune system is located in the gut, making gut health a key player in illness prevention. This is where probiotics (live bacteria) and prebiotics (which feed those bacteria) come in.

    Probiotics, found in fermented foods like kefir and kimchi or in supplement form, have been shown to reduce the duration and severity of respiratory illnesses in athletes. Prebiotics have similarly shown promise. In one study, a 24-week prebiotic intervention in elite rugby players reduced the duration of cold and flu symptoms by over two days.



    Read more:
    Gut microbiome: meet Lactobacillus acidophilus – the gut health superhero

    In the build-up to the Euros, including probiotic-rich foods in their diet or taking a daily prebiotic and probiotic supplement may help players stay healthy and return to training faster if they do get ill.

    5. Zinc lozenges: first aid for a sore throat

    If cold-like symptoms do appear, zinc lozenges can offer fast-acting relief. Zinc has antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When zinc is delivered as a lozenge, it acts directly in the throat, where many infections begin. Taken within 24 hours of symptoms starting, zinc lozenges could shorten illness duration by a third.

    But caution is key. Long-term use of high-dose zinc supplements can actually suppress immune function. Zinc lozenges should only be used short-term at symptom onset, not as a daily supplement.

    Staying match-ready during major tournaments means more than just tactical drills and fitness. Nutrition is a powerful ally in illness prevention, especially for women’s teams like the Lionesses. From fuelling adequately to supporting gut health and knowing when to supplement, these nutritional strategies can make the difference between sitting on the bench and bringing a trophy home.

    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. Five ways to avoid illness like the Lionesses – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-avoid-illness-like-the-lionesses-259302

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why is Islamophobia so hard to define?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Julian Hargreaves, Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Criminology, City St George’s, University of London

    The UK government wants a new definition of Islamophobia and has created a working group of politicians, academics and independent experts to provide one. It aims to settle long-running political debates over the term.

    The concept of Islamophobia describes anti-Muslim and anti-Islamic prejudices and their impact on Muslim communities. The term became familiar in the UK following publication of the Runnymede Trust report, Islamophobia: A Challenge for Us All, in 1997.

    The concept is now used to discuss negative public opinion towards Muslims and Islam, biased media reporting, verbal and physical assaults and online attacks. It is also used when discussing social and economic inequalities, discrimination within various institutional settings and unfair treatment from the police and security services.

    Previous definitions have been controversial, failing to unite politicians, academics and British Muslims, and leading to charged debates over free speech.

    Some academics have argued that the word “Islamophobia” – which suggests a phobia or fear of Islam – is an inaccurate label for a prejudice which often targets skin colour, ethnicity and culture.

    Many Muslim-led organisations accept that the term is imperfect and interchangeable with others such as “anti-Muslim hatred”. However, they maintain the term “Islamophobia” is needed to focus attention on a growing problem.

    Definitions and controversy

    The 1997 Runnymede Trust report defined Islamophobia as an “unfounded hostility towards Islam”, “the practical consequences of such hostility in unfair discrimination against Muslim individuals and communities” and “the exclusion of Muslims from mainstream political and social affairs”.

    The Runnymede Trust revised its definition in a follow-up report published in 2017. The report defines Islamophobia in two ways.

    The first is “anti-Muslim racism”. A longer, second version amends the United Nation’s 1965 definition of “racial discrimination”. These revised definitions are important because they re-framed Islamophobia as a product of racist thinking rather than religious prejudices.

    Other attempts to define Islamophobia include British academic Chris Allen’s 200-word definition. Allen defined it as an ideology like racism that spreads negative views of Muslims and Islam, influencing social attitudes and leading to discrimination and violence. US political scientist Erik Bleich defined it more succinctly as “indiscriminate negative attitudes or emotions directed at Islam or Muslims”.

    In 2018, the all-party parliamentary group on British Muslims published another definition linking Islamophobia to racism. According to the APPG, “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” The APPG called for its definition to be legally binding.

    The APPG definition was adopted by various organisations including local authorities, UK universities and the Labour party while in opposition. But it was rejected by the then Conservative government and later by the current Labour government, which argued it was seeking “a more integrated and cohesive approach”.

    This lack of consensus over previous definitions led Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, to announce the working group in March 2025. The group’s aim is to provide a new definition of “anti-Muslim hatred and Islamophobia” which is “reflective of a wide range of perspectives and priorities for British Muslims”.

    Former Conservative MP and attorney general Dominic Grieve was appointed to chair the group, evidence of Labour’s ambition to build consensus.

    A march in London against Islamophobia, racism and anti-migrant views.
    Shutterstock

    Some are concerned that use of the term “Islamophobia”, and particularly the APPG definition, stifles legitimate criticism of Islam. Free speech campaigners have argued that it is “blasphemy via the back door”.

    The centre-right thinktank Policy Exchange published a report claiming that the term is used in bad faith to divert attention away from serious social problems within some Muslim communities – specifically, discussion of the grooming gangs scandal.

    These debates bear resemblance to those surrounding the term “antisemitism” and the adoption of a definition proposed by the International Holocaust Memorial Alliance. The term is widely accepted, although critics have argued this specific definition stifles legitimate criticism of the Israeli state.

    A new approach

    A new definition of “Islamophobia” must balance the protection of Muslim communities and freedoms of religion, expression and assembly for all Muslims and non-Muslims in the UK. It must be clear enough for everyday use, specific enough for academic and policy research, and capable of generating support across the UK’s diverse Muslim population.

    A proposed definition by an emerging thought leader on British Islam addresses these challenges. Mamnun Khan is a writer whose work explores the social integration of Muslims in contemporary British society. Khan is associated with Equi, a thinktank which describes its work as “drawing on Muslim insight”. Other members of Equi are members of the government’s working group.

    Khan sets out three tests that a definition must pass, based on Islamic law, moral teachings within Islam and other more universal values. First, a definition must serve the public interest. Second, it must be just and balanced and preserve freedom of expression. Third, it must uphold the dignity of Muslim communities.

    For Khan, “Islamophobia, also known as anti-Muslim hatred, is an irrational fear, hostility, or prejudice toward Muslims that leads to discrimination, unequal treatment, exclusion, social and political marginalisation, or violence.”

    Khan’s definition has many good qualities. It brings together stronger elements of previous definitions – for, example, the separation of negative attitudes and outcomes – without being weakened by jargon or strong political ideology. On the other hand, some social scientists may question whether defining something as “irrational” is a matter of preference rather than academic research.

    The working group also needs to decide whether Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred are closely related or exactly the same. Failure to do so will cause confusion and inconsistency among those wishing to apply the term precisely. Regardless, Khan’s example is a strong step in the right direction. A better definition of Islamophobia is needed, and now within reach.

    Julian Hargreaves is an Affiliated Researcher at the Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Centre of Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge.

    – ref. Why is Islamophobia so hard to define? – https://theconversation.com/why-is-islamophobia-so-hard-to-define-258522

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Votes No on Republicans’ Disastrous Tax Bill 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance and Judiciary Committees, and Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, released the following statement after voting in strong opposition against Senate Republicans’ disastrous tax bill:   
    “We have an obligation to put the constituents and hardworking families we represent first. Instead of helping everyday people, Republicans’ tax bill capitulates to President Trump and harms communities large and small. This cruel bill will take us back decades by exacerbating income inequality, ripping away health care, and rolling back progress on climate change. It will also raise costs and weaken the economy. All of this pain has been caused to help pay for tax cuts for the very wealthy—a top priority of President Trump. I am grateful to the few Republicans—Senators Tillis, Paul, and Collins—who voted against this terrible bill,” said Senator Welch. “The irony is all these hardships will be faced by citizens in red and blue states—the pain is bipartisan. It’s outrageous that families will now face untold hardships because of the Trump Administration’s cuts. I voted no on this bill and will fight to reverse these policies in any way I can.”  
    Republicans’ reckless tax and spending bill will block access to health care for 17 million people, rip away vital food assistance for millions, cut clean energy incentives and add a tax to wind and solar energy, raise utility bills and grocery prices, and tank the economy—all to pay for tax cuts for the very wealthy.    
    Senator Welch filed amendments and changes to Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act to strengthen the economy, protect access to health care and nutrition programs, and provide more stability for families and rural communities, including provisions to: 
    Protect Access to Health Care and Support Rural Hospitals:  

    Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to rewrite the bill to prevent harm to rural health care and the fiscal wellbeing of rural hospitals;  

    Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to exempt managed care programs operated by state governments like Vermont from any changes proposed to state directed payments.  

    Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to strike any changes to provider taxes, including changes that would impact states like Vermont with Medicaid expansion;  

    Welch proposed requiring the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee to make it easier to verify eligibility for the Affordable Care Act’s premium tax credits and expand special enrollment periods under certain circumstances. 

    Defend Food Assistance Programs:  

    Welch proposed requiring the Agriculture Committee to strike any cost-shifts of administering SNAP to states, which would kick American families off the food assistance they need and strain state budgets;  

    Welch proposed an amendment to strike administrative cost-shifts for SNAP;  

    Welch proposed an amendment to adjust the Thrifty Food Plan for cities, counties, and regions where the price of food is 10% higher than the national average;  

    Welch proposed an amendment that places a floor on SNAP allotments to households instead of a ceiling;  

    Welch proposed an amendment preserving the standard utility deduction, which cuts administrative red tape and boosts benefits by providing a more accurate portrayal of a household’s available resources for food when determining SNAP eligibility; 

    Welch proposed requiring the Agriculture Committee to rewrite the bill to allow volunteer work to qualify under SNAP’s work requirements.   

    Protect Programs and Government Services:  

    Welch proposed requiring the Finance Committee to rewrite the bill to maintain the energy efficient home improvement tax credit at current levels through 2028;  

    Welch proposed an amendment to strike the repeal of several home energy efficiency tax credits, including credits for home energy, rooftop solar, energy efficient homes for homebuilders, and more;  

    Welch proposed striking language in the bill that would rescind funding for state-based contractor training grants, as required in Welch’s HOPE for HOMES Act, passed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act;  

    Welch proposed striking language in the bill that would institute taxes on international remittances.  

    Welch proposed an amendment to dedicate funding for residential reentry centers, which are needed in Vermont;  

    Welch proposed an amendment to dedicate funding for the federal public defenders program, which is currently underfunded. 

    Senator Welch has been an outspoken opponent of the President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Republicans are advancing through reconciliation process without Democratic support. Late Sunday evening, Senator Welch took to the Senate floor to reveal how Republicans’ disastrous tax and spending bill will force millions of working Americans in Vermont, West Virginia, and across the country to lose their health coverage, rip away vital food assistance for more than 42 million Americans, cut clean energy incentives and add a tax to wind and solar energy, raise utility bills and grocery prices, and tank the economy—all to pay for tax cuts for the very wealthy.   
    Welch has slammed the bill for threatening access to health care and cutting food assistance, and has sounded the alarm about how this bill will add more than $4 trillion to the national debt and tank the economy.    

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • President Murmu inaugurates and lays foundation stones for key projects at Mahayogi Gorakhnath University

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects at Mahayogi Gorakhnath University in Gorakhpur. The projects include the inauguration of the University’s Auditorium, Academic Block, and Panchkarma Kendra, as well as the foundation stone-laying for a new Girls’ Hostel.

    Addressing the gathering, the President praised the University for promoting a holistic approach to medicine by integrating allopathy and Ayurveda education and healthcare services through its Medical College, Ayurveda College, and affiliated hospitals. She also acknowledged the efforts of Gorakshanath Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, which is in the process of establishing a state-of-the-art 1800-bed hospital.

    Highlighting the role of private educational institutions in nation-building, the President emphasized that those committed to philanthropy and public service would play a key role in realizing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

    Murmu noted that Mahayogi Gorakhnath University is the first private university in Gorakhpur and has, within just four years of its establishment, emerged as a significant centre for higher and employment-oriented education in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

    The President expressed her particular delight in laying the foundation stone for the new Girls’ Hostel, calling it a vital initiative for women’s empowerment. She stressed that lack of safe residential facilities often hinders girls’ access to higher education. In this regard, the University’s step to build a dedicated hostel for female students would make higher education more accessible and secure for women.

    “Education is the most effective means of empowerment,” the President said, applauding the University’s efforts in contributing to gender equity in education.

    Murmu also said that the overall health and educational development of Purvanchal, the eastern region of Uttar Pradesh, would significantly contribute to the inclusive growth of the entire state. “When Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in the country, progresses rapidly, India as a whole will set new benchmarks in development,” she added.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU students across region to celebrate graduation

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    An ARU graduation ceremony at Chelmsford Cathedral

    July will see approximately 6,000 Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) students across the East of England cross the stage to graduate, ready to take the next step in their careers.

    Ceremonies begin at the Cambridge Corn Exchange from Monday, July 7 until Wednesday, July 9. In addition to students formally receiving their degrees, an honorary doctorate will be bestowed on Nadia Edwards-Dashti, entrepreneur, author, equity and inclusion thought-leader, and co-founder of London-based Harrington Starr, a global leader in FinTech recruitment.

    Peterborough Cathedral will host the first ever set of graduations for ARU Peterborough students at 2pm on Friday, 11 July.

    On Monday, 14 July, graduation ceremonies take place in Essex, with 21 ceremonies to be held at Chelmsford Cathedral across the week.

    On Thursday, 17 July, ARU will bestow the award of Honorary Doctor of Business Administration on alumnus Vice Admiral Andrew Kyte, the Royal Navy’s Chief of Defence Logistics and Support.

    Many of the 6,000 students due to attend graduation ceremonies this month will go on to take up vital roles in public service, including careers as doctors and police officers.

    “Graduation is always a fantastic occasion, not only for our students and their families, but also our staff who have worked with them for several years to help them to earn their degree.

    “My warmest congratulations to all our graduates, we are extremely proud of them and they will always be part of our ARU community.”

    Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens set out alternative to welfare cuts to tackle poverty and give dignity to Disabled people 

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    As the Government struggles to get its welfare reforms through parliament, Green Party MPs have produced a report detailing an alternative approach. They say that the case for “delaying the proposed changes in order to get change right is compelling” and are urging MPs to vote down the reforms later today.

    Amongst the proposals Green MPs recommend are:

    • Withdrawing the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill
    •  Increasing all disability benefits by 5 per cent and Universal Credit and legacy benefits by £40 a week
    • Working with Disabled people to co-produce a social security system that is fair, humane and accessible – and which joins up the support for Disabled people to help with additional costs
    • Developing interventions that are genuinely good value, lift people up and take an evidence-based approach to supporting people into work
    • Learning from the OBR’s assessment and equality impact assessments so any changes deliver on the stated objectives and do not push people into deeper poverty.

    Green MP Siân Berry said:

    “The Government’s process of bringing forward proposals for change has been marked by chaos. Decision making has been irresponsible, leaving disabled people feeling uncertain and anxious – even terrified. Their voices have not been front and centre of the debate about how to build a better social security system and the proposed changes represent a serious threat to Disabled people’s quality of life, dignity and equality.

    “Equalising capital gains tax with income tax would not only help raise funds for welfare payments but also be fairer as currently working disabled people on PIP are paying higher rates of tax on their income than wealthy people living off share dividends.

    “Change can be done right if it’s done with Disabled people rather than to them. We urge all MPs to vote against the welfare cuts tonight – let’s work together to create something more compassionate that lifts everyone up and supports the wellbeing of Disabled people.”

    Note

    The Lifting Up report from the Green MPs was their submission to the ‘Pathways to Work Green Paper’ consultation which closed on 30th June 2025.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kyle Welcomes 20mph Speed Limit for Dunseverick Primary School

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV party chairman and Causeway Councillor Allister Kyle:

    “I very much welcome the long-overdue introduction of a 20mph speed limit outside Dunseverick Primary School. This is a vital step forward for the safety of our children, their parents, and school staff.

    “Having previously written to Dr McMahon, Head of DfI’s Northern Division, and the local PSNI commander, I highlighted the very real dangers posed by vehicles travelling at high speed past this small country school, located on the busy Whitepark Road between Ballintoy and Bushmills. The drop-off area sits on a sweeping bend, with the national speed limit applying — a totally unacceptable situation given the volume of tourist traffic and the vulnerable nature of young children entering and exiting the school grounds.

    “I also raised these concerns in relation to William Pinkerton Memorial Primary School in Dervock, where a 30mph limit is currently in place, but where vehicles frequently exceed that speed during busy morning periods.

    “I am grateful that these concerns, and those of local parents, were taken seriously and that party leader Jim Allister took the matter directly to the Infrastructure Minister to press for urgent action.

    “It is reassuring to see that our combined efforts — along with the persistent voices of local families — have helped deliver this result. While it is regrettable it has taken so long, the decision to implement a 20mph speed limit outside Dunseverick Primary during school hours is a common-sense and necessary measure.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Washington State leads lawsuit against Department of Education’s mental health funding cuts

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — A coalition of 16 state attorneys general, led by Washington, filed a lawsuit late Monday against the U.S. Department of Education for illegally cutting congressionally approved funding for mental health programs in K-12 schools.

    After the tragic deaths of 19 students and 2 teachers during a mass school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, a bipartisan Congress appropriated $1 billion in order to permanently bring 14,000 mental health professionals into the schools that needed it the most. The programs have delivered. According to the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), grantees served nearly 775,000 students and hired nearly 1,300 school mental health professionals during the first year of funding. NASP also found a 50% reduction in suicide risk at high-need schools, decreases in absenteeism and behavioral issues, and increases in positive student-staff engagement based on data from sampled programs.

    The Department of Education awarded grants spanning a five-year project period and makes yearly decisions to continue each grant’s funding. As required by its regulations, the Department of Education considered the grantee’s performance when deciding whether to continue funding.

    On April 29, 2025, the Department of Education sent boilerplate notices to grantees claiming On April 29, the Department of Education sent boilerplate notices to grantees claiming that their grants now conflicted with the Trump Administration’s priorities and funding would be discontinued. The Department of Education’s non-continuation decision means that students in at least three educational service districts in Washington, which cover 90 school districts in the northwest part of the state, may no longer have access to critical mental health services starting this fall.

    “School-based mental health programs can be a literal life saver for our students,” Attorney General Nick Brown said. “The Department of Education’s decision threatens the safety and well-being of our youth.”

    The attorneys general filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The complaint alleges that the Department of Education’s funding cuts violate the  Administrative Procedure Act and the U.S. Constitution. The attorneys general ask a federal judge to rule the funding cuts are illegal and seek an injunction rescinding the non-continuation decision.

    Joining the Washington State Attorney General’s Office in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

    The complaint can be found here.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

    General contacts: Click here

    Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Jean Barbagelata Joins Tech CU’s Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Tech CU (Technology Credit Union) announced the appointment of Jean Barbagelata to its Board of Directors, serving on both the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee. With more than 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles, Jean brings deep expertise in scaling technology companies, guiding organizational governance, and fostering inclusive, high-performance cultures.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Jean to our Board of Directors,” said Todd Harris, CEO of Tech CU. “Her experience building and leading high-performing teams at both Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups adds an important perspective to our board.”

    Jean most recently served as Chief People Officer at Matterport, Inc. (NASDAQ: MTTR), where she was part of the executive team that grew revenue by 400% and led the company through its initial public offering in 2021. Prior to that, she held the same position at The RealReal (NASDAQ: REAL) and senior leadership roles at Salesforce and Gap Inc.

    Throughout her career, Jean has helped guide companies through major inflection points by aligning talent strategy with business goals, championing equity and inclusion, and building enduring leadership teams. She is also passionate about the responsible use of technology to expand financial access and create long-term value.

    She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and retailing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    About Tech CU
    Tech CU is a $4.7 billion Bay Area credit union. As a federally insured not-for-profit organization, Tech CU has invested its resources to deliver superior rates, lower fees, and outstanding service and member benefits for more than 60 years while also supporting quality of life in local communities. It serves more than 200,000 members throughout the United States and provides financial products for all stages of its members’ lives, including personal banking, wealth management, private banking, commercial lending, and business banking. To learn more, please visit www.techcu.com.

    Contact:
    Linden Kohtz
    Public Relations, Tech CU
    lkohtz@techcu.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU Master’s Student Among Winners in Sirius

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Alexandra Polyanskaya (left of monitor) and her team at the project presentation

    A graduate student of the architecture faculty of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Alexandra Polyanskaya, took part in the School-Conference “The Future of Cities” in Sirius and became part of the team whose project for the development of the urban environment of the federal territory “Sirius” was recognized as the winner.

    The conference school was attended by senior undergraduate and specialist students, master’s and postgraduate students in architectural, urban planning, environmental, biological and IT fields, whose scientific and professional activities are related to urban planning and architecture, greening of populated areas, climate-resistant design, environmental development of territories and digitalization of urban management. The participants studied advanced approaches in the field of ecology and sustainable development, visited the largest laboratory complex in Russia at the Sirius University of Science and Technology, and got acquainted with the biodiversity of the urban landscapes of the Black Sea coast.

    In addition, the participants developed their own concepts for the development of Sirius as part of teams formed by drawing lots. The teams included representatives of various universities of various specialties, including architects.

    “The concept proposed by our team is based on the “Bio-Techno-Oasis”, which is a hybrid of nature, high technology and the idea of preserving cultural traditions. We see the city sections No. 1 and No. 2 of “Sirius” as part of the city, where nature and technology do not oppose, but rather reinforce each other. The architecture is inspired by biological forms, and the social structure is built on the principles of sustainable development and harmony with the environment, including through the use of green energy. We use self-healing materials based on mycelium or bacteria, vertical garden technology, innovative technology of green facades that generate electricity. Phytowalls filter the air and are used as a bioindicator of pollution. Wind turbines provide energy to part of the blocks,” explained Alexandra Polyanskaya.

    According to the master’s student, digital twins help optimize resources and scheduled maintenance of equipment. Thus, the team designed not just a “smart city”, but a living organism, where “technologies adapt to people and there is no division into digital and natural – they merge in symbiosis,” Alexandra emphasized.

    “Participation in the school-conference at Sirius gave me experience working on real tasks for the development of the urban environment, skills in interdisciplinary cooperation, and helped me improve my professional skills,” concluded Alexandra Polyanskaya.

    Strategic Development Concept “Sea”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • India–Ghana relations to get fresh push with PM Modi’s landmark two-day visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Ghana from July 2, marks a landmark moment in India–Ghana relations. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in more than three decades and PM Modi’s first bilateral engagement with the West African nation. The visit is expected to deepen cooperation in trade, development partnership, capacity building and cultural exchange, strengthening a warm relationship that has endured since Ghana’s independence.

    Historical Context

    India and Ghana share historical ties rooted in anti-colonial solidarity and a shared vision for the Global South. India established its representative office in Accra in 1953, four years before Ghana gained independence in 1957. Diplomatic relations were formally established the same year, laying the foundation for a close and friendly partnership.

    Political Engagement and High-Level Visits

    High-level exchanges have played a crucial role in nurturing this bond. From the Ghanaian side, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo visited India in March 2018 for the International Solar Alliance Founding Conference and later addressed the Voice of Global South Summit hosted by Prime Minister Modi in January 2023. Before him, President John Dramani Mahama travelled to India in October 2015 to attend the third India-Africa Forum Summit. Other notable visits include President Kufuor’s trips in 2002 and 2008, President Rawlings’ visit in 1993, President Limann’s in 1981 and President Kwame Nkrumah’s historic visit in 1961.

    From the Indian side, President Pranab Mukherjee visited Ghana in June 2016. Before that, Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao’s visit in November 1995 was the last by an Indian Prime Minister, making PM Modi’s upcoming trip especially significant. Recent engagements have kept the momentum alive, with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar meeting President Akufo-Addo in September 2022 and Minister of State V. Muraleedharan attending the Ghanaian Presidential inauguration in January 2021.

    Institutional Mechanisms

    India and Ghana have built robust institutional mechanisms to sustain regular dialogue. The Joint Commission was established in 1995 and reinforced in 2016, while a protocol for Foreign Office Consultations was signed in 2002. Three rounds of consultations have been held since then, with the latest in New Delhi in 2022. The Joint Trade Committee, operational since 1981, held its fourth meeting in Accra in May 2024. Ghana’s Parliamentary Friendship Association also contributes to exchanges at the legislative level.

    Commercial Partnership

    India is among Ghana’s top trading partners and the largest destination for Ghanaian exports. Bilateral trade crossed two billion US dollars in 2022–23, with Ghana enjoying a positive trade balance due to substantial gold exports. Indian investments in Ghana are valued at over 1.2 billion dollars, spanning sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agro-processing, construction, manufacturing and ICT. Platforms like the CII-Exim Bank Conclave on India–Africa Project Partnership continue to play an important role in strengthening commercial ties. Ghana has been an active participant, with the 19th edition of the conclave in August 2024 witnessing the participation of four Ghanaian ministers and senior regulatory officials.

    Development Partnership

    India has been a committed development partner for Ghana, extending around 450 million US dollars in concessional credit and grants for infrastructure and capacity-building projects. Landmark initiatives include the India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence established in 2003, the Rural Electrification Project, the Jubilee House Presidential Complex which was rehabilitated in 2017, and industrial ventures like the Komenda Sugar Plant and Elmina Fish Processing Plant inaugurated in 2016. Under Buyer’s Credit, India supported the construction of the Tema-Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line, which was inaugurated in November 2024 and is expected to boost regional connectivity by linking Ghana’s main port city to its hinterland and neighbouring Burkina Faso. Other key projects include the Tamale-Walewale Road and an assembly plant for agricultural machinery.

    Capacity Building & Human Resource Development

    Ghana is also one of the largest beneficiaries of India’s flagship capacity-building programmes. Over 1,600 scholarships have been offered under the e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati digital network project. Hundreds of Ghanaians have benefited from ITEC and ICCR scholarships. In 2024 alone, 128 civilians and 109 defence personnel from Ghana trained in India under ITEC, while 35 ICCR scholarships and three AYUSH scholarships were awarded. Education fairs held in Kumasi and Accra in 2024 and 2025 have strengthened linkages between Indian institutions and Ghanaian students.

    Sectoral Cooperation

    Sectoral cooperation has grown steadily over the years. Agreements have been signed to promote cooperation in areas like LPG distribution, peaceful uses of nuclear energy and standardisation through collaborations between India’s Bureau of Indian Standards and Ghana Standards Authority. Air connectivity is facilitated through the Air Services Agreement signed in 1978 and updated through subsequent MoUs. Cultural exchange remains a vibrant aspect of the partnership, anchored by a Cultural Agreement signed in 1981 and periodic Cultural Exchange Programmes. India also extended humanitarian support to Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing 50,000 vaccine doses as a grant and over 1.6 million doses through the COVAX facility.

    Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to inject fresh momentum into the bilateral partnership by expanding trade, boosting investments in energy and digital infrastructure, advancing cooperation in defence and capacity building, and deepening collaboration in health, education and climate action. 

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Police thank public in Fort Hare murder arrests

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, thanked the media, social media community and community members for assisting police investigators to track down two hitmen linked to the murder of Mboneli Vesele.

    National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has expressed appreciation to the media, social media community, and members of the public for their assistance in tracking down two suspects linked to the murder of Mboneli Vesele. 

    Vesele was the bodyguard of University of Fort Hare Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Sakhele Buhlungu. 

    Vesele was shot and killed inside a vehicle while waiting for the Vice Chancellor outside the Principals home n Alice, Eastern Cape, on 6 January 2023.

    On 15 November 2024, the South African Police Service (SAPS) published the suspects’ pictures and a request to the public for assistance in tracking down the three wanted suspects after obtaining a J50 warrant of arrest for Bafana Chiliza, Nkosiyazi “Dipopoz” Maphumulo and Siphiwo “Spijojo “Jejane. 

    On 21 June 2025, a multi-disciplinary SAPS team, acting on intelligence provided by the public, tracked the suspects to Zakkariya Park in Johannesburg, where two of the alleged hitmen were arrested.

    The SAPS confirms the arrest of Bafana Chiliza and Nkosiyazi Maphumulo. Both suspects are currently in custody and will be charged accordingly. 

    The third suspect, Siphiwo “Spijojo” Jejane, is still at large, and the police are still searching for him.

    General Masemola commended the investigation team, which has been working around the clock to apprehend all those involved in the killings at Fort Hare University to justice.

    “Members of the public play a significant role in assisting the work of the police in apprehending wanted suspects. We thank all stakeholders for playing their part,” said Gen Masemola. 

    The total number of suspects arrested in connection with the Fort Hare murders, is now 12, with 10 arrests made since 2023, and some still in police custody.  

    Anyone with information on Siphiwo Jejane’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Warrant Officer Nkosi on 0825575789 or Sergeant Mokoena on 0818517758. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration for Slashing Youth Mental Health Funding

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and 15 other attorneys general sued the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon for unlawfully terminating more than $1 billion in bipartisan federal funding for school-based mental health services. Attorney General James and the coalition are challenging ED’s abrupt decision to discontinue funding for two mental health grant programs – the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program (MHSP) and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program (SBMH) – which Congress created in response to the worsening youth mental health crisis and a series of tragic school shootings, including in Parkland, Florida and Uvalde, Texas. The attorneys general argue that ED’s terminations are unconstitutional and ideologically driven, and are urging the court to reinstate the funding and protect the critical youth mental health infrastructure schools have built under these programs.

    “By cutting funding for these lifesaving youth mental health programs, the Department of Education is abandoning our children when they need us most,” said Attorney General James. “These grants have helped thousands of students access critical mental health services at a time when young people are facing record levels of depression, trauma, and anxiety. To eliminate these grants now would be a grave disservice to children and families in New York and nationwide, and my office is fighting back to preserve these much-needed programs.”

    “SUNY is grateful to Attorney General James for protecting New Yorkers, including critical resources for mental health support,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “At a time when school-based mental health services are more important than ever, SUNY is proud that our campuses play a vital role in training mental health providers and we will vigorously defend this important work.”

    In 2018, following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Congress established and funded MHSP to address a shortage of mental health professionals in high-need public schools. Two years later, Congress expanded these efforts with SBMH, which provided funding to help schools hire, train, and retain school-based mental health staff. In the wake of the devastating 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Congress dramatically increased funding for both programs, appropriating more than $100 million annually to each program through 2026 and requiring ED to submit detailed spending plans and biweekly updates. Each program was designed as a five-year initiative, with the goal of placing 14,000 new mental health professionals in schools, particularly those in low-income and rural areas.

    In the lawsuit, the attorneys general highlight the broad, bipartisan support behind these programs. As Republican Texas Senator John Cornyn noted, Congress “crafted this landmark law with a simple purpose: to reduce violence and save lives.” He explained that the law contains “commonsense measures to improve how our schools address mental health,” noting that “too often, adolescents with untreated mental health conditions become the very same perpetrators who commit acts of violence.”

    Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize that these programs have already demonstrated measurable success. In the first year alone, nearly 775,000 students received mental or behavioral health services. More than 1,200 school-based mental health professionals were hired and 95 percent retained. Student wait times dropped by 80 percent. Grantees reported a 50 percent reduction in suicide risk at high-need schools, lower absenteeism and behavioral incidents, and stronger student-staff relationships.

    Despite these successes, on April 29, 2025, the administration abruptly notified dozens of grantees that their funding would be discontinued, claiming that these program were no longer aligned with “current administration priorities.” The boilerplate notices included vague justifications with no specific findings or performance issues. In statements to Congress and the media, ED acknowledged that it targeted grants for discontinuation based on the programs’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, despite the fact that such efforts were required under longstanding federal law and were part of the announced criteria used to evaluate and award the grants. 

    As a result of the administration’s decision to discontinue mental health funding, Attorney General James and the coalition assert that, starting this fall, public schools nationwide will no longer reliably be able to offer critical mental health services. The attorneys general argue that if allowed to move forward, these terminations will force the layoffs of hundreds of school-based mental health professionals, abruptly end services for thousands of vulnerable students, dismantle graduate training pipelines that were helping to address nationwide shortages, and destroy projects that have been years in the making.

    New York stands to lose at least $19 million in previously approved funding as a result of these cuts, including over $7.6 million for the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Unless the terminations are reversed, SUNY Binghamton will be forced to pull mental health professionals from schools serving more than 9,000 rural students, laying off 10 full-time staff and several part-time employees and graduate assistants. SUNY Buffalo would be forced to end a fellowship program training school social workers to serve students in Western New York, jeopardizing care for an estimated 3,000 students. Several New York school districts and private institutions have also had their funding discontinued, jeopardizing mental health services for students in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, and other communities throughout the state.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the cancellation of this funding is both unlawful and unconstitutional, as it undermines Congress’ authority and equity directive and violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) because of the lack of notice. The attorneys general also contend that the administration breached the grant agreements and violated federal regulations that govern the continuation of grant awards. Under these regulations, once a multiyear grant is awarded, the decision to continue funding must be based on the grantee’s performance. In this case, ED failed to offer any evidence that the grantees failed to meet performance standards and instead applied an ideological litmus test after the fact, leaving schools and students to suffer the consequences.

    The attorneys general are asking the court to declare these grant terminations unlawful, reinstate the funding for the full intended term of the awards, and prevent ED from imposing similar ideological conditions moving forward.

    Joining Attorney General James in this lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration over Unlawful Discontinuation of School Mental Health Grant Funding

    Source: US State of California

    $200 million of funding intended to support the mental health and well-being of California students is at risk

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced joining a coalition of 16 states, in suing the Trump Administration’s Department of Education over their unlawful decision to discontinue grants awarded through Congressionally-established school mental health funding programs, including roughly $200 million awarded to local education agencies, county offices of education, and universities in California. If allowed to stand, starting this fall, many States’ elementary and secondary schools will lose mental health services critical to students’ well-being, safety, and academic success. The Department had awarded this funding to the nation’s high-need, low-income, and rural schools pursuant to its Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program (MHSP) and its School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program (SBMH). The lawsuit, filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington seeks injunctive and declaratory relief to safeguard this critical funding, which fosters safe and supportive learning environments, and supports the well-being of our students. 

    “The Trump Administration’s Department of Education is attempting to rip away funding and projects that support the mental health and well-being of our students – it’s not only immoral, it’s unlawful,” said Attorney General Bonta. “These mental health programs were established by Congress following a wave of tragic and unacceptable school shootings, and they do critical work to ensure students can not only succeed but thrive. The loss of this funding would cause immense harm to California students, especially in our low-income and rural communities. The California Department of Justice will not stand idly by – we’re once again taking the Trump Administration to court, this time to protect the mental health and well-being of our students.” 

    Spurred by episodes of devastating loss from school shootings, Congress established and funded MHSP in 2018 and SBMH in 2020 to increase students’ access to mental health services. MHSP addresses the shortage of school-based mental health service providers by awarding multi-year grants to projects that expand the pipeline for counselors, social workers, and psychologists through partnerships between institutes of higher education and local educational agencies; and SBMH funds multi-year grants to increase the number of professionals that provide school-based mental health services to students through direct hiring and retention incentives. The ultimate goal of the programs is to permanently bring 14,000 additional mental health professionals into U.S. schools.

    The programs have been an incredible success. In their first year, the programs provided mental and behavioral health services to nearly 775,000 elementary and secondary students nationwide. Sampled projects showed real results: a 50% reduction in suicide risk at high-need schools, decreases in absenteeism and behavioral issues, and increases in positive student-staff engagement. Data also showed recruitment and retention efforts are working – in the first year of the programs, nearly 1,300 school mental health professionals were hired and 95% of those hired were retained. Importantly, these newly hired school-based mental health providers were able to create an 80% reduction in student wait time for services.

    In California, 44 local education agencies, county offices of education, and universities are set to lose roughly $200 million. The grants have helped schools hire hundreds of psychologists, counselors, and social workers who have served thousands of students, including in the state’s most economically disadvantaged and rural communities. By all markers, these programs work.

    Despite these successes, on or about April 29, 2025, the Department sent boilerplate notices to grantees, including state education agencies, local education agencies, and institutes of higher education, claiming that their grants conflicted with the Trump Administration’s priorities and would not be continued. The notices claimed the Department intends to reallocate funds based on new priorities of “merit, fairness, and excellence in education,” providing little to no insight into the basis for the discontinuance, while destroying projects years in the making. However, in the press, the Trump Administration admitted that it targeted Plaintiff States’ grants for their perceived diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, which the States argue is not a legal basis for discontinuation. 

    In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration’s decision to discontinue funding through a vague boilerplate notice, without any mention of grantees’ performance, violates the Administrative Procedure Act and is an unconstitutional violation of the Spending Clause and Separation of Powers. If allowed to stand, the Trump Administration’s unlawful decision to discontinue this funding would cause irreparable harm to States that would be forced to lay off school-based mental health service providers, cutting off much-needed mental health services to their rural and low-income schools. Furthermore, it will harm States’ students who have already benefitted from these Programs, making it more challenging for schools to provide services to students who feel abandoned and distrust mental health resources due to the interruption in services caused by the discontinuation.

    In filing the lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

    A copy of the lawsuit is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Toxic fungus from King Tutankhamun’s tomb yields cancer-fighting compounds – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Miro Varcek / Shutterstock.com

    In November 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter peered through a small hole into the sealed tomb of King Tutankhamun. When asked if he could see anything, he replied: “Yes, wonderful things.” Within months, however, Carter’s financial backer Lord Carnarvon was dead from a mysterious illness. Over the following years, several other members of the excavation team would meet similar fates, fuelling legends of the “pharaoh’s curse” that have captivated the public imagination for just over a century.

    For decades, these mysterious deaths were attributed to supernatural forces. But modern science has revealed a more likely culprit: a toxic fungus known as Aspergillus flavus. Now, in an unexpected twist, this same deadly organism is being transformed into a powerful new weapon in the fight against cancer.

    Aspergillus flavus is a common mould found in soil, decaying vegetation and stored grains. It is infamous for its ability to survive in harsh environments, including the sealed chambers of ancient tombs, where it can lie dormant for thousands of years.

    When disturbed, the fungus releases spores that can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. This may explain the so-called “curse” of King Tutankhamun and similar incidents, such as the deaths of several scientists who entered the tomb of Casimir IV in Poland in the 1970s. In both cases, investigations later found that A flavus was present, and its toxins were probably responsible for the illnesses and deaths.

    Despite its deadly reputation, Aspergillus flavus is now at the centre of a remarkable scientific finding. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that this fungus produces a unique class of molecules with the potential to fight cancer.

    These molecules belong to a group called ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides, or RiPPs. RiPPs are made by the ribosome – the cell’s protein factory – and are later chemically altered to enhance their function.

    While thousands of RiPPs have been identified in bacteria, only a handful have been found in fungi – until now.

    The process of finding these fungal RiPPs was far from simple. The research team screened a dozen different strains or types of aspergillus, searching for chemical clues that might indicate the presence of these promising molecules. Aspergillus flavus quickly stood out as a prime candidate.

    The researchers compared the chemicals from different fungal strains to known RiPP compounds and found promising matches. To confirm their discovery, they switched off the relevant genes and, sure enough, the target chemicals vanished, proving they had found the source.

    Purifying these chemicals proved to be a significant challenge. However, this complexity is also what gives fungal RiPPs their remarkable biological activity.

    The team eventually succeeded in isolating four different RiPPs from Aspergillus flavus. These molecules shared a unique structure of interlocking rings, a feature that had never been described before. The researchers named these new compounds “asperigimycins”, after the fungus in which they were found.

    The next step was to test these asperigimycins against human cancer cells. In some cases, they stopped the growth of cancer cells, suggesting that asperigimycins could one day become a new treatment for certain types of cancer.

    The team also worked out how these chemicals get inside cancer cells. This discovery is significant because many chemicals, like asperigimycins, have medicinal properties but struggle to enter cells in large enough quantities to be useful. Knowing that particular fats (lipids) can enhance this process gives scientists a new tool for drug development.

    Further experiments revealed that asperigimycins probably disrupt the process of cell division in cancer cells. Cancer cells divide uncontrollably, and these compounds appear to block the formation of microtubules, the scaffolding inside cells that are essential for cell division.

    Tremendous untapped potential

    This disruption is specific to certain types of cells, so this may in turn reduce the risk of side-effects. But the discovery of asperigimycins is just the beginning. The researchers also identified similar clusters of genes in other fungi, suggesting that many more fungal RiPPs remain to be discovered.

    Almost all the fungal RiPPs found so far have strong biological activity, making this an area with tremendous untapped potential. The next step is to test asperigimycins in other systems and models, with the hope of eventually moving to human clinical trials. If successful, these molecules could join the ranks of other fungal-derived medicines, such as penicillin, which revolutionised modern medicine.

    The story of Aspergillus flavus is a powerful example of how nature can be both a source of danger and a wellspring of healing. For centuries, this fungus was feared as a silent killer lurking in ancient tombs, responsible for mysterious deaths and the legend of the pharaoh’s curse. Today, scientists are turning that fear into hope, harnessing the same deadly spores to create life-saving medicines.

    This transformation, from curse to cure, highlights the importance of continued exploration and innovation in the natural world. Nature has in fact provided us with an incredible pharmacy, filled with compounds that can heal as well as harm. It is up to scientists and engineers to uncover these secrets, using the latest technologies to identify, modify and test new molecules for their potential to treat disease.

    The discovery of asperigimycins is a reminder that even the most unlikely sources – such as a toxic tomb fungus – can hold the key to revolutionary new treatments. As researchers continue to explore the hidden world of fungi, who knows what other medical breakthroughs may lie just beneath the surface?

    Justin Stebbing 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. Toxic fungus from King Tutankhamun’s tomb yields cancer-fighting compounds – new study – https://theconversation.com/toxic-fungus-from-king-tutankhamuns-tomb-yields-cancer-fighting-compounds-new-study-259706

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: When do we first feel pain?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laurenz Casser, Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellow, University of Sheffield

    Alina Troeva/Shutterstock.com

    At some point between conception and early childhood, pain makes its debut. But when exactly that happens remains one of medicine’s most challenging questions.

    Some have claimed that foetuses as young as twelve weeks can already be seen wincing in agony, while others have flat-out denied that even infants show any true signs of pain until long after birth.

    New research from University College London offers fresh insights into this puzzle. By mapping the development of pain-processing networks in the brain – what researchers call the “pain connectome” – scientists have begun to trace exactly when and how our capacity for pain emerges. What they discovered challenges simple answers about when pain “begins”.

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

    The researchers used advanced brain imaging to compare the neural networks of foetuses and infants with those of adults, tracking how different components of pain processing mature over time. Until about 32 weeks after conception, all pain-related brain networks remain significantly underdeveloped compared with adult brains. But then development accelerates dramatically.

    The sensory aspects of pain – the basic detection of harmful stimuli – mature first, becoming functional around 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. The emotional components that make pain distressing follow shortly after, developing between 36 and 38 weeks. However, the cognitive centres responsible for consciously interpreting and evaluating pain lag far behind, and remain largely immature by the time of birth, about 40 weeks after conception.

    This staged development suggests that while late-term foetuses and newborns can detect and respond to harmful stimuli, they probably experience pain very differently from older children and adults. Most significantly, newborns probably can’t consciously evaluate their pain – they can’t form the thought: “This hurts and it’s bad!”

    Does it hurt?
    Martin Valigursky/Shutterstock.com

    A history of changing views

    These findings represent the latest chapter in a long-running scientific debate that has swung dramatically over the centuries, often with profound consequences for medical practice.

    For most physiologists in the 18th and 19th centuries, the perceived delicacy of the infant’s body meant that it must be exquisitely sensitive to pain, so much so that some have had their doubts if infants ever felt anything else. Birth, in particular, was imagined to be an extremely painful event for a newborn.

    However, advances in embryology during the 1870s reversed this thinking. As scientists discovered that infant brains and nervous systems were far less developed than adult versions, many began questioning whether babies could truly feel pain at all. If the neural machinery wasn’t fully formed, how could genuine pain experiences exist?

    This scepticism had troubling practical consequences. For nearly a century, many doctors performed surgery on infants without anaesthesia, convinced that their patients were essentially immune to suffering. The practice continued well into the 1980s in some medical centres.

    Towards the end of the 20th century, public outrage about the medical treatment of infants and new scientific results turned the tables yet again. It was found that newborns exhibited many of the signs (neurological, physiological and behavioural) of pain after all, and that, if anything, pain in infants had probably been underestimated.

    The ambiguous brain

    The reason why there has been endless disagreement about infant pain is that we cannot access their experiences directly.

    Sure, we can observe their behaviour and study their brains, but these are not the same thing. Pain is an experience, something that’s felt in the privacy of a person’s own mind, and that’s inaccessible to anyone but the person whose pain it is.

    Of course, pain experiences are typically accompanied by telltale signs: be it the retraction of a body part from a sharp object or the increased activity of certain brain regions. Those we can measure. But the trouble is that no one behaviour or brain event is ever unambiguous.

    The fact that an infant pulls back their hand from a pin prick may mean that it experiences the pricking as painful, but it may also just be an unconscious reflex. Similarly, the fact that the brain is simultaneously showing pain-related activity may be a sign of pain, but it may also be that the processing unfolds entirely unconsciously. We simply don’t know.

    Perhaps the infant knows. But even if they do, they can’t tell us about their experiences yet, and until they can, scientists are left guessing. Fortunately, their guesses are becoming increasingly well informed, but for now, that is all they can be – guesses.

    What would it take to get certainty? Well, it would require an explanation that connects our brains and behaviour to our conscious experiences. But so far, no scientifically respectable explanation of this kind has been forthcoming.

    Laurenz Casser receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust.

    – ref. When do we first feel pain? – https://theconversation.com/when-do-we-first-feel-pain-259588

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –