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Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom launches first-of-its-kind tool for education and career planning

    Source: US State of California 2

    Apr 22, 2025

    What you need to know: The Cradle-to-Career Data System displays key milestones in students’ experience over time and provides insights about education and career pathways.

    Sacramento, California – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a first-of-its-kind informational tool to help students better understand their options for education and career planning. The Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Data System links datasets from K-12 and higher education, social service, and workforce entities to unite information from disconnected data across sectors and provide insights previously unavailable. This system will allow the public, educators, researchers, and policymakers to access detailed information on education and career outcomes, workforce trends, and more – broken down by demographics and region – to illuminate and address areas of strength and needed growth. By linking data from multiple sources, C2C illuminates gaps and identifies opportunities throughout students’ education experiences so they can ultimately reach their goals for life and careers.

    “California is thrilled to launch its first-in-the-nation Cradle to Career Dashboard, a powerful new tool to support every Californian on their path to success. With the C2C Student Pathways Dashboard now live, Californians can visualize their futures by seeing disconnected data from across sectors and previously unavailable insights, all in one place. The Golden State is once again leading the way in innovation, connecting our education system to the workforce to ensure everyone has the freedom to succeed.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Why this matters

    Access to transparent, verified and centralized information about education and workforce outcomes is needed to understand whether efforts to improve student success are working as intended. Students and families often make decisions about education and career pathways with limited and disconnected information about outcomes. The Student Pathways dashboard addresses this information gap.

    “In my quest to find basic information on college-going rates, outcomes or employment prospects, it felt like trying to find a needle in a haystack because of all the different resources. With this tool, I feel that students like me will have the chance to have everything available at their fingers,” said Mike Nguyen, student, University of California Berkeley and Cradle-to-Career Advisory Board Member.

    The Student Pathways dashboard connects the dots between K-12 education to the state’s public college and earnings information to help users like guidance counselors identify the best education options based on the learners’ needs and goals. The resource combines a series of data visualizations and guiding questions to help users understand how Californians are navigating to and through college.

    Through Student Pathways, Californians can analyze:

    • How California students navigate to and through college

    • Who enrolls in college

    • What types of degrees students earn

    • How long it takes students to graduate

    • How much working students earn while enrolled in college

    • How much individuals earn after they graduate

    “In today’s information-driven world, it’s never been more crucial to provide our students, school district leaders and the community with timely, accurate and reliable information to help make informed decisions to improve futures,” said Government Operations Agency Secretary Nick Maduros. “The Cradle-to-Career initiative gives the decision-making power to ALL Californians.”

    “The Student Pathways dashboard combines data-driven insights and thoughtful story telling. Our goal for this tool is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their lives,” said Mary Ann Bates, executive director at the Office of Cradle-to-Career Data. “We know that stories have the ability to connect, inspire and help us better understand each other. And that’s what Student Pathways does: connect, inspire and understand.”

    A Useful Tool Built by, and for Californians

    Cradle-to-Career heard directly from California’s educators, counselors, students, families, and policymakers. From its creation in 2021, Cradle-to-Career has utilized user-centered design to develop the data system. This approach allows Californians to share their feedback at each phase of the system build. Input from Californians shape Cradle-to-Career’s design and decision making. For example, the dashboard lets users explore information based on school or legislative district. Users can also filter by characteristics like race/ethnicity, gender, or foster youth status. These key features were a direct result of Californians voicing what was important for them.

    Student Pathways is one of eight planned dashboards from Cradle-to-Career. Future iterations of Student Pathways will expand on educational journeys and employment outcomes in both directions, including earlier stages of the K-12 experience and better understanding of workforce training programs. In addition to the dashboards, Cradle-to-Career is developing a query builder and a research request process to provide different levels of user-experience to the dataset. 

    Learn more about Student Pathways HERE.

    Commitment to security and privacy

    The California Cradle-to-Career Data System is the state’s official source of actionable data and research on education, economic, and health outcomes. Cradle-to-Career is committed to protecting and securing confidential records of Californians and follows stringent state, federal and industry standards to ensure data system security and privacy. Learn more about Cradle-to-Career’s security and privacy.

    About the Cradle-to-Career Data System

    Before the Cradle-to-Career Act was signed into law in 2021, California was one of the only states without a longitudinal data system capable of identifying progress over time through multiple stages in individuals’ educational and career journeys. Through an 18-month long public planning process with over 200 individuals representing state entities, community leaders, educators, and members of the public, the blueprint for the state’s longitudinal data system was created.

    The California Cradle-to-Career initiative is a major milestone for the state, uniting existing and verified information across education, social services, and workforce sectors for the first time to help Californians understand their options to build brighter futures.

    The Student Pathways dashboard is powered by existing but previously disconnected data from the California Department of Education, California Community Colleges, California State University, the University of California, and the Employment Development Department.

    News, Press Releases

    Recent news

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    Apr 21, 2025

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    Apr 21, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Marked by Decisive Action and Meaningful Progress: Governor Kehoe’s First 100 Days

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 22, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today marks 100 days of the Kehoe Administration, a milestone defined by decisive leadership, principled action, and meaningful progress on the issues that matter to Missouri families.

    Since taking the oath of office on January 13, 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe has pursued a conservative, forward-thinking agenda focused on strengthening public safety, expanding educational opportunities and workforce availability, stimulating economic growth, and bolstering agricultural resilience. 

    Governor Kehoe’s inaugural State of the State Address outlined his administration’s priorities, setting the tone for a results-driven, people-first approach. The Governor proposed a conservative and fiscally responsible budget that leaves a significant balance of funds while providing historic support for K-12 education and school choice, public safety, child care, and state team members.

    “As we reach this milestone of 100 days in the Governor’s Office, I am humbled by and proud of the progress we’ve made in a short time,” said Governor Kehoe. “Our focus remains on delivering practical, commonsense solutions that improve the lives of Missourians across our state—and we’re just getting started.” 

    Highlights from Governor Kehoe’s first 100 days include:

    Executive Actions: Governor Kehoe moved quickly to establish key priorities through executive action, reinforcing public safety and streamlining operations to better serve Missourians.

    • Signed six executive orders on Day One, including efforts to combat illegal immigration and support law enforcement to officially launch his comprehensive Safer Missouri initiative and reaffirming the administration’s commitment to public safety.
    • Eliminated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Missouri state agencies, ensuring compliance with the constitutional principle of equal protection under the law.
    • Launched the forward-thinking School Funding Modernization Task Force and Workforce of the Future Challenge to align educational pathways with Missouri’s evolving workforce needs.
    • Coordinated response and recovery efforts to ensure statewide readiness and support for communities affected by severe weather.

    Legislative Achievements: Working in partnership with the General Assembly, the Kehoe Administration has already secured several legislative wins to enhance the lives of Missourians across the state.

    • Signed House Bill 495, equipping law enforcement with the tools they need to crack down on crime and illegal immigration, while establishing a citizen board to oversee the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.
    • Signed Senate Bill 4, ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable power is generated right here in Missouri and supporting long-term economic development efforts.
    • Approved the supplemental budget bill for Fiscal Year 2025, allowing current operations of state government to continue, while also strengthening education and special needs services and supporting law enforcement and senior care.

    Gubernatorial Appointments: In his first 100 days, Governor Kehoe has made nearly 100 appointments to boards, commissions, the judiciary, and county-level positions—demonstrating a commitment to experienced leadership, efficient governance, and balanced representation. 

    • Appointed 74 Missourians to serve on various boards and commissions, including 12 appointments to university governing boards.
    • Built out his administration’s Cabinet, with nine department leaders confirmed by the Missouri Senate.
    • Filled eight vacant county offices.
    • Appointed six judicial positions.

    Governor Kehoe and his administration will continue to advance policies grounded in accountability, opportunity, and service to all Missourians.

    For more information on Governor Kehoe’s initiatives and accomplishments, visit governor.mo.gov.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Constitutional Offices Are Not Ornamental; Every Citizen Is Supreme In A Democracy, Stresses Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Constitutional Offices Are Not Ornamental; Every Citizen Is Supreme In A Democracy, Stresses Vice-President

    There Is No Visualisation in the Constitution of Any Authority above Parliament, Asserts VP

    Is Our Discourse Controlled by Moneybags, Muscle Power, And Foreign Interests? You Must Discern, Urges Vice-President

    The Constitution Is For the People; Elected Representatives Are Its Repository, Affirms VP

    Soul of Democracy Resides In Each Citizen, Says Vice-President

    If You Hesitate To Speak The Right Thing At The Right Time, To The Right Group  You’ll Not Only Weaken Yourself, But Also Deeply Wound Positive Forces, says VP

    Vice-President presides over ‘Kartavyam’, an event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution at the University of Delhi

    Posted On: 22 APR 2025 2:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, “For any democracy, every citizen has a pivotal role. I find it inconceivably intriguing that some have recently reflected that constitutional offices can be ceremonial or ornamental. Nothing can be far distanced from a wrong understanding of the role of everyone in this country, constitutional functionary or a citizen. According to me, a citizen is supreme because a nation and democracy are built by citizens. Every one of them has a role. The soul of democracy resides and pulsates in every citizen. Democracy will blossom. Its values will get heightened. When citizen is alert, citizen contributes and what a citizen contributes, there is no substitution of that.”

    Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest over ‘Kartavyam’, an event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution at the University of Delhi today, the Vice-President and ex-officio Chancellor of the University of Delhi, stated, “There is no visualisation in the constitution of any authority above parliament. Parliament is supreme and that being the situation. Let me tell you, it is as supreme as every individual in the country. Part of ‘We the People’ is an atom in democracy and that atom has atomic power. That atomic power is reflected during elections and that is why we are a democratic nation.”

    He also added that, “The Constitution is encapsulated—its essence, it’s worth, its nectar—in the Preamble of the Constitution. And what does it say? ‘We, the People of India’, the supreme power is with them. No one is above the people of India. And we, the People of India, under the Constitution, have chosen to reflect their aspirations, their desires, and their will through their public representatives. And they hold the representatives accountable—severely accountable, on occasions—through elections. A Prime Minister who imposed ‘Emergency’ was held accountable in 1977. And therefore, let there be no doubt about it: the Constitution is for the people, and its repository of safeguarding is that of the elected representatives. They are the ultimate masters as to what the Constitution’s content will be.”

    Reflecting on the duty of citizens in democracy, the Vice-President said, “Democracy is not only for the government to govern. It is participatory democracy, just not laws, but also culture and ethos. Citizenship demands action, not merely status….Democracy is shaped not by governments, democracy is shaped by individuals. Because individuals bear the responsibility to uphold our symbols, preserve our heritage, defend sovereignty, foster brotherhood….. Government has a role that it [individual] does not become a handicap. Government has a role that it must have affirmative policies but government is like giving me a good stadium, a good football ground. Goals have to be scored by individuals.”

    Underlining the significance of quality of discourse in any healthy democracy, the Vice-President said, “If you want to know the health of democracy, like the health of an individual, if you want to analyse how healthy is our democracy, then you will have to find out discourse quality, the kind of discourse we have. Is our discourse moderated? Is our discourse manipulated? Is our discourse controlled by moneybags, by muscle power, by foreign interests, by people working against the interests of this nation? You will have to discern.”

    Underlining the significance of freedom of expression, he stated, “We have to understand—democracy thrives through expression and dialogue. Abhivyakti aur samvaad—these are the core mantras of democracy. These are the basic mantras. If your right of expression is throttled or regulated, as was done during the Emergency, democracy nosedives. But if you have the right of expression, and that expression reflects arrogance and ego—where you believe your expression is ultimate, where you refuse to entertain any different point of view, refuse to even look at the other side—that too is not true expression as per our civilization. Because every expression demands respect for dialogue, and respect for the other point of view. You must always be prepared to be challenged. And to challenge is not a physical act—it is a challenge of ideas, a difference in thought: “I disagree with you.” That does not mean “I am disagreeable.” There must always be space for such exchange. Therefore, expression and dialogue are complementary—they together define democracy. If we delve into our civilizational heritage, this was referred to in Vedic times as ‘Anantavad’—the idea of infinite perspectives. There was a tradition of vaad-vivaad—debate and discourse—And this tradition was free of ego. Vaad-vivaad dissolves ego and arrogance. Because if I believe that only I am right and no one else can be right—that arrogance tarnishes not only the individual but also institutions. That is why, for a healthy democracy, expression and dialogue are essential.”

    “If you hesitate to speak the right thing, at the right time, to the right group and the right person, you will not only weaken yourself but also deeply hurt those positive forces. Therefore, expression and dialogue are of utmost importance. Nations are not built by industrialists, nations are built by individuals. The power of the individual, as I said an atom. The power is atomic, you have that power. You only have to realise it”, he further added.

    Emphasising the role of youth in nation-building, Shri Dhankhar added, “The quality of discourse defines our democracy and in this, I have no doubt, our youth must elevate beyond partisanship to thoughtful deliberation. Our youth cannot afford this critical juncture when Bharat is rising, the rise is unstoppable. We are destined to be a global power. We will be a developed nation. You cannot be tied down to partisan interests; you have to believe only in national interests.”

    Shri Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean Colleges, University of Delhi, Shri Prakash Singh, Director, South Delhi Campus, University of Delhi and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE leads delegation to begin visit programme in Zhejiang (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE leads delegation to begin visit programme in Zhejiang  
    Upon arrival in Hangzhou in the afternoon, Mr Lee and the delegation visited the ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center to learn more about the latest developments in innovation and technology collaboration between Hong Kong and Hangzhou. Mr Lee said that Zhejiang University is one of the eligible Mainland universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, and over 4 000 of its graduates have been approved to pursue their careers in Hong Kong through the scheme. He also said that the Center serves as a major innovation and technology platform in Zhejiang, bringing together talent skilled in the collaborative development of industry, education and research sectors. The Center can enhance collaboration with Hong Kong’s universities and research institutes in areas such as promoting the transformation of research and development outcomes, and enhancing technological and industrial innovation, Mr Lee added.
     
    In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Zhejiang, where he engaged with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Zhejiang to learn more about their daily lives and developments. He encouraged them to leverage their strengths to serve Zhejiang enterprises in going global and attracting foreign investment, with a view to contributing to mutual benefits and the high-quality development of Hong Kong and Zhejiang.
     
    Mr Lee will continue his visit to Hangzhou tomorrow (April 23).
    Issued at HKT 19:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The extension of the EU school scheme to eastern European countries with candidate status – E-000374/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Nutrition was identified by Member States as a key aspect of the Council Conclusions on stepping up Team Europe’s support to global food security and nutrition of 16 December 2024[1].

    Three months after their adoption, the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris in March 2025 was the first international event to showcase the EU’s achievements in this field.

    In November 2024, the Government of Ukraine hosted the European Regional School Meals Summit, with the support of First Lady Olena Zelenska. Its organiser, the School Meals Coalition hosted events at the N4G Summit to ensure nutritious school meals for every child.

    The EU school scheme is part of the common agricultural policy under the provisions of the regulation establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products[2]. As such, it is available only for Member States.

    In the enlargement process, the Commission explained the EU-supported school scheme to the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine as part of the screening process in the field of agriculture and rural development.

    The agriculture ministries of Moldova and Ukraine are starting their preparations to meet the requirements for a future participation in the scheme.

    These include a multi-annual strategy, and provisions for the management, monitoring and evaluation of an EU-compliant school scheme.

    Both Moldova and Ukraine already have national schemes focused on better nutrition in schools, which are supported by the national budgets and for Ukraine by donors, including the EU and the World Food Programme.

    • [1] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-16901-2024-INIT/en/pdf
    • [2] OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 671-854.
    Last updated: 22 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Pope Francis, Mother Earth Day & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (22 April 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Pope Francis
    Mother Earth Day
    Senior Personnel Appointment
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Haiti
    Colombia
    Bolivia
    Ukraine
    Good Defeats Evil

    POPE
    The Secretary-General intends to travel to Rome to attend the funeral of Pope Francis. When we have more details we will share them.

    MOTHER EARTH DAY
    Today is International Mother Earth Day. In his message, the Secretary-General said Mother Earth is running a fever with last year being the hottest ever on record.
    We know what’s causing this sickness, he said, referring to the greenhouse gas emissions humanity is pumping into the atmosphere, but we also know the cure. All countries must create new climate action plans that align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius – it is essential to avoid the worst of climate catastrophe, he said.
    And as a reminder, tomorrow the Secretary-General, together with President Lula of Brazil, will convene a group of Heads of State and Government for a virtual closed-door meeting to discuss strengthening global efforts to tackle the climate crisis and accelerate a just energy transition. The Secretary-General is expected to deliver some remarks on climate to you at the Security Council stakeout after the meeting. We’ll share more details as we have them.
    And what better way to celebrate Mother Earth Day than with a fashion show. We are unveiling a new tour guide uniform collection this evening at 6:15 p.m. during a fashion show in the Sputnik area of the Visitor’s Lobby. This is a collaboration between the Government of Sweden, the UN Office for Partnerships, the UN Department of Global Communications, and students from the Swedish School of Textiles at the University of Borås. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainable lifestyle, fashion and innovation. Designed with natural fibers, renewable materials, and low-impact production methods, the uniforms embody a fusion of creativity, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. We look forward to seeing our tour guides in their new uniforms, they have the toughest job in the building.

    SENIOR PERSONNEL APPOINTMENT
    The Secretary-General is appointing of Ian Martin of the United Kingdom as Head of the Strategic Assessment, as part of his UN80 initiative, of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, that you all know as UNRWA.
    The Secretary-General is tasking Mr. Martin with conducting the Strategic Assessment in order to review UNRWA’s impact; implementation of its mandate under present political, financial, security and other constraints; and, consequences and risks for Palestine Refugees.
    As you all know, Ian Martin has had a distinguished service within the United Nations. He was involved in a number of strategic reviews, most recently as the Lead of the Independent Strategic Review of the UN Mission in Somalia and before then as a member of the
    High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations. We will share that announcement with you.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Meanwhile on the ground in Gaza, the situation continues to worsen. Our humanitarian colleagues report that hostilities across the Gaza Strip are continuing, with a devastating toll on civilians and critical infrastructure. Earlier today, local authorities reported attacks by Israeli forces that struck several heavy machinery vehicles across Gaza, halting solid waste and rubble removal services.
    Despite the ongoing hostilities and despite the fact that aid has not come in for more than 50 days, we and our partners are doing what we can to support people throughout the Strip. In Gaza City yesterday, the acting Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Suzanna Tkalec, led a mission to Al Shifa Hospital, where she and partners viewed work underway to install a desalination plant to serve dialysis patients at the facility.
    Our partners also report that several people suffering from severe acute malnutrition have been admitted to hospitals for treatment this week, with cases on the rise.
    Despite extremely low supplies, some 180 community kitchens in Gaza continue to operate every day. However, many of these kitchens are at imminent risk of shutting down since stocks are being depleted. Because of lack of cooking gas, families are resorting to burning plastic to cook their meals.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=22%20April%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el5ekOhkhYk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Kennedy in Newsweek: Students can thrive without Department of Education

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    MADISONVILLE, La. – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) penned this op-ed in Newsweek highlighting the improvement in Louisiana’s K-12 schools and arguing that the states should have the power to decide education policies.
    Key excerpts of the op-ed are below:
    “As graduation season approaches, some high school seniors face a sad reality: They never learned to read.
    “Graduates throughout the country are filing lawsuits against their schools for failing to teach them basic math and reading skills. One student plaintiff said he couldn’t even spell his name. Too many K-12 schools in America have become failure factories.”
    . . .
    “Looking at these numbers, it is easy to understand why many Republicans have proposed shutting down the Department of Education altogether. American students would be better off if the states handled education—and my home state, Louisiana, provides a perfect example.
    “Between 2019 and 2024, Louisiana fourth graders went from ranking dead last in the country for reading proficiency to ranking 16th.”
    . . .
    “The status quo at the Department of Education isn’t working, and the United States cannot afford to keep spending money on departments that don’t deliver results for the American people. Louisiana’s schools are far from perfect, but it is undeniable that our state is on the right track.”
    Read Kennedy’s op-ed here.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Yoga Association and State Chapters Celebrate World Earth Day with Nationwide Tree Plantation drive under Harit Yoga Initiative

    Source: Government of India

    Indian Yoga Association and State Chapters Celebrate World Earth Day with Nationwide Tree Plantation drive under Harit Yoga Initiative

    Ministry of Ayush’s Harit Yoga Initiative Unites Indian Yoga Association’s State Chapters for Plantation Drive on World Earth Day

    Posted On: 22 APR 2025 8:22PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step towards fostering environmental sustainability and holistic well-being, the Indian Yoga Association (IYA), in collaboration with its state chapters observed World Earth Day on April 22, 2025, through a nationwide tree plantation drive under the ‘Harit Yoga’ initiative. Harit Yoga is one of the ten signature events of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, underscores the seamless integration of Yoga’s principles with environmental consciousness, aligning with the global call for sustainable living.

    The initiative aims to amplify the message that the true essence of Yoga encompasses not only personal wellness but also the vitality of the planet. The nationwide plantation drive saw active participation from 12 IYA state chapters, including Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Nagaland, New Delhi, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Pune, Jaipur, and Uttarakhand, alongside MDNIY, New Delhi, reaffirming their collective commitment to a greener future.

    The event at MDNIY, New Delhi, was graced by Shri P.N. Ranjit Kumar, OSD-IDY Coordination, Ministry of Ayush, as the Chief Guest. Shri Kumar actively participated in planting saplings and emphasized eco-conscious living as a cornerstone of holistic wellness.

    Complementing the plantation efforts, a special Yoga session was organized in Jaipur to promote physical, mental, and environmental well-being, accompanied by the distribution of Ayurvedic drinks and the formation of a human chain to symbolize unity in environmental stewardship.

    In Chhattisgarh, the IYA State Chapter organized a tree plantation drive at Teli Gundar School, Patan Tehsil, Durg district, where medicinal plants were planted, and tree guards were installed to ensure their long-term protection. Similar initiatives across other states highlighted the synergy between Yoga and environmental action, engaging diverse stakeholders, including nature clubs, NGOs, Yoga institutions, and government bodies.

    Maa Dr. Hansaji Yogendra, President, IYA & Director, The Yoga Institute, congratulated the Ministry of Ayush for conceptualizing Harit Yoga, stating, “This initiative underscores the intrinsic connection between sustainable living and Yoga, serving as a powerful reminder that the well-being of the planet and its people are deeply intertwined.”

    Swami Chidanand Saraswati, Member, Governing Council, IYA & President, Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh, urged citizens to embrace Yoga’s deeper essence, noting, “Yoga is a journey of harmony between the self and nature, teaching us that we are an inseparable part of the natural world.”

    Echoing this sentiment, Swami Bharat Bhushan Ji, Member, Governing Council, IYA & Founder, Mokshayatan, Saharanpur, revered the Earth as a mother, citing the Atharva Veda’s teaching that all living beings are her children, emphasizing the spiritual bond between humanity and nature.

    Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, Joint Secretary, IYA & Chairman, ICYER, Puducherry, added, “Through practices like Vrikshasana, Yoga fosters a connection with Mother Earth, encouraging an environmentally-friendly attitude filled with gratitude.”

    Other dignitaries further enriched the narrative. Ms. Ganga Nandini, Secretary, Uttarakhand State Chapter Committee, highlighted the 2025 theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One World,’ emphasizing the interconnection of all life forms. Acharya Pratishtha, President at Bharat Yoga Mokshayatan underscored trees as lasting guardians of the future, while Dr.Mridula, Former Deputy Director (Homeopathy)called for consistent individual efforts for a greener planet. Mrs. Sunila Athley, Principal of Amity International School, Vasundhara, Sector -6 shared her experience of integrating Yoga and tree plantation, uniting personal and planetary peace through mindful action.

    The plantation drive serves as a powerful symbol of the synergy between Yoga and the global call for environmental stewardship. It reinforces the Ministry of Ayush’s vision to promote holistic well-being, emphasising that true health encompasses not only individual wellness but also the vitality of our planet.

    Appendix

    ‘Harit Yoga’ campaign, one of the ten signature events of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 was launched in Bhubaneswar by Union Minister of State for Ayush (I/C), Shri Prataprao Jadhav on the 75th day to IDY 2025. Harit Yoga integrates the principles of Yoga with environmental sustainability, advocating for mindful living in harmony with nature.

    Through this campaign, MDNIY, Ministry of Ayush aims to amplify the message that the true essence of Yoga lies not only in personal wellness but also in planetary well-being. Alongside Yoga sessions, this year’s observance includes activities such as beach clean-ups, tree plantations, water body conservation, and adventure-based eco-Yoga experiences.

    The objectives of the Harit Yoga initiative are to integrate Yoga with environmental consciousness through structured activities, fostering a holistic approach to well-being. It seeks to engage diverse stakeholders, including nature clubs, NGOs, Yoga institutions, and government bodies, to promote sustainable living. Additionally, the initiative encourages public participation in eco-friendly practices and educational campaigns focused on climate change and conservation, driving collective action for a greener future.

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: YOUTH MUST BECOME ACTIVE STAKEHOLDERS IN BUILDING A STRONG, SELF-RELIANT INDIA: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    Source: Government of India

    YOUTH MUST BECOME ACTIVE STAKEHOLDERS IN BUILDING A STRONG, SELF-RELIANT INDIA: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    INDIAN STUDENTS REPRESENT SPIRIT OF INNOVATION, DIVERSITY, AND GLOBAL LEADERSHIP: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    EDUCATION MUST EMBODY BOTH TRADITIONAL WISDOM AND MODERN INNOVATION: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    LOK SABHA SPEAKER INSPIRES YOUTH AT LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY WITH VISION OF “ONE INDIA & ONE WORLD”

    LOK SABHA SPEAKER ADDRESSES AT LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY, PUNJAB

    Posted On: 22 APR 2025 7:51PM by PIB Delhi

    Phagwara/New Delhi, 22 April, 2025: Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today exhorted the youth to become active stakeholders in building a strong and self-reliant India. He called upon the youth to engage themselves proactively in nation building, innovation, and global leadership and to contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story by participating in democracy, research, law-making, and technological advancement.

    Shri Birla was speaking at the Study Grant Awards event of Lovely Professional University (LPU), held under the theme “One India & One World”, which was attended by thousands of students including students from over 50 countries, faculty members, academic leaders, and families. He articulated the role of youth to achieve the vision of Vikshit Bharat 2047 – a vision that encompasses economic growth, social equity, global leadership, and sustainability. The Speaker’s speech struck a powerful chord with the youth, urging them to be proactive participants in shaping India’s destiny.

    He mentioned that India today is being recognized globally for its vibrant youth population who are excelling in all domains—technology, governance, academia, and entrepreneurship. The Speaker encouraged the students to face challenges with resolve and to enrich India’s global standing with integrity, innovation, and a sense of service. Indian students represent the spirit of Innovation, Diversity and Global Leadership, he highlighted. With creativity, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and moral conviction, the youth of India can steer this country toward becoming a model for the world, he added.

    Stating that education must be a harmonious blend of traditional wisdom and modern innovation, Shri Birla underlined the importance of preserving cultural roots while embracing the transformative power of technology and contemporary knowledge systems. He emphasized that the timeless values enshrined in India’s ancient educational traditions must serve as the foundation upon which modern advancements in science, technology, and pedagogy are built. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, it is imperative that the education system nurtures not only skilled professionals but also socially conscious citizens, rooted in heritage and equipped to shape the future. He stressed the importance of developing a sense of purpose among the youth, grounded in national identity, global vision, and social commitment.

    Commending LPU as a symbol of India’s educational progress, Shri Birla noted that the university reflects the spirit of unity in diversity. He called LPU a true microcosm of cultural richness, where students from every Indian state and over 50 countries study together in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect. He observed that LPU has continuously adapted to the evolving needs of the times, offering world-class facilities while upholding Indian values and culture. Events like “One India, One World” were lauded as excellent examples of India’s civilization philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family, he said, adding that the youth of India must think beyond national borders in an interconnected world we live in today. They must be global citizens with an Indian heart and that is what ‘One India & One World’ is all about,” he explained.

    Shri Om Birla reiterated his optimism about India’s future and his deep faith in the younger generation. He urged that as we move toward 2047, let us pledge to build an India that is not just developed but also just, inclusive, compassionate, and wise and let us work toward a world where India leads with values, and where every Indian contributes to the global good. Shri Birla congratulated the graduating class and encouraged them to carry the values of discipline, determination, and unity into their professional journeys, and to strive for excellence while remaining deeply connected to their roots.

    Shri Ashok Mittal, Member of Parliament and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.

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    AM

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    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Microsoft come together to launch ‘AI Careers for Women’ by establishing 30 Centers of Excellence in Women Colleges Across Six States in the Country

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Microsoft come together to launch ‘AI Careers for Women’ by establishing 30 Centers of Excellence in Women Colleges Across Six States in the Country

    CoEs in Tier-II and Tier-III towns to offer specialized undergraduate AI courses to equip young women with industry-aligned skills and foster careers in Artificial Intelligence

    ‘Empowering young women with in-demand digital skills will not only transform individual careers but also accelerate the nation’s journey towards a more equitable and innovation-driven economy’: Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary

    Posted On: 22 APR 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch AI Careers for Women—a pioneering skilling initiative aimed at empowering women in higher education institutions to pursue careers in Artificial Intelligence (AI). This strategic collaboration seeks to bridge the gender gap in emerging tech by equipping women with industry-aligned AI skills, enabling them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy and become active contributors to India’s innovation-led growth.

     

    As part of this collaboration, Microsoft will provide 240-hours training curriculum under AI skilling and Innovation framework for women, aligned to the industry standards, and developed in consultation with the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). The training will be delivered in a hub and spoke model in partnership with the state government departments for higher education, across a network of 30 Centre of Excellence – Hubs and 150 educational institutions – spokes in Tier-II and Tier-III towns across six states.

    Speaking on the partnership, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, said, “This initiative exemplifies how government and industry can come together to shape an inclusive and future-ready workforce. Our partnership with Microsoft underlines the Ministry’s commitment to expanding opportunities for women in emerging tech fields like AI. By embedding this program within credit-linked university curricula and aligning it with the National Education Policy (NEP), we’re reimagining 21st-century learning—making it flexible, interdisciplinary, and deeply rooted in industry needs. Empowering young women with in-demand digital skills will not only transform individual careers but also accelerate the nation’s journey toward a more equitable and innovation-driven economy.”

     

     

    As one of the program partners, Edunet Foundation will implement this program, working closely with the participating academic institutions, government bodies, corporate organizations and industry bodies, building an alliance to bring ecosystem change and enable industry relevant skills and economic opportunities for Women in AI, thereby enhancing their workforce participation.

    The program complements classroom learning in higher education by establishing 30 centers of excellence at women institutions that act as hub centers and further support 150 spoke centers in Tier-II and Tier-III towns, offering in-depth AI training with hands-on exposure to AI tools and real-world applications, helping 20,000 learners to gain industry-relevant skills and project-based experience. Learners will benefit through structured training from experts, AI certifications, internships, apprenticeship, fellowship, career guidance and job opportunities in AI enabled roles.

    The program will also create opportunities for women in rural India to innovate on AI and enhance their economic opportunities, equipping them to be AI developers, building AI applications and datasets, thereby building talent pipeline for rural AI innovation/enterprise. This initiative builds on Microsoft’s ongoing skilling efforts with MSDE. MSDE will collaborate with Microsoft in accreditation of the curriculum and enable rural girls with apprenticeship and job opportunities through these centers of excellence.

     

     

    Highlighting Microsoft’s commitment to inclusive skilling, Aparna Gupta, Global Delivery Center Leader Microsoft India, said, “I’m thrilled to see Microsoft’s partnership with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) take shape, empowering young women in India to build careers in AI. We believe that equitable access to AI skills is crucial for inclusive economic growth. Through this collaboration, we’re strengthening capacity building across institutions in Tier-II and Tier-III towns, ultimately enabling more women to thrive in an AI-powered economy and shape the workforce of tomorrow”.

    The initiative aims to enhance women workforce participation in digital economy and aligns with the government’s mission of creating equitable access to future-ready skills. The program is designed to expand digital career pathways for women and contribute to a more inclusive technology workforce.

     

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    Beena Yadav/SH

    (Release ID: 2123510) Visitor Counter : 101

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. appoints new judges, judicial justice to Provincial Court

    The Government of British Columbia has appointed three new judges and a new judicial justice to the Provincial Court to support timely and efficient access to justice.

    The new judges are:

    • Aamna Afsar (effective May 1, 2025)
    • Christopher Balison (effective May 1, 2025); and
    • Dennis Isaac Ferbey (effective May 1, 2025)

    The new judicial justice appointed to the Provincial Court is Patrick Angly.

    Afsar joined the BC Prosecution Service (BCPS) in 2006 and worked as Crown counsel in Vancouver for almost 14 years. During that time, Afsar spent several years working in the Downtown Community Court. In 2019, Afsar became a member of the Immigration Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada. In 2020, Afsar received the IRB’s Chairperson’s Award for developing curriculum and training for the gender-related task force to improve the adjudication of gender-related refugee claims. Since 2021, Afsar has been an alternate chair of the BC Review Board. Afsar was appointed a judicial justice in July 2022 and is qualified to conduct hearings in French. From 2007 to 2023, Afsar was a member and treasurer of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women, where one of Afsar’s significant contributions was facilitating workshops for community members on Canadian family law and domestic-violence awareness and prevention.

    Balison became Crown counsel shortly after being called to the B.C. bar in 2007. In December 2021, after working as the administrative Crown in Kamloops office for two years, Balison was appointed as a deputy regional Crown counsel in the Interior region. Balison served as the director and president of Baseball BC from 2017 to 2022, developing Safe Sport policies to protect youth and create a safe, ethical and equitable sporting environment.

    Ferbey obtained a law degree from the University of Victoria in 2007 and practised as a criminal defence counsel in Surrey and Delta for the first 10 years of Ferbey’s career. Taking on many legal aid files and frequently acting as duty counsel, Ferbey also devoted time to pro bono legal work. In March 2018, Ferbey moved to a general practice firm in Trail. Ferbey lives and works in the West Kootenays, primarily conducting federal prosecutions as an agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.

    Angly graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Laws in 1982 and was called to the B.C. bar in 1983. Angly’s 39-year legal career has been devoted to defence work, appearing in every level of court, from traffic court to the Supreme Court of Canada. Angly has primarily been a sole practitioner and has represented people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

    The appointments are made by considering various factors, such as the court’s requirements, the diversity of the judiciary and the candidates’ areas of expertise. These four appointments show the Province’s continued dedication to ensuring fair access to justice for everyone in British Columbia.

    Quick Facts:

    • The process to appoint judges involves the following steps: 
      • Interested lawyers apply, and the Judicial Council of B.C. reviews the candidates.
      • The council is a statutory body made up of the chief judge, an associate chief judge, other judges, lawyers and members from outside the legal profession.
      • The council recommends potential judges to the attorney general, with the final appointment made through a cabinet order-in-council.
    • Although judges and judicial justices are located in a judicial region, many use technology such as videoconferencing for court proceedings.
    • They also travel regularly throughout the province to meet changing demands.

    Learn More:

    For information about the judicial appointment process, visit: https://provincialcourt.bc.ca  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Strickland Announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner Grace Kim 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10)

    Lakewood, WA – Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) announced Grace Ye Kim as the 2025 Congressional Art Competition winner for the district. “Moments as We Wait” was selected by a panel of jurors and will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. 

    The theme of this year’s competition was “Freedom” and high school students submitted artwork expressing what Freedom means to them.  

    “This piece is based on a photo I took of my four siblings while we waited for the fireworks show on the Fourth of July. Despite the countless videos of the light show that day, what remains most memorable is everything beforehand – The gathering of family and friends as we celebrated alongside so many others in our community at the waterfront. This painting is my way of recapturing that joyful moment to share with others,” said competition winner, Grace Kim.  

    “These talented and creative student submissions depict freedom in so many ways: the freedom to be themselves, to exercise guaranteed rights, to be happy and secure in the community, and the sacred obligation to defend these ideals,” said Strickland. “I’d like to thank all the students, teachers, and jurors who supported the program.” 

    “Several artists responded with images related to identity such as self-portraits to express the pursuit of life, others used traditional symbols including the bald eagle, American flag, and Statue of Liberty to represent the pursuit of liberty, and some represented scenes from their daily lives to show the pursuit of happiness. This competition highlights the excellence of the art teachers who educate and guide their students and it provides a valuable practical experience for students in the district.” said Dr. Jennifer Olson, competition juror. 

    “There were several pieces in the final round of consideration each demonstrating characteristics and qualities worthy of top spot. I particularly enjoyed the winning works use of depth effects along with the works playful use of color to portray a moment in young adulthood when we are our freest whether we understand it in the moment or looking back on it when we’re older,” said PḰȺELWEȽTEN, Charles Bloomfield, competition juror. 

    This year’s panel of jurors for Washington’s 10th Congressional District included Indigenous documentary filmmaker, activist and Coast Salish artist PḰȺELWEȽTEN (English name Charles W Bloomfield); Pierce College and Tacoma Community College (TCC) professor Dr. Jennifer Olson; Head of Evergreen State College Instructional Photography and multimedia artist Carrie Chema; and Head of Pierce College Arts Department Dave Roholt. 

    The Congressional Art Competition was launched in 1982 to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of young constituents from across the country with the chance to display their art in the U.S. Capitol. 

    Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council appoints Chief Officer Education – Primary and Early Years

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council has appointed Bernadette Scott as Chief Officer Education – Primary and Early Years.

    The appointment completes the new senior management structure of the Council’s People Service Cluster under the leadership of Kate Lackie, Assistant Chief Executive – People.

    Bernadette Scott is currently employed by Perth and Kinross Council as Service Manager, Early Years and Childcare and is a committed education professional with over 30 years’ experience.  Most recently, Mrs Scott’s remit has included taking an overview of services for all children (aged 2-18), with responsibility for improvement in Early Learning and Childcare settings, Primary and Secondary schools. Her strategic remit included raising attainment, performance and reporting and leadership, learning and development of all education staff.

    Prior to her current role in the Central Management Team Bernadette was a Quality Improvement Officer and spent 12 years as a Head Teacher in Perth Primary Schools, leading school development and driving improvements in learning outcomes. 

    Convener of the Council Cllr Bill Lobban said: “I would like to congratulate Bernadette on her appointment and welcome her to The Highland Council. She brings with her a wealth of Education, Early Learning and Childcare experience and leadership to the Council.

    “With this latest appointment I am pleased to see the Council’s senior management structure progressing with continued pace. The new structure is forecasted to initially deliver savings of £370,000 as part of the budget savings agreed by Council in February 2024, and it is anticipated that savings will eventually equate to around 20% of senior management team costs as part of a more streamlined management structure.”

    Bernadette will be starting with Highland Council on 1 June and is looking forward to leading the journey of improvement, working collaboratively to raise primary attainment, support inclusion and deliver the best outcomes for all children and young people across the Highlands.

    As previously intimated in Highland Council’s budget plan for 2024/25, a new senior management structure is being implemented following approval by the Council on 14 March 2024. It reconfigures the senior management team into two layers, rather than three and brings Highland Council into line with other benchmarked authorities.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Community Update: International Students and Colleagues

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dear Colleagues and Students,

    We write today to follow-up on the April 10 message to the community regarding student visa revocations and Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record terminations that are disrupting the lives and academic careers of international students and scholars in the U.S., including at UConn.

    As of today, we are aware of 13 international students at UConn – 12 current students and one recent graduate completing postgraduate training – who have had their SEVIS records terminated. The university has not received any communication from the federal government regarding these actions; staff became aware of the revocations through repeated audits of the SEVIS system. There is no evidence these students were targeted due to political speech or affiliation.

    For an international student, losing one’s SEVIS status is devastating, particularly with only a few weeks remaining in the semester. UConn has been in regular contact with each of the 13 students and has connected them with one another. We are coordinating with the Dean of Students office and The Graduate School to provide academic triage while the students are evaluating their legal options. We have reached out to the schools and colleges to make them aware of the situation so they can help identify solutions to support the students academically and emotionally, and we have organized an immigration Q&A with outside legal counsel for impacted and potentially impacted students.

    Staff across multiple units continue to work together to identify additional avenues of support, including Global Affairs, Student Life and Enrollment, Diversity and Inclusion, General Counsel, and the Provost’s Office, among others.

    This week, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) will host two meetings for international students and visiting scholars as a follow-up to the Immigration Q&A held last Tuesday.  Participants need to register and may also submit their questions in advance of the meetings.

    Immigration Q & A Follow Up for International Undergraduate Students, Exchange Students, and UCAELI students.

    As a reminder:

    • International students and visiting scholars can visit the Center for International Students & Scholars website for updated guidance on travel concerns and emerging trends related to their immigration status, and to connect with international advising staff who can provide individualized guidance.
    • Undocumented students can reach out to the Dean of Students Office and view the Undocumented Student Resources.
    • Additional student support is available from the Dean of Students Office and The Graduate School.
    • UConn employees who have questions about their employment-based visa sponsorship can reach out to Alison Cutler or Christene Cooper in Human Resources.
    • The International Office at UConn Health is responsible for all visas for international students and staff/faculty employed through UConn Health. Reach out to Kaitlin Dornenburg, Department of Human Resources, for assistance.
    • UConn faculty and staff can reach out to Rae Alexander, Assistant Vice President for Global Affairs, with general questions or concerns about changing immigration policies and their impact on our community.

    We are a Connecticut institution and also a global university with a deep sense of care and compassion for members of our community. This is a very difficult and stressful time for our international students, faculty, and staff. Even if just to offer a kind word, please reach out to the international classmates and colleagues you know – hearing supportive words from others will not solve a specific problem, but it will be a reminder that we are a community where we support one another.

    Radenka Maric
    President

    Anne D’Alleva
    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

    Nathan Fuerst
    Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment

    Jeffrey Hines
    Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, and Chief Diversity Officer

    Daniel Weiner
    Vice President for Global Affairs

    Lakeesha Brown
    Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: BAPM Grad Students Take First-Place in InsurTech NY Case Competition

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A UConn Business Analytics and Project Management (MSBAPM) team brought home the first-place award in the inaugural InsurTech NY Student Case Competition earlier this month, outshining ‘brilliant minds and razor-sharp pitches.’

    “All the teams were incredible,’’ said Elia Cocoli who represented UConn with friend and classmate Rehaan Ahamed. Both graduate students will earn their degrees in May. “I think we won because of our delivery. We were comfortable with our presentation, brought a great deal of energy, and felt very relaxed on the stage,’’ she said.

    Ahamed agreed.

    “We tried to make our presentation relatable and engaging. We made sure everything on our slides was relevant. It was more of a conversation than a presentation, and we were determined to enjoy ourselves, win or lose,’’ he said.

    Task Involved Disrupting Insurance Fraud

    The team was tasked with reducing fraud in the insurance industry. Cocoli and Ahamed suggested a series of application that could address fraud, and proposed a cross-industry data base, aided by artificial intelligence, that would help identify and flag serial fraudsters.

    The successful UConn team competed against other graduate students from Florida State University, the University of Iowa, and St. Joseph’s University. The event was judged by insurance professionals and the UConn students will share a $2,500 scholarship.

    In order to enter the InsurTech NY competition, Cocoli and Ahamed first competed against other UConn teams. Because they had completed many presentations together, they were comfortable as a team and knew each other’s strengths.

    “We practiced a lot and that was a gamechanger,’’ Cocoli said. “The best takeaway for me was the confidence boost. This is the first time I’ve spoken in front of a large audience. It was such a positive experience. I realized that I can do this.’’

    “Opportunities like this require our students to apply their learnings in a real-world way, gain important leadership skills, and showcase the talent we have at UConn,’’ said Laurissa Berk, director of Global and Experiential Education, who organized the pre-competition. “The students came in with a phenomenal idea based on their knowledge of industry and we are so proud they came out with the win!’’

    UConn Is a Sought-After Competitor

    Professor John Wilson, the academic director for the FinTech program, advised the team. He has also been instrumental in creating the InsurTech NY event and said he hopes the case competition will grow into a national event.

    “We have had extensive talks with the University of Iowa and, because of UConn’s continual visibility at industry conferences, we have more and more universities and companies seeking to partner with us,’’ Wilson said. “It is typically the very best students who participate in competitions like this, and UConn continues to establish itself as a program of excellence.’’

    Both Competition Winners Seeking Jobs With Impact

    Cocoli, who earned her bachelors in business analytics at UConn and then enrolled in the accelerated MSBAPM graduate program, is interviewing with a prominent company. She said her UConn education has been outstanding.

    “In my Generative AI class, professor Jing Peng is teaching us things that aren’t even known to the public yet. We are learning things before many experts in the industry. Everything is very new, very fresh,’’ she said. “I have developed a great network and connections. There are so many opportunities now for people with business analytics expertise.’’

    Ahamed, who earned both his bachelor’s degree and MBA in India, said he is looking to work for a company that is invested in transformative progress.

    “My career goals center around creating impact and positive change, whether for an organization or a customer. That’s what motivates me,’’ he said.

    Ahamed said he and Cocoli decided to enter the competition on the last day of eligibility and he’s glad they did. “I was the optimist and she was the realist. We balanced each other out,’’ he said. “We are grateful for the experience, and that we could represent UConn and bring home the championship.’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Walnut Consumption Curbs Inflammation and Colon Cancer Risk

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    There are new findings out about the benefits of eating walnuts. Results from a UConn School of Medicine clinical trial on the cover of the April edition of the journal Cancer Prevention Research show walnuts improve systemic inflammation while also reducing colon cancer risk.

    Why walnuts?

    Walnuts (Photo by California Walnut Commission).

    Ellagitannins, plant-derived polyphenol compounds found in walnuts, are shown to be metabolized exclusively by the gut microbiome into a wide range of anti-inflammatory molecules called urolithins. These urolithins are associated with very potent anti-inflammatory properties and may even inhibit cancer.

    “Ellagitannins in the walnut are importantly providing the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that we’re seeing in patients in our clinical trial research, particularly the gut’s conversion of ellagitannins to a potent anti-inflammatory agent, urolithin A,” reports Daniel W. Rosenberg, Ph.D. and his multidisciplinary team of researchers at the UConn School of Medicine.

    Rosenberg serves as the HealthNet Chair in Cancer Biology and is an Investigator in the Center for Molecular Oncology. He has studied walnut properties for more than a decade and has researched the connection between walnut consumption and its anti-inflammatory properties.

    The UConn research team’s clinical trial findings show that high levels of urolithin A formation by the gut microbiome from walnut consumption has a positive impact on reducing inflammatory markers across blood, urine, and fecal samples, and may even positively affect the immune cells within colon polyps.

    For the clinical trial, patients between the ages of 40 to 65 years and at an elevated risk for colon cancer, were referred for the study from the Division of Gastroenterology at UConn Health, the University of Connecticut’s academic medical center. Each of the 39 enrolled study participants were screened by the clinical research team at UConn John Dempsey Hospital and asked to complete an NIH Food Frequency Questionnaire for analysis by Ock Chun Ph.D., a nutritional epidemiologist in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at UConn Storrs. Patients were asked to avoid all ellagitannin-containing foods and beverages for a week to set their urolithin levels at or close to zero before they began consuming ellagitannin-rich walnuts as part of their closely monitored diet. At the end of the three-week study, all participants received a high-definition colonoscopy performed by Drs. John Birk and Haleh Vaziri.

    Among the key findings, the researchers found that elevated urolithin A levels in the urine of patients correlated with the serum levels of peptide YY, an interesting protein that has been associated with inhibition of colorectal cancer. Reduced levels of several inflammation markers present in the blood were also found, especially in obese patients that had the greatest capacity to form urolithins by their gut microbiome.

    UConn School of Medicine’s walnut clinical trial study findings are highlighted on the cover of Cancer Prevention Research this April 2025.

    Rosenberg also used high-dimensional spatial imaging technology that allowed UConn researchers to develop a detailed view of the direct cellular interactions present inside colon polyps that were removed during colonoscopy at the end of the walnut study. This cutting-edge advanced imaging technology revealed that patients with high levels of urolithin A formation following walnut consumption was directly associated with reduced levels of several important proteins that are often present in polyps, showing for the first time how walnut ingestion may directly enhance colon health.

    The research team also discovered that the protein vimentin, often associated with more advanced forms of colon cancer, was greatly reduced inside polyp tissues obtained from patients who had also formed the highest levels of urolithin A by their gut microbiome.

    These important new research findings build upon the earlier work of Dr. Masako Nakanishi, an assistant professor in the Rosenberg Lab, who showed in several earlier publications that walnuts had beneficial and anti-cancer effects in the colons of cancer-prone mice, key findings that prompted the current clinical trial.

    “Urolithin A has a very positive influence on inflammation and maybe even cancer prevention,” says Rosenberg. “Our study proves that dietary supplementation with walnuts can boost the general population’s urolithin levels in those people with the right microbiome, while significantly reducing several inflammatory markers, especially in obese patients.”

    Rosenberg concludes, “Our study provides strong rationale for dietary inclusion of walnut ellagitannins for cancer prevention. Nutrients from walnuts can contribute to reduced cancer risk. There are many potential benefits one can get from eating walnuts, with so little downside risk, that just grabbing a handful every day is really something that you can easily do for your long-term health benefit.”

    This research is supported by generous awards from the American Institute for Cancer Research, the California Walnut Commission, and the National Cancer Institute.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More playgrounds coming for B.C. students, families

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More children can play and exercise at safer, more-inclusive school playgrounds throughout B.C., through Budget 2025 funding.  

    “Creating safe, accessible spaces for children to play is crucial for our communities,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Access to play shouldn’t depend on parents’ ability to fundraise for these facilities. This investment goes beyond building new playgrounds — it’s about fostering stronger, healthier neighbourhoods where families can connect and children can stay active regardless of their families’ ability to pay. This is something our government has made a priority since forming government in 2017.”

    Twenty-five school districts will each receive $200,000 to fund the construction of new accessible school playgrounds. 

    “Playgrounds are more than just places to play, they are spaces where children make friends, build confidence and create memories,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “The new playgrounds we are announcing today will provide communities throughout B.C. with safe, accessible and inclusive spaces for kids and families to enjoy for years to come.”  

    Since 2018, government has supported students and families, with more than $45 million for new playgrounds at more than 300 schools, benefiting more than 77,000 students. Every B.C. school district has received at least one playground since the program started in 2018. Some schools have received funding for multiple playgrounds for the communities to enjoy.

    “On behalf of parents and caregivers, thank you to the B.C. government for allowing parent advisory councils to focus on building stronger communities instead of fundraising for expensive playgrounds,” said Laura Ward, president, BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils. “Playgrounds are essential to schools and neighbourhoods as they offer safe, inclusive spaces where all children can play and connect. This ongoing investment eases the burden on families and supports the well-being and growth of our communities.”

    The Province has approved more than $6 billion for hundreds of school capital projects, including new schools, additions and seismic upgrades, since 2017. These investments include the creation of more than 38,000 seismically safe seats, almost 43,000 new student seats, construction and delivery of additional prefabricated classrooms in growing communities, and the purchase of nearly 30 sites for future schools in growing communities.

    Quotes:

    Mable Elmore, MLA for Vancouver-Kensington – 

    “Playgrounds serve as vital spaces for students and the whole community. They contribute to children’s physical fitness, social development and creativity, while also providing inclusive environments where families and neighbours can connect beyond school hours. These investments are vital to support thriving communities for generations to come.”

    Victoria Jung, chair, Vancouver School Board (VSB) – 

    “VSB is grateful for this investment in the Cunningham school community. Playgrounds provide so much value for students with structures built specifically for children to develop motor skills and ignite imaginative play. They are social hubs for students of all ages to play, reflect and, most importantly, connect with peers.”

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the playground equipment program, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital/programs

    A backgrounder follows. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Receive Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Fuel Qualification Methodology Approval for KRONOS MMR™ Energy System

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Safety Evaluation Issued by NRC Confirms Regulatory Acceptance of Fuel Qualification Methodology, Paving the Way for Eventual KRONOS Microreactor Deployment at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    New York, N.Y., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, is pleased to announce that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has issued its final Safety Evaluation (SE) approving the Fuel Qualification Methodology Topical Report (FQM TR) for the advanced fuel design to be used in the NANO Nuclear’s stationary KRONOS MMR™ Energy System.

    This important regulatory milestone marks the successful culmination of a rigorous review process and represents a major step toward deployment of the KRONOS reactor prototype at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.). The approved Fuel Qualification Methodology defines the regulatory framework and testing approach for the qualification of Fully Ceramic Microencapsulated (FCM®) fuel, which incorporates tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel particles embedded in a silicon carbide matrix. With this latest regulatory breakthrough, NANO Nuclear is now positioned to submit its Construction Permit Application for the KRONOS reactor, with fuel qualification rapidly progressing. NANO Nuclear is advancing its vision to become a leader in small, clean energy technologies that address global energy security and decarbonization goals.

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Receive Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Fuel Qualification Methodology Approval for KRONOS MMR™ Energy System

    “This is a major victory for advanced nuclear energy and a transformative moment for NANO Nuclear, bringing us closer to turning the promise of KRONOS into a working reality at U. of I.,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “With the NRC’s final approval of the FQM Topical Report, we now have the regulatory green light to move forward with the Construction Permit (CP) application for the prototype KRONOS. We thank the NRC for their thorough review. This milestone is a critical enabler for our entire reactor program and affirms the strength of our fuel strategy. The nuclear energy future is coming—and NANO Nuclear is at the center of it.”

    “Fuel is one of the biggest sources of uncertainty in any advanced nuclear project,” Illinois Grainger Engineering Associate Professor Caleb Brooks, Head of the Microreactor Demonstration Program at U. of I. “This favorable regulatory outcome represents a significant reduction in that uncertainty for our project, and the SE establishes a common language between us and the regulator on how the fuel will be shown, with high assurance, to be safe and effective.”

    The FQM TR had previously undergone joint review by the NRC and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), with initial participation from the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) as an observer. NANO Nuclear believes that final approval of the FQM TR by the NRC demonstrates confidence in the methodology’s scientific soundness and regulatory compliance, offering a repeatable pathway for advanced fuel qualification applicable to NANO Nuclear reactors.

    “With this regulatory foundation in place, we are prepared to execute,” said Dr. Florent Heidet, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Reactor Development of NANO Nuclear. “Our next steps include finalizing fuel fabrication timelines, preparing and submitting the construction permit this year, and completing early-stage site work at U. of I., including geotechnical drilling and environmental assessments. We will keep accelerating until the reactor is operating.”

    Figure 2 – Rendering of the KRONOS MMR™ Energy System

    The KRONOS MMR Energy System would be the first advanced microreactor built and operated on a U.S. university campus and will serve as a national platform for research, training, and demonstration. It would also become a centerpiece of U. of I.’s energy innovation initiatives, providing the university with clean, resilient energy while training the next generation of nuclear professionals.

    “NANO Nuclear is doing what others are still planning—we are executing,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy. “The NRC’s approval of the FQM TR is more than a regulatory milestone; it’s a launchpad for reliable, deployable, and efficient nuclear power in the U.S. and beyond.”

    About The Grainger College of Engineering at U. of I.

    The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is one of the world’s top-ranked engineering institutions, and a globally recognized leader in engineering education, research and public engagement. With a diverse, tight-knit community of faculty, students and alumni, Grainger Engineering sets the standard for excellence in engineering, driving innovation in the economy and bringing revolutionary ideas to the world. Through robust research and discovery, our faculty, staff, students and alumni are changing our world and making advances once only dreamed about, including the MRI, LED, ILIAC, Mosaic, YouTube, flexible electronics, electric machinery, miniature batteries, imaging the black hole and flight on Mars. The world’s brightest minds from The Grainger College of Engineering tackle today’s toughest challenges. And they are building a better, cooler, safer tomorrow.

    Visit https://grainger.illinois.edu for more information.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

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    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statement relate to the NANO Nuclear’s development, demonstration, licensing and commercial plans for the KRONIS MMR, each as described herein. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ashwagandha: this ancient herb is trending for its potential health benefits – but also comes with risks

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, Kingston University

    Mateusz Feliksik/Shutterstock

    Depending on who you follow on social media, you may have come across talk of a little-known herb called ashwagandha over the past year. Celebrities including Meghan Markle, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston are reported to use ashwagandha for its calming effects. Ashwagandha has been trending on social media with data showing #ashwagandha had more than 670 million views on TikTok in 2024.

    Scientifically known as Withania somnifera, ashwagandha is a common herb used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine – an ancient Indian system of healing based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a balance between the body, mind and spirit. Ayurveda emphasises a holistic approach to health using natural treatments, such as herbal remedies, dietary changes, physical therapy, meditation and yoga.

    But beyond the social media buzz, what does science say about this herb’s benefits?

    Ashwagandha root has been used in traditional medicine as an adaptogen. This means it could help people become more resilient to various types of stress, whether biological, physical, or chemical.

    The strongest evidence available for ashwagandha is as a stress and anxiety reliever. A review looking at several small studies showed that ashwagandha can significantly reduce levels of perceived stress and anxiety in people. This may be partly due to its regulating effect on stress hormones such as cortisol.

    Ashwagandha is also known for its ability to improve sleep quality. The “somnifera” part of its scientific name, meaning “sleep-inducing” hints at its effects. Some trials show it can help people fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep, thus boosting energy levels. This may be beneficial for people suffering from insomnia. But there is no evidence showing whether it is better than taking sleeping tablets.

    Possible benefits

    Recently, this herb has been associated with other benefits. The Sanskrit word “ashwagandha” means “the smell of a horse,” symbolising its ability to give the strength and stamina of a horse. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may benefit from ashwagandha’s ability to enhance physical performance. Some research indicates that ashwagandha can improve strength, muscle mass and oxygen use during exercise.

    For men, ashwagandha has been shown in some small studies to boost testosterone levels and improve fertility by increasing sperm count and motility. This may be linked to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – a sex hormone that your body naturally produces. DHEA is used to make other hormones such as testosterone. This means men with prostate cancer sensitive to testosterone should avoid using this herb.

    Ashwagandha has been linked to improved cognitive function, such as better memory and focus. Small studies, involving older people who have some cognitive impairment, suggest that ashwagandha may help to reduce oxidative stress – harmful molecules called free radicals that can damage cells in the body – and inflammation, which can negatively effect memory and thinking processes.

    There are also ongoing clinical trials investigating whether ashwagandha may be effective in treating long COVID symptoms such as fatigue and cognitive dysfunction – having trouble with mental tasks such as thinking, remembering and making decisions – but there’s no robust evidence yet.

    Ashwagandha is rich in phytochemicals, including withanolides. Withanolides are steroidal lactones – they are structurally similar to steroids, with a lactone ring in their chemical structure – that are thought to help cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This can lower blood sugar in both healthy people and those with diabetes, although larger studies need to be done. In animal studies, withanolides show anti-inflammatory activity.

    Side effects

    While ashwagandha may offer potential health benefits, it also has numerous risks and side effects. The long-term safety of ashwagandha is not well-documented. Most studies have focused on short-term use, typically up to three months – but the benefits may take some weeks or months to appear. The most common side effects are mild stomach upsets and nausea.

    Its use is not advised in people with some pre-existing health conditions such as liver disease. Although rare, there have been reports of liver problems, including severe liver failure, associated with ashwagandha use. Ashwagandha may stimulate the immune system, potentially causing flare ups for people with autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

    It’s also possible that ashwagandha may interact with some medications, such as immunosuppressants, sedatives and thyroid hormone medications. Research suggests that ashwagandha may influence thyroid function, particularly by increasing thyroid hormone levels. It may also interact with thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine, possibly leading to overmedication.

    Pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid ashwagandha, especially at higher doses. The herb may be linked to miscarriages and, although there’s conflicting evidence, it’s best to be cautious.

    Ashwagandha holds promise, then, as a stress reliever, sleep aid and even an energy booster. With growing interest and a large body of anecdotal evidence, it’s no surprise that it’s become a favourite among wellness enthusiasts. However, scientific research is still developing and more extensive clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefits, side effects and determine the safest, most effective doses.

    If you’re considering incorporating ashwagandha into your routine, especially for long-term use, do consult a healthcare professional first, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

    Dipa Kamdar 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. Ashwagandha: this ancient herb is trending for its potential health benefits – but also comes with risks – https://theconversation.com/ashwagandha-this-ancient-herb-is-trending-for-its-potential-health-benefits-but-also-comes-with-risks-253979

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s Greenland plan glosses over a history of segregation and discrimination for Indigenous Alaskans

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Gawthorpe, Lecturer in History and International Studies, Leiden University

    Donald Trump has wanted America to annex Greenland for a long time. He now has a concrete plan to do it. As reported by the New York Times, the president’s National Security Council has instructed several government departments to get to work on acquiring the island.

    Trump has made it clear that the use of military force remains on the table. But, at least for now, it seems the plan will rely mostly on persuasion.

    The first component is a coordinated advertising and social media campaign aimed at convincing Greenlanders that their future lies under the stars and stripes. The administration plans to tell the island’s residents that they will be more prosperous and more secure as part of the US.

    Driving that message home will be an uphill struggle. A poll in January 2025 found that 85% of Greenlanders oppose the idea of being annexed by the US. A parliamentary election in March also showed little support for it. The best-performing party was the pro-business Demokraatit, which wants to slow walk changes to Greenland’s international status.

    To overcome this resistance, the Trump administration is reportedly planning to appeal to shared ethnic and cultural ties between Inuit Greenlanders, who make up about 88% of the island’s population, and Indigenous peoples in the US state of Alaska. Greenlanders are likely to question that approach for a number of reasons.

    These ties are not completely imaginary. Greenland Inuit are descended from the Thule people, who migrated from Alaska around 1,000 years ago. There are similarities between the languages of Alaskan and Greenland Inuit.

    But these people have been separated by 2,000 miles for centuries, and in the interim have been shaped by their divergent histories. Though their languages are similar, they are generally not mutually intelligible.

    One of the main factors separating Alaskan and Greenland Inuit is their separate colonial histories. Greenland was colonised by Denmark, and Alaska by the US. The details of this colonial history are likely to give Greenlanders pause.

    Alaska became a US state in 1959. Before then, it was a territory – a colonial holding similar to Puerto Rico or Guam today. During its time as a territory, the US government and white settlers treated Alaska’s Indigenous people with a mixture of disinterest and malice.

    Until discrimination was outlawed by a state law in 1945, Indigenous Alaskans lived in a system of segregation and limited rights similar to the “Jim Crow” policies of the southern US. Indigenous Alaskans, like African Americans in the southern states, were not guaranteed the right to vote, and “whites only” signs were commonplace in businesses.

    During the second world war, the US government feared a Japanese attack on the Aleutian islands, which form part of Alaska. As a result, it forcibly evacuated the Indigenous population, burning their villages to prevent invading Japanese troops from using them as housing. Evacuees were forced to live in unsanitary camps on the mainland for years, where more than one in ten died.

    The US government justified this as a geopolitical necessity. But given that great power politics is also behind its drive to control Greenland, the island’s residents should question whether their rights will be respected if they conflict with another perceived geopolitical necessity.

    Buying favour

    Another plank of the Trump administration’s plan is financial. The White House apparently wants to replace the subsidy that Greenland currently receives from Denmark with a payment of US$10,000 (£7,600) per resident. It’s not clear if this money is intended to go directly to the population, or to the island’s central government.

    This works out at just over US$568 million (£429 million) a year. If it’s a subsidy for the central government, then it’s slightly less than the island currently receives from Denmark. And if it’s a payment directly to the population, then it’s unclear how public services on the island would be funded.

    Here again, a look at the experience of Indigenous Alaskans is instructive. Indigenous Alaskans, who receive various US government services through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, have a much higher poverty rate than the general population, lower rates of health coverage and worse educational outcomes.

    They also generally don’t live as long. According to the most recent figures, the life expectancy for Indigenous Alaskans is 70.4 years – much lower than the statewide average of 74.5.

    Economic development – or, perhaps more accurately, exploiting Greenland’s natural resources – is also part of Trump’s plan. Trump is apparently interested in Greenland’s “rare earth minerals, copper, gold, uranium and oil”.

    Greenland does indeed have vast mineral wealth. But it is unclear if it can be safely accessed in the island’s current inhospitable environment.

    Such resource extraction could also easily lead to environmental damage, as it has done in Alaska. In 1989, for example, the Exxon Valdez oil supertanker spilled more than 10 million gallons of crude oil in Alaska’s Prince William Sound.

    Meanwhile, without strong regulation and taxation, the wealth generated could easily accrue to corporations rather than Greenlanders.

    There is a long history of colonising powers claiming that only they, rather than “the natives”, can deliver prosperity and progress to a country. Trump’s plan, which tries to turn the experience of Indigenous Alaskans into one that Greenlanders should want to emulate, fits squarely into this genre.

    But the history of US involvement in Alaska and its treatment of Indigenous Alaskans gives lie to that story. For Greenlanders to trade their sovereignty to the US in return for a guarantee of prosperity and security would be a risky gamble indeed.

    Andrew Gawthorpe 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. Trump’s Greenland plan glosses over a history of segregation and discrimination for Indigenous Alaskans – https://theconversation.com/trumps-greenland-plan-glosses-over-a-history-of-segregation-and-discrimination-for-indigenous-alaskans-254418

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The New Yorker at 100: how bold, illustrated and wordless covers helped define the iconic magazine

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Geoff Grandfield, Associate Professor Illustration Animation Department, Kingston University

    olesea vetrila/Shutterstock

    Over the last century of glorious, tragic, turbulent and innovative human endeavour, the cover of the New Yorker magazine has used only the illustrated image to communicate talking points of American – and specifically New York City – life and culture.

    Beyond the masthead and issue date, no set typography has ever been allowed, maintaining a unique wordless space in magazine publishing where only an image connotes the idea. The absence of copy is arresting, the silent core of what the solely visual can communicate. Though notably, the majority of weekly sales are by subscription, not impulse buys.

    There are few of the New Yorker’s 1925 newsstand contemporaries left. Meanwhile, publications like Time, Newsweek and Fortune have not resisted the dominant orthodoxy of photography with multiple cover lines to gain sales.

    While photography delivers celebrity and the spectacle of modern life, the New Yorker has maintained a belief in visualising without written explanation to reach those readers who seek something more. But how can a magazine whose survival depends on sales maintain appeal with such apparently humble graphic means?

    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 magazine’s strategy for success has been to employ a succession of brilliant art editors (just four in 100 years – somewhat unique in magazine publishing) who understand how illustration, in the right hands, can offer appeal, surprise, entertainment and imaginative freedom to invent what French poster artist Cassandre called “a visual incident”.

    Posters and magazine covers have a similar task: both vie to grab the attention of a public subjected to evermore intrusive image assault. From simple street hoardings and news vendors in 1925, to broadcast then digital media today, the changes over the last 100 years have been immense and profound.

    This audio-visual bombardment of words, images, sound and movement simply did not exist back then. This golden age of the printed poster and magazine cover appears now to belong another world – so how can preservation of these ideals be viable in a 21st century weekly magazine?

    Illustration and its reinvention as an agile alternative to the over-saturation of audio-visual and written media is one key. The choice of illustration as communication remains underrepresented. Other than courtroom reporting, there have been few front pages that have used a drawing, but its popular appeal evidences a relevance to complex modern lives.

    As a discipline, illustration is closely related to the cartoon and its sequential form, the comic strip. Many New Yorker cover artists operate across these practices, demonstrating the common ground of drawing.

    Illustrations are used for associative value – they conjure up an expressive or reflective mood, provide a seasoned commentary, or capture concisely a cultural moment. In the context of fake news, illustrations don’t purport to be objective – they best work through a coherent convincing visual language that offers more than words.

    For the majority of the New Yorker’s audience, illustration has an affectionate, unsophisticated association with successive stages of development, starting in childhood. From early picture books to comics, graphic novels, music and lifestyle, illustrated communication allows interpretation and relatability.

    Illustration can be successful in performing the elusive act of being inclusive and appealingly anonymous. The New Yorker recognises that diversity in content is reliant on the real-life experience of its artists. Since the 1930s when most journalists and illustrators were male and white, the magazine has sought to make a weekly visual statement of the contemporary by prioritising images that represent the diversity of New York.

    There is a disposable deal in buying a magazine – it is not designed to be a keeper. Certain images of “a moment” can later become the visual signature of an age, though it may not not always be apparent at the time.

    The early consistency of New Yorker art deco covers expressed both wonderful visual ideas and a graphic language for modernity. The skyscrapers, bridges and lights of the quintessential modern metropolis are beautifully shown in Adolph Kronengold’s cover from March 1938.

    Barry Blitt’s 2008 “politics of fear” cover, showing Barack Obama in Muslim clothing and Michelle Obama in combats with a gun slung over her back, expressed much more than portraits in an American presidential campaign. It provocatively articulated media exaggeration and control, forces that dominate today.

    And then there are the images that transcend a stylistic era and which are elevated above beyond specific facts in a way that helps us see the world in a new way, like Saul Steinberg’s “view of the world from 9th Avenue” cover from 1976.

    Saul Steinberg’s View From 9th Avenue New Yorker Cover.
    Wikipedia / The New Yorker

    The viewpoint is literally floating above the street, not so high that local details are unrecognisable, yet just beyond the Hudson are diminishing deserts and prairies and over the Pacific ocean you can see Japan.

    A wonderful satire on the attitude of global centrality and specifically a New Yorker’s idea of their own importance, the image has been copied and referenced ever since its publication.

    The completely black cover by Art Spiegelman and New Yorker art director Françoise Mouly for September 24 2001 achieved the impossible task of visualising the feeling of loss following the world trade centre attacks. Mouly has been the art director since 1993 and possesses a supreme visual intelligence that has driven the success of the pictorial cover for more than three decades.

    She maintains that artists are able to say new things about the same themes year after year – something AI cannot do as it refers only to the past. The present, however, is elusive and the province of the artist gathering energy like a lightning conductor. Plus, crucially, AI doesn’t doodle.

    New Yorker artists are people who can present a dilemma, an issue, a moment or a spectacle visually, not abstracted, but through emotional empathy. The covers are non-linear but require “reading”. The multiple layers of meaning are often open to interpretion.

    The beauty of the New Yorker cover lies in not equating it with a written description, but rather in prompting an emotional response to what it is to be alive in that moment, whether good times or bad. That’s a pretty wonderful objective and guiding principle for a weekly publication.

    Geoff Grandfield 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 New Yorker at 100: how bold, illustrated and wordless covers helped define the iconic magazine – https://theconversation.com/the-new-yorker-at-100-how-bold-illustrated-and-wordless-covers-helped-define-the-iconic-magazine-253260

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Severance: what the hit show can teach us about cyber security and human risk

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Oli Buckley, Professor in Cyber Security, Loughborough University

    What if your work self didn’t know about your personal life, and your home self had no idea what you did for a living? In Apple TV’s Severance, that’s exactly the deal: a surgical procedure splits the memories of employees into “innies” (who only exist at work) and “outies” (who never recall what they do from nine to five).

    On the surface, it sounds like an ideal solution to a growing cyber security problem of insider threats, such as leaks or sabotage by employees. After all, if an employee can’t remember what they accessed at work, how can they leak it, sabotage it, or sell it?

    As someone who has researched insider threats for the last decade I can’t help but see Severance as a cautionary tale of what happens when we try to eliminate threats without understanding people.

    The threat from within

    Insider threats really hit prominence in the wake of high-profile incidents like Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden, who both leaked top secret government information. These threats are one of the most persistent challenges in security because unlike “traditional” hackers, insiders already have access to sensitive systems and information.

    They might act maliciously, stealing trade secrets or exposing data, or accidentally, through phishing links or lost devices. Either way, the consequences can be more serious because of the unprecedented levels of access someone has while working within an organisation.

    While we often think of the high-profile cases in the first instance, the reality of most insider incidents is far less dramatic. Think of the disgruntled employee who downloads a client database before leaving, or the well-meaning staff member who shares a sensitive file via the wrong link.

    In fact, one of the most iconic examples of an insider threat in fiction is Jurassic Park. The entire catastrophe begins, not with a dinosaur, but with a software engineer, Dennis Nedry, who disables the park’s security in an attempt to steal trade secrets. It’s a reminder that even the most sophisticated systems can be undone by a single rogue employee.

    Organisations try to manage this through access controls, behaviour monitoring and training. But people are unpredictable. Insider threats sit at the messy intersection of human behaviour, organisational culture and digital systems.

    This is where Severance strikes a chord. What if you could eliminate the human risk altogether, by turning employees into separate, tightly compartmentalised selves? In the show, workers at the shadowy Lumon Corporation have no memory of their job outside the office and vice versa.

    In a sense, it’s the ultimate form of “need to know.” An “innie” can’t tell anyone what they do because they don’t know anything beyond their desk. It’s a very elegant, although ethically problematic, solution for someone working in security. However, as the series unfolds, it becomes clear that the levels of control on offer through the process of severance come with a terrible cost.

    The problem with control

    The innies in Severance are trapped in an endless workday, unable to understand the meaning or value of their tasks. They form bonds, question authority and ultimately rebel. Ironically, it is the severed employees, the ones who are most closely controlled in the company, who become the greatest insider threat to Lumon.

    This mirrors something we know from real organisations: excessive surveillance, control and secrecy often backfires. For instance, Amazon has faced repeated criticism over its use of tracking technologies to monitor warehouse workers’ movements and productivity, with reports suggesting this has contributed to high stress, burnout and even rule-breaking as workers try to “game” the system.

    A 2022 study published in Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel overly monitored are significantly more likely to break rules or engage in counterproductive behaviour – undermining the very goals of workplace surveillance. If people feel undervalued or mistreated, they’re more likely to become disengaged or actively hostile. Security systems that ignore culture and trust are therefore often brittle.

    What Severance gets right is that insider threats are emotional and ethical problems as much as technical ones. They stem from how people feel about their role, their autonomy and their identity within a system. This is something that we can’t simply patch within a piece of software.

    Lessons from fiction

    Thankfully, no company in the real world is proposing surgical memory separation, at least not yet. But in an age of algorithmic management, increasing surveillance, and growing concerns about privacy, Severance resonates. It forces us to ask just how far should we go in the name of security?

    The answer isn’t to separate people from their work, but to build systems that are secure and respectful of the people within them; something increasingly backed by research.

    That means better design, clearer boundaries and a workplace culture that values openness, not just compliance. For example, implementing clear expectations around work hours and communication norms can help prevent burnout and promote wellbeing.

    Encouraging open communication channels, such as anonymous feedback systems, empowers employees to voice concerns without fear, fostering a culture of trust. Additionally, designing physical workspaces that promote collaboration, like open-plan areas and communal lounges, can enhance team cohesion and reflect organisational values.

    If we follow the example set by Lumon and try to remove all risk then we lose something far more essential – the humanity at the centre of our systems and organisations. Ultimately, removing that human focus could be the most significant vulnerability of all.

    Oli Buckley receives funding from Jason R.C. Nurse receives funding from The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Responsible AI UK.

    – ref. Severance: what the hit show can teach us about cyber security and human risk – https://theconversation.com/severance-what-the-hit-show-can-teach-us-about-cyber-security-and-human-risk-255024

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Do cats make good therapy animals? The new trend showing felines may be more complicated than we realise

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Grace Carroll, Lecturer in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast

    larisa Stefanjuk/Shutterstock

    Dogs are sociable, enthusiastic and widely used to comfort people in settings like hospitals, schools and care homes. But an increasingly popular alternative is emerging: therapy cats.

    The term is often used loosely in the media and inconsistently within the scientific community. But in its strictest sense, animal-assisted therapy is a structured activity delivered by health professionals with clinical goals.

    Most cats involved in this kind of work are part of broader animal-assisted services. For simplicity, we will stick with “therapy cat” throughout this article.

    Therapy cats are used to alleviate loneliness and stress. They are used in prisons, schools, hospices, care homes and hospitals and are recommended for people who are afraid of dogs or might struggle to interact with large animals like horses.

    Therapy cats are becoming increasingly popular.
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    The environments therapy cats are often taken into, such as nursing homes or schools, can be noisy, unpredictable, and filled with unfamiliar people and surroundings. These are precisely the kinds of settings that can unsettle a typical cat.

    Cats usually prefer predictability and stable surroundings. Similar to their wildcat ancestors, domestic cats prioritise territorial security over social bonds with people or other cats. C

    ats rely on scent to navigate and feel secure in their surroundings. The F3 pheromone helps them mark areas as “safe” or “known”, creating a kind of olfactory map of their home range.

    Yet recent social media trends suggest a shift in our understanding. Increasingly, we see cats travelling alongside their owners in a campervan, via plane or even on motorbikes. These cats appear to tolerate, and sometimes even thrive, in environments animal behaviour experts once assumed were too stressful for them. So, what makes these cats different?

    Some cats can benefit from the presence of a trusted human in unfamiliar or potentially stressful environments. In a 2021 study, animal behaviour researcher Alexandra Behnke and colleagues found that nearly half of the 42 cats they tested showed signs of the secure base effect, a bond that helps reduce stress and encourages exploration when reunited with their owner. This could be helping therapy cats cope with new environments.

    A recent study led by Joni Delanoeije, a Belgian researcher in human-animal interaction, explored how cats selected for animal-assisted services differ from the average household pet. The study analysed survey responses relating to 474 cats – 12 of which had participated in such services. Cats involved in animal-assisted services were found to be more sociable with both people and other cats, were more attention-seeking and less resistant to being restrained.

    These findings suggest that behavioural traits, like sociability and tolerance, may make some cats better suited to interacting with people in unfamiliar settings. However, the small number of cats actually involved in service work in this study means that we need more research to draw firm conclusions.

    These cats also have strong, trusting bonds with their handlers. Early socialisation and gradual exposure seem to be essential for preparing cats to cope with the unpredictable nature of service work.

    However, even with these qualities, cats may still face challenges in therapy environments. In a 2023 global study of cat-assisted services, US psychologists Taylor Griffin and Lori Kogan found that even well-adapted cats may struggle in practice.

    The study found that 68% of handlers had ended visits early when they deemed it best for the cat. Handlers in this study also described strong bonds with their cats – a relationship probably key to the cat’s ability to adapt, offering a sense of safety and predictability in a potentially stressful setting.

    Cats can help people feel less lonely.
    Veera/Shutterstock

    How do therapy cats compare to dogs?

    Cats are different from dogs in their social needs, temperament and tolerance for change. These differences must be carefully considered during selection for therapy work – but with their differences come advantages. For example, therapy cats may provide more benefits to people that see themselves as “cat people”.

    Research has shown that this self-classification is linked to personality traits, with cat people often being more independent, creative and self-sufficient. Dog people tend to be more outgoing, sociable and group-oriented. Cat lovers might feel more at ease in one-to-one therapeutic settings, while dog lovers could prefer group-based activities.

    Species preferences can also affect emotional responses. In a 2022 study, researcher Jovita Lukšaite and colleagues used facial expression software to analyse participants’ reactions to animal images.

    Both cat and dog images triggered similar levels of happiness on average, yet dog images evoked significantly more fear. Fear of dogs could reduce the effectiveness of canine-assisted therapy for some, making cats a valuable alternative.

    Dogs may excel at providing emotional support through physical interaction but cat purrs are a unique characteristic that may offer therapeutic benefits. A 2001 study found that domestic cats purr at a frequency between 25 and 50 hertz – a frequency that promotes healing in humans.

    While there is a lack of more recent research to support this finding, a 2021 study found that cat owners reported that their cat’s purrs had a calming effect.

    So, dogs might be the traditional therapy animal, but cats have shown they too have what it takes. With the right temperament and training, cats can offer something different to those in need of comfort.

    Grace Carroll 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. Do cats make good therapy animals? The new trend showing felines may be more complicated than we realise – https://theconversation.com/do-cats-make-good-therapy-animals-the-new-trend-showing-felines-may-be-more-complicated-than-we-realise-254507

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Urges HHS Secretary to Bring Back NIOSH Employees to Support Coal Industry

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, penned a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. regarding the recent layoffs at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Morgantown, W.Va. Specifically, Senator Capito highlighted the important role NIOSH plays in the health and wellbeing of West Virginia coal miners and requested that the administration bring back these critical programs and employees that allow them to function properly.
    “I believe in the President’s vision to right size our government, but I do not think eliminating the NIOSH coal programs and research will accomplish that goal. The mission and work conducted by the specially trained NIOSH employees is not duplicative of any other government program. I am concerned that the RIFs at NIOSH will undermine the vital health programs important to so many West Virginians. I urge you to bring back the NIOSH employees immediately so they can continue to support our nation’s coal industry,” Senator Capito wrote.
    The full letter can be found HERE or below:
    Dear Secretary Kennedy,
    Thank you for taking the time to talk with me regarding the important work CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) does to improve and monitor the health care of our coal miners in West Virginia. During our discussion, I was pleased you agreed with me that the work happening at NIOSH is unique across the federal government. Now, I ask that the Department bring back not only the functions of the NIOSH coal offices and programs, but also some of the specialized employees impacted by the April 1 HHS-wide Reduction in Force (RIF) who do this important work in Morgantown, West Virginia.
    The NIOSH facility in Morgantown is known for its research aimed at preventing work-related injuries and illnesses, particularly in coal miners. The NIOSH Mining Program works to eliminate mining fatalities and injuries. Research on rock dust has resulted in safety changes to prevent explosions in underground mines. NIOSH research has also resulted in industry standards for pillar design and roof support programs to prevent collapses in underground mines. NIOSH’s Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) studies respiratory disease and provides black lung screenings to coal miners. It is my understanding that the RIF impacted every employee in these important programs.
    There are specialized labs at the NIOSH facilities in Morgantown where dedicated scientists with years of training had been researching coal and silica dust along with black mold. This research stands not just to make the mining industry safer but also to benefit workers exposed to silica dust at construction sites and residents in West Virginia and North Carolina impacted by the devastating flooding from Hurricane Helene. With all the scientists and employees that work in theses labs impacted by the RIF, the CDC will be starting the process to decommission the Morgantown labs in the coming days. Decommissioning the labs will cost millions of taxpayer dollars. If the labs were to later be brought back online, additional taxpayer dollars would be spent to re-comply with numerous regulations and inspections.
    Earlier this month, I was honored to join President Trump, along with miners from West Virginia, at the White House as he signed Executive Orders to support the coal industry and unleash American energy. The President’s Executive Orders are welcome news for our miners and will help ensure all Americans have access to affordable and reliable energy resources like coal. As the President recognizes the importance of coal, we must also recognize the health of our miners and I encourage you to bring back the NIOSH coal programs and researchers that will help ensure the President’s vision to unleash American energy can be done safely.
    I believe in the President’s vision to right size our government, but I do not think eliminating the NIOSH coal programs and research will accomplish that goal. The mission and work conducted by the specially trained NIOSH employees is not duplicative of any other government program. I am concerned that the RIFs at NIOSH will undermine the vital health programs important to so many West Virginians. I urge you to bring back the NIOSH employees immediately so they can continue to support our nation’s coal industry.
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and I look forward to continuing to work with you to Make American Healthy Again.
    Sincere regards,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Delivers Keynote Remarks at Focus Forward Conference

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, traveled to Morgantown, W.Va. to deliver keynote remarks at the seventh annual Focus Forward conference: Long Live West Virginia.
    During her remarks, Senator Capito discussed the intersection of health, wellness, and economic mobility, as well as provided an update on some of the legislative solutions she has worked on in the United States Senate to improve health outcomes for West Virginians. After her remarks, Jon Retzlaff, Chief Policy Officer of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) presented Senator Capito with AACR’s 2025 Distinguished Public Service Award.  
    “The health and wellbeing of West Virginians is directly tied to the strength of our economy and the resilience of our people. As a United States Senator and as someone who has spent years working on health and economic issues—particularly in rural areas like West Virginia—I know just how interconnected these challenges are. We cannot talk about economic mobility without talking about health, we cannot promote wellness without looking at access to care, and we cannot plan for the future without acknowledging that Americans are living longer – often with more complex health needs. I was glad to share this message during the Focus Forward Conference and continue working together to improve health care opportunities so all West Virginians have a fair shot at a healthy, productive life,” Senator Capito said.
    “We are honored that Senator Capito could join our seventh annual Focus Forward conference, a broad-based convening of leaders to better understand an emerging issue that will impact West Virginia’s workforce and economy,” Jen Giovannitti, President of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, said. “As a leading champion in supporting legislation and policy on health, aging, neuroscience, cancer research and caregiving, her voice and impact at the federal and state level are critical as we navigate the future opportunities and challenges of how increasing life expectancies will impact our society, work, economy and everyday lives. We are grateful for her continued engagement at this event, as well as her leadership and time today.”
    Photos from today’s visit are below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) speaks at the Focus Forward conference in Morgantown, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) receives the Distinguished Public Service Award from Jon Retzlaff of the American Association of Cancer Research in Morgantown, W.Va. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) at the Focus Forward conference in Morgantown, W.Va. on Tuesday April 22, 2025. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Saves Preston High School in the Bronx

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that Preston High School in the Bronx will remain open for years to come. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) facilitated an agreement between the Sisters of the Divine Compassion of the State of New York, which owned the property of Preston High School since 1947, Preston High School, and the Bally’s Foundation of North America, a charitable nonprofit organization. The Bally’s Foundation has purchased the property from the Sisters of the Divine Compassion and will lease the property to Preston High School for $1 per year for the next 25 years. The agreement gives Preston High School the option to renew its lease for successive five-year intervals at the end of the current 25-year lease term. Today’s agreement to keep Preston High School open follows a public hearing held by Attorney General James with teachers, students, parents, alumni, elected officials, and community members.

    “Preston High School is a pillar of the Bronx community that has educated generations of young women and today I am proud to announce that the school will stay open for years to come,” said Attorney General James. “I want to thank all the students, teachers, parents, alumni, and elected officials who submitted testimony to my office and advocated to keep the school open. Today’s announcement would not have been possible without their relentless advocacy and leadership. Preston High School raises young women to become strong leaders, and I am thrilled that many more generations will benefit from this treasured school.”

    “From the very beginning, when families and community members voiced their concerns about the possible closure of Preston High School, I made it a priority to listen and support them,” said Senator Nathalia Fernandez. “I’m truly grateful that Attorney General Letitia James took our concerns seriously and acted swiftly, resulting in an agreement to keep Preston open for years to come.”

    “I’m thrilled at the news that an agreement has been reached to keep Preston High School open,” said Assemblymember Michael Benedetto. “This is a tremendous victory for the students, families, and the entire Throggs Neck community. I want to sincerely thank Attorney General Letitia James and her team for their steadfast commitment to protecting our schools and standing with Preston students during this critical moment.”

    “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Attorney General Letitia James for her swift and thoughtful action in helping to prevent Preston’s abrupt closure,” said City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias. “Her open communication, leadership, and commitment to keeping all parties at the table were instrumental in reaching this critical turning point. As a proud Preston alumna, I’ve been deeply invested in this fight from the very beginning – organizing, advocating, and working directly with stakeholders to ensure Preston had a future. I’m especially grateful that the Attorney General heard our concerns, launched a timely investigation, and ensured that due process and community voices were respected every step of the way. This outcome – including the historic agreement with the Bally’s Foundation to secure Preston’s home for the next 25 years and beyond – is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we lead with love, persistence, and unity. I am proud to have helped shape a deal that not only protects the future of Preston but honors the community that fought so hard for it. We didn’t just preserve a beloved institution – we protected a legacy.”

    “I am thrilled to hear that an agreement has been reached to keep Preston High School open,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “At a time when we’ve seen the heartbreaking closure of several Catholic schools in our borough and across New York City, this outcome is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together. Preston High School has been a beacon of education and opportunity in the Bronx since it first opened its doors in 1947. Its legacy of academic excellence, character formation, and service has touched generations of young women and helped shape countless leaders in our city and beyond. Thank you to Attorney General Letitia James, the Charities Bureau, parents, students, educators, advocates, alumni, and my elected colleagues who fought tirelessly to preserve this institution. Our collective voices made this happen. This is more than just a win for Preston — it’s a win for the Bronx and for every young person who dreams of a bright future.”

    Preston High School is an all-girls Catholic school that has served the Bronx community for 75 years. In late February, the Sisters of the Divine Compassion announced their plans to close the school and sell the property at the end of the 2025 academic year, citing financial hardship. On April 8, Attorney General James held a public hearing to gather input from students, teachers, parents, alumni, and community members on the impact of the closure. 

    Today, Attorney General James announced that the Bally’s Foundation has purchased the property from the Sisters of the Divine Compassion for $8.5 million. The Bally’s Foundation will lease the property to Preston High School for $1 per year for the next 25 years, with the opportunity to renew the lease for five successive years at the end of the current 25-year term. The lease also gives Preston High School the option to purchase the property and a right of first refusal if the Bally’s Foundation seeks to sell the property in the future. Moreover, the Bally’s Foundation has agreed to fund up to $1 million in capital improvements for the school and to cover up to $600,000 in legal and closing costs that associated with the process.  

    In addition, the Sisters of the Divine Compassion have agreed to establish independent governance of Preston High School that requires them to:

    • Work with Preston High School to establish the school as an independent Catholic school as acceptable to the Archdiocese of New York;
    • Help establish an independent board of trustees for Preston High School by appointing, with OAG approval, trustees to the board of trustees who are not affiliated with the Sisters of the Divine Compassion or employed at Preston High School; and
    • Immediately relinquish all but one seat on the schools’ board of trustees and give up that seat once the school is fully independent.

    Attorney General James thanks the Sisters of the Divine Compassion, the Bally’s Foundation, and Preston High School for working together with her office to find a financial and practical resolution for Preston High School to stay open for years to come.

    This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Peggy Farber, Assistant Attorney General William Wang, and Section Chief Emily Stern, all of the Charities Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Karin Kunstler Goldman and Bureau Chief James Sheehan. The Charities Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. The public hearing was led by Operations team members Andrea Rua, Michael Fasullo, Sally Rifkin, Rouselle Ligon, and Wayne Collins, all under the supervision of Director of Strategic Planning Ryan Doyle. Hearing testimony was collected and managed by members of the Intergovernmental Affairs team, including Hanadi Doleh, Julian Sepulveda, Jessica Mates, Javier Medrano, and Casandra Walker, all under the supervision of Intergovernmental Affairs Director Harold Miller. Both the Operations and Intergovernmental Affairs teams are part of the Executive Division, which is overseen by Chief of Staff Anna Brower. Technical support for the hearing was provided by Jermaine Francis, Malik Donadelle, and Marcus Williams, all of the Administration Division’s Bureau of Internet Technology.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Helps Reintroduce Bill to Support Children with Disabilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) helped reintroduce the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation to ensure that Congress finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund 40 percent of costs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Fifty years ago, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to public education. This law was a historic step forward, but since its passage, Congress has failed to provide the funding that it promised. The legislation is cosponsored by more than 30 members in the Senate and more than 60 members in the House of Representatives and is endorsed by 60 organizations. The legislation is especially critical as the Trump Administration attacks the Department of Education and its work to support students with disabilities.
    “IDEA funding makes a difference for families across New Hampshire by helping fund the support and resources that allow students with disabilities to succeed academically and thrive,” said Senator Hassan. “I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to fulfill our decades-old promise to fully fund IDEA, ensuring that children with disabilities receive a quality public education. This legislation is one of the many things that the Trump Administration could focus on instead of its efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and threaten access to public education for all students.” 
    Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per-pupil expenditure for special education; however, that pledge has never been met. According to the Congressional Research Service, current funding is at less than 12 percent, and the IDEA shortfall in the 2024-2025 school year nationwide was $38.66 billion. IDEA currently provides more than $57 million to New Hampshire schools through the IDEA Grants to States program to help fund the education of children ages three through 21. New Hampshire has 31,000 students with disabilities – reflecting 17% of New Hampshire’s student population. Under full funding, New Hampshire alone would have received an additional $153 million in funding this year to support students with disabilities. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools.
    The full text of the bill can be viewed here. 
    This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of more than 50 national organizations, including The School Superintendent Association (AASA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Occupational Therapy Association, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Center for Learner Equity, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Education Association, and The Arc of the United States. 
    Senator Hassan is leading efforts to ensure that individuals who experience disabilities receive the support that they need to be fully included in their communities. Senator Hassan helped pass into law bipartisan legislation to support autism education, research, and resources. Senator Hassan also helped secure funding to help families of children experiencing disabilities navigate the special education process and better access the resources available for children experiencing disabilities as part of a bipartisan government funding package.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: EY US unveils Neil Araujo of iManage as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Midwest Award finalist

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ernst & Young LLP (EY US) announced the finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Midwest Award. Now in its 40th year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program celebrates the bold leaders who disrupt markets through the world’s most ground-breaking companies, revolutionizing industries and making a profound impact on communities. The program honors bold entrepreneurs whose innovations shape the future and pave the way for a thriving economy and a hopeful tomorrow. The Midwest program celebrates entrepreneurs from Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.

    An independent panel of judges selected Neil Araujo, CEO and co-founder of iManage, among 29 finalists for their entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and lasting impact in building long-term value.

    “This recognition is a reflection of our team’s resilience and commitment to long-term success,” said Neil Araujo, CEO of iManage. “We’ve transformed iManage into a global SaaS leader trusted by knowledge workers in law, accounting, financial services, and beyond. I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made, not just in business, but in the communities we serve and the lives we touch through our platform.”

    Founded in 1995, iManage helps over 4,000 global organizations — including 85% of the Global 100 law firms and 41% of the Fortune 100—manage and protect confidential information. Under Neil’s leadership, iManage has grown into a market leader in AI-powered, cloud-native work management platforms, and is committed to delivering purpose-driven innovation. The company’s SaaS platform is more carbon efficient than on-premises alternatives, and its commitment to community impact includes long-standing partnerships with nonprofits like Genesys Works and Chicago Debates.

    Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organization to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to strengthen it for the future.

    Regional award winners will be announced on Wednesday, June 11, during a special celebration in Chicago and will become lifetime members of an esteemed community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the world. The winners will then be considered by the National judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s most prestigious gatherings of high-growth, market-leading companies.

    Sponsors
    Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA and SAP. In the Midwest, sponsors also include LaSalle Staffing, Inc. and Becker Professional Education.

    About Entrepreneur Of The Year
    Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 60 countries globally.

    The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where National finalists and award winners are announced. The overall National winner represents the US at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.

    About EY
    EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

    Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

    EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

    All in to shape the future with confidence.

    EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

    Media Contact:
    Alicia Saragosa
    Head of Public Relations, iManage
    press@imanage.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Mr. Ian Martin of the United Kingdom – Head of the Strategic Assessment of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    he Secretary-General announced today the appointment of Ian Martin of the United Kingdom as Head of the Strategic Assessment, as part of his UN80 initiative, of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
     
    The Secretary-General is tasking Mr. Martin with conducting the Strategic Assessment in order to review UNRWA’s impact; implementation of its mandate under present political, financial, security and other constraints; and, consequences and risks, for Palestine
    Refugees.  He has further been tasked with identifying options for action, by Member States and/or the United Nations, and considering overall United Nations mandates provided by the General Assembly and the Security Council.
     
    Mr. Martin has had a distinguished service within the United Nations.  He was involved in a number of strategic reviews, most recently as the Lead of the Independent Strategic Review of the United Nations Mission in Somalia and before then as a member of the
    High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations.  Mr. Martin served as Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and in various positions in other UN field operations, including in Timor-Leste,
    Nepal, Eritrea, Rwanda and Haiti.
     
    Mr. Martin holds a Master of Arts in history and economics from Cambridge University, United Kingdom, and studied development economics at Harvard University, United States of America.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stefanik Requests Education Department Investigate Saratoga Springs City School District for Title IX Violations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

    Stefanik Requests Education Department Investigate Saratoga Springs City School District for Title IX Violations | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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    MIL OSI USA News –