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Category: France

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: United Nations Board of Auditors Holds Seventy-Ninth Regular Session, 22-23 July at UN Headquarters, New York

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The General Assembly established the United Nations Board of Auditors in 1946 as an important mechanism to promote accountability and transparency in the United Nations.  The Board audits the accounts of the United Nations Organization and its funds and programmes and reports its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly, through the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), and other governing bodies.  The Board has three members, who are jointly responsible for the audit.

    The Board held its seventy-ninth regular session in New York on 22 and 23 July.  The session was chaired by Pierre Moscovici, First President of the French Cour des comptes.  Together with Mr. Moscovici, Hou Kai, Auditor-General of the National Audit Office of China, and Vital do Rêgo Filho, President of the Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts, collectively discussed findings and audit opinions.

    During the session the Board met with the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General to exchange on cross-cutting issues.

    Through its work, the Board provides independent assurance to Member States and other stakeholders regarding proper use of the resources of the United Nations entities.  It reports on financial matters, as well as on regularity and performance issues.  It plays a significant role in assisting the United Nations to improve its operations and internal control systems.  The findings and recommendations of the Board have led to continuous systematic improvements in the functioning of the United Nations.

    This year the Board audited the financial statements and reviewed the operations of 18 organizations and submitted the reports to the General Assembly.  All the audited entities received unqualified opinions.  Key trends and cross-entity issues have been gathered in the Board’s Concise Summary report, which focused specifically on inter-agency cooperation as a way to improve cost effectiveness.  The Board further produced three reports for submission to other governing bodies.  More detailed information about the Board’s findings can be found in the individual reports published on the Board’s website (http://www.un.org/en/auditors/board/).

    ANNEX

    List of Board Reports

    Reports Submitted to General Assembly

    France

    1. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
    2. United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF)
    3. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees – (UNHCR)
    4. Concise summary of findings and conclusions

    China

    5. United Nations, Vol.1
    6. International Trade Centre (ITC)
    7. United Nations Office for Projects Services (UNOPS)
    8. United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)
    9. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
    10. United Nations Human Settlement Fund (UN-Habitat)

    Brazil

    11. United Nations University (UNU)
    12. United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
    13. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
    14. United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNODC)
    15. United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women (UN-Women)
    16. International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (IRMCT)
    17. United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund
    18. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

    Reports Submitted to Other Governing Bodies

    France

    19. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
    20. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

    China

    21. UNRWA Staff Provident Fund

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: 4.48 Psychosis revival: the play’s window into a mind on the edge is as brutal as ever

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leah Sidi, Associate Professor of Health Humanities, UCL

    Under bright lights, the audience looks at a bare stage on two planes. Below, a small stage is white and empty, occupied only by a table and two chairs. Above, a huge, slanted mirror reflects a bird’s-eye view of the stage to the audience. Three middle-aged figures enter the stage without looking at each other. One lies down, staring into the mirror. One stands and one sits. For the next 70 minutes, they will never hold one another’s gaze.

    This is the revival of Sarah Kane’s play 4.48 Psychosis. The production takes place 25 years after the original work, bringing the original cast and creative team back to the Royal Court where the play was first staged – now transferred to The Other Place, a small theatre run by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

    It replicates the staging of the original with precision. The same faces are on the same set, making the same gestures. Even the projections of the street outside show cars from the 1990s. And yet, because this is theatre, there are inevitable differences.


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    The play is a revival and a commemoration. Kane wrote 4.48 Psychosis in the year leading up to her death by suicide in 1999 and completed it during her final stay in a psychiatric hospital. It stages the experience of a suicidal and psychotic mind breaking down.

    About a week after sending the play to her agent, Kane ended her own life. A year later, the original production was staged at the Royal Court, directed by her long-term collaborator James Macdonald and starring three young actors: Daniel Evans, Madeleine Potter and Jo McInnes. All three have returned for this revival.

    4.48 Psychosis is a highly experimental play. It contains dialogue between doctor and patient, poetry, seemingly psychotic speech, lists and quotations from literature and medical documents. In her aims for the play, Kane was both very open and very specific. She described the play in an interview at Royal Holloway University as an attempt to stage the experience of a mind breaking down:

    I’m writing a play called 4:48 Psychosis … It’s about a psychotic breakdown and what happens in a person’s mind when the barriers which distinguish between reality and different forms of imagination completely disappear … you no longer know where you stop and the world starts.

    What’s more, through an experimental style, Kane hoped to make her audience experience some of the distress experienced by the mental collapse being staged. She described this as “making form and content one”.

    How this strange work was to be staged was to be left up to future creatives. She didn’t specify how many actors should perform the work, or provide references to their age or gender. Kane believed that as a playwright, her job was to write the work, and then let directors figure it out.

    The result was that the first performance split the experience of breakdown across three actors. At times, they take on more specific roles such as a patient, a doctor, and a lover or bystander. At others, they all seem to occupy a shared mental reverie.

    Since the original production, 4.48 Psychosis has been staged in multiple ways around the world. French actor Isabelle Huppert performed the first French production largely as a monologue in 2005, with occasional lines delivered by Gérard Watkins as a psychiatrist. Recently in the UK it has been transformed into a successful opera in which a six-person ensemble and full orchestra performed the play’s “hive mind”, and has been performed in a plastic box in British Sign Language.

    When it was first performed in 2000, a year after Kane’s death, the play left a profound impression on its audiences. It was arguably one of the most brutal, head-on representations of mental illness that had ever been seen in British theatre. Reviews from that first production discuss anxieties about whether the play should be viewed as a “suicide note” – a disturbingly “real” reference to Kane’s death.

    Today, such anxieties may seem less relevant. After all, over two decades have passed since Kane’s death, and we are in a very different world when it comes to how we view disclosure of personal struggle. In a culture of mental health awareness campaigns and social media oversharing, the closeness of Kane’s suffering to her work seems less scandalous, and perhaps less unsettling.

    At times, this revival feels a bit more like a repetition, or archival reconstruction than a fresh performance. There are moments that feel dated – for example, the use of pixelated projections.

    The most compelling moments were where something original was introduced due to the more advanced ages of the actors. In my experience, the play is typically performed by a younger cast, as a rageful, energetic cry of despair. It hits differently with a cast in their fifties.

    Madeleine Potter’s resigned, ironic complaints about being mistreated by “Dr This and Dr That” gave the impression of a woman with a lifetime’s experience of inadequate mental health services. And Jo McInnes’s desperate monologue about lost love could be referencing an estranged or dead child, as much as a lover.

    These moments inserted something new into Kane’s iconic last work and underlined that mental suffering is far from being the privilege of the young. More of a slow burn than an explosive cry of anger, this return to 4.48 Psychosis explores mental torment that can persist over a lifetime, revealing it to be as relevant as ever.

    4.48 Psychosis is at The Other Place until July 27.

    Leah Sidi 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. 4.48 Psychosis revival: the play’s window into a mind on the edge is as brutal as ever – https://theconversation.com/4-48-psychosis-revival-the-plays-window-into-a-mind-on-the-edge-is-as-brutal-as-ever-261430

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese team wins RoboCup Humanoid League AdultSize for the first time

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhua) — A team from China’s Tsinghua University has won first place in the AdultSize category of the Humanoid League of the RoboCup World Robot Football Championship, marking the first time China has won the top prize at the competition.

    RoboCup, which has been held since 1997, is one of the most prestigious global robotics competitions. This year, the championship was held in Brazil, with more than 20 teams from 12 countries taking part, including China, the United States, Germany, the Republic of Korea and France.

    The Tsinghua team, with its Chinese-developed Booster T1 robots, dominated the competition, winning convincingly against several opponents, including the University of Texas. In the all-Chinese final, Tsinghua University defeated China Agricultural University, giving the Chinese teams first and second place, a triumph for them.

    As one of the executives at Booster Robotics, the company that developed the T1 robots, noted, participating in the competition requires not only a lightweight, maneuverable, and impact-resistant design, but also complex functions such as real-time environmental perception, cognitive decision-making, advanced motion control, and interaction between multiple intelligent agents. This means that the championship is a comprehensive test of the full range of robot capabilities.

    Industry analysts said the outstanding performance of Chinese robots at the international championship once again demonstrated China’s strong potential in the development and practical application of robotics. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Proliferation of tiger mosquitoes in southern regions of France and of Europe – E-002763/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002763/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), António Tânger Corrêa (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Rody Tolassy (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Susanna Ceccardi (PfE), France Jamet (PfE)

    We are witnessing a veritable invasion of tiger mosquitoes in southern regions of France and of Europe. They are not only harmful, but also pose a health hazard. They are vectors of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus.

    Cases of dengue (178 cases[1] in Occitanie[2] in 2024[3]) and chikungunya have been reported in southern France[4]. In 2023, 82 indigenous dengue cases were reported in Italy[5], and the species has spread to all regions of Romania[6] and Spain[7], even to the most inland areas such as Aragon or Madrid[8].

    Municipalities must carry out investment plans: install mosquito traps[9], eliminate stagnant water or introduce natural predators of the tiger mosquito[10].

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to unlock funds to enable affected European municipalities to invest in measures to combat the tiger mosquito?
    • 2.Will it support the measures to combat the health risk posed by tiger mosquitoes, in particular by releasing sterilised males to prevent their reproduction[11]?
    • 3.Does it intend to launch a European plan to combat tiger mosquitoes – which have been ravaging the southern regions of Europe for many years – in particular through mosquito eradication measures?

    Supporter[12]

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    • [1] According to French Public Health Data, December 2024.
    • [2] Actu.fr (21 July 2024). ‘Tiger mosquito invasion in Tarn: mosquito control operation and measures’, Actu Occitanie, https://actu.fr/occitanie/albi_81004/invasion-de-moustiques-tigres-dans-le-tarn-une-operation-de-demoustication-et-des-mesures_59894192.html.
    • [3] According to the 5 November 2024 epidemiological update by the Occitanie Regional Health Agency (ARS Occitanie), there had been three confirmed indigenous dengue outbreaks.
    • [4] France 24 (18 June 2025). ‘Chikungunya: the two recent indigenous cases are the earliest ever identified in mainland France’, France 24, https://www.france24.com/fr/info-en-continu/20250618-chikungunya-les-deux-cas-autochtones-r%C3%A9cents-sont-les-plus-pr%C3%A9coces-jamais-identifi%C3%A9s-en-m%C3%A9tropole.
    • [5] Based on ECDC data.
    • [6] Romania Insider (8 May 2024). ‘Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus found in Bucharest’, Romania Insider, https://www.romania-insider.com/mosquitoes-west-nile-virus-found-bucharest-2024.
    • [7] Le Petit Journal, Madrid (June 2025). ‘Tiger mosquito in Spain: risk of dengue’, Le Petit Journal, https://lepetitjournal.com/madrid/sante/moustique-tigre-espagne-risques-dengue-388770.
    • [8] According to Carlos III Hospital in Madrid.
    • [9] Department of Tarn (n.d.). ‘The Department is taking action again the tiger mosquito’, Tarn.fr, https://www.tarn.fr/votre-departement/agit-a-vos-cotes/pour-la-sante/le-departement-agit-contre-le-moustique-tigre#:~:text=Le%20d%C3%A9partement%20du%20Tarn%20ne,sont%20concern%C3%A9s%20dont%20le%20Tarn.
    • [10] La Dépêche du Midi (26 May 2025). ‘“This plague is making life miserable for local residents”: how several municipalities in the Tarn region are combating the proliferation of tiger mosquitoes before the summer’, LaDepeche.fr, https://www.ladepeche.fr/2025/====doc–fleau-pollue-la-vie-de-nos-concitoyens-comment-plusieurs-communes-du-tarn-luttent-contre-la-proliferation-des-moustiques-tigres-avant-lete-12690547.php.
    • [11] Mousteek (n.d.). ‘The sterile insect technique tested in Italy’, Mousteek, https://www.mousteek.fr/moustique-tigre-sterile-italie/.
    • [12] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)
    Last updated: 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Wanted for Assaulting a Federal Officer and Destruction of Federal Property Arrested at Southern Border, Returned to Los Angeles

    Source: US FBI

    A man who hurled concrete blocks at law enforcement officers conducting immigration enforcement was taken into custody at the U.S.-Mexican border this morning following his surrender negotiated by FBI agents, who had been seeking his whereabouts since he fled to Mexico in June. 

    Elpidio Reyna, 39, of Compton, was wanted for the alleged assault of a federal officer in the city of Paramount, California, on June 7, 2025.  Reyna was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on June 8.  At approximately 3:30 p.m., Reyna allegedly threw projectiles (later determined to be concrete blocks) at law enforcement vehicles on Alondra Boulevard in Paramount, California, injuring a federal officer and damaging government vehicles.  

    The FBI issued video and photographs taken of the assailant on June 7, and Reyna was identified shortly thereafter. When agents attempted to arrest Reyna, he was not located and agents developed information confirming that he fled to Mexico. Subsequently, Reyna’s photograph and description was publicized in the United States and Mexico.   

    Based on the publicity, Reyna was arrested by authorities in the Mexican State of Sinaloa. Following negotiations, Reyna agreed to surrender to the FBI today.   

    Reyna was arrested at the San Ysidro port of entry by agents with the FBI, assisted by agents with U.S. Customs & Border Protection. FBI agents transported Reyna to Los Angeles, where he will have an initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate today. 

    If convicted, Reyna faces a statutory maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. 

    This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, with the assistance of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thi Ho and Frances Lewis. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada invests in services to support economic integration and fill labour market shortages

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 23, 2025—Ottawa— Canada’s new government has a mandate to build a strong economy by attracting the best talent in the world and filling key labour shortages.

    Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced more than $3.2 billion over three years across more than 520 organizations outside Quebec to improve the integration of newcomers, including into the job market and to reduce labour shortages.

    Settlement services are essential to filling vacancies in high demand sectors such as health care and skilled trades. With increased economic integration, newcomers can apply their skills quickly, fill critical labour gaps, and boost productivity. 

    Funding will be provided to local organizations to deliver tailored services that recognize regional considerations and needs, instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach. Services will include:

    • support with getting a licence or certification in a regulated profession
    • providing job-specific and general language training in English and French 
    • supporting French-speaking newcomers to integrate into francophone communities outside Quebec

    These services will help newcomers build successful lives in Canada by supporting their economic, social, and cultural integration into communities across the country.

    With an outcomes focused approach, Canada will attract a strong workforce and build one Canadian economy – the strongest economy in the G7. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Five ways professional athletes are redefining the limits of age in sport

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Hough, Lecturer Sport & Exercise Physiology , University of Westminster

    Maciej Rogowski Photo/Shutterstock

    In elite sport, the phrase “past your prime” is rapidly being redefined.

    At 38, Jess Fishlock just became the oldest goalscorer in UEFA Women’s Euro history. At Euro 2024, Portuguese defender Pepe made headlines not for a red card or faking injury — but for simply stepping onto the pitch at age 41, becoming the oldest player to feature in a European Championship. Fellow veterans Cristiano Ronaldo (39), Luka Modrić (38), and Keylor Navas (38) also made appearances.

    And it’s not just football. Serena Williams won the Australian Open at 35 (while pregnant). Roger Federer won a Grand Slam at 36. Rafael Nadal became the oldest French Open champion at 36. Novak Djokovic, now 38, won Olympic gold in 2024 and reached the semi-finals of all three Grand Slams this 2025.

    In American sports, Tom Brady retired at 45 after 23 physically punishing NFL seasons. LeBron James, at 39, is still dominating in the NBA, having won the inaugural NBA Cup with the LA Lakers in 2023.

    These aren’t just feel-good stories; they reflect a growing trend. Athletes are staying competitive for longer and pushing the boundaries of peak performance. But how?

    Research backs the shift. A study on Olympic athletes found that between 1992 and 2021, the average age of male Olympians rose from 25 to 27, and female athletes from 24 to 26. In football, a study of UEFA Champions League players found the average player age rose by nearly two years between 1992 and 2018.

    So how are older athletes continuing to thrive in elite sport? Here are some of the key factors.

    1. Smarter training

    Modern athletes benefit from personalised training programmes informed by cutting-edge sports science. Tools like GPS tracking, heart rate variability (HRV), and biomarker analysis help coaches monitor performance, recovery and injury risk.

    Metrics such as HRV, for example, can indicate when an athlete might need more rest, which is crucial for older athletes who take longer to recover after intense competition.

    Athletes are no longer reliant on a single coach. Today, they work with integrated teams – sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and performance analysts – all dedicated to improving their fitness and performance.

    2. Better injury prevention and medical support

    Athletes now undergo regular fitness testing and musculoskeletal screening to identify potential weaknesses before they lead to injury. And when injuries do occur, recovery methods have vastly improved.

    Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries were once considered career-ending for older athletes. But thanks to advanced surgical techniques and biological therapies, recovery is now faster, and athletes return to play much sooner.

    Zlatan Ibrahimović, at age 35, returned to top-level football just seven months after an ACL tear – a feat nearly unthinkable a decade earlier.

    3. Optimised recovery and nutrition

    Ageing athletes have different recovery needs — and sports science has stepped up. Cryotherapy, compression therapy, and advanced sleep protocols all help reduce muscle soreness and accelerate repair.

    Nutrition plays a key role too. Ageing bodies experience more inflammation and slower repair, so diets rich in polyphenols (found in berries, leafy greens, and dark chocolate) are used to support vascular health and recovery. Athletes may also take approved supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and slow degeneration.

    The result? Older athletes can train more consistently and recover faster between games.

    4. Experience and tactical intelligence

    Speed and strength decline with age, but tactical intelligence often improves. Older athletes can compensate for age-related declines in physical capacity with their advanced game-reading skills and spatial awareness. For instance, footballers like Paul Scholes and Andrés Iniesta adapted their playing styles with age, relying more on positioning and passing intelligence than physical capacity.

    5. Financial and legacy incentives

    Today’s stars aren’t just competing for medals – they’re building brands. With massive financial rewards on offer, there’s a clear incentive to prolong careers.

    Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, recently signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr that will see him play until age 42 — reportedly earning an estimated £492 million. For many athletes, the chance to leave a lasting legacy and secure generational wealth keeps them in the game.

    While we can’t stop the biological effects of ageing, today’s athletes are proving we can delay their impact – and even thrive later in life.

    With smarter training, better recovery strategies and cutting-edge medicine, the upper age limit for peak performance continues to stretch. These advances may allow more veteran athletes to defy expectations and continue competing at the highest level.


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

    Paul Hough 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. Five ways professional athletes are redefining the limits of age in sport – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-professional-athletes-are-redefining-the-limits-of-age-in-sport-261028

    MIL OSI –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Mysterious fossil may rewrite story of skin and feather evolution in reptiles

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Valentina Rossi, Postdoctoral researcher, Palaeontology, University College Cork

    A delicate, innocuous little fossil reptile known as Mirasaura grauvogeli – “Grauvogel’s wonder reptile” – is forcing a rethink about the evolution of skin and its appendages such as feathers and hair.

    These newly discovered fossils, from the Middle Triassic (247 million years old)
    Grès à Voltzia site in northeast France, preserve evidence of some of the most astonishing soft-tissue features described to date in ancient reptiles. We are two of the authors of a new paper on these finds, published in Nature.

    These fossils show that the tree dwelling Mirasaura had a large and startling crest along its back. The crest is formed by elongated appendages that are neither scales, feathers nor hair.

    Until now, complex skin outgrowths such as feathers were thought to have evolved only much later – in birds, dinosaurs and pterosaurs. This probably occurred through a single origin in the common ancestor of these animals. In all other types of reptile, the only skin outgrowths present are scales.

    Mirasaura has overthrown this paradigm in sensational fashion. Compared with the size of its body, the long blades of its tall dorsal crest are enormous. Closer inspection reveals this crest comprised individual, overlapping appendages, each with a narrow central ridge and a lobed outline, similar to the shaft and form of feathers.

    However, the fossil structures seem to lack the fine branching architecture that characterises most feathers in modern birds. What’s more, Mirasaura is not related to birds, dinosaurs or pterosaurs, but instead belongs to a very ancient group of reptiles, the drepanosauromorphs, that are known only from the Triassic.

    The holotype of Mirasaura (State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart, Germany) showing its bird-like skull and crest along its back.
    Copyright: Stephan Spiekman, CC BY-NC-ND

    The soft tissues of Mirasaura are preserved as a thin brown film, rich in fossil melanosomes – cell structures that contain the pigment melanin during life. Research by our team at University College Cork and others has revealed widespread preservation of fossilised melanosomes in ancient vertebrates. These pigment granules can actually be used to reconstruct melanin-based colour patterns in extinct animals.

    Our team’s research has shown that fossil melanosomes can also help reconstruct the soft tissue anatomy of fossil animals, because melanosomes from different body tissues have different shapes and sizes. Our comprehensive examination of the fossilised soft tissues in Mirasaura, coupled with rigorous statistical analysis of the preserved melanosomes, reveals that their geometry is consistent with melanosomes in feathers, but not with melanosomes found in hair and in reptilian skin. This strongly suggests the Mirasaura skin appendages share common developmental features with feathers.

    Were the Mirasaura structures feathers, then? The solid, continuous blade of soft tissues either side of the central shaft shows no evidence for branching, which is a defining characteristic of most feathers in birds, dinosaurs and pterosaurs. The water is muddied, however, by the simple unbranched structure of some peculiar feathers in birds – such as the bristles of the turkey’s “beard”. Similar unbranched filaments are known in many dinosaurs and pterosaurs, and are widely considered to represent simple feathers.

    Certain dinosaur fossils even have flattened, strip-like feathers that lack branching but possess a central shaft, considered by some experts to be an unusual – extinct – feather type. Whether the resemblance between these fossil structures and the Mirasaura skin outgrowths is superficial or belies closer evolutionary ties remains to be seen.

    Fossil specimen of a large crest of Mirasaura, hosted by the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart.
    Copyright: Stephan Spiekman, CC BY-NC-ND

    Intriguingly, research on the developing chick embryo shows that feathers can lose their branched structure when certain genes are manipulated. We are currently examining in greater detail the morphology and composition of the Mirasaura structures to help us interpret their anatomy more definitively.

    Irrespective of what type of skin outgrowth they represent, our analyses of the anatomy of Mirasaura consistently position it, as well as other drepanosauromorph reptiles, at the base of the reptile tree. This supports data from developmental biology indicating that the genetic basis for the growth of complex skin appendages probably originated in the Carboniferous period, over 300 million years ago.

    Mirasaura therefore provides the first direct evidence that complex skin appendages did appear early during reptile evolution, and are not unique to pterosaurs, birds and other dinosaurs.

    We owe these new insights to painstaking conservation efforts, which serve as a reminder of the critical importance of natural history collections in conserving our natural heritage.

    The earliest discoveries of Mirasaura remains were unearthed in the 1930s by fossil collector Louis Grauvogel. After decades in the Grauvogel family, these specimens were donated to the State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart in 2019, where careful preparation revealed their true significance.

    Now, the Mirasaura specimens force us to accept that even before the age of dinosaurs, reptiles were evolving striking anatomical traits normally associated with much younger fossils. This adds an intriguing dimension to future research into the origins of feathers, prompting palaeontologists to consider fossils from more diverse reptile groups – and from time periods before the appearance of dinosaurs and their direct ancestors.


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

    Valentina Rossi research is funded by the European Research Council. She is affiliated with University College Cork (UCC)

    Maria McNamara receives funding from the European Research Council and Research Ireland.

    – ref. Mysterious fossil may rewrite story of skin and feather evolution in reptiles – https://theconversation.com/mysterious-fossil-may-rewrite-story-of-skin-and-feather-evolution-in-reptiles-261695

    MIL OSI –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    The Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East Peace Process.

    My Foreign Secretary has been unequivocal: the war in Gaza must end now. Hamas and Israel must both commit to a ceasefire now.

    A ceasefire is within reach and we urge all sides to make it a reality, to secure the release of the hostages, who have been cruelly held by Hamas since 7 October, and to end the appalling suffering of Palestinian civilians.

    I will make three points.

    First, the Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability. Reports and images this week of children dying from starvation are beyond horrific.

    The IDF is shooting at desperate Palestinian civilians on an almost daily basis. Hamas is exploiting this disorder.

    We call on Israel to end these attacks, hold those responsible to account and to work with the UN to implement effective aid distribution in line with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.

    And let me reaffirm the UK’s firm and unequivocal support for the UN and OCHA in their brave efforts to get aid into Gaza.

    We also condemn recent strikes on the WHO in Deir al Balah. Humanitarians and civilians must be protected.

    Second, we condemn Defence Minister Katz’s proposals of forced displacement to Rafah. Illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank continues at pace as well as settler violence, and even terrorism, against Palestinians. This is an accelerating campaign to prevent a Palestinian state.

    We condemn these attacks and call for Israel to hold its citizens to account.

    We also oppose the reintroduction of the E1 settlement plan, which is a flagrant breach of international law.

    Third, we are clear that Hamas must play no future role in the governance of Gaza or be able to threaten Israel’s security again. However, the organisation which represents a credible alternative to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, is being undermined by Israeli actions.

    Israel is withholding $2.6 billion in clearance revenues, crippling the Palestinian economy and pushing essential health and education services to the brink. This is not conducive to Israel’s security.

    President, the United Kingdom is resolute in our commitment to a two-state solution and my Foreign Secretary has been clear that we are prepared to take further action to prevent the forcible erosion of the only viable path to lasting peace.

    Next week’s conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is a vital opportunity to demonstrate the strength of international resolve to secure a better future for Israelis, Palestinians and the region.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Reflections on the CALL/ACBD Conference

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    The following is a guest post by Alexander Salopek, a collection development specialist in the Collection Services Division of the Law Library of Congress. He previously wrote posts on Fred Korematsu’s Drive for Justice, Fred Korematsu Winning Justice, Frances Glessner Lee and the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death, Ibrahim Muteferrika, First Muslim Printer of the Ottoman Empire, and The Coroner’s Court, Westminster, London: Pic of the Week, among others.

    This Memorial Day weekend, I attended the Canadian Association of Law Libraries (CALL/ACBD) conference in Calgary, Canada. Given my background as primarily a U.S. law librarian with most of my formal collection work being done at the U.S. Supreme Court, it was a boon to be able to learn about law librarianship in a different country. I was both lucky and a little unlucky – since the Canadian legal system is in English, although there is a French version of everything too. It is a common law country with a civil law jurisdiction as well. For any U.S. residents who are familiar with law in Louisiana, it is a civil law jurisdiction like Quebec; however, that similarity does not mean that Canada’s legal system is just like the United States. Nothing I understand about the U.S. legal system can be transferred to my understanding of the Canadian legal system without research and engagement in understanding the differences and similarities. It is fascinating that all criminal law is the same everywhere in Canada, even though civil law is different in each provincial jurisdiction.

    Oh, Canada! [Canadian flag] by Flickr user Gavin St. Ours (Sept. 19, 2008) used under Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) , https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.

    Another fact of Canadian law that I find so incredibly reasonable, but never thought about before this conference, is how much history affects how and what laws are passed, and the differences that exist between U.S. and Canadian law. Every time a law was discussed during the conference, the context of when it was passed was also discussed. Seeing how the law in Canada dealt with the problems Canadians were facing helped me realize that U.S. laws also deal with the problems the U.S. and the individual states are facing, and particularly their attempts to solve those problems. I have always been deeply interested in how the facts of a case relate to its outcome and to what lesser extent facts lead to legislation being passed. Travelling to a different country and learning how they view their laws and their history for themselves was a huge revelation for me. This view made it clear why robust foreign and comparative legal collections need to be maintained here in the U.S. to support such research and learning. I left the conference feeling that with hard work and determination, and historic moments in mind, one can interpret and compare the laws in any jurisdiction.

    CALL Attendance badge, May 2025. [photo by Alexander Salopek]

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Compagnie de Financement Foncier : Results of Compagnie de Financement Foncier for the first half of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release for effective and full distribution

    Paris, July 23, 2025

    Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s results for the 1sthalf of 2025

    On July 23, 2025, Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s Board of Directors, chaired by Éric FILLIAT, met to approve the interim financial statements for 2025.

    ***

    I. COMPAGNIE DE FINANCEMENT FONCIER’S BUSINESS ACTIVITY

    In a still uncertain market context, Compagnie de Financement Foncier recorded good performance during the 1st half of 2025 thanks to its secure model, investor confidence and the renewed interest from Groupe BPCE institutions for its competitive refinancing offer.

    • Issuance of covered bonds

    During the 1st half of 2025, Compagnie de Financement Foncier issued €2.8bn in covered bonds, of which €2.5bn in euro benchmark format.

    • In February, Compagnie de Financement Foncier completed a first “dual-tranche” issuance of €1.25bn. The €750m and €500m tranches were issued with maturities of five and ten years respectively. The strong rate of oversubscription and the diversified allocation in terms of geographic area and investor type confirmed the success of this operation.
    • In May, Compagnie de Financement Foncier carried out a second “dual-tranche” issuance of €1.25bn, with the tranches of €500m and €750m carrying maturities of four and nine years respectively. Total demand with very high oversubscription reached €4.1bn.

    Compagnie de Financement Foncier also continued its currency diversification by issuing two tranches in CHF, each for an equivalent of €106.5m, with maturities of five and nine years.

    Compagnie de Financement Foncier also responded to the specific needs of investors through private placements, which are a key component of its issuance strategy, thus demonstrating its ability to offer bespoke solutions.

    • Refinancing of Groupe BPCE receivables

    During the 1st half of 2025, in the context of high competition in the local authorities market, Compagnie de Financement Foncier refinanced a total of €400m in receivables for Groupe BPCE institutions. The majority of this related to primary refinancing operations won by Groupe BPCE institutions.

    II. COMPAGNIE DE FINANCEMENT FONCIER’S INCOME STATEMENT

    In millions of euros (i) 1sthalf 2025 1sthalf 2024
    Net interest margin 60 75
    Net commissions 4 4
    Other bank operating charges (net) -1 -1
    Net banking income 63 78
    General operating expenses -29 -27
    Gross operating income 34 51
    Cost of risk -1 1
    Gains or losses on long-term investments 1 0
    Income before tax 34 52
    Income tax -12 -13
    Net income 22 39

    Net banking income amounted to €63m, down €15m compared to the 1st half of 2024.

    General operating expenses, at €29m, remained under control, and took into account the billing of services carried out by Crédit Foncier, as well as fees and sub-contracting expenses which were contained.

    Gross operating income amounted to €34m.

    The cost of risk represented a net allocation of €1m under the effect of a net individual risk allocation of €0.5m.

    The overall tax expense amounted to €12m, impacted by the income tax surcharge resulting from the French Finance Act for 2025.

    Net income was €22m at June 30, 2025, compared to €39m at June 30, 2024.

    III. BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

    Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s total balance sheet amounted to €59.1bn at June 30, 2025, compared to €61.0bn at December 31, 2024.

    Assets refinanced by Compagnie de Financement Foncier for the Group’s institutions during the 1st half of 2025 mainly concerned the public sector, with a slight increase in their proportion on Compagnie de Financement Foncier’s balance sheet.

    At June 30, 2025, the covered bonds outstanding totaled €51.7bn, including related debts, up slightly compared to December 31, 2024 (€51.5bn).

    IV. PRUDENTIAL INFORMATION

    Although exempt from regulatory requirements with regard to solvency ratios, Compagnie de Financement Foncier calculates a Common Equity Tier One (CET 1) ratio, for its scope and for indicative purposes. At June 30, 2025, this ratio remained well above the thresholds provided for by Regulation 575/2013 (CRR).

    In accordance with the legislation applicable to Sociétés de Crédit Foncier, Compagnie de Financement Foncier maintains a coverage ratio for its privileged liabilities of more than 105%.

    Appendices

    ***

    Unless otherwise stated, the financial data in this press release are estimated as of today’s date and based on the Compagnie de Financement Foncier financial statements. The latter include the individual financial statements and related explanatory notes, prepared in accordance with applicable French accounting standards and Groupe BPCE standards.

    At the date of publication of this press release, the audit procedures carried out by the Statutory Auditors on the interim financial statements are ongoing.

    A wholly-owned subsidiary of Crédit Foncier and Groupe BPCE, and an affiliate of BPCE, Compagnie de Financement Foncier is an authorized specialist credit institution and a Société de Crédit Foncier.

    Regulated information can be found on the website: https://foncier.fr/en/, under “Financial communication/Regulated information”.

    Contact: Investor Relations

    Email: ir@foncier.fr
    Tel.: +33 (0) 1 58 73 55 10

                     

    (i) The rounding of certain amounts expressed in millions of euros in this press release may lead to differences compared with the amounts in euros.

    Attachment

    • Compagnie de Financement Foncier – Results for the first half of 2025

    The MIL Network –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL border operation targets organized crime networks across West Africa

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    7 December 2016

    An INTERPOL-led border security operation across West Africa has resulted in the arrest of human traffickers, migrant smugglers and the seizure of drugs, stolen vehicles, cash and counterfeit goods.

    The INTERPOL-led border security operation Adwenpa II across West Africa has resulted in the arrest of human traffickers, migrant smugglers and the seizure of drugs, including nearly 90 kg of methamphetamine (pictured), stolen vehicles, cash and counterfeit goods.

    Cocaine, cannabis, heroine and 90 kg of methamphetamine were among the drugs seized during Operation Adwenpa II.

    Ivory carvings seized in Conakry, Guinea during the INTERPOL-led border security operation across West Africa.

    INTERPOL National Central Bureaus coordinated activities on the ground, exchanging real-time data via INTERPOL’s global policing network supported by specialized officers from the General Secretariat and the Regional Bureau in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Cash seized by officers in Benin during Operation Adwenpa II during which more than 100 frontline officers used INTERPOL global policing capabilities to identify criminals, victims and illicit goods at 28 key border control points across 14 countries.

    More than 20 vehicles, including luxury cars from Belgium, France and Italy, recorded as stolen via INTERPOL databases were recovered during Operation Adwenpa II.

    Counterfeit goods including cigarettes, pharmaceuticals and food products were seized during the eight-day operation.

    During the eight-day (14 – 21 November) Operation Adwenpa II, more than 100 frontline officers used INTERPOL global policing capabilities to identify criminals, victims and illicit goods at 28 key border control points across 14 countries.

    With several of the involved countries part of key people smuggling routes to Europe, at the Kourémalé checkpoint on the Mali/Guinea border, seven Guinean nationals were arrested on suspicion of facilitating the illegal immigration of seven men and women aged between 16 and 22, heading towards Italy.

    At the same checkpoint, 10 men being trafficked to Europe via Libya and to gold mines in Guinea were rescued and two men arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

    At Dakola on the Burkina Faso/Ghana border, seven children from Cote d’Ivoire aged between 11 and 16 were taken into protective custody and two men from Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

    Other key results include:

    • The seizure of more than 20 vehicles – including luxury cars from Belgium, France and Italy – recorded as stolen via INTERPOL databases;
    • Multiple seizures of drugs including cocaine, cannabis, heroine and 90 kg of methamphetamine;
    • The identification, arrest and extradition from Dakar’s Léopold-Sédar-Senghor airport of a Central African Republic national wanted by France for armed robbery;
    • The recovery of USD 332,000 in cash concealed in luggage and vehicles;
    • The seizure of counterfeit goods including cigarettes, pharmaceuticals and food products. Fake military badges and uniforms were also seized.

    “INTERPOL clearly recognizes the severity of the transnational organized crime problem in this region, and has made it a priority to provide a wide range of tools and services to help member countries reinforce their border security procedures and coordinate police action with their neighbours,” said Commissaire Divisionnaire Kambile Pale Elie of the Cote d’Ivoire National Police.

    INTERPOL National Central Bureaus coordinated activities on the ground, exchanging real-time data via INTERPOL’s global policing network supported by specialized officers from the General Secretariat and the Regional Bureau in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Checks of airline passengers and crew were also made against INTERPOL’s databases to determine if any individuals were attempting to illegally enter countries using a passport reported lost or stolen to INTERPOL, or were wanted internationally.

    “Operation Adwenpa II demonstrates what can be achieved when law enforcement officers on the ground are given the INTERPOL training and tools needed to detect crime and criminals effectively,” said Tim Morris, INTERPOL’s Executive Director of Police Services.

    “West Africa’s border management capacity has been boosted in a sustainable manner, demonstrating the importance of INTERPOL’s global capabilities and support services in strengthening national and regional security,” added Mr Morris.

    Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, Adwenpa II builds on the success of the first operation conducted in February as part of a two-year Capacity Building Programme to Strengthen Border Management in West Africa.

    With sustainability an integral part of the programme, a series of capacity building training sessions including a train-the-trainer session were held throughout West Africa prior to the operation.

    Operation Adwenpa II partners include WCO, UNODC, and INTERPOL’s FormaTrain network which deployed vehicle identification experts to key land borders.

    Countries which participated in Operation Adwenpa II: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL-led operation dismantles criminal networks behind fake goods

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    8 December 2016

    LYON, France – An INTERPOL-led operation has resulted in police across the Americas dismantling 34 criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of fake and illicit goods worth tens of millions of dollars.

    An INTERPOL-led operation has resulted in police across the Americas dismantling 34 criminal networks involved in the production and distribution of fake  and illicit goods worth tens of millions of dollars.

    “Operation Jupiter provides an opportunity to harmonize our efforts in combating the criminal networks behind counterfeiting and smuggling operations across the region,” said Vicente Romero Fernandez, Director General of the Peruvian National Police.

    With millions of dollars in profits at stake, the criminal groups do not hesitate to use force in defending their networks and operational bases, meaning many of the interventions had to be conducted with support from specialized armed riot forces.

    As part of the INTERPOL-led Operation Jupiter 2016, hundreds of interventions at a range of locations including shops, warehouses and market were made by police and customs across eight countries.

    Food, mobile phones, toys, alcohol and electronic components were among the more than three million fake items worth an estimated USD 93 million seized alongside drugs, guns and ammunition during Operation Jupiter 2016.

    Police and customs officers in Brazil conducted joint operations and checks  in the tri-border area resulting in the seizure of tobacco, medicines, drugs and arms.

    In Chile, police dismantled two illegal workshops, one broadcasting paid TV channels without authorisation and the other counterfeiting music.

    Operation Jupiter 2016 was preceded by a planning meeting and capacity building training course where 40 investigators from nine countries and private sector partners shared intelligence and investigative techniques against counterfeiting and illicit trade.

    More than 650 interventions were made by police and customs officials across eight countries during Operation Jupiter 2016, with nearly 240 individuals arrested or placed under investigation.

    Intelligence gathered by officers in Colombia enabled investigators to identify five criminal groups producing, smuggling and distributing fuel, alcoholic drinks and clothing.

    Information shared via I-24/7, INTERPOL’s secure police communications network, during the operation is now being analysed against the Organization’s databases to identify potential links with other criminal networks.

    More than one million items were seized by Peruvian National Police which dismantled 25 illicit workshops producing goods including clothing and drinks.

    More than 650 interventions were made by police and customs officials across eight countries during the two-week (1 – 15 October) Operation Jupiter 2016, with nearly 240 individuals arrested or placed under investigation.

    With millions of dollars in profits being made through smuggling and counterfeiting operations, the criminal groups do not hesitate to use force in defending their networks and operational bases, meaning many of the interventions had to be conducted with support from specialized armed riot forces.

    Food, mobile phones, toys, alcohol and electronic components were among the more than three million fake items worth an estimated USD 93 million seized alongside drugs, guns and ammunition. Information shared via I-24/7, INTERPOL’s secure police communications network, during the operation is now being analysed against the Organization’s databases to identify potential links with other criminal networks.

    In Argentina officers intercepted two containers marked as a charitable donation of hospital equipment and supplies, but which also held USD 1 million worth of illegally imported computers, professional film making equipment and drones. Checks of the hospital supplies showed them to be either expired or in poor condition and some containing clinical waste substances posing a serious risk of infection.

    Officers in Brazil seized more than 10,000 illegally imported used car batteries, many of which were improperly stored and leaking sulphuric acid and lead – both carcinogenic substances – into the soil, risking contamination of the local water supply.

    In Chile, police dismantled two illegal workshops, one broadcasting paid TV channels without authorisation and the other counterfeiting music. In Colombia, intelligence gathered during the operation led to the identification of five criminal groups involved in the production and smuggling of fuel, clothes, alcohol and food.

    Officials in Paraguay identified and shut down an illicit tobacco factory and Peruvian National Police dismantled a total of 25 workshops producing a range of illicit goods including clothing, soft drinks, alcohol as well as fake designer labels and tags.

    “Operation Jupiter provides an opportunity to harmonize our efforts in combating the criminal networks behind counterfeiting and smuggling operations across the region,” said Vicente Romero Fernandez, Director General of the Peruvian National Police.

    “Peru is committed to tackling this form of criminality and also engaging the public to make them aware that buying fake or illicitly traded goods are not bargains, but potentially life-threatening products which fund organized crime networks,” added Director General Fernandez.

    The operation was preceded by a planning meeting and capacity building training course at INTERPOL’s Regional Bureau in Buenos Aires. The session, supported by the US Patent and Trademark Office, brought together 40 investigators from nine countries and private sector partners to share intelligence and investigative techniques against counterfeiting and illicit trade.

    Countries which took part in Operation Jupiter 2016: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Global corruption in forestry sector worth USD 29 billion a year – INTERPOL report

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    9 December 2016

    LYON, France – An INTERPOL report released on International Anti-Corruption Day underlines the scale of criminal activity tied to the forestry sector and the importance of coordinating anti-corruption efforts to protect forests.
     
    Among its key findings, the report entitled Uncovering the Risks of Corruption in the Forestry Sector estimates that the annual global cost of corruption in the forestry sector is worth some USD 29 billion.
     
    It also found that bribery is reported as the most common form of corruption in the forestry sector. Other forms of corruption include fraud, abuse of office, extortion, cronyism and nepotism.
     
    The report says that criminal networks use corruption and bribe officials to establish ‘safe passage’ for the illegal movement of timber. Criminal groups also exploit these routes to transport other illicit goods such as drugs and firearms.
     
    It includes an example from Peru where the mayor of an important timber trading city was arrested for his involvement in drug trafficking through plywood shipments. The mayor controlled a timber business that had been used to strategically build a logistical network for bribing officials to move illegally harvested timber out of the country.
     
    Using this network, the mayor and other drug traffickers were able to move cocaine hidden in plywood shipments. Upon arrest, police seized assets worth USD 71 million which could not be accounted for.
     
    “By raising awareness and documenting current corruption practices as well as potential solutions, we empower law enforcement officers in the field. This increases the chances of criminals getting caught and is one of the greatest deterrents to corruption,” said INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock.

    INTERPOL’s report released on International Anti-Corruption Day underlines the scale of criminal activity tied to the forestry sector and the importance of coordinating anti-corruption efforts to protect forests.

    In 2012, INTERPOL launched Project Leaf to counter various aspects of forestry crime, including illegal logging and timber trafficking, and related crimes such as corruption.

    “An international, coordinated response is an essential part of the solution to combat the organized transnational criminal groups involved in forestry crime. Our collective goal must be to turn corruption into a high risk, low profit activity,” added the Head of INTERPOL.

    To this end the key measures that the report recommends include capacity building across the entire law enforcement chain, enhanced financial investigation techniques, and adoption of INTERPOL’s I-24/7 global secure communications network for anti-corruption investigators.

    In 2012, INTERPOL launched Project Leaf to counter various aspects of forestry crime, including illegal logging and timber trafficking, and related crimes such as corruption.

    Under the Project, INTERPOL can issue international notices and alerts on behalf of member countries to request information on, and warn of, the movements and activities of people, vehicles and vessels.
     
    It can also organize national and regional training sessions relevant to forestry crime, including evidence collection, chain-of-custody and operational planning.

    Funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development, Project Leaf works in collaboration with UN Environment to help shape a global response to forestry crime.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL operation targeting phone scams nets 1,500 arrests

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    LYON, France – More than 1,500 people have been arrested in an INTERPOL-coordinated operation targeting multi-million euro telephone and e-mail scams across Asia.

    More than 1,500 people were arrested in an INTERPOL-coordinated operation targeting multi-million euro telephone and e-mail scams across Asia.

    Operation First Light 2016 targeted a variety of social engineering fraud scams and related financial crimes.

    Operation First Light 2016 saw police across the region conduct raids of suspicious call centres, with the largest in the Philippines where police arrested some 1,300 Chinese nationals working in a single location as part of a massive criminal operation.

    The suspects were engaged in a range of criminal activities from the same building, including telephone scams aimed at victims in China, money laundering and illegal online gambling.

    Based on intelligence exchanged in the framework of the operation, in December police in Spain arrested more than 200 Chinese nationals and shut down 13 call centres in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante which scammed thousands of victims out of some EUR 16 million.

    In this case, the suspects posed as law enforcement or justice officials, telling the victims in China that their bank accounts had been targeted by criminals and directing them to transfer a sum of money into a designated bank account in order to track the criminals.

    The two-month operation targeted a variety of social engineering fraud scams – including telephone deception, romance scams and e-mail deception – and related financial crimes.

    ‘Social engineering fraud’ refers to scams which manipulate or trick people into giving out confidential or personal information which can then be used for financial gain by the criminals involved.

    “By sharing information through INTERPOL, police can overcome the challenges in investigating international telephone fraud, such as criminals frequently changing locations or IP addresses, and build working relationships to prevent similar criminal activity in the future,” said Makoto Tanase, Coordinator of INTERPOL’s Financial Crimes unit.

    INTERPOL’s Financial Crimes unit, in conjunction with the Liaison Office in Bangkok, facilitated the exchange of information and coordinated the joint police action during the operation, which took place between 1 October and 30 November.

    Korean, Thai and Indian nationals were also among those arrested, with additional countries in Europe and the Americas contributing intelligence or providing investigative support. In addition to social engineering fraud, the suspects also face charges of payment card fraud and related financial crimes.

    Countries participating in Operation First Light 2016 included: Austria, China, Hong Kong (China), Japan, Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste and the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Songbo Hu, PhD Candidate, University of Cambridge

    Language technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) hold significant potential for public health. From outbreak detection systems that scan global news in real time, to chatbots providing mental health support and conversational diagnostic tools improving access to primary care, these innovations are helping address health challenges.

    At the heart of these developments is natural language processing, an interdisciplinary field within AI research. It enables computers to interpret, understand and generate human language, bridging the gap between humans and machines. Natural language processing can process and analyse enormous volumes of health data, far more than humans could ever handle manually. This is especially valuable in regions with a stretched healthcare workforce or limited public health surveillance infrastructure, because it enables faster, data-driven responses to public health needs.

    Recently, our interdisciplinary team, combining expertise from computer science, human geography and health sciences, conducted a review of studies on how language AI is being used for public health in African countries. Almost a decade’s worth of academic research was analysed, to understand how this powerful technology is being applied to pressing human needs.

    Out of 54 research publications, we found that evidence of real-world effects of the technology was still rare. Only 4% of these studies (two out of 54) showed measurable improvements in public health, such as boosting people’s mood or increasing vaccine intentions.

    Most projects stop at technology development and publication. Very few advance to real-world use or impact. Opportunities to improve health and well-being across the continent could be missed as a result.

    Current limitations

    In recent years, AI language technologies for public health have increased rapidly. This wave of technology development really took off as the COVID-19 pandemic renewed attention to public health. Health chatbots and sentiment analysis tools were developed in Africa and beyond.

    Research on language AI for public health in Africa. Supplied

    Health chatbots “talk” to people and provide reliable health information in a friendly, conversational way. Sentiment analysis tools scan social media posts to understand what people are feeling and talking about. Together they can identify misinformation or changes in public opinion and then provide accurate information.

    Of course, new technologies come with imperfections. We found that most technologies for public health in Africa exist in just a few languages whose dominance can be traced to colonial times, namely English and French.

    The consequences are clear: key health messages fail to reach many communities, leaving millions unable to access or act on essential information.

    We also found that few projects have gone beyond the laboratory development stage. Our study found only one system in operation that had a measurable public health effect.

    A successful model

    This standout example comes from a team at the Center for Global Development and the University of Chicago, in partnership with the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics. Their chatbot, deployed on Facebook Messenger, was designed for people in Kenya and Nigeria who were hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. It was only available in English.

    More than 22,000 social media users used this app, sharing vaccine-related questions and concerns. The chatbot provided tailored, evidence-based responses to topics ranging from vaccine effectiveness and safety to misinformation. Its effect was notable. The intervention boosted users’ intention and willingness to get vaccinated by 4%-5%. The strongest effects were seen among those most hesitant to begin with.

    Behind this success was the researchers’ commitment to understanding the local context. Before launching the chatbot, in-depth discussions were held with focus groups and social media users in Kenya and Nigeria. The aim was to learn about the specific worries and cultural factors shaping attitudes toward vaccination.

    The chatbot was designed to address these concerns. This user-centred, locally adapted approach enabled the chatbot’s messages to address real barriers. As this example demonstrates, language technologies for public health are most effective when responding to the concerns and needs of the intended users.

    From lab to life

    These technologies take time and money to be put into practice. The COVID-19 pandemic jump-started development but public health language AI technologies are very new. It could be that a future survey would find a very different situation.

    At the same time, advances in large language models such as GPT-4 are rapidly lowering the technical barriers to developing language technologies. These models can often be adapted to new applications with far less data and effort than previous methods. Recent advances could enable small teams of researchers or even individual developers to build tools tailored to the specific needs of their own communities. The path from lab to real-world effects may become much shorter and easier.

    Investors, accelerators and state support could help make this transition from lab to life happen.

    Technology developers can also contribute by rooting their work in community-driven, multi-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. Social science and public health research knowledge and skills can inform the design and development of new technologies.

    To maximise the potential of language technologies for public health, the following needs to happen:

    • involving communities and health workers in natural language processing design

    • expanding provision in indigenous African languages

    • integrating language technologies into existing health systems.

    Future research and development must move beyond technical prototypes and laboratory tests to rigorous real-world evaluations that measure health outcomes.

    The other co-authors behind this research are: Abigail Oppong, Ebele Mogo, Charlotte Collins, and Giulia Occhini.

    – AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters
    – https://theconversation.com/ai-chatbots-can-boost-public-health-in-africa-why-language-inclusion-matters-260861

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Analysis: AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters

    Source: The Conversation – Africa (2) – By Songbo Hu, PhD Candidate, University of Cambridge

    Language technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) hold significant potential for public health. From outbreak detection systems that scan global news in real time, to chatbots providing mental health support and conversational diagnostic tools improving access to primary care, these innovations are helping address health challenges.

    At the heart of these developments is natural language processing, an interdisciplinary field within AI research. It enables computers to interpret, understand and generate human language, bridging the gap between humans and machines. Natural language processing can process and analyse enormous volumes of health data, far more than humans could ever handle manually. This is especially valuable in regions with a stretched healthcare workforce or limited public health surveillance infrastructure, because it enables faster, data-driven responses to public health needs.

    Recently, our interdisciplinary team, combining expertise from computer science, human geography and health sciences, conducted a review of studies on how language AI is being used for public health in African countries. Almost a decade’s worth of academic research was analysed, to understand how this powerful technology is being applied to pressing human needs.

    Out of 54 research publications, we found that evidence of real-world effects of the technology was still rare. Only 4% of these studies (two out of 54) showed measurable improvements in public health, such as boosting people’s mood or increasing vaccine intentions.

    Most projects stop at technology development and publication. Very few advance to real-world use or impact. Opportunities to improve health and well-being across the continent could be missed as a result.

    Current limitations

    In recent years, AI language technologies for public health have increased rapidly. This wave of technology development really took off as the COVID-19 pandemic renewed attention to public health. Health chatbots and sentiment analysis tools were developed in Africa and beyond.

    Health chatbots “talk” to people and provide reliable health information in a friendly, conversational way. Sentiment analysis tools scan social media posts to understand what people are feeling and talking about. Together they can identify misinformation or changes in public opinion and then provide accurate information.

    Of course, new technologies come with imperfections. We found that most technologies for public health in Africa exist in just a few languages whose dominance can be traced to colonial times, namely English and French.

    The consequences are clear: key health messages fail to reach many communities, leaving millions unable to access or act on essential information.

    We also found that few projects have gone beyond the laboratory development stage. Our study found only one system in operation that had a measurable public health effect.

    A successful model

    This standout example comes from a team at the Center for Global Development and the University of Chicago, in partnership with the Busara Center for Behavioral Economics. Their chatbot, deployed on Facebook Messenger, was designed for people in Kenya and Nigeria who were hesitant about COVID-19 vaccines. It was only available in English.

    More than 22,000 social media users used this app, sharing vaccine-related questions and concerns. The chatbot provided tailored, evidence-based responses to topics ranging from vaccine effectiveness and safety to misinformation. Its effect was notable. The intervention boosted users’ intention and willingness to get vaccinated by 4%-5%. The strongest effects were seen among those most hesitant to begin with.

    Behind this success was the researchers’ commitment to understanding the local context. Before launching the chatbot, in-depth discussions were held with focus groups and social media users in Kenya and Nigeria. The aim was to learn about the specific worries and cultural factors shaping attitudes toward vaccination.

    The chatbot was designed to address these concerns. This user-centred, locally adapted approach enabled the chatbot’s messages to address real barriers. As this example demonstrates, language technologies for public health are most effective when responding to the concerns and needs of the intended users.

    From lab to life

    These technologies take time and money to be put into practice. The COVID-19 pandemic jump-started development but public health language AI technologies are very new. It could be that a future survey would find a very different situation.

    At the same time, advances in large language models such as GPT-4 are rapidly lowering the technical barriers to developing language technologies. These models can often be adapted to new applications with far less data and effort than previous methods. Recent advances could enable small teams of researchers or even individual developers to build tools tailored to the specific needs of their own communities. The path from lab to real-world effects may become much shorter and easier.

    Investors, accelerators and state support could help make this transition from lab to life happen.

    Technology developers can also contribute by rooting their work in community-driven, multi-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration. Social science and public health research knowledge and skills can inform the design and development of new technologies.

    To maximise the potential of language technologies for public health, the following needs to happen:

    • involving communities and health workers in natural language processing design

    • expanding provision in indigenous African languages

    • integrating language technologies into existing health systems.

    Future research and development must move beyond technical prototypes and laboratory tests to rigorous real-world evaluations that measure health outcomes.

    The other co-authors behind this research are: Abigail Oppong, Ebele Mogo, Charlotte Collins, and Giulia Occhini.

    Songbo Hu currently receives funding from the Cambridge Trust.

    Anna Barford currently receives funding from UKRI and the Mastercard Foundation. She has previously received funding from the the British Aacdemy, ESRC, Leverhulme Trust, CPEST, the University of Cambridge, Unilever (via a philanthropic donation to the University) and the Asian Development Bank. Anna is the Co-Director of the Business Fights Poverty Institute and a consultant to the International Labour Organization.

    Anna Korhonen receives funding from UKRI, and has previously received funding from MRC, EPSRC, NERC, Royal Society, ERC, and philantrophic donations to the University of Cambridge.

    – ref. AI chatbots can boost public health in Africa – why language inclusion matters – https://theconversation.com/ai-chatbots-can-boost-public-health-in-africa-why-language-inclusion-matters-260861

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester Day this weekend – everything you need to know!

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester’s favourite day of the year is back this weekend with a fantastic day of free music-themed family fun on Saturday (26 July) to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent and this year’s big summer of live music in the city.

    Inspired by what is proving to be a sensational summer of music in Manchester, expect pop-up performances, astounding acrobatics and banging beats throughout the city’s streets and squares as the whole city comes together for Manchester Day 2025.

    The council has worked with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day this year that is full of surprises and promises lots of free fun all with a musical twist.

    The day kicks off with a mini parade at 12 noon from St Peter’s Square, that will make its way along Deansgate and on to the Cathedral.  Led by two fantastical creatures, and with over 400 participants, including live bands, dancing birds, plenty of drummers and some of Manchester’s many community groups dancing and performing their way along the route in a riot of colour and sound, it’s definitely one not to miss.

    From English National Opera and Walk the Plank teaming up with football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, a hip-hop wrestling ring, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage, the day will see non-stop surprises throughout. 

    Expect sparks to fly as the world’s largest dhol drum rolls into town, opening up to reveal dancers and drummers, whilst award-winning dance company Levantes will be dressed to impress at their ‘High Tea with a Twist’, in New Cathedral Street. 

    Throw some shapes and bust some moves over on the Deansgate dancefloor where Moroccan trance music and Bhangra dance will be the order of the day, whilst French street theatre company Stoptoï will be combining dance, drumming and juggling in a brand-new, high-energy show on St Mary’s Gate.

    Enjoy music and performance from some of Manchester’s finest groups including the Bridgewater Hall Singers, or kick back and relax with a drink at the Capri Beach bar, before having a wander around one of the city-wide music trails, exploring Manchester’s musical heritage and hotspots. 

    Don’t miss the Perfect Pitch Three O’clock Kick-off, or the show-stopping grand finale in Cathedral Gardens combining opera singing and football chants at 4:30 pm in Cathedral Gardens, where a main stage will feature a fantastic programme of music throughout the day, The Urban Playground Team will perform Zoo Humans, a parkour performance piece that blends movement and storytelling.

    The day will also see a whole host of free have-a-go activities for youngsters of all ages to join in with from circus skills, drumming workshops, and ukulele introduction sessions, to music-themed craft activities and the ever-popular sport pop-ups.

    Manchester Day visitors are also invited this year to join Manchester Opera House for an exclusive free behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic venue, with the chance also to take part in special performance-themed workshops, or to try their hand at crafting band posters from recycled show posters.

    And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled throughout the day for a majestic lion, a cheeky gorilla, giant seagulls and a host of marvellous bees and butterflies – just a few of the weird and wonderful walkabout acts waiting to surprise people on the day.

    Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “We’ve got a fantastic Manchester Day lined up for everyone this year which is going all out to celebrate the music our city and our fabulous communities make.  We’ve got an absolute ton of stuff going on for families and people of all ages on Manchester’s favourite day of the year. So shake your maracas, slip on your dancing shoes, prepare to make some noise, and come on down and join us!”

    Manchester Day has been created in collaboration with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank who have also worked with community groups across the city to put together what is set be a vibrant and lively mini parade.

    Liz Pugh, Creative Producer, Walk the Plank, said: “The mini parade celebrates the wonderful creativity and diverse traditions of our modern city and highlights the contribution of some of our newest communities.  We’re bringing the talents of some of Manchester’s finest carnival artists, and will be welcoming back groups like Keep Manchester Tidy and the School of Samba, as well as some exciting newcomers.”

    Manchester Day 2025 is sponsored by Manchester Airport Group, with activations across the city on the day by Red Bull, Capri Beach Club, Shaken Udder, Just My Look, Manchester Originals, and The Cut & Craft.  The event is also backed by Redgate and Department, and partners Great Northern Warehouse and The Opera House, as well as through long-standing partnerships with Biffa and Manchester Evening News.

    Activities run throughout the day on Saturday 26 July from 12 noon to 5 pm.

    Here’s the full lowdown on what’s happening and where throughout the day:

    MINI PARADE
    Fantastical winged creatures, a Phoenix, and beautiful birds of paradise will feature in this year’s mini parade which involves over 20 community groups and bands and more than 400 participants.

    Two playful inflatable Griffins will lead the parade whilst the Queen Bee sits atop her Gondola made from recycled cutlery, repurposed into a beautiful vessel that sails through the streets, and Walk the Plank’s giant Dhol Drum beats out Punjabi rhythms as it makes its way along Deansgate.

    Dancers from the Filipino Anglo Club of Greater Manchester and Colibri Dance bring the traditions of the Philipines and Mexico to Manchester, whilst the Hong Kong Cultural community takes part for the first time with a Phoenix kite-bird and Lo Ting a character who is half-human, half-fish and according to legend is the ancestor of Hong Kong’s people.

    Manchester’s Lithuanian Association will be bringing a Lithuanian legend to life with their Queen of Serpents who changed her children into trees, and the Guangxi Cultural Association will be performing traditional Chinese dance in full costumes.

    Parade highlights also include Manchester Airport Group with their planes, traffic controllers, and dancing chandeliers, and more dance from Ad Hoc Dance, one of the longest running community dance groups, as well as hip hop from young street dancers from FreshSkillz.

    With the Irish pipes of Fiana Phadraig Pipe Band from Wythenshawe, drummers from the Manchester Dhol Players, the Brazilian-inspired brass of Jubacana, two samba bands, and singers from the Perfect Pitch collaboration with English National Opera, it promises to be a loud and lively start to the day. 

    The mini parade leaves St Peter’s Square at 12 noon, travelling along Peter Street to Deansgate, then along the length of Deansgate before ending at the Cathedral at approximately 1 pm.

    CATHEDRAL GARDENS
    Enjoy main stage performances from Baked a la Ska, who will be serving up original tunes along with playful ska-infused covers of your favourite hits, alongside synth pop star Michael Aldag and world music from Manchester International Roots Orchestra.Be transported to the sunny shores of the Caribbean by steel band, Arthur’s Class Act.

    The Urban Playground Team will perform Zoo Humans, a parkour performance piece that blends movement and storytelling. Keep your eyes peeled for a surprise performance later on it the afternoon.

    Plus listen out for chart-topping hits played on ukuleles and a stunning PERFECT PITCH mass choir finale from 4:25 pm featuring football fans, community choirs, internationally acclaimed soprano Camilla Kerslake and some extra surprises. 

    Look out also for pop-up performances from Cocky Robins, beautiful Butterflies, Giant Seagulls, and a pair of post-match footballers who aren’t afraid of getting down in the dirt and a Three o’clock kick-off penalty shoot-out like no other.

    ST ANN’S SQUARE
    Join us in our wrestling ring stage – hosted by Trans Creative’s Kate O’Donnell – for West End showtunes from Sam Buttery, mind boggling magic from Fay Presto, music from rapper OneDa, an acoustic performance from viral sensation Michael Aldag, and opera with a twist from Flat Pack Music, plus hula hooper extraordinaire Danielle de la Wonk, and wrestling demos from Future Shock Pro Wrestling, 

    Marvel at the larger-than-life Birdcage Stage where a giant canary and two musical cats will defy the laws of gravity to try and outwit each other in cartoon capers full of slapstick silliness. Who will end up inside the cage at the end?
    And look out for a lion on the loose and a mischievous stowaway from Borneo.

    DEANSGATE
    Watch the mini parade snake its way along Deansgate between 12 noon and 1 pm, led by two giant fantastical griffins, followed by live bands, dancing birds, drummers and some of Manchester’s many community groups in a riot of colour and sound.

    Marvel as sparks fly when the world’s largest dhol drum rolls into town, opening up to reveal the Nachda Sansaar dancers and drummers.

    Get on down to live acts on the Deansgate dancefloor, including Moroccan trance music, Bhangra dance, Kemoy and the KYSO Collective, and the Soul Beats dance troupe.

    Seasoned cyclists or complete beginners are all invited to join the Manchester Day Pedal Party. Hop onto a balance bike, try out an e-cargo bike, or test a top of the range road bike. There’ll also be accessible, adapted bikes that can be ridden.

    NEW CATHEDRAL STREET
    New Cathedral Street will be alive with the sound of music, as the Bridgewater Hall Singers serenade crowds with songs from across the decades, and ukulele orchestras play chart-topping hits.

    Enjoy High Tea with a Twist with Levantes Dance, who will be dressed to impress and performing daring dance and acrobatics above a tastefully laid tea table, plus hilarious street theatre heroes delivering a sizzling mix of slapstick comedy, and the world’s only mobile football stadium.

    MARKET STREET
    Visit Circus House to learn a whole new set of circus skills.

    Discover the finest regional produce at the Manchester Day Craft Market by Manchester Markets, selling everything from home-made bakes and locally sourced honey, to hand dipped candles and artisan doughnuts.

    ST MARY’S GATE
    Don’t miss French street theatre company Stoptoï combine dance, drumming and juggling in a high-energy show full of rhythm and imagination.

    Get your blood pumping at the 60m, pop up athletic track supplied by GLL, or dive into the fast and furious world of The Hundred, a turbo charged version of traditional test cricket.

    Try batting, bowling, and catching in a special area, meet players from Manchester Originals, and be in with the chance of winning prizes.

    Enjoy astounding acrobatic performances and master a new skill with the folks from Circus House.  

    OPERA HOUSE 
    Take a free, guided, behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic Manchester venue on Quay Street, craft a band poster from recycled show posters, or take part in a performance themed workshop.

    KING STREET
    King Street turns into Guitar Street as the Music for the Senses art trail takes over the city centre, with amazing artworks and interactive installations that celebrate Manchester’s legendary music scene. In association with Wild in Art.

    EXCHANGE STREET
    Make some noise with Manchester Libraries and craft a harmonica or tambourine to take home.  

    MCR LIVE ’25 HUB
    Roll with it at the city’s newest destination on Piccadilly Gardens to help celebrate the mammoth summer of live music in Manchester.

    Grab a drink at the bar, sample some of the North West’s best street food or catch a free DJ or live music act on the outdoor stage. 

    Locations and activities may be subject to change. Find out the most up-to-date information 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Analysis: 4.48 Psychosis revival: the play’s window into a mind on the edge is as brutal as ever

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Leah Sidi, Associate Professor of Health Humanities, UCL

    Under bright lights, the audience looks at a bare stage on two planes. Below, a small stage is white and empty, occupied only by a table and two chairs. Above, a huge, slanted mirror reflects a bird’s-eye view of the stage to the audience. Three middle-aged figures enter the stage without looking at each other. One lies down, staring into the mirror. One stands and one sits. For the next 70 minutes, they will never hold one another’s gaze.

    This is the revival of Sarah Kane’s play 4.48 Psychosis. The production takes place 25 years after the original work, bringing the original cast and creative team back to the Royal Court where the play was first staged – now transferred to The Other Place, a small theatre run by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

    It replicates the staging of the original with precision. The same faces are on the same set, making the same gestures. Even the projections of the street outside show cars from the 1990s. And yet, because this is theatre, there are inevitable differences.


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    The play is a revival and a commemoration. Kane wrote 4.48 Psychosis in the year leading up to her death by suicide in 1999 and completed it during her final stay in a psychiatric hospital. It stages the experience of a suicidal and psychotic mind breaking down.

    About a week after sending the play to her agent, Kane ended her own life. A year later, the original production was staged at the Royal Court, directed by her long-term collaborator James Macdonald and starring three young actors: Daniel Evans, Madeleine Potter and Jo McInnes. All three have returned for this revival.

    4.48 Psychosis is a highly experimental play. It contains dialogue between doctor and patient, poetry, seemingly psychotic speech, lists and quotations from literature and medical documents. In her aims for the play, Kane was both very open and very specific. She described the play in an interview at Royal Holloway University as an attempt to stage the experience of a mind breaking down:

    I’m writing a play called 4:48 Psychosis … It’s about a psychotic breakdown and what happens in a person’s mind when the barriers which distinguish between reality and different forms of imagination completely disappear … you no longer know where you stop and the world starts.

    What’s more, through an experimental style, Kane hoped to make her audience experience some of the distress experienced by the mental collapse being staged. She described this as “making form and content one”.

    How this strange work was to be staged was to be left up to future creatives. She didn’t specify how many actors should perform the work, or provide references to their age or gender. Kane believed that as a playwright, her job was to write the work, and then let directors figure it out.

    The result was that the first performance split the experience of breakdown across three actors. At times, they take on more specific roles such as a patient, a doctor, and a lover or bystander. At others, they all seem to occupy a shared mental reverie.

    Since the original production, 4.48 Psychosis has been staged in multiple ways around the world. French actor Isabelle Huppert performed the first French production largely as a monologue in 2005, with occasional lines delivered by Gérard Watkins as a psychiatrist. Recently in the UK it has been transformed into a successful opera in which a six-person ensemble and full orchestra performed the play’s “hive mind”, and has been performed in a plastic box in British Sign Language.

    When it was first performed in 2000, a year after Kane’s death, the play left a profound impression on its audiences. It was arguably one of the most brutal, head-on representations of mental illness that had ever been seen in British theatre. Reviews from that first production discuss anxieties about whether the play should be viewed as a “suicide note” – a disturbingly “real” reference to Kane’s death.

    Today, such anxieties may seem less relevant. After all, over two decades have passed since Kane’s death, and we are in a very different world when it comes to how we view disclosure of personal struggle. In a culture of mental health awareness campaigns and social media oversharing, the closeness of Kane’s suffering to her work seems less scandalous, and perhaps less unsettling.

    At times, this revival feels a bit more like a repetition, or archival reconstruction than a fresh performance. There are moments that feel dated – for example, the use of pixelated projections.

    The most compelling moments were where something original was introduced due to the more advanced ages of the actors. In my experience, the play is typically performed by a younger cast, as a rageful, energetic cry of despair. It hits differently with a cast in their fifties.

    Madeleine Potter’s resigned, ironic complaints about being mistreated by “Dr This and Dr That” gave the impression of a woman with a lifetime’s experience of inadequate mental health services. And Jo McInnes’s desperate monologue about lost love could be referencing an estranged or dead child, as much as a lover.

    These moments inserted something new into Kane’s iconic last work and underlined that mental suffering is far from being the privilege of the young. More of a slow burn than an explosive cry of anger, this return to 4.48 Psychosis explores mental torment that can persist over a lifetime, revealing it to be as relevant as ever.

    4.48 Psychosis is at The Other Place until July 27.

    Leah Sidi 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. 4.48 Psychosis revival: the play’s window into a mind on the edge is as brutal as ever – https://theconversation.com/4-48-psychosis-revival-the-plays-window-into-a-mind-on-the-edge-is-as-brutal-as-ever-261430

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Varonis Secures HDS Certification, Strengthening Commitment to Health Data Protection in France

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Certification affirms that Varonis’ cloud-native Data Security Platform meets stringent legal requirements for safeguarding personal medical information

    MIAMI, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Varonis Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRNS), the leader in data security, announced it achieved Hébergeur de Données de Santé (Health Data Hosting) certification. This certification is a prerequisite for any organization wishing to host health data in France and provides a framework for the security and protection of personal health data.

    The certification demonstrates Varonis’ ability to meet the requirements as defined in the HDS Referential version 2.0.

    “Varonis is dedicated to upholding the highest international standards for data security,” said Gilad Raz, CIO and VP of Technical Services at Varonis. “Achieving the HDS certification reinforces our commitment to protecting our customers’ health data and complying with local regulations.”

    The HDS accreditation enables Varonis to serve French healthcare customers who are legally required to use HDS-certified providers, meet stringent regulatory requirements, expand its footprint in EU healthcare markets, and reinforce trust by ensuring data handling adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

    To explore the full list of Varonis certifications, visit www.varonis.com/trust.

    Additional Resources

    About Varonis
    Varonis (Nasdaq: VRNS) is the leader in data security, fighting a different battle than conventional cybersecurity companies. Our cloud-native Data Security Platform continuously discovers and classifies critical data, removes exposures, and detects advanced threats with AI-powered automation.

    Thousands of organizations worldwide trust Varonis to defend their data wherever it lives — across SaaS, IaaS, and hybrid cloud environments. Customers use Varonis to automate a wide range of security outcomes, including data security posture management (DSPM), data classification, data access governance (DAG), data detection and response (DDR), data loss prevention (DLP), AI security, identity protection, and insider risk management.

    Varonis protects data first, not last. Learn more at www.varonis.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Tim Perz
    Varonis Systems, Inc.
    646-640-2112
    investors@varonis.com

    News Media Contact:
    Rachel Hunt
    Varonis Systems, Inc.
    877-292-8767 (ext. 1598)
    pr@varonis.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Varonis Secures HDS Certification, Strengthening Commitment to Health Data Protection in France

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Certification affirms that Varonis’ cloud-native Data Security Platform meets stringent legal requirements for safeguarding personal medical information

    MIAMI, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Varonis Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRNS), the leader in data security, announced it achieved Hébergeur de Données de Santé (Health Data Hosting) certification. This certification is a prerequisite for any organization wishing to host health data in France and provides a framework for the security and protection of personal health data.

    The certification demonstrates Varonis’ ability to meet the requirements as defined in the HDS Referential version 2.0.

    “Varonis is dedicated to upholding the highest international standards for data security,” said Gilad Raz, CIO and VP of Technical Services at Varonis. “Achieving the HDS certification reinforces our commitment to protecting our customers’ health data and complying with local regulations.”

    The HDS accreditation enables Varonis to serve French healthcare customers who are legally required to use HDS-certified providers, meet stringent regulatory requirements, expand its footprint in EU healthcare markets, and reinforce trust by ensuring data handling adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

    To explore the full list of Varonis certifications, visit www.varonis.com/trust.

    Additional Resources

    About Varonis
    Varonis (Nasdaq: VRNS) is the leader in data security, fighting a different battle than conventional cybersecurity companies. Our cloud-native Data Security Platform continuously discovers and classifies critical data, removes exposures, and detects advanced threats with AI-powered automation.

    Thousands of organizations worldwide trust Varonis to defend their data wherever it lives — across SaaS, IaaS, and hybrid cloud environments. Customers use Varonis to automate a wide range of security outcomes, including data security posture management (DSPM), data classification, data access governance (DAG), data detection and response (DDR), data loss prevention (DLP), AI security, identity protection, and insider risk management.

    Varonis protects data first, not last. Learn more at www.varonis.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Tim Perz
    Varonis Systems, Inc.
    646-640-2112
    investors@varonis.com

    News Media Contact:
    Rachel Hunt
    Varonis Systems, Inc.
    877-292-8767 (ext. 1598)
    pr@varonis.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Pacvue Partners with Unlimitail, a Leading European Grocery Media Network, to Expand Retail Media Access Across Europe, Starting with Carrefour

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pacvue today announced a strategic partnership with Unlimitail, the retail media network serving over 35 leading retailers across Europe and Latin America.

    This collaboration will expand Pacvue clients’ self-service capabilities by enabling brands and agencies to activate campaigns across Unlimitail’s network via Pacvue’s commerce operating system. It also unlocks incremental demand by opening access to global and regional budgets through Pacvue’s platform. The partnership will begin with Carrefour, the number one grocery player in Europe, with campaigns launchable starting this summer in France.

    This integration reflects the increasing maturity of Europe’s retail media landscape and aligns with the best practices established in the most advanced markets. It also showcases Unlimitail’s and Pacvue’s continued investments in creating a more unified, standardized, and accessible ecosystem through streamlined platforms and partner integrations.

    Through this integration, Pacvue now offers streamlined access to Carrefour France’s onsite media inventory, allowing brands and agencies to seamlessly plan, launch, and optimize retail media campaigns with greater precision, efficiency, and control. The partnership will progressively expand to other countries and other retailers in Europe.

    Strategic Impact for brands and agencies

    This partnership, enabled by Unlimitail’s exclusive retail media offering and ad tech infrastructure, positions Pacvue clients to capitalize on the growth of the European retail media market with more personalized campaigns, real-time optimization, and access to one of the region’s most influential grocery retail media channels.

    This partnership will bring key benefits to brands:

    • Access to exclusive retail media inventory: Activate campaigns across Unlimitail onsite media inventories, starting with Carrefour in France. Reach shoppers in high-impact placements throughout the whole purchase journey.
    • Performance measurement powered by transactional data: Use Pacvue’s platform to monitor and optimize campaigns in real time, with performance insights enriched by retailer’s transactional data.
    • Streamlined access to a top-tier retail media networks: Leverage Pacvue’s platform to easily activate and manage campaigns across one of Europe’s most influential retail media networks and advanced retailers, with centralized visibility and control. This global connectivity for brands and agencies will bring Europe closer to the most mature markets in retail media.

    “At Unlimitail, our mission is to make omnichannel retail media simpler, smarter, and more impactful for brands. Partnering with Pacvue, the worldwide leading Commerce platform, does exactly that, by allowing us to expand the accessibility of our retailer’s inventories to more global agencies and advertisers. This global connectivity, powered by Pacvue tools, is a significant step in steering the European markets towards the most mature countries in retail media. More than ever, we are committed to lead the way in helping brands put retail media at the core of their Marketing & Commerce strategies,” declares Thibault Hennion, COO of Unlimitail.

    Victor De La Fuente, the Head of Global eCommerce at Nestle, shared, “We’re thrilled about the opportunities this partnership between Unlimitail and Pacvue brings. Accessing and managing Carrefour’s data through the Pacvue solution marks a significant advancement in our retail digital media initiatives across Europe, enhancing operational efficiency and driving performance.”

    Unlocking Carrefour’s Retail Media Ecosystem

    This partnership will start by providing access to Carrefour inventories in France. Carrefour.fr welcomes close to 17 million unique monthly visitors, with nearly 2 million new visitors added in the past year (source: Médiamétrie net ratings, February 2025). In France, 1 in 4 people now visit the retailer regularly, with 97% of shoppers still shopping through the website at least 2 years after their first purchase (source: Kantar).

    With such a loyal and high-traffic environment, Unlimitail and Carrefour offer a strong foundation for performance. According to Unlimitail’s latest benchmark study, Retail Media Decoded, Sponsored Product campaigns in Europe on grocery reach an average click-through rate around 1,0%, with 1-1 ROAS above 3x and Halo ROAS around 6x, demonstrating the power of well-executed activations and their impact not only on products, but brands as a whole.

    Pacvue’s Investment in European Expansion

    This announcement comes as Pacvue deepens its investment in Europe with the appointment of Mark James as VP, Head of EMEA. With over 15 years of experience in retail media and digital advertising, James will support the company’s continued growth and localized value for brands across the region.

    The partnership with Unlimitail underscores Pacvue’s commitment to expanding its European footprint. Backed by Mark James’ 15+ years of experience in retail media and digital advertising, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on growth opportunities and foster them for clients in the EMEA region.

    Pacvue CRO Ross McNab commented: “Mark is the ideal leader to drive Pacvue’s growth across the EMEA region. He has deep expertise in retail media and a proven track record. Coupled with our partnership with Unlimitail, this is a big leap forward in our mission to give brands a competitive advantage through cutting-edge retail media capabilities.”

    Romain Schneider, eRetail Media Director at WPP, underscored what this move signals for the brands and advertisers: “We’re always looking for innovative, scalable ways to drive meaningful outcomes for our clients at WPP. The partnership between Pacvue and Carrefour represents a significant advancement for retail media in Europe. Access to Carrefour’s high-traffic, data-rich ecosystem via Pacvue’s platform gives our brands unprecedented precision, speed, and control in campaign execution.”

    About Unlimitail, The Retail Media Powerhouse

    Unlimitail is a global retail media platform enabling brands and retailers to deploy simplified, unified, and optimized retail media strategies. Through deep consumer insights, omnichannel campaign activation, and end-to-end measurement, Unlimitail helps drive visibility and generate sales.

    The company stands out for its advanced advertising technologies through Epsilon Retail Media, offering unified onsite and offsite solutions, as well as its global reach and premium data assets. Unlimitail aggregates over 2 billion monthly page views and connects more than 220 million addressable customers worldwide through 35 retail partners.

    For more information, visit www.unlimitail.com

    Unlimitail Communications Department: communication@unlimitail.com

    About Pacvue

    Pacvue is the leading commerce acceleration platform that integrates retail media, commerce management and measurement. The company’s first-to-market platform drives incrementality, profitability and market share for brands, while turning insights into actionable recommendations. Backed by a global team of experts, Pacvue works with over 70,000 brands and agencies across 95+ retailers worldwide including Amazon, Walmart, Target and Instacart. With the incorporation of Pacvue’s enterprise solution with Helium 10 for SMBs, Pacvue is now the most comprehensive commerce and retail media platform available in the market. Founded in 2018, their global presence includes locations in Chicago, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, London, Shanghai and Tokyo.

    The MIL Network –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Submissions: How the nature of environmental law is changing in defense of the planet and the climate

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Dana Zartner, Professor of International Studies, University of San Francisco

    A 2017 New Zealand law recognizes inherent rights of the Whanganui River. Jason Pratt, CC BY-SA

    While the dangerous effects of climate change continue to worsen, legal efforts to address a range of environmental issues are also on the rise.

    Headlines across the globe tout many of these legal actions: South Korea’s Climate Law Violates Rights of Future Generations; Ukraine is Ground Zero in Battle for Ecocide Law; Paris Wants to Grant the River Seine Legal Personhood; and Montana Court Rules Children Have the Right to a Healthy Environment, to name a few recent examples.

    As an environmental lawyer, I see that most of these suits use one of five legal strategies that have been developed over the past couple of decades. These approaches vary in terms of who is filing the lawsuit, against whom, and whether the underlying legal perspective is based on protecting human rights or the rights of the environment itself. But they all share an innovative approach to protect all life on this planet.

    1. Right to a healthy environment

    In 2022, the United Nations declared that humans have “the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment … essential to protecting human life, well-being and dignity.” More than 150 countries have similar declarations in their constitutions or laws, often alongside protections for other human rights, such as those to education and medical care.

    These rights are held by humans, so people can sue for alleged violations. Typically they sue one or more government agencies, whose responsibility it is to protect human rights.

    One recent case using this approach was Held v. Montana, in which a group of young people in 2024 won a lawsuit against the state of Montana for violating the state constitution’s right to a “clean and healthful environment.” The state Supreme Court agreed with the plaintiffs and struck down a law barring the consideration of climate effects when evaluating proposals for fossil fuel extraction. Similar cases have been heard in the U.S. and other countries around the world.

    Rikki Held, the lead plaintiff in the Montana case, center seated, confers with the Our Children’s Trust legal team before the start of the trial on June 12, 2023.
    William Campbell/Getty Images

    2. The rights of future generations

    A legal concept called “intergenerational equity” is the idea that present generations must “responsibly use and conserve natural resources for the benefit of future generations.” First codified in international law in the 1972 Stockholm Declaration, the principle has been gaining popularity in recent decades. International organizations and national governments have enshrined this principle in law.

    Focused on humans’ rights, these laws allow people and groups to bring claims, usually against governments, for allowing activities that are altering the environment in ways that will harm future generations. One well-known case that relied on this legal principle is Future Generations v. Ministry of the Environment and Others, in which a Colombian court in 2018 agreed with young people who had sued, finding that the Colombian government’s allowance of “rampant deforestation in the Amazon” violated the pact of intergenerational equity.

    3. Government responsibility

    Another human-centered approach is the public trust doctrine, which establishes “that certain natural and cultural resources are preserved for public use” and that governments have a responsibility to protect them for everyone’s benefit.

    While the concept of “public trust” has long existed in the law, recently it has been used to bring suit against governments for their failure to address climate change and other environmental degradation. In Urgenda Foundation v. the State of the Netherlands, a Dutch court held in 2019 that the government has a responsibility to mitigate the effects of climate change due to the “severity of the consequences of climate change and the great risk of climate change occurring.” Since the decision, the Dutch government has sought to reduce emissions by phasing out the use of coal, increasing reliance on renewable energy and aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

    Government responsibility for the public trust was also a basis of the Juliana v. U.S. case, where a group of young people sued the U.S. government for breaching the public trust by not doing enough to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately declined to hear an appeal of a lower court’s ruling, but the lack of a specific ruling by the nation’s highest court has given continued hope to new cases, which continue to be filed based on the same principle.

    A documentary examining the movement to protect the rights of nature.

    4. Rights of nature

    The rights of nature is one of the fastest-growing environmental legal strategies of the past decade. Since Ecuador recognized the rights of Pachamama, the Quechua name for Mother Earth, in its Constitution in 2008, more than 500 laws on the rights of nature have been enacted around the world.

    The principle recognizes the legal rights of natural entities, such as rivers, mountains, ecosystems or even something as specific as wild rice. The laws that grant these rights don’t focus on humans but rather nature itself, often including language that the natural entity has the right to “exist and persist.”

    The laws then provide a mechanism for the natural entity – whether through a specific group assigned legal guardianship or other community efforts – to protect itself by filing lawsuits in court. In the 2018 Colombian case, the court found that the Amazon ecosystem has rights, which must be respected and protected.

    Similarly, in Bangladesh in 2019 the courts recognized the rights of all the country’s rivers, requiring, among other things, a halt on damaging development along the rivers that block their natural flow. The court also created a commission to serve as legal guardians of the country’s rivers.

    The destruction of a dam in Ukraine, which emptied this former reservoir, is being investigated as a possible crime of ecocide.
    Tarasov/Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images

    5. Defining a new crime: Ecocide

    In 2024, the governments of Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa formally proposed that the international community recognize a new crime under international law. Called “ecocide,” the principle takes a nature-focused approach and includes any unlawful act committed with “the knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment.”

    Put another way, what genocide is to humans, ecocide is to nature. It is being proposed as an addition to the 2002 Rome Statute, which created the International Criminal Court to prosecute war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.

    While the idea is relatively new, in addition to the international efforts, several countries have incorporated ecocide into their laws – including Vietnam, France, Chile and Ukraine. A Ukrainian prosecutor is currently investigating the June 2023 destruction of a dam in a Russian-occupied area of the country as a potential crime of ecocide, because of the widespread flooding and habitat destruction that resulted.

    The European Union has also incorporated ecocide into its Environmental Crime Directive, which applies to all EU member countries, providing them with a mechanism to hear ecocide claims in their national courts.

    Using these ideas

    Each of these legal concepts has the potential to increase protection for the environment – and the people who live in it. But determining which strategy has the greatest chance of success depends on the details of the existing law and legal system in each community.

    All of these legal strategies have a role in the fight to protect and preserve the environment as an integral, interdependent living thing that is vitally important to us as humans but also in its own right.

    Dana Zartner is a volunteer with the Earth Law Center assisting with the editing of toolkits and guides, but has not worked on any of its lawsuits.

    – ref. How the nature of environmental law is changing in defense of the planet and the climate – https://theconversation.com/how-the-nature-of-environmental-law-is-changing-in-defense-of-the-planet-and-the-climate-258982

    MIL OSI –

    July 24, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUNMORE, Pa., July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: FDBC) and its banking subsidiary, The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, announced its unaudited, consolidated financial results for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2025.

    Unaudited Financial Information

    Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2025 was $6.9 million, or $1.20 diluted earnings per share, compared to $4.9 million, or $0.86 diluted earnings per share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2024.  The $2.0 million, or 40%, increase in net income resulted primarily from a $2.8 million increase in net interest income coupled with a $0.8 million increase in non-interest income. This was partially offset by a $1.1 million increase in non-interest expense and a $0.6 million increase in the provision for income tax.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025, net income was $12.9 million, or $2.23 diluted earnings per share, compared to $10.0 million, or $1.73 diluted earnings per share, for the six months ended June 30, 2024.  The $2.9 million, or 29%, increase in net income stemmed from the $4.9 million increase in net interest income and $1.1 million increase in non-interest income. This was partially offset by a $2.0 million increase in non-interest expense and a $1.0 million increase in the provision for income tax.

    “I am pleased to share that we delivered another strong quarter, underscoring the continued momentum of our strategy and the dedication of our entire team,” stated Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Second quarter 2025 net income increased 40% over last year’s second quarter to $6.9 million, with diluted earnings per share rising to $1.20. This performance was driven by a 19% increase in net interest income—reflecting our disciplined loan portfolio expansion and enhanced yields as well as a 16% rise in non-interest income.

    Year-to-date, net income has grown 29% to $12.9 million, a clear testament to the strength of our relationship-based deposit strategy and prudent expense management. Our asset quality remains solid, and we further strengthened our capital position, with shareholders’ equity up 7% providing a strong foundation for continued growth in the second half of 2025.

    These results reflect more than financial performance—they speak to the strength of our culture, our commitment to our clients, and our deep roots in the communities we serve. I want to sincerely thank our talented and dedicated team of bankers, whose expertise and focus on service excellence drive our success every day. Together, we continue to build a stronger, more resilient financial institution—one that delivers meaningful value to our bankers, clients, shareholders, and communities.”

    Consolidated Second Quarter Operating Results Overview

    Net interest income was $17.9 million for the second quarter of 2025, a 19% increase over the $15.1 million earned for the second quarter of 2024.  The $2.8 million increase in net interest income resulted from the increase of $3.7 million in interest income primarily due to a $213.6 million increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets and a 19 basis point increase in fully-taxable equivalent (“FTE”) (non-GAAP measurement) yield. The loan portfolio had the most significant impact, producing a $2.8 million increase in FTE interest income from $124.6 million in higher quarterly average balances and an increase of 24 basis points in FTE loan yield. Additionally, the Company experienced an increase of $1.1 million in interest earned from interest-bearing deposits with other financial institutions from $102.0 million in higher average balances. Slightly offsetting the higher interest income, there was a $0.9 million increase in interest expense due to a $178.8 million quarter-over-quarter increase in average interest-bearing liability balances. The increase was due to growth of $208.3 million in average interest-bearing deposit balances. However, this deposit growth was partially offset by a $28.5 million decrease in average short-term borrowings.

    The FTE yield on interest-earning assets was 4.77% for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of 19 basis points from the 4.58% for the second quarter of 2024. The overall cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.52% for the second quarter of 2025, a decrease of 6 basis points from the 2.58% for the second quarter of 2024.  The cost of funds decreased 1 basis point from 1.96% to 1.95% for the second quarters of 2024 and 2025, respectively. The Company’s FTE net interest spread was 2.25% for the second quarter of 2025, an increase of 25 basis points from 2.00% recorded for the second quarter of 2024.  FTE net interest margin increased to 2.92% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 from 2.71% for the same period of 2024 primarily due to the growth in higher yielding taxable commercial loans.

    For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the provision for credit losses on loans was $300 thousand and the provision for unfunded commitments was $20 thousand compared to a $275 thousand provision for credit losses on loans and a $140 thousand provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments for the three months ended June 30, 2024. For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the increase in the provision for credit losses on loans compared to the prior year period was due to $155 thousand in higher net charge-offs and a higher average total loan balance compared to the same period in 2024. For the three months ended June 30, 2025, the decrease in the provision for unfunded commitments was due to lower levels of unfunded commitments during the quarter due to increased utilization, specifically commercial construction commitments, compared to the year earlier period.

    Total non-interest income increased $0.8 million, or 16%, to $5.4 million for the second quarter of 2025 compared to $4.6 million for the second quarter of 2024. The increase in non-interest income was primarily attributed to increases of $0.2 million in trust fees, a $0.2 million BOLI death benefit, $0.2 million in loan service charges, and $0.1 million in interchange fees. 

    Non-interest expenses increased $1.1 million, or 8%, for the second quarter of 2025 to $14.7 million from $13.6 million for the same quarter of 2024. The increase in non-interest expenses was primarily due to the increases in salaries and benefits expense of $0.8 million, premises and equipment expense of $0.2 million, and advertising expense of $0.2 million. These increases were partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in professional services for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period of 2024.

    The provision for income taxes increased $0.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 primarily due to a $2.6 million increase in income before taxes.

    Consolidated Year-To-Date Operating Results Overview

    Net interest income was $35.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $30.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024.  The $4.9 million increase in net interest income resulted from the increase of $6.4 million in interest income primarily due to a $181.0 million increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets and a 20 basis point increase in FTE yield.  On the asset side, the loan portfolio interest income growth resulted from producing $5.3 million more in interest income from an increase of 25 basis points in FTE loan yields on $120.5 million in higher average balances. Additionally, the Company experienced an increase of $1.5 million in interest earned from interest-bearing deposits with other financial institutions from $71.6 million in higher average balances. The increase in interest income was partially offset by a decrease of $0.3 million in interest earned on the investment portfolio due to decreases of 6 basis points in yield and $11.3 million in average balances. On the funding side, total interest expense increased by $1.5 million primarily due to an increase in interest expense paid on deposits of $2.5 million from a 2 basis points higher rates paid on a $194.0 million larger average balance of interest-bearing deposits, partially offset by a decrease in interest expense on borrowings of $1.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

    The overall cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 2.51% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to 2.54% for the six months ended June 30, 2024.  The cost of funds decreased 1 basis point to 1.94% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from 1.95% from the same period of 2024. The FTE yield on earning assets was 4.75% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of 20 basis points from the 4.55% year-to-date June 30, 2024.  The Company’s FTE net interest spread was 2.24% for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of 23 basis points from the 2.01% recorded for the same period of 2024.  FTE net interest margin increased by 21 basis points to 2.91% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 from 2.70% for the same 2024 period primarily due to the increase in yields earned on loans and leases outpacing the rates paid on interest-bearing deposits.

    For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the provision for credit losses on loans was $755 thousand and the provision for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments was a net benefit of $65 thousand compared to a $400 thousand provision for credit losses on loans and a $90 thousand provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments for the six months ended June 30, 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the increase in the provision for credit losses on loans compared to the prior year period was due to $215 thousand in higher net charge-offs and a higher average total loan balance compared to the same period in 2024. For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the decrease in the provision for unfunded commitments was due to lower growth in unfunded commitments during the period due to increased utilization, specifically commercial construction commitments, compared to the year earlier period.

    Total non-interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $10.3 million, an increase of $1.1 million, or 12%, from $9.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024.  The increase was primarily due to $0.3 million higher fees from trust fiduciary activities. The Company also had $0.2 million more non-interest income resulting from an increase in interchange fees, a $0.2 million BOLI death benefit, and an increase of $0.2 million in service charges on commercial loans. During the first half of 2025, gains of $0.5 million on the sale of a commercial loan and $0.3 million from the sale of a property were offset by $0.8 million in losses recognized on the sale of securities.

    Non-interest expenses increased to $29.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, an increase of $2.0 million, or 7%, from $27.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024. Salaries and benefits expense increased $1.3 million due to an increase in bankers, group insurance costs, and banker incentives in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, the Company saw an increase of $0.5 million in advertising and marketing expenses primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in Neighborhood Assistance Program donations from which the Company recognized $0.2 million in additional tax credits causing a corresponding decrease in PA shares tax expense. There was also an increase of $0.5 million in premises and equipment expense primarily due to higher costs for software licenses, subscriptions, and maintenance. The increases were partially offset by $0.3 million less in professional services expense.

    The provision for income taxes increased $1.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 primarily due to a $3.9 million increase in income before taxes and $0.2 million less in tax credits. 

    Consolidated Balance Sheet & Asset Quality Overview

    The Company’s total assets had a balance of $2.7 billion as of June 30, 2025, an increase of $114.0 million from December 31, 2024. The increase resulted from $82.1 million in growth in cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024. The loans and leases portfolio increased $37.9 million over the same period. Asset growth was offset by a decrease of $11.4 million in the investment portfolio primarily due to the sale of $17.5 million in available-for-sale securities and $11.3 million in paydowns partially offset by $14.7 million in purchases of securities.

    During the same time period, total liabilities increased $100.0 million, or 4%. Deposit growth of $94.5 million was utilized to fund loan growth and increase interest-bearing cash balances. For interest-bearing deposit accounts, the Company experienced increases of $37.2 million in money market deposits, $17.2 million in interest-bearing checking accounts, $14.4 million in time deposits, and $1.6 million in savings and clubs. The deposit growth is primarily driven by growth in existing account balances from the relationship building strategy along with targeted direct marketing campaigns driving new client acquisitions and active management of promotional and retention rates. Additionally, the Company experienced an increase of $24.1 million in non-interest-bearing checking accounts. As of June 30, 2025, the ratio of insured and collateralized deposits to total deposits was approximately 75%.

    Shareholders’ equity increased $13.9 million, or 7%, to $217.9 million at June 30, 2025 from $204.0 million at December 31, 2024. The increase was caused by $8.3 million higher retained earnings from net income of $12.9 million plus a $4.9 million, after tax, improvement in accumulated other comprehensive income from lower net unrealized losses recorded on available-for-sale securities, partially offset by $4.7 million in cash dividends paid to shareholders. An additional $0.9 million was recorded from the issuance of common stock under the Company’s stock plans and stock-based compensation expense. At June 30, 2025, there were no credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities.  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is excluded from regulatory capital ratios. The Company remains well capitalized with Tier 1 capital at 9.16% of total average assets as of June 30, 2025.  Total risk-based capital was 14.72% of risk-weighted assets and Tier 1 risk-based capital was 13.57% of risk-weighted assets as of June 30, 2025. Tangible book value per share was $34.25 at June 30, 2025 compared to $31.98 at December 31, 2024.  Tangible common equity was 7.38% of total assets at June 30, 2025 compared to 7.16% at December 31, 2024.

    Asset Quality

    Total non-performing assets were $3.5 million, or 0.13% of total assets, at June 30, 2025, compared to $7.8 million, or 0.30% of total assets, at December 31, 2024. Past due and non-accrual loans to total loans were 0.41% at June 30, 2025 compared to 0.71% at December 31, 2024. Net charge-offs to average total loans were 0.05% at June 30, 2025 compared to 0.03% at December 31, 2024.

    About Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. and The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank

    Fidelity D & D Bancorp, Inc. has built a strong history as trusted financial advisor to the clients served by The Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank (“Fidelity Bank”).  Fidelity Bank continues its mission of exceeding client expectations through a unique banking experience. It operates 21 full-service offices throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lehigh and Northampton Counties and a Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital banking experience online at www.bankatfidelity.com, through the Fidelity Mobile Banking app, and in the Client Care Center at 1-800-388-4380. Additionally, the Bank offers full-service Wealth Management & Brokerage Services, a Mortgage Center, and a full suite of personal and commercial banking products and services. Part of the Company’s vision is to serve as the best bank for the community, which was accomplished by having provided over 5,960 hours of volunteer time and over $1.3 million in donations to non-profit organizations directly within the markets served throughout 2024. Fidelity Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to the full extent permitted by law.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    The Company uses non-GAAP financial measures to provide information useful to the reader in understanding its operating performance and trends, and to facilitate comparisons with the performance of other financial institutions. Management uses these measures internally to assess and better understand our underlying business performance and trends related to core business activities.  The Company’s non-GAAP financial measures and key performance indicators may differ from the non-GAAP financial measures and key performance indicators other financial institutions use to measure their performance and trends. Non-GAAP financial measures should be supplemental to GAAP used to prepare the Company’s operating results and should not be read in isolation or relied upon as a substitute for GAAP measures.  Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP are presented in the tables below.

    Interest income was adjusted to recognize the income from tax exempt interest-earning assets as if the interest was taxable, fully-taxable equivalent (“FTE”), in order to calculate certain ratios within this document.  This treatment allows a uniform comparison among yields on interest-earning assets.  Interest income was FTE adjusted, using the corporate federal tax rate of 21% for 2025 and 2024.

    Forward-looking statements

    Certain of the matters discussed in this press release constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as such may involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

    The Company’s actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

      ■ local, regional and national economic conditions and changes thereto;
      ■ the short-term and long-term effects of inflation, and rising costs to the Company, its customers and on the economy;
      ■ the risks of changes and volatility of interest rates on the level and composition of deposits, loan demand, and the values of loan collateral, securities and interest rate protection agreements, as well as interest rate risks;
      ■ securities markets and monetary fluctuations and volatility;
      ■  disruption of credit and equity markets;
      ■ impacts of the capital and liquidity requirements of the Basel III standards and other regulatory pronouncements, regulations and rules;
      ■ governmental monetary and fiscal policies, as well as legislative and regulatory changes;
      ■ effects of short- and long-term federal budget and tax negotiations and their effect on economic and business conditions;
      ■ the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation;
      ■ the impact of new or changes in existing laws and regulations, including laws and regulations concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance and their application with which the Company and its subsidiaries must comply;
      ■ the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies, as well as the Financial Accounting Standards Board and other accounting standard setters;
      ■ the effects of competition from other commercial banks, thrifts, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and other mutual funds and other financial institutions operating in our market area and elsewhere, including institutions operating locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, together with such competitors offering banking products and services by mail, telephone, computer and the internet;
      ■ the effects of economic conditions of any other pandemic, epidemic or other health-related crisis such as COVID-19 and responses thereto on current customers and the operations of the Company, specifically the effect of the economy on loan customers’ ability to repay loans;  
      ■ the effects of bank failures, banking system instability, deposit fluctuations, loan and securities value changes;  
      ■ technological changes;  
      ■ the interruption or breach in security of our information systems, continually evolving cybersecurity and other technological risks and attacks resulting in failures or disruptions in customer account management, general ledger processing and loan or deposit updates and potential impacts resulting therefrom including additional costs, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses;  
      ■ acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses;  
      ■ the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for loan losses and estimations of values of collateral and various financial assets and liabilities;  
      ■ acts of war or terrorism; and  
      ■ the risk that our analyses of these risks and forces could be incorrect and/or that the strategies developed to address them could be unsuccessful.

    The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect analyses only as of the date of this release.  The Company has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

    For more information please visit our investor relations web site located through www.bankatfidelity.com.

    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (dollars in thousands)
     
    At Period End:   June 30, 2025     December 31, 2024  
    Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 165,495     $ 83,353  
    Investment securities     545,821       557,221  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     4,240       3,961  
    Loans and leases     1,837,477       1,800,856  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (19,976 )     (19,666 )
    Premises and equipment, net     40,097       35,914  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     58,849       58,069  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,364       20,504  
    Other assets     46,208       44,404  
                     
    Total assets   $ 2,698,575     $ 2,584,616  
                     
    Liabilities                
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 558,074     $ 533,935  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,877,254       1,806,885  
    Total deposits     2,435,328       2,340,820  
    Short-term borrowings     10       –  
    Secured borrowings     6,134       6,266  
    Other liabilities     39,191       33,561  
    Total liabilities     2,480,663       2,380,647  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity     217,912       203,969  
                     
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,698,575     $ 2,584,616  
    Average Year-To-Date Balances:   June 30, 2025     December 31, 2024  
    Assets                
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 129,527     $ 55,773  
    Investment securities     551,906       557,537  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     4,066       3,960  
    Loans and leases     1,822,654       1,741,349  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (20,189 )     (19,391 )
    Premises and equipment, net     35,839       35,580  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     58,503       56,455  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,423       20,641  
    Other assets     42,950       41,755  
                     
    Total assets   $ 2,645,679     $ 2,493,659  
                     
    Liabilities                
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 540,320     $ 527,825  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,852,895       1,697,529  
    Total deposits     2,393,215       2,225,354  
    Short-term borrowings     16       32,446  
    Secured borrowings     6,194       6,830  
    Other liabilities     35,497       32,471  
    Total liabilities     2,434,922       2,297,101  
                     
    Shareholders’ equity     210,757       196,558  
                     
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,645,679     $ 2,493,659  
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
    (dollars in thousands)
     
        Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
        Jun. 30, 2025     Jun. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2025     Jun. 30, 2024  
    Interest income                                
    Loans and leases   $ 25,328     $ 22,516     $ 49,924     $ 44,649  
    Securities and other     4,437       3,523       8,149       7,016  
                                     
    Total interest income     29,765       26,039       58,073       51,665  
                                     
    Interest expense                                
    Deposits     (11,738 )     (10,459 )     (22,925 )     (20,400 )
    Borrowings and debt     (98 )     (463 )     (186 )     (1,204 )
                                     
    Total interest expense     (11,836 )     (10,922 )     (23,111 )     (21,604 )
                                     
    Net interest income     17,929       15,117       34,962       30,061  
                                     
    Provision for credit losses on loans     (300 )     (275 )     (755 )     (400 )
    Net (provision) benefit for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments     (20 )     (140 )     65       (90 )
    Non-interest income     5,359       4,615       10,332       9,188  
    Non-interest expense     (14,710 )     (13,616 )     (29,264 )     (27,306 )
                                     
    Income before income taxes     8,258       5,701       15,340       11,453  
                                     
    Provision for income taxes     (1,337 )     (766 )     (2,428 )     (1,460 )
    Net income   $ 6,921     $ 4,935     $ 12,912     $ 9,993  
        Three Months Ended  
        Jun. 30, 2025     Mar. 31, 2025     Dec. 31, 2024     Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024  
    Interest income                                        
    Loans and leases   $ 25,328     $ 24,596     $ 24,584     $ 24,036     $ 22,516  
    Securities and other     4,437       3,712       3,475       3,263       3,523  
                                             
    Total interest income     29,765       28,308       28,059       27,299       26,039  
                                             
    Interest expense                                        
    Deposits     (11,738 )     (11,187 )     (11,468 )     (11,297 )     (10,459 )
    Borrowings and debt     (98 )     (88 )     (217 )     (571 )     (463 )
                                             
    Total interest expense     (11,836 )     (11,275 )     (11,685 )     (11,868 )     (10,922 )
                                             
    Net interest income     17,929       17,033       16,374       15,431       15,117  
                                             
    Provision for credit losses on loans     (300 )     (455 )     (250 )     (675 )     (275 )
    Net benefit (provision) for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments     (20 )     85       85       (135 )     (140 )
    Non-interest income     5,359       4,973       4,847       4,979       4,615  
    Non-interest expense     (14,710 )     (14,554 )     (14,395 )     (13,840 )     (13,616 )
                                             
    Income before income taxes     8,258       7,082       6,661       5,760       5,701  
                                             
    Provision for income taxes     (1,337 )     (1,091 )     (826 )     (793 )     (766 )
    Net income   $ 6,921     $ 5,991     $ 5,835     $ 4,967     $ 4,935  
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (dollars in thousands)
     
    At Period End:   Jun. 30, 2025     Mar. 31, 2025     Dec. 31, 2024     Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024  
    Assets                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 165,495     $ 211,195     $ 83,353     $ 120,169     $ 78,085  
    Investment securities     545,821       540,960       557,221       559,819       552,495  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     4,240       4,021       3,961       3,944       3,968  
    Loans and leases     1,837,477       1,817,509       1,800,856       1,795,548       1,728,509  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (19,976 )     (20,017 )     (19,666 )     (19,630 )     (18,975 )
    Premises and equipment, net     40,097       34,995       35,914       36,057       35,808  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     58,849       58,458       58,069       57,672       57,278  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,364       20,431       20,504       20,576       20,649  
    Other assets     46,208       43,758       44,404       41,778       42,828  
                                             
    Total assets   $ 2,698,575     $ 2,711,310     $ 2,584,616     $ 2,615,933     $ 2,500,645  
                                             
    Liabilities                                        
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 558,074     $ 555,684     $ 533,935     $ 549,710     $ 527,572  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,877,254       1,901,775       1,806,885       1,792,796       1,641,558  
    Total deposits     2,435,328       2,457,459       2,340,820       2,342,506       2,169,130  
    Short-term borrowings     10       10       –       25,000       98,120  
    Secured borrowings     6,134       6,190       6,266       6,323       7,237  
    Other liabilities     39,191       35,977       33,561       34,843       30,466  
    Total liabilities     2,480,663       2,499,636       2,380,647       2,408,672       2,304,953  
                                             
    Shareholders’ equity     217,912       211,674       203,969       207,261       195,692  
                                             
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,698,575     $ 2,711,310     $ 2,584,616     $ 2,615,933     $ 2,500,645  
    Average Quarterly Balances:   Jun. 30, 2025     Mar. 31, 2025     Dec. 31, 2024     Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024  
    Assets                                        
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 161,316     $ 97,384     $ 67,882     $ 41,991     $ 58,351  
    Investment securities     546,149       557,726       560,453       554,578       551,445  
    Restricted investments in bank stock     4,158       3,973       3,957       3,965       3,983  
    Loans and leases     1,832,162       1,813,040       1,797,023       1,763,254       1,707,598  
    Allowance for credit losses on loans     (20,357 )     (20,019 )     (20,050 )     (19,323 )     (19,171 )
    Premises and equipment, net     35,954       35,722       36,065       36,219       35,433  
    Life insurance cash surrender value     58,697       58,307       57,919       57,525       55,552  
    Goodwill and core deposit intangible     20,386       20,459       20,529       20,602       20,677  
    Other assets     42,729       43,177       41,454       41,734       42,960  
                                             
    Total assets   $ 2,681,194     $ 2,609,769     $ 2,565,232     $ 2,500,545     $ 2,456,828  
                                             
    Liabilities                                        
    Non-interest-bearing deposits   $ 547,278     $ 533,286     $ 538,506     $ 522,827     $ 530,048  
    Interest-bearing deposits     1,878,548       1,826,957       1,769,265       1,702,187       1,670,211  
    Total deposits     2,425,826       2,360,243       2,307,771       2,225,014       2,200,259  
    Short-term borrowings     10       22       10,326       37,220       28,477  
    Secured borrowings     6,162       6,226       6,297       6,429       7,269  
    Other liabilities     36,050       34,937       34,695       31,999       30,734  
    Total liabilities     2,468,048       2,401,428       2,359,089       2,300,662       2,266,739  
                                             
    Shareholders’ equity     213,146       208,341       206,143       199,883       190,089  
                                             
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 2,681,194     $ 2,609,769     $ 2,565,232     $ 2,500,545     $ 2,456,828  
    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Selected Financial Ratios and Other Financial Data

        Three Months Ended  
        Jun. 30, 2025     Mar. 31, 2025     Dec. 31, 2024     Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024  
    Selected returns and financial ratios                                        
    Basic earnings per share   $ 1.20     $ 1.04     $ 1.02     $ 0.87     $ 0.86  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 1.20     $ 1.03     $ 1.01     $ 0.86     $ 0.86  
    Dividends per share   $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 0.40     $ 0.38     $ 0.38  
    Yield on interest-earning assets (FTE)*     4.77 %     4.73 %     4.68 %     4.68 %     4.58 %
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities     2.52 %     2.49 %     2.60 %     2.70 %     2.58 %
    Cost of funds     1.95 %     1.93 %     2.00 %     2.08 %     1.96 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)*     2.25 %     2.24 %     2.08 %     1.98 %     2.00 %
    Net interest margin (FTE)*     2.92 %     2.89 %     2.78 %     2.70 %     2.71 %
    Return on average assets     1.04 %     0.93 %     0.90 %     0.79 %     0.81 %
    Pre-provision net revenue to average assets*     1.28 %     1.16 %     1.06 %     1.05 %     1.00 %
    Return on average equity     13.02 %     11.66 %     11.26 %     9.89 %     10.44 %
    Return on average tangible equity*     14.40 %     12.93 %     12.50 %     11.02 %     11.72 %
    Efficiency ratio (FTE)*     61.17 %     61.67 %     65.48 %     65.33 %     66.47 %
    Expense ratio     1.40 %     1.37 %     1.48 %     1.41 %     1.47 %
        Six months ended  
        Jun. 30, 2025     Jun. 30, 2024  
    Basic earnings per share   $ 2.24     $ 1.74  
    Diluted earnings per share   $ 2.23     $ 1.73  
    Dividends per share   $ 0.80     $ 0.76  
    Yield on interest-earning assets (FTE)*     4.75 %     4.55 %
    Cost of interest-bearing liabilities     2.51 %     2.54 %
    Cost of funds     1.94 %     1.95 %
    Net interest spread (FTE)*     2.24 %     2.01 %
    Net interest margin (FTE)*     2.91 %     2.70 %
    Return on average assets     0.98 %     0.82 %
    Pre-provision net revenue to average assets*     1.22 %     0.98 %
    Return on average equity     12.35 %     10.57 %
    Return on average tangible equity*     13.68 %     11.87 %
    Efficiency ratio (FTE)*     61.42 %     67.01 %
    Expense ratio     1.38 %     1.49 %
    Other financial data   At period end:  
    (dollars in thousands except per share data)   Jun. 30, 2025     Mar. 31, 2025     Dec. 31, 2024     Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024  
    Assets under management   $ 1,030,268     $ 955,647     $ 921,994     $ 942,190     $ 906,861  
    Book value per share   $ 37.78     $ 36.70     $ 35.56     $ 36.13     $ 34.12  
    Tangible book value per share*   $ 34.25     $ 33.16     $ 31.98     $ 32.55     $ 30.52  
    Equity to assets     8.08 %     7.81 %     7.89 %     7.92 %     7.83 %
    Tangible common equity ratio*     7.38 %     7.11 %     7.16 %     7.19 %     7.06 %
    Allowance for credit losses on loans to:                                        
    Total loans     1.09 %     1.10 %     1.09 %     1.09 %     1.10 %
    Non-accrual loans   6.50x     3.36x     2.68x     2.77x     2.75x  
    Non-accrual loans to total loans     0.17 %     0.33 %     0.41 %     0.39 %     0.40 %
    Non-performing assets to total assets     0.13 %     0.23 %     0.30 %     0.29 %     0.28 %
    Net charge-offs to average total loans     0.05 %     0.02 %     0.03 %     0.02 %     0.03 %
                                             
    Capital Adequacy Ratios                                        
    Total risk-based capital ratio     14.72 %     14.74 %     14.78 %     14.56 %     14.69 %
    Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio     13.57 %     13.57 %     13.60 %     13.38 %     13.52 %
    Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio     13.57 %     13.57 %     13.60 %     13.38 %     13.52 %
    Leverage ratio     9.16 %     9.22 %     9.22 %     9.30 %     9.30 %

    * Non-GAAP Financial Measures – see reconciliations below

    FIDELITY D & D BANCORP, INC.
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures to GAAP
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP   Three Months Ended  
    (dollars in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025     Mar. 31, 2025     Dec. 31, 2024     Sep. 30, 2024     Jun. 30, 2024  
    FTE net interest income (non-GAAP)                                        
    Interest income (GAAP)   $ 29,765     $ 28,308     $ 28,059     $ 27,299     $ 26,039  
    Adjustment to FTE     760       771       764       775       751  
    Interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)     30,525       29,079       28,823       28,074       26,790  
    Interest expense (GAAP)     11,836       11,275       11,685       11,868       10,922  
    Net interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 18,689     $ 17,804     $ 17,138     $ 16,206     $ 15,868  
                                             
    Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)                                        
    Non-interest expenses (GAAP)   $ 14,710     $ 14,554     $ 14,395     $ 13,840     $ 13,616  
                                             
    Net interest income (GAAP)     17,929       17,033       16,374       15,431       15,117  
    Plus: taxable equivalent adjustment     760       771       764       775       751  
    Non-interest income (GAAP)     5,359       4,973       4,847       4,979       4,615  
    Plus: Loss on sales of securities     –       822       –       –       –  
    Net interest income (FTE) plus adjusted non-interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 24,048     $ 23,599     $ 21,985     $ 21,185     $ 20,483  
    Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (1)     61.17 %     61.67 %     65.47 %     65.33 %     66.48 %
    (1) The reported efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income, on an FTE basis, and adjusted non-interest income.                                        
                                             
    Tangible Book Value per Share/Tangible Common Equity Ratio (non-GAAP)                                        
    Total assets (GAAP)   $ 2,698,575     $ 2,711,310     $ 2,584,616     $ 2,615,933     $ 2,500,645  
    Less: Intangible assets     (20,364 )     (20,431 )     (20,504 )     (20,576 )     (20,649 )
    Tangible assets     2,678,211       2,690,879       2,564,112       2,595,357       2,479,996  
    Total shareholders’ equity (GAAP)     217,912       211,674       203,969       207,261       195,692  
    Less: Intangible assets     (20,364 )     (20,431 )     (20,504 )     (20,576 )     (20,649 )
    Tangible common equity     197,548       191,243       183,465       186,685       175,043  
                                             
    Common shares outstanding, end of period     5,767,490       5,767,500       5,736,252       5,736,025       5,735,728  
    Tangible Common Book Value per Share   $ 34.25     $ 33.16     $ 31.98     $ 32.55     $ 30.52  
    Tangible Common Equity Ratio     7.38 %     7.11 %     7.16 %     7.19 %     7.06 %
                                             
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets                                        
    Income before taxes (GAAP)   $ 8,258     $ 7,082     $ 6,661     $ 5,760     $ 5,701  
    Plus: Provision for credit losses     320       370       165       810       415  
    Total pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP)     8,578       7,452       6,826       6,570       6,116  
    Total (annualized) (non-GAAP)   $ 34,404     $ 30,220     $ 27,157     $ 26,423     $ 24,600  
                                             
    Average assets   $ 2,681,194     $ 2,609,769     $ 2,565,232     $ 2,500,545     $ 2,456,828  
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets (non-GAAP)     1.28 %     1.16 %     1.06 %     1.05 %     1.00 %
    Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP   Six months ended  
    (dollars in thousands)   Jun. 30, 2025     Jun. 30, 2024  
    FTE net interest income (non-GAAP)                
    Interest income (GAAP)   $ 58,073     $ 51,665  
    Adjustment to FTE     1,531       1,497  
    Interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)     59,604       53,162  
    Interest expense (GAAP)     23,111       21,604  
    Net interest income adjusted to FTE (non-GAAP)   $ 36,493       31,558  
                     
    Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)                
    Non-interest expenses (GAAP)   $ 29,264     $ 27,306  
                     
    Net interest income (GAAP)     34,962       30,061  
    Plus: taxable equivalent adjustment     1,531       1,497  
    Non-interest income (GAAP)     10,332       9,188  
    Plus: Loss on sales of securities     822       –  
    Net interest income (FTE) plus non-interest income (non-GAAP)   $ 47,647     $ 40,746  
    Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (1)     61.42 %     67.01 %
    (1) The reported efficiency ratio is a non-GAAP measure calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income, on an FTE basis, and adjusted non-interest (loss) income.                
                     
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets                
    Income before taxes (GAAP)   $ 15,340     $ 11,453  
    Plus: Provision for credit losses     690       490  
    Total pre-provision net revenue (non-GAAP)   $ 16,030     $ 11,943  
    Total (annualized) (non-GAAP)   $ 32,326     $ 23,951  
                     
    Average assets   $ 2,645,679     $ 2,453,998  
    Pre-Provision Net Revenue to Average Assets (non-GAAP)     1.22 %     0.98 %
       
    Contacts:  
    Daniel J. Santaniello Salvatore R. DeFrancesco, Jr.
    President and Chief Executive Officer Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
    570-504-8035 570-504-8000

    The MIL Network –

    July 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Gaza: As starvation spreads, our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away – joint statement

    Source: Amnesty International –

    As the Israeli government’s siege starves the people of Gaza, aid workers are now joining the same food lines, risking being shot just to feed their families. With supplies now totally depleted, humanitarian organisations are witnessing their own colleagues and partners waste away before their eyes.

    Exactly two months since the Israeli government-controlled scheme, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, began operating, 109 organisations are sounding the alarm, urging governments to act: open all land crossings; restore the full flow of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter items, and fuel through a principled, UN-led mechanism; end the siege, and agree to a ceasefire now.

    “Each morning, the same question echoes across Gaza: will I eat today?” said one agency representative. 

    Massacres at food distribution sites in Gaza are occurring near-daily. As of July 13, the UN confirmed 875 Palestinians were killed while seeking food, 201 on aid routes and the rest at distribution points. Thousands more have been injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have forcibly displaced nearly two million exhausted Palestinians with the most recent mass displacement order issued on July 20, confining Palestinians to less than 12 per cent of Gaza. WFP warns that current conditions make operations untenable. The starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime. 

    Just outside Gaza, in warehouses – and even within Gaza itself – tons of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter items and fuel sit untouched with humanitarian organisations blocked from accessing or delivering them. The Government of Israel’s restrictions, delays, and fragmentation under its total siege have created chaos, starvation, and death. An aid worker providing psychosocial support spoke of the devastating impact on children: “Children tell their parents they want to go to heaven, because at least heaven has food.” 

    Doctors report record rates of acute malnutrition, especially among children and older people. Illnesses like acute watery diarrhoea are spreading, markets are empty, waste is piling up, and adults are collapsing on the streets from hunger and dehydration. Distributions in Gaza average just 28 trucks a day, far from enough for over two million people, many of whom have gone weeks without assistance.

    The UN-led humanitarian system has not failed, it has been prevented from functioning. 

    Humanitarian agencies have the capacity and supplies to respond at scale. But, with access denied, we are blocked from reaching those in need, including our own exhausted and starved teams. On July 10, the EU and Israel announced steps to scale up aid. But these promises of ‘progress’ ring hollow when there is no real change on the ground. Every day without a sustained flow means more people dying of preventable illnesses. Children starve while waiting for promises that never arrive. 

    Palestinians are trapped in a cycle of hope and heartbreak, waiting for assistance and ceasefires, only to wake up to worsening conditions. It is not just physical torment, but psychological. Survival is dangled like a mirage. The humanitarian system cannot run on false promises. Humanitarians cannot operate on shifting timelines or wait for political commitments that fail to deliver access.

    Governments must stop waiting for permission to act. We cannot continue to hope that current arrangements will work. It is time to take decisive action: demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire; lift all bureaucratic and administrative restrictions; open all land crossings; ensure access to everyone in all of Gaza; reject military-controlled distribution models; restore a principled, UN-led humanitarian response and continue to fund principled and impartial humanitarian organisations. States must pursue concrete measures to end the siege, such as halting the transfer of weapons and ammunition. 

    Piecemeal arrangements and symbolic gestures, like airdrops or flawed aid deals, serve as a smokescreen for inaction. They cannot replace states’ legal and moral obligations to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure meaningful access at scale. States can and must save lives before there are none left to save.

    Signatories: 

    1. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
    2. A.M. Qattan Foundation
    3. A New Policy
    4. ACT Alliance
    5. Action Against Hunger (ACF)
    6. Action for Humanity
    7. ActionAid International
    8. American Baptist Churches Palestine Justice Network
    9. Amnesty International
    10. Asamblea de Cooperación por la Paz
    11. Associazione Cooperazione e Solidarietà (ACS)
    12. Bystanders No More
    13. Campain
    14. CARE 
    15. Caritas Germany
    16. Caritas Internationalis
    17. Caritas Jerusalem
    18. Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)
    19. Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM)
    20. CESVI Fondazione
    21. Children Not Numbers
    22. Christian Aid
    23. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
    24. CIDSE- International Family of Catholic Social Justice Organisations
    25. Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS)
    26. Council for Arab‑British Understanding (CAABU)
    27. DanChurchAid (DCA)
    28. Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
    29. Doctors against Genocide
    30. Episcopal Peace Fellowship
    31. EuroMed Rights
    32. Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
    33. Forum Ziviler Friedensdienst e.V.
    34. Gender Action for Peace and Security
    35. Global Legal Action Network (GLAN)
    36. Global Witness
    37. Health Workers 4 Palestine
    38. HelpAge International
    39. Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
    40. Humanity First UK
    41. Indiana Center for Middle East Peace
    42. Insight Insecurity
    43. International Media Support
    44. International NGO Safety Organisation
    45. Islamic Relief
    46. Jahalin Solidarity
    47. Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
    48. Kenya Association of Muslim Medical Professionals (KAMMP)
    49. Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation
    50. MedGlobal
    51. Medico International
    52. Medico International Switzerland (medico international schweiz)
    53. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
    54. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
    55. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
    56. Médecins du Monde France
    57. Médecins du Monde Spain
    58. Médecins du Monde Switzerland
    59. Mercy Corps
    60. Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)
    61. Movement for Peace (MPDL)
    62. Muslim Aid
    63. National Justice and Peace Network in England and Wales
    64. Nonviolence International
    65. Norwegian Aid Committee (NORWAC)
    66. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)
    67. Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
    68. Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
    69. Oxfam International
    70. Pax Christi England and Wales
    71. Pax Christi International
    72. Pax Christi Merseyside
    73. Pax Christi USA
    74. Pal Law Commission
    75. Palestinian American Medical Association
    76. Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF)
    77. Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS)
    78. Peace Direct
    79. Peace Winds
    80. Pediatricians for Palestine
    81. People in Need
    82. Plan International
    83. Première Urgence Internationale (PUI)
    84. Progettomondo
    85. Project HOPE
    86. Quaker Palestine Israel Network
    87. Rebuilding Alliance
    88. Saferworld
    89. Sabeel‑Kairos UK
    90. Save the Children (SCI)
    91. Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund
    92. Solidarités International
    93. Støtteforeningen Det Danske Hus i Palæstina
    94. Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER)
    95. Terre des Hommes Italia
    96. Terre des Hommes Lausanne
    97. Terre des Hommes Nederland
    98. The Borgen Project
    99. The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM)
    100. The Glia Project
    101. The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect (GCR2P)
    102. The Institute for the Understanding of Anti‑Palestinian Racism
    103. Un Ponte Per (UPP)
    104. United Against Inhumanity (UAI)
    105. War Child Alliance
    106. War Child UK
    107. War on Want
    108. Weltfriedensdienst e.V.
    109. Welthungerhilfe (WHH)

     

    MIL OSI NGO –

    July 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI NGOs: As mass starvation spreads across Gaza, our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away

    Source: Amnesty International –

    As the Israeli government’s siege starves the people of Gaza, aid workers are now joining the same food lines, risking being shot just to feed their families. With supplies now totally depleted, humanitarian organisations are witnessing their own colleagues and partners waste away before their eyes.

    Exactly two months since the Israeli government-controlled scheme, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, began operating, 109 organisations are sounding the alarm, urging governments to act: open all land crossings; restore the full flow of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter items, and fuel through a principled, UN-led mechanism; end the siege, and agree to a ceasefire now.

    “Each morning, the same question echoes across Gaza: will I eat today?” said one agency representative. 

    Each morning, the same question echoes across Gaza: will I eat today?

    Humanitarian agency representative in Gaza

    Massacres at food distribution sites in Gaza are occurring near-daily. As of July 13, the UN confirmed 875 Palestinians were killed while seeking food, 201 on aid routes and the rest at distribution points. Thousands more have been injured. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have forcibly displaced nearly two million exhausted Palestinians with the most recent mass displacement order issued on July 20, confining Palestinians to less than 12 per cent of Gaza. WFP warns that current conditions make operations untenable. The starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is a war crime. 

    Just outside Gaza, in warehouses – and even within Gaza itself – tons of food, clean water, medical supplies, shelter items and fuel sit untouched with humanitarian organisations blocked from accessing or delivering them. The Government of Israel’s restrictions, delays, and fragmentation under its total siege have created chaos, starvation, and death. An aid worker providing psychosocial support spoke of the devastating impact on children: “Children tell their parents they want to go to heaven, because at least heaven has food.” 

    Doctors report record rates of acute malnutrition, especially among children and older people. Illnesses like acute watery diarrhoea are spreading, markets are empty, waste is piling up, and adults are collapsing on the streets from hunger and dehydration. Distributions in Gaza average just 28 trucks a day, far from enough for over two million people, many of whom have gone weeks without assistance.

    The UN-led humanitarian system has not failed, it has been prevented from functioning. 

    Humanitarian agencies have the capacity and supplies to respond at scale. But, with access denied, we are blocked from reaching those in need, including our own exhausted and starved teams. On July 10, the EU and Israel announced steps to scale up aid. But these promises of ‘progress’ ring hollow when there is no real change on the ground. Every day without a sustained flow means more people dying of preventable illnesses. Children starve while waiting for promises that never arrive. 

    Palestinians are trapped in a cycle of hope and heartbreak, waiting for assistance and ceasefires, only to wake up to worsening conditions. It is not just physical torment, but psychological. Survival is dangled like a mirage. The humanitarian system cannot run on false promises. Humanitarians cannot operate on shifting timelines or wait for political commitments that fail to deliver access.

    Governments must stop waiting for permission to act. We cannot continue to hope that current arrangements will work. It is time to take decisive action: demand an immediate and permanent ceasefire; lift all bureaucratic and administrative restrictions; open all land crossings; ensure access to everyone in all of Gaza; reject military-controlled distribution models; restore a principled, UN-led humanitarian response and continue to fund principled and impartial humanitarian organisations. States must pursue concrete measures to end the siege, such as halting the transfer of weapons and ammunition. 

    Piecemeal arrangements and symbolic gestures, like airdrops or flawed aid deals, serve as a smokescreen for inaction. They cannot replace states’ legal and moral obligations to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure meaningful access at scale. States can and must save lives before there are none left to save.

    Signatories: 

    1. American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
    2. A.M. Qattan Foundation
    3. A New Policy
    4. ACT Alliance
    5. Action Against Hunger (ACF)
    6. Action for Humanity
    7. ActionAid International
    8. American Baptist Churches Palestine Justice Network
    9. Amnesty International
    10. Asamblea de Cooperación por la Paz
    11. Associazione Cooperazione e Solidarietà (ACS)
    12. Bystanders No More
    13. Campain
    14. CARE 
    15. Caritas Germany
    16. Caritas Internationalis
    17. Caritas Jerusalem
    18. Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD)
    19. Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM)
    20. CESVI Fondazione
    21. Children Not Numbers
    22. Christian Aid
    23. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)
    24. CIDSE- International Family of Catholic Social Justice Organisations
    25. Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS)
    26. Council for Arab‑British Understanding (CAABU)
    27. DanChurchAid (DCA)
    28. Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
    29. Doctors against Genocide
    30. Episcopal Peace Fellowship
    31. EuroMed Rights
    32. Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)
    33. Forum Ziviler Friedensdienst e.V.
    34. Gender Action for Peace and Security
    35. Global Legal Action Network (GLAN)
    36. Global Witness
    37. Health Workers 4 Palestine
    38. HelpAge International
    39. Humanity & Inclusion (HI)
    40. Humanity First UK
    41. Indiana Center for Middle East Peace
    42. Insight Insecurity
    43. International Media Support
    44. International NGO Safety Organisation
    45. Islamic Relief
    46. Jahalin Solidarity
    47. Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
    48. Kenya Association of Muslim Medical Professionals (KAMMP)
    49. Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation
    50. MedGlobal
    51. Medico International
    52. Medico International Switzerland (medico international schweiz)
    53. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
    54. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
    55. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
    56. Médecins du Monde France
    57. Médecins du Monde Spain
    58. Médecins du Monde Switzerland
    59. Mercy Corps
    60. Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)
    61. Movement for Peace (MPDL)
    62. Muslim Aid
    63. National Justice and Peace Network in England and Wales
    64. Nonviolence International
    65. Norwegian Aid Committee (NORWAC)
    66. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA)
    67. Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
    68. Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
    69. Oxfam International
    70. Pax Christi England and Wales
    71. Pax Christi International
    72. Pax Christi Merseyside
    73. Pax Christi USA
    74. Pal Law Commission
    75. Palestinian American Medical Association
    76. Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF)
    77. Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS)
    78. Peace Direct
    79. Peace Winds
    80. Pediatricians for Palestine
    81. People in Need
    82. Plan International
    83. Première Urgence Internationale (PUI)
    84. Progettomondo
    85. Project HOPE
    86. Quaker Palestine Israel Network
    87. Rebuilding Alliance
    88. Saferworld
    89. Sabeel‑Kairos UK
    90. Save the Children (SCI)
    91. Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund
    92. Solidarités International
    93. Støtteforeningen Det Danske Hus i Palæstina
    94. Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER)
    95. Terre des Hommes Italia
    96. Terre des Hommes Lausanne
    97. Terre des Hommes Nederland
    98. The Borgen Project
    99. The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM)
    100. The Glia Project
    101. The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect (GCR2P)
    102. The Institute for the Understanding of Anti‑Palestinian Racism
    103. Un Ponte Per (UPP)
    104. United Against Inhumanity (UAI)
    105. War Child Alliance
    106. War Child UK
    107. War on Want
    108. Weltfriedensdienst e.V.
    109. Welthungerhilfe (WHH)

    MIL OSI NGO –

    July 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) unveils massive online open course for waterbird management in African wetlands

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    A new massive online open course (MOOC) developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and partners is set to support the sustainable management of wetlands and waterbirds in the Sahel and North Africa.

    The new course, ‘Identifying and counting waterbirds in North Africa and the Sahel – how and why?’, provides training in essential skills for international waterbird monitoring and insights into the ecological challenges facing wetland habitats.

    It was produced by the RESSOURCE+ Project as part of the FAO-led Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, and was designed in collaboration with Tour du Valat and the French Biodiversity Agency.

    A MOOC is a free online course that offers unlimited participation and is open to everyone, although this new course targets in particular French-speaking participants from North African and Sahelian countries.

    “By strengthening the national and local capacities in the participating countries, this massive online open course will foster sustainable wetland management and biodiversity conservation,” said Zhimin Wu, Director of FAO’s Forestry Division.

    Skills for waterbird monitoring

    Registration is now open until 1 December 2025 for the first session of the course.

    Participants will learn how to access networks of waterbird observers, collect and interpret data, and identify and count around 210 waterbird species in North Africa and the Sahel region.

    The course provides 40 hours of online training, structured into six modules and featuring 35 animated sequences, 10 video interviews with experts, over 5 000 photos and video clips of birds, and 210 factsheets designed to facilitate species identification, along with numerous quizzes, tests and further learning resources.

    It should take roughly six weeks to complete the training, which is self-paced, enabling participants to fit the course around their schedules. Participants are eligible for certification provided they successfully complete the course within three months.

    During the first six weeks, the course designers will be on call to respond to participants’ questions through the chat function. Additional MOOC sessions are planned for 2026 and beyond. 

    The RESSOURCE+ Project

    The RESSOURCE+ Project supports governments and communities in conserving wetlands and waterbirds in Sahelian countries. The project aims to promote waterbird monitoring, sustainable levels of hunting and effective wetland conservation policies in the Sahel. It is co-funded by the French Facility for Global Environment and the European Union through the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme.

    The RESSOURCE+ Project is led by FAO with support from technical partners recognized for their expertise, in collaboration with national authorities, wildlife institutions, NGOs and local communities.

    – on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Ventures and Pudgy Penguins Co-Host First Joint EthCC Side Event in Cannes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC Ventures, the investment arm of the globally leading cryptocurrency exchange MEXC, co-hosted a side event during EthCC Cannes, Europe’s premier Ethereum conference, together with renowned Web3 IP Pudgy Penguins on June 30 and July 1. Held on the scenic beaches of the French Riviera in Cannes, the event offered a distinctive experience for Ethereum developers, project founders, and investors by blending community culture with industry engagement.

    The two-day event featured a VIP networking dinner followed by a relaxed beach gathering dubbed “BeachFest.” Designed as an invitation-only experience, the side event welcomed a curated group of attendees from EthCC’s core community, including top-tier investors, protocol founders, technical leaders, and influential builders. It offered a rare opportunity for high-quality networking and meaningful dialogue beyond the traditional conference setting.

    BeachFest was the first offline collaboration between MEXC Ventures and Pudgy Penguins, marking the start of more exciting partnerships to come. The event featured a Pudgy Penguins-themed interactive photo zone, creating a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere that stood out from conventional conference formats. Pudgy Penguins is not only a cultural icon in the NFT space, but has also successfully expanded into offline retail, e-commerce, and global brand licensing. The collaboration reflects MEXC Ventures’s continued support for Web3 innovation rooted in cultural relevance and real-world connection.

    Participation in EthCC Cannes underscores MEXC Ventures’s strategic commitment to Europe and its growing focus on nurturing regional developer communities. EthCC’s emphasis on technical innovation, open collaboration, and community-driven development aligns closely with MEXC Ventures’s mission of supporting early-stage projects, advancing multi-chain ecosystems, and investing in innovative teams. Through its involvement in EthCC, it demonstrates its ongoing dedication to technological progress and ecosystem growth.

    About MEXC Ventures
    MEXC Ventures is a comprehensive fund under MEXC dedicated to driving innovation in the cryptocurrency sector through investments in L1/L2 ecosystems, strategic investments, M&A and incubation. Upholding the principle of “Empowering Growth Through Synergy,” MEXC Ventures is committed to supporting innovative ideas and active builders in crypto. MEXC Ventures is an investor and supporter of TON and Aptos, and looks forward to staying at the forefront of TON and Aptos’ innovations while actively engaging with builders to drive ecosystem growth.

    For more information, visit: MEXC Ventures Website

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1bfe0489-ce92-4656-a0ae-24e980955c07

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a133abc2-7b36-4974-9a95-8be8b7ee535f

    The MIL Network –

    July 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eskom clarifies dispute with Koeberg contractor

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Eskom has confirmed that the two contractual disputes with Koeberg Nuclear Power Station contractor, Framatome, are being addressed through an agreed resolution process.

    This after media reports that the French energy company had won a high court order instructing the power utility to pay some R1 billion to the company, following contractual issues.

    Framatome was contracted for the Steam Generator Replacement Project at the nuclear power station located in the Western Cape.

    “In accordance with the contract, disputes are first referred to adjudication and, if not resolved, to arbitration. 

    “Two disputes were adjudicated between December 2022 and February 2023. As Eskom was not satisfied with the adjudicator’s decisions, the two matters were escalated to arbitration as per the agreed process. The arbitration was held from June to July 2025, and a decision is expected in the last quarter of Eskom’s financial year.  

    “Recent media reports appear to have mixed separate legal processes. To clarify, no new payments are currently due, and all actions taken by Eskom have been in line with the applicable legal and contractual procedures,” the power utility said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Furthermore, Eskom said although it “disagreed with the adjudicator’s decisions” – it complied with the outcomes and made payments.

    “All payments had been made by March 2024 as part of standard contract processes – not as penalties or fines,” the electricity supplier said.

    Simultaneously, the power utility approached the courts.

    “Eskom approached the Cape High Court to have the adjudicator’s decisions set aside due to procedural irregularities (independent of the merits of the decisions). The court only delivered its judgment on 17 July 2025, over a year late. Eskom is currently reviewing the judgment to determine the appropriate next steps.

    “We encourage the public and media to trust the integrity of this process. Eskom is following the proper legal channels to resolve these matters responsibly, and we remain committed to transparency and accountability throughout.

    “Most importantly, despite these disputes, the core technical work, replacing the steam generators on Koeberg Unit 2, has been completed. This is a major milestone that contributes to the safe and extended operation of the power station, helping to ensure energy security for the country,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine Loses French Mirage 2000 Fighter Jet for the First Time

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KYIV, July 23 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address on Wednesday that a Mirage 2000 fighter jet donated to the country by France had crashed, marking the first known loss of the type of aircraft by Ukraine.

    The Ukrainian Air Force, in turn, stated on Telegram that the plane crash occurred due to equipment failure on Tuesday evening while performing a flight mission.

    The pilot managed to eject and was found by a search and rescue team. His condition is assessed as stable. There are no casualties on the ground.

    A special commission has been created to determine the causes of the accident.

    The Mirage 2000 is a fourth-generation multirole fighter jet. It is capable of carrying long-range Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles. Ukraine received its first batch of Mirage 2000 aircraft in February this year. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 23, 2025
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