NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chula Vista Man Pleads Guilty in $51 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Chula Vista resident and businessowner Fernando Valenzuela Ayub pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he conspired with others to launder millions of dollars of health care fraud proceeds and paid unlawful kickbacks.

    According to his plea agreement, Valenzuela and co-conspirators owned and operated multiple durable medical equipment (DME) companies, which sold orthotics – including back, wrist, and knee braces – to Medicare beneficiaries. Valenzuela admitted that in operating the DME companies, he and co-conspirators paid unlawful kickback payments to sham marketing companies who provided bogus prescriptions for DME. In total, Valenzuela paid $3.7 million in kickbacks.

    Valenzuela admitted that he used his DME companies to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare. Once Valenzuela’s DME companies were suspended from billing Medicare, Valenzuela conspired to put DME companies in the names of nominee owners while he maintained control of the companies and the monies received from Medicare.  In total, Valenzuela billed Medicare approximately $51 million and was paid approximately $20 million, and ultimately laundered at least $14 million dollars of Medicare proceeds. As part of his guilty plea, Valenzuela agreed to forfeit $7,101,320.

    Valenzuela’s sentencing is scheduled for August 15, 2025. 

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blanca Quintero of the Southern District of California.

    DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 25cr2488-DMS                          

    Fernando Valenzuela Ayub                            Age: 48                                   Chula Vista, CA

    SUMMARY OF CHARGES

    Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h)

    Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine

    INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

    Federal Bureau of Investigation

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG)

    *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Girls with painful periods are twice as likely as their peers to have symptoms of anxiety or depression

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Subhadra Evans, Associate Professor, Psychology, Deakin University

    Shutterstock

    Around half of teenage girls experience moderate to severe period pain. The mechanical force of the uterus contracting and inflammatory chemicals such as prostaglandins contribute to this pain.

    Moderate to severe period pain has a significant impact on daily life. Girls with period pain are three to five times more likely than their peers to miss school or university, and two to five times more likely to miss out on social and physical activities.

    Our new research found girls with period pain reported higher levels of psychological distress as young adults, even after accounting for earlier mental health issues and socioeconomic factors.

    What comes first?

    Menstrual pain has been dismissed and under-treated. Women report there is a perception among some health-care providers that stress, anxiety, or depression cause their pain.

    However, participants in our lived experience research have told us that period pain leads to psychological distress. As one woman explained:

    mental health [is] used frequently by health professionals to diminish my symptoms and make me feel as though I have untreated mental health conditions that are the cause of my issues instead of my physical pain.

    Prior research suggests a bi-directional link between pain and mental health. A study of almost 15,00 adolescents with chronic pain found an increased risk of lifetime anxiety and depression. While our prior research on pelvic pain in adults showed psychological distress can worsen functional pain over time.

    Research exploring the relationship between mental health and pain in teens with period pain is limited, with the direction of the relationship still unclear.

    Take the example of Ruby, who represents a composite of clinical cases:

    Ruby was netball captain in Year 6 but painful periods led to her dropping out of the team in Year 8. By Year 10, she was socialising less with her friends. At 17, she felt like her mental health was deteriorating and was locked in a struggle with her own body. Ruby saw her GP and was told to take Nurofen and keep moving because anxiety and depression had caused chronic pain.

    While research has linked mental health and pain perception, we set out to determine the direction of this link: do mental health difficulties lead to period pain? Or does period pain contribute to mental health issues?

    Our new study

    We used data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, also known as Growing Up in Australia, which has tracked the lives of 10,000 children and their families since 2004. We used data that tracked 1,600 girls who reported on their periods from age 14, 16 and 18.

    Parents reported symptoms of anxiety and depression when the girls were 14–16 years old. The young women self-reported these symptoms at age 18, and levels of psychological distress at age 20–21.

    This multi-stage study allowed us to look at how menstrual pain and mental health show up together and change over time during an important stage in young women’s lives.

    While conditions such as endometriosis (which causes tissue similar to that which lines the uterus to grow outside the uterus) can be associated with pelvic pain, including period pain, the survey didn’t ask participants about endometriosis or pain-related diagnoses. So this didn’t form part of our study.

    Around half of the participants experienced moderate to severe period pain.

    We found girls who had painful periods were much more likely to also have symptoms of anxiety and depression at ages 14, 16 and 18 compared to those who did not have painful periods.

    At age 14, adolescents who experienced painful periods were around twice as likely to have symptoms of anxiety and depression, compared to their peers who said their periods were not painful, or only a little painful.

    These adolescents also reported higher levels of psychological distress as young adults, even after accounting for earlier mental health issues and socioeconomic factors.

    Adolescents who reported period pain throughout their teens were more likely to experience “moderate” psychological distress in early adulthood. In contrast, adolescents who did not have period pain were more likely to experience “mild” psychological distress in early adulthood.

    Importantly, we showed that period pain often comes before mental health issues develop – not the other way around. This suggests period pain could be a risk factor for future mental health problems.

    The findings underscore the importance of identifying adolescents who are experiencing period pain. Many adolescents believe period pain is something they just have to put up with, and don’t seek help.

    What can be done about period pain?

    We recommend treating period pain early with a variety of options.

    First-line period pain management includes:

    • anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, which are available over the counter
    • seeing your GP to discuss hormonal therapies, such as the oral contraceptive pill.

    Additional strategies to manage period pain can include:

    Improved menstrual education is needed to ensure teens can recognise when their menstrual experience is unusual, and know where they can access support.

    Some programs provide menstrual education across schools and community groups. This education should be extended to families and school health and wellbeing support staff to facilitate early recognition and intervention.

    Finally, further research is needed to confirm whether addressing period pain promptly reduces the risk of longer-term mental health symptoms.

    Subhadra Evans receives funding from the Australian Government.

    Antonina Mikocka-Walus receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

    Marilla L. Druitt 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. Girls with painful periods are twice as likely as their peers to have symptoms of anxiety or depression – https://theconversation.com/girls-with-painful-periods-are-twice-as-likely-as-their-peers-to-have-symptoms-of-anxiety-or-depression-256232

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFTER HOUSE GOP VOTED TO MAKE LARGEST CUT TO FOOD ASSISTANCE IN HISTORY – IMPACTING 150,000 IN ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES – SCHUMER SAYS WE MUST UNITE TO SAVE SNAP; STANDING WITH ROCHESTER FAITH LEADERS,…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Schumer Says Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Will Be Ugly For Hardworking NY Families, Decimating Healthcare & Funding For Local Hospitals, Raising Energy Costs By Slashing $$ For Clean Energy Projects Across NY & Raising Costs For Counties Across The Board By Shifting The Costs For Vital Programs Like SNAP & Medicaid
    Already 24 Truckloads Of Produce For Foodlink’s 350+ Rochester-Area Food Pantries Have Been Canceled Due To Trump’s Cruel USDA Cuts & Now With GOP Voting To Make Largest SNAP Cut In History; Senator, With Church Leaders & Advocates, Says Double Whammy Could Hurtle Rochester-Finger Lakes To A Hunger Crisis
    Schumer: No Child In Rochester Should Go To Bed Hungry
    After House Republicans just last week voted to pass the largest cut to the anti-hunger program SNAP in American history, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood with Rochester-Finger Lakes religious leaders, food banks, and farmers on the frontlines of the local fight against hunger to show the devastating local impacts the massive proposed $300 billion SNAP cut to fund Trump’s tax breaks for corporations & billionaires. Over 150,000 kids, seniors and families in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region rely on these anti-hunger programs for food, and Schumer joined with church leaders to detail exactly why these new cuts would be so harmful, and demand that the GOP stop this devastating assault that could hurtle Rochester and millions of others across America to a hunger crisis.
    “Last week, in the dark of night, House Republicans rushed to pass their so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in the hopes that their massive cuts to American families would go unnoticed. We are here to ensure that doesn’t happen, and shine a light on how the largest cut to food assistance in history could hurtle 150,000 kids, seniors, and families into a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump already canceled 24 truckloads of U.S. farm-grown food headed to hungry families in Rochester, and these cuts would be a double whammy. This is not a partisan issue, it is a moral issue. I’m here with our food banks, faith leaders, and farmers on the frontlines to stand up to protect these programs and stop this cruel cut to SNAP. Stealing from anti-hunger programs that feed Rochester families to pay for Trump’s tax breaks for corporations & billionaires is as backwards as it gets. There is nothing beautiful about cutting SNAP so children go hungry and can’t learn or have productive lives. Senate Democrats are united in opposing this cruel bill, and we are united with the people to demand the GOP block these SNAP cuts. Otherwise, it will be families here in Rochester that go hungry.”
    “How we care for those on the margins speaks volumes about who we are as a people,” said Pastor Doug Stewart of The Lutheran Church of the Incarnate Word. “Many of our religious traditions have engrained in their DNA the call to care for the dignity and well-being of those on the margins – values that should compel us to stand against policies that sacrifice the poor on the altar of tax breaks and corporate privilege. In a nation with abundant resources, the persistence of hunger is a moral failing—a call to action for all who believe in equity and the common good.  When dinner and grocery programs like those at Incarnate Word are pushed to their limits, we see the sharp painful consequences of such policies. I am grateful for the work of Senator Schumer and other community leaders in their tireless efforts of drawing attention to how drastic cuts in anti-hunger programs could lead to a full-blown hunger crisis that harms the most vulnerable. I’m proud to stand beside Senator Schumer today.”
    Schumer explained how Trump’s USDA has already cruelly canceled $1 billion in food assistance including 24 truckloads of food locally, right as demand is surging. Schumer said if these SNAP cuts became law, it would be a double whammy. Rochester’s Foodlink and its network of 350+ Food Pantries across the 10-county Rochester Finger Lakes region last year alone recorded 1.8 million requests for food assistance (a 36% increase from the prior year), and if these SNAP cuts move forward they say it would be devastating.
    The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. Schumer said that we should be investing more not less in anti-hunger programs, but under the Republican proposal, the average family would be reduced to just $5.00 per day per person. A breakdown of SNAP recipients in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region from the Center for American Progress can be found below:

    County

    SNAP Recipients

    % of County on SNAP

    SNAP Retailers

    Genesee

    4,785

    8.3%

    52

    Livingston

    5,731

    9.3%

    45

    Monroe

    109,665

    14.6%

    611

    Ontario

    9,350

    8.3%

    82

    Orleans

    5,350

    13.6%

    32

    Seneca

    3,647

    11.2%

    36

    Wayne

    8,539

    9.4%

    79

    Wyoming

    2,513

    6.4%

    33

    Yates

    2,080

    8.5%

    23

    TOTAL

    151,660

     

    993

    Last week, House Republicans passed a bill that would rip $300 billion away from SNAP. This proposal would impact Rochester-Finger Lakes residents in many ways, including the addition of a work requirement which would raise the age to access SNAP benefits from age 55 to age 64 and only exempt SNAP recipients from work requirements if they have someone younger than 7 years old in their household, down from the current exemption for all families with children under 18 years old.
    Schumer said, “I’m all for reducing any waste or fraud to make the program more efficient, but rushing to pass these massive damaging cuts with no plan while they slash our food banks is a recipe for disaster. Republicans are tying themselves in knots trying to justify these massive cuts. I ask my Republican friends this: which category does a hungry 7 year old fall under: are they waste? Are they fraud? Or are they abuse?”
    Schumer explained the Republican proposal to cut $300 billion from SNAP would inevitably mean costs of feeding families shift to states, who simply do not have the capacity to absorb this massive increase in expenses, risking families going hungry. Under this Republican proposal, states would be required to pay 5 – 25% of their state’s SNAP benefits based on the state’s error rate. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), mandating New York State to cover even a modest share of SNAP benefits would shift astronomical costs to the state, with even just 5% increasing New York State’s costs by nearly $3.5 billion from FY2026 to FY2034. The senator said it is impossible to cut this much from federal SNAP funding without ripping food away from hungry children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more. These figures represent just the costs from SNAP cuts and do not factor in additional costs states would have to bear if Republicans pass their proposed Medicaid cuts in this same bill.
    These agonizing decisions would be amplified even further at the local level, with non-profits, many of whom have already had their funding cut, unable to fill in the gap. Counties could even be forced to shoulder the burden of increased costs in SNAP, using more local dollars to provide coverage because less federal funding will be coming in. During recessions or economic downturns, these impacts will be even more acute, as more people apply for benefits and state revenue declines, more children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more will be turned away from this vital program due to insufficient federal funding.
    The proposed SNAP cuts would be a blow to Rochester-Finger Lakes food banks which have already been hit hard by Trump’s funding freezes and canceled payments. Earlier this year, the USDA canceled $1 billion in food assistance for organizations to purchase locally grown food. USDA programs provide food banks, schools, and other organizations with federal support to purchase local food products from NY farms.
    Trump’s USDA cuts have already hit the Rochester-Finger Lakes region hard. Rochester’s Foodlink has already been forced to cancel 24 truckloads of U.S. farm grown food worth approximately $1 million. Meanwhile, food insecurity is affecting more families across the region, with Foodlink seeing a 40% increase in visits to network food pantries and meal programs from 2023 to 2024.  
    Schumer said these proposed cuts will limit food banks’ ability to keep shelves stocked as more people have been forced to rely on food banks to feed their families. Food bank workers and religious leaders across Upstate New York are concerned about the impact of potential cuts to SNAP on the people they serve, and farmers are worried there will be nowhere to sell their food if SNAP funding levels drop.
    “The devasting SNAP cuts proposed in the House bill will take away billions of meals for some of our nation’s most vulnerable residents — and impact the health of our seniors, educational opportunities for our youth and the economic prosperity of our country,” said Julia Tedesco, president & CEO of Foodlink. “At a time when food-insecurity rates are high and visits to local food pantries spiked 40% last year, Foodlink and our partners simply cannot fill the gap with a SNAP reduction of this magnitude. We call on Congress to oppose these cuts to ensure the health and wellbeing of our neighbors during these challenging times.”
    Jay Formicola, Rochester resident who relies on SNAP said, “I receive SNAP benefits and they are a lifeline for me and thousands of people just like me across this region. We all know that prices in the grocery store are high. Inflation has made it harder and harder for me to makes ends meet. I work. I budget. I meal plan. And it’s still hard. Any plan that takes away food from working people like me, or families dealing with soaring cost of living, makes no sense. This will create worse and more costly problems.”
    “We serve 500 households every week and see firsthand how food insecurity impacts Rochester families – from a mom unsure she’ll have enough food for her children during weekends, to seniors and working parents lining up in the cold and snow hours before our pantry doors even open,” said Dawn Burdick, Executive Director of Rochester Hope North Clinton Food Pantry, based on the campus of St. Michael’s. “Our families rely on the nearly 20,000 pounds of food we receive through Foodlink’s network every week, and fresh, locally grown produce is always most in demand. The USDA funding freeze has already made it harder for us to keep our shelves stocked and supply healthy options for our neighbors. Any future cuts to SNAP will surely have an even more wide-ranging impact – not only making it tougher for families to put food on the table, but also straining our ability to keep up with the growing need. In a region as rich in resources as ours, it’s disheartening to see these threats to vital food programs increase the stress and insecurity faced by our community and the volunteers who work so tirelessly to help.”
    Reverend Tedd Pullano, Third Presbyterian Church Associate Pastor for Outreach said, “Third Presbyterian Church has chosen to be a “Matthew 25 congregation”, which means we follow Jesus’ call to care for all people, whoever they are. A big piece to following Jesus’ call is to “welcome and feed the hungry”. Every week, through our free Food Cupboard and our Saturday meal, we serve over 200 people (approximately 600 per month). Our Food Cupboard is in a “self-service shopping format” that allows people to choose items that best meet their needs family. A critically important and popular aspect of our ministry is providing fresh dairy and produce through Foodlink to these families, so their children can grow up healthy and strong, mentally and physically. The recent USDA funding elimination freeze is detrimental to that effort and dangerous to people; now the proposal to cut SNAP funding would further damage families and hamper these beautiful people’s ability to survive. SNAP is the backbone of food security for so many in our community. We’re grateful, and proud, to stand in our faith, alongside Senator Schumer and push to protect this important SNAP funding – and care for people who are working hard and trying to make ends meet.”
    Sister Beth LeValley with the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester said, “Yesterday, on Memorial Day we remembered those who gave their lives so that America and its ideals would endure.  Just the loss of SNAP benefits alone would impact 11 million people including an estimated 4 million children.  We should be ashamed to support, much less pass, legislation that penalizes the vulnerable at the same time that it compensates the wealthy.  Penalizing the vulnerable and compensating the wealthy are not ideals held by people of faith; they are not ideals held by people of conscience; nor are they ideals embedded in our founding American documents.  We are grateful Senator Schumer is here today joining with us to change the course of an ill-devised exercise of power –an exercise of power that benefits only a segment of our society.   We welcome his support and urge more lawmakers to follow his lead.
    Proposed rollbacks to the country’s most widely utilized nutrition assistance program would strain budgets for Rochester-Finger Lakes families. Schumer said decimating funding for SNAP right as costs at grocery stores across the country are skyrocketing will hit the Rochester-Finger Lakes region hard. According to the New York State Community Action Association, more than 15% of people in Monroe County live in poverty, including nearly 24% of children. According to No Kid Hungry, over half of New Yorkers reported going into debt in the past year due to rising food costs, with over 60% of families with children. According to the latest “Map the Meal Gap” report from Feeding America, nearly 10,000 more people experienced food insecurity in 2023 compared to 2022 within Foodlink’s 10-county Rochester Finger Lakes region service area. Approximately 160,920 residents experienced food insecurity in 2023, compared to 151,820 the year prior. Between 2021 and 2023, the region’s food insecurity rate rose from 9.3% to 12% to 12.8% which is the highest rate since 2013, and child food insecurity averaged 17.6%.
    SNAP not only supplements families’ food budgets, it has also generated great economic benefits for New York State and NY-25 specifically. According to the National Grocers Association, grocery stores across New York State sold over $2.1 billion in groceries to people using SNAP benefits, including $149.8 million in NY-25. This created more than 18,500 New York jobs in the grocery industry, including 1,319 in NY-25, and generated more than $820.8 million in grocery industry wages, including $58.3 million in NY-25.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFTER HOUSE GOP VOTED TO MAKE LARGEST CUT TO FOOD ASSISTANCE IN HISTORY – IMPACTING 108,000 IN CENTRAL NY – SCHUMER WITH SYRACUSE-CNY FAITH LEADERS IN OSWEGO COUNTY WHICH HAS AMONG HIGHEST FOOD…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Schumer Says Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Will Be Ugly For Hardworking NY Families, Decimating Healthcare & Funding For Local Hospitals, Raising Energy Costs By Slashing $$ For Clean Energy Projects Across NY & Raising Costs For Counties Across The Board By Shifting The Costs For Vital Programs Like SNAP & Medicaid
    Already The Foodbank of CNY Is Preparing To Lose ~2 Million Pounds Of Food Due To Trump’s Cruel USDA Cuts & Now With GOP Voting To Make Largest SNAP Cut In History; Senator, With Syracuse Church Leaders & Advocates, Says Double Whammy Could Hurtle Central NY & Oswego County Which Has Highest Food Insecurity In All NYS Into To A Hunger Crisis
    Schumer: No Child In Central NY Deserves To Go To Bed Hungry
    After House Republicans just last week voted to pass the largest cut to the anti-hunger program SNAP in American history, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer stood in Central New York’s hunger hotspot, Oswego County, which has one of the top 5 highest rates of food insecurity in all of NY, with religious leaders, food banks, and farmers on the frontlines of the local fight against hunger to show the devastating local impacts the massive proposed $300 billion SNAP cut to fund Trump’s tax breaks for corporations & billionaires. Over 108,000 in Central NY rely on these anti-hunger programs for food, and Schumer joined with church leaders to detail exactly why these new cuts would be so harmful, and demand that the GOP stop this devastating assault that could hurtle Rochester and millions of others across America to a hunger crisis.
    “Last week, in the dark of night, House Republicans rushed to pass their so-called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ in the hopes that their massive cuts to American families would go unnoticed. We are here in Oswego County which has some of the highest rates of food insecurity in New York to ensure that doesn’t happen. We are here to shine a light on how the largest cut to food assistance in history could hurtle 108,000 Central New York kids, seniors, and families into a hunger crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “Trump already canceled more than a million pounds of U.S. farm-grown food headed to hungry families in Central New York, and these cuts would be a double whammy. This is not a partisan issue, it is a moral issue. I’m here with our food banks, faith leaders, and farmers on the frontlines to stand up to protect these programs and stop this cruel cut to SNAP. Stealing from anti-hunger programs that feed Central New York families to pay for Trump’s tax breaks for corporations & billionaires is as backwards as it gets. There is nothing beautiful about cutting SNAP so children go hungry and can’t learn or have productive lives. Senate Democrats are united in opposing this cruel bill, and we are united with the people to demand the GOP block these SNAP cuts. Otherwise, it will be families here in Central New York that go hungry.”
    Schumer explained how Trump’s USDA has already cruelly canceled $1 billion in food assistance, and his FEMA has indefinitely frozen over $130 million in previously allocated funds, hurting every level of food distribution from regional food banks like the Food Bank of CNY to local food pantries like Catholic Charities Oswego Food Pantry. If these SNAP cuts move forward it would be a triple whammy for Central NY, hurtling the region’s ongoing hunger crisis to unforeseen levels. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a lifeline for nearly 3 million NY seniors, veterans and families who rely on the critical funding to purchase groceries. Schumer said that we should be investing more not less in anti-hunger programs, but under the Republican proposal, the average family would be reduced to just $5.00 per day per person. A breakdown of SNAP recipients in Central New York from the Center for American Progress can be found below:

    County

    SNAP Recipients

    % of County on SNAP

    SNAP Retailers

    Cayuga

    9,215

    12.3%

    57

    Cortland

    5,933

    12.9%

    52

    Madison

    6,585

    9.8%

    68

    Onondaga

    68,796

    14.6%

    455

    Oswego

    18,184

    15.4%

    109

    TOTAL

    108,713

     

    741

    Last week, House Republicans passed a bill that would rip $300 billion away from SNAP. This proposal would impact Central New York residents in many ways, including the addition of a work requirement which would raise the age to access SNAP benefits from age 55 to age 64 and only exempt SNAP recipients from work requirements if they have someone younger than 7 years old in their household, down from the current exemption for all families with children under 18 years old.
    Schumer said, “I’m all for reducing any waste or fraud to make the program more efficient, but rushing to pass these massive damaging cuts with no plan while they slash our food banks is a recipe for disaster. Republicans are tying themselves in knots trying to justify these massive cuts. I ask my Republican friends this: which category does a hungry 7 year old fall under: are they waste? Are they fraud? Or are they abuse?”
    Schumer explained the Republican proposal to cut $300 billion from SNAP would inevitably mean costs of feeding families shift to states, who simply do not have the capacity to absorb this massive increase in expenses, risking families going hungry. Under this Republican proposal, states would be required to pay 5 – 25% of their state’s SNAP benefits based on the state’s error rate. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), mandating New York State to cover even a modest share of SNAP benefits would shift astronomical costs to the state, with even just 5% increasing New York State’s costs by nearly $3.5 billion from FY2026 to FY2034. The senator said it is impossible to cut this much from federal SNAP funding without ripping food away from hungry children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more.
    These agonizing decisions would be amplified even further at the local level, with non-profits, many of whom have already had their funding cut, unable to fill in the gap. Counties could even be forced to shoulder the burden of increased costs in SNAP, using more local dollars to provide coverage because less federal funding will be coming in. During recessions or economic downturns, these impacts will be even more acute, as more people apply for benefits and state revenue declines, more children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and more will be turned away from this vital program due to insufficient federal funding.
    According to CBPP, 20,000 people in NY-22 and 14,000 people in NY-24 reside in households with adults ages 18-64 with school-age children and would likely lose SNAP benefits under this Republican proposal, and Schumer said that is only the tip of the iceberg.
    The proposed SNAP cuts would be a blow to Central New York food banks which have already been hit hard by Trump’s funding freezes and canceled payments. Earlier this year, the USDA canceled $1 billion in food assistance for organizations to purchase locally grown food. USDA programs provide food banks, schools, and other organizations with federal support to purchase local food products from NY farms. At FEMA, $130 million in previously allocated funding for the Emergency and Food and Shelter Program has been indefinitely frozen since January. The program helps local nonprofit organizations provide food and shelter individuals and families who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, hunger or homelessness.
    Trump’s USDA and FEMA cuts have already hit Central New York hard. At the Food Bank of CNY, which delivered over 22.9 million pounds of food and over 19 million meals to families across 11 Upstate NY counties in 2024, USDA cuts have already caused a loss of over $450,000 and may cause additional losses of up to $1 million per year, translating to an estimated 500,000 pounds of food and 100,000 meals annually. At Catholic Charities of Oswego County, which served 2,213 adults, 1,368 children, and 360 seniors in 2024, FEMA cuts will slash as much as $14,000 from their food pantry in Fulton, forcing them to cut back on hundreds if not thousands of meals each year. Elsewhere in Oswego County, USDA cuts jeopardize food security for the 10,000 people served by Oswego County Opportunities last year, including 150 people suffering from intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, chemical addiction, or homelessness, and more than 50 families with pre- / post-partem women and infant children. In Onondaga County, USDA cuts have meant less food available, unhealthier options, and increased competition. At the Interfaith Community Collective food pantry in Syracuse, USDA cuts have already forced pantry staff to reduce the amount of meals served, shorten meal service time, and even turn people away hungry. At New Americans Blessing Box, USDA cuts have made it more difficult to find fresh foods like vegetables, fruits, and meats, as well as culturally targeted foods like Halal chicken, jasmine rice, and spices.
    Schumer said these proposed cuts will limit food banks’ ability to keep shelves stocked as more people have been forced to rely on food banks to feed their families. Food bank workers and religious leaders across Upstate New York are concerned about the impact of potential cuts to SNAP on the people they serve, and farmers are worried there will be nowhere to sell their food if SNAP funding levels drop.
    “No matter which way you slice it, this Congressional Republican plan will screw Central New York families, food banks and farmers from farm to table. We need everyone to stand up to these cuts that would take away food from our neighbors in need,” added Schumer.
    Murray Gould, Food Pantry Director, St. Lucy’s Church of Syracuse, “We at St. Lucy’s Church are grateful for the efforts of Senator Schumer for highlighting this critical issue. We have seen a 40% increase in people seeking our assistance at our pantry in the last nine months. We do know that approximately 75% of our clients receive snap benefits. The proposed reduction in snap as well as the devastating decrease in funding to the food. SNAP cuts will be creating more hunger in our communities. As a faith based community in our neighborhood, these proposed changes can only be described as cruel.”
    Maura Ackerman, Executive Director of the Syracuse-Onondaga Food Systems Alliance, said, “SNAP is one of the most powerful tools we have to fight hunger and poverty, especially for families with children. In a city like Syracuse – with the highest child poverty rate among U.S. cities with populations over 100,000 – that support is not just meaningful, it’s essential. Every SNAP dollar feeds a neighbor and strengthens our local economy, generating nearly twice its value in economic activity. This is about investing in our kids, our communities, and our collective future. We can’t let politics stand in the way of basic human needs. We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for championing this commonsense, bipartisan priority. Making sure children have enough to eat should never be up for debate.”
    Brian Reeves, Owner, Reeves Farm said, “Cuts to food assistance programs have several negative impacts to our communities; fewer people receive adequate nutrition, farmers sell less of their production, and any excess unsold production can over supply the marketplace and drive down the price the farmer receives for the food which does get sold. On behalf of farmers across New York, I would like to thank Senator Schumer for fighting to ensure that critical SNAP dollars keep flowing to help farms like mine continue providing fresh, nutritious, locally grown food to the members of our community who need it the most.”
    Sheila Dion, Founder & Director, Erin’s Angels of CNY said, “Hunger is not a political issue, it is a human issue. Cutting SNAP benefits is not just a budget decision—it’s a moral decision. Oswego County is often cited among the New York Counties with the highest rates of child food insecurity. According to Feeding America, seventy six percent of the families in Oswego County are income eligible for federal nutrition programs. Every day, we see firsthand the impact hunger has on children in our community. These proposed cuts would leave thousands of kids without the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive. At Erin’s Angels, we fill the weekend gap, but SNAP is the lifeline that helps families feed their children the rest of the week. Undermining this program would deepen food insecurity across the country—and hurt the most vulnerable among us. We would like to thank Senator Chuck Schumer for helping to raise awareness of this very important issue and for advocating for the hungry in New York State and in Oswego County. By denouncing SNAP cuts, highlighting the negative effects these cuts will have on millions of New York residents, calling for a coalition to oppose these devastating cuts, demanding action from New York state republicans to oppose these cuts and protect SNAP, securing funding for food banks, advocating for farmers and visiting food banks across the state he has consistently demonstrated his commitment to addressing hunger and supporting those facing food insecurity in New York State.”
    Roseann Bayne, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, CiTi BOCES said, “Cuts to SNAP will deepen the crisis of food insecurity in Oswego County—already among the highest in New York State. Over 26% of adults here are food insecure, and nearly one in four school-age children live in poverty—well above state and national averages. Even small cuts in benefits could push many from low food security into true hunger, especially seniors surviving on below-average Social Security and limited retirement income. And our students? Many arrive at school undernourished, disadvantaged before the day even begins—struggling at times to focus, learn, or thrive. SNAP isn’t about handouts; it’s a lifeline for families, seniors, and individuals doing their best to get by. Many folks here work full-time and still earn far less than the ALICE survival budget. Opinions and misinformed judgment don’t feed people. Policy rooted in compassion and facts does. On behalf of CiTi BOCES, I thank Senator Schumer for coming to Oswego County to advocate for the critical SNAP funds that our community depends on.”
    Peter O. Nwosu, President, SUNY Oswego said, “At SUNY Oswego, we recognize that students cannot achieve academic success while facing food insecurity. That’s why, through our Empire State Service Corps, we’ve established a dedicated team of students who provide peer-to-peer support to help their classmates apply for SNAP benefits. This work reduces barriers and empowers students to focus on their education without the burden of basic needs insecurity. We are committed to sustaining this and other vital services to help our students succeed. We are grateful to Senator Schumer for his ongoing advocacy to expand and protect SNAP access for college students. His continued leadership is instrumental in ensuring that higher education remains accessible and equitable for all.”
    Josh Stephani, Director, Adirondack Food System Network said, “Federal cuts to SNAP have disastrous implications the communities across the Adirondacks, our most vulnerable individuals, and further threaten our food system. Nearly one third of our population is supported by SNAP – children, seniors, and many families are supported through this important program. Alongside rising costs for transportation, housing, and living in the region, many families are already struggling to provide for their families without enough resources. These vital programs work to support our economy and provide for our families in need. Specifically, by cutting SNAP, we are placing further economic hardships on our North Country communities, reducing the $300 million economic benefit of this program into our Adirondack region and putting the health of our neighbors at risk. For the communities who call this place home, these programs are a vital lifeline for their moments of need. On behalf of the Adirondack Food System Network, we thank Senator Schumer for his continued advocacy for these critical and lifesaving programs for our communities, New Yorkers, and the entire country. The Adirondacks are often seen as the last mile for essential services, and we are proud to have the Senator as an advocate for the North Country advocating on our behalf.”
    Proposed rollbacks to the country’s most widely utilized nutrition assistance program would strain budgets for Central New York families. Schumer said decimating funding for SNAP right as costs at grocery stores across the country are skyrocketing will hit Central New York hard. According to the New York State Community Action Association, more than 17% of people in Oswego County live in poverty, including nearly 25% of children. According to No Kid Hungry, over half of New Yorkers reported going into debt in the past year due to rising food costs, with over 60% of families with children. In Oswego County, more than 26% of adults self-report as food insecure per the NYS Department of Health, and over 20% of children are food insecure according to Feeding America. With 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 children suffering from food insecurity, Oswego County food insecurity is the highest of any county in Central New York.
    SNAP not only supplements families’ food budgets, it has also generated great economic benefits for New York State and NY-24 specifically. According to the National Grocers Association, grocery stores across New York State sold over $2.1 billion in groceries to people using SNAP benefits, including $103.3 million in NY-24. This created more than 18,500 New York jobs in the grocery industry, including 910 in NY-24, and generated more than $820.8 million in grocery industry wages, including $40.2 million in NY-24.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Locus Technologies Releases Service Order Management App

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locus Technologies, the sustainability and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) compliance software leader, announced the release of its Locus Service Order Management (SOM) app, a user-configurable software-as-a-service (SaaS) to help complex organizations efficiently manage any work order lifecycle and streamline any service workflow with transparency, auditability, and AI modeling. The Locus Service Order Management app automates the scheduling, dispatching, and tracking of service tasks for any department, from inception to closure, all within a single unified platform. Locus SOM integrates with 30+ purpose-built apps in the Locus ecosystem, enabling seamless integration with adjacent apps for service order-centric initiatives, such as EHS and water compliance, incident response, and asset management.

    “Locus Service Order Management is the missing piece for organizations looking to streamline field operations and compliance response without adding another disconnected system,” said Neno Duplan, founder and CEO of Locus Technologies. “It makes little sense for customers to license and manage standalone service order software when they can use our fully integrated, AI-ready platform to initiate, track, and document corrective actions—whether responding to a water compliance alert, a refrigerant leak, or any other field event—directly from within the same system they already use to manage environmental data.”

    Locus SOM includes end-to-end workflow automation, dashboards and reports, process analytics, field service management (FSM), tasking, notifications, routing/territory planning, asset and equipment management, incident management, and corrective action tracking.

    All Locus apps are metadata-driven, which empowers users to configure the interfaces and workflows within Locus Service Order Management to meet the needs of any department, from compliance to customer service and ITSM. “There’s no limit to the types of business processes our customers can manage with Locus Service Orders; it could be equipment maintenance or service outages. The app flexes to any use case,” said Duplan.

    All Locus software is delivered via a multitenant cloud that centralizes and secures customers’ data, enabling scalability and AI that continually improves as the collective data grows. “The Locus Service Order app improves service delivery and reduces operational costs through the efficient, automated management of work orders and the generation of insights to optimize workforces and transform processes,” said Duplan.

    To learn more about Locus Service Order Management and the ecosystem of 30+ purpose-built apps for Locus Platform, please visit http://www.locustec.com.

    About Locus Technologies
    Locus Technologies, the global environmental, social, governance (ESG), sustainability, and EHS compliance software leader, empowers companies of every size and industry to be credible with ESG reporting. From 1997, Locus pioneered enterprise software-as-a-service (SaaS) for EHS compliance, water management, and ESG credible reporting. Locus apps and software solutions improve business performance by strengthening risk management and EHS for organizations across industries and government agencies. Organizations ranging from medium-sized businesses to Fortune 500 enterprises, such as Sempra, Corteva, Chevron, DuPont, Chemours, San Jose Water Company, The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Port of Seattle, and Los Alamos National Laboratory, have selected Locus. Locus is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For further information regarding Locus and its commitment to excellence in SaaS solutions, please visit http://www.locustec.com or email info@locustec.com.

    Media Contact:
    Brenda Mahedy
    Locus Technologies
    media@locustechnologies.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Peacekeepers in Abyei Win Top United Nations Military, Police Awards

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    NEW YORK, 27 May — The United Nations has announced the 2024 recipients of the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award and the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.

    Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme of Ghana will receive the Military Gender Advocate Award and Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone will receive the Woman Police Officer of the Year Award during a ceremony marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May.

    The awards will be presented at United Nations Headquarters in New York by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

    Sharon Syme of Ghana has been named the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year in recognition of her exceptional commitment in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls during her tour of duty with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

    Since her deployment in 2024 as the Mission’s Military Gender Adviser, Ms. Syme’s work has directly impacted local communities, ensuring the voices and needs of women and girls are integrated into security and peacebuilding initiatives.

    As part of her efforts, she conducted an intensive health campaign for the women and men of the local communities on the dangers and health implications of gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices like child marriage.

    Ms. Syme also helped strengthen the gender awareness and capacity of UNISFA’s military components, spearheading patrols composed of men and women able to address diverse community needs, and engaging with local women’s groups to promote trust and collaboration.  Her approach emphasized inclusivity, respect and cultural awareness, setting a benchmark for gender-responsive peacekeeping operations.

    “Squadron Leader Syme exemplifies the principles of gender advocacy in peacekeeping,” said Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix.  “Her dedication has not only improved the effectiveness of UNISFA’s operations, but also ensured that the mission is more reflective of and responsive to the communities it serves.”

    “Applying gender perspectives into daily tasks is the responsibility of every peacekeeper,” Ms. Syme said.  “Success comes through diversifying military representation at checkpoints, operating bases and on patrols it also comes from having gender-responsive leaders, who listen and respond to the voices of their male and female peacekeepers”.

    Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone has been named the Woman Police Officer of the Year for her innovative community engagement initiatives that helped strengthen relations between host communities and the mission while establishing new crime-reporting channels in Abyei, where there is no functional police service.

    In an area that had no schools when she arrived, she initiated an educational programme, providing materials and visual aids for teaching disadvantaged children.  She also established a mentorship programme for girls.  Projects she also initiated to support crop cultivation and livestock sale at the local markets gave the women sustainable sources of income, allowing them to provide for their families and send their children to school in nearby Abyei town.

    Currently serving as UNISFA’s Chief Police Training Officer, Ms. Gbla spent her teenage years displaced within her home country of Sierra Leone and later as a refugee in Guinea — experiences that motivated her to enter the police service and to empower women affected, like her, by conflict.

    “Having been inspired by seeing the positive impact of the police first hand, including the rebuilding and restructuring of the Sierra Leone Police following years of conflict, Chief Superintendent Gbla embodies the work of the United Nations to improve lives and shape futures,” said Under-Secretary-General Lacroix.

    “This award symbolizes the tireless work of the women in uniform who serve under the UN flag,” said Ms. Gbla upon hearing of her award.  “Each of us faces unique challenges in our respective missions, yet our collective goal remains the same:  to foster peace and protect the vulnerable.”

    About the Awardees

    Chief Superintendent Zainab Mbalu Gbla joined the Sierra Leone Police in 2002, where she has since held various roles in operations, training and leadership.  She has been serving with UNISFA since April 2023 as Officer-in-Charge of the Community-Based Disarmament Unit and UNPOL Chief Training Officer.  This is her third peacekeeping deployment, after serving with the United Nations – African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in 2010–2013 and 2020–2021.

    Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme graduated from the Ghana Military Academy after obtaining her first master’s degree in international health at Japan’s Tokyo University.  A year later, she joined the Ghana Armed Forces Medical Corps and is the Deputy Chief Dietician at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, Ghana.  Her first peacekeeping deployment, she joined UNISFA in March 2024 as the Mission’s Military Gender Adviser.

    About the Awards

    The United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year award was established in 2011 to recognize the exceptional contributions of women police officers to UN peace operations and to promote women’s empowerment, in line with UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.  The UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award is presented annually since 2016 to a military peacekeeper — male or female — who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership in promoting the principles of resolution 1325 (2000).  The resolution calls on actors to mainstream a gender perspective in all aspects of peacekeeping and peacebuilding and to ensure women’s participation in peace and political processes.  The resolution also calls for the protection from, and prevention of, conflict-related sexual violence and for an expansion of the role and contribution of women in UN operations, including of uniformed women peacekeepers.

    The awards ceremony will be held at UN Headquarters on 29 May from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and broadcast live on UN Web TV.

    More information, photos and digital assets on the awardees are available on a dedicated Trello Board.

    For media inquiries and further information, please contact:  Douglas Coffman, Department of Global Communications, at email:  coffmand@un.org; or Sophie Boudre, Department of Peace Operations, at email:  boudre@un.org and Hector Calderon, Department of Peace Operations, at email:  hector.calderon@un.org.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Fills Two County Office Vacancies

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MAY 27, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced two appointments to fill two county office vacancies.

    Hattie Davis, of Marble Hill, was appointed as the Bollinger County Circuit Clerk.

    Ms. Davis currently serves as Acting Bollinger County Circuit Clerk, a position for which she has been serving since March. She brings experience from her previous roles in the Office of State Courts Administration, where she served as Senior Court Clerk, and the Bollinger County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, where she served as an Administrative Assistant. Ms. Davis is active in the Marble Hill Optimist Club and previously supported families through the U.S. Army’s Family Readiness Group.

    Rodney McKinney, of Marthasville, was appointed as the Warren County Prosecuting Attorney.

    Mr. McKinney currently serves as an attorney at law at his own firm, the Law Office of Rodney McKinney, which he has operated since 2008. He previously served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Franklin County and as an assistant public defender in the City of St. Louis. In addition to his legal duties, Mr. McKinney is a member of the Missouri Bar and the Franklin County Bar Association and volunteered with the Franklin County Treatment Court from 2013-2020. He holds a Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law, where he graduated cum laude and was a member of law review, and a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Medical Equipment Business Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay Over $6 Million in Restitution for a Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – A former Kentucky resident was sentenced last week to 2 years and 9 months in federal prison for engaging in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with durable medical equipment businesses.    

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), made the announcement. 

    According to court documents, Pedro Reyes, 54, formerly of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Reyes, through multiple Kentucky companies, executed a scheme in which he fraudulently billed Medicare for durable medical equipment (orthopedic equipment, to including back, knee, and shoulder braces) that was medically unnecessary, unwanted by patients, and not prescribed by the patients’ medical providers.

    “I commend the tenacious work of the HHS-OIG and the prosecution team in this matter,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “Let this case serve as notice to those who plan to cheat the system. You will be identified, aggressively prosecuted, spend time in federal prison, and, in the end, pay back your ill-gotten gains.”

    “The defendant’s exploitation of the Medicare program and its enrollees for unlawful financial gain constitutes a serious breach of trust and a misappropriation of resources for the public,” said Special Agent in Charge Blackmon. “HHS-OIG is unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Medicare and other federal healthcare programs.”

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Reyes was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $6,004,916.

    This case was investigated by HHS-OIG.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Tieke prosecuted the case, with assistance from healthcare fraud investigator Bob Masterson.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 27 May 2025 Note for Media Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly – Daily update: 27 May 2025

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly approved a decision to update the Global action plan (GAP) on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), for discussion at next year’s World Health Assembly (WHA79) in 2026.

    An estimated 4.71 million deaths were associated with bacterial AMR as of 2021, according to the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD). The GAP update will offer a practical framework for the next 10 years to achieve the targets and commitments included in the political declaration of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in 2024 – including a 10% reduction in global deaths associated with bacterial AMR by 2030.

    Since the global action plan was adopted in 2015, over 170 countries have developed multi-sectoral national action plans to address AMR. The updated plan will ensure the latest guidance is available to help countries accelerate implementation. It will reflect a multisectoral One Health approach, which aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

    WHO and the other Quadripartite organizations – the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) – will develop this update in consultation with Member States and relevant stakeholders.

    The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly also considered progress made in supporting countries to prevent infections; ensure universal access to quality and affordable diagnosis and appropriate treatment; strengthen surveillance, research and innovation; and enhance AMR awareness, governance and financing.

    Looking ahead, other WHO priorities include supporting countries to achieve efficiencies by integrating AMR interventions in health sector planning and financing, and enhancing coordination and governance of the AMR response at all levels, including with the Quadripartite.

    Related links

    Assembly adopts the Global action plan on climate change and health for 2025–2028

    At the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in 2025, Member States expressed support for the first-ever draft Global action plan on climate change and health, marking an important step forward in global health and climate policy. The draft Global action plan 2025–2028 (EB156(40)) acknowledged the urgent need to address the health impacts of climate change, positioning health systems as part of the climate solution.

    It aims to provide a strategic framework to guide Member States, the WHO Secretariat and other stakeholders in developing climate-resilient, low-carbon health systems; enhancing surveillance and early warning systems; protecting vulnerable populations; and integrating health into climate policy and financing mechanisms.

    Building on commitments made at previous Conference of the Parties (COPs) and the outcomes of the Executive Board meeting in February 2025, this plan supports WHO’s work to promote health leadership in the global climate agenda and coordinate country-level action and implementation. By supporting this Global action plan, the Assembly affirmed that climate action is not only an environmental priority but also a strategic health priority.

    While recognizing this important progress, some Member States noted that more time and dialogue are needed to reach consensus on certain principles and language used in the action plan moving forward.

    Related links:

    • Climate change and health: Draft Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health A78/4 Add.2
    • Documents A78/4, A78/4 Add.2 and EB156/2025/REC/1, decision EB156(40)
    • Draft Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health as contained in decision EB156(40) and
    • EB156/25)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bloomfield Resident Admits Role in Opioid Distribution Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Bloomfield resident admitted participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute opioids, as well as unlawful distribution of opioids, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Danielle Molinari, 51, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an information charging her with one count of drug conspiracy and one count of distribution of, and possession with intent to distribute, oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Between February 2019 and March 2023, Molinari participated in a conspiracy to obtain medically unnecessary prescriptions for oxycodone, an opioid pain medication.  Once Molinari obtained the oxycodone through a prescription, she then sold the oxycodone to another individual in exchange for money. Over the course of the conspiracy, Molinari unlawfully distributed approximately 4,665 oxycodone pills.

    The two charges of drug conspiracy and distribution of oxycodone each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for November 4, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chelsea D. Coleman and Jenny Chung of the Health Care Fraud and Opioids Abuse Prevention Unit in Newark.

                                                               ###

    Defense counsel: Joel Silberman, Esq., Jersey City, New Jersey

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: Only Democrats want to make health care more accessible and more affordable

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – May 20, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu were joined by Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. and Shontel Brown for a press conference about the Republican Budget, which kicks millions of Americans off their health insurance and prevents families from meeting their basic needs. 

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: I’m grateful to be joined by Vice Chair Lieu and Dr. Schrier and Representative Brown for joining us here today to talk about the importance of protecting health care and nutrition across this country.

    I want to begin by offering our condolences to the victims of deadly storms in Missouri and Kentucky. We also want to send President Biden and his family our support as they grapple with the former President’s cancer diagnosis. We know that Joe Biden will approach this fight with the same grace that he’s shown throughout his life. We also know that Joe Biden would be the first to say that every American deserves the same level of health care that he is being provided.

    That’s why House Democrats are fighting to protect health care that Donald Trump and House Republicans are attacking. In the dead of night, House Republicans are working to ram through their agenda to kick millions of Americans off of health insurance and to take food assistance from families who need it most. As grocery prices rise, they’re going to take food out of the mouths of mothers, children and veterans, while making health care even more expensive—just for the single purpose of providing more tax cuts for billionaires and corporations who continue to make record profits. Remember: the Republican Budget doesn’t make Medicaid or SNAP more efficient or more fair. All this bill does is ensure that billionaires—who have never had to worry about a hospital bill or putting food on the table—can continue to pay less in taxes than teachers, firefighters and nurses. 

    Only Democrats want to make health care more accessible and more affordable for everyone. Republicans are hellbent on driving up costs for health insurance and ending basic needs programs. They are willing to inflict pain on millions of Americans just to make their campaign donors happy. That. Is. Wrong. And we will continue to fight back at every step for the American people so they can have the peace of mind of a good-paying job with good benefits. 

    Next, I’ll turn it over to Vice Chair Ted Lieu.

    VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar, and honored to be joined today by Congressmembers Kim Schrier and Shontel Brown. First, I’d like to talk about the charges against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver. Those charges are baseless and politically motivated. Three reasons why: First, Congresswoman McIver had a statutory authority to be at that detention center; she was conducting her oversight duties. Second, if what she did was purportedly so awful that it results in criminal charges, how is it possible they literally gave her a tour of the facility? Afterwards, they escorted her around and gave her a tour of that facility while she was conducting oversight. And third, she was trying to prevent the unlawful arrest of the Mayor of Newark. And guess what? She was right. Because the Trump Justice Department dropped all charges against the Mayor of Newark. So, we asked them to also drop charges against LaMonica. This is a baseless, politically motivated distraction.

    And what are they distracting us from? This big, ugly bill that they’re going to have a meeting on at 1 a.m. in the morning. I mean, who does that, right? You do that because you don’t want the American public to know what’s in your big, ugly bill. But we know what’s in it. It has the largest cut to health care in U.S. history, about a trillion dollars. And then also, it’s going to kick off approximately 14 million people off health care. And why are they doing this? To impose the largest tax cut for billionaires in U.S. history. So that’s basically what this big, ugly bill does. And they’re trying to move it through in the dead of night at 1 a.m. We asked the Republicans to listen to the American people and work on what Democrats are trying to work on, which is lowering the cost of rent and groceries and consumer products. That’s what we should be focused on. And it’s now my honor to introduce the great Representative from the State of Washington, Dr. Kim Schrier. 

    REP. SCHRIER: Well, thank you, Vice Chair Lieu. It’s really an honor to be here, but the reason is outrageous, and I want to express that outrage on behalf of my constituents. That the Republicans at this moment are attempting to make the largest cut ever in Medicaid, and the largest cut ever in SNAP, that would be $715 billion out of Medicaid, which would kick 13.7 million Americans off of their health insurance. And let me just reiterate, why are they doing this? They are doing this to pay for a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, like Elon Musk. It is morally bankrupt and it is fiscally, incredibly irresponsible. We just spent 26 and a half hours in the Energy and Commerce Committee last week, spending the vast majority of that time—and by the way, starting at about two o’clock in the morning—talking about these cuts to Medicaid and how they would devastate our constituents and also the broader health care system.

    I want to be clear, one out of three Washingtonians depend on Medicaid. Most of them don’t even know they’re on Medicaid, because we call it Apple Health, and I’m trying to make that point so that people understand how this impacts them personally. So I think about, as a pediatrician, I think about my patients on Medicaid or on Apple Health who will no longer be able to come to their pediatrician’s office for screenings, for a simple cold, for a cough and get treated in a half hour. Now they’re going to go to the emergency room, the most expensive place to get care. They’re going to drive up costs: that cost will be provided for free, and then everybody pays. And I think then about my patients who are not on Medicaid, because they’re going to be waiting longer in the emergency room, they’re going to be paying more. Premiums are going to go up if we want to keep these hospitals and emergency rooms open. And that brings us to other parts of my district, the rural areas, where hospitals may close because they depend so heavily on Medicaid and Medicare. 

    I want to tell you a quick story of a little four-year-old girl named Ila in my district. She is the outcome of a normal, uneventful pregnancy. She was lucky enough to go to our rural hospital called Kittitas Valley Healthcare, and they have a labor and delivery department. She was delivered. There were major complications. She almost died, but they had the staff and the expertise to rescue her, to stabilize her and to Life Flight her to Seattle Children’s. And then I have been reflecting, as have her parents, who are insured, about what would have happened had Medicaid been cut, had labor and delivery there been cut, had she not had that opportunity for rescue and for transport to save her life, and we all know what the answer would have been. I’ve been in hundreds of deliveries. Some go well, some don’t, and you don’t always know until that moment. So I want to emphasize, Medicaid is part of the three-legged stool that is our health care system. If Medicaid is cut in this dramatic way, that stool will fall. It’ll mean hospital closures, higher rates for all of us, emergency room long waits, a sicker community and a poorer community and it is reckless and morally reprehensible. So at this point, I’m going to turn this over to Representative Shontel Brown from Ohio to talk about the terrible cuts that they are doing to food benefits, also for our most vulnerable populations. Thank you. 

    REP. BROWN: Thank you, doctor. Good morning, everyone. I’m Congresswoman Shontel Brown, Vice Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee and representing Ohio’s 11th Congressional District. I’m honored to be here along with Chair Aguilar, Vice Chair Lieu and Congresswoman Schrier. Last week, we saw this legislation up close in the Agriculture Committee, and Ranking Member Craig and my Democratic colleagues on Agriculture fought this legislation for two days. I didn’t just read the bill, I felt it. I felt the cruelty. I felt the callousness. And let me tell you, I was angry. I am still angry. $300 billion in cuts. Let me repeat that: $300 billion in cruel, calculated cuts to nutrition programs. And on top of that, onerous new restrictions and requirements that are designed to deny people the help they need. If this bill passes, millions—yes, millions—of Americans are going to lose nutrition benefits they desperately need. And for what? The biggest cut to food assistance in history, just to hand millionaires a $68,000 tax break, and the top .1 percent a staggering $300,000?

    Let me tell you what this means for my community. One in five. One in five households in my district in Northeast Ohio rely on SNAP. That’s not some statistic from somewhere. That’s my neighbors, that’s my family. Those are my church members. It is me. Because growing up, I was one of those households. And the issue of work requirements really hits home for me, literally. I had epilepsy growing up. I had petit mal seizures and my mother—my strong, brave, exhausted mother—couldn’t work, not because she didn’t want to, but because she couldn’t leave her child who might collapse at any moment. My mom didn’t want to be on food stamps. No parent wants that, but we needed it. And this bill, this bill, would have denied us that lifeline. We’re taking assistance away from people that need it to give those resources to people that don’t.

    Make no mistake, this is not fiscal responsibility. This is not belt-tightening. This is a giveaway. People who rely on SNAP, they’re not leading easy lives. They’re caregivers. They have people at home with disabilities and serious illnesses, children. And these folks are not hard to find. I had one woman contact me, Cheryl from Cleveland Heights. She’s retired. Her husband is disabled. Her father is 92 years old and he’s disabled. She worked in advertising for 25 years. Now, she’s got a house full of people to take care of, and they rely on SNAP. This bill punishes Cheryl and people like her. It takes away the basic benefits they need to survive, all to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest among us. And make no mistake, this bill will make us sicker. This bill will make us poorer. This bill will make us weaker. So it is my privilege to stand here with my colleagues and fight this bill. We cannot let this pass. 
     

    Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: A vision for the future

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CMS Increasing Oversight on States Illegally Using Federal Medicaid Funding for Health Care for Illegal Immigrants

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today increased federal oversight to stop states from misusing federal Medicaid dollars to cover health care for individuals who are in the country illegally. Under federal law, federal Medicaid funding is generally only available for emergency medical services for noncitizens with unsatisfactory immigration status who would otherwise be Medicaid-eligible, but some states have pushed the boundaries, putting taxpayers on the hook for benefits that are not allowed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of views on lung health and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – Committee on Public Health

    Source: European Parliament

    On the 3rd of June, SANT Members will hold an exchange of views with the representatives of European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations and European Respiratory Society.

    Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the leading cause of death in Europe. It is a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems.

    The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations (EFA) is a European alliance of over 30 allergy, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients’ associations representing 30% of European citizens currently living with these diseases.

    The European Respiratory Society (ERS) is an international organisation that brings together physicians, healthcare professionals, scientists and other experts working in respiratory medicine. It is one of the leading medical organisations in the respiratory field, with a growing membership representing over 140 countries worldwide.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Tajikistan, Palestine & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (27 May 2025) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

    Highlights:
    Deputy Secretary-General
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    UNIFIL
    Sudan
    Myanmar
    Cyprus
    Ukraine
    Briefing

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL
    The Deputy Secretary-General is travelling to Dushanbe, Republic of Tajikistan, later today to take part in the International Conference for Glaciers’ Preservation on behalf of the Secretary-General. At the conference, Ms. Mohammed will emphasize the need to accelerate climate action to achieve the 1.5 degree target, in order to reduce the negative impact of melting glaciers on people and planet. During the trip, the Deputy Secretary-General will also meet with senior government officials to strengthen the UN-Tajikistan partnership, youth and women’s groups and other constituencies to discuss priority action to support SDG acceleration.
    On 31 May, she will travel to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend where she will deliver a keynote address at the Opening Ceremony and meet with senior government officials and other stakeholders.
    The Deputy Secretary-General will then travel to Geneva, Switzerland, to deliver opening remarks at the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025. The platform is a critical mechanism, held every two years, to identify ways to further accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. She will also meet with senior government officials of Switzerland and heads of delegation at the Global Platform.
    The Deputy Secretary-General will return to New York on 4 June.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Turning to the situation in Gaza. We have been watching the video coming out of Gaza around one of the distribution points set up by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and frankly these video images are heartbreaking to say the least. As the Secretary-General noted last week, we and our partners have a detailed, principled, operationally sound plan – supported by Member States – to get aid to a desperate population. We continue to stress that a meaningful scale-up of humanitarian operations is essential to stave off famine and meet the needs of all civilians, wherever they are.
    Meanwhile, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that continued bombardment and shelling across the Strip has had horrific impacts on civilians. Today, the Ministry of Health reported dozens of people killed and over 150 injured in the past 24 hours.
    On Sunday night, a school sheltering displaced people in Ad Daraj, in eastern Gaza city, was hit, with the attack igniting a fire and reportedly killing 36 people, including women and children. Many of the bodies were reportedly severely burned.
    Amid ongoing hostilities, thousands of people continue to be displaced. Yesterday, another Israeli displacement order was issued, covering about 155 square kilometres in Rafah, Khan Younis and central Gaza and affecting more than 60 neighbourhoods.
    This represents over 40 per cent of the Gaza Strip, which overlaps with previous displacement orders.
    In North Gaza, our partners tell us that sites for internally- displaced people in Beit Hanoun, Izbat Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, are nearly empty, in the wake of Israeli displacement orders issued for these areas.
    In Khan Younis, displaced people continue to live in the open, where they are exposed to the heat and elements. Many are physically exhausted and frail after having walked long distances on damaged roads with no food to sustain them.
    Since the renewed escalation of hostilities in March, our partners estimate more than 632,000 people have been forced to flee yet again. They are left to survive on very small areas of the territory, with barely anything to survive on.
    OCHA underscores that civilians must be protected, including those fleeing and forced to leave through displacement orders and those who remain despite those orders. Civilians who flee must be allowed to return as soon as circumstances allow. OCHA reiterates that civilians must be able to receive the humanitarian assistance they need, wherever they are. All of this is required by international humanitarian law. 
    Meanwhile, our partners working in health report that there are even fewer health facilities operating this week. Since last Monday, more than two dozen health centres and mobile clinics and one hospital have suspended their services because of hostilities, attacks or displacement orders in their areas.
    On the water and sanitation front, some 200 thousand litres of fuel are needed per week across Gaza to sustain those critical facilities. However, the situation in the south of Gaza is particularly concerning, as no fuel is currently available there, and only one third of the required supply was received last week. (…)

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=27%20May%202025

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Shaheen, Young Introduce Legislation to Address Shortage of Mental Health Providers in Schools

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) recommends a ratio of one school psychologist per 500 students. However, the national average ratio is approximately one school psychologist per 1,065 students, with wide variation among states. For the 2023-2024 school year, North Dakota schools averaged one school psychologist per 1,204 students.

    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the Mental Health Excellence in Schools Act to address this shortage of mental health providers in schools. Specifically, the bill would boost the pipeline of individuals training to become school psychologists, counselors, and social workers by authorizing the U.S. Department of Education to help cover students’ costs at certain graduate programs via partnerships with eligible academic institutions.

    “Like so many fields across the state, there simply aren’t enough school-based mental health professionals,” said Cramer. “Ensuring our kids’ well-being and academic success should be our first priority. Our bill will alleviate the financial strain of earning a graduate degree by encouraging more practitioners to work in schools across the state.” 

    “Access to mental health resources improves the safety, well-being, and academic success of Hoosier students,” said Young. “Our bill will both support the school-based mental health workforce and address the critical need for these professionals.”

    “Folks in New Hampshire and across the country know we’re facing a nationwide youth mental health crisis – and having a sufficient number of mental health professionals in schools, meeting kids where they are, improves the well-being, academic performance and life outcomes of all students,” said Shaheen. “Our bipartisan legislation will provide the resources and support we need to bolster the mental health professional workforce pipeline to ensure more students have this support when they need it.”

    It is endorsed by the National Association of School Psychologists, the American School Counselor Association, the School Social Work Association of America, the American Counseling Association, and the American Psychological Association. 

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Uninformed comments on autism are resonant of dangerous ideas about eugenics

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Cornelia Schneider, Associate Professor of Education, Mount Saint Vincent University

    Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health and human services secretary in the United States, held a recent news conference and made uninformed comments on autism. His remarks created an uproar, especially among people with autism and other disabilities.

    The news conference was related to a new report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about autism.

    Among other comments, Kennedy Jr. said:

    “Autism destroys families, and more importantly, it destroys our greatest resource, which is our children. These are children who should not be
    suffering like this … And these are kids who will never pay taxes. They’ll never hold a job. They’ll never play baseball. They’ll never write a poem. They’ll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted.”

    Earlier, during a cabinet meeting, he promised to find the cause of autism by September.



    Read more:
    If Trump puts RFK Jr in charge of health, get ready for a distorted reality, where global health suffers

    We are researchers whose combined focus covers the rights of people with disabilities in educational systems and the history of disability in medical discourse. One of us is a sibling (Cornelia) and the other a parent (Martha) to people with intellectual disabilities.

    These comments were deeply worrisome for us due to their resonance of dangerous ideas espoused during the eugenics movement.

    Origins of eugenics

    Eugenics is the belief that society can and should be “improved” through selective breeding. It is based on a pseudo-scientific ranking of humans in a racist and ableist hierachy that judges non-white and disabled people to be the least desirable.

    During the height of the movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, eugenics was promoted by scientists, physicians, politicians and clergy, authoritative voices who encouraged the “fittest” to reproduce while recommending that those people with “undesirable” physical or intellectual traits be removed from society. Part of achieving this goal meant people with disabilities were sterilized or institutionalized.

    Eugenics was applied in its most extreme form in Nazi Germany during the 1930s and ‘40s. Six million Jews, and millions more people, including an estimated 250,000 people with disabilities, were killed.

    A formal condemnation of Nazi actions in the form of the Nuremberg Trials fostered a popular backlash to these Nazi horrors after the Second World War, resulting in a global repudiation of eugenic ideas and a gradual phasing out of practices such as sterilization and institutionalization of people with disabilities.

    ‘Eugenic logic’ seen in many places

    However, Kennedy Jr.’s comments remind us that eugenic ideas are alive and well, including, but not exclusively, amid the radical right and tech-enabled ideas about a return to “strongman” values.

    Eugenics ideas exist in the form of what bioethicist and humanities scholar Rosemarie Garland-Thomson calls “eugenic logic.” This is the ongoing belief that erasing disability and people with disabilities is a desirable and common-sense objective.

    The power of eugenics logic surrounds us. It shapes immigration policy that penalizes disability. It means reproductive technologies and medical practices are used to eliminate certain conditions that cause disabilities.

    For example, recently, the Québec College of Physicians called for legislation to allow the euthanasia of severely disabled infants. This also affirms the views of popular but controversial philosopher Peter Singer, who argues that babies with disabilities lack qualities of personhood and therefore could be killed.

    Linking human value to ‘productivity’

    RFK Jr.’s eugenics ideas resonate strongly today. They square politically with neoliberalism to create a form of ableism that regards the individual citizen as “an able-bodied entrepreneurial entity.”

    Neoliberal ableism links human value to their capacity to work, to what disability studies scholars Dan Goodley and Rebecca Lawthom refer to the ability to “productively contribute … bounded and cut off from others, capable, malleable and compliant.”

    People with autism, and others who cannot serve society in this way, threaten the neoliberal order and capitalism. They are seen as a detriment to society.

    Autism organizations heavily criticized Kennedy Jr. for his portrayal of autistic people as incapable.

    However, some critics unwittingly reinforced his neoliberal and eugenic framing of human value. These critics rightly contradicted Kennedy Jr. by pointing out that many people with autism have capabilities that he denied them. However, focusing on those abilities gave support to the devaluation of people with autism — and others with disabilities — who do not possess them, and who cannot be independent or will never be “productive workers.”

    The social model of disability

    Uninformed comments about autism by people in official health leadership positions threatens to undo decades of work that led to remarkable gains for people with disabilities.

    The 1970s and ‘80s saw the development of what disability activists and scholars discuss as the social model of disability. This shifted the understanding of disability away from the “problem” of individuals’ physical/intellectual conditions. Disability is seen as a mismatch of the interactions between the impairment and the barriers it faces in the (social) environment.

    This important shift in how disability is understood rejected the notion that disability is a personal fault or flaw. For the first time, it paid attention to environmental, financial and attitudinal barriers. It allowed people with disabilities unprecedented access to education and other aspects of society.

    The progress made remains fragile.

    Important to push back

    All who value human diversity and the continued expansion of the rights of people with disabilities must push back against eugenics politics.

    Political parties and broader society must commit to full participation and belonging of all people with disabilities by continuing to remove physical, attitudinal and financial barriers.

    Accessibility legislation at the federal and provincial levels must be implemented and enforced. In Canada, this includes the re-establishment of a federal minister for disabilities, a post that previously existed as minister of diversity, inclusion and persons with disabilities) but is lacking under the new Liberal government and its smaller cabinet.

    It means we need to heed the voices of disability advocates who have launched a court challenge against a key provision of Medical Assistance in Dying legislation. A recent version of this legislation accepts disability without a terminal condition as a reason to end life. As advocates recently told the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, this implies that a disabled life is not worth living.



    Read more:
    A dangerous path: Why expanding access to medical assistance in dying keeps us up at night

    Lived experiences must inform decisions

    The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (signed by the U.S.; signed and ratified by Canada) lays out the key ideas that Kennedy Jr. appears to reject: “Disability results from the interaction between persons with impairments and attitudinal and environmental barriers.”

    The lived experiences of the disability community must always be included in political decision-making.

    It’s our responsibility to uphold and protect the human rights of all persons with disabilities, including those who require more intensive support.

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

    – ref. Uninformed comments on autism are resonant of dangerous ideas about eugenics – https://theconversation.com/uninformed-comments-on-autism-are-resonant-of-dangerous-ideas-about-eugenics-256762

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Judge Deals Significant Blow to Unconstitutional Reorganization of Federal Government

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    Preliminary Injunction Issued in Largest and Most Significant Challenge to President’s Authority to Remake Government without Congressional Approval

    Washington, D.C. – The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California San Francisco Division today issued a preliminary injunction that will block the Trump administration’s unlawful reorganization of the federal government while the case proceeds. The coalition behind the case, which includes nationwide labor unions, non-profit organizations, and cities and counties in California, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, and Washington, released the following statement in response to the decision:

    “The Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to reorganize the federal government has thrown agencies into chaos, disrupting critical services provided across our nation. Each of us represents communities deeply invested in the efficiency of the federal government – laying off federal employees en masse and reorganizing government functions haphazardly does not achieve that. We are gratified by the court’s decision today to pause these harmful actions while our case proceeds.”

    The coalition includes the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and four AFGE locals; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and three SEIU Locals (521, 1000, 1021); Alliance for Retired Americans; American Geophysical Union; American Public Health Association; Center for Taxpayer Rights; Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks; Common Defense; Main Street Alliance; NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council); Northeast Organic Farming Association Inc.; VoteVets; Western Watersheds Project; City and County of San Francisco, California; County of Santa Clara, California; City of Chicago, Illinois; City of Baltimore, Maryland; Harris County, Texas; and King County, Washington.

    The coalition is represented by lead co-counsel Democracy Forward and Altshuler Berzon LLP, Protect Democracy, Public Rights Project, and Democracy Defenders Fund.

    Statements from plaintiffs and counsel in the case are here.

    AFGE v. Trump argues that the Trump administration’s unlawful reorganization of the federal government, which is already underway without legislative authority, violates the Constitution’s fundamental separation of powers principles.

    Read the complaint here and the preliminary injunction here.

    – # # # –

    Democracy Forward is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada has a chance to lead on AI policy and data governance at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By E. Richard Gold, Professor of intellectual property and innovation, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University

    The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit will be held in Kananaskis, Alta., from June 15 to 17. As host of the G7, Canada has a chance to shape rules that will govern AI globally. (Shutterstock)

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming sectors from health care to climate science. But amid the global scramble to lead this technological revolution, one truth is becoming clearer: data, its platforms and its circulations, have become critical infrastructure. And Canada, poised to host this year’s G7 Leaders Summit, has a rare opportunity to shape the rules that will govern AI globally.

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, the federal government elevated AI and digital innovation to a central pillar of national policy, and appointed Evan Solomon as minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation. But ambition is not enough — Canada must now back its rhetoric with action that resonates at home and abroad.

    Infrastructure intelligence

    While AI headlines often focus on breakthroughs in generative models and robotics, the real engine of progress lies in less glamorous terrain: computing infrastructure and data systems.

    Canada’s proposal to build “next-generation data centres” is about creating the backbone for globally competitive and ethically governed AI. Without these facilities, modern AI systems cannot be trained, validated or deployed responsibly.

    AI models — like those used in medicine for developing new drugs and health services, clean technologies such as clean energy and carbon-capture or materials science — require enormous computational power and massive datasets. That data must be structured, validated and — to the extent possible — open to those who can use it.

    Quality assurance

    Our recent study underscores that the future of AI depends less on algorithmic cleverness and more on data quality and accessibility. Poorly labelled or fragmented datasets can introduce bias, reduce model performance or even endanger lives when used in health or safety applications.

    Yet across many domains, useful data remains siloed and locked in proprietary formats, lacking documentation or inaccessible due to legal and technical barriers. This status quo serves monopolies, not society.

    Canada holds the G7 presidency in 2025, and can provide leadership in data governance and AI innovation. A central priority should be to rally partners around a framework for ethical, accessible and well-designed datasets, especially in fields like health, climate science and materials research.

    Tailored data

    Our call for open data isn’t one-size-fits-all. It must be tailored to the needs of specific sectors:

    • Health-care AI requires anonymized patient data, genomic sequences, protein structure data, toxicology and carcinogen data, and drug response datasets.

    • Climate AI needs long-term environmental records, satellite imagery, power and water use information and real-time emissions data.

    • Materials science AI demands chemical interaction data, physical testing results, structural data and thermodynamic properties.

    What binds these fields is a common challenge: ensuring data is ethically sourced, high-quality, and useable across borders and institutions. Canada’s role should be to help build the platforms — digital, legal and diplomatic — that make this possible.

    A G7 mandate

    As host of the G7 in June, Canada can push for a transformative international commitment. At a minimum, this should include:

    1. Common standards for open datasets, co-designed with input from AI developers, health professionals, climate researchers, materials scientists and legal experts.
    2. Trusted data hubs, managed by public-private or non-profit entities, ensuring secure storage, privacy safeguards and public access.
    3. Legal and diplomatic co-ordination, addressing cross-border data sharing, intellectual property constraints and ethical governance frameworks.

    These steps would position the G7 — and Canada in particular — as a champion of AI that serves democratic values on top of commercial and geopolitical interests.

    Canada’s risks and opportunities

    Canada is not starting from scratch. The country boasts leading AI research institutions, including the Vector Institute and Mila, and has pioneered open science partnerships such as the Montreal Neurological Institute’s Tanenbaum Open Science Institute and the Toronto labs of the Structural Genomics Consortium.

    Dataset platforms such as AIRCHECK(for AI-based chemical knowledge) and the CACHE competition (evaluating drug discovery models using open data), show how Canada is already putting together the building blocks of responsible AI. But the country risks squandering this advantage if it cannot scale these efforts or retain innovation domestically.

    The stalled Artificial Intelligence and Data Act is a case in point. While the European Union moved forward with its AI Act, the General Data Protection Regulation and the European Health Data Space Regulation, Canada’s legislative framework remains in flux.

    Without clear domestic rules, and a proactive global agenda, Canada could end up as an incubator for innovations that end up developed and applied elsewhere.

    Global stakes

    The AI race is not just about who builds the most powerful models. It’s about who defines the technical, ethical and geopolitical standards that shape the digital future.

    The G7 offers Canada a moment of strategic clarity. By investing in AI infrastructure and leading an international agenda on open, trustworthy AI, Canada can lead in shaping the rules.

    E. Richard Gold receives funding from TRIDENT: TRanslational Initiative to DE-risk NeuroTherapeutics, a project funded by the New Frontiers in Research Fund, application NFRFT-2022-00051. Gold is also the Chief Policy and Partnerships Officer of Conscience, a Canadian non-profit focused on enabling drug discovery and development in areas where open sharing and collaboration are key to advancement and where market solutions are limited, such as rare or neglected diseases, pandemic preparedness, and antimicrobial resistance.

    Cristina Vanberghen 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. Canada has a chance to lead on AI policy and data governance at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit – https://theconversation.com/canada-has-a-chance-to-lead-on-ai-policy-and-data-governance-at-the-2025-g7-leaders-summit-256296

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn’s Dr. Denis Lafreniere Inducted into the Honor Society for Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dr. Denis Lafreniere, Chief of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at UConn School of Medicine and UConn Health, has been honored with induction as a fellow into the Triological Society.

    He was prestigiously inducted into the honor society as a fellow on May 16 during the gathering of the national 2025 Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meetings in New Orleans.

    Fellowship in the Triological Society involves years of preparation, vetting, and is only awarded to select members of the ENT field globally.

    The Triological Society, also known as The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc., was founded more than 125 years. It is the most prestigious society in otolaryngology and elects the brightest in academic and clinical otolaryngology.

    “I am very pleased to receive this recognition,” says Lafreniere who serves UConn as professor of surgery and chief of the Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. He is also medical director of the UConn Medical Group and associate dean for Clinical Affairs.

    Dr. Denis Lafreniere on May 16 in New Orleans being honored with the With Distinction Award for his excellent research thesis by the President of the Triological Society, Dr. Michael Hoffer.

    Lafreniere adds, “I truly believe that our academic roles here at UConn Health are what distinguish us from our regional colleagues. My induction as a Triological Society fellow is recognition that our academic efforts can span our careers. These academic efforts help ensure that our students and residents receive the highest quality education and will therefore be able to provide the highest quality, innovative care for their patients as they begin their careers.”

    In addition, the Society disseminates the latest scientific and clinical information at scientific meetings and through publication of its scientific journals, The Laryngoscope and Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology.

    For his election as a fellow in the Society, Lafreniere was required to be recommended by two current fellows and needed submission and approval of his research thesis.  Lafreniere’s successful scientific thesis was on the “Development of an endotracheal tube to measure posterior laryngeal pressure related to tube size and hypopharyngeal-laryngeal angle” for which he received a With Distinction Award.

    Learn more about Dr. Lafreniere.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CuraBall Review: Effective HandStrength Recovery with the CuraBall Device

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Introduction- Effective HandStrength Recovery with the CuraBall Device
    In our everyday lives, if there is one movement that we are constantly doing, it would be using our hands. We tend to rely on the functioning of our hands far more than we realise and appreciate it. Right from writing, buttoning shirts, cooking to even opening small containers— each of the mentioned simple activities require a coordinated and strong grip function. And as we begin to age, we begin to face certain health, setbacks and hand. 

    Get Stronger Hands in Weeks, Not Months – Get the CuraBall Now!

    Strength is one of those setbacks that is noticed first. A decline in using your hand capabilities to its maximum Can quietly make a person’s confidence go low, and the rise for dependence begins. It could be an issue that must have started with arthritis, age, related, muscle loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, or repetitive, strain, injuries, but millions of people today struggle every single day with reduced dexterity and weekend grip. Such limitations can result in once upon a time, easy to do task, like opening a container, turning the key of a door, or even just holding a hand, pen, frustrating, and sometimes even impossible. Weak, worse, hand, strength is right now associated with reduced quality of life, higher risk of disability, occurrence, and could also be related to early mortality in elderly.

    Unlock Your Hand Strength! Try the CuraBall Today and Feel the Difference!

    Understanding the impact of Grip Decline

    Trip strength is not just about carrying groceries or athletic performances; it is directly linked to safety, functionality, and personal independence. Certain studies have shown how individuals who suffer with low grip strength, are more likely to face sudden falls, would require assistance for their daily living, or can also face cognitive decline. All of these issues are especially noticed among:

    • Professionals who are always sitting on desk and suffer from chronic hand fatigue
    • Older adults over the age of 55 who experience age related muscle loss
    • Stroke patients or post surgery patients navigating rehabilitation
    •  Individuals who suffer from arthritis or nerve health conditions like neuropathy

    If these problems are left unresolved, they can compound and lead to the cycle of dependency, decreased mobility, and isolation, which can be quite frustrating. What if we told you, there is an innovative device that can help you with your grip decline? Yes, the device exists that will help improve your hand strength so that you might not fall prey to the nightmare of dependency as you begin to age. Recognising the silent suffering from grip decline, CuraBall steps forward to be this innovative tool that helps you do more than just exercise, it delivers measurable, real improvement when it comes to your hand strength.

    Exclusive Offer Ending Soon – Don’t Miss Your Chance to Own a CuraBall!

    A short brief introduction to CuraBall

    CuraBall is an innovative and compact hand therapy tool designed to enhance one strength in the hands and flexibility around the wrist and forearms. It makes use of dynamic gyroscopic resistance to challenge muscles gently, thereby improving hand grip by easing stiffness, and supporting joint mobility. This handy device is an ideal solution for those individuals who face problems in hand functioning due to age, injury, arthritis, or certain other health conditions that affect Movement of hands. CuraBall offers a low impact and smooth workout to its users to regain confidence and ease in their respective daily routines. 
    CuraBall tends to activate the muscles through circular and control wrist motions. It not only strengthens the key areas of your hands, but also ensures good blood flow is happening, there is good coordination, and your overall hand strength is improved.

    The CuraBall is portable and lightweight, making it perfect for using any time be it for your morning, stretch, your therapy sessions, or even when you are watching a TV show. Most of the customers have felt that by using CuraBall regularly they are experiencing less of pain, better control, and Better is while doing that every day task such as gardening, Writing, or even buttoning shirts.

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    Understanding the working mechanism

    The gyroscope is considered to be the heart of CuraBall, it is a spinning, rotor generating resistance as we rotate the device. When you hold and move the ball, the rotor tends to push back, this prompts your muscle to work with more effort. As little as this gentle resistance will help build your hands strength without having to lift any weights or participating in high impact movements. CuraBall can be considered as an effective and safe alternative for any person looking for ways to improve their mobility, especially those individuals who are in the recovery phase or suffering from joint pain. 

    In order to use CuraBall, one needs to just activate its spinning mechanism by holding the device formally and rotating their wrist in slow and controlled circular patterns. The more regular you are in using it, the more likely you are to notice improvement. You will begin to notice more fluid motion, less tension, and firma, grip strength.
    Unlike traditional grip tools or resistance bands that offer fixed resistance, CuraBall introduces dynamic movement to activate deeper layers of muscle. As it spins, it engages:

    • Precise finger control
    • Forearm strength and coordination
    • Wrist stability and stamina
    •  Sensory-motor communication between the hand and brain

    What makes CuraBall unique is its ability to adapt to your effort. Gentle rotations offer a mild, low-stress workout, while faster spins ramp up the challenge, helping to build strength. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or training for better performance, CuraBall adjusts to your needs — making it a versatile tool for users at any level.

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    Features of CuraBall

    Let’s take a look at some of the unique features of CuraBall:

    • Gyroscopic power resistance: The CuraBall makes use of smart gyroscopic movement to deliver resistance that is responsive as you make movement. It creates natural muscle engagement, boosting grip, strength, stability, and coordination with every rotation that you do.
    • Design is joint friendly: The CuraBall is made keeping in mind how sensitive joints are. The CuraBall ensures smooth and low impact resistance which is easy on the hands. Therefore, it makes for an effective and safe choice for individuals suffering from arthritis or age related joint problems.
    • Supports hand recovery: it is ideal for anybody, healing from wrist or hand, injuries, surgeries, or any type of chronic discomfort. CuraBall encourages movement in a gentle way, it boost flow of blood, and it also helps in restoring normal functioning of hands more quickly.
    • Portable and pocket sized: This sleek, small, and light device fits easily in the palm of your hand, in your bag, or even your pockets. You can use the device, no matter where you are, whether you’re working at your desk, sitting on the couch at home, or just walking outdoors.
    • No requirement of power: Forget charging cables, applications, electricity with this device. Because CuraBall device is completely mechanical in nature all you have to do is just wind it up and begin using it. It is efficient, simple, portable, pocket size, and always ready to use.
    • Built to last longer: The CuraBall is constructed with durable and premium materials, making it efficient for long-term usage. It is extremely easy to clean and maintain even if you are using it on an everyday basis.

    Where can you buy CuraBall? What’s the price?

    We would always recommend you to purchase this device from the manufacturers official website only as it ensures that 100% authentic product is delivered at your doorstep. Apart from this purchasing from the official website will also give you an opportunity to enjoy seasonal promotional offers and discounts that the manufacturer might be running on the site. The pricing is as follows:

    • One CuraBall can be purchased at a discounted price of $69.95
    • Two CuraBall can be purchased at a discounted price of $59.95 each
    • Three CuraBall can be purchased at a discounted price of $54.95 each 
    • Four CuraBall can be purchased at a discounted price of $49.95 each

    Purchasing from the official website will also give you access to customer support 24/7. The company also provides a 30 money back guarantee if you would want to return the product and claim refund. This makes your purchase protected with zero calamities. 

    FAQs about CuraBall

    1. What is the CuraBall and how does it work?
    The CuraBall is a hand therapy device designed to help improve grip strength, hand dexterity, and overall hand recovery. It uses gyroscopic resistance to provide a progressive, customizable workout for your hands and forearms. As you rotate the ball, the gyroscopic mechanism generates increasing resistance, helping to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
    2. How can I use the CuraBall?
    To use the CuraBall, grip it firmly with one hand, and start rotating it in a circular motion. Begin with slow rotations, gradually increasing the speed for more resistance as you become more comfortable. Aim for 10-15 minutes daily for optimal results. For full instructions on use, check the user manual included with the device or refer to our detailed guide.
    3. Where can I buy the CuraBall?
    The CuraBall is exclusively available for purchase on the official website. This ensures that you receive the latest version of the product and any associated support, including warranties and satisfaction guarantees. Be sure to purchase directly from the official site to avoid counterfeit products or unauthorized sellers.
    4. What do people say about the CuraBall on Reddit?
    On Reddit, users often share their experiences with the CuraBall in various health, fitness, and rehabilitation subreddits. Many users report significant improvements in grip strength and hand flexibility after using the device regularly. If you’re looking for honest, unfiltered opinions, visiting Reddit threads related to hand therapy or fitness recovery can provide useful insights and answers from real users.
    You can search for threads on Reddit like:

    • r/fitness
    • r/physicaltherapy
    • r/Arthritis
    • r/HandStrength

    5. Is there a money-back guarantee or return policy for the CuraBall?
    Yes, the CuraBall typically comes with a satisfaction guarantee or return policy when purchased directly from the official website. For more detailed information on their return policy or to initiate a return, refer to the return and refund guidelines provided at checkout.
    6. Can I use the CuraBall if I have arthritis or joint pain?
    Yes, the CuraBall is gentle enough for those with arthritis or joint pain. It can help alleviate stiffness in the fingers, hands, and wrists by gently strengthening the muscles around the joints without putting undue pressure on them. Many users with arthritis have reported noticeable improvements in flexibility and a reduction in discomfort after using the device regularly.
    7. How long will it take to see results from using the CuraBall?
    The amount of time it takes to see results varies depending on your individual recovery goals and consistency. Most users report improvements in grip strength and hand dexterity within a few weeks of regular use (10-15 minutes daily). If you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, it may take longer, but consistent use will yield the best results.
    8. Can I use the CuraBall for rehabilitation after surgery?
    Yes, the CuraBall is perfect for rehabilitation after hand or wrist surgery. It allows you to start with low-intensity exercises and gradually build strength over time. Always consult with your healthcare provider or physical therapist before beginning any rehabilitation exercise to ensure it aligns with your recovery plan.
    9. How do I clean and maintain my CuraBall?
    To clean your CuraBall, simply wipe it down with a soft cloth after each use. You can use mild soap and water for deeper cleaning, but avoid soaking the device or using harsh chemicals. Keeping it dry and free from dirt will ensure its longevity and smooth operation.
    10. Are there any special offers or discounts available for the CuraBall?
    Special offers and discounts on the CuraBall may be available directly through the official website, especially during seasonal sales or promotional events. Be sure to check the website regularly for the latest deals and discounts.
    Say Goodbye to Hand Stiffness! Order Your CuraBall Now and Start Recovering
    How to use CuraBall? 

    This guide will help you get the most out of your CuraBall.

    Getting Started

    • Unbox & Inspect
      Make sure your CuraBall includes all components: the gyroscopic ball, starter cord (if applicable), and instructions. Inspect the device for any signs of damage before first use.

    Activate the Gyroscope

    • There are two easy ways to start your CuraBall:
    • Starter Cord Method: Insert the cord into the designated slot, wind it once or twice, and pull swiftly.
    •  Manual Start: Hold the ball firmly and give it a quick flick of the wrist to kickstart the internal rotor.

    Using the CuraBall

    Grip & Motion
    Once the gyro is spinning, hold the CuraBall securely. Begin moving your wrist in smooth, circular motions.

    • Slow rotations create light resistance — ideal for warm-ups or rehab.
    • Faster movements increase resistance, challenging your muscles more.

    Session Duration

    • Start with 1–2 minutes per hand.
    • Increase gradually based on your comfort and strength.
    •  Use it while sitting, standing, or during downtime — it’s that versatile.

    Targeted Benefits

    • Enhances grip strength
    • Improves wrist and forearm stability
    • Boosts finger dexterity and fine motor skills
    •  Supports proprioception and mind-muscle connection

    Safety Tips

    • Always warm up before intense sessions
    • Avoid overexertion, especially if recovering from injury
    • Stop use if you experience sharp pain or discomfort
    • Keep away from children under 12 without supervision

    Maintenance & Storage

    • Wipe the surface with a clean, dry cloth after use
    • Store in a cool, dry place
    • Avoid dropping the ball or exposing it to water

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    CuraBall for Athletes: Enhancing Grip Strength for Sports Performance

    Grip strength is crucial for many sports, particularly those involving racket or ball handling, climbing, weightlifting, and even golf. CuraBall is a great tool for athletes looking to improve their performance in these areas.

    Whether you’re an avid rock climber, a tennis player, or a bodybuilder, having strong hands and forearms can significantly enhance your ability to perform. The CuraBall can be used as part of a sport-specific training regimen to increase endurance, strength, and coordination in your hands and forearms.

    Sports that Benefit from CuraBall Use:

    • Rock Climbing: Grip strength is the foundation of climbing. The CuraBall helps climbers improve their finger and hand strength, which is vital for holding onto holds during challenging ascents.
    • Tennis and Golf: Athletes in sports like tennis and golf rely on grip strength to control the racket and club. The CuraBall strengthens the hands and wrists, enhancing overall performance.
    • Weightlifting: Strong hands are essential for holding and lifting weights, particularly for lifts like deadlifts, rows, and pull-ups. CuraBall helps weightlifters prevent grip fatigue and improve their performance.

    By incorporating CuraBall into a training routine, athletes can experience noticeable gains in strength and endurance, giving them a competitive edge in their respective sports.

    CuraBall for Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: A Gentle Approach to Recovery

    After surgery, particularly hand or wrist surgery, regaining strength and flexibility can be a slow and painful process. Traditional rehabilitation methods often involve heavy lifting or repetitive motions, which may not be suitable for someone still recovering. This is where CuraBall can shine.

    The device offers a gentle yet effective way to start strengthening the hands and wrists without risking further injury. The progressive gyroscopic resistance allows users to begin with low-intensity exercises and gradually build up as their recovery progresses.

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    How CuraBall Assists Post-Surgery:

    • Low-impact rehabilitation: The device allows for a gradual increase in intensity, ensuring the user doesn’t overstrain the recovering muscles and joints.
    • Improves circulation: The motion of using the CuraBall stimulates blood flow to the hands and wrists, helping to reduce swelling and promote healing.
    • Enhances mobility: As users build strength, they also improve joint flexibility and range of motion, which is crucial after surgery.

    CuraBall for Seniors: Regaining Strength and Flexibility

    As we age, maintaining hand strength and dexterity can become more challenging due to the natural wear and tear of the joints and muscles. Conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome become more common, often leading to a decline in hand functionality.

    The CuraBall offers seniors a low-impact, safe, and effective way to maintain or regain strength in their hands and wrists. It is particularly beneficial for seniors looking to improve their ability to perform everyday tasks like opening jars, gripping a pen, or using utensils.

    How CuraBall Helps Seniors:

    • Arthritis management: The device helps reduce joint stiffness and alleviate some of the pain associated with arthritis, especially in the fingers, hands, and wrists.
    • Maintaining independence: By strengthening the hands, seniors can improve their ability to perform tasks independently, which enhances overall quality of life.
    • Flexibility and mobility: Regular use of the CuraBall can increase the range of motion in the fingers and wrists, making it easier for seniors to continue their activities.

    CuraBall in Physical Therapy: A Therapist’s Perspective

    Physical therapists are increasingly recommending devices like the CuraBall to patients undergoing rehabilitation. Due to its customizable resistance and ability to mimic natural hand movements, it fits well into a variety of rehabilitation programs.

    Therapists often use the CuraBall as a tool to target specific muscle groups in the hands, wrists, and forearms, helping patients recover from both acute injuries and chronic conditions.

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    Why Physical Therapists Recommend CuraBall:

    • Targeted rehabilitation: The device allows for specific exercises to strengthen muscles and restore function, making it ideal for rehabilitation.
    • Adjustable resistance: Therapists can tailor the level of resistance based on the patient’s progress, ensuring the exercises are challenging but safe.
    • Home therapy: The portability of CuraBall means that patients can continue their recovery at home, reinforcing the work done during physical therapy sessions.

    CuraBall vs. Traditional Grip Strengthening Devices

    Traditional grip strengtheners, such as hand grippers, stress balls, and therapy bands, have long been used in hand recovery programs. However, CuraBall offers a different approach with its unique gyroscopic resistance technology.

    In comparison to traditional devices, the CuraBall:

    • Offers variable resistance: Unlike fixed resistance levels in hand grippers, the CuraBall allows users to adjust intensity based on their needs.
    • Targets a broader range of muscles: The dynamic movement of the CuraBall engages both larger muscles in the forearms and smaller stabilizing muscles in the hands, providing a more comprehensive workout.
    • More engaging: Many users find the continuous rotation of the CuraBall more engaging than static exercises, which can help improve adherence to rehabilitation programs.

    Pros of using CuraBall

    • It improves grip strength in the most natural manner. It boosts the strength in our risk, hands, and forearms, without the requirement of participating in high impact workouts or lifting weights.
    • It gives its users a hassle-free operation as it requires no batteries and there is no headache of charging as well. All the user needs to do is pick it up and start using it.
    • It is designed in a manner such that it creates gentle movements which are safe for older adults for use.
    • It encourages good blood flow and helps in maintaining the flexibility of joints. 
    • Made using durable materials to ensure long term usage without any maintenance.
    • It helps restore confidence and control in performing everyday activities like carrying groceries and opening jars.

    Cons of using CuraBall

    • for first time users, it might take a bit of a practice to get a hang of how CuraBall works with wrist movement my activating gyroscope
    • It is not advised for those who suffer from severe hand or wrist injuries, and we would highly recommend that they consult a healthcare provider before beginning to use this product.
    •  Currently it is available in a limited set of designs and colors.

    Don’t Wait! Get Your Hands on CuraBall While Supplies Last!

    User Experience and Testimonials

    Margaret T. – Chicago, IL
    “My dad’s been using the CuraBall for 6 weeks now. The morning routine with it seems to really help him start the day more clearly.”

    James R. – San Diego, CA
    “I thought I had to give up gardening when gripping tools became too hard. But after six weeks with CuraBall, I’m back in the yard trimming my roses. Every day, I notice little wins with my hands.”

    Helen L. – Denver, CO
    “I was afraid I’d lose my independence and end up relying on my daughter for everything. Then my therapist introduced me to CuraBall—and wow. Now I can do up my own buttons, jot down my grocery list, and I even picked knitting back up. The boost in confidence is everything.”

    Evelyn B. – Leesburg, VA
    “Used it only a few times, but I can already feel less stiffness in my fingers. It’s easy to use and fits right in my bag. I’m excited to see how much more it can help.”

    The Final Conclusion

    The CuraBall device completely stands out in the market today as a powerful solution for enhancing hand, dexterity, strength, and wrist flexibility. This easy to use yet powerful device makes use of cutting edge, gyroscopic technology for resistance. It delivers targeted and low impact support ideal for those individuals who suffer from arthritis, those who are recovering from hand injuries, or experience age related Movement problems. The device is user-friendly in nature and lightweight, making it perfect to be used at home or at work or simply out. This portable device is quite budget friendly and the company also provides a 30 days money back guarantee which gives its customers. The belief that the product is definitely worth the investment. So whether you are someone who is Struggling, with simple hand movements, such as opening jars, Writing, buttoning, or wearing shirts, we would say that consistent use of CP can make your life smoother and extremely comfortable. For any individual who wants to prioritise handheld, the CuraBall device is a must try and a lot of positive reviews are available online and the risk free trial makes it an ideal option to try out. So say yes to stronger hands, pain-free wrist movements, regardless of your age with CuraBall.

    Company: CuraBall
    Address: 100 Church Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10007, the United States
    Email: help@spark-tek.co
    Order Phone Support: 14242504182

    Disclaimers
    General Disclosure – The content of this article is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a licensed medical professional, physical therapist, or certified rehabilitation specialist. No part of this content should be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or a prescription for any health condition, physical therapy treatment, or preventative care.
    Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, no warranty is given or implied regarding the completeness, correctness, or timeliness of the information provided. Statements related to CuraBall, its functionality, benefits, or user experiences are based on publicly available data and user-submitted testimonials at the time of publication. These may be updated, revised, or corrected without notice. The publisher and its contributors do not accept responsibility for typographical errors, inadvertent omissions, or incorrect information.
    Results discussed in this content are not typical and may vary from person to person. The use of any product, including CuraBall, should be done at the discretion and risk of the reader. Individuals with existing injuries, chronic conditions, or limited mobility should consult a qualified medical provider before beginning any form of hand strength training or grip rehabilitation.
    The publisher, authors, editors, and syndication partners assume no liability or responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage incurred as a result of the use or misuse of any information, product, or service discussed within this article.
    Disclaimer: The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any dietary supplements.
    Disclosure: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content may include affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you purchase through recommended links. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

    Content Accuracy Disclaimer

    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this article. However, due to the dynamic nature of product formulations, promotions, and availability, details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the current completeness or accuracy of any content, including product claims, pricing, or ingredient lists.
    It is the responsibility of the reader to verify product information directly through the official website or manufacturer prior to making a purchasing decision. Any reliance placed on the information in this article is done strictly at your own risk.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service through these links, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the creation of in-depth reviews and educational wellness content.
    The publisher only promotes products that have been independently evaluated and deemed potentially beneficial to readers. However, this compensation may influence the content, topics, or products discussed in this article. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliate partner or product provider.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nature writing can feed the myth of the outside as a cure – but my own work has helped me reframe my illness

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Louise Kenward, PhD Candidate, Centre for Place Writing, Manchester Metropolitan University

    The ‘test’ or skeleton of a heart sea urchin, found on a beach at Rye harbour, East Sussex. Louise Kenward, CC BY-NC-ND

    Wild swimming and forest bathing have gained in popularity, all in a bid to improve our health. With “green prescriptions” now being issued by doctors instructing patients to spend time outdoors, ideas of “nature cure” – spending time in the natural world for healing purposes – may seem like a recent development.

    But ideas of a change of air and sea cures were popularised in the 19th century. Escalating rates of tuberculosis were exacerbated by poor sanitation and overcrowding. Patients were sent to the coast for convalescence in open-air wards – offering an antidote to these contributory factors, but not a cure for the disease itself.

    So, for centuries, the term “nature” has been associated with goodness, health and cure. My research uses creative writing to investigate the natural world through my experience of living with chronic illness, pain and fatigue. While this challenges the notion often found in nature and place writing that the natural world can somehow heal whatever you need it to, it has helped me think differently about the relationship between the outside and our health.

    For disabled people, ideas of nature and “natural” are complicated by ideas of eugenics, similarly fostered in the 19th and 20th centuries.

    Built on foundations that regarded disability as “unnatural”, eugenics is a proposed form of selective breeding that seeks to control inherited characteristics through forced sterilisation and euthanasia. These are ideas that allow and enable society to regard disabled people as “less than” and continue to bubble beneath the surface with the assisted dying debate.

    In medicine, disability is regarded as a medical problem. The social model of disability reframes this as a societal issue of barriers that limit disabled people’s access to society (for example, through travel or education). I live with chronic illness where both the medical and social models are relevant. So, for me, the parallels between nature and health are complex.

    Conventional nature writing and “place writing” – a form of creative writing that explores the landscape and our relationship within that environment – typically explore ideas from the biased perspective of physically fit, able-bodied, middle-class, heteronormative, cis white people unaware of their body, moving with ease through the landscape.

    My own PhD research into place writing embraces my own bias, seeking specifically to introduce illness and disability into conversations about our relationship with the more-than-human world – that’s everything in the natural world aside from people.

    I draw on my own personal experiences, using the creative practice of place writing as a research tool. I’ve spent time on the coast of the Romney Marshes, one of the most climate-threatened shorelines in the south of England. Here, beachcombing has become both research and ritual for me – a way to explore the entanglement of ecological fragility and chronic illness.

    Louise Kenward on the beach at Hastings, East Sussex.
    Louise Kenward, CC BY-NC-ND

    On the shoreline, I’ve explored how the vulnerability of place mirrors that of my body. The objects I find on the foreshore prompt my creative writing and evidence what lies beneath the surface, out at sea.

    I draw on the work of other researchers who have learned from flotsam and jetsam. Oceanographer Curtis Ebbesmeyer modelled patterns of the ocean currents through beachcombing – plotting the arrival on land of a cargo spill of yellow rubber ducks.

    Writer and naturalist, Sally Huband follows the history of objects she finds on the shore of Shetland in her book Sea Bean. Huband uses examples to rewrite narratives of coastal folklore, dismantling misogynistic interpretations of, for example, the witch and the selkie (a mythological creature that transforms from sea creature to human).

    Poet, writer and professor of creative writing, Jean Sprackland writes of her time beachcombing in her book Strands. Following a year of walking the beach in the north-west of England, Sprackland highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of all living things – something I have become acutely aware of in developing chronic illness.

    The illusion of independence

    The illusion of independence is something you can maintain while healthy. Sickness shows us we are all interdependent and interconnected. And we have long been told that nature is something outside of ourselves, separate to us. This nature-culture divide is something that has been implicitly challenged in my own relationship with nature.

    Restoration of my sick body is as impossible as restoration of the land (and sea). I cannot, however hard I try, achieve a cure, through nature or otherwise, of my inherited connective tissue disorder. Indeed, some nature writers have argued that if I were to try, I might erase an important part of myself.

    British writer Harriet Martineau (1802-76) was one of the first people to write of her observations as a patient, and to value what is learned from these experiences. Noting the value of a view of green (or blue) spaces from her sick bed, Martineau also appreciated rest and recuperation.

    Research has since replicated Martineau’s findings, showing views of green spaces accelerate recovery from surgery and reduce the need for pain medication. But seeing green spaces is not a replacement for effective healthcare, disability access, or medical research – nor for time and space to rest and convalesce.

    Louise Kenward collects natural treasures while walking along the foreshore.
    Louise Kenward, CC BY-NC-ND

    Swimming, sailing, even just building a sandcastle – the ocean benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. Curious about how a strong coastal connection helps drive marine conservation, scientists are diving in to investigate the power of blue health.

    This article is part of a series, Vitamin Sea, exploring how the ocean can be enhanced by our interaction with it.

    While a view of trees may soothe, they do not cure. Disability highlights that nature cure is a fallacy. Through my reconnection with nature, I’ve reframed my experience of illness. I live more easily to the changing seasons than with a clock or calendar now. Periods of rest for my body, as for the land, are similarly essential for good health.

    While creating the anthology, Moving Mountains: Writing Nature Through Illness and Disability, I learned that a greater regard for disabled people and the natural world are two sides of the same coin. Our sick and disabled bodies are just as worthy of care as our sick planet. The imperfect complicated places we live (and the people who live in them) are of value and worth looking after just the same.

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

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

    Louise Kenward received Arts Council England funding to run an arts project titled Moving Mountains including creating an anthology of the same name.

    – ref. Nature writing can feed the myth of the outside as a cure – but my own work has helped me reframe my illness – https://theconversation.com/nature-writing-can-feed-the-myth-of-the-outside-as-a-cure-but-my-own-work-has-helped-me-reframe-my-illness-255158

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Crop diversification is crucial to Canadian resilience in a changing world

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen K. Christensen-Dalsgaard, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University

    The recent threats of tariffs and deteriorating relations with the United States have led to increasing interest from Canadian governments and the public in boosting the country’s self-reliance.

    Politicians have called on the public to “buy Canadian,” provinces have ordered American products removed from shelves and Canadian retailers have seen a surge in domestic sales. Yet the importance of agricultural adaptations for achieving greater Canadian self-reliance has largely been overlooked.

    The federal government’s plan for building a stronger agrifood sector is mainly based on financial safeguards and loan options for impacted farmers and supply-chain management of existing products. The broad topic of agricultural innovation is barely mentioned at all.

    At a time of changing geopolitical and physical environments, we must ensure the long-term resilience of Canada’s farms. An important step towards achieving this complex and multifaceted goal would be to diversify the country’s crop production.

    Low Canadian crop diversity

    Anyone browsing their supermarket’s produce section will quickly discover just how few of the products are grown in Canada. This is ironic; as most gardeners know, many imported fruits and vegetables can grow extremely well in Canada.

    Canada imports around 50 per cent of vegetables and 75 per cent of fruits from abroad, much of it from the United States.

    This has not traditionally caused concern since the agri-food sector has a net trade surplus. But among Canadian crops, just two — canola and wheat — dominate total earnings.

    Canada’s need for imports leaves it vulnerable, but so does its need for exports.

    In 2019, for instance, after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, China imposed harsh trade restrictions on Canadian canola. That year, canola exports to China fell by 70 per cent.

    Today, Canada faces similar issues with 100 per cent tariffs imposed by China on canola products.

    Instead of just bailing out farmers impacted by current events, governments should help those who are interested to diversify and grow crops that can be sold domestically.

    Benefits of diversifying our agriculture

    Even before the current tariffs, there were good reasons for diversifying Canadian agriculture and growing food locally.

    The nutritional value of vegetables decreases during storage and transport, suggesting that local produce may be healthier. Similarly, crop diversity can be an important tool for improving plant and soil health and so increasing yields while ensuring environmental sustainability.

    In a meta-analysis of 5,156 experiments from across the globe, researchers in France and the Netherlands showed that crop diversification typically enhanced net productivity, soil function and ecosystem services. It had the greatest effect on water quality and organism-induced damage; weed reduction, pest reduction, disease control and associated crop damages showed 33-60 per cent average improvements.

    The benefits in terms of soil health and productivity may be compounded by intercropping plant species with fungi. Preliminary results from my current research project suggest that edible saprotrophic fungi could be used as a tool for maintaining soil health while minimizing the use of environmentally problematic soil amendments.

    Diversification studies include a range of different land management techniques, some of which involve elaborate intercropping approaches that might be difficult to implement on an industrial scale. However, even relatively simple crop rotation approaches have a positive impact on soil carbon, nutrient levels, microbial activity, biodiversity and net productivity, potentially leading to increased profitability.

    The impacts of climate change

    Longstanding arguments for crop diversification have been compounded by climate-change-induced food insecurity. Increases in the frequency and severity of wildfires and droughts suggest that rely on regions like California for food imports might be poor long-term planning.

    Similarly, parts of Canada face an increased risk of weather-induced crop failure. Crop species may no longer be a good match for the current climatic conditions where they’re grown. Canola and wheat, for instance, are vulnerable to drought and heat stress during the flowering period.

    Crop diversification has long been used to minimize the impacts of climate insecurities in developing countries with less access to artificial irrigation and soil amendments. Switching to crops that can handle extreme weather events, like some beans, legumes and grains, could similarly increase Canada’s climate resilience. Additionally, using crop rotation strategies based on a greater diversity of crops grown may help maintain higher yields during adverse weather.

    How the government can help farmers

    Canada is a world leader in agricultural research. Globally, the country ranks fifth with respect to articles published, but is further behind when it comes to implementation on farms.

    Despite the high benefit-to-cost ratios of applications of agricultural research, only six per cent of Canadian farmers are willing to adopt new approaches before they have been tested at scale. Meanwhile, almost 30 per cent are reluctant to change approaches at all.

    This is hardly surprising. Change is always associated with risks. For instance, while the majority of studies show a net benefit of diversification strategies, there are huge, context-dependent variations in the outcomes. Climate, soil, crop species and microbial communities all matter in ways that can be difficult to predict.

    Most farmers do not have the resources to retool their farms for new crops and assume the risks. Many face financial struggles and rising debt. This is due in part to higher production costs and lower commodity prices caused by large corporations controlling both the sales of farm supplies and the purchase of agricultural products.

    Skilled labour shortages and issues retaining younger workers may also undermine the willingness and ability to diversify with new crops. Qualified migrant workers with agricultural backgrounds could help, but restrictive immigration policies make finding workers challenging.

    Reactive government assistance that just keeps farmers above water will not address the challenges of a changing global trade environment and climate. To sustain momentum, the government needs to proactively fund targeted, large-scale feasibility studies and provide training, recruitment and transition funding for those interested in novel crop systems.

    Agriculture is part of the foundation for our society. We have become accustomed to having access to plenty of fresh food, but this is not the global or historical norm.

    Canada’s food supply is maintained by farmers both at home and abroad who, for generations, have worked long days at low wages to feed us. If they do not receive the support required to adapt to our changing world, we might all discover how valuable food really is.

    Karen K. Christensen-Dalsgaard 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. Crop diversification is crucial to Canadian resilience in a changing world – https://theconversation.com/crop-diversification-is-crucial-to-canadian-resilience-in-a-changing-world-256763

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: SEALSQ Corp, a member of the WISeKey Group, Signs a Share Purchase Agreement to Acquire 100% of IC’ALPS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEALSQ Corp, a member of the WISeKey Group, Signs a Share Purchase Agreement to Acquire 100% of IC’ALPS

    Geneva, Switzerland – May 27, 2025 – Ad-Hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 of SIX Listing Rules – WISeKey International Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: WKEY / SIX: WIHN) (“WISeKey” or “the Company”), a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT technologies, today announced the signing of a Share Purchase Agreement (“SPA”) between SEALSQ Corp (“SEALSQ”), , a leading developer and provider of Semiconductors, PKI, and Post-Quantum technology hardware and software solutions, a member of the WISeKey Group of Companies, and the shareholders of IC’ALPS SAS (the “Sellers”)1, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”) design and supply specialist based in Grenoble, France (“IC’ALPS”) for the acquisition of 100% of the share capital and voting rights of IC’ALPS(“the Acquisition”).

    The SPA is the result of a period of exclusive negotiations between SEALSQ CORP and the Sellers, announced by SEALSQ on February 27, 2025. The main terms and conditions of the SPA announced by WISeKey on May 22, 2025 remain applicable. The proposed strategic Acquisition is now solely subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions including among others, approval of the Acquisition by the French Ministry of the Economy in accordance with articles L.151-3 and R.151-1 et seq of the French Financial and Monetary Code (code monétaire et financier).

    The Transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025, subject to satisfying the conditions to closing, including the necessary regulatory approval by the French Ministry of the Economy.

    About IC’ALPS:
    IC’ALPS is your one-stop-shop ASIC partner. Based in France (HQ in Grenoble, two design centers in Grenoble and Toulouse), the company provides customers with a complete offering for Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Systems on Chip (SoC) development from circuit specification, mastering design in-house, up to the management of the entire production supply chain. Its 100+ engineers’ areas of expertise include analog, digital and mixed-signal circuits (sensor/MEMS interfaces, ultra-low power consumption, power management, high-resolution converters, high voltage, signal processing, ARM and RISC-V based multiprocessors architectures, hardware accelerators) on technologies from 0.18 µm down to 1.8 nm, and from multiple foundries (TSMC, Global Foundries, Tower Semiconductor, X-FAB, STMicroelectronics, Intel Foundry, etc.). The company is active worldwide in medical, industrial, automotive, IoT, IA, mil-aero, and digital identity & security sectors. IC’ALPS is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, EN 9100:2018, Common Criteria certified, IATF16949-ready, member of TSMC Design Center Alliance (DCA), Intel Foundry Accelerator Design Services Alliance and Value Chain Alliance (DSA & VCA), ams Osram Preferred Partner and X-FAB’s partner network.
    More information: www.icalps.com and  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ic-alps

    About SEALSQ:
    SEALSQ is a leading innovator in Post-Quantum Technology hardware and software solutions. Our technology seamlessly integrates Semiconductors, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure), and Provisioning Services, with a strategic emphasis on developing state-of-the-art Quantum Resistant Cryptography and Semiconductors designed to address the urgent security challenges posed by quantum computing. As quantum computers advance, traditional cryptographic methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) are increasingly vulnerable.

    SEALSQ is pioneering the development of Post-Quantum Semiconductors that provide robust, future-proof protection for sensitive data across a wide range of applications, including Multi-Factor Authentication tokens, Smart Energy, Medical and Healthcare Systems, Defense, IT Network Infrastructure, Automotive, and Industrial Automation and Control Systems. By embedding Post-Quantum Cryptography into our semiconductor solutions, SEALSQ ensures that organizations stay protected against quantum threats. Our products are engineered to safeguard critical systems, enhancing resilience and security across diverse industries.

    For more information on our Post-Quantum Semiconductors and security solutions, please visit www.sealsq.com.

    About WISeKey
    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our business strategy, financial performance, results of operations, market data, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future, as well as any other statements which are not historical facts and can be identified by forward-looking words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “should,” “will” and “would” or similar words. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the actual adjustments that arise upon conversion of the financial information of IC’ALPS to US GAAP in relation to net sales, operating expenses and income tax income in the income statement for twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, and in relation to intangible assets, current liabilities, and pension and debt liabilities in the balance sheet as at December 31, 2024 and 2023, in comparison with the French GAAP ; the entering into of definitive documents, the authorization by French regulatory authorities and the successful closing of the Acquisition; and the risks discussed in WISeKey’s filings with the SEC. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by WISeKey with the SEC.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact:  Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com    		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@theequitygroup.com

    1 The Sellers are Doliam SA, Mrs. Lucille Engels and Mr. Jean-Luc Triouleyre.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israeli displacement orders in Gaza are psychological warfare News May 27, 2025

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    Israeli forces continue to systematically use last-minute displacement orders as a violent tool, turning the Gaza Strip into hell on earth for Palestinians, said Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) today. Along with the continued incessant bombing and a near-total blockade of aid, the constant state of alert people are living in and the unpredictability of displacement orders are having devastating consequences on people’s mental health.

    “Israeli forces are destroying all means of life for Palestinians in Gaza through psychological and physical warfare,” said Claire Manera, MSF emergency coordinator. “Forced displacements are part of Israeli forces and authorities’ campaign of ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. They have nowhere else to go.”

    I don’t know how to answer when colleagues ask me where they can go with their children in the middle of the night. We are running out of options to stay alive.

    Omar Alsaqqa, MSF logistics manager

    “Our colleagues are desperate,” said Omar Alsaqqa, MSF logistics manager. “There are no tents left and no space for people to set up. I don’t know how to answer when colleagues ask me where they can go with their children in the middle of the night. We are running out of options to stay alive.”

    “The Israeli army is coming” reads a displacement order leaflet that also quotea a verse from the Quran: “Then We revealed to Moses, (commanding him): ‘Strike the sea with your rod.’” | Palestine 2025 © MSF

    Fleeing with nowhere to go 

    Since the start of the war, Palestinians have been forced to evacuate repeatedly, many fleeing for their lives multiple times, as experienced by a number of MSF staff. With 31 displacement orders issued since Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18, the relentless forced displacements have trapped Palestinians in an endless cycle of suffering. On May 19, a single large-scale displacement order in Khan Younis covered 22 percent of the Strip, affecting more than 70 MSF staff members, while another order on May 26 covered 40 percent of central and south Gaza.

    This time I don’t want to pack. No bags, no papers, nothing … Maybe my mindset is wrong, but I just cannot mentally process the idea of leaving home again.

    Sabreen Al-Massani, MSF psychotherapist

    These displacement orders and established no-go military zones now cover around 80 percent of Gaza, and not a single area of the Strip has been spared from attacks. About  600,000 people have been displaced again since March 18, according to the Site Management Cluster, a coalition of NGOs and the UN that monitors and supports displaced people in Gaza. Many have evacuated areas only to be bombed again in their new “safe refuge.” For example, on May 26, MSF teams treated 17 patients following an attack very close to to its Khan Younis health care center in central Gaza—an area to which people are supposed to move.

    “I woke up my children and told them we were just going out for a little bit,” said Asmaa Abu Asaker, MSF liaison officer, after a displacement order was issued in her neighborhood. “They started crying. They grabbed their bags. I was terrified but tried to act calm, even though my heart was pounding with fear.”

    Destruction in Rafah, photographed in January 2025. Over 90 percent of housing units in Gaza have been destroyed, according to OCHA, forcing many to live in camps or in makeshift tents on the rubble. | Palestine 2025 © MSF

    Unpredictable and last-minute orders create an impossible situation

    The displacement orders are unpredictable and come with ridiculously short deadlines, putting people in an impossible situation. People receive leaflets, social media posts, or phone calls about an imminent attack, leaving them limited time to collect their belongings and seek shelter. The very act of forcing people to repeatedly flee—often in the middle of the night without having anywhere to go—is taking both an immense physical and psychological toll.

    “This time I don’t want to pack,” said Sabreen Al-Massani, an MSF psychotherapist who has been displaced multiple times. “No bags, no papers, nothing. I don’t know why—maybe my mindset is wrong, but I just cannot mentally process the idea of leaving home again.”

    A leaflet reading “Rafah is only the beginning.” Once a place of refuge, Rafah has since been reduced to rubble since it was invaded by Israeli forces in May 2024. | Palestine 2025 © MSF

    While displacement orders are forcing Palestinians to ever-shrinking areas, Israeli forces also regularly carry out attacks without issuing displacement orders. On April 9, more than 20 people were killed in a strike that targeted a residential block of seven buildings in Gaza City. Among those killed were the families of two MSF staff members who were at work when the strike occurred and later learned their loved ones had been buried under the rubble.

    “We are in a constant state of alert; we can receive a notification to flee at any time,” Al-Massani said, describing how the displacement orders are severely affecting Palestinian’s mental health and state of anxiety. “We cannot sleep at night thinking we might be the next.”

    MSF calls on Israeli forces to immediately halt the forced displacement of people and its ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. Israel’s allies must also halt their support and complicity.

    Palestine 2025 © Motassem Abu Aser/MSF

    Displaced lives

    The struggle for survival in Gaza

    Read more

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn’s Dr. Jaclyn Jaeger Olsen Appointed to Two National Education Committees

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Geriatric Medicine’s Dr. Jaclyn Olsen Jaeger of UConn Center on Aging and UConn School of Medicine was appointed to two national Education Committees.

    She will join the Education Committees of the American College of Physicians (ACP) Board of Regents and the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed).

    Olsen Jaeger serves UConn Center on Aging as associate professor of medicine and is also associate medical director of Avon Health Center. She is medical director of the Clinical Longitudinal Immersion in the Community (CLIC) program of UConn School of Medicine.

    “These two national education committee appointments are incredibly meaningful to me. Serving on the national ACP and PALTmed Education Committees with a platform to contribute to the ever-changing landscape of medical education is an honor and incredibly exciting,” says Olsen Jaeger of the UConn Center on Aging.

    Olsen Jaeger adds, “During my internal medicine residency at UConn, I benefitted from the expertise of many medical educators who helped me become the physician I am today. Medical education is extremely rewarding and one of the best parts of my job. I’m very thankful for all the support, especially from my long-time mentor, Dr. Rebecca Andrews, and the many educators in the UConn Center on Aging.”

    Andrews of UConn Health and its School of Medicine is chair of the ACP Board of Regents.

    On the ACP Board of Regents Education Committee Olsen will serve until April 2026 with possible reappointment to a one-year term. The committees of ACP perform a vital role in the development of policies and programs that benefit the public, the profession of medicine, and its membership and directly affect internal medicine and patients nationally.

    In addition, Olsen Jaeger’s service to the PALTmed Education Committee is for a 2-year term until April 2027 with the possibility of a renewed two additional terms. PALTmed is the leading medical society uniting medical directors, physicians, NPs, PAs, and other experts shaping the future of post-acute and long-term care nationally.

    Learn more about Dr. Olsen Jaeger.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Co-Leads Multistate Effort to Protect Abortion and Gender-Affirming Care Providers from Dangerous Certification Requirements

    Source: US State of California

    Attorneys general call on AMA to ensure reproductive health care and gender-affirming care providers can get board-certified without unnecessary risk

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced co-leading a coalition of 20 attorneys general in urging the American Medical Association (AMA) to take stronger action to protect health care providers from potentially dangerous medical board certification requirements. In testimony submitted to AMA, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that requiring abortion and gender-affirming care providers to travel to states that restrict those forms of care in order to get board-certified puts them at legal and physical risk. The coalition warns that mandating in-person testing in states that have aggressively criminalized or penalized reproductive and gender-affirming health care endangers providers and threatens access to essential care nationwide.

    “Right now, health care providers can only obtain OB-GYN board certification if they travel to Dallas for an in-person examination. Texas, of course, has some of the most restrictive abortion and gender-affirming care laws in the country,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The American Medical Association itself has previously acknowledged the physical and legal risk that this can pose to health care providers — my fellow attorneys general and I are now calling for concrete action. We have shared specific recommendations, and we hope the American Medical Association will expeditiously consider adopting those changes.” 

    Earlier this year, AMA acknowledged the risks posed to health care providers by state laws that restrict abortion and gender-affirming care, adopting a policy encouraging medical boards to provide alternative testing options in states with such restrictions. However, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition assert that AMA’s current stance does not go far enough to protect examinees – it lacks sufficient urgency and fails to provide policy guidance to the specialty boards on concrete steps they should take to protect candidates. The coalition calls for AMA to go further by recommending such steps, including:

    1. Relocating testing sites to non-restrictive states;
    2. Shifting to remote testing to eliminate the need for travel to hostile environments; or
    3. Granting individual exemptions from in-person exams in restrictive states for those facing heightened legal or physical risks.

    The coalition’s testimony highlights the increasingly hostile legal landscape for health care providers in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Following the decision, several states implemented draconian restrictions on abortion and have since taken steps to criminalize patients and providers. Many of the same states have followed by passing a wave of restrictions on gender-affirming care. The coalition argues that officials in these anti-choice states have made it clear their goal is to intimidate and punish reproductive health and gender-affirming care providers, no matter where the care was provided.

    Attorney General Bonta and the coalition warn that mandating in-person board certification testing in states that penalize these forms of health care could have far-reaching and harmful consequences. In particular, the coalition highlights the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ABOG), which requires OB/GYNs seeking board certification to travel to Texas for in-person testing. Texas has implemented some of the most severe anti-abortion legislation in the country and similarly restricts access to gender-affirming care for young people. Despite these restrictions, ABOG continues to require in-person certification exams for all obstetricians and gynecologists in Texas. The coalition asserts that ABOG’s refusal to provide accommodations for candidates who fear prosecution or physical harm in Texas places providers at needless risk and endangers access to essential care nationwide. 

    The coalition emphasizes that ensuring the safety of health care providers is essential to maintaining access to reproductive and gender-affirming care in states like California. The coalition is urging AMA to act urgently and forcefully to ensure medical specialty boards adopt concrete, actionable policies that protect providers, warning that failure to act could exacerbate the national health care crisis.  

    The submission of this testimony was co-led by Attorney General Bonta, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. They were joined by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. 

    A copy of the testimony can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Help Introduce Legislation to Expand Medicare Drug Price Negotiation and Lower Costs for Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    May 23, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Peter Welch (D-VT) in reintroducing legislation to expand Medicare negotiation of drug prices. The Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act would help lower drug costs for consumers, reduce federal spending and give the Department of Health and Human Services stronger tools to negotiate lower drug prices in Medicare Part B and Part D. 

    “No one should have to choose between paying for their lifesaving prescription or paying the rent—that’s why three years ago the Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act, to empower Medicare to directly negotiate with drug manufacturers,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to join Senator Durbin and our Democratic colleagues in reintroducing the SMART Prices Act to help build on the progress we’ve made to lower the cost of prescription drugs and improve health care for hardworking Americans.”

    “People in the United States are paying four times more than people in similar countries pay for life-saving medications,” said Durbin. “Democrats took the first step to address this issue three years ago by passing the Inflation Reduction Act, to enable Medicare to negotiate with Big Pharma to lower costs for seniors—while every Republican opposed these savings. Now, instead of focusing on lowering prices for Americans, Republicans in Congress are focused on cutting Medicaid to give tax breaks to billionaires. Senate Democrats are introducing the SMART Prices Act to help lower the outrageous cost of prescription drugs, expand on the progress we have made, and improve health care for Americans.” 

    According to preliminary estimates from a model by West Health and Verdant Research, if the SMART Prices Act was enacted in 2026, it would save 33 percent more by 2030 than current law. It would also allow Medicare to begin negotiations earlier and bring down the price of more expensive drugs. 

    This legislation builds on Klobuchar and Welch’s provision, which was passed into law in 2022, that has empowered Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time, unleashing the power of 53 million seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D Drug Coverage. The SMART Prices Act would extend this progress by more than doubling the number of prescription drugs Medicare must negotiate to a minimum of 50 per year, allowing the most costly prescription drugs and biologics to have negotiated prices five years after approval by the Food and Drug Administration, and by increasing the discount that Medicare is allowed to negotiate. 

    Along with Duckworth, Durbin, Klobuchar and Welch, the SMART Prices Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

    The bill is endorsed by Center for American Progress, FamiliesUSA, Patients For Affordable Drugs NOW, Protect Our Care and Public Citizen.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risk of False Positive Lead Test Results with Certain Capillary Blood Collection Tubes Used with Magellan Diagnostics LeadCare Testing Systems – FDA Safety Communication

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Date Issued: April 24, 2025
    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting health care providers and laboratory staff of reports that falsely elevated (false positive) results have occurred when using ASP Global’s RAM Scientific SAFE-T-FILL Micro Capillary Blood Collection tubes with the LeadCare Testing Systems. These tests may overestimate blood lead levels and give inaccurate results when processing capillary blood samples collected in these ASP Global’s RAM Scientific SAFE-T-FILL tubes. The root cause of these false results is not yet known. The FDA is recommending that ASP Global RAM Scientific SAFE-T-FILL tubes not be used with the LeadCare Testing Systems while this issue is being investigated.   
    False test results may delay an accurate diagnosis and may lead to improper patient management and unnecessary follow-up tests (with additional risks), increased stress for patients and families, and disruptions in care. Timely and accurate detection of elevated lead levels is essential to prevent the harmful effects of lead poisoning and ensure patients receive the right care without delay.
    The FDA is issuing this communication along with the following recommendations to mitigate the potential risk of inaccurate test results to assure that patients receive accurate information regarding potential lead exposure. 
    Recommendations for Health Care Providers and Facilities, Laboratory Staff, and Patients and Caregivers

    Avoid using ASP Global’s RAM Scientific SAFE-T-FILL Micro Capillary Blood Collection tubes with the LeadCare Testing Systems.
    The capillary collection devices that are provided with the LeadCare Test Systems as well as other third-party capillary blood collection tubes, as described in the instructions for use of LeadCare Testing Systems, can still be used. 
    If no alternate capillary blood collection devices are available other than the ASP Global’s RAM Scientific SAFE-T-FILL Micro Capillary Blood Collection tubes, interpret results with caution and consider retesting with a different method or specimen type.
    Follow CDC’s recommendations for confirmatory venous blood testing based on blood lead levels observed in capillary blood lead tests (https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/testing/index.html).

    Device Description
    The LeadCare, LeadCare II, LeadCare Plus, and LeadCare Ultra Blood Lead Tests are used to detect lead in a blood sample, which may be obtained from finger or heel prick (capillary). The current reports of inaccurate results are only with capillary samples collected in ASP Global RAM Scientific SAFE-T-FILL tubes. The LeadCare Testing Systems are used in clinical laboratories, doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals throughout the U.S. The LeadCare Test Kit includes capillary collection devices for use with the test system, and there have not been reports of falsely elevated results with the provided collection devices at this time. Sometimes third-party capillary blood collection tubes, sold separately, are also used for these tests. At this time, falsely elevated results have only been reported when ASP Global RAM Scientific SAFE-T-FILL Micro Capillary Blood Collection devices are used with the LeadCare Test Systems.
    FDA Actions (Updated May 27, 2025)
    The FDA is investigating the root cause of this issue with the manufacturers of the tests and collection tubes and will provide updates as critical information becomes available. 
    While the investigation is ongoing into the root cause of the false positive results discussed in this safety communication, on May 9, 2025, the FDA issued a Warning Letter to Kabe Labortechnik GmbH, the manufacturer of blood collection tubes, including the SAFE-T-FILL Capillary Blood Collection Systems distributed by ASP Global and referenced in this safety communication. This action follows an inspection by FDA of Kabe Labortechnik GmbH that revealed significant Quality System Regulation (QSR) and Medical Device Reporting (MDR) violations. As discussed in the Warning Letter, the FDA has taken steps to refuse entry of any devices manufactured by Kabe Labortechnik GmbH into the United States, referred to as an import alert, until these violations are addressed.
    The FDA will keep the public informed if significant new information becomes available.
    Related Warning Letters

    Timeline of FDA Communication Updates

    Date
    Actions

    05/27/2025
    The FDA updated this communication to announce a warning letter was issued to Kabe Labortechnik GmbH for significant Quality System Regulation and Medical Device Reporting violations. As a result, the FDA initiated an import alert to prevent blood collection tubes manufactured by Kabe Labortechnik GmbH from entering the United States. 

    04/25/2025
    The FDA issued this communication to alert health care providers and laboratory staff of reports of falsely elevated results occurring when using ASP Global’s RAM Scientific SAFE-T-FILL Micro Capillary Blood Collection tubes with the LeadCare Testing Systems.

    Reporting Problems with Your Device
    Health professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of ASP Global’s RAM Scientific SAFE-T-FILL Micro Capillary Blood Collection tubes, Magellan Diagnostics LeadCare Testing Systems, or other devices to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program: 

    By promptly reporting adverse events, you can help the FDA identify and better understand the risks associated with medical devices. The FDA regularly monitors the post-authorization use of tests, including reports of problems with test performance or results.
    Questions?
    If you have questions, contact CDRH’s Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE).

    Content current as of:
    05/27/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Proclaims May 25-31 North Carolina Heat Awareness Week

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Proclaims May 25-31 North Carolina Heat Awareness Week

    Governor Stein Proclaims May 25-31 North Carolina Heat Awareness Week
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Earlier this month, Governor Josh Stein proclaimed May 25-31 as North Carolina Heat Awareness Week to bring attention to key programs that keep North Carolinians safe and to bring awareness to ongoing climate warming trends.

    “North Carolina state agencies and community partners are working to make sure North Carolinians have the resources they need to stay safe when temperatures soar,” said Governor Josh Stein. “North Carolina is preparing for another summer of record heat. While you are outside this summer, please take the necessary steps to prevent heat exhaustion and illness.”

    Communities across the state are encouraged to prepare for high summer temperatures. Several communities across North Carolina experienced their hottest days ever recorded in 2024, and 2025 is likely to continue this trend. There were 4,688 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the summer of 2024, a nearly 20% increase from 2023.

    The state Resiliency Program has provided critical support to North Carolina communities as they prepare and develop plans for reducing local impacts of extreme heat. Last year, the program launched the Heat Action Plan Toolkit in collaboration with NCDHHS, North Carolina State Climate Office, and Duke University Heat Policy Innovation Hub. The toolkit includes a template for creating a heat action plan, public outreach resources, checklists, and protocols that can be customized in advance of and during heat wave events. In December 2024, the Resiliency Program and North Carolina State Climate Office partnered to launch the Planning for Extreme Heat Cohort to help North Carolina communities develop local heat action plans. In addition, the NC Resilience Exchange website provides a complete collection of resources to help local and state leaders easily find climate resilience information relevant to their area.

    Budget and staffing cuts at federal agencies like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have put programs that support heat safety at risk, including the state heat health alert system, the Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System, and a farmworker health training program. 

    “Our environmental health and epidemiology teams conduct critical work every day to inform North Carolinians of potential health effects of extreme heat, as well as ensure resources are available for those who experience heat-related illness,” said Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “Cuts to these services would be detrimental to the health and well-being of the more than 11 million people who call North Carolina home.”

    Among weather-related hazards, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of deaths each year. Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness is key to preventing serious complications, including death. Some signs and symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, racing or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, and nausea or vomiting. 

    While heat-related illnesses can affect anyone regardless of age or physical condition, outdoor workers, infants and children, older adults, pregnant people, athletes, low-income individuals and people with underlying health conditions are at a disproportionate risk of experiencing adverse health effects.

    Additionally, NCDHHS Operation Fan Heat Relief is underway through Oct. 31, 2025. Visit DHHS’s website to see if you qualify for a free fan for the hot summer months.  

    Read Governor Stein’s full proclamation designating Heat Awareness Week. 

    May 27, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –