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Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment

    Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced the following District Attorney appointment:

    Matthew T. Wareham as District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 4, serving Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties. Wareham is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable Scott Thomas retired.

    • Wareham currently serves as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 4. From 2017 to 2024, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the same office. He also served for almost three years as an Assistant District Attorney in Alamance County. Wareham received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from East Carolina University and his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

    “Matt has spent his entire career in public service, serving as a prosecutor for more than a decade in Alamance, Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in his new role.” 

    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses
    jawerner

    As summer temperatures continue to soar, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air conditioned. Halfway through the summer season, from May 1 to July 12, 2025, NCDHHS has documented more than 3,300 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, the highest number in the last five years. In comparison, there was an average of 1,675 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the same time period in 2020 to 2024.

    “We are seeing more people coming to emergency departments across the state with heat-related illnesses this summer,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, but some groups are at higher risk, including outdoor workers, infants and children, older adults, pregnant people, athletes, low-income individuals and people with underlying health conditions.”

    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.

    To help prevent heat-related illness, the NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System sends out heat alerts when the forecast is projected to reach unhealthy levels. From May 1 to July 18 of this year, more than 900 county-level alerts were distributed in English and Spanish across the state. Visit the NCDHHS Climate and Health webpage to sign up for heat alerts. 

    NCDHHS also recommends the following tips to stay safe in hot weather:

    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid or reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
    • Limit time outside: Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day if possible. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.
    • Seek air conditioning: If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s hotter than 95 degrees, go to a public building where it’s cooler.
    • Stay informed: Sign up for NCDHHS heat alerts and stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can safely plan outdoor activities.

    The NCDHHS Division of Public Health continues to provide reports and outreach to minimize extreme heat impacts. In addition to the Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System and Heat Health Alert System, the NCDHHS Climate and Health Team provides other services to prevent heat-related illness, including:

    • Providing 1,300 high-velocity cooling fans to farmworkers across the state and to partners in the sandhills region;
    • Creating training for doctors and care teams to treat and prevent heat-related illnesses in farmworkers in collaboration with the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health;
    • Distributing educational materials to populations at risk of extreme heat exposure, including water bottles, cooling towels and hats that include guidance on heat prevention strategies; and
    • Supporting the NC Department of Environmental Quality in planning and leading the Extreme Heat Cohort Program for local governments and partners to develop a heat action plan.

    A medida que las temperaturas del verano continúan aumentando, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte urge en tener precaución al pasar tiempo al aire libre o en áreas que no tienen aire acondicionado. A mitad de la temporada de verano, entre el 1 de mayo al 12 de julio de 2025, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés), ha documentado más de 3,300 visitas al departamento de emergencias debido a enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, siendo el número más alto en los últimos cinco años. En comparación, hubo un promedio de 1,675 visitas al departamento de emergencia por enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en el mismo período de 2020 a 2024.

    “Estamos viendo a más personas acudiendo a los departamentos de emergencias en todo el estado con enfermedades relacionadas con el calor este verano”, dijo el Dr. Zack Moore, epidemiólogo estatal de NCDHHS. “Las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor pueden afectar a cualquier persona, independientemente de su edad o condición física, pero algunos grupos corren un mayor riesgo, incluso los trabajadores al aire libre, los bebés y los niños, los adultos mayores, las personas embarazadas, los atletas, las personas de bajos ingresos y las personas con afecciones de salud subyacentes”.

    Reconocer los síntomas de la enfermedad por calor es clave para prevenir complicaciones graves, incluso la muerte. Algunos signos y síntomas incluyen sudoración intensa, palidez, calambres musculares, pulso acelerado o débil, mareos, dolor de cabeza, desmayos y náuseas o vómitos.

    Para ayudar a prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor de NCDHHS envía alertas de calor cuando se prevé que el pronóstico del calor alcanzará niveles insalubres. Del 1 de mayo al 18 de julio de este año, se distribuyeron más de 900 alertas a nivel de condado en inglés y español en todo el estado. Visite la página web NCDHHS Clima y Salud para suscribirse a las alertas de calor. 

    NCDHHS también recomienda los siguientes consejos para mantenerse a salvo en climas cálidos:

    • Manténgase hidratado: beba mucha agua durante todo el día y no espere hasta que tenga sed para beber. Evite o reduzca el consumo de alcohol y cafeína.
    • Limite el tiempo al aire libre: evite la actividad al aire libre durante el tiempo más caluroso del día si es posible. Use ropa ligera y suelta y tome descansos frecuentes en la sombra o en el aire acondicionado.
    • Busque aire acondicionado: si no tiene aire acondicionado y la temperatura está más elevada que 95 grados, vaya a un edificio público donde hace más fresco.
    • Manténgase informado: suscríbase a las alertas de calor de NCDHHS y manténgase actualizado sobre los pronósticos meteorológicos locales para que pueda planificar actividades al aire libre de manera segura.

    La División de Salud Pública de NCDHHS continúa proporcionando informes y actividades de alcance para minimizar los impactos del calor extremo. Además del Sistema de Vigilancia de Enfermedades Relacionadas con el Calor y el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor, el Equipo de Clima y Salud de NCDHHS proporciona otros servicios para prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, incluso:

    • Proporcionando 1,300 ventiladores de alta velocidad a los trabajadores agrícolas en todo el estado y a los colaboradores en la región de Sandhills;
    • Creando capacitación para médicos y equipos de atención para tratar y prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en trabajadores agrícolas en colaboración con la Oficina de Salud Rural de NCDHHS;
    • Distribuyendo materiales educativos a las poblaciones en riesgo de exposición al calor extremo que incluyen orientación sobre estrategias de prevención para el calor, además botellas de agua, toallas refrescantes y sombreros; y
    • Apoyando al Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte en la planificación y dirección del Programa cohorte de calor extremo para que los gobiernos locales y los colaboradores desarrollen un plan de acción contra el calor.
    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amid An Explosion Of Lyme Disease Cases In New York, Gillibrand Calls For Passage Of The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Over 22,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in New York State in 2023

    Legislation would support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tick-borne illnesses

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to call for the passage of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, which would support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Gillibrand is also fighting to secure over $200 million for research and programs that address Lyme disease, protecting families, communities, and service members across New York.

    “Tick-borne illnesses are a growing threat in New York and across the country, and we must do more to ensure that all Americans are protected,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would help develop better treatments and preventative measures for the thousands of New Yorkers who suffer from tick-borne illnesses and for those who live in high-risk areas. Funding research and programs that address these diseases will also increase our ability to combat them. New Yorkers deserve the freedom to spend time outdoors without worrying about tick-borne illnesses, and I’m committed to getting this crucial legislation across the finish line.”

    Tick-borne illnesses pose a growing threat to public health, and New York reports the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country. Reported cases of Lyme disease in New York have skyrocketed in recent years, from about 2,200 in 2020 to over 22,000 in 2023. Areas like Suffolk County, Orange County, and Westchester County have some of the highest numbers of cases throughout the state, but cases are also rising in urban areas like New York City.

    Specifically, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would:

    1. Require HHS to continue implementing and updating its National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People;
    2. Reauthorize Regional Centers for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases for five years; and
    3. Reauthorize Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants to state health departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness.

    In addition to the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, Gillibrand has requested over $200 million in appropriations to support research and programs that address Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. These funding requests include:

    1. $30 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to implement the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act;
    2. $35 million for the CDC to further its work on Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses;
    3. $9 million to support the Department of Defense’s Tick-Borne Disease Research Program; and
    4. $130 million for Lyme disease and tick-borne disease research at the National Institutes of Health.

    The full text of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Requires Major Changes to Opioid Pain Medication Labeling to Emphasize Risks

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 31, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requiring safety labeling changes to all opioid pain medications to better emphasize and explain the risks associated with their long-term use. These changes follow a public advisory committee meeting in May that reviewed data showing serious risks—such as misuse, addiction, and both fatal and non-fatal overdoses—for patients who use opioids over long periods. “The death of almost one million Americans during the opioid epidemic has been one of the cardinal failures of the public health establishment,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “This long-overdue labeling change is only part of what needs to be done — we also need to modernize our approval processes and post-market monitoring so that nothing like this ever happens again.” Tragically, the new drug application for OxyContin was initially approved without study data supporting its long term use to treat pain in many patient populations for which it has been prescribed. The updated labeling change reflects robust data from two large FDA-required observational studies, called postmarketing requirements (PMR) 3033-1 and 3033-2, which recently provided new data on how long-term opioid use can lead to serious side effects. After reviewing those results, public comments, medical research and recognizing the absence of adequate and well-controlled studies on long-term opioid effectiveness, the FDA decided to require safety labeling changes to help health care professionals and patients make treatment decisions rooted in the latest evidence.  “I know firsthand how devastating addiction is—not just for individuals, but for entire families and communities,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Today’s FDA action is a long-overdue step toward restoring honesty, accountability, and transparency to a system that betrayed the American people.”
    FDA has required an additional prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial to directly examine the benefits and risks of long-term opioid use. The Agency will be closely monitoring the progress of this clinical trial to ensure its timely completion.
    The labeling changes will include the following updates:    

    Clearer Risk Information: A summary of study results showing the estimated risks of addiction, misuse, and overdose during long-term use. 
    Dosing Warnings: Stronger warnings that higher doses come with greater risks, and that those risks remain over time. 
    Clarified Use Limits: Removing language which could be misinterpreted to support using opioid pain medications over indefinitely long duration 
    Treatment Guidance: Labels will reinforce that long-acting or extended-release opioids should only be considered when other treatments, including shorter-acting opioids, are inadequate. 
    Safe Discontinuation: A reminder not to stop opioids suddenly in patients who may be physically dependent, as it can cause serious harm. 
    Overdose Reversal Agents: Additional information on medicines that can reverse an opioid overdose. 
    Drug Interactions: Enhanced warning about combining opioids with other drugs that slow down the nervous system—now including gabapentinoids. 
    More Risks with Overdose: New information about toxic leukoencephalopathy—a serious brain condition that may occur after an overdose. 
    Digestive Health: Updates about opioid-related problems with the esophagus.  

    The FDA sent letters to the relevant applicants outlining the required changes. The companies will have 30 days to submit their labeling updates to the FDA for review.
    More information is available in the FDA’s Drug Safety Communication.

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

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    Boilerplate

    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Content current as of:
    07/31/2025

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor cites paper products manufacturer for safety, health violations following 3 investigations

    Source: US Department of Labor

    APPLETON, WI – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited an Appleton paper products manufacturer for allegedly exposing employees to dangerous energy and machine guarding hazards after an employee suffered two finger-tip amputations. 

    Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted three investigations and concluded that Progressive Converting Inc. failed to properly guard machinery, did not have energy control procedures, and did not provide proper training for employees engaged in service and maintenance. 

    Progressive Converting was cited for three repeat, 13 serious, and three other than serious violations, with proposed penalties totaling $280,110.

    The employer has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

    Learn more about OSHA. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Announcing Avery Prendergast’s Participation in the Successful Farmers of Salem Internship Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Farmers of Salem (FOS), a regional mutual insurance company specializing in insurance for home and business owners, is pleased to announce Avery Prendergast’s successful participation in their internship program. Graduating from Levittown’s Neshaminy High School, Ms. Prendergast is completing a degree in both Legal Studies and Risk Management & Insurance with Temple University of Philadelphia. She is looking forward to a December 2025 graduation. When asked how her interest in RMI came about, Avery said, “I became interested in RMI when I took the Introduction to Risk Management class at Temple. It reminded me of torts, which was something I had studied at Bucks County Community College while in the Paralegal program. It mixed well with my Legal Studies major, so I decided to take both majors.”

    Of the Intern Delaware program, Ms. Prendergast said, “ID has introduced me to industries, and people that I would never have gotten the opportunity to meet. It is a great program that shows you how easy it is to get involved and get things done in this wonderful state. ID has provided unique opportunities like visiting Legislative Hall, meeting past and present senators, networking with other interns in a variety of industries, and learning from senior executives and other professionals firsthand.” With only one more semester left, Avery is excited to settle into a career and is making the most out of her summer with Farmers. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels, watching movies with friends, and camping with her family.

    When asked “Why Farmers?”, Ms. Prendergast said, “I have had an amazing time working at Farmers of Salem this summer. Transitioning from working retail and being a student, to working a 9-5 was daunting, but everyone was so welcoming and kind that it became an easier process. FOS has a great environment where my voice matters. I am seen as a person and not just an employee. I have been tasked with real projects and work that make each day feel productive and meaningful.” Avery added, “With the rotational internship, I have been able to go through multiple departments and learn the ins and outs of the business. There have been so many lightbulb moments when I am learning something new and connecting the dots to something else in another department. I have learned so much that will help me with my final college courses and my future career.”

    Temple University uniquely hosts Actuarial Science and Risk Management & Insurance degree programs. Dr. Drennan, Chair of Risk, Actuarial Science, and Legal Studies at Temple University, along with his team, challenge students through thought-provoking course work while setting the bar quite high. 

    Elizabeth Dean, Human Resources Director for Farmers of Salem said, “The difference with Farmers of Salem’s internship program, compared to other insurance companies, is that we ask interns to roll up their sleeves and get to work alongside our tenured team members. This job-shadowing approach has allowed interns to gain first-hand experiences as they rotate through the various departments of the organization. Our employees enjoy mentoring the interns, not only to share their knowledge, but to learn from interns that have been so well prepared by Temple.” Added by Jim Reagan, CPCU, Vice President Product & Regulatory Compliance, “Asking our interns to get down to business and work alongside our valued employees is precisely what sets our internship experience apart. This process has been validated by our intern feedback.”

    About Farmers of Salem
    Founded in 1851, and located on the Riverfront in Wilmington DE, Farmers of Salem provides insurance coverage to homeowners and businesses in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland through a network of independent agents. Rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best Company and a Financial Stability Rating of A Exceptional by Demotech, Inc. “We pride ourselves in providing Superior Service with Personal Attention,” says Kim Lorenzini, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development.

    For more information about Farmers of Salem, visit www.farmersofsalem.com

    As a mutual corporation, fundamentally rooted in serving our community, we engage in corporate philanthropy, giving annually to an array of organizations and causes. Through our giving, in local markets where we have a presence, Farmers of Salem has supported educational development, physical education, and health and wellness programs that provide communities in most need with essential services, opportunities to improve the quality of their lives and provide them with assets to create a better future.

    A partial list of events and organizations that Farmers of Salem supports annually:

    • Autism Delaware
    • Serviam Girls Academy
    • Vehicles for Veterans
    • Salem County Humane Society
    • Habitat for Humanity
    • VFW Post #253
    • Operation Legacy
    • Keeping Hope Alive, Inc.
    • Temple University 
    • Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
    • Holiday Service Project – Thanksgiving Food Baskets – Salvation Army
    • Make A Wish
    • American Red Cross
    • American Cancer Society
    • Longwood Gardens
    • Bo Lends a Paw Pet Pantry
    Contact: Kim Lorenzini
      856-628-0150
      klorenzini@fosnj.com
     

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d1f5ccc-9a93-4259-b449-b63c5eb4f69a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RIDOH and DEM Recommend Avoiding Contact with Georgiaville Pond

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) are recommending people avoid contact with Georgiaville Pond in Smithfield due to a confirmed cyanobacteria bloom. Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally present in bodies of water, but under certain environmental conditions will form harmful algae blooms?(HABs). All recreation, including swimming, fishing, boating and kayaking, is high risk to health and recommended to be avoided at this location. HABs can produce toxins which can be harmful to humans and animals.

    Use caution in all areas of Georgiaville Pond as cyanobacteria HABs can move locations in ponds and lakes. People should not drink untreated water or eat fish from affected waterbodies.?Pet owners should not allow pets to drink or swim in this water. ? Skin contact with water containing toxin-producing cyanobacteria can cause irritation of the skin, nose, eyes, and throat. Symptoms from ingestion of water can include stomachache, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Less common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, fever, liver damage, and nervous system damage. Young children and pets are at higher risk for health effects associated with cyanobacteria HABs because they are more likely to swallow water when they are in or around bodies of water. People who have had contact with these ponds and experience those symptoms should contact their healthcare provider.?

    If you or your pet come into contact with a cyanobacteria HAB:

    – Rinse your skin with clean water right away.

    – Shower and wash your clothes when you get home.

    – If your pet was exposed, wash it with clean water immediately and don’t let it lick algae from its fur.

    – Call a vet if your pet shows signs of illness like tiredness, no eating, vomiting, diarrhea or other symptoms within a day.

    – If you feel sick after contact, call a healthcare provider.

    Affected waters might look bright to dark green, with thick algae floating on the surface. It may resemble green paint, pea soup, or green cottage cheese. If you see water like this, people and pets should avoid contact with the water.

    To report suspected cyanobacteria blooms, contact DEM’s Office of Water Resources at 401-222-4700 Press 6 or?DEM.OWRCyano@dem.ri.gov?and if possible, send a photograph of the reported algae bloom. For more information and the Freshwater Cyanobacteria Tracker Dashboard that lists current advisories and data, visit:?www.dem.ri.gov/bluegreen

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Woman to Pay $400,000 to Settle Allegations of Falsifying Diagnoses in connection with an Amherst Compounding Pharmacy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD –Georgina Exposito of Florida, owner of 3rd Party Services of Florida, agreed to pay $400,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by submitting false claims to Medicare and TRICARE based on fake medical diagnoses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    According to the settlement agreement and the complaint in partial intervention, Exposito and her company altered patients’ medical diagnoses to obtain prior authorizations on behalf of pharmacies, including PerforMix Specialty Pharmacy, a compounding pharmacy located in Amherst. This resulted in the submission of false claims to Medicare and TRICARE.

    “Submitting false claims to federal health care programs like Medicare and TRICARE undermines the integrity of our health care system and diverts critical resources away from patients who need them,” said U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Accountability in cases like this helps restore trust in our health care system and ensures taxpayer dollars are protected.”

    “The submission of falsified prior authorization requests undermines an important safeguard against unnecessary Medicare costs,” said Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).  “This settlement highlights HHS-OIG’s ongoing commitment to combatting fraud in the taxpayer-funded Medicare program, and we will continue to thoroughly pursue allegations of False Claims Act violations.”

    The False Claims Act permits whistleblowers to file civil lawsuits alleging that false claims have been submitted to the United States. This FCA settlement resolves allegations against Georgina Exposito’s company originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower.  As part of the settlement the whistleblower will receive a portion of the settlement amount.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The United States’ case against the other defendants named in the complaint in partial intervention continues. 

     This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Defense, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael Katz.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Discover the potential of agentic AI in higher education

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Discover the potential of agentic AI in higher education

    Discover how Azure AI Foundry in education helps institutions build tailored, scalable AI solutions to drive innovation and digital transformation.

    At Microsoft Build 2025, we unveiled a new wave of agentic innovations that are reshaping how higher education institutions use AI. From intelligent agents to unified data platforms, these advancements empower higher education leaders to confidently accelerate digital transformation. A key part of this evolution is the role of Azure AI Foundry in education, which helps institutions build secure, scalable AI solutions tailored to their academic goals.

    With these advances in AI, institutions now have a powerful new opportunity: to use agents that can automate routine tasks, assist faculty and staff, and provide real-time, contextual insights to support teaching and learning. As more institutions begin their journey to this next frontier, AI agents will support individuals and teams by automating tasks and delivering instant, contextual insights.

    This means that with data-focused AI tools from Microsoft, your institution can:

    • Develop scalable, intelligent agents using Azure AI Foundry, trusted by enterprises and customized for higher education compliance and innovation.
    • Turn data insights into action with AI-powered analytics, addressing challenges in student success, research productivity, and operational agility.

    Accelerate agentic AI with Azure AI Foundry

    Azure AI Foundry Agent Service empowers institutions to securely design, deploy, and scale agents with ease. Enhance your team’s efficiency with agents that simplify academic and operational workflows with robust security and trust features built in. This provides key tools and resources to help you:

    • Create domain-specific agents to automate complex tasks.
    • Use enterprise-grade identity for agents and built-in trustworthy AI.
    • Deploy and scale agents quickly with managed infrastructure.
    Get started with Azure AI Foundry Agent Service

    Create and scale domain-specific agents

    With Azure AI Foundry Agent Service, your team can create domain-specific agents tailored to your unique needs. It helps you design, deploy, and scale agents that are ready for real-world use. This fully managed service handles infrastructure and orchestration. It includes ready-to-use templates, actions, and connectors for more than 1,400 enterprise data sources, including SharePoint, Microsoft Fabric, and third-party systems. For instance, you can design and deploy agents to help onboard new students with personalized guidance and support administrative teams with instant responses to common questions.

    Institutions like Stanford Medicine are already using the healthcare agent orchestrator in Azure AI Foundry alongside Microsoft Copilot Studio. This integration enhances the efficiency of tumor board meetings through customized clinical workflows.

    Secure and manage your agents

    Creating agents is just the beginning—managing them responsibly plays a critical role in their effective use. With Microsoft Entra Agent ID, you can:

    • Gain complete visibility and control over agents’ actions.
    • Assign unique identities for each agent.
    • Share identity management with your team members.
    • Define access controls and permissions for each agent.
    Learn about Microsoft Entra Agent ID

    Trustworthy AI is a foundational commitment for Microsoft and for our customers. We’ve introduced new capabilities to help institutions discover, protect, and govern AI systems from the start.

    On the security side, Azure AI Foundry integrates with Microsoft Defender for Cloud to provide real-time alerts and insights when threats arise. For compliance, out-of-the box integration with governance tools like Credo AI, Saidot, and Microsoft Purview, helps institutions monitor model performance, assess fairness, and track regulatory requirements.

    By using Azure AI Foundry’s built-in tools for safety, security, and governance, institutions can design and deploy AI systems with greater reliability from the start.

    Powering the next AI frontier with Microsoft Fabric

    Strong data is foundational to effective AI. Microsoft Fabric helps unify your data to power analytics and agents—without the burden of managing complex infrastructure. As a SaaS solution, Fabric offers seamless integration of data tools and can reduce the need for manual service connections.

    Try Microsoft Fabric for free

    At its core is Microsoft OneLake, an open and unified data lake that supports any format, from any cloud. This flexibility allows developers to access and analyze all types of data efficiently.

    Fabric also transforms how you manage and interact with data. With natural language capabilities, you can explore insights that drive student success, enhance research, and boost operational agility—empowering everyone to make informed, data-driven decisions.

    Find the right data when you need it

    Education leaders need tools that turn insights into action. That’s why we’re focused on making data more accessible through conversational experiences. With Copilot in Power BI, users can now ask questions in natural language and receive instant insights—no technical training needed to get started. Whether it’s enrollment trends, retention risks, or alumni giving, faculty and staff can explore data directly within Microsoft Teams to streamline their workflow.

    Empower everyone to interact with their data

    With enhanced interaction capabilities in Power BI and Copilot Studio, transforming data into actionable insights can now be faster and more intuitive. You can explore data through natural, conversational experiences, removing complexity, and making analysis more accessible. This shift empowers you and your teams to break down data silos and uncover valuable insights with ease. Power BI chat simplifies the exploration of complex datasets, offering quicker, more confident decision-making.

    Uncover deeper insights with data agents

    Finally, connecting Fabric data agents to Copilot Studio can help uncover deeper insights. These agents expertly analyze complex datasets, uncovering valuable insights from OneLake and driving informed action. By automating tasks like email sending and workflow triggering, they streamline your interactions with enterprise data, enabling confident decision-making.

    Embrace the future of data-driven higher education with Microsoft Azure and Azure AI Foundry. Discover how innovative data agents and AI-powered insights can enhance your approach to learning and operations. Start your journey today and uncover the limitless possibilities that await you.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Opening Remarks at Full Committee Mark Up of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Bills

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***WATCH: Senator Murray’s opening remarks***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered the following opening remarks as the committee meets to consider the draft fiscal year 2026 Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations acts.

    Senator Murray’s opening remarks, as delivered, are below:

    “As I have said, these are not the bills I would have written on my own—but they nevertheless represent serious bipartisan work to make some truly critical investments in families and our country’s future.

    “From defense funding that supports our military and keeps our country safe to funding for health care, child care, schools, seniors, medical research, public health, workforce training and safety—and many other programs that keep our communities strong.

    “The priorities laid out in both of these bills are fundamental to our nation’s security and Americans’ livelihoods and health.

    “So I’m glad this Committee was able to deliver and reach a bipartisan compromise to write these bills that deliver essential funds to help people, solve problems, and reject many of the absolutely devastating cuts and much of the chaos that President Trump was pushing for.

    “It remains clear as ever to me that we cannot afford to go down the path Trump and Russ Vought want to push us down. Their vision is one where this Committee becomes less bipartisan and less powerful. Where the president and the OMB director call the shots and some Republicans in Congress spend their time cutting what they are told to cut, even at the expense of their own constituents. Where instead of securing new investments for folks back home through bipartisan agreements, lawmakers have to plead their case to this administration to unlock funds we have already delivered or secure special exceptions for spending cuts. Where biomedical research and education funding gets held up for no reason at all. Where we gut investments in working families while letting Trump’s corruption run rampant.

    “That’s what Trump and Vought want.

    “We can—and we must—reject it.

    “Because, there is no comparison between having a bipartisan process, that gives our constituents a say in how their tax dollars are spent. Or another slush fund CR that forfeits our power and lets Trump rob some states, and pick winners and losers regardless of what our communities actually need or the law says.

    “The bills we are voting on today really show how big of a difference there is here. Anyone who has doubts about that, can just look at the LHHS bill.

    “It rejects Trump’s cuts that would have devastated our work to fight substance use disorders, HIV, and pandemics, eliminate women’s health investments like Title X funding and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention program and essentially saw the CDC cut in half.

    “It rejects backward proposals from Trump that would hurt our students and workers—like eliminating preschool grants, or slashing PELL, gutting public school funding, or ending Job Corps and AmeriCorps.

    “It rejects efforts to gut agencies that protect the rights of patients, students, and workers.

    “And, I’m especially pleased to note it rejects Trump’s 40% cut to lifesaving medical research—and increases the NIH budget by $400 million so we continue to make progress against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and so much more.

    “To the scientists wondering if there will even be an NIH by the end of this administration: this committee’s resounding message is ‘yes.’

    “Congress has your back—we’re not going to give up the fight against cancer, Alzheimer’s, or rare diseases.

    “We support you and we need you to stay here and keep this research going.

    “But I want to be clear—at the end of the day, this isn’t about rejecting Trump, it is about investing in our families.

    “Investing in our schools, in medical research, in workforce training, and community health.

    “In fact, this bill even increases funding for crucial programs with new investments to allow the Social Security Administration to actually help people and undo some of the damage that Trump and DOGE have recklessly caused and increased investments in child care—something I will never stop fighting to make more progress on.

    “Now, one thing this bill does not do, unfortunately, is fund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

    “As everyone knows, Republicans rescinded bipartisan funding we provided for CPB in the first ever partisan rescissions package.

    “It is a shameful reality—and now communities across the country will suffer the consequences as over 1,500 stations lose critical funding.

    “I really hope Republicans will join us to restore this funding down the line—and I want you to know I am going to keep pushing to do that. 

    “Before I close, I want to say: I am clear-eyed: the investments we make in these bills today are really only half of the equation.

    “Because the fact of the matter is we have an administration right now that is intent on ignoring Congress, breaking the law, and doing everything it can without any transparency to dismantle programs and agencies that help families.

    “There is no magic bullet that will change that unfortunate reality.

    “Our bills reject devastating cuts—and reject many of this administration’s absurd proposals—like dismantling the Department of Education, like destroying HHS, and more.

    “But I still want to see us to do much more when it comes to demanding accountability, demanding transparency, and demanding the administration actually follow our laws.

    “We all know President Trump cannot dismantle the Department of Education or ship education programs to other agencies. Authorizing laws prevent that. Appropriations laws prevent that. Yet, that has not stopped him from shipping CTE and adult education programs to DOL in violation of our laws.

    “And Secretary McMahon says she wants to do the same for Title I and IDEA. 

    “So I am very glad our LHHS bill takes new steps to ensure she cannot do that, and Title I and IDEA programs students depend on do not get dismantled or moved out of ED.

    “But I’d like this bill to also do the same for every other education program that states administer, to prevent states from having to deal with the chaos of these dismantling efforts, and I’m disappointed there was not bipartisan support to do that. Still, I am going to keep making the case for more accountability and transparency.

    “We need more members across the aisle to not only reject the cuts but to speak up and speak out against what this administration is already doing to defy our laws and hurt the people we represent.

    “Because, as we speak now, Trump and Vought are holding up billions of dollars we have secured on a bipartisan basis. They are on course to impound billions of taxpayer dollars while agencies fail to meet basic requirements of law.

    “Right now, they are illegally hiding apportionments data that would let us know whether funds we passed are being spent as intended and help us strengthen the bills we are in the middle of writing on. It is absurd we have to mark up bills—while being kept in the dark.  And just this week, we learned Russ Vought—through a footnote—paused $15 billion in NIH funding.

    “One footnote, from an unelected bureaucrat—overruling Congress and even NIH, to block $15 billion in funding for things like cancer research.

    “That is not transparency. It is not what Congress intended. And it is not acceptable. 

    “We need our Republican colleagues to join us in insisting that all blocked funding gets out—not just the programs most important to them.

    “So, in sum: these are critical, solid bills we are considering today that deliver vital funds for families and reject many devastating proposals.

    “And of course I would have liked to do even more, and I will not stop discussing how we make that happen with my colleagues, I will be voting yes to advance both of these bills today.

    “And I am glad we are on track to continue making progress on bipartisan bills that reject devastating cuts and invest in our communities and in our global strength.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Questions Senior USDA Official on Reorganization Proposal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a lifelong family farmer and member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, submitted questions for the record to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden following a committee hearing on USDA’s reorganization proposal Wednesday.

    In his questions, Grassley asked Vaden to explain why Congress was not notified or consulted about the plan ahead of the announcement. He requested the agency share its view on the role of Congress in the reorganization process, including possible consultation on decisions like USDA hub locations.

    Grassley highlighted the impact of USDA’s presence in Ames, including the Agriculture Research Service’s National Animal Disease Center, which is a world leader in animal health research, and the National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment, which leads cutting edge research on watershed management and soil health. Grassley asked if the agency plans to move any positions or projects to Ames.

    Senators submit Questions For the Record (QFRs) to hearing witnesses to receive detailed, written responses.

    The following are Grassley’s questions:

    1. Why was Congress not notified or consulted of plans for the reorganization despite so many in Congress supporting these plans?
    2. Will there be any flexibility for Congress to weigh in on the hubs that have been designated, the movement of positions to certain locations, or the vacating of certain properties such as the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center?
    3. Ames, Iowa is home to the Agriculture Research Service’s National Animal Disease Center and the National Laboratory for Agriculture and The Environment among others. Will USDA move any positions or projects to Ames, Iowa?
    4. What do you see as Congress’s role in this process? Will there be closer consultation with Congress moving forward?

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: iRhythm Technologies Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: IRTC), a leading digital health care company focused on creating trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease, today reported financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2025.

    Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue of $186.7 million, a 26.1% increase compared to second quarter 2024
    • Gross margin of 71.2%, a 130-basis point increase compared to second quarter 2024
    • Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $545.5 million as of June 30, 2025
    • Increased fiscal year 2025 guidance for revenue and adjusted EBITDA

    Recent Operational Highlights

    • Second quarter 2025 record quarterly revenue driven by continued momentum in our core long-term continuous monitoring business, sustained demand for Zio AT, progress within innovative value-based care accounts, and contribution from international markets
    • Executed strategic partnership with Lucem Health, a leader in AI-driven early disease detection, to accelerate early identification of undiagnosed arrhythmias in patient populations with comorbid conditions, a bold step toward predictive, preventive, and precise care that is powered by AI, informed by data, and designed for scale1
    • Results from two large-scale real-world studies presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions (ADA 2025) demonstrated that cardiac arrhythmias present frequent, early, and often preceding major cardiovascular events (MACE), highlighting a critical opportunity to enhance early detection strategies in at-risk cardiometabolic populations

    “The second quarter of 2025 was another record quarter for iRhythm, with growth of more than 26%, showcasing the strength of our diversified growth strategy,” said Quentin Blackford, President and Chief Executive Officer of iRhythm. “Our continued momentum spans three key areas: accelerating growth in our core monitoring business, continued penetration of Zio AT across major health systems, and successful expansion with innovative value-based care partners. With strong execution, combined with our transformative AI partnership with Lucem Health and the growing abundance of compelling clinical evidence, we’re uniquely positioned to revolutionize early cardiac detection and create substantial value for patients, providers, and shareholders while addressing the growing need for preventative care.”

    Second Quarter Financial Results
    Revenue for the second quarter of 2025 was $186.7 million, up 26.1% from $148.0 million during the same period in 2024. The increase was driven by growth in demand for Zio services within core existing accounts, from continued market penetration of Zio AT, and at new innovative channel partners.

    Gross profit for the second quarter of 2025 was $132.9 million, up 28.4% from $103.5 million during the same period in 2024, while gross margin was 71.2%, up from 69.9% during the same period in 2024. The increase in gross profit was primarily due to increased volume of Zio services provided due to higher demand. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to volume leverage as well as operational efficiencies, partially offset by an increased blended cost per unit from a higher Zio AT product mix.

    Operating expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were $151.6 million, compared to $126.5 million for the same period in 2024. Adjusted operating expenses for the second quarter of 2025 were $145.2 million, compared to $125.2 million during the same period in 2024. The increase in adjusted operating expenses was primarily driven by funding of new and sustaining development activities as well as incremental costs to serve a growing volume of patients globally.

    Net loss for the second quarter of 2025 was $14.2 million, or a diluted loss of $0.44 per share, compared with net loss of $20.1 million, or a diluted loss of $0.65 per share, for the same period in 2024. Adjusted net loss for the second quarter of 2025 was $10.2 million, or a diluted loss of $0.32 per share, compared with an adjusted net loss of $18.8 million, or a diluted loss of $0.61 per share, for the same period in 2024. The decrease in net loss was primarily driven by our revenue growth and operating leverage achieved through implementation of efficiency initiatives.

    Unrestricted cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities were $545.5 million as of June 30, 2025.

    2025 Annual Guidance
    iRhythm projects revenue for the full year 2025 between $720 million to $730 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin for the full year 2025 is expected to range from approximately 8.0% to 8.5% of revenues.

    Webcast and Conference Call Information
    iRhythm’s management team will host a conference call today beginning at 1:30 p.m. PT/4:30 p.m. ET. Interested parties may access a live and archived webcast of the presentation on the “Events & Presentations” section of the company’s investor website at investors.irhythmtech.com.

    About iRhythm Technologies, Inc.
    iRhythm is a leading digital health care company that creates trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease. Combining wearable biosensors and cloud-based data analytics with powerful proprietary algorithms, iRhythm distills data from millions of heartbeats into clinically actionable information. Through a relentless focus on patient care, iRhythm’s vision is to deliver better data, better insights, and better health for all.

    Reclassifications
    Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications have no impact on previously reported results of operations or financial position.

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
    We refer to certain financial measures that are not recognized under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in this press release, including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net loss, adjusted net loss per share and adjusted operating expenses. We use these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision-making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. See the schedules attached to this press release for additional information and reconciliations of such non-GAAP financial measures. We have not reconciled our adjusted operating expenses and adjusted EBITDA margin estimates for full year 2025 because certain items that impact these figures are uncertain or out of our control and cannot be reasonably predicted. Accordingly, a reconciliation of adjusted operating expenses and adjusted EBITDA estimates is not available without unreasonable effort.

    Adjusted EBITDA excludes non-cash operating charges for stock-based compensation expense, changes in fair value of strategic investments, impairment and restructuring charges, business transformation costs, certain intellectual property litigation expenses and settlements, and loss on extinguishment of debt. Business transformation costs include costs associated with professional services, employee termination and relocation, third-party merger and acquisition, integration, and other costs to augment and restructure the organization, inclusive of both outsourced and offshore resources.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. An investor can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘plan’, ‘believe’, ‘target’ and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future actions or operating or financial performance. In particular, these statements include statements regarding financial guidance, market opportunity, ability to penetrate the market, international market expansion, anticipated productivity and quality improvements, and expectations for growth. Such statements are based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those on the Form 10-Q expected to be filed on or about July 31, 2025. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and should not be unduly relied upon. iRhythm disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Contact
    Stephanie Zhadkevich
    investors@irhythmtech.com

    Media Contact
    Kassandra Perry
    irhythm@highwirepr.com

    1. The predictive-AI solution does not represent the functionality of any Zio branded medical device.
    IRHYTHM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands, except par value)
    (unaudited)
     
      June 30, 2025   December 31, 2024
    Assets      
    Current assets:      
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 309,105     $ 419,597  
    Marketable securities   236,435       115,956  
    Accounts receivable, net   82,153       79,941  
    Inventory   18,399       14,039  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets   17,825       16,286  
    Total current assets   663,917       645,819  
    Property and equipment, net   139,703       125,092  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   44,749       47,564  
    Restricted cash   8,358       8,358  
    Goodwill   862       862  
    Long-term strategic investments   64,897       61,902  
    Other assets   41,544       41,852  
    Total assets $ 964,030     $ 931,449  
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity      
    Current liabilities:      
    Accounts payable $ 12,775     $ 7,221  
    Accrued liabilities   99,577       84,900  
    Deferred revenue   3,499       2,932  
    Operating lease liabilities, current portion   16,360       15,867  
    Total current liabilities   132,211       110,920  
    Long-term senior convertible notes   648,007       646,443  
    Other noncurrent liabilities   9,775       8,579  
    Operating lease liabilities, noncurrent portion   70,377       74,599  
    Total liabilities   860,370       840,541  
    Stockholders’ equity:      
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value – 5,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024   —       —  
    Common stock, $0.001 par value – 100,000 shares authorized; 32,334 shares issued and 32,105 shares outstanding at June 30, 2025, respectively; and 31,621 shares issued and 31,392 shares outstanding at December 31, 2024, respectively   32       31  
    Additional paid-in capital   932,467       874,607  
    Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income   (26 )     165  
    Accumulated deficit   (803,813 )     (758,895 )
    Treasury stock, at cost; 229 shares at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024   (25,000 )     (25,000 )
    Total stockholders’ equity   103,660       90,908  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 964,030     $ 931,449  
     
    IRHYTHM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In thousands, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
     
        Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
          2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Revenue, net   $ 186,687     $ 148,047     $ 345,364     $ 279,976  
    Cost of revenue     53,830       44,576       103,291       88,989  
    Gross profit     132,857       103,471       242,073       190,987  
    Operating expenses:                
    Research and development     21,012       19,690       42,531       36,684  
    Acquired in-process research and development     1,698       —       1,994       —  
    Selling, general and administrative     126,376       106,762       246,333       215,422  
    Impairment charges     2,479       —       2,479       —  
    Total operating expenses     151,565       126,452       293,337       252,106  
    Loss from operations     (18,708 )     (22,981 )     (51,264 )     (61,119 )
    Interest and other income (expense), net:                
    Interest income     5,321       6,685       10,240       9,742  
    Interest expense     (3,278 )     (3,312 )     (6,551 )     (6,172 )
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     —       —       —       (7,589 )
    Other income (expense), net     2,264       (305 )     3,139       (410 )
    Total interest and other income (expense), net     4,307       3,068       6,828       (4,429 )
    Loss before income taxes     (14,401 )     (19,913 )     (44,436 )     (65,548 )
    Income tax (benefit) provision     (183 )     194       482       226  
    Net loss   $ (14,218 )   $ (20,107 )   $ (44,918 )   $ (65,774 )
    Net loss per common share, basic and diluted   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.65 )   $ (1.41 )   $ (2.12 )
    Weighted-average shares, basic and diluted     31,990       31,145       31,791       31,089  
     
    IRHYTHM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information
    (in thousands, except per share data)
    (unaudited)
     
        Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
          2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation*                
    Net loss, as reported1   $ (14,218 )   $ (20,107 )   $ (44,918 )   $ (65,774 )
    Interest expense     3,278       3,312       6,551       6,172  
    Interest income     (5,321 )     (6,685 )     (10,240 )     (9,742 )
    Changes in fair value of strategic investments     (2,152 )     —       (2,995 )     —  
    Income tax (benefit) provision     (183 )     194       482       226  
    Depreciation and amortization     5,105       5,160       10,315       10,291  
    Stock-based compensation     22,827       21,821       46,171       42,812  
    Impairment charges     2,479       —       2,479       —  
    Business transformation costs     925       1,296       1,428       1,296  
    Intellectual property litigation costs2     2,956       —       3,788       —  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     —       —       —       7,589  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ 15,696     $ 4,991     $ 13,061     $ (7,130 )
                     
    Adjusted net loss reconciliation*                
    Net loss, as reported1   $ (14,218 )   $ (20,107 )   $ (44,918 )   $ (65,774 )
    Impairment charges     2,479       —       2,479       —  
    Business transformation costs     925       1,296       1,428       1,296  
    Intellectual property litigation costs2     2,956       —       3,788       —  
    Changes in fair value of strategic investments     (2,152 )     —       (2,995 )     —  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt     —       —       —       7,589  
    Tax effect of adjustments3     (214 )     —       (305 )     —  
    Adjusted net loss   $ (10,224 )   $ (18,811 )   $ (40,523 )   $ (56,889 )
                     
    Adjusted net loss per share reconciliation*                
    Net loss per share, as reported1   $ (0.44 )   $ (0.65 )   $ (1.41 )   $ (2.12 )
    Impairment charges per share     0.08       —       0.08       —  
    Business transformation costs per share     0.03       0.04       0.04       0.04  
    Intellectual property litigation costs per share2     0.09       —       0.12       —  
    Changes in fair value of strategic investments per share     (0.07 )     —       (0.09 )     —  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt per share     —       —       —       0.24  
    Tax effect of adjustments per share3     (0.01 )     —       (0.01 )     —  
    Adjusted net loss per share   $ (0.32 )   $ (0.61 )   $ (1.27 )   $ (1.84 )
    Weighted-average shares, basic and diluted     31,990       31,145       31,791       31,089  
        Three Months Ended June 30,   Six Months Ended June 30,
          2025       2024       2025       2024  
    Adjusted operating expenses reconciliation*                
    Operating expenses, as reported   $ 151,565     $ 126,452     $ 293,337     $ 252,106  
    Impairment charges     (2,479 )     —       (2,479 )     —  
    Business transformation costs     (925 )     (1,296 )     (1,428 )     (1,296 )
    Intellectual property litigation costs2     (2,956 )     —       (3,788 )     —  
    Adjusted operating expenses   $ 145,205     $ 125,156     $ 285,642     $ 250,810  
     

    *Certain numbers expressed may not sum due to rounding.
    1 Net loss for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 includes $1.7 million and $2.0 million of acquired in-process research and development expense, respectively.
    2 Excludes third-party attorneys’ fees and expenses associated with patent litigation brought against the Company by Welch Allyn, Inc. and Bardy Diagnostics, Inc., subsidiaries of Baxter International, Inc.
    3 Income tax impact of Non-GAAP adjustments listed.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iRhythm and Lucem Health Partner to Introduce Predictive AI Solution for Early Detection of Arrhythmias in Patient Populations with Comorbid Conditions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Partnership aims to utilize predictive AI to help identify arrhythmias earlier in patient populations with an elevated risk for arrhythmias to enable timely care for millions who remain undiagnosed
    • Commercial offering from this collaboration designed to support scalable population health and value-based care strategies

    SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iRhythm Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:IRTC), a digital health leader focused on creating trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease, today announced a strategic partnership with Lucem Health, a leader in AI-driven early disease detection, to accelerate early identification of undiagnosed arrhythmias in patient populations with an elevated risk for arrhythmias.

    “Healthcare is entering an era where the goal is no longer just to detect disease, but to predict it,” said Quentin Blackford, iRhythm President and CEO. “Together with Lucem Health, iRhythm is helping lead a new way forward in care, with the goal of reaching patients before symptoms surface and before complications arise. This is a bold step toward predictive, preventive, and precise care powered by AI, informed by data, and designed for scale. We believe more than 27 million people in the U.S. alone could benefit from proactive cardiac monitoring1 — and this is just the beginning.”

    Traditional care models often rely on reactive diagnosis and can leave arrhythmias undetected until stroke, hospitalization, or worse. This partnership brings together Lucem Health’s Reveal AI powered early disease detection platform and iRhythm’s proven diagnostic service to shift that paradigm. By identifying risk earlier and enabling targeted cardiac monitoring, the goal is to help clinicians intervene sooner, improve outcomes across patient populations with elevated arrhythmia risk, and support scalable, data-driven strategies for health systems focused on value-based care.

    “Each day, clinicians find themselves reacting to the circumstances of the patients in their exam rooms — they often don’t have the time or the information they need to deliver truly proactive care,” said Sean Cassidy, founder and CEO of Lucem Health. “Together with iRhythm, we’re bringing predictive intelligence to healthcare’s front lines — enabling earlier action, smarter resource allocation, and better outcomes for patients.”

    This strategic partnership, supported by iRhythm’s direct investment in Lucem Health, reflects a shared commitment to advancing predictive innovation for population-level impact.

    Introducing a Predictive AI Solution for Smarter, Earlier Arrhythmia Detection

    The first commercial offering from the collaboration is an exclusive, AI-powered solution that analyzes subtle patterns in clinical and electronic health record (EHR) data to help identify elevated arrhythmia risk in individuals with Type 2 diabetes (T2D), chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and coronary artery disease (CAD) — individuals who may otherwise not be flagged as candidates for ambulatory cardiac monitoring. This offering enables healthcare organizations to proactively pinpoint patients with one or more specifically diagnosed or undiagnosed clinical conditions who could benefit from earlier cardiac monitoring and intervention.

    Once identified, appropriate patients can be monitored using iRhythm’s clinically proven Zio® ECG monitors and service. The Zio ECG device is worn for up to 14 days, enabling continuous, uninterrupted heart rhythm monitoring, and the end-to-end service, powered by an advanced FDA-cleared AI algorithm, delivers actionable insights, reviewed and curated by qualified cardiac technicians, to help clinicians make the right diagnosis the first time and support timely care.

    By integrating predictive AI, the new offering builds on iRhythm’s existing proactive monitoring programs deployed with healthcare systems focused on population health management and should enable even earlier arrhythmia risk identification and targeted intervention. The solution is designed to support accountable care organizations (ACOs), integrated health systems, payviders, and other managed care organizations that take on financial responsibility for the cost and quality of care as they pursue scalable value-based care strategies.

    Early pilot testing conducted by iRhythm, in collaboration with Lucem Health, suggests promising improvement in targeting patient populations with elevated arrhythmia risk and enabling earlier clinical engagement with greater precision. Both organizations anticipate that use of the AI-powered predictive tool will increase arrhythmia detection among an estimated 27 million undiagnosed patients in the U.S. alone,1 helping reduce healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs, and improve patient outcomes.

    The Cost of Missed Arrhythmias and the Case for Earlier Detection

    Cardiac arrhythmias, conditions in which the heart beats too fast, too slow, or irregularly,2 affect roughly 1 in 20 U.S. adults3. Left undetected and untreated, they can lead to stroke, heart failure, hospitalization, or death,4 making early identification and intervention critical. Yet in many care pathways for individuals with T2D and/or other comorbid conditions, arrhythmias are not routinely screened for, despite elevated risk.5

    A growing body of evidence highlights the opportunity to detect arrhythmias earlier in at-risk populations — particularly around key clinical turning points in disease progression, as seen in recent data on patients with T2D.

    New research presented at the American Diabetes Association’s 85th Scientific Sessions (ADA 2025), based on a real-world study of more than 30 million U.S. adults, found that arrhythmias — often asymptomatic — frequently cluster around key moments in disease progression, particularly in T2D patients. Many arrhythmias were identified just before or shortly after diagnoses of CKD or major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as stroke or heart failure.6

    Additional findings reinforce the broader clinical and economic impact of arrhythmias across chronic conditions like T2D and COPD, and the value of earlier detection and monitoring.

    Data presented at the American Heart Association’s 2024 Scientific Sessions revealed that patients with T2D and/or COPD who develop arrhythmias experience up to 2x higher hospitalization rates, 35–50% higher emergency care costs, and an average of $46,000 in annual healthcare expenses — compared to $30,000 for those without arrhythmias.7

    Adding to this evidence, new research presented at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) International 2025 conference, based on a real-world study of more than 2.5 million U.S. adults, found that COPD patients with arrhythmia have greater HCRU and costs compared to those without arrhythmia. However, among COPD patients with arrhythmia, those who were monitored had lower HCRU and costs compared to those who were never monitored.8

    Together, these findings underscore the clinical and economic impact of earlier, smarter detection — and the opportunity for predictive solutions like this initial offering from the iRhythm–Lucem Health collaboration to support value-based care models, reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization, and improve outcomes at scale for patient populations with elevated arrhythmia risk.

    Predictive AI-Powered Solution for Population Health and Value-Based Care
    U.S.-based innovative care delivery organizations, accountable care organizations (ACOs), integrated health systems, payviders, and other managed care organizations that assume financial responsibility for the cost and quality of care can learn more about the predictive AI solution9 and how it may support their population health strategies and value-based care goals by visiting iRhythm’s Value-Based Care page to connect with the iRhythm team.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. An investor can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as ‘anticipate,’ ‘estimate,’ ‘expect,’ ‘intend,’ ‘will,’ ‘project,’ ‘plan,’ ‘believe,’ ‘target’ and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future actions or operating or financial performance. In particular, these include statements regarding market opportunity, ability to penetrate the market and expectations for growth. Such statements are based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, include risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those on the Form 10-Q expected to be filed on or about July 31, 2025. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and should not be unduly relied upon. iRhythm disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

    About iRhythm Technologies
    iRhythm is a leading digital health care company that creates trusted solutions that detect, predict, and prevent disease. Combining our Zio® wearable biosensors and cloud-based data analytics with powerful proprietary algorithms, iRhythm distills data from millions of heartbeats into clinically actionable information. Through a relentless focus on patient care, our vision at Rhythm is to deliver better data, better insights, and better health for all.

    About Lucem Health
    Lucem Health helps healthcare providers accelerate disease detection and treatment using practical, responsible AI, so they can improve patients’ lives and increase the clinical and financial yield from today’s scarce care delivery resources. We envision a world in which clinicians detect problems before they become life-threatening and patients get world-class care, everywhere. Learn more at www.lucemhealth.com.

    Media Contact
    Kassandra Perry
    irhythm@highwirepr.com

    Investor Contact
    Stephanie Zhadkevich
    investors@irhythmtech.com

    1. iRhythm internal estimate based on analysis of public and proprietary sources, including U.S. Census Bureau data, CDC healthcare utilization data, Medicare Public Use Files, IQVIA, Komodo Health, Definitive Healthcare, and peer-reviewed literature on arrhythmia prevalence, symptom presentation, and diagnostic pathways. Full source list available upon request.
    2. What is an arrhythmia? National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, 2022. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/arrhythmias
    3. Desai et al. Arrhythmias. StatPearls [Internet], 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558923/
    4. Ataklte et al. Meta-analysis of ventricular premature complexes and their relation to cardiac mortality in general populations. The American Journal of Cardiology, 2013.
    5. Bhave, P. D., & Soliman, E. Z. (2024). Should patients with diabetes be routinely screened for atrial fibrillation? Expert Review of Cardiovascular Therapy, 22(1–3), 5–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/14779072.2024.2328645
    6. Russo P, Nathan R, Pfeffer D, Kamdar S, Wright B, Boyle K. Incidence and Timing of Major Arrhythmias in T2D and CKD: A Real-World Analysis [poster presentation]. Presented at: American Diabetes Association (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions; June 20–23, 2025; Chicago, IL, USA.
    7. Russo P, Nathan R, Pfeffer D, Kamdar S, Wright B, Boyle K. Real-World Evidence on Health Care Resource Utilization and Economic Burden of Arrhythmias in Patients with Diabetes and COPD [poster presentation]. Presented at: American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions; November 16-18, 2024; Chicago, IL. Available at: https://s205.q4cdn.com/296879096/files/doc_events/2024/11/1/120-001752-003_DA_2024-AHA-Poster-iRhythmtech_RWE-HCRU-Arrhythmias_v2.pdf
    8. Russo P, Nathan R, Pfeffer D, Poh J, Jha V, Singh H, Wright B, Boyle K. Real-World Evidence on Health Care Resource Utilization and Economic Burden of Arrhythmias in Patients with COPD [poster presentation]. Presented at: American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2025 International Conference; May 16–21, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA.
    9. The predictive-AI solution does not represent the functionality of any Zio branded medical device.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting innovation research

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expanded, streamlined HPV vaccine program protects more people against cancers

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is broadening access to the free, publicly funded human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and simplifying the immunization schedule, ensuring more people in B.C. have the protection they need against HPV-related cancers.

    “The HPV vaccine is a powerful tool to protect health and prevent cancer,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By expanding free access and making it easier for people to get immunized, we’re taking another meaningful step forward in our 10-year Cancer Action Plan – reducing cancer rates and improving health outcomes for people across British Columbia.”

    Following guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and provincial immunization experts, the government is streamlining the immunization process for HPV.

    Starting Thursday, July 31, 2025, the HPV vaccine schedule will shift from two doses to one dose for people age nine to 20. People 21 and older will be eligible for a two-dose series, with six-months between doses. Individuals who are immunocompromised will continue to need a three-dose series.

    With this change, the Province is expanding eligibility for B.C.’s publicly funded HPV immunization program to include all people 19 to 26, plus people 27 to 45 who are living with HIV or who self-identify as belonging to the gay, bisexual, questioning, Two-Spirit, transgender and non-binary communities.

    Those who have undergone post-colposcopy treatments on or after July 31, 2025, are eligible to get the vaccine at any age. A colposcopy is a procedure to check for abnormal areas on the cervix and vagina.

    The HPV vaccine will continue to be offered through voluntary, school-based immunization clinics starting with students in Grade 6 and through multi-grade catch-up clinics, as well as in some community pharmacies for those who may have missed their dose. Other eligible people can get the vaccine from some pharmacies, sexually transmitted infection clinics, public-health units, primary-care providers or a community-health nurse. People living in First Nation communities can contact their community health centre or nursing station to book an appointment.

    “B.C.’s community pharmacists are proud to be an accessible provider of vaccines for British Columbians living in communities, large and small,” said pharmacist Colleen Hogg, chair of the BC Pharmacy Association. “Pharmacists are one of the top immunizers and are there for patients when they need us.”

    This initiative is a part of B.C.’s 10-year Cancer Action Plan to better prevent, detect and treat cancers, and to deliver improved care for people facing cancer now, while preparing for growing needs of the future.

    Learn More:

    For general information and how to book an appointment, visit:
    https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/health-features/get-hpv-vaccine

    For locating services, including public-health units offering immunizations, visit:
    https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/find-care/find-health-services

    To access your health information online, visit:
    https://www.healthgateway.gov.bc.ca/

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Trupanion to Participate in the Canaccord Genuity 45th Annual Growth Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trupanion, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRUP), a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs, announced today that Margi Tooth, Chief Executive Officer and President, will participate in a fireside chat at the Canaccord Genuity 45th Annual Growth Conference in Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. ET and will participate in meetings with investors throughout the day.

    The presentation will be webcast live and can be accessed on Trupanion’s Investor Relations website at http://investors.trupanion.com.

    About Trupanion

    Trupanion is a leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States, Canada, and certain countries in Continental Europe with over 1,000,000 pets currently enrolled. For over two decades, Trupanion has given pet owners peace of mind so they can focus on their pet’s recovery, not financial stress. Trupanion is committed to providing pet parents with the highest value in pet medical insurance with unlimited payouts for the life of their pets. With its patented process, Trupanion is the only North American provider with the technology to pay veterinarians directly in seconds at the time of checkout. Trupanion is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “TRUP”. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Seattle, WA. Trupanion policies are issued, in the United States, by its wholly owned insurance entity American Pet Insurance Company and, in Canada, by Accelerant Insurance Company of Canada or GPIC Insurance Company. Policies are sold and administered in Canada by Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. dba Trupanion 309-1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 0A2 and in the United States by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Canada Pet Health Insurance Services, Inc. is a registered damage insurance agency and claims adjuster in Quebec #603927. For more information, please visit trupanion.com.

    Contacts 

    Laura Bainbridge, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
    Gil Melchior, Director, Investor Relations
    Investor.Relations@trupanion.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FY 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) Final Rule — CMS-1833-F

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    FY 2026 Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) Final Rule — CMS-1833-F

    On July 31, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that updates Medicare payment policies and rates for inpatient and long-term care hospitals under the Medicare hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) final rule for fiscal year (FY) 2026. CMS is publishing this final rule in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FY 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System Final Rule (CMS-1827-F)

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services

    FY 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System Final Rule (CMS-1827-F)

    On July 31, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule for updates to Medicare payment policies and rates for skilled nursing facilities under the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2026. CMS is publishing this final rule in accordance with the statutory requirements to update Medicare payment policies and rates for SNFs on an annual basis. This fact sheet outlines the major provisions of the final rule.

    FY 2026 Final Updates to the SNF Payment Rates

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Announces An Investigation of DURECT Corporation (NASDAQ: DRRX)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Class Action Attorney Juan Monteverde with Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. The firm is headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and is investigating DURECT Corporation (NASDAQ: DRRX) related to its sale to Bausch Health Companies Inc. for $1.75 per share in cash. Is it a fair deal?

    Click here for more info https://monteverdelaw.com/case/durect-corporation/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE EQUAL. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No one is above the law. If you own common stock in the above listed company and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rockabye baby: the ‘love songs’ of lonely leopard seals resemble human nursery rhymes

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lucinda Chambers, PhD Candidate in Marine Bioacoustics, UNSW Sydney

    CassandraSm/Shutterstock

    Late in the evening, the Antarctic sky flushes pink. The male leopard seal wakes and slips from the ice into the water. There, he’ll spend the night singing underwater amongst the floating ice floes.

    For the next two months he sings every night. He will sing so loudly, the ice around him vibrates. Each song is a sequence of trills and hoots, performed in a particular pattern.

    In a world first, we analysed leopard seal songs and found the predictability of their patterns was remarkably similar to the nursery rhymes humans sing.

    We think this is a deliberate strategy. While leopard seals are solitary animals, the males need their call to carry clearly across vast stretches of icy ocean, to woo a mate.

    Solitary leopard seals want their call to carry.
    Ozge Elif Kizil/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

    A season of underwater solos

    Leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) are named after their spotted coats. They live on ice and surrounding waters in Antarctica.

    Leopard seals are especially vocal during breeding season, which lasts from late October to early January. A female leopard seal sings for a few hours on the days she is in heat. But the males are the real showstoppers.

    Each night, the males perform underwater solos for up to 13 hours. They dive into the sea, singing underwater for about two minutes before returning to the water’s surface to breathe and rest. This demanding routine continues for weeks.

    A male leopard seal weighs about 320 kilograms, but produces surprisingly high-pitched trills, similar to those of a tiny cricket.

    Within a leopard seal population, the sounds themselves don’t vary much in pitch or duration. But the order and pattern in which the sounds are produced varies considerably between individuals.

    Our research examined these individual songs. We compared them to that of other vocal animals, and to human music.

    Listening to songs from the sea

    The data used in the study was collected by one author of this article, Tracey Rogers, in the 1990s.

    Rogers rode her quad bike across the Antarctic ice to the edge of the sea and marked 26 individual male seals with dye as they slept. Then she returned to record their songs at night.

    The new research involved analysing these recordings, to better understand their structure and patterns. We did this by measuring the “entropy” of their sequences. Entropy measures how predictable or random a sequence is.

    We found the songs are composed of five key “notes” or call types. Listen to each one below.

    A low double trill.
    Tracey Rogers UNSW Sydney, CC BY-SA28.5 KB (download)

    A hoot with low single trill.
    Tracey Rogers UNSW Sydney, CC BY-SA53.8 KB (download)

    High double trill.
    Tracey Rogers UNSW Sydney, CC BY-SA29.7 KB (download)

    Low descending single trill.
    Tracey Rogers UNSW Sydney, CC BY-SA49 KB (download)

    Medium single trill.
    Tracey Rogers UNSW Sydney, CC BY-SA22.7 KB (download)

    A remarkably predictable pattern

    We then compared the songs of the male leopard seals with several styles of human music: baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary, as well as songs by The Beatles and nursery rhymes.

    What stood out was the similarity between the predictability of human nursery rhymes and leopard seal calls. Nursery rhymes are simple, repetitive and easy to remember — and that’s what we heard in the leopard seal songs.

    The range of “entropy” was similar to the 39 nursery rhymes from the Golden Song Book, a collection of words and sheet music for classic children’s songs, which was first published in 1945. It includes classics such:

    • Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
    • Frère Jacques
    • Ring Around a Rosy
    • Baa, Baa, Black Sheep
    • Humpty Dumpty
    • Three Blind Mice
    • Rockabye Baby.

    For humans, the predictable structure of a nursery rhyme melody helps make it simple enough for a child to learn. For a leopard seal, this predictability may enable the individual to learn its song and keep singing it over multiple days. This consistency is important, because changes in pitch or frequency can create miscommunication.

    Like sperm whales, leopard seals may also use song to set themselves apart from others and signal their fitness to reproduce. The greater structure in the songs helps ensure listeners accurately receive the message and identify who is singing.

    Male leopard seals produce high-pitched cricket-like trills.

    An evolving song?

    Leopard seals sound very different to humans. But our research shows the complexity and structure of their songs is remarkably similar to our own nursery rhymes.

    Communication through song is a very common animal behaviour. However, structure and predictability in mammal song has only been studied in a handful of species. We know very little about what drives it.

    Understanding animal communication is important. It can improve conservation efforts and animal welfare, and provide important information about animal cognition and evolution.

    Technology has advanced rapidly since our recordings were made in the 1990s. In future, we hope to revisit Antarctica to record and study further, to better understand if new call types have emerged, and if patterns of leopard seal song evolve from generation to generation.

    Tracey Rogers receives funding from ARC.

    Lucinda Chambers 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. Rockabye baby: the ‘love songs’ of lonely leopard seals resemble human nursery rhymes – https://theconversation.com/rockabye-baby-the-love-songs-of-lonely-leopard-seals-resemble-human-nursery-rhymes-262113

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How can I tell if I am lonely? What are some of the signs?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marlee Bower, Senior Research Fellow, Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney

    gremlin/Getty Images

    Without even realising it, your world sometimes gradually gets smaller: less walking, fewer days in the office, cancelling on friends. Watching plans disintegrate on the chat as friends struggle to settle on a date or place for a catch-up.

    You might start to feel a bit flat or disconnected. Subtle changes in habit and mood take hold. Could you be … lonely?

    It’s not a label many of us identify with easily, especially if you know you’ve got friends, or are in a happy relationship.

    But loneliness can happen to us all from time to time – and identifying it is the first step to fixing it.

    So, what is loneliness?

    Loneliness is the distress we feel when our relationships don’t meet our needs – in quality or quantity.

    It’s not the same as being objectively alone (otherwise known as “social isolation”).

    You can feel deeply lonely even while surrounded by friends, or totally content on your own.

    Loneliness is subjective; many people don’t realise they’re lonely until the feeling becomes persistent.

    What are some of the signs to look for?

    You may feel a physical coldness, emptiness or hollowness (I’ve heard it described as feeling like you are missing an organ). Some research shows social pain is experienced similarly in the brain to physical pain.

    Behavioural signs may include:

    • changes in routine
    • trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep
    • changed appetite (maybe you’re eating more or less than you normally would, or have less variety in your diet)
    • withdrawing from plans you would usually enjoy (perhaps you’re skipping a regular exercise class, or going to shows or sports events less often).

    Emotionally, you may feel:

    • a persistent sadness
    • tired
    • disconnected
    • like you don’t belong, even when you are with others.

    You may also feel more sensitive to rejection or criticism.

    Sometimes, your world shrinks so gradually you barely notice it – until things get quite bad.
    francescoch/Getty Images

    But you’re not alone and you’re not broken.

    Loneliness is a normal response to disconnection.

    The late US neuroscientist John Cacioppo described loneliness as an evolutionary alarm system.

    In the past, being separated from your tribe meant danger and risk from predators, so our brains developed a way to push us back towards connection.

    The pain of loneliness is designed to keep us connected and safe.

    Why is it often hard to recognise loneliness?

    Sadly, there’s still a lot of stigma around admitting loneliness, especially for men.

    Many people resist identifying as lonely, or feel this marks them as a “loser”.

    But this silence can make the problem worse.

    When no one talks about it, it becomes harder to break the cycle of loneliness, and the stigma remains.

    While passing loneliness is normal, chronic or persistent loneliness can hurt our health.

    Research shows chronic loneliness is associated with:

    • depression
    • anxiety
    • weakened immunity
    • heart disease
    • earlier death.

    Loneliness can also become self-reinforcing. When loneliness feels normal, it can start to shape how you see the world: you expect rejection, withdraw more and the cycle deepens.

    The earlier you notice you’re lonely, the easier it is to break.

    But I’m in a relationship, have loads of friends and a rewarding job

    Yes, but you can still be lonely.

    Most of us need different kinds of relationships to thrive. It’s not about how many people you know, but whether you feel connected and have a meaningful role in these relationships.

    You may feel lonely even with strong friendships if you are lacking deeper connection, shared identity or a sense of community.

    This doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful, or a bad friend.

    It just means you need more or different kinds of connection.

    OK, I’ve realised I am lonely. Now what?

    Start by asking yourself: what kind of connection am I missing?

    Is it one-to-one friendships? A partner? Casual social interactions? A shared purpose or community?

    Then reflect on what’s helped you feel more connected in the past. For some, it’s joining a choir, a book club or a sports group. For others, it may be volunteering or just saying “yes” to small social moments, like chatting with your local barista or learning the name of the local butcher.

    If you’re still struggling, a psychologist can help with tailored strategies for building connection.

    The structural causes of loneliness

    It’s also important to remember loneliness is often not because of personal failings or overall mental health.

    My own research shows loneliness is often shaped by structural factors, such as poor planning in our local neighbourhood environments, financial inequality, work pressures, social norms, or even long-term effects of restrictions from the COVID pandemic.

    We are also learning more about how climate change can disrupt social connection and worsen loneliness due to, for example, higher temperatures or bushfires.

    Loneliness is normal, common, human and completely solvable.

    Start by noticing it in yourself and reach out if you can.

    Let’s start talking about it more, so others can feel less alone too.

    Marlee Bower receives funding from the Henry Halloran Urban and Regional Research Initiative, the BHP Foundation, AHURI and NHMRC. She is affiliated with the University of Sydney Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use and Australia’s Mental Health Think Tank.

    – ref. How can I tell if I am lonely? What are some of the signs? – https://theconversation.com/how-can-i-tell-if-i-am-lonely-what-are-some-of-the-signs-261262

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Industrial-scale deepfake abuse caused a crisis in South Korean schools. Here’s how Australia can avoid the same fate

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Scanlan, Senior Lecturer in Health Information Management, University of Tasmania

    South Korea’s deepfake crisis triggered a wave of protests in 2024. Anthony WALLACE / AFP

    Australian schools are seeing a growing number of incidents in which students have created deepfake sexualised imagery of their classmates. The eSafety Commissioner has urged schools to monitor the situation.

    In 2024, the problem of deepfakes became a crisis in South Korea: more than 500 schools and universities were targeted in a coordinated wave of deepfake sexual abuse.

    AI-generated sexualised images of students — mostly girls — were circulated in encrypted Telegram groups. The perpetrators were often classmates of the victims.

    A new report from global child-protection group ECPAT with funding from the UK-based Churchill Fellowship takes a close look at what happened in Korea, so other countries can understand and avoid similar crises. Here’s what Australia can learn.

    A glimpse into our future?

    The events in South Korea were not just about deepfake technology. They were about how the technology was used.

    Perpetrators created groups on the Telegram messaging platform to identify mutual acquaintances in local schools or universities. They then formed “Humiliation Rooms” to gather victims’ photos and personal information so they could create deepfake sexual images.

    Rooms for more than 500 schools and universities have been identified, often with thousands of members. The rooms were filled with deepfake imagery, created from photos on social media and the school yearbook.

    Bots within the app allowed users to generate AI nudes in seconds. One such bot had more than 220,000 subscribers. The bot gave users two deepfake images for free, with additional images available for the equivalent of one Australian dollar.

    Telegram screenshots show an automated deepfake bot that charges users to produce images.
    Telegram

    This wasn’t the dark web. It was happening on a mainstream platform, used by millions.

    And it wasn’t just adult predators. More than 80% of those arrested were teenagers. Many were described as “normal boys” by their teachers — students who had never shown signs of violent behaviour before.

    The abuse was gamified. Users earned rewards for inviting friends, sharing images, and escalating the harm. It was social, yet anonymous.

    Could this happen in Australia?

    We have already seen smaller, less organised deepfake incidents in Australian schools. However, the huge scale and ease of use of the Korean abuse system should be cause for alarm.

    The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation recorded 58,503 reports of pictures and videos of online child abuse in the 2023–24 financial year. This is an average of 160 reports per day (4,875 reports a month), a 45% increase from the previous year.

    This increase is likely to continue. In response to these risks, the Australian government, through the eSafety Commissioner, is applying the existing Basic Online Safety Expectations to generative AI services. This creates a clear expectation these services must work proactively to prevent the creation of harmful deepfake content.

    Internationally, the European Union’s AI Act has set a precedent for regulating high-risk AI applications, including those that affect children. In the United States, the proposed Take It Down Act aims to criminalise the publication of non-consensual intimate images, including AI-generated deepfakes.

    These are a start, but a lot more work remains to be done to provide a safe online environment for young people. The Korean experience shows how easily things can escalate when these tools are used at scale, especially in peer-to-peer abuse among adolescents.

    5 lessons from Korea

    The South Korean crisis holds several lessons for Australia.

    1. Prevention must start early. Korea’s crisis involved children as young as 12 (and even younger in some primary schools targeted). We need comprehensive digital ethics and consent education in primary schools, not just in high schools.

    2. Law enforcement needs AI tools of their own to keep up. Just as offenders are using AI to scale up abuse, police must be equipped with AI to detect and investigate it. This may include facial recognition, content detection, and automated triage systems, all governed by strict privacy protocols.

    3. Platforms must also be held accountable. Telegram only began cooperating with South Korean authorities after immense public pressure. Australia must enforce safety-by-design principles and ensure encrypted platforms are not safe havens for abuse.

    4. Support services must be scaled up. Korea’s crisis caused trauma for entire communities. Victims often had to continuing going to school with perpetrators in the same classrooms. Australia must invest in trauma-informed support systems that can respond to both individual and collective harm.

    5. We must listen to victims and survivors. Policy must be shaped by those who have experienced digital abuse. Their insights are crucial to designing effective and compassionate responses.

    The Korean crisis didn’t happen overnight. The warning signs were there: in 2023 Korea produced more than half the world’s celebrity deepfakes). This has been accompanied by rising misogyny online and the proliferation of AI tools. But they were ignored until it was too late. Australia mustn’t make the same mistake.

    Joel Scanlan 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. Industrial-scale deepfake abuse caused a crisis in South Korean schools. Here’s how Australia can avoid the same fate – https://theconversation.com/industrial-scale-deepfake-abuse-caused-a-crisis-in-south-korean-schools-heres-how-australia-can-avoid-the-same-fate-262322

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and the Reestablishment of the Presidential Fitness Test

    Source: US Whitehouse

    RESTORING HEALTH AND FITNESS FOR AMERICA’S YOUTH: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order revitalizing the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test.

    • The Order reestablishes the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition to develop bold and innovative fitness goals for young Americans with the aim of fostering a new generation of healthy, active citizens.
    • The Order directs the Council to create school-based programs that reward excellence in physical education and develop criteria for a Presidential Fitness Award.
    • The Order reestablishes the Presidential Fitness Test, which shall be administered by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
    • This Order ensures American youth will have opportunities at the global, national, State, and local levels that emphasize the importance of an active lifestyle, good nutrition, American sports, and military readiness.
    • The Order instructs the Council to partner with professional athletes, sports organizations, and influential figures.

    MAINTAINING A STRONG AND VITAL AMERICA: President Trump is addressing the widespread epidemic of declining health and physical fitness with a time-tested approach celebrating the exceptionalism of America’s sports and fitness traditions.

    • Rates of obesity, chronic disease, inactivity, and poor nutrition are at crisis levels, particularly among our children.
    • These trends weaken our economy, military readiness, academic performance, and national morale.
    • President Eisenhower recognized this issue when he created the President’s Council on Youth Fitness in response to reports on the poor state of youth fitness in America.
    • President Trump is creating a national culture of strength, vitality, and excellence for the next generation by promoting the physical, mental, and civic benefits of exercise and good nutrition.

    MAKING AMERICA ACTIVE AGAIN: President Trump is taking action to end the nationwide health crisis and restore urgency in improving the health of all Americans.

    • In 2018, President Trump originally revitalized the Council, renaming it the “President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition.”
    • In 2019, The Trump Administration launched the National Youth Sports Strategy to unify U.S. youth sports culture around a shared vision that one day all youth will have the opportunity, motivation, and access to play sports.
    • In May 2025, President Trump proclaimed May 2025 as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.
    • Over the next three years, America will host the Ryder Cup, the President’s Cup, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympic Games –- the world’s premiere sporting competitions. 
    • In 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great Nation, honor the 70th anniversary of the original President’s Council on Youth Fitness, and showcase America’s continued global dominance in sports. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider Treasury, HHS Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of Jonathan McKernan to be an Under Secretary of the Treasury and Alex Adams, of Idaho, to be Assistant Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary for Family Support.

    As prepared for delivery:

    “We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nominations of Jonathan McKernan, who is nominated to serve as Under Secretary for Domestic Finance at the Treasury Department, and Dr. Alex Adams, who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Family Support at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

    “The meeting this morning will provide members with the opportunity to offer remarks on the nominees. Following statements, we will recess briefly then proceed to this morning’s nominations hearing. Later today, we will notify members of the time and location of the vote on Mr. McKernan and Dr. Adams.

    “During his hearing, Mr. McKernan discussed his plans to use the Office of Domestic Finance’s wide-ranging authority to bring back sound and balanced regulation to our financial system. Properly tailoring regulation to underlying risks, rather than intangible policy goals, will provide much needed relief to financial institutions and the individuals they service. I look forward to working with him, if confirmed, to accomplish this goal.

    “Dr. Adams spoke strongly about his belief that federal policy should strengthen, rather than supplant, parents’ capacity to make the best decisions for their children. As the Director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Dr. Adams knows what policy decisions empower states to provide critical assistance to some of America’s most vulnerable populations. I am confident in his ability to lead the array of programs under the Administration for Children and Families at HHS.

    “I will be voting in favor of both nominations and I encourage all of my colleagues on the Committee to do the same.

    “Before turning to Senator Wyden for his remarks, let me take a moment to acknowledge the retirement of Bob Becker. Bob has been with the Senate Recording Studio for 34 years and is retiring in August, today’s executive session and hearing are his last – we are glad you get to end your career with the best Committee. He is the recording studio’s ‘Go-to Hearing Director’ and has been essential in directing hearing coverage, coverage of the Senate floor and working in the recording studio in various roles. We wish Bob all the best on his well-earned retirement and thank him for his many years of service.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finance Committee Advances Treasury, HHS Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Finance Committee advanced the nominations of Jonathan McKernan to be an Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Alex Adams, of Idaho, to be Assistant Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary for Family Support, each by a vote of 14-13. Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below:

    “Congratulations to each nominee. Mr. McKernan’s extensive qualifications will help him restore sound and balanced regulation to our financial system, and he is well prepared to serve as Under Secretary for Domestic Finance. Mr. Adams strongly believes that federal policy should strengthen parents’ ability to make the best decisions for their children, and I am confident in his ability to lead the array of programs under the Administration for Children and Families at HHS. I look forward to their confirmations by the full Senate and working with them in these roles.”

    Executive session information can be found here.

    Read Chairman Crapo’s full statement at the nomination hearing here, and his statement at the executive session here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Announces Finance Committee Staff Updates

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) today announced the following staff updates:

    Molly Newell, Chief International Trade Counsel

    Molly has been promoted to Chief International Trade Counsel. Molly joined the Finance Committee in January 2023 from Hogan Lovells US LLP, where she was an associate in the International Trade and Investment practice group working on issues involving trade remedies, customs, and U.S. trade policy. Before Hogan Lovells, she was a Senior Legislative Assistant in Representative Luke Messer’s (R-Indiana) office. Molly holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center; a Master in Economic Law from Sciences Po; and a B.A. in French and International Studies from Indiana University.

    Brian Bombassaro, International Trade Counsel

    Brian rejoined the Committee in March after working as a Senior Associate at Arnold & Porter LLP. Prior to that, he served under former Finance Committee Chairmen Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Orrin Hatch (R-Utah). He received his J.D. from Yale Law School, M.P.P. from the Harvard Kennedy School and B.S.B.A. and B.A. from the University of Florida.

    Caitlin Wilson, Senior Health Counsel

    Caitlin joins the Committee from the Senate Budget Committee, where she participated in the reconciliation process to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act as senior counsel. She previously served as counsel to Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) and the House Energy and Commerce Committee under Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington). She received her J.D. from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and her B.A. in Political Science from Gettysburg College.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at USTR, HHS, Treasury Nominations Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at a hearing to consider Bryan Switzer to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR), Gustav Chiarello III to be an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Michael Stuart to be General Counsel of HHS and Derek Theurer to be a Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury.

    As prepared for delivery:

    “This meeting will come to order. Thank you to our nominees, Mr. Switzer, Mr. Chiarello, Mr. Stuart and Mr. Theurer for being here today. Congratulations on your nominations and thank you all for your willingness to serve.

    “We will first hear from Rick Switzer, who is nominated to serve as the Deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) for Asia, Textiles, Investment, Services and Intellectual Property.

    “Mr. Switzer has over 25 years of experience advancing U.S. strategic interests both domestically and internationally. Throughout his career as a Foreign Service Officer at the Department of State, he negotiated international agreements, expanded market access for U.S. businesses, and protected American firms from unfair trade practices such as intellectual property theft and forced technology transfer. I look forward to working with him, if confirmed, to ensure that USTR implements policies that promote U.S. competitiveness, build supply chain resilience and address emerging global challenges.

    “Next, we will hear from Gus Chiarello, who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources (ASFR) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

    “The ASFR is responsible for providing advice and guidance to the Secretary on all aspects of budget, financial management, acquisition policy and grants supervision. If confirmed, Mr. Chiarello would play a vital role in managing and overseeing the allocation of resources across the full range of HHS programs. His experience in consumer protection, regulatory reform, competition and antitrust issues will make him a valuable addition to the HHS team. As an attorney who served at both the Federal Trade Commission and with the House Judiciary Committee, he is prepared to ensure HHS resources are stewarded to benefit all Americans.

    “We will also hear from Mike Stuart, who is nominated to serve as General Counsel of HHS.

    “The General Counsel supports the development and implementation of the Department’s programs by providing the highest quality legal services to the Secretary and the organization’s various agencies and divisions. Mr. Stuart will be instrumental in making sure that new laws and regulations are effectively implemented at HHS. He is well suited for the position given his decades of legal experience, including previous service as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. His experience prosecuting cases related to the opioid crisis and Medicaid fraud demonstrates a strong commitment to protect patients and root out waste and abuse in health care systems.

    “Finally, we will hear from Derek Theurer, who is nominated to serve as Deputy Under Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the Treasury Department.

    “The Deputy Under Secretary is responsible for advising the Secretary on congressional relations matters in order to assist in the formulation of policy and to determine the overall direction of the Department. Mr. Theurer is a veteran of Capitol Hill and undoubtedly understands the importance of keeping Congress informed of Departmental actions. Given his experience, I also expect him to prioritize timeliness in responding to inquiries from Congress.

    “Thank you again to our nominees for their time today.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza Strip: Humanitarians warn of worsening famine conditions, attacks on civilians

    Source: United Nations 4

    Of the 154 malnutrition-related deaths since October 2023 (including 89 children) reported by Gazan health authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO) said 63 occurred in July alone.

    These deaths follow a steep drop in food consumption: 81 per cent of households reported poor food consumption in July (up from 33 per cent in April), and 24 per cent experienced severe hunger (up from 4 per cent), crossing the famine threshold, according to the humanitarian update issued by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Wednesday.

    Acute malnutrition rates also surpassed famine thresholds in Khan Younis, Deir al Balah and Gaza City.

    Given these recent figures, IPC food security experts warned that the worst-case famine scenario is unfolding. However, they added that while the third famine threshold of starvation-related deaths is rising, collecting data remains a challenge. 

    UN agencies caution that time is running out for a full-scale humanitarian response. 22 per cent of the analyzed population is facing “catastrophic” level of food insecurity, and a further 54 per cent is at “emergency” level. 

    At the same time, less than 15 per cent of essential nutrition services remain functional.

    Attacks on civilians

    Of the over 60,000 Palestinians reported killed since October 2023, nearly 9,000 died after hostilities reignited in March, and 640 between 23 and 30 July.

    Civilian casualties while seeking food are also rising, with 1,239 killed and over 8,152 injured since 27 May.

    OCHA further noted that displacement figures since 18 March have surpassed 767,800, though no new evacuation orders were issued by Israeli authorities since 20 July. The 20 July order affecting a humanitarian hub in Deir al Balah has since been rescinded.

    Amid ongoing displacement, overcrowding in shelters, lack of privacy and worsening hunger has elevated the risk of gender-based violence (GBV) for women and girls.  

    The conditions are especially dire in southern Gaza, where there are no longer any safe shelters for GBV survivors.

    Humanitarian measures

    Between 23 and 29 July, only 47 per cent of 92 coordinated aid movements were fully facilitated by Israeli authorities. About 16 per cent were denied, 26 per cent impeded after initial approval and 11 per cent withdrawn by organizers.

    The Israeli military announced a daily 10-hour pause in military activity, beginning 27 July, in Al Mawasi, Deir al Balah and Gaza City “to increase the scale of humanitarian aid entering Gaza.”

    They also announced measures including airdrops of flour, sugar and canned food; the reconnection of the power line from Israel to the southern Gaza desalination plant; the removal of customs barriers on food, medicine, and fuel from Egypt; and the designation of secure routes for UN humanitarian convoys.

    However, humanitarian partners warned that airdrops could endanger civilians, lead to unequal distribution and fall short of needs.

    Working with limited funding

    In addition, lack of sufficient funding is also hampering response efforts.

    As of 30 July, only about 21 per cent of the $4 billion requested for the 2025 urgent humanitarian appeal for the region has been secured, leaving critical gaps. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Myanmar, conflict and floods collide as UN warns of deepening crisis

    Source: United Nations 4

    Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, stressed the need for unimpeded relief operations and a peaceful path out of crisis.

    “The UN remains concerned by ongoing violence in Myanmar, including aerial bombardment hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said, at the regular press briefing in New York.

    “Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected.”

    His remarks come as monsoon rains and flooding – worsened by Cyclone Wipha – swept through parts of the country, further straining regions already destabilized by conflict and a devastating earthquake in March.

    Millions forced to flee

    The crisis left more than 3.3 million people internally displaced, with another 182,000 seeking refuge abroad since the military coup in February 2021, according to the latest UN figures. In addition, over 1.2 million – mostly members of the minority Muslim Rohingya community – were forced to flee the country, driven by waves of violence.

    The largest exodus took place in August 2017, when nearly one million Rohingya fled brutal violence and attacks by security forces, likened to a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” by then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

    © UNICEF/Nyan Zay Htet

    Disasters and fighting has forced millions across Myanmar to flee their homes in search of safety. Many shelter in IDP camps like this one in central Myanmar.

    Floods, landslides upend lives

    In the flood-affected areas of Bago, Kayin and Mon states, more than 85,000 people have been affected, with homes destroyed, roads cut off and emergency services overstretched.

    Relief partners report significant shortages of food, safe drinking water and medical supplies. In Taungoo district (Bago) alone, three flood-related deaths have been confirmed, while six more people reportedly died in a landslide in Shan state.

    The pathway out of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar requires an end to the violence 
    – UN spokesperson Farhan Haq

    “The pathway out of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar requires an end to the violence and unimpeded access for relief workers and supplies,” Mr. Haq stressed, noting that health systems are also under acute strain.

    Disease outbreaks rising

    A humanitarian bulletin from the World Health Organization (WHO)-led Health Cluster warns that floodwaters are driving spikes in acute watery diarrhoea, dengue and malaria.

    There are deep concerns over outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, and polio is increasing due to low immunization rates and poor hygiene conditions in overcrowded camps.

    WHO has verified 27 attacks on healthcare facilities so far this year, with other monitoring groups reporting over 140 additional incidents.

    Meanwhile, severe funding shortages – exacerbated by cuts in United States funding – have forced the suspension of services at 65 health facilities and 38 mobile clinics across Myanmar. Services at a further 28 mobile clinics have been scaled down.

    © OCHA/Eva Modvig

    Hakha, the capital of Chin state in Myanmar.

    Elections under military cannot be credible

    The political context remains grim. Since the February 2021 military coup, which overthrew the elected government and imprisoned top leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has seen a steady escalation of armed conflict and repression.

    The junta’s plans to hold elections have drawn deep concern, including from the UN.

    “The Secretary-General reiterates his concern over the military’s plan to hold elections amid ongoing conflict and human rights violations, and without conditions that would permit the people of Myanmar to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights,” said Mr. Haq.

    He recalled Security Council Resolution 2669, adopted in 2022, which called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi; upholding democratic institutions and processes; and pursuing in constructive dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.

    Commitment to stay and deliver

    Despite the volatility and access constraints, UN agencies remain committed to reaching affected populations.

    As of July, nearly 306,000 people had received health services in 59 earthquake-hit townships – just 67 per cent of the target population, reflecting the limited funding and security challenges faced by aid workers.

    “The United Nations is committed to staying and delivering in Myanmar,” Mr. Haq affirmed, “and to working with all stakeholders, including ASEAN and other regional actors, to attain sustainable peace.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Myanmar, conflict and floods collide as UN warns of deepening crisis

    Source: United Nations 4

    Farhan Haq, UN Deputy Spokesperson, stressed the need for unimpeded relief operations and a peaceful path out of crisis.

    “The UN remains concerned by ongoing violence in Myanmar, including aerial bombardment hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said, at the regular press briefing in New York.

    “Civilians and humanitarian workers must be protected.”

    His remarks come as monsoon rains and flooding – worsened by Cyclone Wipha – swept through parts of the country, further straining regions already destabilized by conflict and a devastating earthquake in March.

    Millions forced to flee

    The crisis left more than 3.3 million people internally displaced, with another 182,000 seeking refuge abroad since the military coup in February 2021, according to the latest UN figures. In addition, over 1.2 million – mostly members of the minority Muslim Rohingya community – were forced to flee the country, driven by waves of violence.

    The largest exodus took place in August 2017, when nearly one million Rohingya fled brutal violence and attacks by security forces, likened to a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” by then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

    © UNICEF/Nyan Zay Htet

    Disasters and fighting has forced millions across Myanmar to flee their homes in search of safety. Many shelter in IDP camps like this one in central Myanmar.

    Floods, landslides upend lives

    In the flood-affected areas of Bago, Kayin and Mon states, more than 85,000 people have been affected, with homes destroyed, roads cut off and emergency services overstretched.

    Relief partners report significant shortages of food, safe drinking water and medical supplies. In Taungoo district (Bago) alone, three flood-related deaths have been confirmed, while six more people reportedly died in a landslide in Shan state.

    The pathway out of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar requires an end to the violence 
    – UN spokesperson Farhan Haq

    “The pathway out of the deteriorating situation in Myanmar requires an end to the violence and unimpeded access for relief workers and supplies,” Mr. Haq stressed, noting that health systems are also under acute strain.

    Disease outbreaks rising

    A humanitarian bulletin from the World Health Organization (WHO)-led Health Cluster warns that floodwaters are driving spikes in acute watery diarrhoea, dengue and malaria.

    There are deep concerns over outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, and polio is increasing due to low immunization rates and poor hygiene conditions in overcrowded camps.

    WHO has verified 27 attacks on healthcare facilities so far this year, with other monitoring groups reporting over 140 additional incidents.

    Meanwhile, severe funding shortages – exacerbated by cuts in United States funding – have forced the suspension of services at 65 health facilities and 38 mobile clinics across Myanmar. Services at a further 28 mobile clinics have been scaled down.

    © OCHA/Eva Modvig

    Hakha, the capital of Chin state in Myanmar.

    Elections under military cannot be credible

    The political context remains grim. Since the February 2021 military coup, which overthrew the elected government and imprisoned top leaders including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar has seen a steady escalation of armed conflict and repression.

    The junta’s plans to hold elections have drawn deep concern, including from the UN.

    “The Secretary-General reiterates his concern over the military’s plan to hold elections amid ongoing conflict and human rights violations, and without conditions that would permit the people of Myanmar to freely and peacefully exercise their political rights,” said Mr. Haq.

    He recalled Security Council Resolution 2669, adopted in 2022, which called for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained prisoners, including President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi; upholding democratic institutions and processes; and pursuing in constructive dialogue and reconciliation in accordance with the will and interests of the people of Myanmar.

    Commitment to stay and deliver

    Despite the volatility and access constraints, UN agencies remain committed to reaching affected populations.

    As of July, nearly 306,000 people had received health services in 59 earthquake-hit townships – just 67 per cent of the target population, reflecting the limited funding and security challenges faced by aid workers.

    “The United Nations is committed to staying and delivering in Myanmar,” Mr. Haq affirmed, “and to working with all stakeholders, including ASEAN and other regional actors, to attain sustainable peace.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –