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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leeds City Council Leader welcomes extra funding but warns of challenge remaining as over £100m annual budget saving needed

    Source: City of Leeds

    The Leader of the council Councillor James Lewis has welcomed new funding for the city after final budget plans for 2025/26 were released today which confirmed £67million in extra funding next year. However, the impact of rising costs, pressures and demand for services especially for looked-after children and in adult social care leaves the council needing to save £103.8m overall to deliver its legally-required balanced budget in the next financial year.

    The budget includes an increase in council tax of 4.99 per cent, of which 1.99 per cent is dedicated to adult social care costs. For a band D property this means an increase of £86.29 for the year (£1.66 per week). Council tax in Leeds in 2024/25 was the lowest of all comparable core cities in England.

    The final budget plans provide an update on the initial proposals presented in December, with figures then able to be further revised following government funding announcements made in recent weeks. As explained in December, the council had already identified and approved £23.8million of savings in its medium-term financial strategy, leaving a revised £80m more to be delivered. The implementation of further proposals put forward in October and December will achieve that remaining level of saving, resulting in the balanced budget for 2025/26 as is legally required.

    The council has responded to feedback received from the public and stakeholders who took part in consultation around the initial budget proposals by confirming Abbey House Museum will remain open, while possible changes to bowling green provision in the city are to be further consulted on with the aim of looking at ways to raise income and reduce the number of previously proposed closures of sites.

    The extra £67m of funding Leeds is receiving in the next financial year has also meant that the proposed 10 per cent funding cut for neighbourhood networks in Leeds will not be required while there will also be no reduction made to wellbeing and youth activity funding.

    Leeds, like councils across the country, faces significantly increased costs to provide services and rising demand, especially in social care for vulnerable children and adults.

    This is being seen in supporting looked-after children, especially the most vulnerable with high levels of need requiring costly external placements, as well as for adult social care with increases in demand for older people, adults with learning difficulties and those needing support with mental health.

    The council’s commitment to supporting vulnerable young and older people can be seen as 60 per cent of the council’s 2025/26 budget is being spent on services for children and families, and adults and health.

    In Leeds in the last four years the costs associated with looking after children in external residential care has risen by 75 per cent, from £68million to £119million. The average cost of an external residential placement has gone up by 45 per cent since 2021/22 to currently £6,300 per week or £340,000 per year for each child being cared for. Costs for those children with especially complex needs, however, can be up to £1million per year per child.

    In adult social care, the number of working age adults and older people being supported has increased by 20 per cent in the last three years, and the overall demand budget for these groups has risen by £100m in the same period.

    In both of these areas, Leeds City Council is working with a clear focus on new ideas and creative approaches to meet the needs of residents in an effective and cost-effective way.

    In children’s services, the council continues to strive for ambitious positive outcomes for the young people it is responsible for, investing in innovation such as small group living homes which allows children to return from costly external placements to Leeds where they can be close to their family, friends and local communities. Investment has also been made into a reunification service helping to return children from costly external residential placements to Leeds and into the care of their immediate or wider family, where it is safe and appropriate to do so, where evidence shows they are likely to achieve improved outcomes.

    The council is also committed to improving its fostering offer and maintaining strong positive relationships with foster carers as well as seeking to deliver on new models of accommodation, including supported and specialist accommodation for children with the most complex of needs.

    In adult social care, the HomeFirst programme delivered by Leeds City Council working with NHS and care partners is making an impact in supporting people across the city. Focused on providing a range of short-term support services to help people return home after they have been discharged from hospital, or to help them avoid being admitted to hospital, the programme aims to improve recovery and increase independence. Such has been the success of the programme in its first 18 months, 1,200 fewer adults needed to be admitted to hospital as they received care at home or in a community setting instead. For those admitted to hospital on the programme, their length of stay has been cut by 17 per cent on average, with more than 400 people able to go straight home after a hospital stay rather than into an intermediate community care setting.

    To tackle the overall budget deficit, all council assets and services are being continuously assessed and reviewed to see how they can help mitigate the financial position.

    The final budget plans include changes or reviews of the following areas to help deliver the required overall savings:

    • – Review of transport services in adults and health
    • – Creation of new early intervention team to help older people remain living at home
    • – Review of children’s centres
    • – Review of transport services for children and families
    • – Leasing Middleton Leisure Centre to a third party to run
    • – Introduction of ‘pay as you feel’ admission charges at Leeds City Museum, Leeds Art Galley and Leeds Discovery Centre
    • – Adoption of ‘pay as you feel’ admission model at Kirkstall Abbey for Leeds residents
    • – Review of Leeds Cultural Investment Programme
    • – Review into possible reduction in number of community committees in Leeds
    • – Review of council’s print and sign functions

    In terms of council staffing, the budget plans announced today include a further reduction of 234.8 full-time equivalent (FTE) posts in the next year, with the council currently having 3,545 fewer staff than it did in 2010/11. The council remains fully committed to consulting with trade unions to avoid, reduce and mitigate the needs for compulsory redundancies.  However, given the size of the budget challenge for 2025/26 the council may find itself in a position where compulsory redundancies cannot be avoided.

    As part of its commitment to supporting lower-paid staff, from April 1 the lowest rate of pay in the council will be £12.69 per hour, nine pence above the Real Living Wage rate of £12.60 per hour.

    Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis said:

    “For the first time in 15 years the council has received additional government funding that has allowed us to protect services for our most vulnerable residents, which will always be our top priority. This has also given us more flexibility to act on feedback received from the consultation on our initial budget proposals and I’m pleased to confirm this has enabled us to make changes, including reversing the reduction of funding for the neighbourhood networks.   

    “I am also pleased to confirm our support to low-paid workers by continuing our commitment to paying all council employees at least the Real Living Wage rate. 

    “While significant ongoing challenges are still there to deliver over £100million of savings in a single year, we know that innovative new ways of delivering council services in a cost-effective way will give us the best chance of balancing our budget moving forward. For instance in adult social care our HomeFirst service helps more people safely continue living at home rather than going into care; and in children’s services we are increasing capacity in fostering and small group living homes which is beneficial to children and helps reduce spend on expensive private sector external residential placements.

    “We also thank and appreciate the responses of everyone who gave us their views on the budget plans and specific elements within it. We have listened, discussed the issues involved and responded with a clear emphasis on working together as ‘Team Leeds’ to find effective solutions and new ways of working, which will underpin everything we do in the year ahead as we try to deliver this budget.”

    Beyond next year, the council is provisionally expecting to need to find further savings of £38.2million in 2026/27 and £30.1million in 2027/28, with these figures continuing to be reviewed.

    The final budget plans for 2025/26 will be considered by the council’s executive board at Civic Hall on Wednesday 12 February before going on to the annual budget debate and vote by the full council held on Wednesday 26 February.

    The final budget reports can be seen at Council and democracy (agenda item 12).

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding secured for city’s popular neighbourhood networks

    Source: City of Leeds

    A network of lifeline organisations which support older residents across the city has seen funding secured for the year ahead as the council reaffirms its commitment to making Leeds the best place to grow old.

    Despite the significant financial challenges faced by the authority, council bosses have confirmed they are sustaining the current level of funding to the city’s popular and highly-acclaimed neighbourhood networks, as part of budget proposals set to be considered at next week’s executive board meeting (February 12).

    Neighbourhood networks are a valued resource to many of the city’s older residents, ensuring they can remain connected to their communities while living independently in their own homes.

    They were first developed in Leeds in the 1980s and now have nearly 27,000 members across 34 separate networks, benefiting from around 800 activities to help reduce social isolation, enhance well-being and promote healthier lifestyle choices.

    Rooted in communities across the city, activities include lunch clubs, exercise sessions and befriending as well as trips and excursions with each scheme’s offer based on local needs and demand.  

    Today’s announcement comes after the council administration proposed not to progress with a suggested 10 per cent reduction for 2025/26 to neighbourhood networks, which had initially been put forward to December 2024’s executive board meeting as part of council-wide spending reviews.

    The funding demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment towards its ‘Age Friendly Leeds’ ambitions of being the best city to grow old in and a place where people age well.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “Our neighbourhood networks are a real success story for our city and have been recognised nationally and internationally as examples of good practice, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to guarantee sustained funding for this valued lifeline.

    “Although we face significant budget pressures, we absolutely recognise the great work being undertaken by our networks in helping older people live independent lives and play an active part in their communities.

    “With one in three people living in Leeds aged over 50 and the size of the 70-80+ population expected to grow significantly over the coming years, we know there is a rising need for these vital support services.

    “This continued investment gives a clear commitment from the council to our neighbourhood networks to ensure they are able to grow and enhance their services, in turn helping to improve the lives of thousands of people across the city.”

    For full details on the budget proposals to be discussed at next week’s executive board meeting, please read: Leeds City Council Leader welcomes extra funding but warns of challenge remaining as over £100m annual budget saving needed

    ENDS

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Channel Factory Selected As Google TV™ Masthead’s Sales Partner

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CITY OF INDUSTRY, Calif., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Channel Factory, the global brand suitability and contextual advertising platform, has partnered with Google TV to sell inventory of Google TV Masthead’s ad units on Google TV and Chromecast with Google TV devices in major and emerging markets. Google TV — built into smart TVs and streaming devices — brings together movies, shows, and more from across your apps and subscriptions and organizes them just for you.

    With personalized recommendations from Google, users can discover new movies and shows based on what they’ve watched and what interests them. The Google TV Masthead is the first ad unit users see on the “For You” tab at the top of their Google TV home screen.

    By partnering with Channel Factory, advertisers can leverage the Google TV Masthead to showcase their brands through a high-impact ad unit with strong visibility. Key highlights include:

    • The Google TV Masthead offers a high-impact format that efficiently reaches millions of people in the living room.
    • Drive brand awareness by securing ad space occupying the top and most visible position on the Google TV home screen.
    • Bespoke packages to reach target audiences based on affinity, gender, age, and/or geo-targeting.
    • Opportunities for brand integration on custom-designed seasonal content and 100% SOV of moment-specific content collections on Google TV, including curated carousels of top TV shows and movies to watch around those seasonal moments.

    “The audience shift from linear TV to CTV has been massive, creating more demand for video discovery platforms like Google TV. By partnering with Google TV, we’re allowing our advertising partners to own the first impression on Google TV users,” said Jenny Chau, Chief Solutions Officer at Channel Factory. “Whether as a complement to existing ad strategies on YouTube or a new campaign, we can’t wait to see how brands take advantage of this wholly unique and immersive ad experience.”

    By engaging with Channel Factory, leading global brands like Werner&Metz, De’Longhi, and more can ensure they are front and center during key seasonal moments, signature sporting events, cultural celebrations, and more, through high-impact CTV reach alongside relevant and engaging content.

    Channel Factory’s partnership with YouTube extends far beyond the preferred access brands will now receive with the Google TV Masthead ad format. For over a decade, Channel Factory’s mission has been to help brands align their ads with brand-suitable videos on YouTube. In 2020, Channel Factory was selected to join the YouTube Measurement Program (YTMP), which offers advertisers trusted solutions for driving and measuring marketing performance on YouTube.

    About Channel Factory
    Channel Factory is a global technology and data platform that optimizes business performance and enhances brand reputation through ethical and effective contextual targeting. Utilizing proprietary AI and brand suitability technologies, Channel Factory ensures ads are placed on brand-safe, contextually relevant content across YouTube, CTV platforms, and social media, including Meta and TikTok. Through its conscious media planning, Channel Factory is committed to promoting sustainability, diversity, and positive content, helping brands achieve their goals while fostering a healthier digital ecosystem.

    Channel Factory has a presence in 31 countries across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and ANZ, providing advertisers with IAB standard category lists and customized content options in 49+ languages. For more information about Channel Factory, please visit http://www.channelfactory.com

    Google, YouTube and Google TV are trademarks of Google LLC.

    Media Contact:
    Andrew Krepow
    andrew@broadsheetcomms.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Rate Unveils Comprehensive Financing Solutions for Small Business Owners and Independent Property Investors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, a leading financial services provider in the mortgage industry, proudly announces the launch of a comprehensive suite of investment property financing solutions for independent and small business owners. These offerings are designed to support buyers as both aspiring and established real estate investors with industry-leading pricing and rapid access to capital.

    Trends in property investment reveal significant growth and involvement among taxpayers and small investors over the last few years. According to CoreLogic, after a dip in the first half of 2024 as mortgage rates and home prices remained elevated, the quarterly U.S. home investor share grew by 2% and is expected is expected to remain steady in 2025, at around 25% of all home sales.

    The long term growth is echoed in the IRS data, showing that the number of taxpayers claiming rental income has been increasing at an annual rate of 7.6% since 2006, reaching 16.8 million individuals. Among these investors, 47% are small-scale, owning 3-9 properties, while 36% are medium-scale, with portfolios of 10-99 properties. Furthermore, rental income is derived from 17.7 million properties, highlighting the substantial scale of the rental property market. Rate is committed to serving everyday Americans and small business owners, who are emerging as a rising percentage of those making these purchases and being at the forefront of this trend.

    Rate’s full suite of products is designed for everyday Americans seeking to own investment properties and achieve financial independence. Whether it’s their first or their twentieth investment, borrowers will benefit from a one-stop shop and state-of-the-industry tools for all their financing needs. Options for 1-4 unit properties include the industry-leading MaxInvest and DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) programs. Beyond Residential financing the company is best known for, Rate can arrange financing for Residential/Commercial which includes apartment buildings, mixed use, storage facilities, and even strip malls and warehouses.

    Today’s announcement follows the company’s earlier launch of its first Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities (RMBS) deal of 2024 as the first non-bank lender to re-enter the securitization space for jumbo loans since the pandemic. Both products reflect the company’s commitment to delivering products and solutions that support a broad array of homebuying ambitions and profiles.

    “Our commitment to helping everyday Americans achieve their goals is unwavering. We continue to find new and better ways to serve small business owners and real people trying to support their families,” said Victor Ciardelli, CEO of Rate. “We offer the best tools in the industry, a streamlined tech-enabled process with fast access to cash and minimal paperwork, making real estate investment accessible to everyone.”

    “The investment property mortgage industry is traditionally serviced by Fannie, Freddie, small and hard money lenders, leading to limited liquidity and tech advancement, and a disjointed high-cost process,” said Kate Amor, EVP and Head of Enterprise Products for Rate.

    Focus on Small Business Owners
    Rate recognizes that small business owners often face unique challenges when seeking financing for investment properties. Traditional lenders overlook this group, focusing instead on first-time homebuyers or large commercial clients. Rate aims to fill this gap by providing custom solutions that address the specific needs of small business owners and individual investors.

    “Our goal is to support Main Street America—normal Americans who want to achieve financial security through real estate investment,” added Amor. “These are not the institutional investors taking housing supply, but everyday people and small business owners looking to build a better future for their families. We are committed to providing them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

    Market Context:
    The real estate investment market has been underserved, often relying on small lenders and hard money lending. Rate’s new suite of solutions aims to bridge this gap by providing sophisticated, tech-forward, and accessible financing options. With expansive guidelines and a focus on speed and convenience, Rate is set to redefine the market for real estate investors.

    “Recent agency loan-level pricing adjustments have made it extremely difficult to find rate and pricing scenarios that make sense for these small investors, particularly when Fed rate cuts haven’t lowered mortgage rates as many hoped,” said Jeremy Collett, Chief Capital Markets Officer for Rate. “We’re using our strong product development acumen to find new ways to offer competitive rates for our everyday real estate investor customers and their unique business needs.”

    About Rate:
    Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate is the #2 retail mortgage lender in the U.S., with over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans and refinances. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Honors and awards include Best Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers by NerdWallet for 2023; HousingWire’s Tech100 award for the company’s industry-leading FlashClose℠ digital mortgage platform in 2020, MyAccount in 2022, and Language Access Program in 2023; No. 2 ranking in Scotsman Guide’s 2022 list of Top Retail Mortgage Lenders; the most Scotsman Guide Top Originators for 11 consecutive years; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years; and Chicago Tribune’s Top Workplaces list for seven straight years. Visit [rate. com](https://www.rate.com) for more information.

    Media Contacts:
    Kendall Allen Rockwell
    Broadsheet Communications
    For Rate
    kendall@broadsheetcomms.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Brightpick Launches Giraffe, an Autonomous Mobile Picking System that Triples Warehouse Storage Density

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Giraffe raises the Brightpick solution to new heights, reaching 20 feet (6 meters) to maximize warehouse density

    Ecommerce leader The Feed and medical wholesaler McGuff to be first customers to deploy Brightpick Giraffe in 2025

    ERLANGER, Ky., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brightpick, a leading provider of warehouse automation solutions for order fulfillment, has unveiled Brightpick Giraffe, an innovative robot capable of reaching heights up to 20 feet (6 m). With this advancement, Brightpick users can now achieve up to three times the warehouse storage density of manual operations and double the density compared to the previous Brightpick solution.

    Brightpick Giraffe is designed to work alongside Brightpick Autopicker robots for automated order picking. It retrieves storage totes from upper-level shelf locations and delivers them to lower levels, where an Autopicker can access them for picking (up to a height of 11 feet / 3.4 m). After the pick is completed, Giraffe efficiently returns the product tote to its original upper-level storage location.

    This innovative system maximizes both density and throughput by storing slower-moving items on upper levels (accessible to Giraffes) and fast-moving products within easy reach of Autopickers on lower levels. In a typical setup, the solution will include one Giraffe for five Autopickers, creating an optimal balance between cost, density, and performance. Beyond their primary tote retrieval function, Giraffes can also handle inventory replenishment and order picking using Goods-to-Person stations.

    “Brightpick has always excelled at providing high throughput and maximum labor savings at a competitive price,” said Jan Zizka, CEO of Brightpick. “Now, with Giraffe, we deliver these same benefits as well as improved warehouse space utilization through expanded storage density.”

    The Brightpick Giraffe features a telescopic lift that retracts during travel, reducing its height to a compact 8.5 feet (2.6 m). This design ensures easy deployment in warehouses, as each robot arrives pre-assembled, enabling customers to seamlessly add Giraffes to their fleet with minimal installation time and effort.

    Multiple U.S. installations planned for 2025
    Two U.S. companies are set to install Brightpick Giraffe in 2025. Leading e-commerce retailer The Feed is an existing Brightpick customer currently operating 48 Autopickers at its Colorado fulfillment center. The Feed will expand its system with an additional 25 Autopickers and 6 Giraffes, boosting throughput by 50% to 75,000 picks per day – and doubling storage capacity.

    The second customer, McGuff Company Inc., a family- and veteran-owned business established in 1972, is a leading medical wholesaler. McGuff offers a comprehensive catalog of quality medical products, including injectable medications, as well as services that support a diverse range of healthcare customers worldwide. McGuff will deploy 12 Autopickers and 4 Giraffes at its California warehouse. This integrated system will enable a throughput of more than 850 picks per hour, ensuring precise handling and faster fulfillment of critical medical products.

    Brightpick will be demonstrating a prototype of Giraffe at LogiMAT, booth 8B53 in Hall 8 (March 11-13, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany).

    About Brightpick
    Brightpick offers AI robots for warehouses to easily automate every step of their order fulfillment. The company’s innovative robots enable warehouses of any size to fully automate order picking, consolidation, dispatch, and stock replenishment. The award-winning Brightpick solution takes just weeks to deploy and allows companies to keep their fulfillment labor to a minimum. Headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, Brightpick has more than 200 employees and hundreds of AI robots deployed with customers across the U.S. and Europe. For more information, visit www.brightpick.ai.

    Media inquiries
    Sinead Carthy
    Trevi Communications for Brightpick
    Email: brightpick@trevicomm.com
    Mobile: +1 914 217 9912

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8460bfa7-4dba-4959-9844-1cc8bd7303ea
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2853008f-4d59-4345-a37c-e3bf19248383

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Orion180 FLEX Home Insurance Gives Texas Policyholders More Control Over Homeowners’ Coverage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Fla., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion180, a leading provider of innovative insurance solutions, today announced an industry first with the launch of its innovative FLEX Home Insurance product, which is now available in Texas. FLEX offers customers a fully customizable approach to homeowners’ insurance, empowering policyholders to tailor coverage to suit their unique needs and financial goals.

    “We believe insurance should be adaptable to the lives of our customers—not the other way around,” said Ken Gregg, CEO of Orion180. “FLEX Home Insurance empowers homeowners with choice to design their policies around their individual preferences and priorities, offering unparalleled transparency, flexibility, and peace of mind. FLEX gives homeowners the ability to balance affordability and protection that our competition simply doesn’t deliver today.”

    FLEX is a surplus lines product that introduces an innovative and flexible approach to insurance coverage. Homeowners begin with essential protections—such as fire and lightning coverage—and build out their policies to fit their needs and budget.

    Highlights of FLEX Home Insurance include:

    • Customizable Coverage Options: Policyholders can select perils based on their risk tolerance and needs, ensuring they can balance cost and risk for what matters most.
    • Adjustable Deductibles and Copay Options: Homeowners can balance upfront costs and long-term savings by choosing deductible and copay levels that align with their financial comfort.
    • Loyalty Rewards: Homeowners who experience no losses can earn deductible reductions, no-loss dividends, or even a full refund of their first-year premium after ten years of claim-free coverage.
    • Rate Lock Features: A two-term price lock ensures premium stability, shielding policyholders from unexpected rate increases.

    FLEX is designed to address the diverse needs of Texas homeowners, including those in high-risk areas prone to natural disasters like tornadoes and hailstorms.

    Currently available through select insurance agents in Texas, FLEX Home Insurance will expand to Florida and other states in the spring of 2025, signaling Orion180’s commitment to delivering innovative, adaptable insurance solutions across the United States.

    To learn more about Orion180 FLEX Home Insurance, visit https://orion180.com/flex/.

    About Orion180
    Orion180 is a customer-focused, technology-driven insurance brand that combines proprietary technology, real-time data, and straightforward underwriting practices to provide a seamless and premier insurance experience. Orion180 operates through Orion180 Insurance Co., a surplus lines insurance company serving Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Colorado (Flood only), Tennessee (Flood only), Illinois (Flood only) and Arizona, and Orion180 Select Insurance Co., an admitted insurance company offering coverage in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Ohio. With its proprietary MY180 platform and third-party integrations, Orion180 offers unmatched efficiency and innovation, fulfilling its vision of becoming the global leader in insurance solutions while maintaining its mission to deliver superior customer experiences and a comprehensive suite of products. Connect with Orion180 on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. For more information, visit www.Orion180.com.

    Media Contact
    Ross Blume
    Fusion Public Relations
    orion180@fusionpr.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: insightsoftware Powers Jet Reports with AI, Cloud Functionality, and Excel Online Integration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — insightsoftware, the most comprehensive provider of solutions for the Office of the CFO, today announced the launch of Jet Reports Online, a reporting solution designed to deliver unmatched ease, flexibility, and accuracy for Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central users. This release builds on more than two decades of Jet Reports’ strong user growth, with the Online deployment introducing modern features such as AI capabilities, cloud functionality and Microsoft Excel Online integration for a next generation reporting experience with smarter insights and greater adaptability.

    Organizations are navigating an ever increasingly cloud-first world. With 62% of businesses operating in a hybrid environment and 27% already fully cloud-based, modern financial reporting tools must bring mobility, adaptability, and scale. Unlike legacy offerings that rely on replicated and outdated data sets, Jet Reports Online connects directly to real-time cloud data, eliminating the need for additional IT infrastructure. With native Excel formulas and built-in Dynamics 365 Business Central security protocols, Jet Reports Online ensures seamless, secure reporting.

    “Finance leaders seek to maximize productivity and efficiency and achieve more with fewer resources – this requires flexible, cloud-based tools that provide instant access to real-time data, enabling faster, smarter decision-making,” said Chief Product Officer and General Manager, ERP Reporting & BI at insightsoftware, Lee An Schommer. “Solutions that rely on manual data refreshing place an undue burden on financial teams, driving up costs for the finance function. In today’s fast-paced business environment, real-time data isn’t just a luxury—it’s an absolute necessity,” said Schommer.

    The foundation of Jet Reports Online is Reports Center, a secure, cloud-based portal designed for seamless management and cross-functional collaboration within Microsoft Dynamics Business Central Cloud. Finance teams can now run, schedule, and distribute their reports in one centralized location, reducing manual effort and the costs associated with self-hosted, self-managed solutions. The portal enhances collaboration by securely centralizing access and automating crucial tasks like scheduling and distribution in the cloud, as well as opening reports in Excel Online or Excel Desktop for deeper analysis.
    Key functionality includes:

    • AI Capabilities Powered by the insightsoftware Platform – Jet Reports Online is powered by the insightsoftware Platform, giving users access to powerful AI tools like Doc Assist, Data Assist, and Report Assist to generate faster, more accurate, and reliable reports with ease.
    • Automated Cloud Report Execution, Distribution, and Scheduling – Reports Center enables organizations to automate the running, scheduling, and distribution of reports from anywhere with an internet connection, aligning with the increasing demand for cloud-based solutions in the finance sector.
    • Enhanced Reporting Flexibility for Modern Finance Teams – The integration of Jet Reports Online with Excel Online streamlines key financial reporting tasks, providing users with an intuitive, cloud-based solution for designing, managing, viewing, and running reports in a browser, meeting the demands of modern businesses for flexible, adaptable financial reporting solutions.

    Read more about how Jet Reports empowers teams with enhanced financial reporting capabilities while ensuring Dynamics NAV users enjoy a smooth transition to Business Central Cloud.

    About insightsoftware
    insightsoftware is a global provider of comprehensive solutions for the Office of the CFO. We believe an actionable business strategy begins and ends with accessible financial data. With solutions across financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, and operations, we transform how teams operate, empowering leaders to make timely and informed decisions. With data at the heart of everything we do, insightsoftware enables automated processes, delivers trusted insights, boosts predictability, and increases productivity. Learn more at insightsoftware.com.

    Media Contacts
    Inkhouse for insightsoftware
    insightsoftware@inkhouse.com

    Daniel Tummeley
    Corporate Communications Manager
    PR@insightsoftware.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s trade war is forcing Canada to revive a decades-old plan to reduce U.S. dependence

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Blayne Haggart, Associate Professor of Political Science, Brock University

    After threatening Canada and Mexico with illegal tariffs, and Canada with annexation, United States President Donald Trump has agreed to hold off on imposing tariffs on Canada for at least 30 days. This decision came after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with Trump and committed to strengthening border security.

    While this temporary reprieve provides some breathing room, the long-run question of how Canada should handle Trump and the American descent into authoritarianism remains.

    Early responses seem to have coalesced around two policies: for Canada to trade less with the U.S. and more with other countries and to strengthen the internal Canadian economy.

    Reducing Canada’s dependence on the U.S. economy is necessary in our current moment, as I’ve previously argued. But it will impose significant costs on Canadians and require a fundamental readjustment in how we think about our economy and society.

    The Third Option, revived

    This current crisis isn’t taking place in a historical vacuum. More than 50 years ago, similar concerns about Canada’s dependence on the U.S. led to a policy discussion centred on what became known as the “Third Option.”

    In 1972, then-Secretary of State for External Affairs Mitchell Sharp wrote a paper called “Canada-US Relations: Options for the Future.” At the time, international politics were in a moment of transition, and the U.S. was recalibrating its understanding of its national interest.

    Sharp proposed reconsidering the Canada-U.S. relationship. He observed that while Canadians recognized the benefits of ties with the U.S., they were increasingly wary of the direction of the relationship and in support of measures to “assure greater Canadian independence.”

    Echoing today’s concerns, Sharp argued that the central question for Canada was whether its interdependence with the U.S. would “impose an unmanageable strain on the concept of a separate Canadian identity, if not on the elements of Canadian independence.”

    The options that Sharp proposed are the same ones on offer today:

    1. The First Option: Maintain Canada’s current relationship with the U.S. with minimal policy adjustments
    2. The Second Option: Move toward closer integration with the U.S.
    3. The Third Option: Pursue a long-term strategy to strengthen the Canadian economy and reduce vulnerability

    From three options to one

    Sharp’s analysis is clear on the costs and benefits of free trade. In terms of benefits, economic prosperity would be easier to attain. In fact, this proved decisive in 1988, when Canada embraced the Second Option — closer integration through the 1988 Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement.

    But, as Sharp warned presciently, a free-trade agreement would be a “well-nigh irreversible option for Canada” because it would tie the country so closely to the U.S., raising the cost of disentanglement.

    Meanwhile, the U.S. would always be free to redefine the relationship for any reason. This is what happened in 2001 when the U.S. prioritized security over prosperity in response to the 9/11 attacks. It’s what’s happening now.

    As in 2001, deeper integration remains a tempting response to the U.S. But the risks from integration are even greater now, given that Trump is dismantling U.S. democracy at home and trying to bully its neighbours in unprecedented ways.




    Read more:
    How constitutional guardrails have always contained presidential ambitions


    Already, Canada is struggling to recruit American allies to fight against the tariffs because U.S. businesses and politicians are afraid to stand up to Trump. Choosing to more deeply integrate would only worsen Canada’s position, making it a part of the U.S. economy while losing even more political influence.

    And that’s without addressing the morality of collaborating with a country that is currently setting up a concentration camp for migrants in Guantanamo Bay.

    Autocratic governments, as Trump’s administration is demonstrating with his ultimatums against Canada and Mexico, are bullies who will always push the advantage. Taking their demands at face value is a surefire way to surrender Canadian autonomy one piece at a time. So, the First Option — maintaining the status quo — is also off the table.

    Which leaves the Third Option.

    The mortal peril facing Canada

    The Third Option has become more appealing across the political spectrum mainly because the U.S. is forcing Canada’s hand. The uncertainty Trump has injected into the relationship, even in the presence of a trade agreement, has made it more costly for businesses to engage in cross-border trade.

    If Trump’s tariff threat remains, and his attack on the rule of law continues, the U.S. market will become even more unattractive, not least because of the toxic uncertainty Trump has injected into the relationship.

    But his actions also underscore the new, extreme danger Canada now faces.

    As Sharp recognized in 1972, shared social values were the bedrock of successful Canada-U.S. relations. He understood that, for the Third Option to work, the relationship needed to be “harmonious.” Even as he considered ways to reduce Canada’s dependence, he never doubted Canada and the U.S. were “broadly compatible societies.”

    That shared foundation — “based on a broad array of shared interests, perceptions and goals” — made it possible for Canada to chart its own path while maintaining a productive relationship with the U.S.

    Today, that assumption no longer holds. The U.S., under Trump, is acting as an expansionist imperial power with little regard for international law.

    This is the needle Canadian politicians have to thread. By geography alone, Canada must continue to have a relationship with the U.S. But the absence of shared values makes it incredibly difficult to have any kind of healthy, productive relationship.

    The cost of democracy

    As Sharp recognized, there is a cost to following the Third Option. It will require a “deliberate, comprehensive and long-term strategy” on a scale not seen since the 1960s — meaning higher taxes, more government intervention and a level of global engagement Canada hasn’t undertaken in quite a while.

    This must all be done in a landscape where Canada and the U.S. no longer share values — a shift even ardent Canadian nationalists recognized was necessary for Canadian independence — while pursuing policies that do not antagonize the U.S.

    For the Third Option to be viable today, Canadians must embrace an independent Canadian identity based on respect for democracy, pluralism, the rule of law and human rights. It likely requires consensus that U.S. authoritarianism is wholly unacceptable to Canada.

    Canada is being pushed toward the Third Option as the least worst approach. But, as was true in Sharp’s time, the Third Option come at a cost. Independence and democracy don’t come for free.

    Blayne Haggart does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump’s trade war is forcing Canada to revive a decades-old plan to reduce U.S. dependence – https://theconversation.com/trumps-trade-war-is-forcing-canada-to-revive-a-decades-old-plan-to-reduce-u-s-dependence-248433

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: The impact of Donald Trump’s anti-climate measures on our heating planet

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Bruce Campbell, Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, York University, Canada

    Before assessing the impact of United States President Donald Trump’s climate and energy policies, some context about the current state of the planet is in order. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres recently called the world’s fossil fuel addiction “a Frankenstein’s monster sparing nothing and no one.”

    The year 2024 was the first in which the average temperature exceeded the Paris Agreement threshold of 1.5°C. Under a status quo scenario, Earth is on track to reach an approximate 2.7°C increase in planetary warming by 2100.

    The 2024 Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change report found that climate-related global health threats are reaching new records, including heat-related deaths, food insecurity and the spread of infectious diseases.

    Despite six reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 29 COP conferences and thousands of scientific papers, the world has made only minor headway on climate action.

    Main carbon polluters and their victims

    The 10 largest oil-producing and consuming countries account for 73 per cent of total oil production and consumption globally.

    The U.S. is the largest oil producer and oil consumer, accounting for almost one-quarter of global production and more than 20 per cent of consumption in 2022. Canada is the fourth-largest oil producer and the ninth-largest consumer, and also has the highest per-capita CO2 emission levels of any country.

    The world’s 60 largest banks, meanwhile, earmarked US$6.9 trillion over the last eight years to enable the fossil fuel industry.

    According to an Oxfam International report, the richest one per cent of the world’s population, most of whom live in developed countries, are responsible for more than twice as much carbon pollution each year as the poorest 50 per cent of humanity. Low-income countries that make up nearly 60 per cent of the world’s population, on the other hand, account for less than 15 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

    At COP 29 in Azerbaijan last year, developed countries, including Canada, pledged to triple their financial support for poor climate-vulnerable countries to $300 billion a year by 2035 to help them mitigate emissions, adapt to climate threats and help pay for loss and damage.

    But this is far from the $1.3 trillion demanded by Global South countries. Their pledges bear little resemblance to global fossil fuel subsidies that totalled an estimated $7 trillion in 2022.

    Trump’s climate-related actions

    Ahead of Trump’s recent inauguration, and under sustained pressure by Republicans, major American and Canadian banks withdrew from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) originally led by Canada’s Mark Carney as the United Nations’ Special Envoy for Climate Action.




    Read more:
    Mark Carney might have the edge as potential Liberal leader, but still faces major obstacles


    The oil and gas industry donated more than $75 million to Trump’s campaign, though donations provided by those with links to fossil fuels were estimated to be five times greater than that.

    Trump’s more than 200 executive orders included a so-called National Energy Emergency Declaration, in which he:

    · Withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, which he called one-sided, joining only three other petro-states — Iran, Libya and Yemen — that are not signatories to the Agreement.

    · Signed an order aimed at “unleashing American energy.”

    · Signed a declaration that would allow his administration to fast-track permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure.

    · Blocked all new offshore wind power development.

    · Revoked former president Joe Biden’s order that half of vehicles sold by 2030 be electric

    · Enabled new oil and gas development on federal lands, including reversing restrictions on petroleum extraction in Alaska and the Arctic Wildlife Reserve.

    Elon Musk, among Trump’s closest billionaire allies, has been silent on the president’s 2025 exit from the Paris Climate Accord.

    This is noteworthy because after Trump’s first withdrawal from the accord in 2017, Musk announced he was leaving presidential advisory councils, stating: “Climate change is real, leaving Paris is not good for America or the world.”

    What’s ahead

    Notwithstanding the Trump fossil fuels embrace, there are some silver linings.

    Although the Trump snub of the COP climate conferences is generally seen as a setback, stronger climate action may now be possible without the U.S. at the table. Furthermore, many American states and municipalities will continue to push forward with aggressive emissions reduction measures. And thousands of climate lawsuits against U.S. governments and corporations are underway.




    Read more:
    Trump voters are not the obstacle to climate action many think they are


    Trump’s actions may also spur the migration of the U.S. renewables industry to Canada. Regardless, renewables will continue to replace fossil fuels worldwide.

    A global movement of governments, elected officials, organizations and individuals has endorsed the Canadian-founded Fossil Fuels Non-Proliferation treaty initiative. Modelled on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it sets clear deadlines for the global phaseout of fossil fuels.

    At the 2025 World Economic Forum, Fortescue, a global metal mining giant, endorsed the treaty, the first major industrial company to do so.

    In his famous 2015 Lloyd’s of London speech, Carney, now the Liberal leadership frontrunner, called climate change “the tragedy of the horizon.”

    He warned that climate change will lead to financial crises and falling living standards unless the world’s biggest economies do more to ensure their companies come clean about their current and future carbon emissions.

    Payam Akhavan, an Iranian-born Canadian human rights lawyer, served as legal counsel to the Commission of Small Island States at the recent International Court of Justice climate hearings where these nations presented evidence about the devastating impact of climate change on their citizens.

    In an interview with CBC Ideas, Akhavan said: “What’s happening to the small island states today is going to happen to all of us tomorrow.”

    Ultimately, the writing is on the wall for fossil fuels. It’s not a matter of if the world moves away from them dramatically, but when.


    Bruce Campbell was awarded a Community Leadership in Justice fellowship from the Ontario Law Foundation in 2016. He is a voluntary member of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Rideau Institute for International Affairs, and the Group of 78.

    – ref. The impact of Donald Trump’s anti-climate measures on our heating planet – https://theconversation.com/the-impact-of-donald-trumps-anti-climate-measures-on-our-heating-planet-247887

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: I’m a sports psychologist and diehard Eagles fan – here’s the behavioral science behind a Super Bowl LIX win

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Eric Zillmer, Professor of Neuropsychology, Drexel University

    Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ innovative plays demonstrate ‘brain connectivity at its finest,’ the author writes. Mitchell Leff via Getty Images

    The Super Bowl is one of the world’s most significant single-day sporting events.

    It attracts over 100 million U.S. viewers and [tens of millions of international viewers], making it an entertainment phenomenon. For Eagles fans who are not making the trip to the Superdome in New Orleans, there will be plenty of places to watch in Philadelphia – including rowdy bars, living rooms and even home tailgates, all while the city is lit in Eagles green.

    For me, the Super Bowl is a real-life laboratory. As a sports scientist, neuropsychology professor and the former athletic director at Drexel University in Philadelphia, I investigate how high-performance athletes prepare cognitively and psychologically for a winning performance on game day.

    When the stakes are at their highest, what can psychology reveal about who is mentally prepared to win the Super Bowl?

    Tough-minded and open to experience

    Research suggests that super-elite athletes are tough-minded and not easily rattled.

    Their psychological profiles look similar to those of high-performance solo classical guitarists or fighter pilots. On personality tests, athletes typically score at least average in extroversion, openness and agreeableness, and high in conscientiousness.

    Professional athletes work incredibly hard and are disciplined, well organized, goal-oriented, reliable and generally sociable.

    A new focus in personality research in competitive athletes is on creativity and, specifically, being open to experience, which includes being receptive to new ideas and being flexible.

    Openness has become increasingly important in the modern blueprint for winning football games. Daniel Memmert, a sports scientist at German Sport University Cologne, calls this “tactical creativity.” It is a cognitive style that allows one to be imaginative and engage in divergent thinking – which is an ability to think flexibly outside of routines and devise multiple solutions – even in real-time competitive situations.

    Divergent thinking in high-performance sports includes focusing on the task at hand and paying attention to relevant information while ignoring irrelevant information in the athletic arena. The creative athlete knows when and where to look in order to win a play or avoid a costly error.

    Creative and cool under pressure

    Creativity is essential in unscripted football plays – when a planned play has not been executed properly, like a fumble or an interception.

    Intentionally distracting your opponent has become an important part of sports competition. It is why quarterbacks often change the play at the line of scrimmage. But it becomes even more critical during improvised offensive plays when everything is unscripted. In a sport where milliseconds matter, being creative and engaging in something your opponent doesn’t expect can be the difference between winning and losing.

    When the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2018, backup quarterback Nick Foles calmly executed a trick play on fourth-and-goal, becoming the first player in history to both throw and catch a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl. The play is now called the Philly Special.

    To engage in tactical creativity, however, an athlete must be relaxed. That’s not easy when millions of people are watching your every move.

    Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Trey Burton fires a touchdown pass to quarterback Nick Foles, not pictured, on a trick play during Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis in 2018.
    Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

    Brain connectivity at its finest

    Performance anxiety is a leading cause of poor athletic performance. Research suggests an athlete’s competitive anxiety can be cumulative and maybe even be contagious, affecting teammates negatively.

    That makes the Super Bowl as much a battle of nerves as it is about the physical execution of plays. So, how do professional athletes do it? The athlete practices how to think as much as they practice to play. Training is intentionally hard and uncomfortable to assist with preparing the body and mind.

    Since emotions and thoughts affect behavior and performance, the concept of emotional self-regulation – or intentionally focusing on the present moment – has been introduced into competitive sports. Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and grounding techniques are now integral to the toolkit for high-performance sports.

    For athletes, it is relatively easy to elevate their emotions to push the ball forward with a play like the Philadelphia brotherly shove – an almost unstoppable offensive play used by the Eagles in which the team pushes the quarterback through the opponent’s defense for a short gain when needed.

    But calming those emotions to execute a synchronized, attacking, complex passing play is more challenging cognitively.

    A successful football player must easily transition from being highly aroused to remaining composed on command within seconds.

    This cognitive efficiency and fluidity requires many hours to master. I am fully aware that while watching the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts, I am not just observing a great, innovative quarterback; I am witnessing brain connectivity at its finest.

    Philadelphia Eagles fans celebrated the team’s first Super Bowl win with a victory parade on Feb. 8, 2018.
    Corey Perrine via Getty Images

    Psychology of Eagles fans

    How fans experience Super Bowl Sunday is entirely different, psychologically speaking, from the players.

    To perform at the highest level, the players are process oriented. They attempt to be present in real time and play without fear. On game day, it is advantageous for the competitor to play like a kid, full of joy and confidence.

    Fans, on the other hand, are results oriented. And they are nervous wrecks, like parents watching their kids compete.

    One remedy for managing this stress is watching the game with other fans. Philadelphians represent diverse socioeconomic and ethnic groups that often unite through sports. These social connections – which Germans, who were among the first settlers in the city, call Gemeinschaftsgefühl – are a hallmark of good psychological health.

    I know I will never forget when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII: the game, the season and the parade.

    And new research indicates why.

    According to University of California, Berkeley psychology professor Dacher Keltner, these authentic “awe” moments are shortcuts to happiness. Football fans might experience awe when a seemingly unpredictable interception or touchdown has significant consequences.

    In other words, the thrill of the game and the excitement of winning not only unite fans, but they can also transform them into happier versions of themselves.

    Eric Zillmer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. I’m a sports psychologist and diehard Eagles fan – here’s the behavioral science behind a Super Bowl LIX win – https://theconversation.com/im-a-sports-psychologist-and-diehard-eagles-fan-heres-the-behavioral-science-behind-a-super-bowl-lix-win-248643

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio holds a joint press availability with Costa Rican President Chaves – 11:50 AM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio holds a joint press availability with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves in San Jose, Costa Rica, on February 4, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7fNrxsKMyM

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Energy bills: Labour urged to rule-out price cap hike

    Source: Scottish Greens

    04 Feb 2025 Energy

    Fuel poverty and a broken energy market must become history.

    More in Energy

    Sky high energy bills are punishing households and families and plunging them into totally avoidable fuel poverty, say the Scottish Greens.
     
    The party has called on the Labour government to mitigate any further hikes to the price cap and to commit to ending the brutal Winter Fuel Payment cut.
     
    The call comes as Martin Lewis and others have warned that bills are likely to increase by as much as 5.7 per cent in April.
     
    The Scottish Greens’ climate spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP, said:

    “At a time when so many are struggling to make ends meet, households and families across our country will be dreading any further price hikes. 
    “Labour promised to make energy bills cheaper, but they have only gone up. Keir Starmer and his colleagues must step in to halt a further rise and to support people who are feeling stretched to their limits.
     
    “We badly need to fix a broken energy market that is plunging people into poverty while keeping our reliance on climate-wrecking fossil fuels.
     
    “Renewable energy has helped to cut the cost of generating electricity, but that hasn’t been reflected in the bills that people are paying.”
     

    Mr Ruskell added:

    “This winter has been even harder than it needed to be for pensioners all over the UK. 
     
    “Keir Starmer’s move to cut Winter Fuel Payments is looking more punishing and cruel by the day. It is long past time for Labour to reverse this toxic decision.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin presented awards to young researchers ahead of Russian Science Day

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On the eve of Russian Science Day Sergei Sobyanin presented to young scientists Moscow Government Prizes for 2024.

    “We never had so many competitive applications – more than 1300 works have been announced. And choosing you for us was also not an easy business. So these are really deserved awards that you deserve with your talent, skill, commitment to science. And of course, I hope that these awards in your life are not the last, but only the beginning of your large scientific career. In recent years, our country has been in difficult conditions of international sanctions, a special military operation. And more than ever, issues related to the technological sovereignty of our country in almost all key areas, starting from space to medicine. In recent years, we had to solve very difficult issues related to domestic industry, and high technology supply. And of course, the demand for own scientific research, for domestic science, for technologies related to both the military-industrial complex and with civilian technologies, more than ever. And what you do in your areas, inventing important, necessary technologies, opening new technologies for medicine, astronautics, aircraft building, new materials, creating a huge layer of inventions in the field of medical technologies, of course, is also very cool. Without this, we do not have to talk about any sovereignty. So you do a very important work, of course, for yourself as scientists, for the city, one of the most advanced technological centers not only of our country, but also the world, well, for Russia – for sovereignty, for security, for the future of our great power “, – said Sergey Sobyanin.

    The Moscow mayor thanked the scientists for their work on his own behalf and on behalf of Muscovites and congratulated them on their well-deserved awards. According to him, a decision was made to double the size of the bonus, which has not been indexed since 2019. The bonuses received by young specialists today are also planned to be recalculated taking into account the increase.

    The Moscow Government Prize Competition for Young Scientists has been held since 2013. Awards are given annually for achieving outstanding results in fundamental and applied scientific research in the field of natural, technical and humanitarian sciences, as well as for the development and implementation of new technologies, equipment, devices, equipment, materials and substances that contribute to improving the efficiency of activities in the real sector of the economy and the social sphere of the capital.

    Young Moscow scientists under the age of 35 (doctors of sciences under the age of 40) may apply for the award. We are talking about scientific and scientific-pedagogical workers, postgraduate students, doctoral students, and other specialists engaged in scientific and scientific-technical activities in scientific and higher education organizations located in the city, as well as employees of enterprises and organizations conducting experimental developments.

    In 2019, at the suggestion of the Mayor of Moscow, the size of one award was increased from 1.5 million to two million rubles. If the award is given to a research team, it is divided equally between its members, and diplomas are awarded to each of them.

    The number of awards has also increased from 33 to 50. At the same time, the number of nominations remains unchanged (22), including 11 nominations in the field of research and the same number in the field of development.

    During the competition for the awards in 2013–2024, more than eight thousand applications were submitted. The awards were given to 758 young scientists.

    In 2024, 1,332 applications were received from employees of 310 organizations.

    “

    The prize is awarded since 2013 for outstanding results in fundamental and applied research. Moscow scientists under 35 years of age, and doctors of science under 40 years of age can apply for it. Compared to the previous year, the size of the prize has been doubled – from two to four million rubles,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote in his telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    The awards were won by 78 researchers whose developments and research have already proven themselves in practice.

    Photodetectors, biostimulators and vacuum tubes

    Thus, the award was presented to Sofia Morozova from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (National Research University). She developed methods for obtaining nanostructured polymeric materials, which are important for the creation of environmentally friendly transport based on hydrogen-air fuel cells and for preserving public health.

    “We were all lucky to become laureates of the Moscow Government Prize in a special period, the Decade of Science and Technology. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, Sergey Semenovich, for the development of the city, which is happening through the development of Moscow universities, Moscow schools, colleges, and city infrastructure. Special thanks for the Fiztekh metro station and the Novodachnaya station of the first Moscow Central Diameter, which help us get to work, and also for the inspiration for us, young scientists. I congratulate everyone on receiving this significant award and wish to see how the developments will be put into practice,” said Sofia Morozova.

    Natalia Semenchenko, Vladislav Burlakov and Renat Davletshin from the Orion Scientific and Production Association have created photoreceiving devices for space-based optical-electronic systems that allow surveying the Earth’s surface and obtaining images of the thermal field of the entire Earth’s disk. The devices are used in the Electro-L and Arktika-M series of space weather satellites.

    Kristina Skuratovskaya, Anton Budaev and Maxim Makarov from the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care have come up with new types of medical preparations and materials that allow for the effective treatment of patients with intra-articular pathology of the musculoskeletal system. The developments are used in the surgery department of City Clinical Hospital No. 13 and the emergency traumatology department of the musculoskeletal system of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care to replace traumatic defects in intra-articular fractures, which allows for the axial load on the operated limb to be reduced immediately after surgery.

    Seda Kurbanova from the Morozov Children’s City Clinical Hospital has developed a diagnostic program for verifying cardiovascular damage in Kawasaki disease. The program has already been implemented in the practice of the capital’s healthcare system.

    Andrey Briko and Vladislava Kapravchuk, representing the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, conducted a series of studies aimed at creating technologies for mapping neuromuscular activity. The results of the research and the technologies developed can be used to create exoskeletons for medical and industrial purposes, bionic prostheses, and rehabilitation robotic complexes for patients with impaired motor functions.

    Tatyana Bezbabicheva and Ramin Malik oglu Afandiev from the National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery named after Academician N.N. Burdenko have developed a comprehensive method for monitoring the state of the visual pathways during neurosurgical operations on the occipital, parietal and temporal lobes of the brain. The solution is already being used in neurosurgical operations at the center to ensure the greatest safety for patients.

    The work of Alexander Pushkarev from the Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education resulted in unique technologies of local exposure to low temperatures, which are used in cryosurgery, cryopreservation and cryotherapy. They are used in the treatment of oncological diseases, as well as for physiotherapy and rehabilitation of patients for the purpose of pain relief, reducing inflammation and swelling in diseases of the musculoskeletal system, sports, mine-explosive and other injuries. The method is used at the Russian University of Medicine, the Russian National Research Medical University named after N.I. Pirogov and CryoEngineering LLC.

    Another laureate of the award, Evgeny Bychkov from the Central Research Institute “Kurs”, is the author of an industrial technology for designing low-temperature refrigeration machines on multicomponent mixtures of refrigerants. The development allows for thermostatting of objects at temperatures from minus 90 to minus 160 degrees, which makes it possible to reduce the time and material costs of design, as well as increase the energy efficiency of machines of this class. The technology has already been implemented in the institution.

    Sergey Surkov and Sergey Sharkov, representing the scientific and production enterprise “Toriy”, received the award for electrovacuum devices for amplification and generation of electromagnetic oscillations of ultra-high frequency. The devices are used at the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute” to maintain the operability of the “Olivin” station, which is part of the “Siberia” accelerator-storage complex.

    The work of Milana Sharikova and Pavel Nikitin from the Scientific and Technological Center for Unique Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences is aimed at creating devices and methods for optical information processing in long-wave spectral ranges – infrared and terahertz. Interest in the terahertz range is due to the fact that by 2035 it is planned to create 6G generation information systems. The developments are in demand at domestic industrial enterprises, in institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences and universities.

    The use of a biostimulant composition created by Inessa Lugova (All-Russian State Center for Quality and Standardization of Animal Medicines and Feed) has made it possible to improve the qualitative and quantitative indicators of poultry farming, including hatching of chickens and preservation of livestock, as well as to save electricity during egg incubation due to the acceleration effect. The drug is in demand at the country’s leading poultry farms.

    Dmitry Korolev and Vladimir Alferov from the Research Institute of Molecular Electronics have developed the software and hardware of the NE501CD microcontroller, implementing a cryptographically protected protocol for contactless electronic travel documents. The microcontroller is currently being actively implemented in the Troika and Strelka transport cards.

    View the full list of winners of the Moscow Government Prizes for Young Scientists for 2013–2024 you can on the website Andfollow the link.

    Moscow Government Prize for Young ScientistsHow young scientists can receive the Moscow Government Prize

    In 2020, a council of laureates of the Moscow Government Prize for Young Scientists was created.

    “In addition, we have created a Council, which includes 70 award winners. They act as consultants

    under the Department of Education and Science of Moscow and are engaged in educational work. We involve them in such projects as “Scientists in Schools” and the All-Russian Festival SCIENCE 0,” said the Mayor of Moscow in his telegram channel.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    This is a permanent advisory body whose main tasks are the popularization of science, the involvement of students in scientific activities, and the improvement of the quality of education.

    Moscow is the center of Russian science

    By decision of Vladimir Putin, the years 2022–2031 have been declared in Russia Decade of Science and Technology.

    Moscow has one of the most powerful intellectual and technological potentials among the world’s megacities. The capital is home to 840 scientific organizations — 20.3 percent of all organizations conducting research and development in Russia. Among them are academic and research institutes, national research universities and leading universities of the country.

    Moscow employs 33.3 percent of the country’s scientific personnel, including 44.9 percent of doctors of science and 38.5 percent of candidates of science. 22.3 percent of undergraduates and 42.2 percent of postgraduates in Russia study in the capital’s universities.

    The Moscow government attaches great importance to the development of science and the stimulation of scientific work. The largest project of the coming years in the field of scientific development is the creation of the innovative scientific and technological center of the Moscow State University (MSU) named after M.V. Lomonosov “Vorobyovy Gory”. In 2023, the Lomonosov cluster, the flagship of the MSU innovation center, opened. Its residents are 76 companies, employing more than two thousand employees.

    High-tech companies create developments in the fields of medicine, information and biotechnology, unmanned systems, robotic systems and other areas. Every year, the cluster residents invest more than two billion rubles in scientific research.

    In 2024, the creation of a new campus of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University was completed. As part of the project, 14 buildings with a total area of about 170 thousand square meters were built and restored. The campus includes a central cluster, a multifunctional scientific and educational building, a multifunctional complex “Quantum Park”, a center for biomedical systems and technologies, research and engineering centers, the Palace of Technologies and other buildings, which have all the necessary conditions for modern educational and research activities.

    Large-scale scientific and innovative projects include the construction of a national space center, the creation of production clusters for photonics, electric vehicle manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as support for the development of artificial intelligence technologies.

    47 Moscow technology parks have become a huge space for the development of applied science and innovation, where more than 2,200 high-tech companies have located their production, and over 74.5 thousand jobs have been created there. About a third of the residents of technology parks work in the field of scientific research and certification.

    Four technology parks were created on the basis of research institutes. The Kurchatov Institute technology park conducts research in the field of nuclear physics and genetics, and develops new methods of storing and transmitting data. The Research Institute of Computer Complexes (NIIVK) technology park creates new communication and navigation systems, as well as technologies for the space industry. The Innopark VNIRO technology park conducts research in the field of fisheries and biotechnology and is engaged in new methods of processing and storing food products. The Moscow State University Science Park technology park works in the field of biology, chemistry, physics and other sciences.

    Putin: Moscow has fully fulfilled its obligations to create the MSU clusterDigital platforms and useful services: which projects reached the final of the fourth stream of the capital’s “Academy of Innovators”

    The Moscow Innovation Cluster and its affiliates have become the link between science, business and the state. digital platform i.moscow. The platform unites everyone who wants to create a new product or service. More than 200 thousand users have already registered on it. 40 thousand companies from Moscow and other regions of the country have become participants and partners of the cluster. Thanks to i.moscow, every 10th company engaged in scientific research and development in the field of natural and technical sciences received support from the city. Their revenue is three times higher than that of other companies in the industry.

    In addition, much attention is paid to creating conditions for self-realization of young scientists, engineers, software developers and other specialists involved in the technology business.

    In 2024, a youth entrepreneurship hub opened in Moscow — the first center in Russia for engaging young talents in technology business. The project is aimed at creating a single point of attraction for Moscow youth involved in entrepreneurship, increasing entrepreneurial literacy and the level of public trust in young entrepreneurs.

    Over the past year, over 32,000 participants have joined the project, opening over a thousand new technology businesses in Moscow. Young entrepreneurs can take advantage of the hub’s programs, including:

    — The Academy of Innovators is an international continuous program for the intensive development of technology projects and startups. Students have access to training sessions with leading industry experts in the market, and they can also interact with personal business mentors. In addition, as part of the program, participants find their first customers among city structures and large businesses, and attract their first investments. Currently, the Academy’s digital ecosystem has over 28 thousand participants from more than 300 cities in Russia and about 40 countries around the world. They have founded over 800 new technology businesses in Moscow and attracted over 380 million rubles in funding in the form of investments and grants;

    — “Digital Transformation Leaders” is a Moscow Mayor’s competition for young IT specialists. This is the world’s largest competition for the development of digital solutions for city structures and large businesses. Over six years, more than 40 thousand people have taken part in the competition (hackathon), creating over two thousand digital solutions for customers. Vladimir Putin instructed to scale up the successful practice of holding a hackathon in the regions of Russia. In 2023, regional stages of the competition were held in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and Krasnodar Krai, and Volgograd Oblast and Kamchatka Krai became task setters at the hackathon last year;

    — “Moscow Innovator” is a Moscow Mayor’s competition that promotes the recognition of talented young inventors and scientists. Participants compete for Moscow Mayor’s awards in six priority areas of urban economy and three nominations for different stages of project development. This allows identifying scientific and technological solutions (from promising ideas to finished products). The competition was first held in 2020. Over 11 thousand inventors took part in it during its existence. 174 innovative projects became winners.

    Along with the annual Moscow Government Prize, young scientists and winners of the Moscow Innovator competition can apply for annual grants in the amount of one billion rubles. The funds are intended for scientific teams of the capital’s medical organizations. This is provided for by the city’s ecosystem for supporting scientific research. The operator is the Moscow Center for Innovative Technologies in Healthcare. Over 170 breakthrough studies have been supported in three years. The projects are being implemented, among other things, jointly with leading Russian universities and research organizations.

    Moscow doctors and scientists are developing high-tech methods of diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation and implementing them in the city’s healthcare system. Some of the solutions have been created and applied in clinical practice for the first time in Russia and the world.

    The Moscow government provides financial support to the winners of the regional competition of the Russian Science Foundation in the amount of 50 million rubles annually. We are talking about scientific projects in priority areas for the city, implemented on the basis of scientific organizations and universities in the capital. Since 2022, more than 530 applications have been submitted for participation in the regional competition. 84 scientific teams have become winners.

    In addition, the city allocates grants to universities and scientific organizations. In 2024, 1.176 billion rubles were allocated for events with students within the framework of pre-professional, specialized and additional education programs, career guidance and education, as well as for the development and popularization of science. In particular, the following was provided:

    — 400 grants for the development of a system of specialized and pre-professional training;

    — 35 grants for the popularization of science, as well as for the support and implementation of additional education programs for students, including at centers for technological support of education.

    In 2024, the XIX All-Russian Science Festival Nauka 0 took place, which took place at 100 city venues. The festival events in a mixed format (online and offline) were attended by more than 18.5 million participants.

    The largest joint project of the Moscow Government and the scientific community is pre-professional classes of city schools (engineering, psychological and pedagogical, medical, IT, media and entrepreneurship), in which about 44 thousand schoolchildren study. Leading universities and scientific organizations of the city act as partners of pre-professional classes. Scientists and practitioners are actively involved in teaching in pre-professional classes. Schoolchildren are also introduced to scientific activities in academic classes. The curricula describe the practical application of scientific knowledge and the results of scientific research.

    Since 2013, within the framework of the Moscow Pre-University project, specialized classes for teaching high school students have been opened at Moscow universities. Fifteen universities are participating in the project: Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russian University of Transport (MIIT), Russian State University for the Humanities, Moscow Engineering Physics Institute, Kosygin Russian State University, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow State Linguistic University, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow State Pedagogical University, Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow Finance and Law University, State University of Management, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.

    Touch the world of science. How future scientists are trained in academic classes of Moscow schoolsFruit leather, electronic nurse and printer-builder, or What the capital’s innovators have invented

    Under the guidance of university teachers, more than 7.3 thousand schoolchildren engage in practical work in laboratories, conduct educational research projects, and also participate in scientific student associations.

    In 2024, Moscow schools hosted more than 450 lectures by representatives of the scientific community — young scientists and professors of the Russian Academy of Sciences. They were attended by over 12 thousand students. Scientists told schoolchildren about new developments and advanced technologies, and also helped them make an informed choice of an educational trajectory in the field of science.

    Since 2024, the project “In the Center of Science” has been implemented, aimed at creating a community of young scientists in the capital and popularizing science among schoolchildren and teachers. Within its framework, festivals, clubs, trips and laboratory workshops are held, where students can get acquainted with the modern work of scientists and implement their own projects under the guidance of young researchers and teachers of leading universities in Moscow. The project helps teachers open scientific clubs in schools, and allows scientists to exchange experiences and learn about opportunities for professional growth. In 2024, over 10 thousand scientists, students and teachers of Moscow educational organizations took part in its events.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12346050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Awards recognise Derby’s champions of dignity in care

    Source: City of Derby

    Organisations and individuals that work to promote and protect dignity in Derby have been recognised at a special event. The annual Derby Dignity Tea was held by Derby Safeguarding Adults Board as part of Dignity Action Month.

    Taking place during February, Dignity Action Month promotes upholding dignity, respect, kindness, and compassion in care services. It’s a chance to highlight positive work and create memorable experiences for those receiving care, ensuring they are treated as individuals with choice, control, and purpose.

    The Dignity Tea, held at the Council House, saw a range of professionals recognised for always upholding the dignity of the people they work with. Certificates of recognition were presented by Richard Proctor, Independent Chair of Derby Safeguarding Adults Board, and the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Ged Potter.

    Dignity Awards went to Aspen House Care Home in Littleover, New Lodge Nursing Home in Mickleover and One to One Support Services, which provides specialised in-home care. They all demonstrated how they follow the ‘10 Dignity Dos’ – the values and actions of high-quality services that respect people’s dignity.

    Handyside Court in Alvaston received a Community Respect Award, which recognises community and voluntary sector organisations that demonstrate their ongoing commitment to delivering dignified services.

    Ruth Gipson Sanderson, Housing Manager at Handyside Court, said:

    It means a lot of us to receive this award. We work really hard to make sure Handyside Court is our residents’ home – they’re at the centre of everything we do.

    Handyside Court residents Freda Fletcher, aged 85, and Dennis Shillcock, aged 96, accompanied staff to the event. Freda said:

    My family always say they don’t worry about me because they know I’m safe and happy, and if I need help with anything, the staff are there. They do such a wonderful job.

    This year, for the first time, Dignity Champion Awards were presented to individuals for their efforts to actively promote dignity. Awards went to Tracy Potter from the Alzheimer’s Society, Anna Tyson from Citizens’ Advice, Julie Tomlinson from DHU Healthcare, Jo Collins from Derventio Housing and Lisa Wilson from Derby City Council. Despite their different roles, all the winners demonstrated a person-centred approach in their work, ensuring the voices of patients, residents and families are heard.

    A special award was given to Michelle Payne following her retirement from her role as manager of the Council’s short break respite facility. The award recognised Michelle’s tireless work with service users, families and other professionals to making dignity a priority and her contribution to the work of DSAB.

    Councillor Alison Martin, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said:

    I’m truly inspired by the work of everyone we’ve recognised today. Our award winners are showing us what it means to treat others with kindness and put them at the heart of decision-making. We’re all caring for others in some way, and hopefully receiving care from others too. Dignity is something we can all contribute to. 

    Every single one of us can play a part in making Derby a more compassionate place. We can all make small changes that can make a big difference.

    Derby Safeguarding Adult Board (DSAB) is a multi-agency partnership committed to working together to ensure that adults who have care and support needs in Derby are supported to safeguard themselves from abuse and can report any concerns they may have.

    Together with partner agencies, DSAB would like to invite everyone in Derby to think about dignity and treating each other with respect in all areas of our lives, not only in care. One way to get involved is to become a Dignity Champion. To find our more, visit the Dignity in Care website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Italy partner with the Government of Iraq to boost climate resilience and agricultural livelihoods

    Source: World Food Programme

    BAGHDAD – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a generous contribution from the Italian Government, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to help Iraqi communities strengthen their resilience to climate change while creating economic opportunities, especially for women.

    This initiative, in collaboration with Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment, will introduce climate-smart farming techniques, irrigation improvements, and financial support to help farmers and entrepreneurs adapt to climate change.  Rising temperatures, worsening water scarcity, and land degradation have put Iraq’s agricultural sector under increasing strain. Asmuch as 40 percent of arable land in the south is feared to have been lost to desertification, with negative consequences for livelihoods and food security. 

    “Iraq’s farmers and rural communities are on the frontlines of the fight against climate change, and WFP is committed to working with the Government of Iraq to support local governments and communities in developing scalable and sustainable climate solutions,” said WFP Representative and Country Director in Iraq Mageed Yahia. “Through this initiative, we are ensuring that smallholder farmers and vulnerable groups have access to better water management, resilient crops, and climate financing. These efforts, alongside early warning systems and disaster risk reduction measures, will help communities withstand environmental shocks and secure long-term food security.” 

    The project will be implemented in Ninewa, Salah al-Din, Thi-Qar, and Basra; facing the harshest effects of climate change and will benefit vulnerable women-led households, crisis-affected people, and smallholder farmers. WFP will introduce efficient irrigation systems, helping farmers cut water use by 40% while boosting productivity as well as training sessions to help farmers transition to drought-resistant crops and better land management practices, ensuring long-term food security and soil preservation. 

    The initiative will also empower women, youth, and persons with disabilities by integrating them into climate adaptation programs, providing technical training, and facilitating access to financial resources to support entrepreneurial ventures. 

    WFP will partner with the Government of Iraq, academia and a number of Italian experts to provide technical solutions, equipment and expertise, to enable more efficient management of ecosystem resources. This can be done through community water ponds, nurseries and afforestation and revegetation initiatives. These approaches contribute to improved agricultural productivity and, subsequently, strengthened food systems. 

    “Climate change poses significant risks to Iraq’s agricultural sector, threatening livelihoods and food security all over the Country, and especially for women-led households” highlighted H.E. Niccolò Fontana, Ambassador of Italy to Iraq. “Various regions across Iraq face the harsh realities of water scarcity, land degradation, and rising temperatures. This project directly addresses these challenges by promoting green skills and expanding the private sector workforce, enhancing agricultural value chains, supporting women’s entrepreneurship in climate-resilient sectors. Italy is proud to commit to fostering a green transition that will benefit not only the environment, but also the population, empowering their communities and nurturing sustainability.” 

    WFP will continue working with the Government of Iraq to support communities affected by climate change by aligning its project implementation with the Government’s priorities, particularly focusing on the addressing unemployment, improving water management in irrigation to drive up production and empower women to seek and maintain sustainable livelihoods.  

     

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    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. 

     

     

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media 

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Feb 03, 2025 Transit Equity Day: Safety on Public Transportation is a Civil Right

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Silver Spring, MD – Amalgamated Transit Union International President John Costa released the following statement to mark Transit Equity Day and Rosa Parks’ birthday.

    “Public transportation is not just a service. It is a fundamental right that should be accessible, safe, and equitable for all. The legacy of Rosa Parks, who courageously stood up against racial injustice by refusing to surrender her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, resonates today more than ever. Her act of defiance in 1955 helped ignite a movement for civil rights that sought to ensure all people could live with dignity, free from discrimination and violence. Rosa Parks, along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., believed that every person has the right to a good life—one that includes not only access to public transportation but also to safe housing, quality education, the right to vote, fair employment, and freedom from harm. These ideals form the foundation of the ongoing fight for social justice.

    “Today, as we reflect on this vision of equality, we mark Transit Equity Day by focusing on an urgent issue that is swept under the rug too often: the safety of transit workers and passengers alike. Transportation is integral to our daily lives, yet it should never come at the cost of someone’s well-being or safety. Unfortunately, transit workers across the globe continue to face violence while simply doing their jobs. The ATU family has recently experienced profound loss due to violence that tragically ended the lives of two of our brothers on the job.

    “In Seattle, Washington, we lost Brother Shawn Yim, who was tragically stabbed to death while working his shift. Just weeks later, in Atlanta, Georgia, our Brother Leroy Ramos was senselessly shot and killed over a $2.50 fare. These acts of violence are not isolated incidents—they reflect a systemic issue of safety within the transit industry, one that puts both operators and passengers at risk.

    “This Transit Equity Day, we call for action to address the safety of those who ensure our communities are connected. Transit workers, like every worker, deserve to go home safely at the end of their shifts. The right to safe and equitable public transportation should extend beyond just access. It must also ensure that those who provide the service are protected from harm. The struggle for transit equity is incomplete if those who serve us are not treated with the respect and safety they deserve.

    “We honor the memory of Brother Yim and Brother Ramos and stand in solidarity with all workers who risk their lives to keep our transit systems running. We must work together to make transit safe for everyone and guarantee that public transportation remains a civil right for all.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Washington Field Office Releases Seeking Information Posters for Two Senior Iranian Intelligence Officers Involved in the Abduction of Robert A. Levinson

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    The FBI Washington Field Office today released seeking information posters featuring two senior Iranian intelligence officers who were involved in the abduction of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. “Bob” Levinson from Kish Island, Iran, on March 9, 2007. The release of the posters is part of the FBI’s ongoing investigation into Bob’s abduction and our commitment to resolving the case for his long-suffering family.

    The two intelligence officers—Mohammad Baseri and Ahmad Khazai—allegedly acted in their capacity as officials of Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) during Bob’s abduction, detention, and probable death.

    “The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to return Bob to his family,” said Sanjay Virmani, special agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Counterterrorism Division. “Our extensive investigation continues to develop new leads and intelligence, and we will pursue all options to hold every Iranian official involved in his abduction accountable.”

    For nearly 18 years, the Iranian government has denied knowledge of Bob’s whereabouts despite senior intelligence officials authorizing Bob’s abduction and detention and launching a disinformation campaign to deflect blame from the Iranian regime.

    Both Baseri and Khazai are high-ranking MOIS officers. In December 2020, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control designated Baseri and Khazai for their role in Bob’s abduction.

    AHMAD KHAZAI

    MOHAMMAD BASERI

    According to the designation, Baseri has been involved in counterespionage activities inside and outside Iran, as well as sensitive investigations related to Iranian national security issues. He has worked directly with intelligence officials from other countries to harm U.S. interests.

    Khazai has led MOIS delegations to other countries to assess security situations.

    The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $5 million for information that leads to Bob’s location, recovery, and return. If you have information about Bob or if you have information about Baseri, Khazai, or others who may have played a role in Bob’s abduction, please email levinsonfbireward@fbi.gov. You can also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip via tips.fbi.gov.

    Additionally, the U.S. State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering a reward of up to $20 million for information that leads to Bob’s location, recovery, and return. You can visit RFJ’s website for more information about this reward.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: FE International Reports: 2025 Primed to be a Busy Year For M&A

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FE International, the leading firm in lower and middle market tech M&A, is proud to announce their semi-annual industry reports. This full suite of industry research reports includes sweeping analysis of global markets as well as detailed snapshots of industry-specific M&A activity.

    Global economic outlook overall is more hopeful for 2025. Cabinet changes across several of the G20 and accommodative monetary policies signal greater potential for growth across markets and industries.

    The incoming US Presidential Administration heavily influences the global macroeconomic outlook for 2025. The election of Donald Trump is set to bring profound changes to the economic and regulatory landscape of the United States and beyond. In the international arena, President-elect Trump’s trade policies will likely focus on ensuring U.S. dominance in areas such as digital technology and artificial intelligence.

    Overall, tax cuts and promises of deregulation, particularly for corporations and high-income earners, should stimulate increased investment and economic activity. Financial markets especially are poised for a potentially transformative period, despite the unusual possibility of across-the-board tariffs announced by the US President-Elect. While the impacts of the proposed tariffs would be considerable for the global economy, the potential imposition of tariffs is more likely the starting point of political negotiations.

    Learn how changes in government administrations will impact the global economy with industry insights from:

    With decades of experience, FE International can provide the expertise and guidance founders and investors need to achieve their financial goals. The firm helps businesses prepare for a successful exit by conducting a thorough valuation, suggesting optimizations for operations and profitability, identifying areas for potential growth, and crafting a compelling story for investors.

    About FE International

    Founded in 2010, FE International is an award-winning strategic advisor for technology businesses. FE’s team has completed over 1,500 transactions with a combined value of over $50 billion. FE International was named one of The Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies from 2020 to 2024 by the Financial Times and is also a four-time Inc. 5000 company.

    Media Contact:
    Gaj Tanwar
    Marketing Coordinate, FE International
    Email: gaj.tanwar@feinternational.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: NEXE Innovations to Present at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference on February 6th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO and NEW YORK, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NEXE Innovations Inc. (“NEXE” or the “Company”) (TSX.V: NEXE) (Frankfurt: NX5) (OTC: NEXNF), a compostable and innovative materials company, today announced that Kam Mangat, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Strategy, will present live at the Small Cap Growth Virtual Investor Conference hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on February 6th, 2025.

    DATE: February 6th
    TIME: 1:30 pm ET
    LINK: https://bit.ly/40HJNUC
    Available for 1:1 meetings

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the Company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

    Why NEXE?

    Targeting the multi-billion dollar single-use plastics industry through its:

    • Vertically integrated facility and economies of scale: NEXE utilizes a vertically integrated manufacturing process, including compounding its proprietary resin, extrusion, and injection molding. We believe this end-to-end manufacturing process increases supply chain efficiency, reduces its carbon footprint, and safeguards its intellectual property.
    • Comprehensive IP Portfolio: We developed a pod structure for the compostable coffee pod designed to accommodate higher volumes and still provide a high-quality brewing experience. NEXE accomplished this feat through its innovative technology that increases the filter area (U.S. Pat. No. 12,004,678 issued on June 11, 2024) allowing for more volume per pod and increased coffee extraction, which in our view improves taste and richness. The Company believes that, given these key competitive features, it is well-positioned to offer a compelling “pour-over” coffee experience that appeals to premium coffee brands seeking a sustainable solution. For more details on our IP: NEXE Expands IP Portfolio to Drive Sustainability and Growth Across Different Markets
    • Proprietary Resin: The development of our coffee pod was not without challenges. K-Cup* compatible coffee pods face unique obstacles during the brewing process, including exposure to heat, high pressure, and water flow. Achieving a consistent and satisfying coffee extraction in a K-Cup* compatible machine requires precise engineering to balance these variables. Addressing these complexities demanded significant R&D efforts to create a capsule capable of meeting these rigorous demands while ensuring a premium coffee experience. However, addressing these challenges led to an incredible breakthrough for us in our proprietary resin. We believe this material now forms the foundation of our competitive edge and has positioned NEXE as an innovator that can target low-hanging fruit with higher margins across various industries.
    • Cost Competitive: Compostability often entails higher costs, but at NEXE Innovations, our solution is designed to be environmentally friendly and competitively priced compared to plastics and other alternative material solutions.

    Recent Company Highlights

    Announced three different partnerships:

    • ecoBeans: This West Coast brand is available in retail locations and distributed in the office coffee services (OCS) space.
    • Bridgehead Coffee: An established premium coffee company in Ontario with over 40 years of history, Bridgehead transitioned from another compostable pod to our NEXE pod. Bridgehead works with well-known retail and grocery chains, including Costco, Whole Foods, Sobey’s, and Farm Boy.
    • EKOCUPS: A high-volume online seller and Amazon retailer. This partnership will allow us to expand in the U.S. and build a strong foothold in the largest single-serve market. ~40 million U.S. households own a K-Cup* compatible single-serve brewing system.

    Future Products:

    • NEXE is working with two customers to test compostable pods for the Nespresso** OriginalLine. We expect to launch these pods later in 2025.
    • NEXE continues to invest in R&D and is working on additional sustainable products targeting various industries. Our proprietary resin may be an ideal fit in these industries, and the total addressable market for these industries is larger than that of the coffee pod market.

    Financial Position:

    • NEXE has a strong cash position to execute its strategy, work with large-scale coffee companies, and start building on opportunities outside the coffee space. At the end of fiscal Q2 2025, our total cash position was $14.5 million. 
    • NEXE has minimal debt. The current debt outstanding is $0.5 million, related to an interest-free government loan. NEXE’s commitments at the end of the quarter were $1.3 million, with minimal capex expected over the next two years.

    About NEXE Innovations Inc.
    NEXE Innovations is focused on providing innovative compostable material solutions and packaging to the B2B segment to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals. NEXE Innovations has developed a proprietary and patented compostable material that can withstand heat, pressure, and water. Our flagship product, the NEXE Pod, a BPI-certified compostable coffee pod, showcases our material’s durability and is an ideal substitute for plastic.  The NEXE pod is compatible with major coffee brewing machines and is manufactured at NEXE’s vertically integrated facility based in North America. Discover our innovative approach to sustainability at www.nexeinnovations.com and join our journey on social media @nexeinnovations. #compostablecoffeepods #sustainability #greentech

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:

    NEXE Innovations

    On behalf of the Company:
    Ash Guglani
    President & Director

    For investor relations, contact:
    Kam Mangat
    VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Strategy
    invest@nexeinnovations.com
    Office +1-604-359-4725
    Mobile +1-604-359-4742
    For media relations, contact: media@nexeinnovations.com

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    *NEXE Innovations Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Keurig®. Keurig® is a registered trademark of Keurig Dr Pepper Inc.

    **NEXE Innovations Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Nespresso®. Nespresso® is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements or information, which include, but are not limited to, statements in respect of the potential benefits of the Nexe Pod including for premium coffee brands, potential launch of new coffee pods, continued investment in R&D, potential applications of proprietary resin to other industries and benefits of proprietary resin to Nexe’s business overall, the Company’s overall business strategy, increases in production and revenue, and the Company’s long-term growth and development plans. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such information can generally be identified by the use of forwarding-looking wording such as “may”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “believe” and “continue” or the negative thereof or similar variations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, the Company’s ability to execute on its business strategy, the adoption of Nexe’s proprietary resin in other industries, and those risks set out in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for year ended May 31, 2024 under the headings “Risk and Uncertainties”. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the demand for its products, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve goals. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include receipt of necessary approvals and general economic, market or business conditions. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: How the ‘year of the wood snake’ could play out for China’s economy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Karen Jackson, Reader in Economics, University of Westminster

    Rimma Bondarenko/Shutterstock

    Chinese people around the world have just celebrated lunar new year, which this year has run from January 28 to February 4. It is the biggest festival of the year in China, signalling the start of spring, and this is the year of the wood snake. According to Chinese astrology, the characteristics of the snake – renewal, potential, opportunity and wisdom – will affect the year ahead.

    As we start the new lunar year, it feels like a good time to look ahead to look at the prospects for the Chinese economy through the prism of these characteristics.

    Renewal of traditional economic drivers

    China dominates global manufacturing – its manufacturing production is as large as the next seven largest competitors combined. This has earned China the title of the world’s manufacturing superpower – but it has come at a cost. The latest data shows that China is among the top 20 most polluted countries across the world.

    Therefore, it’s likely that over the next 12 months, there will be a continued drive towards the renewal, or upgrading, of traditional industrial sectors that have historically driven growth in China but are also heavy polluters.

    This is part of a broader push by China to improve its climate footprint and reduce emissions. These are goals outlined in the national climate action plan, referred to by the Paris climate agreement as the nationally determined contributions.

    Potential for a surge into AI

    China has identified the potential for adopting AI, robotics and 3D printing in transforming its manufacturing base. Meanwhile, the country’s next generation AI development plan sets out clear objectives to make AI the main driver of Chinese economic change and industrial development. Expect to see more progress towards this goal in 2025.

    China’s machine-learning sector has experienced considerable growth, and is predicted to grow by an average of 34.8% a year over the next five years. While the US is the major competitor and commands the largest market size, the recent release of the R1 chatbot by DeepSeek has created a stir.

    DeepSeek claims to have developed its latest R1 model at a cost of around US$6 million (£4.8 million), which is considerably less than its US competitors such as Open AI’s ChatGPT-4, which is reported to have cost more than US$100 million. It’s an indication of the strength of innovation which underlines the potential growth of China’s AI sector, and is likely to help narrow the gap with the US.

    Opportunities for foreign investment

    In addition to upgrading traditional industries, we can expect to see opportunities around new areas of growth in advanced technology sectors such as fintech and green tech. China will continue shifting its focus to industries in which its firms can add lots of value, such as in technology-related manufacturing.

    Major investment is needed to fund these industries and two major changes have occurred in recent months, recognising that this cannot come only from domestic sources.

    First, the changes to China’s A-share market, which went into effect in December 2024, will make it easier for a wider range of overseas investors to enter. For example, smaller amounts of capital are required, and foreign capital can now come from unlisted companies.

    Second, in November 2024, China opened up its manufacturing sector to foreign capital by removing all access restrictions.

    Over the next year, we can expect to see these changes increase the amount of foreign capital in China, and help realise these new areas of growth.

    The wisdom of opening up

    China continues to see the wisdom of opening its economy in terms of investment – and therefore that it is critically important to remain well-connected to the rest of the world.

    The geopolitical tensions with the US are a challenge: the US president, Donald Trump, has said he will impose tariffs of 10% on imports from China. But on a more positive note, breaking protocol last month, Chinese vice-president Han Zheng was invited to, and attended, Trump’s inauguration ceremony.

    It’s an indication of the current US administration’s view of the importance of America’s relationship with China.

    The year ahead is also likely to bring opportunities for the UK to continue its efforts to reset its relationship with China. During the recent visit to Beijing by the chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, there was a discussion of a “stable and balanced UK-China relationship”.

    Few expect, or desire, a return to the “golden era” rhetoric of the likes of former UK chancellor George Osborne, who in a speech at the Shanghai Stock Exchange in September 2015 called for Britain and China to work together to ensure mutual prosperity: “Let’s stick together to make Britain China’s best partner in the west. Let’s stick together and create a golden decade for both of our countries.”

    However, greater dialogue with China may be possible, while at the same time carefully managing the UK’s relationship with the new US administration.

    China watchers will be keeping their eyes peeled for other economic developments over the year ahead – for example, the progress of Chinese fiscal reforms and their impact on local and regional finances and income distribution. Also, there is the matter of the real estate market. After significant falls in housing sales and investment during 2024, house prices are showing signs of stabilising.

    China’s economy will face challenges in the year ahead. But there are also some clear opportunities for this manufacturing giant, particularly in the tech sector as it starts to narrow the gap with the US.

    Karen Jackson 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. How the ‘year of the wood snake’ could play out for China’s economy – https://theconversation.com/how-the-year-of-the-wood-snake-could-play-out-for-chinas-economy-248779

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders, Hawley Introduce Bill Capping Credit Card Interest Rates at 10%

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 – As millions of working class families struggle to afford the high prices of groceries, gas, rent and other basic necessities, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced bipartisan legislation to cap credit card interest rates at ten percent.
    “During the campaign, President Trump pledged to cap credit card interest rates at ten percent,” Sanders said. “Today, I am proud to be introducing bipartisan legislation with Senator Hawley to do just that. When large financial institutions charge over 25 percent interest on credit cards, they are not engaged in the business of making credit available. They are engaged in extortion and loan sharking. We cannot continue to allow big banks to make huge profits ripping off the American people. This legislation will provide working families struggling to pay their bills with desperately needed financial relief.”
    “Working Americans are drowning in record credit card debt while the biggest credit card issuers get richer and richer by hiking their interest rates to the moon. It’s not just wrong, it’s exploitative. And it needs to end,” said Hawley. “Capping credit card interest rates at 10%, just like President Trump campaigned on, is a simple way to provide meaningful relief to working people. Let’s do it.”
    In September, the Trump campaign said, “President Trump has promised to cap interest rates at 10% to provide temporary and immediate relief for hardworking Americans who are struggling to make ends meet and cannot afford hefty interest payments on top of the skyrocketing costs of mortgages, rent, groceries and gas.”
    The Sanders-Hawley bill would immediately cap credit card interest rates at 10 percent. The legislation would be in effect for five years.
    This bipartisan bill comes after a recent Forbes report found that the average credit card interest rate is 28.6%, even though banks are able to borrow money from the Federal Reserve at less than 4.5%.
    In 2022, credit card companies generated an incredible $130 billion in interest and fees. Today, the American people hold a record-breaking $1.17 trillion in credit card debt. As of 2023, the average household with credit card debt has over $21,000 in credit card debt. The delinquency rate of credit cards issued by commercial banks is around 3.23%, the highest rate since 2011 in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis.
    If a consumer has a $5,000 credit card balance with a 28% interest rate and can only afford to make the minimum payment of $166 a month it would take that person over 24 years to pay off and would cost nearly $11,000 in interest. If credit card interest rates were capped to 10%, that same consumer would save over $7,000 in interest.
    Usurious credit card interest rates and sky-high fees have allowed credit card companies to make enormous profits and pay their executives exorbitant compensation packages. Over the past five years:
    Visa made $67.5 billion in profits and paid its Executive Chair and former CEO, Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., nearly $140 million in total compensation.
    Mastercard made $44.3 billion in profits and paid its CEO Michael Miebach $77.7 million in total compensation.
    American Express made $33.8 billion in profits, and paid its CEO Stephen Squeri $157.2 million in total compensation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Guilty pleas secured from illegal waste site owners

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has attained guilty pleas from two men from Preston, in connection with illegal waste activities.

    Waste at the Skeffington Road site.

    At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on 29 January, Jamil Hanif, 49 years old of Garstang Road, Preston, pleaded guilty to operating a regulated waste facility without the necessary environmental permit between 1 November 2021 and 6 December 2023.

    Richard Allen, 39 years old of Pope Lane, Preston, also pleaded guilty to illegally depositing controlled waste on the same site between 1 August 2022 and 31 January 2023, in violation of environmental regulations.

    Both defendants received 12-month Community Orders, requiring them to complete 120 hours of unpaid work. 

    • Richard Allen was ordered to pay a £300 contribution to prosecution costs and a £114 government surcharge.  

    • Jamil Hanif was ordered to pay a £1,000 contribution to prosecution costs and a £114 government surcharge.  

    Work continues to tackle waste crime

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: 

    This case highlights our commitment to tackling environmental crime. Illegal waste operations pose significant risks to the environment and legitimate businesses.  

    We are pleased that the defendants have accepted responsibility for their actions, and we will continue to work with partners to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. 

    The case concerns a site owned by Preston City Council, which was initially leased to Finney Skeffington Ltd (FSL), a company directed by Hanif.

    Despite the company’s official dormant status, Hanif used the site for waste storage and sorting activities related to house clearances linked to his wife’s property rental business.

    Allen, acting under Hanif’s instructions, was responsible for tipping waste at the site. 

    Illegal waste activities at the site first came to light in November 2021, when a surveyor appointed by Preston City Council documented significant waste accumulation, including household and commercial waste, construction debris, and car parts.

    As a result, the council terminated FSL’s lease; however, Hanif continued to use the site under a temporary agreement with the council. 

    Further reports from local residents, including photographic and video evidence, showed waste being regularly delivered and dumped on the site, with Allen visibly involved in tipping waste.

    This evidence, along with Environment Agency investigations, led to the prosecution. 

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    Published 4 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council responds to Deloitte’s Annual Crane Survey

    Source: City of Manchester

    Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig and Chief Executive Tom Stannard react to the survey that provides a commentary on the construction sector in the UK’s major cities.

    Leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig said:

    “The annual crane survey shows that Manchester continues to have a strong and growing economy, and our city and region remains one of the most important engines of growth in the UK – and one of the fastest growing places in Europe.

    “The survey is a useful litmus test that makes sure that our city continues to thrive, and despite a challenging economic backdrop for much of the country, we are building record numbers of homes – including more affordable housing than at any other point in the last decade – we saw more than 1m sq ft of much-needed office space delivered to market last year alone, with more than 1.5m sq ft under construction, alongside a range of commercial space opportunities. 

    “Manchester is leading the way in construction, but this isn’t just about buildings. This is about driving investor confidence to create a long-term supply of development. This is about creating high quality employment opportunities that help our residents to prosper. And it’s about creating a global city that is attractive, welcoming and future proof. 

    “The pandemic presented a range of economic challenges for the UK’s towns and cities, and building has broadly slowed. Thankfully Manchester is bucking that trend and we are continuing to attract major business, investment and residential opportunities that will help meet demand and support our city’s ongoing growth.”

    Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, said: 

    “The annual Crane Survey shows some very encouraging signs that Manchester is continuing to weather a very challenging period for the UK’s town and cities. Sustainable economic growth is good for Manchester and our region, and it’s good for the country. 

    “We are seeing high demand for premium office space met with major investment in our city centre, which in turn supports new employment opportunities – vital to help our residents succeed. We are also seeing tourism bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, and we are meeting the targets set out in our ambitious housing strategy. 

    “This tells a story of a city that is weathering the economic storm, despite very real and ongoing challenges.  Manchester is a place that is attracting new business and quality development, we are at the forefront of the UK’s growing tech sector, and we are a place where our residents are supported to thrive and share in the success of the city.

    “We of course stand ready to continue to support the Government on their economic growth mission, which puts our city and region as a key engine of growth for both the North and the UK at large.”

    Find out more about the Deloitte Crane Survey findings

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Few Financial Institutions Take Climate Risks Into Account: Bank of Russia Survey

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    Only a small proportion of financial institutions fully integrate risks associated with reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change into their corporate governance systems. These include: survey results Bank of Russia, conducted to assess the implementation recommendations regulator.

    Banks are more involved in the climate agenda than NPFs and insurance companies. Some of them already set the relevant conditions in loan agreements.

    Monitoring climate and environmental strategies The Bank of Russia’s survey of the largest non-financial companies showed that companies have begun to better disclose climate information and set more ambitious goals. However, environmental goals are often formal in nature.

    Russia’s trading partners continue their transition to a low-carbon economy and introduce regulations that will affect international trade. Therefore, the Bank of Russia intends to describe in more detail the methodologies for taking into account climate risks and develop recommendations for banks on how to manage them. It also plans to continue climate stress testing and encourage financial institutions to assess these risks independently.

    Preview photo: Sergey Bobylev / TASS

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23335

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. coal exports reached a six-year record in June 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    February 4, 2025


    Gross U.S. coal exports in June 2024 totaled 10 million short tons, the most in a month since October 2018, data from our Short-Term Energy Outlook data browser show. Annual average U.S. coal exports were 9.0 million short tons in 2024. U.S. coal exports have increased each year since 2020, when they averaged 5.8 million short tons amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

    U.S. coal exports consist of both steam coal and metallurgical coal that are produced in the United States and sent to other countries. Steam coal, also known as thermal coal, is used by coal-fired power plants to generate electricity and by consumers to heat their homes or businesses. Metallurgical coal is used mainly to produce steel, so demand for metallurgical coal closely follows demand for steel.

    In our Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast that U.S. coal exports will exceed 10.0 million short tons in only two months during 2025 and 2026—in December of each year.

    Principal contributors: Kimberly Peterson, Kristen Tsai

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Fengate expands retirement community portfolio with the acquisition of two new properties in British Columbia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Fengate Asset Management (‘Fengate’) is pleased to announce the successful close of two premier seniors housing properties in Vancouver, British Columbia. The acquisition marks Fengate’s and Seasons Retirement Communities’ (‘Seasons’) first venture into the British Columbia market, further growing its portfolio of retirement communities across Canada.

    The new properties, Seasons Arbutus Walk and Seasons Wesbrook Village, collectively offer 295 rental suites and 88 managed condominium suites located in two of Vancouver’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, offering residents easy access to parks, local amenities, and cultural attractions.

    Fengate and Seasons are managing this investment on behalf of their investors, including the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (‘LPFCEC’).

    “We are proud to build on our legacy of empowering Canada’s seniors through market-leading housing that advances Seasons’ mission of affecting positive change in the lives of this vital and growing community,” said Joseph Mancinelli, International Vice President and Regional Manager for Central and Eastern Canada at LiUNA.

    “This acquisition is transformational for Fengate and Seasons as we build the foundation for our growth in British Columbia. Fengate and Seasons are well positioned to capitalize on the growing seniors’ demographic in this key strategic growth market and across Canada,” said Jaime McKenna, President Fengate Real Estate.

    “Seasons is pleased to continue to work with Fengate to diversify our portfolio of quality retirement communities,” said Michael Lavallée, Chief Executive Officer at Seasons Retirement Communities.

    “Our best-in-class management team is committed to collaborating with our communities to provide residents with a continuum of care within a warm, welcoming, and vibrant atmosphere that embodies the Seasons promise.”

    Established in 2009 by Fengate, Seasons Retirement Communities is a Canadian company that currently owns and operates 25 retirement communities across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, with more developments underway. Seasons is dedicated to addressing the needs of Canada’s aging population by offering exceptional seniors housing and services.

    MEDIA CONTACT

    Matthew Ventura
    Director, Communications and Marketing, Real Estate
    Fengate Asset Management
    matthew.ventura@fengate.com
    416-432-6194

    About the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada

    Established in 1972, the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (LPFCEC) is one of the fastest growing multi-employer pension funds across Canada, voted top 10 pension funds by Benefits Canada. With a diverse investment portfolio and over $12 billion in assets, LPFCEC has yielded positive returns for the plan, great work opportunities for LiUNA members, and has created many needed institutions across North America through a broad range of investments. Learn more at lpfcec.org.

    About Fengate Asset Management

    Fengate is a leading alternative investment manager, with more than $40 billion of assets under management, focused on infrastructure, private equity, and real estate strategies. With offices and team members in Canada and the United States, Fengate has a proven track record of successful projects and partnerships and an established reputation as one of the most active real asset investors and developers in North America. Fengate Real Estate, a division of Fengate Asset Management, is a fully integrated real estate investment, development and asset management platform with a $20 billion portfolio, including a 25,000+ residential unit pipeline and 5M+ square feet of industrial space in varying stages of development. Learn more at fengate.com.

    About Seasons Retirement Communities

    Established in 2009, Seasons is a Canadian company that operates 15 retirement residences in Ontario, eight residences in Alberta, and two in British Columbia, with more under development. Our management team has extensive experience in the senior housing sector and has developed a culture dedicated to providing residents with superior customer service. At Seasons, we want our residents to feel proud to call us home and to know they are surrounded by people who genuinely care. Connect. Care. Change®.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83e9e1fe-ce65-4988-aa79-2d431daa80e1
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/09619cb9-0b02-456e-aa3e-aaa24488aa2b

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Tactile Medical Expands Launch of Nimbl™ to Include Patients with Lower Extremity Lymphedema

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (“Tactile Medical”; the “Company”) (Nasdaq: TCMD), a medical technology company providing therapies for people with chronic disorders, today announced that Nimbl, its next-generation pneumatic compression platform, is now commercially available throughout the United States (U.S.) for the treatment of both upper and lower extremity lymphedema. Nimbl’s expanded availability to include lower extremity conditions (“phlebolymphedema”) follows its commercial introduction in October 2024, initially focused on treating patients suffering from upper extremity lymphedema.

    “On the heels of Nimbl’s launch for patients with upper extremity swelling, we are pleased to now expand access to the 16 million Americans with chronic swelling in the lower extremities,” said Sheri Dodd, Chief Executive Officer at Tactile Medical. “These patients require effective, convenient therapies to help manage their symptoms. With Nimbl, they now have access to a solution which embodies patient-focused innovation and reflects our commitment to serving patients and improving their care experience.”

    Nimbl is the smallest pneumatic compression device (PCD) of its kind, featuring a compact controller that is 68% lighter and 40% smaller than the Company’s current generation PCD. The lower extremity garment uses 94% less hosing, making the device easy to transport and manage. Nimbl is the only basic PCD with Bluetooth® connectivity, providing patients a way to track their treatments and symptom progress with the Company’s free Kylee™ digital application.

    “Nimbl for lower extremity lymphedema is intentionally designed as a user-friendly, patient-centric treatment option that is comfortable, clinically effective, and optimized for increased adherence,” said Tony Gasparis, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Tactile Medical. “Its physical dimensions and significant reduction in hose length afford patients the ability to more easily transport Nimbl around the home, or take it with them when traveling, providing an improved all around patient experience.”

    About Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. (DBA Tactile Medical)

    Tactile Medical is a leader in developing and marketing at-home therapies for people suffering from underserved, chronic conditions including lymphedema, lipedema, chronic venous insufficiency and chronic pulmonary disease by helping them live better and care for themselves at home. Tactile Medical collaborates with clinicians to expand clinical evidence, raise awareness, increase access to care, reduce overall healthcare costs and improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of patients each year.

    Investor Inquiries:
    Sam Bentzinger
    Gilmartin Group
    investorrelations@tactilemedical.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Franklin Electric Schedules its Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WAYNE, Ind., Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) will release its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 earnings at 8:00 am ET on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. A conference call to review earnings and other developments in the business will commence at 9:00 am ET. The fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 earnings call will be available via a live webcast. The webcast will be available in a listen only mode by going to:

    https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/9jnstij5

    For those interested in participating in the question-and-answer portion of the call, please register for the call at the link below.

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI4b232e4ceea6435ba8f046e92e18e563

    All registrants will receive dial-in information and a PIN allowing them to access the live call. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call).

    A replay of the conference call will be available from Tuesday, February 18, 2025, through 9:00 am ET on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, by visiting the listen-only webcast link above.

    About Franklin Electric
    Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and energy. Recognized as a technical leader in its products and services, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications. Franklin Electric is proud to be named in Newsweek’s lists of America’s Most Responsible Companies and Most Trustworthy Companies for 2024 and America’s Climate Leaders 2024 by USA Today.

    “Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statements contained herein, including those relating to market conditions or the Company’s financial results, costs, expenses or expense reductions, profit margins, inventory levels, foreign currency translation rates, liquidity expectations, business goals and sales growth, involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, risks and uncertainties with respect to general economic and currency conditions, various conditions specific to the Company’s business and industry, weather conditions, new housing starts, market demand, competitive factors, changes in distribution channels, supply constraints, effect of price increases, raw material costs, technology factors, integration of acquisitions, litigation, government and regulatory actions, the Company’s accounting policies, future trends, epidemics and pandemics, and other risks which are detailed in the Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, included in Item 1A of Part I of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, Exhibit 99.1 attached thereto and in Item 1A of Part II of the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements made herein are based on information currently available, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

    CONTACT: Jeff Taylor
    Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
    260.824.2900

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Sunrun’s Power Plant Programs Complete Successful 2024 with Expansion and Innovation To Support Power Grids Across the Country

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the nation’s leading provider of clean energy as a subscription service, announced today that its growing portfolio of virtual power plants (VPPs) successfully supported power grids across the country in 2024 with a combined instantaneous peak of nearly 80 megawatts—a capacity greater than many traditional fossil-fuel power plants. These innovative programs leveraged Sunrun’s fleet of residential solar and battery systems—the largest in America—empowering customers to generate, store, and share their own solar energy.

    In 2024, more than 20,000 Sunrun customers participated in 16 virtual power plant programs across nine states and territories. From California and Texas to Puerto Rico and New England, the customers’ batteries supplied on-demand, stored solar energy to augment power resources during hundreds of critical energy events.

    “Utilities are at a point where they can’t grow fast enough for the increased demand for electricity, which is why they are coming to Sunrun for help,” said Sunrun CEO Mary Powell. “Our power plant portfolio is at an inflection point because we have the resources and expertise to quickly develop, deploy, and scale programs to provide smart, controllable load. Combining solar with storage not only provides American families with energy independence and peace of mind, but also the ability to support the grid when it’s needed most.”

    Extreme weather events and soaring electricity demand underscore the importance for these power plant programs. The North American Electric Reliability Corporation warns that over half the U.S. faces blackout risks in the next decade due to capacity shortfalls, as peak demand continues to climb with the rise of artificial intelligence, domestic manufacturing growth, and electrification of the economy. According to the Department of Energy, data center load growth has tripled over the past decade and is expected to more than double by 2028.

    Sunrun’s 2024 virtual power plant initiatives have demonstrated the ability to enhance grid reliability, lower harmful emissions, and decrease costs for all electricity customers. Notable examples of performance include:

    • California: Over 16,000 Sunrun customers participating in California’s statewide CalReady program—the nation’s largest single-owner virtual power plant—delivering an average of 48 megawatts of stored solar energy to the grid during peak evening hours in the summer months. Output peaked at 54 megawatts, enough to power approximately 48,000 homes—equivalent to a city the size of Santa Monica.
    • Puerto Rico: Over 4,000 customers’ batteries participating in Sunrun’s PowerOn Puerto Rico program provided vital backup energy to the island’s grid during more than 70 energy shortfall events. Within just an hour’s notice, Sunrun dispatched its batteries as a single power plant to avoid rolling blackouts to help keep the lights on for communities across Puerto Rico.
    • Texas: Sunrun partnered with Tesla Electric, a retail electricity provider operated by Tesla Energy Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Tesla, Inc., and Vistra on two virtual power plants in the Lone Star State. Still growing, the Tesla Electric program leverages home batteries to provide reserves during peak consumption. Customers receive an annual payment, currently set at $400 per Powerwall, while Sunrun earns recurring revenue through the program. The Vistra partnership also offers customers financial incentives and credits.
    • New York: Sunrun activated the state’s largest residential virtual power plant in collaboration with Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc., a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. Over 300 solar-plus-storage systems provided stored solar energy during peak demand events in the summer. Participating customers received a free or heavily discounted home battery in exchange for their commitment to the 10-year program, while Sunrun received upfront payments from O&R.
    • Maryland: Sunrun launched the nation’s first bidirectional electric vehicle-to-home virtual power plant, partnering with Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation, to utilize a small group of customer-owned Ford F-150 Lightnings. BGE was awarded grant funding from the Department of Energy to create the program, and Sunrun developed and operated this first-in-the-nation electric vehicle VPP. Participating customers earned several hundred dollars by sharing energy from their F-150 Lightning trucks.

    “My wife and I earned nearly $1,700 just by sharing the energy from our Ford Lightning,” said Sunrun customer Brian Foreman. “It’s exciting to be an early adopter of this technology and making extra money with our electric truck is just an added bonus.”

    “Sunrun is executing its virtual power plant strategy at a scale that is unmatched, and we’re excited to monetize more battery assets and secure additional, recurring revenue streams in 2025,” said Sunrun President and Chief Revenue Officer Paul Dickson. “With over half of new Sunrun customers installing storage, we are laying a strong foundation to create future programs where there is value for our customers, benefit to the grid, and revenue for Sunrun.”

    Sunrun’s storage-first approach has positioned it to become one of the nation’s largest distributed power providers, serving as a vital resource for utilities and grid operators in protecting Americans from outages, pollution, and rising energy costs. Peak season customer enrollment in Sunrun’s power-sharing programs grew approximately 100% year-over-year in 2024.

    “Sunrun is the industry leader, and we’re proving that every utility can and should have a virtual power plant program,” said Chris Rauscher, head of Grid Services at Sunrun. “Our largest and most successful programs are in Puerto Rico and California—places with vastly different power grids—but both equally benefiting from Sunrun customers’ solar-plus-storage systems being networked together to augment supply. I want to thank our amazing team which has turned the dream of VPPs into a reality.”

    About Sunrun
    Sunrun Inc. (Nasdaq: RUN) revolutionized the solar industry in 2007 by removing financial barriers and democratizing access to locally-generated, renewable energy. Today, Sunrun is the nation’s leading provider of clean energy as a subscription service, offering residential solar and storage with no upfront costs. Sunrun’s innovative products and solutions can connect homes to the cleanest energy on earth, providing them with energy security, predictability, and peace of mind. Sunrun also manages energy services that benefit communities, utilities, and the electric grid while enhancing customer value. Discover more at www.sunrun.com.

    Media Contact
    Wyatt Semanek
    Director, Corporate Communications
    press@sunrun.com

    Investor & Analyst Contact
    Patrick Jobin
    SVP, Deputy CFO & Investor Relations Officer
    investors@sunrun.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 5, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: A Well-Earned Retirement for Officer Tildy

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On Tuesday, Feb. 4, Tildy, the UConn Police Department’s first community outreach dog, will formally celebrate her retirement after seven years of serving – and delighting – the UConn community.  

    Meeting Tildy has been a staple of the UConn experience, bringing immense amounts of joy to everyone she encounters on the Great Lawn, Fairfield Way, Horsebarn Hill, and pretty much every place at UConn where crowds gather, as well as classrooms and courthouses across the state.

    Sergeant Justin Cheney with Officer Tildy of the UConn Police Department on October 19, 2020. (UConn photo/Sean Flynn)

    Tildy’s retirement is bittersweet for UConn, but for one member of the community in particular: Sergeant Justin Cheney ’07 (CLAS), her human partner ever since her arrival in 2018. Cheney has experienced so many events and moments at UConn he wouldn’t normally be part of, all thanks to Tildy. From Sunset Yoga to the Involvement Fair to HuskyTHON, students’ excitement at Tildy’s meant that Cheney was able to become even more immersed in campus life.  

    “I knew that by bringing this dog here, we’re going to get more people to engage in our events,” he says. “I never realized how much she would transcend in the sense that we would be invited to, and included in, all of these different events on campus.”

    UConn dog lovers need not despair, though: Tildy’s little sister Jazmine, a 2-year-old golden retriever, completed her training with Cheney in August 2024, and will take over as community outreach dog on a full-time basis this month. 

    Tildy wasn’t just a pioneer at UConn: Cheney and UConn piloted the Community Outreach Facility Dog Program in Connecticut. Cheney, who started at the UConn Police Department in 2015, working in the Community Outreach Department running programs and trainings, had the idea of getting a dog to assist in areas like victim support or therapy sessions, to better engage the community and enhance the approachability of Community Outreach officers. 

    UConn Police K9 Officers Jazmine and Tildy sit near Gampel Pavilion on Aug. 13, 2024. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

    Inspired by the Eastern Washington University Police Department and their yellow lab, Cheney contacted them in hopes of bringing a dog to Storrs. They directed him to Canine Companions, an organization that trains service dogs who go on to provide one-on-one assistance to people. However, not all dogs matriculate as service dogs, and sometimes need alternative placements.  

    Tildy is what is known as a Facility Dog: “A dog that has all of the training as a service dog, but would go into a larger setting to assist multiple people, instead of just assisting one person each and every day,” Cheney says.

    Today, there are now 20 handlers and teams of Community Outreach Facility Dog Programs in Connecticut. “Being the first program in the state shows our commitment to supporting our students, which really was the extra drive for wanting to organize this program,” Cheney says. “The goal was to be able to provide that additional layer of victim assistance and ensure that the dogs will always be there for these services.”

    Jonathan XIV and Tildy of the UConn Police Department share a first date on Horsebarn Hill and at the UConn Dairy Bar in 2019. (Tom Rettig/UConn Photo)

    The duo’s frequent appearances on campus have allowed Cheney to establish quality relationships with students. “We want to make sure our consistency, in terms of our presence at different events or hosting our own, hopefully goes a long way in showing the students that we care and want to be involved,” he says. “We want to participate in as many things as we can but also provide that support and assistance in any way possible.”

    When looking back on highlights of their time together, Cheney recalls the countless number of smiles he’s seen Tildy bring to students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 

    “To see that positive impact and how much she’s done at UConn makes me so happy,” he says. “I feel so lucky to be able to bring this dog around to help people, and feel so rewarded to have this experience.”

    Although Tildy’s retirement means she will not be on campus every day anymore, don’t be surprised if you see her happy face and wagging tail from time to time.

    “This is not the last time Tildy will be on campus,” Cheney says. “She’ll make her way back every once in a while for events that I know she’d love to attend.”

    Tildy’s retirement celebration will be held on Feb. 4 in the Wilbur Cross North Reading Room from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.. Join Cheney, Jazmine and other community outreach facility dogs in saying farewell to Tildy! 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 5, 2025
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