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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DAO 04/25 letter: New guidance on publishing business cases for major projects and programmes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Correspondence

    DAO 04/25 letter: New guidance on publishing business cases for major projects and programmes

    ‘Dear Accounting Officer’ letters provide advice on accountability, regularity, propriety, value for money and annual accounting exercises.

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    DAO 04/25 letter: New guidance on publishing business cases for major projects and programmes

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    DAO 04/25 letter: New guidance on publishing business cases for major projects and programmes

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    Accounting officers shall publish a Summary Business Case, Full Business Case or Programme Business Case for relevant projects and programmes on the Government Major Projects Portfolio. Each Accounting Officer should ensure they and relevant staff in their organisations are familiar with the relevant Treasury guidance.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Voltage Park joins NSF-led National AI Research Resource pilot to expand access to advanced computing

    Source: US Government research organizations

    The U.S. National Science Foundation is proud to announce a new partnership with Voltage Park in support of the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot — a transformative public-private initiative designed to drive U.S. AI innovation, discovery and national competitiveness by expanding access to the tools and resources essential for cutting-edge AI resources for researchers and educators across the country.

    Voltage Park, a company committed to broadening access to AI infrastructure, will contribute high-performance cloud computing resources and expert support to help researchers nationwide pursue breakthrough innovations in AI. As part of the partnership, Voltage Park will provide one million NVIDIA H100 GPU hours, enabling a diverse range of AI research projects in science, engineering, health, climate, and more.

    “Voltage Park’s participation significantly strengthens our ability to deliver on the promise of the NAIRR pilot,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. “By partnering with visionary private sector organizations like Voltage Park, we are expanding the frontiers of AI research and ensuring that the US continues to lead in AI innovation.”  

    ​​​“Expanding access to advanced computing is not just a technical initiative—it’s a strategic priority,” said Ozan Kaya, Chief Executive Officer of Voltage Park. “By lowering the barriers to high-performance AI infrastructure, we can unlock innovation from a more diverse and representative set of researchers. That inclusivity is what drives truly impactful AI—and strengthens our national edge in the global innovation landscape.”

    The NAIRR pilot, launched in 2024 and led by NSF, is a two-year proof-of-concept designed to inform the development of a full-scale national infrastructure. It connects researchers to a distributed ecosystem of computational, data, software, model, training, and user support resources essential for advancing AI research, development, and workforce training.

    The pilot brings together 12 federal agencies and now 27 partners from the private sector, nonprofit, and philanthropic communities, reflecting a whole-of-nation approach to building a more inclusive and impactful AI research ecosystem.

    Voltage Park’s team will work closely with NAIRR pilot operations staff to match researchers with the most appropriate resources, ensuring they receive expert support and training to maximize their use of the computing time provided.

    This collaboration exemplifies NSF’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships that advance U.S. leadership in AI while promoting innovation, economic growth and national competitiveness. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Celebrates Third Anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, New Resources Available to Help Those in Need

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Celebrates Third Anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, New Resources Available to Help Those in Need

    NCDHHS Celebrates Third Anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, New Resources Available to Help Those in Need
    jawerner

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services this week celebrates three years of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides help and support for anyone suffering from depression, anxiety or interpersonal/family issues or who just needs someone to talk to during a time of personal crisis. North Carolina is a national leader in 988 implementation with a focus on answering every call and ensuring every person gets the care they need. A recent survey shows many people reported feeling hopeful, grateful and motivated after calling 988 with more than 90% finding the service valuable in their community. Additionally, 33% of people in the survey say 988 saved their life or the life of someone they care about.

    From August 2022, the first full month of service, through May 2025, the state averaged more than 9,400 calls, texts or chats each month. Text and chat options were first offered in July 2023.

    From June 2024 through May 2025, the volume increased to 11,443 calls/chats/texts per month. National data shows 68 percent of contacts are phone calls, 18 percent are texts and 14 percent are chats.

    “No matter what you are facing, help is just a phone call away for all North Carolinians,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “The rapid and successful adoption of 988 is a testament to the need for accessible, compassionate and supportive counselors so someone experiencing a mental health crisis can feel cared for in their most vulnerable moments.”

    Mental health impacts every North Carolinian, and rates of anxiety and depression have skyrocketed in recent years. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 14, and a leading cause of death among those aged 15-24. Experienced and trained 988 operators will respond to all calls to 988 and ensure that people receive the support and resources that they need.

    In North Carolina, the 13-17 age group averages the most contacts to 988, with 97 contacts per 10,000 residents, followed by 25-34 (96), 18-24 (93) and 35-44 (57), according to the most recent data from the North Carolina 988 Performance Dashboard.

    “The need for mental health care for young people in North Carolina has never been greater,” said Kelly Crosbie MSW, LCSW NCDHHS Director of the Division of Mental Health, Substance Use Services and Developmental Disorders. “We are building a system of crisis services to ensure there will always be someone to contact, someone to respond and a safe for help if you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to.”

    Experienced and trained 988 operators will respond to all calls and ensure people receive the support and resources they need. The United States Department of Health and Human Services recently announced it would eliminate federal funding for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline service dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth services. On July 17, 2025, people who call 988 will no longer have the option to Press 3, specific to LGBTQ+ youth considering suicide. NCDHHS is committed to responding to everyone who needs mental health services. Everyone can and should still call 988, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

    The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is an important component of NCDHHS’ ongoing work to ensure every North Carolinian has someone to contact, someone to respond and a safe place for help when experiencing a behavioral health crisis. 

    Of the $835 million investment in behavioral health in the 2023 state budget, NCDHHS has committed more than $130 million to transforming North Carolina’s mental health crisis response services and providing support when and where it is needed, no matter the crisis.

    The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is one of many crisis services offered by NCDHHS to those who need support. Mobile crisis teams can come to you to provide in-person help. Find the low or no cost crisis services right for you at ncdhhs.gov/CrisisServices.

    Community Crisis Centers are open 24/7 and provide access to licensed clinicians. No appointment is required, and help is available to people ages 4 and up.

    Our Crisis Services Communications Toolkit includes free flyers, posters and other resources to promote and explain crisis services in your community in English and Spanish. For additional information about 988, visit 988lifeline.org.

    ###

    If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or need someone to talk to, you are not alone. Resources are available on the NCDHHS Suicide Prevention website for social or family situations, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, thoughts of suicide, alcohol or drug use, or if you just need someone to talk to.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte celebra esta semana tres años de la Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis, que proporciona ayuda y apoyo a cualquier persona que sufra de depresión, ansiedad o problemas interpersonales y/o familiares, o que simplemente necesite a alguien con quien hablar durante un momento de crisis personal. Carolina del Norte es un líder nacional en la implementación de la línea 988 con un enfoque en responder a cada llamada y garantizar que cada persona reciba la atención que necesita. Una encuesta reciente muestra que muchas personas reportaron sentirse esperanzadas, agradecidas y motivadas después de llamar al 988, y más del 90 % considera que el servicio es valioso en su comunidad. Además, el 33 % de las personas en la encuesta dicen que la línea 988 salvó su vida o la vida de alguien que les importa.

    Desde agosto de 2022, el primer mes completo de servicio, hasta mayo de 2025, el estado respondió en promedio a más de 9,400 llamadas, mensajes de texto o chats cada mes. Las opciones de texto y chat se ofrecieron por primera vez en julio de 2023.

    Desde junio de 2024 hasta mayo de 2025, el volumen aumentó a 11,443 llamadas, chats y/o mensajes de texto por mes. Los datos nacionales muestran que el 68 por ciento de los contactos son llamadas telefónicas, el 18 por ciento son mensajes de texto y el 14 por ciento son chats.

    “No importa a lo que se enfrente, la ayuda está a solo una llamada telefónica de distancia para todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai. “La adopción rápida y exitosa del 988 es un testimonio de la necesidad de consejeros accesibles, compasivos y de apoyo para que alguien que experimenta una crisis de salud mental pueda sentirse atendido en sus momentos más vulnerables”.

    La salud mental afecta a todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte, y las tasas de ansiedad y depresión se han disparado en los últimos años. El suicidio es la segunda causa de muerte entre los jóvenes de 10 a 14 años, y una de las principales causas de muerte entre los de 15 a 24 años. Los operadores experimentados y capacitados del 988 responderán a todas las llamadas al 988 y se asegurarán de que las personas reciban el apoyo y los recursos que necesitan.

    En Carolina del Norte, el grupo de edad de 13 a 17 años es el que registra más contactos al 988 en promedio, con 97 contactos por cada 10,000 habitantes, seguido del grupo de 25 a 34 (96), 18 a 24 (93) y 35 a 44 (57), según los datos más recientes del tablero de rendimiento del 988 de Carolina del Norte.

    “La necesidad de atención de salud mental para los jóvenes en Carolina del Norte nunca ha sido mayor”, dijo Kelly Crosbie MSW, LCSW, directora de la División de Servicios de Salud Mental, Discapacidades de Desarrollo y Uso de Sustancias del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte. “Estamos construyendo un sistema de servicios de crisis para garantizar que siempre haya alguien con quien ponerse en contacto, alguien que responda y un lugar seguro para obtener ayuda si está en crisis o simplemente necesita a alguien con quien hablar”.

    Los operadores experimentados y capacitados del 988 responderán a todas las llamadas y se asegurarán de que las personas reciban el apoyo y los recursos que necesitan. El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos anunció recientemente que eliminaría los fondos federales para el servicio de la Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis dedicado a los jóvenes LGBTQ+. El 17 de julio de 2025, las personas que llamen al 988 ya no tendrán la opción de oprimir 3, específicamente para los jóvenes LGBTQ+ que estén considerando suicidarse. El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) se compromete a responder a todas las personas que necesitan servicios de salud mental. Todos pueden y deben llamar al 988, incluidos los miembros de la comunidad LGBTQ+.

    La Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis es un componente importante del trabajo continuo del NCDHHS para garantizar que todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte tengan a alguien con quien comunicarse, alguien que responda y un lugar seguro para obtener ayuda cuando experimentan una crisis de salud conductual. 

    De la inversión de $ 835 millones en salud conductual en el presupuesto estatal de 2023, el NCDHHS ha comprometido más de $ 130 millones para transformar los servicios de respuesta a crisis de salud mental de Carolina del Norte y brindar apoyo cuando y donde sea necesario, sin importar la crisis.

    La Línea 988 de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis es uno de los muchos servicios de crisis ofrecidos por el NCDHHS a aquellos que necesitan apoyo. Los equipos móviles de respuesta a crisis pueden acudir a usted para brindarle ayuda en persona. Encuentre los servicios de crisis gratuitos o de bajo costo adecuados para usted en Servicios de respuesta a crisis de Carolina del Norte – en español | NCDHHS.

    Los centros comunitarios de respuesta a crisis están abiertos las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana y brindan acceso a médicos con licencia. No se requiere cita y hay ayuda disponible para personas de 4 años en adelante. 

    Nuestro Kit de herramientas de comunicación sobre los servicios de respuesta a crisis incluye volantes gratuitos, carteles y otros recursos para promover y explicar servicios de respuesta a crisis en su comunidad en inglés y español. Para obtener información adicional sobre el 988, visite Linea988.org/es.

    ###

    Si usted o alguien que conoce está luchando con su salud mental o necesita a alguien con quien hablar, no está solo. Los recursos están disponibles en el sitio web de Prevención del Suicidio del NCDHHS para situaciones sociales o familiares, depresión, ansiedad, ataques de pánico, pensamientos de suicidio, consumo de alcohol o drogas, o si solo necesita a alguien con quien hablar.

    Jul 16, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: MoonBull Launches Whitelist Registration Amid Surging Meme Coin Momentum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Whitelist Offers Early Access to $MOBU Token with Staking and Allocation Benefits

    NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The team behind MoonBull ($MOBU), a new Ethereum-based meme coin, has officially opened whitelist registration for early supporters, signaling the next phase in its pre-launch development. The whitelist comes with exclusive benefits, including early token access, staking incentives, and private roadmap previews, available only to selected participants ahead of the public launch.

    This announcement arrives as interest in meme coin markets continues to grow. Recent activity around trending tokens like Turbo and Cheems highlights the increasing demand for early-access crypto opportunities driven by strong community narratives and innovation.

    MoonBull’s Whitelist Now Live

    MoonBull is positioning itself within the meme coin space by offering early contributors more than just pre-sale access. Whitelist members will receive early launch notifications and access to rewards including secret staking opportunities and bonus token allocations. These benefits are not available post-launch, making the whitelist phase a critical entry point.

    Only a limited number of whitelist spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested participants can register through the official MoonBull website at https://www.moonbull.io.

    “Our goal is to reward early supporters with more than just token access,” said a spokesperson from the MoonBull team. “The whitelist is designed to align MoonBull’s launch with long-term holders and community-first values.”

    Market Context: Turbo and Cheems See Increased Trading Activity

    The MoonBull whitelist launch coincides with notable market moves in the broader meme coin segment. Turbo ($TURBO), recognized for its AI-generated origins, recently reported a 44% increase over seven days, accompanied by a 185% rise in trading volume.

    Meanwhile, Cheems ($CHEEMS), a Solana-based meme coin, has seen a 63% jump in volume over the same period. Cheems continues to expand its brand presence with projects such as Cheems NFTs and a community-led card game initiative.

    While MoonBull is still in the pre-launch phase, the momentum in the meme coin market underscores growing investor interest in narrative-driven assets and early-access participation.

    How to Register for the MoonBull Whitelist

    Traders and enthusiasts interested in the MoonBull whitelist can register by submitting their email via the official form at https://www.moonbull.io. Approved users will receive exclusive launch information ahead of public announcements.

    About MoonBull

    MoonBull ($MOBU) is an Ethereum-based meme coin inspired by “unstoppable bull” energy. Designed for community-driven growth, MoonBull is preparing to launch with a focus on early access incentives, staking rewards, and utility-driven expansion.

    For More Information:

    Website: https://www.moonbull.io/
    Telegram: https://t.me/MoonBullCoin
    Twitter: https://x.com/MoonBullX

    Contact:
    Ayra
    support@moonbull.io

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by MoonBull. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/96dc40a2-0df2-4bbe-9037-746151c8d482

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b63508b2-ecee-41c1-a965-fdbb08f6d4bc

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2e94a01f-febf-452b-9df1-8387edf4e347

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/56fd204c-44a1-4ece-9670-af2e8ab22f66

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Alectra urges customers to stay cool and conserve energy as prolonged heatwave continues across Southern Ontario

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With a multi-day stretch of extreme heat and humidity continuing across Southern Ontario, Alectra Utilities is encouraging residents to prioritize their health and safety while taking steps to reduce electricity consumption.

    Environment Canada has issued a heat warning with daytime highs of 31 to 35 C and humidex values reaching up to 42. The intense conditions are expected to persist through Thursday night.

    With extreme heat events becoming more frequent, investing in renewing aging equipment and installing new infrastructure remains crucial to meet the growing grid demand. For more information on Alectra’s capital construction investments, please visit: alectrautilities.com/improving-reliability. To help manage electricity consumption and lower summertime bills, Alectra recommends the following tips:

    • Use a programmable thermostat to regulate indoor temperatures.
    • Close curtains or blinds during peak sun hours.
    • Delay using major appliances, such as dishwashers or dryers, until the evening.
    • Use ceiling or portable fans to circulate air.
    • Keep windows and doors closed while using air conditioning.

    If your home is too hot, consider visiting a cooling centre, public library, mall or community centre. Follow the advice of your local public health authority.

    For more tips, visit alectrautilities.com/tips-resources.

    For more information about how you can save energy this summer and avoid higher bills, visit alectrautilities.com/tips-resources.

    About Alectra Utilities

    Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future.

    X: https://twitter.com/alectranews

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alectranews/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alectranews/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/16178435/admin/

    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alectranews.bsky.social

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alectranews

    Media Contact

    Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com |
    Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Greene County Bancorp, Inc. Announces Cash Dividend Increase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CATSKILL, N.Y., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greene County Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ-GCBC) today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend reflects an annual cash dividend rate of $0.40 per share which represents an 11.1% increase from the previous annual cash dividend of $0.36 per share.

    The cash dividend for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, will be paid to shareholders of record as of August 15, 2025, and is expected to be paid on August 29, 2025.

    The Company is the majority-owned subsidiary of Greene County Bancorp, MHC (the “MHC”), a federal mutual holding company, which owns 54.1% of the Company’s outstanding common shares. The MHC is waiving its receipt of this dividend. The MHC received the nonobjection of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia to waive its right to receive dividends, aggregating up to $0.48 per share, paid by the Company during the four quarters ending with the quarters that end on December 31, 2024, March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025, and September 30, 2025.

    Greene County Bancorp, Inc. is the direct and indirect holding company for the Bank of Greene County, a federally chartered savings bank, and Greene County Commercial Bank, a New York-chartered commercial bank, both headquartered in Catskill, New York. Our primary market is the Hudson Valley Region and Capital District Region in New York State. For more information on Greene County Bancorp, Inc., visit www.tbogc.com.

    For Further Information Contact:
    Donald E. Gibson
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    (518) 943-2600
    donaldg@tbogc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oportun Named to the CNBC World’s Top Fintech Companies 2025 List

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN CARLOS, Calif., July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT), a mission-driven financial services company, today announced that it has been named to the third edition of CNBC’s World’s Top Fintech Companies 2025 for the second year in a row. Oportun was recognized for its intelligent borrowing, savings, and budgeting tools that enable its members to build a better financial future.

    This prestigious award, presented in partnership with Statista, is based on an in-depth analysis of key performance indicators for more than 2,000 eligible companies using publicly available sources such as annual reports, media monitoring, and company websites.

    “Oportun is committed to helping our members take control of their finances and move forward with confidence, “ said Raul Vazquez, CEO of Oportun, “Being recognized as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC is a powerful validation of our mission, our incredible team, and the impact that our technology-driven solutions provide for deserving individuals who might otherwise be ignored by mainstream finance.”

    For more information about Oportun, visit https://oportun.com.

    About Oportun
    Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT) is a mission-driven financial services company that puts its members’ financial goals within reach. With intelligent borrowing, savings, and budgeting capabilities, Oportun empowers members with the confidence to build a better financial future. Since inception, Oportun has provided more than $20.3 billion in responsible and affordable credit, saved its members more than $2.4 billion in interest and fees, and helped its members set aside an average of more than $1,800 annually. For more information, visit Oportun.com.

    Oportun Media Contact:
    Stephanie Hicks
    Cosmo PR for Oportun
    (805) 295-9455
    stephanie@cosmo-pr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Signs EUR 15 million Master Murabaha Agreement to Support Türkiye’s Private Sector

    Source: APO

    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a EUR 15 million Master Murabaha Agreement with Ak Finansal Kiralama A.Ş. (Aklease), one of Türkiye’s leading leasing institutions and a subsidiary of AkBank.

    The two-year facility aims to expand access to Shariah-compliant trade finance solutions for Türkiye’s private sector, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling the import and pre-export of essential goods and services. The partnership reflects ITFC’s ongoing commitment to supporting economic development across member countries.

    Commenting on this partnership, Mr. Nazeem Noordali, COO of ITFC, stated: “This agreement underscores our long-term commitment to supporting Türkiye’s private sector. By partnering with leading institutions such as Aklease, we are furthering ITFC’s mandate to promote trade and foster economic growth.”

    From his end, Mr. Eser Okyay, General Manager, AKLease, commented, “This partnership contributes to the development of innovative financing models in the leasing sector while also reinforcing our vision of providing resources for projects that prioritize sustainable development. This agreement, which marks ITFC’s first contract signed with ITFC in Türkiye’s leasing sector, brings a fresh perspective to the industry. We believe that this approach, which centers on sustainability, green financing, and accessibility for SMEs, offers a valuable alternative for the real sector.”

    This agreement is aligned with ITFC’s broader strategy in Türkiye, where the Corporation has committed significant resources to supporting the private sector through targeted trade finance and capacity-building initiatives.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

    Contact us:
    Tel: +966 12 646 8337
    Fax: +966 12 637 1064
    E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org

    Social media:
    Twitter: (http://apo-opa.co/3GMjN4q)
    Facebook: (http://apo-opa.co/3Uh0mno)
    LinkedIn: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (http://apo-opa.co/4lvMth5)

    About the International Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC):
    The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is the trade finance arm of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. It was established with the primary objective of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people across the world. Commencing operations in January 2008, ITFC has provided more than US$83 billion of financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for these member countries’ needs. With a mission to become a catalyst for trade development for OIC member countries and beyond, the Corporation helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angola’s National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG) President to Outline Angola’s $60B Investment Strategy at Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025

    Source: APO

    Paulino Jerónimo, President of Angola’s National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency (ANPG), will share insights into the country’s upcoming investment opportunities at the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference – taking place September 3-4 in Luanda. As the country’s upstream regulator, the ANPG has been making considerable strides towards opening-up the market to foreign investment, with recent reforms and block opportunities set to drive the next wave of oil and gas production in Angola. Jerónimo’s insights at the event will not only provide a comprehensive overview of Angola’s block opportunities, but support new investments across the upstream sector.

    Angola is experiencing a surge in upstream oil and gas investments, with $60 billion planned across the market for the next five years. These investments have been made possible with the country’s ambitious licensing strategy, as well as ongoing regulatory reforms and flexible investment structures spearheaded by the ANPG. As the country prepares to launch its next licensing round and promotes acreage on offer through direct negotiation, Angola is affirming its position as a prime investment destination for oil and gas companies.

    As sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest oil producer, Angola implemented an aggressive strategy in 2019, whereby the country seeks to award 50 concessions by 2025. To date, more than 30 new concessions have been awarded over four licensing rounds. The country is expected to launch its next licensing round in 2025, offering ten blocks for exploration in the offshore Kwanza and Benguela basins. This next round follows a successful tender launched in 2023 and concluded in 2024, whereby nine companies qualified as operators and five qualified as non-operators. Since this round, the ANPG has received proposals from three international companies for nine blocks in the onshore Kwanza basin. Proposals were submitted for blocks that were not awarded during the 2023 tender.

    In addition to licensing rounds, Angola offers flexible investment structures that continue to entice new players to the market. In recent years, Angola launched a permanent offer scheme, enabling companies to invest outside of the confines of traditional licensing rounds. Currently, 11 blocks are available on permanent offer. In 2024, the country went a step further, introducing five marginal fields for development. Situated in producing blocks with proven systems, these marginal fields are well-suited for smaller players seeking near-term production.

    Meanwhile, Angola is also expanding and modernizing its library of seismic data under efforts to support future exploration campaigns. Currently, the country’s basins are support by a wealth of 2D and 3D seismic data, with recent acquisition campaigns aimed at improving the understanding of on- and offshore acreage. The ANPG has been spearheading efforts to reprocess existing seismic data, seeking to improve geological updates. In early 2025, energy data and analysis company TGS completed the reprocessing of the Block 16 GeoStreamer MC3D seismic dataset in the Lower Congo basin. This follows an announcement made by TGS at AOG 2024, with the company set to reprocess its onshore Kwanza basin dataset. These efforts provide detailed insights into the subsurface, thereby mitigating investment risks and improving decision-making.

    At AOG 2025, Jerónimo is expected to outline Angola’s strategy to increase production through new exploration campaigns. By exploring the country’s opportunities – from offshore blocks to onshore drilling to partnerships and seismic acquisitions – Jerónimo will offer operators the insights they need to invest in Angola.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Roche and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) launch partnership to strengthen diagnostic leadership across Africa

    Source: APO

    • The partnership dubbed, Leadership Excellence for African Diagnostics (LEAD) between Roche and ASLM is a three-year programme to strengthen lab leadership in Africa
    • The initiative focuses on mentorship and training to build lab leadership capabilities

    Roche Diagnostics Africa (www.Roche.com) and the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) (www.ASLM.org) have announced the launch of a three-year partnership to elevate laboratory leadership and improve access to quality diagnostic services across the continent. The initiative — titled LEAD: Leadership Excellence for African Diagnostics — brings together health ministries, laboratory directors, academic partners and technical experts to develop a new generation of capable, connected and future-ready lab leaders.

    “This partnership will build long-term leadership that would  shape the future of diagnostics in Africa — practically, strategically and sustainably. In a time where we need African healthcare systems to become less reliant on external funding sources, we are focused on increasing domestic diagnostics capacity more than ever,” says Dr Allan Pamba, Executive Vice President, Diagnostics, Africa, at Roche Diagnostics.

    “We are entering a new chapter where African health systems take the lead in their own transformation. By growing diagnostic leadership we support long-term resilience and impact. LEAD equips professionals who can influence policy, drive national strategy and build sustainable healthcare capacity.”

    Under the partnership, LEAD will deliver a series of integrated interventions including baseline leadership assessments to guide a tailored context-specific training approach, development of a pan-African curriculum in collaboration with a leading academic institution, structured mentorship and professional development for emerging lab leaders, peer learning and regional collaboration through workshops and best practise exchanges.

    ASLM Chief Executive Officer, Nqobile Ndlovu, added: “Diagnostics are the foundation of resilient health systems – but strong labs require strong leaders. LEAD focuses on people: their vision, their reach and their ability to transform public health from within. With this programme, we are supporting the leadership needed to move African healthcare forward.”

    Roche will provide funding, technical support and global platforms for visibility while ASLM will lead country-level implementation, stakeholder coordination and curriculum development.

    Laboratory strengthening is a key enabler for stronger health systems and this partnership is a commitment towards a healthier future for Africans.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Roche Diagnostics.

    Media queries: 
    Precious Nkabinde 
    Communications Lead 
    precious.nkabinde@roche.com 

    Nelly Rwenji
    Communications Lead
    ASLM
    nrwenji@aslm.org

    About Roche:
    Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.

    In recognising our endeavor to pursue a long-term perspective in all we do, Roche has been named one of the most sustainable companies in the pharmaceuticals industry by the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the thirteenth consecutive year. This distinction also reflects our efforts to improve access to healthcare together with local partners in every country we work.

    Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

    For more information, please visit www.Roche.com.

    All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

    About ASLM:
    The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan-African organization committed to achieving a healthier Africa by increasing access to quality laboratory services for all. We work to convene and mobilize stakeholders at all levels to improve access to diagnostic services and strengthen laboratory systems and networks.

    Since its founding in 2011, ASLM has played a key role in advancing laboratory medicine in Africa, collaborating with partners and stakeholders to promote disease diagnosis, surveillance, and control. Through its programs and initiatives, ASLM has contributed to the development of laboratory policies and guidelines, the expansion of laboratory networks, and the improvement of laboratory infrastructure and equipment. ASLM’s experience highlights the importance of laboratory medicine in public health and demonstrates the impact of collaborative efforts in advancing health outcomes in Africa.

    Learn more: www.ASLM.org

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 Panel to Assess Onshore, Shallow Water Prospects in Angola

    Source: APO

    Angola – one of Africa’s leading deepwater producers – is making a strong play for onshore exploration, leveraging its multi-year licensing strategy and flexible investment structures to entice new players to invest in onshore projects. On the back of a licensing round which concluded in 2024, the country is witnessing a surge of investment onshore, unlocking new opportunities for production growth as Angola strives to sustain output above one million barrels per day.

    A panel discussion during the Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference will examine the impact ongoing onshore and shallow water projects will have on Angola’s production portfolio. Titled The Role of Onshore and Shallow Water Operations in Maintaining Production, the session will feature companies active in the onshore market and will delve into the strategic significance of onshore assets in maintaining output and maximizing resources in Angola. Speakers include Ricardo Van-Deste, CEO, Sonangol E&P; Edson dos Santos, CEO, Etu Energias; George Toriola, Chief Strategy Officer, FIRST E&P; Gianni Martins, General Manager, Alfort Petroleum; and Scott Gilbert, CEO, Corcel.

    The 2024/2025 period has seen robust growth across Angola’s onshore market as companies invest in drilling and data acquisition in pursuit of new discoveries. In May 2025, Etu Energias signed a Risk Service Contract for Block CON 4 in the onshore Congo basin, granting the company operatorship with 67.5%. The agreement covers a 25-year operating license, with five years allocated for exploration and 20 years for production. The agreement follows two separate deals signed by Corcel in May 2025 for the accelerated development of Block KON 16 in the Kwanza basin. The agreements saw Corcel enhance its stake in the block to 71/5% through transactions signed with Intank Global DMCC and Sintana. Proceeds from the transactions will support de-risking and exploration activities planned for 2026. Corcel completed the data acquisition phase of KON 16 in 2024. Alfort Petroleum is also pursuing onshore exploration, following its qualification as an operator under the country’s 2023 licensing round. The company operates Block KON 8 and is currently interpreting seismic data at the block.

    Meanwhile, while FIRST E&P is not yet active in Angola, other Nigerian players have recently expanded into the country, showcasing the potential for Nigerian players in Angola’s onshore market. Notably, Nigeria’s Walcot Group signed a production sharing contract in April 2025 for three onshore blocks in Angola. These include a 100% equity interest and operatorship of Block KON 1; a 100% equity interest and operatorship of Block CON 3; and a 10% non-operating interest in Block KON 13. Oando Energy Resources – another Nigerian firm – entered the Angolan market in January 2025, gaining operatorship of Block KON 13. The block has two exploration wells previously drilled, with oil and gas identified across various depths. Effimax and Sonangol represent partners on the block.

    Recent onshore investments are largely due to Angola’s 2023 licensing round, which featured 12 blocks for exploration in the Lower Congo and Kwanza basins. Nine companies qualified as operators while five qualified as non-operators. Since the conclusion of the round, the country’s upstream regulatory the National Oil, Gas & Biofuels Agency has since received proposals from three international companies for nine blocks that were not awarded during the 2023 tender. This underscores the level of interest in Angola’s onshore acreage, laying a strong foundation for future discoveries.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Nigeria: Collaboration is Key to Unlocking Marginal Field Potential (By Grace Orife)

    Source: APO


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    By Grace Orife, African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org) board member

    Nigeria’s oil and gas sector stands at a strategic inflection point and the country’s marginal fields are vital for growth and sustaining upstream activity. These smaller, often undercapitalised fields, especially in shallow waters, are rich with potential. But the obstacle isn’t the geology—it’s fragmentation.

    Marginal fields in Nigeria are primarily operated by indigenous companies building pursuing parallel strategies and competing for capital, technology and talent. The result? Redundant investments, suboptimal recovery, and a lack of scalable impact. What the sector needs now is not more competition, but more cooperation with an outlook on investment.

    Shared Infrastructure, Shared Value

    The current model of asset duplication—each operator investing separately in logistics, facilities and maintenance—is financially and operationally inefficient. A shared infrastructure model dramatically reduces cost per barrel and enhances asset longevity. Value creation replaces asset control as the strategic lens. A great example of this is the 48Km pipeline Umutu to Kwale, Delta state ­– a joint venture between Platform Petroleum and Newcross Petroleum. Indigenous joint ventures can create more bankable projects, unlock blended finance models and even attract ESG-linked capital. Scale is no longer just a metric—it’s a signal.

    Another example is the Otakikpo onshore terminal in OML 11, completed in 2025. Developed by Green Energy International, the terminal is the first indigenous facility constructed in the country in five decades. With a storage capacity of 750,000 barrels – set to increase to three million barrels depending on market demand – and an export capacity of 360,000 barrels per day, the facility reduces operating costs for marginal fields. The terminal is expected to unlock previously-stranded resources from up to 40 marginal fields, highlighting the value of shared infrastructure in Nigeria.

    Strengthened Policy

    The recently passed Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy industry. By promoting transparency, streamlining regulations, and reforming tax and royalty structures, the PIA creates a more attractive environment for global investors. Crucially, the PIA also addresses marginal field development, providing a clear licensing framework and resolving legal ambiguities. With the PIA in place, Nigeria’s energy sector is poised for a revival, enabling the country to better meet its domestic needs, including reliable electricity and economic growth.

    From Possibility to Practice: Building the Architecture for Collaboration

    When operators share more than just facilities—when they share insights, talent, and lessons learned—sector-wide operational resilience improves. Peer-to-peer learning reduces downtime, enhances safety practices, and fosters innovation. In high-risk environments, agility is a competitive edge.

    To translate this vision into operational reality, indigenous firms must move beyond handshake agreements to structured partnerships. Such partnerships must incorporate strong governance models – featuring transparent rules for decision-making, risk-sharing and conflict resolution. The utilization of neutral operators – third parties who manage shared infrastructure – will also ensure fair access, while structures such as joint operating agreements will enable companies to formalize roles, reduce costs and enhance performance.

    In this scenario, government regulators have a catalytic role to play. By offering fiscal incentives, easing licensing for consortia and prioritising collaborative proposals, they can turn policy into progress.

    The Future Belongs to the Connected

    The next chapter of Nigeria’s upstream oil industry won’t be written by solitary operators: it will be shaped by those who recognise that collaboration is not a compromise, but a competitive advantage. In an era of tighter margins, increasing stakeholder expectations, and declining investment in fossil fuels, the old model of isolated operation is no longer sustainable.

    Marginal fields represent more than untapped reserves – they are an opportunity to reimagine how indigenous oil and gas companies create value. By sharing infrastructure, pooling resources, and aligning strategies, local operators can unlock performance at scale, attract investment, and meet rising ESG standards with credibility.

    This is not just a call to cooperate – it’s a strategic imperative. The future will favour those who embrace a new mindset: one that values partnership over ownership, ecosystem thinking over individual ambition, and shared impact over siloed success.

    The time to act is now.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Italy-KZN boat building partnership to boost local economy

    Source: Government of South Africa

    KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has described a boatbuilding partnership between KwaZulu-Natal and Italy as a strategic milestone that is set to unlock significant economic potential for the province.

    Ntuli, accompanied by MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), Reverend Musa Zondi, attended the KZN–NAVIGO Boat Building and Yachting Industry roundtable to strengthen KZN’s boat-building and yachting sector.

    Held in Umhlanga, north of Durban, on Tuesday, the high-level engagement brought together Italian maritime stakeholders, including provincial economic development leaders, and industry experts to explore collaborative opportunities in the boatbuilding and marine manufacturing sectors.

    Aligned with the objectives of the KwaZulu-Natal Integrated Maritime Strategy, the round table forms part of the provincial government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its position within the global oceans economy.

    The collaboration with NAVIGO, a leading Italian yachting industry cluster with over 400 members across the boat building value chain, aims to explore opportunities for economic growth, technical skills development, global market access, and investment in aftersales services.

    Ntuli hailed the partnership as a major milestone for KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial and economic development.

    “This is more than a business exchange – it is a platform for economic renewal, capacity building, and global positioning. We welcome this collaboration as a driver of innovation and growth within the maritime sector,” Ntuli said.

    The round table served as an opportunity to map out a joint action plan for developing KwaZulu-Natal’s local boatbuilding capacity by leveraging Italy’s extensive experience and advanced marine technologies.

    The discussions focused on investment facilitation, local manufacturing, technology transfer, technical training, and establishing KwaZulu-Natal as a competitive hub for marine craft production and export.

    The Premier underscored the importance of positioning coastal provinces like KwaZulu-Natal to lead in ocean economy development, in line with South Africa’s Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy strategy. He also stressed the value of international partnerships that bring tangible benefits to local communities.

    “Our goal is to ensure that partnerships like this one translate into real economic opportunities for our people – from the youth being trained in high-demand technical skills to entrepreneurs breaking into global marine value chains,” he said.

    The event also highlighted plans to build stronger linkages between industry and academic institutions in KwaZulu-Natal, ensuring that local training programmes align with international standards and equip local talent for future opportunities in the marine sector.

    Premier Ntuli reaffirmed the provincial government’s full support for initiatives that promote industrialisation, trade, skills development, and economic inclusion.

    “KwaZulu-Natal is open for business and ready to lead in Africa’s emerging maritime economy.” – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Major progress on Welmoed housing development

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, has announced significant progress on the Welmoed housing development in Cape Town, where bulk civil engineering infrastructure works have already been completed.

    The Welmoed development is part of the Southern Corridor Integrated Human Settlements Programme and will provide a total of 3 296 housing opportunities. 

    This includes a mix of affordable housing and private development units.

    Beneficiaries of the housing project will mainly come from sub council 14 and nearby informal settlements, addressing a critical housing need in the area.

    Providing an update on the project, on Tuesday, Simmers said the project will be implemented in phases and is expected to create up to 6 000 job opportunities. 

    “These jobs will arise as contractors are encouraged to employ local labour and subcontractors within the sub council area,” Simmers said.

    Electrical works well underway

    Meanwhile, the MEC noted that the electrical engineering works are well underway and expected to be completed by August 2026. 

    Simmers said civil and bulk earthworks commenced earlier this year, while the installation of internal engineering services is scheduled to start in May 2026. 

    This will be followed by the construction of the housing units, which is set to commence in October 2026.

    “We are pleased with the steady progress made at Welmoed, despite significant challenges posed by unlawful occupations. 

    “The Western Cape Government condemns and continues to fight the unlawful occupation of land and buildings earmarked for affordable housing delivery. We strongly urge communities, activist groups, and political parties in the Western Cape to support our efforts and refrain from encouraging unlawful activities,” the MEC said. 

    A beneficiary verification process is scheduled for September 2025 to determine the final housing allocations, ensuring inclusivity and transparency throughout.

    “Since the start of my current term in office, building partnerships has become paramount to ensure the successful delivery of vital infrastructure projects, including human settlements, and our communities are our most valued partners.”

    Simmers and officials of the department will soon host public meetings in each ward within subcouncil 14 to provide communities with a detailed progress update of the Welmoed housing project. 

    “I look forward to meeting with residents soon to discuss the progress of this much-needed housing development in the area. I also encourage all potential beneficiaries to participate actively in the verification drive to help us achieve a fair and inclusive outcome,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators King, Collins, Smith Introduce Bill to Combat Lyme and Other Tick-Borne Diseases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) today introduced legislation to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, their landmark legislation to improve research, prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for tick-borne diseases, which became law in 2019. Senator Angus King (I-ME) joins them as an original co-sponsor. The Kay Hagan Tick Act unites the effort to confront the alarming public health threat posed by Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Confirmed cases of Lyme disease reached a record number in Maine – 3,035 – last year. Senators Collins and Smith named their bill in honor of former Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC) who passed away on October 28th, 2019, due to complications from the tick-borne disease known as the Powassan virus.

    “Our state has been battling diseases like Lyme for decades, so it is critical we continue to invest in our research and understanding of these vector-borne diseases to better protect Maine residents and visitors,” said Senator King. “The Kay Hagan Tick Act will further the prevention efforts that keep us safe by funding research, testing and diagnostics along with resources for improved data collection. I am proud to work on this critical bipartisan legislation that will help mitigate this long-term public health threat for the future safety and health of all Maine people.”

    “Last year, Maine reported over 3,000 cases of Lyme disease—a record in our state. The reauthorization of our Tick Act is urgently needed to continue to support those who struggle with Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses and keep improving research, diagnostics, treatment, and prevention for these terrible diseases,” said Senator Collins. “Resources from the Tick Act have led to exciting developments such as the first-ever clinical trial for a Lyme disease vaccine for people, which is underway right now at the MaineHealth Institute for Research.”

    “My home state of Minnesota is proud to have more than 10,000 lakes and thousands of rivers for us to enjoy, and we’re always especially eager to get outside after a long winter,” said Senator Smith. “Unfortunately, the number of Lyme disease cases in the state—and states across the country—is on the rise. This bill would empower regional centers to lead the response against these diseases and expanded the federal government’s role in researching, testing and treating these diseases. For the sake of Americans’ health and well-being, we need to keep moving this bill forward.”

    “Reauthorizing the Kay Hagan Tick Act will continue the nation’s coordinated framework for tick-borne disease surveillance, diagnostics, and prevention”, said Griffin Dill, Director of the University of Maine Tick Lab. Continued support means earlier detection, targeted interventions, and fewer families facing the physical and financial burden of Lyme disease and other emerging infections. Through this investment, Congress can ensure a proactive approach to safeguarding our communities from increasing threats related to ticks.”

    “With an estimated 500,000 new cases of Lyme disease each year, it is critical that the United States is equipped to effectively prevent, detect, and respond to this growing public health threat,” said Bonnie Crater, co-founder and board member at Center for Lyme Action. “We applaud the foundation laid by the Kay Hagan Tick Act, which established the National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in Humans and we are committed to working with Congress and federal agencies to ensure this strategy is fully implemented and strengthened.  We commend Senator Collins, Senator King, and Senator Smith for their bipartisan leadership in advancing the reauthorization of this vital legislation to protect the health and safety of Americans nationwide.”

    Using a three-pronged approach, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would:

    1. Require the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to continue implementing and updating, as appropriate, its National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People.  This strategy has been integral in expanding research into tick-borne diseases, improving testing and diagnostics, and coordinating efforts across the federal government.
    1. Reauthorize Regional Centers of Excellence in Vector-Borne Disease for five years. Funding for these centers, which was allotted in 2017, expires this year. These Centers have led the scientific response against tick-borne diseases, which now make up 75 percent of vector-borne diseases in the U.S.  There are four centers located at universities in California, Florida, Texas, and Wisconsin. 
    1. Reauthorize CDC Grants to State Health Departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness.  These awards would help states continue to build a public health infrastructure for Lyme and other vector-borne diseases and amplify their initiatives through public-private partnerships.   

    In May, Senator Collins delivered the opening remarks at the Center for Lyme Action Congressional Series and spoke to the need for continued federal funding for tick-borne disease research. Click here to watch and here to download her remarks. Senator Collins has also urged leading health officials to continue to support the development of treatment for these illnesses, including the clinical trials currently ongoing in Maine for the first Lyme disease vaccine for people.

    Senator King is a longtime advocate for the elimination of vector-borne diseases. His SMASH Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize critical public health tools that support states and localities in their mosquito surveillance and control efforts, especially those linked to mosquitos that carry the Zika virus, and improve the nation’s preparedness for Zika and other mosquito-borne threats like West Nile virus, chikungunya, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (“triple-e”) virus was signed into law in 2019. A re-authorization of SMASH was introduced in 2023 and included in the Pandemic All-Hazards Preparedness Act Reauthorization.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Senator Hassan’s Push, Manchester Wage and Hour Office to Stay Open After DOGE Targeted It for Closure

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – Following advocacy by U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), the U.S. Department of Labor will keep open its Manchester Wage and Hour Division office, which recovers an average of nearly $2 million annually in back pay for New Hampshire workers. The office had previously been slated for closure by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). After learning of the planned closure, Senator Hassan pressed the U.S. Department of Labor about preserving the office, warning that closing this facility would jeopardize workers’ ability to get the wages that they are owed.
    “I am pleased that the Manchester Wage and Hour Division office will remain open to continue serving Granite Staters,” said Senator Hassan. “This office has delivered for New Hampshire workers by recovering wages that they have earned. We need to work together to eliminate waste and fraud in government in ways that help everyday people, not hurt them. DOGE’s arbitrary cuts to offices that are effectively serving constituents do not make our government more efficient and this closure would have threatened the ability of hardworking Granite Staters to recover wages that they are owed.”
    Senator Hassan has opposed the planned closure of the Manchester office, pressing Department of Labor officials on the issue in recent months. The office investigates reports of workers not receiving the full pay that they are entitled to, and it has recovered nearly $8 million for almost 5,600 New Hampshire workers over the last five years – more money per person than in 40 other states. Last month, Senator Hassan secured a commitment from Andrew Rogers, the nominee for Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division at the Department of Labor, to review DOGE’s decision to close the Manchester office. Senator Hassan later met with Rogers to personally underscore the importance of keeping the office open. The Department of Labor recently shared that the office will stay open and that the lease has been re-signed.
    Senator Hassan has also been speaking out against other DOGE targets, including Social Security offices. Following news that DOGE planned to close the Littleton Social Security office – the only Social Security field office accessible to Granite Staters in Northern New Hampshire – Senators Hassan and Shaheen called on the leaders of the General Services Administration and Social Security Administration to halt any efforts to close the Littleton office and stop broader attacks on Social Security services. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: United Kingdom reaffirms commitment to protect Guatemalan forests

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    United Kingdom reaffirms commitment to protect Guatemalan forests

    The British Ambassador, Juliana Correa, met with the Manager of the National Forest Institute (INAB), Bruno Enrique Arias Rivas, to strengthen bilateral collaboration in the protection of biodiversity and sustainable forest management.

    The meeting allowed for the exchange of priorities and exploration of new opportunities for technical and institutional cooperation, including within the framework of the UK’s environmental flagship project in Guatemala, the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF). 

    Among the topics discussed were INAB’s support for the BLF and other UK-funded projects, such as the Darwin projects, as well as the Aim4Forests programme, which seeks to strengthen forest monitoring through innovative technologies and sustainable solutions. 

    Progress was discussed in key areas such as Paso Caballos, in Laguna del Tigre National Park, and the Trifinio region, where forests conservation and ecosystem restoration are promoted.  

    The meeting reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to protecting biodiversity in Guatemala and promoting joint solutions to climate change, deforestation, and forest degradation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: How marketers are using AI-driven digital twins to scale creative content faster, more efficiently

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: How marketers are using AI-driven digital twins to scale creative content faster, more efficiently

    AI offers retail and consumer goods brands a wealth of solutions that transform creativity and reduce time and cost of resource-intensive tasks across the content supply chain. As witnessed at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity in June 2025, AI is the new “plus one” to marketing chiefs and agency leaders. However, the potential of AI unleashed new pressure to chief marketing officers to not only scale proof of concepts (POCs), but prove their value—all while keeping the marketing engine running at a breakneck pace.

    For consumer packaged goods (CPGs), delivering personalized content across channels requires multiple iterations of product images, constant reshoots, tweaks, packaging design adjustments, and localization by region. This can be all-consuming for creatives, who are rebuilding or recreating imagery constantly to meet the moment.

    Discover solutions with Microsoft Cloud for Retail

    Imagine if brands could leverage AI digital twins to create and integrate high-quality, personalized product content at scale—simply, cost-effectively, and in a fraction of the time. AI and 3D digital twins make it possible, proving AI investments deliver on reduced time and speed to innovation.

    In a recent post, we discussed how AI isn’t just a tool—it’s the foundation for building competitive advantage. Let’s walk through three strategic areas where digital twins offer exceptional outcomes for marketing teams looking to deliver more.

    1. Starting with product imagery

    According to EMARKETER, content creation will be the top budget priority AI use case for chief marketing officers worldwide. Why? Producing product images today requires brands to spend a massive chunk of their budget to constantly reshoot and edit images. With digital twins, brands have the flexibility and scalability at low cost to create thousands of variants on a single product image, including labels, packaging, and language formats—all within a single file.

    AI empowers not only productivity but creativity. Digital twins are hyper-realistic, enabling content managers to easily and endlessly modify or expand on a concept using a 3D product model with a few clicks. Creatives can reallocate time spent in operational “to do’s” to storytelling, strategy, and delivery by channel. Brands can even showcase products in both static and dynamic formats because AI models aren’t limited to one dimension.

    Net-net: Digital twins for product images, videos, and interactive experiences simplify content workflows and allow you to:

    • Generate endless product images or videos using a single digital twin.
    • Refresh imagery for markets or seasons without reshoots.
    • Reduce repetitive labor for creatives while shortening production timelines.
    • Test creative concepts instantly without adding costs.
    • Update visuals across brands seamlessly.

    Making it real: Nestlé reduces associated time and cost by 70% with scaling digital twins

    Recently, Nestlé—the world’s largest food and beverage company—collaborated with Microsoft, Accenture Song, and NVIDIA to build and launch a new AI-powered in-house service to create high-quality product content at scale.

    With its new digital twin content supply chain powered by NVIDIA Omniverse on Microsoft Azure and using Microsoft AI solutions, content creators across Nestlé’s 45 content studios around the world can deliver high-quality creative assets at scale for e-commerce and marketing communications. Nestlé’s Integrated Marketing Services (IMS)—250 marketing experts in seven hubs—are working on scaling the digital twins and driving content localization.

    Nestlé already has a baseline of 4,000 3D digital products, mainly for global brands, with the ambition to convert a total of 10,000 products into digital twins in the next two years across global and local brands.

    Proving the value of AI investments in digital twins:

    • 70% reduced time and cost associated with scaling digital twins.
    • Faster content production for several brands, including Purina, Nescafé Dolce Gusto, and Nespresso.
    • Better ability to position iconic brands in a fast-moving digital environment.
    • Seamless updates for seasonal campaigns or channel-specific formats.

    For Nestlé, these technologies are proving to be catalysts for creative ingenuity, revolutionizing creative workflows in design, supercharging content creation, and enabling nuanced personalization—positioning Nestlé at the forefront of marketing.

    Learn more from this video about conversations Chief Marketing Officers had with Microsoft at the recent Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity event:

    2. Digital twins enable game-changing one-to-one consumer experiences

    Digital twins are generating realistic virtual experiences that not only enhance the shopper journey but also hyper-personalize each touchpoint to create memorable brand moments. AI has enabled interoperability between datasets to unlock online configurators, virtual reality product trials and visualizations, and in-store displays.

    Net-net: Embedding AI in user experiences is allowing consumer and retail goods companies to enable:

    • Try-ons for beauty products and fashion.
    • Configurators for custom merchandise.
    • Interactive, 360-degree product views.

    The era of AI ushers in a world of “intelligence on tap.”

    Imagine if AI-powered digital product twins merge product imagery and consumer insights to create visuals targeted to specific audience segments or even individual customers.

    A combination of insights and digital twin content creation empowers marketers to optimize for better impact and even map future trends. The value of building digital twins goes beyond endless product image creation. CPG brands are now leveraging AI to connect real-time campaign insights to their content studios as a primary use case to prove value. Agents are being built to perform audience simulations, test images, content, and even segmentation strategy to drive higher return on ad spend (ROAS) or even predict impact.

    Net-net: Use AI to connect media insights and content to:

    • Simulate, refine, and test marketing scenarios and consumer responses.
    • Increase campaign effectiveness with real-time, iterative feedback.
    • Test and optimize personalized marketing strategies at scale.
    • Model customer segments and predict campaign outcomes.

    As AI continues to evolve traditional processes and enhance productivity, marketers know human creativity remains a critical resource. With digital simulations and AI together, you can reallocate your valuable resources to more strategic, creative tasks; reduce costs and risk; and help your marketing teams optimize spend and focus on your number one KPI: growth.

    Learn more

    Microsoft Cloud for Retail

    Connect your customers, your people, and your data

    Michele Fisher

    Global Strategy Director

    Michele Fisher (she/her) is a Global Strategy Director at Microsoft and a sought-after brand consultant specializing in marketing innovation with AI. Her expertise spans multiple sectors, with particular focus on retail and consumer goods. She’s led innovative solution strategies at the intersection of technology and customer experience at Microsoft, Amazon Ads, and The Walt Disney Company. Michele lives in Kirkland, Washington, with her husband, three kids, and furry coworker, Butters the Labradoodle.

    See more articles from this author

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In the world of books and artifacts: participants of the SPbPU library forum visited a rare excursion

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A library forum was recently held at the Polytechnic University “KorFor-2025”A special gift for the forum guests was a tour of rare and often closed to the general public libraries of St. Petersburg.

    For example, the tour participants got acquainted with the oldest military library in Russia, which is located in the historical building of the General Staff on Palace Square. Over 210 years, the Military Historical Library of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation has collected a unique collection on military history and military art from ancient times to the present day. A special pride is the richest collection of maps of military operations for more than 200 years of history. The employees talked about their work, about new technologies used in the library, which carefully stores not only documents, but also the memory of great events in the history of our Motherland.

    The history of the Scientific Library of the Russian Academy of Arts begins at the time of the founding of the Academy of Arts in 1757. The basis of the library’s collection was a gift from the founder of the Academy of Arts, Ivan Ivanovich Shuvalov. Currently, the library collection contains more than half a million printed publications, engravings, photographs, reproductions, illustrations, revealing the entire diversity of world artistic culture.

    The excursionists walked through the unique halls of the library, learned about the history of its creation and development. And what awe and admiration were caused by the rare editions of the 15th-18th centuries, offsets, engravings, lithographs! The time spent in a warm, welcoming atmosphere flew by in an instant and left unforgettable impressions on all the excursion participants.

    During the visit to the Scientific Library of the Russian Geographical Society, the specialists got acquainted with a rare collection of books, maps and documents. These materials reflect almost all expeditions in Russia and other countries that took place under the auspices of the Russian Geographical Society. The reports on Arctic expeditions and the history of the discovery of the Northern Sea Route deserve special attention. The guests had the opportunity to get acquainted with rare editions of the 17th-19th centuries, representing historical and cultural significance.

    Head of the library Maria Bystrova told the guests in detail about the unique collections and modern methods of cataloguing and storing valuable materials.

    The librarians also got a glimpse into the inner life of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy of the Russian Orthodox Church: they walked along the rector’s corridor, visited the museum and classrooms, looked into the cozy reading room and, of course, into the library, the largest in the Orthodox world. Currently, its collection contains about 315,000 books, periodicals and musical editions. The library collection contains books mainly of theological and church-historical content. The excursionists were especially impressed by the academic temple in the name of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, which houses the revered icon of the Mother of God “The Sign” of Tsarskoye Selo and other holy relics.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pic of the Week – Bizzell Memorial Library, Historic Landmark and Home to Library of Congress History

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    My summer travels always end at a library. Every library I have visited, from the one of my childhood home to my current place of employment, is special to me, not to mention the communities they continue to serve. On a visit to Oklahoma, I discovered another.

    The Bizzell Memorial Library is located in Norman, on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. Built in 1929, the library’s architectural style is Cherokee Gothic, like many other buildings on the campus. In 2001, it was made a National Historic Landmark.

    The Peggy V. Helmerich Great Reading Room of Bizzell Library on a summer day. Photo by Bailey DeSimone.

    While exploring the halls, I learned that the library was an important part of a civil rights case. In McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (229 U.S. 637 (1950)), a unanimous court ruled that George W. McLaurin, the first African American to attend the University of Oklahoma, was deprived of his 14th Amendment rights in the “separate but equal” segregation practices of the University. Before this ruling, McLaurin “was required to sit apart at a designated desk in an anteroom adjoining the classroom” and “a designated desk on the mezzanine floor of the library, but not to use the desks in the regular reading room.” (p. 4.) The ruling was also delivered on the same day as Sweatt v. Painter (339 U.S. 629 (1950)), a case in which Herman Marion Sweatt, an African American applicant to the University of Texas School of Law, was ruled to have had his 14th Amendment rights violated when he was denied admittance on the grounds of his race.

    Also in the Bizzell Library is a select collection of awards granted to, and publications by, Daniel J. Boorstin, a notable author and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1974. He went on to serve as the Librarian of Congress from 1975 to 1987. Though not an alumnus of the University, Boorstin did grow up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 1989.

    The Daniel J. Boorstin Collection at the University of Oklahoma Bizzell Memorial Library. Photo by Bailey DeSimone.

    I am grateful to every library that has welcomed me through its doors, and I am glad to add Bizzell Library to the list. I learn something new and interesting every time. This summer, check out your local library for their current displays and see what you learn!

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pic of the Week – Bizzell Memorial Library, Historic Landmark and Home to Library of Congress History

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    My summer travels always end at a library. Every library I have visited, from the one of my childhood home to my current place of employment, is special to me, not to mention the communities they continue to serve. On a visit to Oklahoma, I discovered another.

    The Bizzell Memorial Library is located in Norman, on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. Built in 1929, the library’s architectural style is Cherokee Gothic, like many other buildings on the campus. In 2001, it was made a National Historic Landmark.

    The Peggy V. Helmerich Great Reading Room of Bizzell Library on a summer day. Photo by Bailey DeSimone.

    While exploring the halls, I learned that the library was an important part of a civil rights case. In McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents (229 U.S. 637 (1950)), a unanimous court ruled that George W. McLaurin, the first African American to attend the University of Oklahoma, was deprived of his 14th Amendment rights in the “separate but equal” segregation practices of the University. Before this ruling, McLaurin “was required to sit apart at a designated desk in an anteroom adjoining the classroom” and “a designated desk on the mezzanine floor of the library, but not to use the desks in the regular reading room.” (p. 4.) The ruling was also delivered on the same day as Sweatt v. Painter (339 U.S. 629 (1950)), a case in which Herman Marion Sweatt, an African American applicant to the University of Texas School of Law, was ruled to have had his 14th Amendment rights violated when he was denied admittance on the grounds of his race.

    Also in the Bizzell Library is a select collection of awards granted to, and publications by, Daniel J. Boorstin, a notable author and winner of the Pulitzer Prize for History in 1974. He went on to serve as the Librarian of Congress from 1975 to 1987. Though not an alumnus of the University, Boorstin did grow up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame in 1989.

    The Daniel J. Boorstin Collection at the University of Oklahoma Bizzell Memorial Library. Photo by Bailey DeSimone.

    I am grateful to every library that has welcomed me through its doors, and I am glad to add Bizzell Library to the list. I learn something new and interesting every time. This summer, check out your local library for their current displays and see what you learn!

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How rising living costs are changing the way we date, live and love

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Melise Panetta, Lecturer of Marketing in the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, Wilfrid Laurier University

    Young adults in their 20s and 30s face an altered social landscape where financial realities influence their relationships. (Rene Ranisch/Unsplash)

    If it feels like rising prices are affecting your dating life or friendships, you’re not imagining it. Around the world, economic pressures are taking a significant toll on personal relationships.

    From strained romantic partnerships to postponed life milestones, financial uncertainty is changing the way people connect and relate to with one another.

    Young adults in their 20s and 30s, in particular, are facing an altered social landscape where even the most fundamental aspects of relationships are being influenced by financial realities.

    Dating today can feel like a mix of endless swipes, red flags and shifting expectations. From decoding mixed signals to balancing independence with intimacy, relationships in your 20s and 30s come with unique challenges. Love IRL is the latest series from Quarter Life that explores it all.

    These research-backed articles break down the complexities of modern love to help you build meaningful connections, no matter your relationship status.

    Financial stress and relationship strain

    Money has long been one of the biggest sources of conflict in relationships, but today’s economic landscape has made financial stress an even greater burden.

    In Canada, a staggering 77 per cent of couples report financial strain, and 62 per cent say they argue over money. The rising cost of rent, food and everyday expenses has forced many couples to make difficult financial decisions, sometimes at the expense of their relationship.

    These concerns are not unique to Canadian couples. A study in the United Kingdom found that 38 per cent of people in a relationship admit to having a secret account or “money stashed away” that their partner doesn’t know about. And in the United States, couples surveyed reported having 58 money-related arguments per year.

    Money has long been one of the biggest sources of conflict in relationships.
    (Shutterstock)

    Even more concerning, financial instability is affecting how long relationships last. A recent RBC poll found 55 per cent of Canadians feel they need to be in a relationship to afford their lifestyle.

    The economic barriers to independence are particularly pronounced for those contemplating separation or divorce. Traditionally, a breakup meant one partner moving out, but now more divorced and separated couples are finding themselves cohabitating simply because they can’t afford to live alone.

    Understanding how to maintain a healthy relationship when facing financial troubles is essential for couples to navigate these difficult times.

    Postponing major life decisions

    The cost-of-living crisis is also delaying key life milestones for young adults worldwide. A Statistics Canada survey found that 38 per cent of young adults have postponed moving out due to economic uncertainty, an increase from 32 per cent in 2018.

    This issue is not only delaying the journey to independent adulthood, it is also reversing it. For example, in the United Kingdom, one in five young adults who moved out have had to move back into their family home due to the cost of living crisis.

    Housing affordability plays a major role in these delays. With housing prices soaring in Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and elsewhere, home ownership feels out of reach for many. For instance, 55 per cent of young Canadians report the housing crisis is fuelling their decision to delay starting a family.

    The cost-of-living crisis is also delaying key life milestones for young adults worldwide. Real estate signs seen in Calgary in May 2023.
    (Shutterstock)

    These delays have cascading effects on individuals and on broader societal trends, including lower fertility rates and shifts toward smaller families.

    Dating in a cost-conscious era

    One side effect of the rising cost of living is that couples are moving in together sooner than they might have otherwise in order to split living expenses. Others are adopting a more pragmatic approach to dating and bringing up topics like financial stability, job security and housing much earlier in their relationships.

    A dating trend known as “future-proofing” is also spreading. According to Bumble’s annual trend report, 95 per cent of singles say their worries about the future are impacting who they date and how they approach relationships. Top concerns include finances, job security, housing and climate change.



    Read more:
    The price of love: Why millennials and Gen Zs are running up major dating debt

    At the same time, financial strain is leading to simpler and cheaper date nights. More than half of Canadians say the rising cost of living is affecting dating. Many people are opting for budget-friendly activities like coffee dates, picnics or home-cooked meals instead of expensive dinners or weekend getaways.

    In the U.K., inflation and other day-to-day expenses have also made 33 per cent of the nation’s young singles less likely to go on dates. Around one-quarter of them say it has made them less likely to seek out a romantic partner altogether.

    Financial strain is leading fewer people to go on expensive, extravagent date nights.
    (Shutterstock)

    These costs are forcing single Americans to adjust their dating plans. With 44 per cent of single Americans reporting adjusting a date for financial reasons, and 27 per cent outright cancelling plans due to financial pressures, it is clear that the cost of living is fundamentally changing how Americans date.

    Also, with 38 per cent of dating Canadians saying the costs associated with dating have negatively impacted their ability to reach their financial goals, some are even skipping dating altogether.

    The cost of friendship

    Friendships, too, are feeling the pinch. Gone are the days of casually grabbing dinner or catching a concert on the weekend. Nearly 40 per cent of Canadians, 42 per cent of Britons and 37 per cent of Americans have cut back on social outings due to financial constraints.

    While this may seem like a small sacrifice, the decline in social interactions carries serious consequences. Regular social engagement is critical for mental health, resilience and career development. The more social activities are reduced, the greater the risk of loneliness and isolation — two factors that can significantly impact emotional well-being.

    For many, socializing now means opting for budget-friendly alternatives. However, even with creative adjustments, financial pressures are making it harder to maintain strong social ties.

    The changing landscape of connection

    If you’re in your 20s or 30s, you’ve probably felt the way the economic realities of today are reshaping what relationships look like. Rising costs are influencing everything, from who you live with, how you date and when — or if — you take major life steps.

    Maybe you’ve moved in with a partner sooner than planned to split rent, swapped nights out for budget-friendly hangs or put off milestones like starting a family. You’re not alone. Financial pressures are redefining how we connect with each other.

    Finding ways to maintain strong relationships under economic stress is essential. Research shows providing emotional support to your partner, employing positive problem-solving skills and engaging in open communication are key maintaining high-quality relationships.

    Melise Panetta 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 rising living costs are changing the way we date, live and love – https://theconversation.com/how-rising-living-costs-are-changing-the-way-we-date-live-and-love-252709

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ showcases Donald Trump’s penchant for visual cruelty

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Marycarmen Lara Villanueva, PhD Candidate, Department of Social Justice Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto

    The United States government recently announced the opening of a massive immigrant detention facility built deep within the Florida Everglades that’s been dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a media briefing that “there is only one road leading in … and the only way out is a one-way flight.”

    For some taking in her remarks, the moment felt dystopian. According to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the facility is surrounded by swamps and alligators and is equipped with more than 200 security cameras, 8,500 metres of barbed wire and a security force of 400 personnel.

    Accounts from some of the first detainees at the facility have shed light on the inhumane conditions. They’ve described limited access to water and fresh air, saying they received only one meal a day and that the lights are on 24/7.

    Apparently designed to be an immigration deterrence and a display of cruelty, Alligator Alcatraz is much more than infrastructure. It is visual policy aimed to stage terror as a message while making Trump’s authoritarian and fascist politics a material reality.

    Contributing to this fascist visual apparatus, AI-generated images of alligators wearing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hats have circulated widely on social media. Some have questioned whether these images were satire or state propaganda.

    A screenshot of a June 2025 Homeland Security post on X, formerly Twitter.

    Surveillance, migration, debilitation

    In a moment of growing right-wing rhetoric and support for anti-immigrant violence, understanding how visual regimes operate, and what they attempt to normalize, is important.



    Read more:
    Nearly 54% of extreme conservatives say the federal government should use violence to stop illegal immigration

    Surveillance and deterrence technologies used along the U.S.–Mexico border for decades were intentionally designed to restrict the movement of undocumented migrants. According to Human Rights Watch, this has resulted in more than 10,000 deaths.

    Since 1994, U.S. Border Patrol has been accused of directing migrants away from urban crossings along the southern border, intentionally funnelling them into harsh and inhospitable terrain like the Sonora Desert.

    The desert serves as a deterrent to prevent immigrants from reaching their destiny. American theorist Jasbir Puar’s concept of debility is useful in making sense of the strategic process whereby the state works not to kill, but to weaken, as a form of slow violence that wears people down over time. The desired outcome is deterrence.

    On the southern U.S. border, severe dehydration and kidney failure can be outcomes of this debilitating process, potentially resulting in disability or death.

    Infrastructures of violence

    Sarah Lopez, a built environment historian and migration scholar in the U.S., describes the architecture of migrant immobilization as existing on a continuum with prison design. She’s highlighted the increasingly punitive conditions of immigration detention facilities, such as small dark cells or the absence of natural light.

    French architect and writer Léopold Lambert explains that architecture isn’t just about buildings, but about how space is used to organize and control people. He coined and developed the term weaponized architecture to describe how spaces are designed to serve the political goals of those in power.

    Colonialism, capitalism and modernity are closely connected, and architecture has played a key role in making them possible. Alligator Alcatraz sits at the intersection of all three, intentionally created to invoke danger and isolation. In other words, it’s cruel by design.

    As Leavitt put it, the facility is “isolated and surrounded by dangerous wildlife and unforgiving terrain.” The Trump administration has essentially transformed land into infrastructure and migrants into disposable threats.

    Terrorizing the marginalized

    State-sanctioned “unforgiving terrains” are not new, and the use of alligators to terrorize people of colour isn’t new either.

    The grotesque history of Black children being used as “alligator bait” in Jim Crow-era imagery is well-documented.

    So when Trump publicly fantasized about alligators eating immigrants trying to escape the new detention centre, it came as no surprise to those familiar with the long racist visual history linking alligators to representations of Black people.

    This logic is redeployed in the form of a racial terror that is made visible, marketable and even humorous in mainstream political discourse.

    Visuality and migration

    “Visuality” is a key term in the field of visual and cultural studies, originally coined by Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle and reintroduced in the early 2000s by American cultural theorist Nicholas Mirzoeff. It can be understood as the socially, historically and culturally constructed ways of seeing and understanding the visual world.

    Visual systems have historically been used to justify western imperial and colonial rule by controlling how people see and understand the world.

    While Alligator Alcatraz is a brand-new detention facility, it draws from a longer visual and spatial history of domination.

    The AI-generated images of alligators wearing ICE hats can be seen as part of a broader visual system that makes racialized violence seem normal, justified and even funny. In this absurd transformation, the alligator is reimagined as a legitimate symbol of border enforcement.

    Migrant death by water

    The spectacle of Alligator Alcatraz, with its swampy inhospitable landscape, cannot be divorced from the long visual history of migrant death by water that’s relied on the circulation of images to provoke outrage — and sometimes state action.

    Examples include the iconic image of Aylan Kurdi, the Syrian child whose lifeless body washed ashore in Turkey in 2015, and the devastating photo of Oscar Alberto Martínez Ramírez and his two-year-old daughter who both drowned crossing the Rio Grande in 2019.

    These images sparked global concern, but they also reinforced the idea that migrant lives only matter when they end in death — as if borders only become visible when they cause deaths.

    Alligator Alcatraz was built in eight days. The fact that a detention camp — or what some have called a concentration camp — can be assembled almost overnight, while basic human needs like clean drinking water or emergency warning systems go unmet for years, speaks volumes about where political will and government priorities lie.

    Marycarmen Lara Villanueva 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. ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ showcases Donald Trump’s penchant for visual cruelty – https://theconversation.com/alligator-alcatraz-showcases-donald-trumps-penchant-for-visual-cruelty-260566

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Biology is complex and diverse, so scientific research approaches need to be too

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Thomas Merritt, Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University

    The beautiful, fascinating and often perplexing world around us grows from intricate and convoluted interactions of millions of pieces. As scientists, we work to understand and describe the parts and interactions of these systems.

    Scientific understanding is only as good as the questions we ask. Observing the world from a variety of viewpoints and asking questions from a diversity of perspectives helps us recognize and understand biological complexity. Science, and our own experience, tells us that diverse collaborations lead to better questions and more innovative solutions — but diversity in research is under threat.

    A major advancement in modern biology, specifically in the world of modern genetics that our research team works in, has been the realization that genes are far more complicated than we thought 20 years ago. When the human genome was first sequenced in 2001, scientists realized that each person’s DNA contained around 20,000 genes. Earlier estimates had been between 80,000 and 100,000.

    This drastic downsize may seem like a step back in complexity, but the reduced number means genes must be more complex in order to fulfil multiple roles and functions. There are fewer genes, but each gene has a complicated set of multiple functions modulated through intricate, interconnected and interactive gene-regulation mechanisms.

    Model species, surprising discoveries

    Our research group studies gene regulation using the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model species — a non-human species studied extensively to reveal more about other organisms. Flies, like humans, have two copies of each chromosome, each copy with a full set of genes. Typically, regulation of each copy has been assumed to be independent.

    Flies, like humans, have two copies of each chromosome.
    (Mr.checker/Wikimedia)

    Unexpectedly, our research has found that in fruit flies, the copies on separate chromosomes physically interact to modulate each other’s regulation. This means that the chromosomes aren’t independent: they co-regulate in a way that depends on genome structure, or what we call chromosome architecture.

    This form of inter-chromosomal gene regulation, called transvection, was originally described in the 1950s, but is largely unknown. Its potential role to drive biological complexity is underappreciated because its effects are often (but not always) subtle and generally overshadowed by “typical” mechanisms of gene regulation along a single chromosome, cis-regulation.



    Read more:
    How to kill fruit flies, according to a scientist

    Complex genetic interactions

    Our transvection research focuses on subtle differences between individuals and environments. Too often, biology assumes that phenomena are simple, uniform and discreet.

    A classic example, taught in high school biology classes, demonstrates this thinking. Austrian biologist Gregor Mendel studied genetics in pea plants to propose dominant and recessive hereditary traits. His data was a little too clean, too good to be true: Mendel’s peas were either wrinkled or round, yellow or green.

    Genetics is works in more complex ways: think of eye colour. Our eyes are not a dichotomous brown or blue. Colour varies in a spectrum of shades of blues, greens, grays, hazels and browns.

    Similarly, we have shown that transvection, itself an unexpected twist, varies subtly and substantially, in unexpected ways. Recognizing that inter-chomosomal regulation was even possible, let alone could itself be modulated and variable, meant looking at our results from a non-typical view point, a different perspective.

    Our research into stress biology has drawn similar conclusions; diverse responses are the norm and appreciating this variability is absolutely fundamental to understanding the system.

    Differences between male and female biologies

    In our research into metabolism, we have repeatedly found significant and substantial differences between male and females. For example, in recent unpublished data, we find that differences between male and female fruit fly responses to metal toxicity were as large as we would have expected to occur between different species.

    Past conventional wisdom in the field assumed that the biology in the two sexes was interchangeable, with females essentially being just hypervariable males, although recent research in our lab and others is broadly pushing back against this misconception.



    Read more:
    Sex matters: Male bias in the lab is bad science

    The male and female responses are similar but distinct, and this is an important point. To understand biology, our research indicates, we need to identify, appreciate and study these subtle differences in order to produce more thorough scientific investigations.

    Unexpected complexity

    Our research regularly reveals unexpected biological complexity and, not coincidentally, the studies listed above were all collaborations. The technical complexity of research often requires involving experts in multiple disciplines.

    A typical project can involve half a dozen or more experiments and methods, ranging from biochemistry to genetics to life history, and techniques from enzyme kinetic assays to mass spectrometry and DNA sequencing.

    We are part of a genetics research group at Laurentian University whose diversity has greatly strengthened the quality and originality of contributions we have made to the field. In our experience, diverse collaborations combining different perspectives and viewpoints lead to innovative conclusions.

    The literature bears this out: a series of large-scale studies involving millions of researchers and publications repeatedly show that diverse groups of scientists ask more interesting, perceptive and innovative questions and pose more interesting solutions.

    Diversity and innovation

    But this diversity-innovation connection is under attack in the current social and political climate. This has been most visible under the current political regime in the United States, but is also present here in Canada.

    If successful, these attacks will narrow the perspective of scientific research and cripple scientific advances. Current diversity is the result of decades of programs fighting generations of systematic discrimination. Many researchers have been making research a more diverse and inclusive place.



    Read more:
    Want to reach out to an Indigenous scholar? Awesome! But first, here are 10 things to consider

    Sustainability is essential to the long-term health of scientific research. The research, and our own experiences, clearly shows that diverse groups of researchers conduct more creative, innovative and impactful science. Visibility in scientific research is important to ensure its sustainability. More young students will pursue careers in research if they can see themselves in that role.

    Our hope is that a broader appreciation of the importance of diversity in research, will lead to greater community and political, support for research programs that recognize the fundamental importance of diversity, equity and inclusion.

    The biological world is a beautifully diverse and complex place. To truly understand that world, the research laboratory must to be, too.

    Thomas Merritt receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.

    Allie Hutchings 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. Biology is complex and diverse, so scientific research approaches need to be too – https://theconversation.com/biology-is-complex-and-diverse-so-scientific-research-approaches-need-to-be-too-260696

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Burlison Announces Hearing on Advancing Nuclear Energy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

    WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) today announced a hearing titled “The New Atomic Age: Advancing America’s Energy Future.” The hearing will examine advancements made in nuclear power technology and the importance of making small and micro modular reactors (SMRs and MMRs) commercially viable and available. Members will also evaluate supply chain challenges that limit access to nuclear fuel and discuss what Congress can do to grow and strengthen American energy.

    “America is at risk of falling behind in the global energy race—and that should concern every one of us. The hard truth is that excessive regulations and red tape from previous administrations have stifled private-sector innovation, preventing us from fully unleashing America’s energy potential. Fortunately, the Trump Administration is implementing common-sense policies designed to redefine power generation and open new pathways to solving our domestic energy challenges. Advanced nuclear reactors will make energy more accessible, more affordable, and more abundant for hardworking Americans. I look forward to hearing from witnesses on how Congress can bolster nuclear energy development and ensure American energy dominance,” said Subcommittee Chairman Burlison.  

    WHAT: Hearing titled “The New Atomic Age: Advancing America’s Energy Future”

    DATE: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

    TIME: 1:00 P.M. ET

    LOCATION: HVC-210, U.S. Capitol Visitors Center

    WITNESSES:

    Alex Epstein, President and Founder, Center for Industrial Progress  
    Joshua Smith, Energy Policy Lead, Abundance Institute  
     

    BACKGROUND:

    On July 11, 2025, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison and members of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs traveled to Los Angeles County, California, to examine nuclear power reactors and evaluate next steps toward advancing nuclear energy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Honors Downwinders on 80th Anniversary of The Trinity Test

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On July 16, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) issued the following statement on the 80th anniversary of the Trinity Test:

    “For 80 years, generations of New Mexican Downwinders have endured the Trinity Test’s devastating legacy while the government looked the other way,” said Vasquez. “Today, I’m proud that Congress has finally reauthorized and expanded the Radiation Expansion Compensation Act, delivering long overdue justice for the New Mexican families that were exposed to harm without their consent, knowledge, or recourse. This moment is about honoring the lives lost, the voices ignored, and the communities left behind — making sure they are never forgotten.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What is peer review? The role anonymous experts play in scrutinizing research before it gets published

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joshua Winowiecki, Assistant Professor of Nursing, Michigan State University

    Reviewer 1: “This manuscript is a timely and important contribution to the field, with clear methodology and compelling results. I recommend publication with only minor revisions.”

    Reviewer 2: “This manuscript is deeply flawed. The authors’ conclusions are not supported by data, and key literature is ignored. Major revisions are required before it can be considered.”

    These lines could be pulled from almost any editorial decision letter in the world of academic publishing, sent from a journal to a researcher. One review praises the work, while another sees nothing but problems. For scholars, this kind of contradiction is common. Reviewer 2, in particular, has become something of a meme: an anonymous figure often blamed for delays, rejections or cryptic critiques that seem to miss the point.

    But those disagreements are part of the peer-review process.

    A world of memes – like this one shared on Reddit – has sprung up about the ridiculous feedback provided by a mythical Reviewer #2.
    Reddit/r/medicalschool

    As a clinical nurse specialist, educator and scholar who reviews studies in nursing and health care and teaches others to do so critically as well, I’ve seen how peer review shapes not just what gets published, but what ultimately influences practice.

    Peer review is the checkpoint where scientific claims are validated before they are shared with the world. Researchers and scholars submit their findings to academic journals, which invite other scholars with similar expertise – those are the peers – to assess the work. Reviewers look at the way the scholar designed the project, the methods they used and whether their conclusions stand up.

    The point of peer review

    This process isn’t new. Versions of peer review have been around for centuries. But the modern form – anonymous, structured and managed by journal editors – took hold after World War II. Today, it is central to how scientific publishing works, and nowhere more so than health, nursing and medicine. Research that survives review is more likely to be trusted and acted upon by health care practitioners and their patients.

    Millions of research papers move through this process annually, and the number grows every year. The sheer volume means that peer review isn’t just quality control, it’s become a bottleneck, a filter of sorts, and a kind of collective judgment about what counts as credible.

    In clinical fields, peer review also has a protective role. Before a study about a new medication, procedure or care model gains traction, it is typically evaluated by others in the field. The point isn’t to punish the authors – it’s to slow things down just enough to critically evaluate the work, catch mistakes, question assumptions and raise red flags. The reviewer’s work doesn’t always get credit, but it often changes what ends up in print.

    So, even if you’ve never submitted a paper or read a scientific journal, peer-reviewed science still shows up in your life. It helps shape what treatments are available, what protocols and guidelines your nurse practitioner or physician uses, and what public health advice gets passed along on the news.

    This doesn’t mean peer review always works. Plenty of papers get published despite serious limitations. And some of these flawed studies do real harm. But even scholars who complain about the system often still believe in it. In one international survey of medical researchers, a clear majority said they trusted peer-reviewed science, despite frustrations with how slow or inconsistent the process can be.

    What actually happens when a paper is reviewed?

    Before a manuscript lands in the hands of reviewers, it begins with the researchers themselves. Scientists investigate a question, gather and analyze their data and write up their findings, often with a particular journal in mind that publishes new work in their discipline. Once they submit their paper to the journal, the editorial process begins.

    At this point, journal editors send it out to two or three reviewers who have relevant expertise. Reviewers read for clarity, accuracy, originality and usefulness. They offer comments about what’s missing, what needs to be explained more carefully, and whether the findings seem valid. Sometimes the feedback is collegial and helpful. Sometimes it’s not.

    Peer reviewers’ comments can help researchers revise and strengthen their work.
    AJ_Watt/E+ via Getty Images

    Here is where Reviewer 2 enters the lore of academic life. This is the critic who seems especially hard to please, who misreads the argument, or demands rewrites that would reshape the entire project. But even these kinds of reviews serve a purpose. They show how work might be received more broadly. And many times they flag weaknesses the author hadn’t seen.

    Review is slow. Most reviewers aren’t paid, with nearly 75% reporting they receive no compensation or formal recognition for their efforts. They do this work on top of their regular clinical, teaching or research responsibilities. And not every editor has the time or capacity to sort through conflicting feedback or to moderate tone. The result is a process that can feel uneven, opaque, and, at times, unfair.

    It doesn’t always catch what it is supposed to. Peer review is better at catching sloppy thinking than it is at detecting fraud. If data is fabricated or manipulated, a reviewer may not have the tools, or the time, to figure that out. In recent years, a growing number of published papers have been retracted after concerns about plagiarism or faked results. That trend has shaken confidence in the system and raised questions about what more journals should be doing before publication.

    Imperfect but indispensable

    Even though the current peer-review system has its shortcomings, most researchers would argue that science is better off than it would be without the level of scrutiny peer review provides. The challenge now is how to make peer review better.

    Some journals are experimenting with publishing reviewer comments alongside articles. Other are trying systems where feedback continues after publication. There are also proposals to use artificial intelligence to help flag inconsistencies or potential errors before human reviewers even begin.

    These efforts are promising but still in the early stages of development and adoption. For most fields, peer review remains a basic requirement for legitimacy, while some, such as law and high-energy physics, have alternate methods of communicating their findings. Peer review assures a reader that a journal article’s claim has been tested, scrutinized and revised.

    Peer review doesn’t guarantee truth. But it does invite challenge, foster transparency, offer reflection and force revision. That’s often where the real work of science begins.

    Even if Reviewer 2 still has notes.

    Joshua Winowiecki 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. What is peer review? The role anonymous experts play in scrutinizing research before it gets published – https://theconversation.com/what-is-peer-review-the-role-anonymous-experts-play-in-scrutinizing-research-before-it-gets-published-258255

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Examining mushrooms under microscopes can help engineers design stronger materials

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi, PhD Student in Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University, State University of New York

    White button mushrooms are one of the types studied to inform stronger materials. DigiPub/Moment via Getty Images

    Pick up a button mushroom from the supermarket and it squishes easily between your fingers. Snap a woody bracket mushroom off a tree trunk and you’ll struggle to break it. Both extremes grow from the same microscopic building blocks: hyphae – hair-thin tubes made mostly of the natural polymer chitin, a tough compound also found in crab shells.

    As those tubes branch and weave, they form a lightweight but surprisingly strong network called mycelium. Engineers are beginning to investigate this network for use in eco-friendly materials.

    Filaments called hyphae are a mushroom’s support structures both above and below ground, and the mycelium network links multiple mushrooms together.
    Milkwood.net/Flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    Yet even within a single mushroom family, the strength of a mycelium network can vary widely. Scientists have long suspected that how the hyphae are arranged – not just what they’re made of – holds the key to understanding, and ultimately controlling, their strength. But until recently, measurements that directly link microscopic arrangement to macroscopic strength have been scarce.

    I’m a mechanical engineering Ph.D. student at Binghamton University who studies bio-inspired structures. In our latest research, my colleagues and I asked a simple question: Can we tune the strength of a mushroomlike material just by changing the angle of its filaments, without adding any tougher ingredients? The answer, it turns out, is yes.

    2 edible species, many tiny tests

    In our study, my team compared two familiar fungi. The first was the white button mushroom, whose tissue uses only thin filaments called generative filaments. The second was the maitake, also called hen-of-the-woods, whose tissue mixes in a second, thicker type of hyphae called skeletal filaments. These skeletal filaments are arranged roughly in parallel, like bundles of cables.

    The two types of mushrooms used in the study: The white button mushroom is monomitic, shown on the left, meaning it has only one type of hyphae. The maitake is shown on the right, and is dimitic, meaning it has two types of hyphae.
    Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi

    After gently drying the caps and stems to remove any water, which can soften the material and skew the results, we zoomed in with scanning electron microscopes and tested the samples at two very different scales.

    First, we tested macro-scale compression. A motor-driven piston slowly squashed each mushroom while sensors recorded how hard the sample pushed back – the same way you might squeeze a marshmallow, only with laboratory precision.

    Then we pressed a diamond tip thinner than a human hair into individual filaments to measure their stiffness.

    The white mushroom filaments behaved like rubber bands, averaging about 18 megapascals in stiffness – similar to natural rubber. The thicker skeletal filaments in maitake measured around 560 megapascals, more than 30 times stiffer and approaching the stiffness of high-density polyethylene – the rigid plastic used in cutting boards and some water pipes.

    The two mushrooms tested include the maitake, left, and the button mushroom.
    Lance Cheung/USDA and edenpictures/Flickr, CC BY

    But chemistry is only half the story. When we squeezed entire chunks, the direction we squeezed in mattered even more for the maitake. Pressing in line with its parallel skeletal filaments made the block 30 times stiffer than pressing across the grain. By contrast, the tangled filaments in white mushrooms felt equally soft from every angle.

    A digital mushroom and twisting the threads

    To separate geometry from chemistry, we converted snapshots from the microscope into a computer model using a 3D Voronoi network – a pattern that mimics the walls between bubbles in a foam. Think of ping-pong balls crammed in a box: Each ball is a cell, and the walls between cells become our simulated filaments.

    We assigned those filaments by the stiffness values measured in the lab, then virtually rotated the whole network to angles of 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees and completely random.

    Horizontal (0 degrees) filaments flexed like a spring mattress. Vertical (90 degrees) filaments supported weight almost as firmly as dense wood. Simply tilting the network to 60 degrees nearly doubled its stiffness compared with 0 degrees – all without changing a single chemical ingredient.

    The researchers modeled structures with different fiber orientations to see which are the strongest: (a) represents a horizontal fiber orientation, (b) a 30-degree fiber orientation, (c) a 60-degree fiber orientation, (d) a vertical fiber orientation, and (e) a random fiber orientation.
    Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi

    Basically, we found that orientation alone could turn a mushy sponge into something that stands up to serious pressure. That suggests manufacturers could make strong, lightweight, biodegradable parts – such as shoe insoles, protective packaging and even interior panels for cars – simply by guiding how a fungus grows rather than by mixing in harder additives.

    Greener materials – and beyond

    Startups already grow “leather” made from mycelium – the threadlike fungal network – for handbags, and mycelium foam as a Styrofoam replacement.

    Guiding fungi to lay their filaments in strategic directions could push performance much higher, opening doors in sectors where strength-to-weight ratio is king: think sporting goods cores, building-insulation panels or lightweight fillers inside aircraft panels.

    The same digital tool kit also works for metal or polymer lattices printed layer by layer. Swap the filament properties in the model, let the algorithm pick the best angles, and then feed that layout into a 3D printer.

    One day, engineers might dial up an app that says something like, “I need a panel that’s stiff north-south but flexible east-west,” and the program could spit out a filament map inspired by the humble maitake.

    Our next step is to feed thousands of these virtual networks into a machine learning model so it can predict – or even invent – filament layouts that hit a targeted stiffness in any direction.

    Meanwhile, biologists are exploring low-energy ways to coax real fungi to grow in neat rows, from steering nutrients toward one side of a petri dish to applying gentle electric fields that encourage filaments to align.

    This study taught us that you don’t always need exotic chemistry to make a better material. Sometimes it’s all about how you line up the same old threads – just ask a mushroom.

    Mohamed Khalil Elhachimi 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. Examining mushrooms under microscopes can help engineers design stronger materials – https://theconversation.com/examining-mushrooms-under-microscopes-can-help-engineers-design-stronger-materials-260477

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Inflation increased to 2 percent in June 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    Headline inflation increased from 1.9 percent in May to 2 percent in June 2025, remaining below the lower bound of the medium-term objective range of 3 – 6 percent and was lower than the 2.8 percent recorded in June 2024. The marginal increase in inflation between May and June 2025 was mainly on account of the acceleration in the rate of annual price changes of a few categories of goods and services, notably Transport and Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas & other Fuels. Similarly, the 16 percent trimmed mean inflation and inflation excluding administered prices increased from 1.8 percent and 3.7 percent to 2 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively, between May and June 2025.

    Inflation for domestic tradeables decreased from 4.5 percent to 4.3 percent between May and June 2025, mainly on account of the deceleration in the rate of annual price changes of some food items in this category, including sorghum meal, white bread flour, and samp. Conversely, inflation for imported tradeables increased from 0.8 percent to 1.1 percent over the same period, mainly on account of the increase in the price of most alcoholic beverages and vehicles. Overall, all tradeables inflation increased from 1.8 percent to 2 percent between May and June 2025. Meanwhile, inflation for non-tradeables was unchanged at 2 percent in the same period.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apply for the 2026 Criminal Defence Direct Contract

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Apply for the 2026 Criminal Defence Direct Contract

    The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is inviting tenders for Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contracts to deliver 24/7 telephone-based legal advice.

    The LAA is inviting tenders for two new CDD Contracts to deliver 24/7 telephone-based legal advice from 4 May 2026. These services support individuals detained at police stations in England and Wales for non-indictable offences.

    Key Dates

    • Tender opens: 16 July 2025
    • Deadline for questions: 30 July 2025 (5pm)
    • TUPE data request deadline: 30 July 2025 (5pm)
    • Tender submission deadline: 28 August 2025 (11:59pm)

    Who Can Apply

    The tender is open to any organisation that meets the LAA’s Conditions of Participation.

    How to Apply

    Applicants must submit a complete tender via two platforms:

    1. Central Digital Platform (CDP) for supplier registration and core information,
    2. LAA eTendering System for the CDD Tender Response. A share code linking the CDP response must be included in the Qualification envelope of the CDD Tender Response.

    For full details of the procurement process please read the Application Guide which is available at 2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –