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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Correctional Services Minister vows to root out criminality in facilities

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Correctional Services has conducted more than 460 raids in correctional facilities across the country over the past year in a crackdown against lawlessness within these facilities.

    This according to Minister Pieter Groenewald, who presented the department’s Budget Vote in Parliament, on Tuesday.

    “I can declare that in the past year, 466 raids have been conducted. I have also conducted numerous unannounced visits to numerous facilities. These unannounced visits and raids will increase in the coming year,” he said.

    More than 33 000 cell phones, 20 577 sharpened objects, some 122 407 items related to alcohol and other substances, 232.16kg of drugs and over R394 000 worth of money had been confiscated during these raids.

    Groenewald said officials have also been subjected to disciplinary action where necessary.

    “In the last year, 515 officials have received final written warnings; 181 were suspended without pay and 146 dismissed.

    “When it comes to discipline, I can only say that we can only address our problems if we recognise their true extent,” he said. 

    Protecting communities 

    The Minister said when he took office last year, there was a backlog of some 495 life imprisonment profiles. A further 584 life imprisonment profiles have landed on his desk since.

    “Of this total of 1 079 profiles considered, I approved 29 parole applications and granted three cases of day parole. Five individuals serving life sentences have been granted parole and are subject to deportation. 

    “Thirty-eight individuals’ parole has been revoked, two cancelled and one withdrawn. Unfortunately, I have also had to utilise the powers granted to me to refer three parole placements to the Correctional Supervision and Parole Review Board. 

    “The CSPRB is tasked with reviewing the original decisions made by parole boards and must confirm or replace it with its own decision. In all three cases, parole was withdrawn. We are in the process of reviewing the whole parole system,” he said.

    Groenewald explained that the department is tasked with ensuring that inmates, who may reoffend, are not allowed back into society.

    “The department has the important task to safeguard communities against convicted criminals whilst providing rehabilitation of offenders in order to ensure safe reintegration into society. When parole becomes a loophole for further terror and criminality, it is not merely a policy failure, it is a failure of justice. 

    “I am very strict on that and I want to put it on record again: it doesn’t matter whether an applicant went through all the courses and the rehabilitation programmes in our facilities but when I receive a psychological reports…and the risk of reoffending is medium to high, I will not approve any parole for that specific case,” he emphasised.

    Self-sufficiency

    The Minister said the department will have a budget of some R29 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, rising to just over R30 billion for 2026/27 and reaching some R31.9 billion for 2027/28.

    He highlighted that the department’s budget has undergone some cuts as a result of fiscal constraints.

    “The cuts in our budget translate to the provision of security being compromised, capital investment in skills cuts, the budget for nutritional services had to be cut, capital works projects will be on hold and the monitoring of parolees could be negatively impacted.

    “[We] face real and pressing financial and operational constraints. The capital budget shortfall of R222 million undermines our ability to conduct infrastructure upgrades and critical maintenance. The escalating cost of food, fuelled by inflation and the growing number of inmates, including a sharp increase in foreign nationals, adds another layer of financial strain,” he said.

    However, the department is doing its best to “explore alternative revenue streams so that we are not solely reliant on the fiscus”.

    “We have registered commendable progress in the construction of correctional centre-based bakeries and pharmacies. The number of operational bakeries has increased from nine to 11, with Standerton and Pietermaritzburg recently coming online.

    “In the past financial year, we have produced just over five million loaves of bread, which translates to estimated savings of R27 197 251.20. Farm production has also yielded R130 491 122.81 estimated savings in food provisioning.

    “This is but a step in the direction of becoming entirely self-sufficient. The amendments to the 12-day cycle meal plan are expected to generate estimated savings of over R200 million per annum. These figures reflect our commitment to responsible spending of the taxpayers’ hard-earned money,” Groenewald said.

    In his written remarks, the Minister acknowledged that although the department has taken a step in the right direction, more still needs to be done to create a corruption-free correctional service that contributes to South Africa’s safety.

    “Our mission is to [do] the best – doing more with less. More savings of taxpayers’ money, more raids, greater discipline, bigger efforts to uproot corruption, more implementation of creative solutions, a bigger, happier workforce and ultimately, greater public trust.

    “Together, we will continue to strengthen our department, affirm our constitutional commitments, and ensure that justice prevails in South Africa.

    “Let us reaffirm our commitment to a correctional system that serves the people, one rooted in integrity, accountability, and safety. Only then can we truly begin to restore hope, rebuild faith in the system, and move toward the safer South Africa we all deserve,” Groenewald said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mpumalanga’s power and potential must fuel women’s empowerment, Chikunga

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has made an urgent call for inclusive economic transformation that places women at the centre of key value chains. 

    The Minister was delivering a keynote address at the Third Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG), currently underway in Skukuza Conference Centre, Kruger National Park, in Mpumalanga.  

    From the roar of coal turbines at Kusile and Kendal, to the citrus farms of Nkomazi and the tourism magnetism of Kruger National Park, the Minister painted a vivid picture of a province brimming with economic opportunity. 

    However, she cautioned that women who bear the invisible burden of care and subsistence work must be integrated meaningfully into these economic engines.

    “Our task is to ensure that the energy transition, the tourism boom and the manufacturing spine you see here translate into real ownership, decent jobs and fair returns for the women who already carry this province’s invisible labour on their shoulders.

    “When we speak of women’s economic empowerment over the next few days, let us remember: the dividends of energy reform and agro-processing must flow into the very hands that have long carried both unpaid care and subsistence farming,” the minister said. 

    The Minister asserted that this G20 moment belongs not just to South Africa, but to Africa and its people. She reaffirmed the country’s commitment to ensuring grassroots voices inform global policy.

    “South Africa may chair the process, but we view this moment as Africa’s G20 and the People’s G20,” she said. 

    Describing Mpumalanga as the province that “powers, feeds, and connects South Africa”, the Minister said the province was chosen deliberately, highlighting its strategic location along the Maputo-Gauteng corridor and its immense contribution to regional energy, agriculture, logistics and tourism.

    “Mpumalanga sits at the intersection of energy, agriculture, logistics and tourism, the very value chains in which women must now claim their full, equitable share,” she said.

    Driving a Global Agenda with local impact

    Under the banner of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” Minister Chikunga detailed the three priorities of the third Working Group as valuing the care economy – both paid and unpaid; unlocking genuine financial inclusion for women; and eradicating gender-based violence and femicide.

    The Minister highlighted that her department and the Provincial Government held a community engagement nearly two weeks ago in Mkhondo with the ordinary South African women.

    She emphasised that the voices of ordinary women – like those heard during the community engagements in Mkhondo, must echo in every session of the G20 deliberations.

    “Our conversations here mean little if they do not reflect the voices we heard in Mkhondo and those of citizens across all G20 nations and if they do not translate into real improvements in their daily lives,” she said. 

    Chikunga outlined concrete progress made since South Africa took the G20 reins:

    • A global conference on financial inclusion that pushed for gender-responsive land and credit policies and a redesign of the global financial architecture;
    • A C-suite roundtable with African banks to pilot inclusive financial products and link executive bonuses to gender-inclusion targets;
    • Provincial dialogues that birthed legacy projects such as solar-powered childcare centres and women-led agro-processing hubs.

    “These milestones confirm that our agenda is no longer a set of good ideas; it is a living programme of action poised for global scale,” she noted. 

    Care Economy: The backbone of real growth

    Calling the care economy the “hidden engine” that sustains the visible economy, the Minister urged G20 nations to take bold steps to quantify, invest in, and redistribute care work.

    “If we costed all paid and unpaid care work, it would equal about 40 percent of global GDP and 380 million jobs. Remove care and almost half the world’s economic value would evaporate overnight,” she warned.

    Outlining a three-part call to action, Minister Chikunga pressed for public investment in care as critical infrastructure, the regular measurement of unpaid care through time-use surveys, and legal reforms to support parental leave, living wages for carers, and equitable workplace policies. 

    “Treating care as peripheral is not a statistical error; it is an act of economic self-harm rooted in patriarchal thinking,” she said.

    From consensus to commitment

    As the G20 Working Group heads toward its Ministerial Declaration, Minister Chikunga urged delegates to leave Skukuza with a singular mandate: to turn consensus into costed, timeline-driven policy options that uplift women in tangible ways.

    “Our work will be measured by practical outcomes: a woman whose unpaid care burden is lighter; a girl who stays in school because a community crèche opened; a survivor who receives timely support and justice. These are the tests that matter,” she said.

    With its powerful blend of local insight and global ambition, South Africa’s G20 Presidency is charting a bold path toward women’s economic justice, anchored in the lived realities of its people and powered by the untapped potential of provinces like Mpumalanga. – SAnews.gov.za 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing issues rainstorm alert

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

    The Beijing Meteorological Service issued a rainstorm alert at 4 p.m. Tuesday, warning of heavy rainfall across the city from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday morning.

    Torrential rain is expected in some areas, with isolated locations experiencing hourly precipitation exceeding 30 mm, the service said, adding that thunderstorms may accompany the rainfall.

    The capital has seen frequent downpours this week, with meteorologists predicting rain will remain a persistent feature over the coming days. Despite stable temperatures, high humidity levels will sustain noticeably sultry weather.

    Authorities urged the public to stay updated on forecasts, carry rain gear, and avoid sheltering near high-rise buildings or billboards. Drivers were advised to exercise caution on slippery roads and steer clear of flooded sections.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Republicans Block Duckworth Effort to Protect Veterans and Other Americans from Going Hungry as a Result of Trump’s Big, Beautiful Betrayal

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    June 30, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today sought to protect Veterans and many other Americans from going hungry because of cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) included in Trump’s so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” (BBB) that Senate Republicans are rushing to jam through tonight. Duckworth’s effort would have instructed the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee to change the BBB to ensure it would not reduce or terminate SNAP benefits for Veterans, homeless individuals, former foster youth 24 years of age or younger or for parents with children under 18 years of age, but her proposal was blocked by Senate Republicans on a vote of 49-51.

    “Back when I was in high school, my family struggled. We had no money and some days no food, teetering on the brink of homelessness, never sure what tomorrow would bring. I was only elected Senator… I was only able to become an Army pilot… I probably only was able to finish high school because of basic needs programs like SNAP.

    “Donald Trump and Senate Republicans are trying to snatch away these critical safety net programs like health care and SNAP from countless families—including Veterans, homeless people, former foster youth and many other Americans seemingly for no other reason than cruelty for cruelty’s sake—and to give a tax cut to Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies. I’m pissed off that they would look me in the eye on the Senate Floor and then block this critical proposal to help protect so many Americans from going hungry. It’s shameful.”

    In Fiscal Year 2023, an average of 42.2 million individuals—and about 1 in 5 children—in 22.3 million households participated in SNAP each month. Monthly benefits are already insufficient, and averaged only $211.65 per person and $400.15 per household.

    Under current SNAP rules, most adults aged 18 through 54 without children in their household can receive food benefits for just three months in a three-year period unless they show compliance with a 20-hour-per-week work requirement or prove they qualify for an exemption, such as having a disability—though Veterans, homeless individuals and former foster youth 24 years of age or younger have been exempt from those requirements.

    The Senate bill eliminates these exemptions, terminating SNAP benefits for nearly 300,000 people in these populations. In addition, the SNAP program has long exempted parents from work requirements, but the Senate bill eliminates these exemptions for parents with kids over the age of 13.

    Despite those exemptions continuing under even the House-passed BBB, Senate Republicans are seeking to remove them and limit SNAP benefits to these currently-protected populations. The Senate Republican bill would terminate SNAP benefits for at least 2.87 million people—including 1.2 million Veterans—and reduce benefits for tens of millions more.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: As Vote-A-Rama On Republican Budget Betrayal Hits 24 Hours, Luján Standing Strong for New Mexicans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    WATCH: Luján Holds Senate Floor During Midnight Session 

    WATCH: Luján Introduces Amendment to Save SNAP

    Washington, D.C. – As the Senate vote-a-rama on the Republican Budget Betrayal hits 24 hours, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) has been on the Senate floor throughout the night fighting for New Mexicans.

    KEY MOMENTS:

    24 Hour Mark of the Vote-A-Rama: Good morning from the Senate steps. We’ve been voting on amendments for nearly 24 hours straight. Senate Republicans still haven’t called a final vote on their budget betrayal because they don’t have the votes. @SenateDems aren’t backing down. No matter how long this takes.

    Standing Up for New Mexicans in the Dark of Night: It’s almost midnight in Washington and we’re still voting on GOP budget amendments. Senate Republicans are flying completely blind — still scrambling to finalize a bill they’ve been rewriting all day (and for months) to meet President Trump’s demands. This process is messy, but this bill is going to be even messier.

    Standing Up Against the Republican Budget Betrayal With Senator Smith: We’re fighting back against this Republican budget betrayal because it’s downright terrible — and devastating for families in New Mexico, Minnesota, and across the country.

    Leading Charge to Save SNAP: Senator Luján delivered a speech on the Senate floor offering an amendment to the Republican budget bill to save the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – to protect food assistance for kids, seniors, and veterans. All but two Republicans voted to keep these devastating cuts in the bill.

    Highlighting Impacts of Republican Betrayal Bill on New Mexicans: Senator Luján took to the Senate floor to deliver a floor speech detailing how the Republican budget bill would devastate New Mexico’s families, farmers and ranchers, and children and seniors.

    LOCAL COVERAGE:

    Source NM: New Mexico Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Luján offered a motion to commit the bill back to committee in order to remove all changes related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. It was rejected following a 49-51 vote, though Alaska Republican Sens. Dan Sullivan and Murkowski voted in favor.

    KSFR: According to Lujan, the bill’s cuts to the Affordable Care Act would take health care away from 17 million Americans. New Mexico’s junior senator argued that the bill would also force rural hospitals and grocery stores to close…and said that it would add three trillion dollars to the national debt.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Countdown to Euro 2025 as Government gives advice to travelling fans

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Countdown to Euro 2025 as Government gives advice to travelling fans

    Ahead of Euro 2025 kicking off tomorrow, the Foreign Office is providing fans with the information and advice they need for a safe and enjoyable tournament.

    • With the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro football tournament kicking off tomorrow, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is working closely with the Football Associations of England and Wales to provide information and advice to travelling fans
    • Ahead of Women’s Summer of Sport, the UK Government continues to drive progress in women’s sport to improve access and boost the nation’s economy

    With thousands of supporters expected to follow reigning champions England and major-tournament newcomers Wales when the Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off tomorrow, the Foreign Office has issued top tips to help fans have a safe and enjoyable tournament in Switzerland.

    Advice for fans travelling to the eight different stadiums hosting matches across the country includes: checking travel advice, signing up to email alerts for the latest developments, ensuring your passport meets entry requirements and getting travel insurance before you go. The UK will also have a consular presence in Switzerland throughout the tournament, to support those British nationals requiring help or advice.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    The Women’s Euros promises to be a spectacular event with legions of fans travelling to multiple locations across Switzerland to enjoy the matches. Together with in-country consular support, we’ve put together some practical advice to help people have a safe and enjoyable trip and get behind our home teams.

    Lionesses Head Coach Sarina Wiegman said:

    We know thousands of you will be planning on travelling to Switzerland. Trips like this are a really big commitment and we understand the sacrifices our travelling support will be making. We thank you and please know your loyalty and passion will never be taken for granted by myself and the players.

    We wish everyone a fantastic experience and hope it is a summer to remember.

    Specifically fans travelling to Switzerland are advised to:

    In 2024, UK Women’s Sport attracted audiences of over 44.17 million, an increase of nearly 40% in just two years, with global revenues predicted to have risen by 240% in 4 years.

    The Government is driving progress across women’s sport, which in addition to improving access for women and girls across the country is also helping to boost economic growth and deliver on Our Plan for Change. On 21 March, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport announced an investment of £100 million to fund grassroots facilities throughout the UK. £98 million of this will support projects in 2025/26.

    Wales Office Minister and Equalities Minister Nia Griffith said:

    Along with hundreds of other supporters across Wales I will be travelling to Switzerland this month to cheer on our fantastic women’s team as they take part in a major tournament for the very first time.

    I wish the squad and staff the very best of luck and Wales fans should follow advice and prepare for their trip so they can fully enjoy this historic and ground-breaking moment for Welsh football.

    Fan Engagement Executive at Football Association of Wales, Macsen Jones said:

    As Cymru prepare to make history with our first-ever appearance at the UEFA Women’s EURO, thousands of our supporters will be travelling to Switzerland to cheer them on.

    The FAW has been working closely with the FCDO to provide up-to-date travel advice, helping ensure that our fans stay safe and well-informed while supporting Cymru this summer.

    As a Euro match ticket holder, fans can travel from anywhere in Switzerland to the stadium and back on the day of your match for free, with the offer valid for the entire Swiss public transport network. Additionally, every host city will host a Fan Zone to provide entertainment beyond the 90 minutes of football.

    Background:

    • Travelling England and Wales fans will be able to contact the FCDO by phone 24/7 on +44 (0)20 7008 5000 or by calling the Embassy locally on +41 31 359 77 00. Fans in Switzerland can access the Swiss emergency services by dialling 112.
    • Fans planning to travel elsewhere in the region should check Travel Advice for each location they plan to visit or transit through.
    • Globally, Deloitte predicts that revenue generated by women’s elite sports will reach at least $2.35 billion, or £1.8 billion, in 2025, with revenues predicted to have risen by 240% in 4 years.
    • The event guide for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 can be found here: www.uefa.com/womenseuro/event-guide/

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Technology and Energy Secretaries chair second AI Energy Council meeting

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Technology and Energy Secretaries chair second AI Energy Council meeting

    The Technology and Energy Secretaries have chaired the second round of discussions, with a focus on compute and the energy demands of AI.

    The Technology and Energy Secretaries chairing the second meeting of the AI Energy Council.

    Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle and Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband led the second meeting of the AI Energy Council in London this week (Monday 30 June).

    Joined by regulators and representatives of the energy and tech sectors, the latest round of talks centred on the energy demands which will be needed to power the UK’s compute ambitions, and the future energy needs of the sector as a whole.

    The government has set the ambition of ramping up the UK’s public compute capacity – the building block of AI development – 20 fold in the next 5 years, with talks focused on how the country’s energy grid can meet that goal.

    Presentations from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the National Energy System Operator (NESO) on energy demands for AI kicked off the session, with the Energy Secretary reflecting on the work being undertaken by the council’s dedicated working group on forecasting energy demand.

    With the energy demands of data centres – key drivers of AI development and growth – expected to double in the coming years, attendees also reiterated the importance of ensuring they can be connected to the power grid as swiftly as possible.

    This was further highlighted by the Technology Secretary’s reflections on the importance of growth and increasing the UK’s sovereign AI capabilities as central pillars of the AI Energy Council’s work, noting its role as a vital forum for answering key questions and unlocking opportunity. 

    At the conclusion of the meeting, those in attendance reflected on the shared mission across the energy and tech sectors and the urgency of the council’s work in the coming years as the government powers both its AI and clean energy superpower ambitions. This also included an agreement to work together to forecast future trends support the government’s broader work on grid connections.

    The council will next meet in Autumn.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Ruto of Kenya: 1 July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    Press release

    PM meeting with President Ruto of Kenya: 1 July 2025

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Kenya, William Ruto, to Downing Street today. 

    The Prime Minister welcomed the President of Kenya, William Ruto, to Downing Street today. 

    The leaders began by celebrating the new UK-Kenya Strategic Partnership, which will see both countries work together to drive economic growth and strengthen regional security. 

    Turning to migration, the Prime Minister and President welcomed a new UK-Kenya security agreement to disrupt organised immigration crime and human trafficking in Kenya to prevent onward migration to Europe. 

    On trade and investment, the leaders discussed the Nairobi Railway City project, which has been inspired by London’s Kings Cross and will enable opportunities for UK businesses, driving growth and delivering on our Plan for Change. 

    The Prime Minister and President agreed on the need for peace and stability in the region.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IAEA Holds Rays of Hope Forum To Increase Access to Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death on the continent, claiming around 2,000 lives every day.

    Three years ago, to close the global cancer care gap, we launched the IAEA’s #RaysOfHope initiative at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa.

    Today, we returned to take stock:

    • More than 90 countries have joined
    • Over €90 million mobilized
    • Hospitals upgraded
    • PET/CTs, SPECTs, mammography units and LINACs delivered
    • Radiotherapy centres coming online across several countries
    • Staff trained and networks developed

    Building on this momentum, we signed a $4.5 million partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – the largest contribution from a non-traditional partner to our cancer care work to date. We also launched a new nuclear medicine service at Black Lion Hospital – one of four radiotherapy centres supported by the IAEA in Ethiopia. The hospital now has SPECT/CT scanners, a linear accelerator, trained staff, and a mammography unit on the way.

    Learn more: Rays of Hope IAEA Flagship Initiative →

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration for Slashing Youth Mental Health Funding

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and 15 other attorneys general sued the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon for unlawfully terminating more than $1 billion in bipartisan federal funding for school-based mental health services. Attorney General James and the coalition are challenging ED’s abrupt decision to discontinue funding for two mental health grant programs – the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program (MHSP) and the School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program (SBMH) – which Congress created in response to the worsening youth mental health crisis and a series of tragic school shootings, including in Parkland, Florida and Uvalde, Texas. The attorneys general argue that ED’s terminations are unconstitutional and ideologically driven, and are urging the court to reinstate the funding and protect the critical youth mental health infrastructure schools have built under these programs.

    “By cutting funding for these lifesaving youth mental health programs, the Department of Education is abandoning our children when they need us most,” said Attorney General James. “These grants have helped thousands of students access critical mental health services at a time when young people are facing record levels of depression, trauma, and anxiety. To eliminate these grants now would be a grave disservice to children and families in New York and nationwide, and my office is fighting back to preserve these much-needed programs.”

    “SUNY is grateful to Attorney General James for protecting New Yorkers, including critical resources for mental health support,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “At a time when school-based mental health services are more important than ever, SUNY is proud that our campuses play a vital role in training mental health providers and we will vigorously defend this important work.”

    In 2018, following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Congress established and funded MHSP to address a shortage of mental health professionals in high-need public schools. Two years later, Congress expanded these efforts with SBMH, which provided funding to help schools hire, train, and retain school-based mental health staff. In the wake of the devastating 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Congress dramatically increased funding for both programs, appropriating more than $100 million annually to each program through 2026 and requiring ED to submit detailed spending plans and biweekly updates. Each program was designed as a five-year initiative, with the goal of placing 14,000 new mental health professionals in schools, particularly those in low-income and rural areas.

    In the lawsuit, the attorneys general highlight the broad, bipartisan support behind these programs. As Republican Texas Senator John Cornyn noted, Congress “crafted this landmark law with a simple purpose: to reduce violence and save lives.” He explained that the law contains “commonsense measures to improve how our schools address mental health,” noting that “too often, adolescents with untreated mental health conditions become the very same perpetrators who commit acts of violence.”

    Attorney General James and the coalition emphasize that these programs have already demonstrated measurable success. In the first year alone, nearly 775,000 students received mental or behavioral health services. More than 1,200 school-based mental health professionals were hired and 95 percent retained. Student wait times dropped by 80 percent. Grantees reported a 50 percent reduction in suicide risk at high-need schools, lower absenteeism and behavioral incidents, and stronger student-staff relationships.

    Despite these successes, on April 29, 2025, the administration abruptly notified dozens of grantees that their funding would be discontinued, claiming that these program were no longer aligned with “current administration priorities.” The boilerplate notices included vague justifications with no specific findings or performance issues. In statements to Congress and the media, ED acknowledged that it targeted grants for discontinuation based on the programs’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, despite the fact that such efforts were required under longstanding federal law and were part of the announced criteria used to evaluate and award the grants. 

    As a result of the administration’s decision to discontinue mental health funding, Attorney General James and the coalition assert that, starting this fall, public schools nationwide will no longer reliably be able to offer critical mental health services. The attorneys general argue that if allowed to move forward, these terminations will force the layoffs of hundreds of school-based mental health professionals, abruptly end services for thousands of vulnerable students, dismantle graduate training pipelines that were helping to address nationwide shortages, and destroy projects that have been years in the making.

    New York stands to lose at least $19 million in previously approved funding as a result of these cuts, including over $7.6 million for the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Unless the terminations are reversed, SUNY Binghamton will be forced to pull mental health professionals from schools serving more than 9,000 rural students, laying off 10 full-time staff and several part-time employees and graduate assistants. SUNY Buffalo would be forced to end a fellowship program training school social workers to serve students in Western New York, jeopardizing care for an estimated 3,000 students. Several New York school districts and private institutions have also had their funding discontinued, jeopardizing mental health services for students in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Long Island, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, and other communities throughout the state.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the cancellation of this funding is both unlawful and unconstitutional, as it undermines Congress’ authority and equity directive and violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) because of the lack of notice. The attorneys general also contend that the administration breached the grant agreements and violated federal regulations that govern the continuation of grant awards. Under these regulations, once a multiyear grant is awarded, the decision to continue funding must be based on the grantee’s performance. In this case, ED failed to offer any evidence that the grantees failed to meet performance standards and instead applied an ideological litmus test after the fact, leaving schools and students to suffer the consequences.

    The attorneys general are asking the court to declare these grant terminations unlawful, reinstate the funding for the full intended term of the awards, and prevent ED from imposing similar ideological conditions moving forward.

    Joining Attorney General James in this lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration over Unlawful Discontinuation of School Mental Health Grant Funding

    Source: US State of California

    $200 million of funding intended to support the mental health and well-being of California students is at risk

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced joining a coalition of 16 states, in suing the Trump Administration’s Department of Education over their unlawful decision to discontinue grants awarded through Congressionally-established school mental health funding programs, including roughly $200 million awarded to local education agencies, county offices of education, and universities in California. If allowed to stand, starting this fall, many States’ elementary and secondary schools will lose mental health services critical to students’ well-being, safety, and academic success. The Department had awarded this funding to the nation’s high-need, low-income, and rural schools pursuant to its Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program (MHSP) and its School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program (SBMH). The lawsuit, filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington seeks injunctive and declaratory relief to safeguard this critical funding, which fosters safe and supportive learning environments, and supports the well-being of our students. 

    “The Trump Administration’s Department of Education is attempting to rip away funding and projects that support the mental health and well-being of our students – it’s not only immoral, it’s unlawful,” said Attorney General Bonta. “These mental health programs were established by Congress following a wave of tragic and unacceptable school shootings, and they do critical work to ensure students can not only succeed but thrive. The loss of this funding would cause immense harm to California students, especially in our low-income and rural communities. The California Department of Justice will not stand idly by – we’re once again taking the Trump Administration to court, this time to protect the mental health and well-being of our students.” 

    Spurred by episodes of devastating loss from school shootings, Congress established and funded MHSP in 2018 and SBMH in 2020 to increase students’ access to mental health services. MHSP addresses the shortage of school-based mental health service providers by awarding multi-year grants to projects that expand the pipeline for counselors, social workers, and psychologists through partnerships between institutes of higher education and local educational agencies; and SBMH funds multi-year grants to increase the number of professionals that provide school-based mental health services to students through direct hiring and retention incentives. The ultimate goal of the programs is to permanently bring 14,000 additional mental health professionals into U.S. schools.

    The programs have been an incredible success. In their first year, the programs provided mental and behavioral health services to nearly 775,000 elementary and secondary students nationwide. Sampled projects showed real results: a 50% reduction in suicide risk at high-need schools, decreases in absenteeism and behavioral issues, and increases in positive student-staff engagement. Data also showed recruitment and retention efforts are working – in the first year of the programs, nearly 1,300 school mental health professionals were hired and 95% of those hired were retained. Importantly, these newly hired school-based mental health providers were able to create an 80% reduction in student wait time for services.

    In California, 44 local education agencies, county offices of education, and universities are set to lose roughly $200 million. The grants have helped schools hire hundreds of psychologists, counselors, and social workers who have served thousands of students, including in the state’s most economically disadvantaged and rural communities. By all markers, these programs work.

    Despite these successes, on or about April 29, 2025, the Department sent boilerplate notices to grantees, including state education agencies, local education agencies, and institutes of higher education, claiming that their grants conflicted with the Trump Administration’s priorities and would not be continued. The notices claimed the Department intends to reallocate funds based on new priorities of “merit, fairness, and excellence in education,” providing little to no insight into the basis for the discontinuance, while destroying projects years in the making. However, in the press, the Trump Administration admitted that it targeted Plaintiff States’ grants for their perceived diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, which the States argue is not a legal basis for discontinuation. 

    In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration’s decision to discontinue funding through a vague boilerplate notice, without any mention of grantees’ performance, violates the Administrative Procedure Act and is an unconstitutional violation of the Spending Clause and Separation of Powers. If allowed to stand, the Trump Administration’s unlawful decision to discontinue this funding would cause irreparable harm to States that would be forced to lay off school-based mental health service providers, cutting off much-needed mental health services to their rural and low-income schools. Furthermore, it will harm States’ students who have already benefitted from these Programs, making it more challenging for schools to provide services to students who feel abandoned and distrust mental health resources due to the interruption in services caused by the discontinuation.

    In filing the lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

    A copy of the lawsuit is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ZIGChain Launches Mainnet Beta for First Layer 1 Designed for Decentralized Wealth Generation Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • ZIGChain’s Layer 1 mainnet beta launches June 25, 2025, establishing a programmable foundation for global, decentralized wealth infrastructure.
    • The chain enables developers and institutions to deploy scalable, performance-based investment protocols.

    Singapore, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — – ZIGChain, a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain for decentralized wealth generation, has officially launched its mainnet beta, marking its Genesis Day and laying the foundation for a new era of programmable financial access and infrastructure.

    ZIGChain enables high-performance, interoperable applications across DeFi, real-world assets (RWA), and automated investment protocols. The mainnet beta launch caps off a successful testnet phase that saw rapid ecosystem expansion, with an array of native applications deploying on the platform, generating substantial developer and community engagement.

    The platform is supported by a $100 million Ecosystem Fund, backed by DWF Labs, UDHC Finance, and Disrupt.com, and builds on the success of Zignaly, a licensed social investment platform connecting over 600,000 users with 150+ fund managers. 

    This launch follows a string of strategic milestones showcased at the April 29 ZIGChain Summit in Dubai, including the unveiling of Zamanat, the world’s first Shariah-compliant RWA tokenisation platform, and the announcement of the $25 million DeFAI Innovation Fund. 

    Abdul Rafay Gadit, Co-Founder of ZIGChain, stated, “Accessing reliable and transparent investment infrastructure has historically been difficult, not just for retail users, but even for experienced managers. With ZIGChain, we’re taking a meaningful step toward changing that by focusing deeply on real-world assets as the foundation for long-term, scalable wealth generation. We aim to equip developers with the tools they need to start building programmable protocols designed to align with applicable law  that bridge traditional assets with blockchain technology.”

    Bart Bordallo, Co-Founder and CEO of ZIGChain, expressed that,  “This mainnet beta launch represents a shift from vision to foundation. We’ve built a high-performance, interoperable architecture that can handle the complex requirements of DeFi, RWA tokenization, and automated investment protocols at scale. The infrastructure includes our validator network, cross-chain bridge capabilities, and native staking mechanisms – all designed for institutional-grade security and compliance. We’re excited to see developers leverage these technical foundations to build the next generation of financial applications”

    ZIGChain launches with a robust ecosystem of native applications preparing for deployment, including Oroswap, an AI-powered conversational DEX; Valdora Finance, a native liquid staking protocol; Permapod, a lending protocol designed to accept RWAs as collateral; and Nawa Finance, a Sharia-compliant DeFi aggregator. These projects represent the early wave of builders leveraging ZIGChain’s infrastructure to bring new decentralized financial tools to market.

    With this foundation in place, ZIGChain will begin rolling out critical infrastructure components, including the ZIGChain Hub for staking and validation, cross-chain bridges to support $ZIG token migration, and the activation of its validator network. These features will be deployed in phases to ensure stability, security, and long-term scalability.

    By anchoring real-world assets, ethical finance, and AI-First infrastructure within a Layer 1, ZIGChain is positioning itself to support the next evolution of decentralized capital markets. The chain’s vision is clear: build the infrastructure now for what serious builders and institutional users will demand tomorrow, while ensuring that these systems are equally accessible to everyone. By putting inclusivity at the heart of its mission, ZIGChain is paving the way for a more equitable and truly global financial future.

    Learn more about ZIGChain by visiting zigchain.com

    About ZIGChain

    ZIGChain is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain designed to democratize access to investment opportunities, facilitate financial inclusion regardless of income level, technical skill, or geographic location. ZIGChain enables developers and institutions to launch scalable, compliant protocols for profit-sharing, fund tokenization, and real-world asset management.

    Its ecosystem includes Zignaly, a licensed social investment platform connecting over 600,000 users with more than 150 professional portfolio managers. ZIGChain also supports Zamanat, the world’s first Shariah-compliant real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, combining ethical finance with programmable blockchain infrastructure. 

    Disclaimer: Zamanat is a separate app built on ZIGChain. ZIGChain itself is not a Shariah compliant blockchain network. 

    For more information about ZIGChain, please visit zigchain.com

    Media Contacts:
    Jacob Galland 

    Luna PR
    jake@lunapr.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ZIGChain Launches Mainnet Beta for First Layer 1 Designed for Decentralized Wealth Generation Infrastructure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • ZIGChain’s Layer 1 mainnet beta launches June 25, 2025, establishing a programmable foundation for global, decentralized wealth infrastructure.
    • The chain enables developers and institutions to deploy scalable, performance-based investment protocols.

    Singapore, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — – ZIGChain, a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain for decentralized wealth generation, has officially launched its mainnet beta, marking its Genesis Day and laying the foundation for a new era of programmable financial access and infrastructure.

    ZIGChain enables high-performance, interoperable applications across DeFi, real-world assets (RWA), and automated investment protocols. The mainnet beta launch caps off a successful testnet phase that saw rapid ecosystem expansion, with an array of native applications deploying on the platform, generating substantial developer and community engagement.

    The platform is supported by a $100 million Ecosystem Fund, backed by DWF Labs, UDHC Finance, and Disrupt.com, and builds on the success of Zignaly, a licensed social investment platform connecting over 600,000 users with 150+ fund managers. 

    This launch follows a string of strategic milestones showcased at the April 29 ZIGChain Summit in Dubai, including the unveiling of Zamanat, the world’s first Shariah-compliant RWA tokenisation platform, and the announcement of the $25 million DeFAI Innovation Fund. 

    Abdul Rafay Gadit, Co-Founder of ZIGChain, stated, “Accessing reliable and transparent investment infrastructure has historically been difficult, not just for retail users, but even for experienced managers. With ZIGChain, we’re taking a meaningful step toward changing that by focusing deeply on real-world assets as the foundation for long-term, scalable wealth generation. We aim to equip developers with the tools they need to start building programmable protocols designed to align with applicable law  that bridge traditional assets with blockchain technology.”

    Bart Bordallo, Co-Founder and CEO of ZIGChain, expressed that,  “This mainnet beta launch represents a shift from vision to foundation. We’ve built a high-performance, interoperable architecture that can handle the complex requirements of DeFi, RWA tokenization, and automated investment protocols at scale. The infrastructure includes our validator network, cross-chain bridge capabilities, and native staking mechanisms – all designed for institutional-grade security and compliance. We’re excited to see developers leverage these technical foundations to build the next generation of financial applications”

    ZIGChain launches with a robust ecosystem of native applications preparing for deployment, including Oroswap, an AI-powered conversational DEX; Valdora Finance, a native liquid staking protocol; Permapod, a lending protocol designed to accept RWAs as collateral; and Nawa Finance, a Sharia-compliant DeFi aggregator. These projects represent the early wave of builders leveraging ZIGChain’s infrastructure to bring new decentralized financial tools to market.

    With this foundation in place, ZIGChain will begin rolling out critical infrastructure components, including the ZIGChain Hub for staking and validation, cross-chain bridges to support $ZIG token migration, and the activation of its validator network. These features will be deployed in phases to ensure stability, security, and long-term scalability.

    By anchoring real-world assets, ethical finance, and AI-First infrastructure within a Layer 1, ZIGChain is positioning itself to support the next evolution of decentralized capital markets. The chain’s vision is clear: build the infrastructure now for what serious builders and institutional users will demand tomorrow, while ensuring that these systems are equally accessible to everyone. By putting inclusivity at the heart of its mission, ZIGChain is paving the way for a more equitable and truly global financial future.

    Learn more about ZIGChain by visiting zigchain.com

    About ZIGChain

    ZIGChain is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain designed to democratize access to investment opportunities, facilitate financial inclusion regardless of income level, technical skill, or geographic location. ZIGChain enables developers and institutions to launch scalable, compliant protocols for profit-sharing, fund tokenization, and real-world asset management.

    Its ecosystem includes Zignaly, a licensed social investment platform connecting over 600,000 users with more than 150 professional portfolio managers. ZIGChain also supports Zamanat, the world’s first Shariah-compliant real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform, combining ethical finance with programmable blockchain infrastructure. 

    Disclaimer: Zamanat is a separate app built on ZIGChain. ZIGChain itself is not a Shariah compliant blockchain network. 

    For more information about ZIGChain, please visit zigchain.com

    Media Contacts:
    Jacob Galland 

    Luna PR
    jake@lunapr.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BTC Miner Launches Smart Cloud Mining Platform for BTC, DOGE, and XRP With Daily Passive Income Potential Up to $100,000

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE) and Ripple (XRP), BTC Miner is an intelligent platform that combines innovative cloud mining technology and is designed for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. More and more people are turning their attention to cryptocurrency investment and mining. The high income potential allows you to easily earn up to $100,000 in passive income every day.

    The income is not only stable, but also has strong growth potential for sustainable passive income. Through the platform, you can easily start mining and achieve stable income without having to own expensive mining hardware or master complex technical operations.

    Visit the official website https://btcminer.net to register for free

    Worry-free investment, zero hidden fees
    With BTC Miner, users don’t have to worry about high installation, maintenance and electricity costs. All contracts clearly stipulate the daily payout amount and the total return at maturity, ensuring that investors receive clear and transparent returns.

    Why choose BTC Miner: FCA-regulated security
    BTC Miner operates under the strict supervision of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is committed to providing a safe and reliable investment environment. And uses advanced data encryption and cold wallet storage to protect user assets.
    In addition, the platform’s multi-asset support includes BTC, ETH, USDT (ERC-20 and TRC-20), LTC, XRP, SOL, BCH, USDC and other recharge and withdrawal options, providing greater flexibility for global investors.

    Invite friends to earn up to $50,000 in rewards
    Your BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, and XRP can not only generate interest for you, but also bring you greater social value! Invite friends to invest in BTC Miner and enjoy referral rewards immediately – 7% rebate for the first level, 2% for the second level, and no upper limit on the bonus, so you can easily build your “money-making alliance”.

    ⚡ Take action now, cryptocurrency is no longer a dead asset!
    Don’t miss this crypto wealth revolution! BTC Miner makes your cryptocurrency no longer just waiting, but truly “evolutionary money-making”. Join now, earn daily income without any effort, and seize the opportunity to be the future winner!

    Summary: BTC Miner Cloud Mining
    With BTC Miner’s cloud mining platform, you can not only get started easily, but also achieve stable passive income in a low-risk environment. Whether you are a novice or an experienced investor, BTC Miner provides an ideal investment opportunity to help you get substantial returns in the cryptocurrency market and provides an efficient and convenient path to digital wealth.

    MEDIA Contact: 
    Company name: BTC Miner
    Email: info@btcminer.net
    Website: https://btcminer.net/
    Sign up now and start your crypto mining journey!

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BTC Miner Launches Smart Cloud Mining Platform for BTC, DOGE, and XRP With Daily Passive Income Potential Up to $100,000

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Dogecoin (DOGE) and Ripple (XRP), BTC Miner is an intelligent platform that combines innovative cloud mining technology and is designed for cryptocurrency enthusiasts. More and more people are turning their attention to cryptocurrency investment and mining. The high income potential allows you to easily earn up to $100,000 in passive income every day.

    The income is not only stable, but also has strong growth potential for sustainable passive income. Through the platform, you can easily start mining and achieve stable income without having to own expensive mining hardware or master complex technical operations.

    Visit the official website https://btcminer.net to register for free

    Worry-free investment, zero hidden fees
    With BTC Miner, users don’t have to worry about high installation, maintenance and electricity costs. All contracts clearly stipulate the daily payout amount and the total return at maturity, ensuring that investors receive clear and transparent returns.

    Why choose BTC Miner: FCA-regulated security
    BTC Miner operates under the strict supervision of the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is committed to providing a safe and reliable investment environment. And uses advanced data encryption and cold wallet storage to protect user assets.
    In addition, the platform’s multi-asset support includes BTC, ETH, USDT (ERC-20 and TRC-20), LTC, XRP, SOL, BCH, USDC and other recharge and withdrawal options, providing greater flexibility for global investors.

    Invite friends to earn up to $50,000 in rewards
    Your BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, and XRP can not only generate interest for you, but also bring you greater social value! Invite friends to invest in BTC Miner and enjoy referral rewards immediately – 7% rebate for the first level, 2% for the second level, and no upper limit on the bonus, so you can easily build your “money-making alliance”.

    ⚡ Take action now, cryptocurrency is no longer a dead asset!
    Don’t miss this crypto wealth revolution! BTC Miner makes your cryptocurrency no longer just waiting, but truly “evolutionary money-making”. Join now, earn daily income without any effort, and seize the opportunity to be the future winner!

    Summary: BTC Miner Cloud Mining
    With BTC Miner’s cloud mining platform, you can not only get started easily, but also achieve stable passive income in a low-risk environment. Whether you are a novice or an experienced investor, BTC Miner provides an ideal investment opportunity to help you get substantial returns in the cryptocurrency market and provides an efficient and convenient path to digital wealth.

    MEDIA Contact: 
    Company name: BTC Miner
    Email: info@btcminer.net
    Website: https://btcminer.net/
    Sign up now and start your crypto mining journey!

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Blue Navy Recovery Celebrates 200 successful unclaimed property recovery cases in California and Georgia, $6 Million in Recovered Funds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Irvine, CA, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Navy Recovery, a leading unclaimed property recovery firm operating in California and Georgia, today announced the successful completion of 200 client claims, totaling over $6 million in recovered funds. This milestone reflects not just the company’s operational efficiency, but also the growing awareness around reclaiming dormant assets that many individuals may not realize are legally theirs.

    Service features displayed on Blue Navy Recovery’s website, highlighting unclaimed property recovery support for clients in California and Georgia.

    The firm’s approach to unclaimed property recovery is rooted in accessibility, compliance, and clarity. Blue Navy Recovery provides comprehensive support—from document preparation to direct communication with state agencies—removing the burdens typically associated with navigating bureaucratic systems. With no upfront charges and a compensation model based solely on successful recoveries, the service is designed to be risk-free and approachable for claimants at any income level. The company’s recent launch was covered by prominent publishers like Business Insider and Yahoo! Finance.

    Blue Navy Recovery has worked with hundreds of individuals who had no prior knowledge that the state was holding funds in their name. These include old bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, utility refunds, and more. Verified client reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp highlight the impact of Blue Navy’s work. Additionally, those interested in a deeper look at specific case stories can explore verified client experiences shared via publicly available reviews and testimonials.

    “Reaching 200 successful cases is a meaningful benchmark,” said David Dorfman, Managing Partner at Blue Navy Recovery. “Every claim represents not just a number, but a person reconnecting with assets that had slipped through the cracks. It’s a privilege to facilitate those outcomes.”

    The company was born from firsthand frustration with state-run recovery systems and has since built a streamlined, secure model designed around user ease and institutional trust. Claimants have access to a secure and user-friendly client process and support materials to streamline the process of recovering unclaimed funds within each state’s state-specific recovery process.

    To learn more about unclaimed property recovery in California or Georgia, visit Blue Navy Recovery. For a closer look at previous case outcomes and claimant experiences, see Blue Navy Recovery testimonials hosted on the company’s official website.

    Overview of Blue Navy Recovery’s mission and unclaimed property recovery services for clients in California and Georgia.

    About Blue Navy Recovery

    Blue Navy Recovery is a professional unclaimed property recovery firm that helps individuals and families recover lost or forgotten funds held by the state. With deep experience navigating the claims process in California and Georgia, we’ve helped return millions of dollars to rightful owners. We handle the paperwork, follow-ups, and filing — so you don’t have to. Our team only collects a percentage of the recovered amount, with no upfront cost. 

    Press inquiries

    Blue Navy Recovery
    https://www.bluenavy.org
    David Dorfman
    david@bluenavy.org
    (619) 215-1972

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Blue Navy Recovery Celebrates 200 successful unclaimed property recovery cases in California and Georgia, $6 Million in Recovered Funds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Irvine, CA, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Blue Navy Recovery, a leading unclaimed property recovery firm operating in California and Georgia, today announced the successful completion of 200 client claims, totaling over $6 million in recovered funds. This milestone reflects not just the company’s operational efficiency, but also the growing awareness around reclaiming dormant assets that many individuals may not realize are legally theirs.

    Service features displayed on Blue Navy Recovery’s website, highlighting unclaimed property recovery support for clients in California and Georgia.

    The firm’s approach to unclaimed property recovery is rooted in accessibility, compliance, and clarity. Blue Navy Recovery provides comprehensive support—from document preparation to direct communication with state agencies—removing the burdens typically associated with navigating bureaucratic systems. With no upfront charges and a compensation model based solely on successful recoveries, the service is designed to be risk-free and approachable for claimants at any income level. The company’s recent launch was covered by prominent publishers like Business Insider and Yahoo! Finance.

    Blue Navy Recovery has worked with hundreds of individuals who had no prior knowledge that the state was holding funds in their name. These include old bank accounts, unclaimed insurance proceeds, utility refunds, and more. Verified client reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp highlight the impact of Blue Navy’s work. Additionally, those interested in a deeper look at specific case stories can explore verified client experiences shared via publicly available reviews and testimonials.

    “Reaching 200 successful cases is a meaningful benchmark,” said David Dorfman, Managing Partner at Blue Navy Recovery. “Every claim represents not just a number, but a person reconnecting with assets that had slipped through the cracks. It’s a privilege to facilitate those outcomes.”

    The company was born from firsthand frustration with state-run recovery systems and has since built a streamlined, secure model designed around user ease and institutional trust. Claimants have access to a secure and user-friendly client process and support materials to streamline the process of recovering unclaimed funds within each state’s state-specific recovery process.

    To learn more about unclaimed property recovery in California or Georgia, visit Blue Navy Recovery. For a closer look at previous case outcomes and claimant experiences, see Blue Navy Recovery testimonials hosted on the company’s official website.

    Overview of Blue Navy Recovery’s mission and unclaimed property recovery services for clients in California and Georgia.

    About Blue Navy Recovery

    Blue Navy Recovery is a professional unclaimed property recovery firm that helps individuals and families recover lost or forgotten funds held by the state. With deep experience navigating the claims process in California and Georgia, we’ve helped return millions of dollars to rightful owners. We handle the paperwork, follow-ups, and filing — so you don’t have to. Our team only collects a percentage of the recovered amount, with no upfront cost. 

    Press inquiries

    Blue Navy Recovery
    https://www.bluenavy.org
    David Dorfman
    david@bluenavy.org
    (619) 215-1972

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sunwave Health Expands MARA AI to Automate Utilization Reviews and Launches Mobile BDR App for On-the-Go Productivity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DELRAY BEACH, Fla., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunwave Health, a leading provider of healthcare software solutions, today announced the recent release of its MARA UR (Utilization Review), which was unveiled on April 28 at the company’s annual user summit. With the click of a button, the time required to prepare concurrent reviews for insurance authorization requests is significantly reduced, while still delivering the comprehensive and accurate information needed to secure additional patient care. Previously, Utilization Review Specialists (URS) spent significant time gathering the necessary information before their call with the insurance provider. With MARA, the information is compiled instantly, allowing the URS to quickly review, adjust, or add details, prior to proceeding with the authorization review call. This time-saving innovation boosts productivity and allows for more direct patient care.

    “Getting patients the care they need shouldn’t be a battle. MARA reimagines the utilization review process, letting treatment centers focus on care, not chasing down data. It’s not just faster, it’s a smarter way to fight for every day a patient needs,” said Elie Levy, Sunwave Co-CEO and Founder.

    MARA, Sunwave’s patent-pending AI agent, has already powered over one million tasks across the Sunwave platform since its October 2023 launch, automating documentation, generating treatment plans, and more.

    Sunwave also announced the launch of its BDR (Business Development Representative) mobile app, designed to help business development representatives in the behavioral health sector network and manage relationships more efficiently from their hand-held devices.

    The Sunwave BDR App allows business representatives the ability to stay connected, organized, and productive while in the field.

    Key features of the Sunwave BDR App include:

    • Referral Source Management
    • Contact Address Book
    • Task and Activity Hub
    • Seamless Search Capabilities
    • Email integration with MARA, Sunwave’s AI-powered agent

    “The BDR App reflects Sunwave’s ongoing commitment to simplifying day-to-day operations for business development teams in the behavioral health space,” said Tulasi Beesabathun, Sunwave’s Chief Technology Officer. “With instant access to contacts, tasks, activities, and MARA on the go, BDRs can quickly access the information needed to build relationships, making it easier for more people to discover and access life-changing treatment.”

    The BDR App, also part of Sunwave’s platform, ensures information captured in the field is instantly available to the entire team, keeping everyone informed. It leverages the same robust security infrastructure built into their all-in-one solution.

    The BDR App includes MARA to support BD reps in the field with intelligent assistance. MARA’s native inclusion in the BDR App brings AI capabilities to the front lines. Within the app, MARA helps users capture key information and instantly generate personalized emails, accelerating follow-ups and enhancing communication.

    About Sunwave Health:
    Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Delray Beach, FL, Sunwave Health is the leading provider of behavioral health software. Combining CRM, EMR, RCM, and AI solutions built for behavioral health facilities into one unified product, Sunwave offers solutions that increase efficiency. For more information about Sunwave, visit www.sunwavehealth.com/.

    Contact
    Todd Schlosser
    Todd.Schlosser@SunwaveHealth.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Autobrush: How This U-Shaped Toothbrush Is Changing the Way Adults Clean Their Teeth – Read Autobrush Report 2025!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bethlehem, PA, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The future of adult oral hygiene is undergoing a bold transformation, and one name is leading that shift—Autobrush. Recognized for its distinct U-shaped design and ADA acceptance, Autobrush is redefining what it means to practice effective at-home dental care in just 30 seconds.

    Unlike conventional brushing routines, which often fall short of dentist-recommended coverage and consistency, Autobrush’s automated technology delivers a complete clean that fits seamlessly into modern lifestyles. As personal wellness and preventative care take center stage across the U.S., Autobrush has quickly become more than a product—it’s a movement toward smarter oral health.

    Inside the Technology: 360° Coverage with Medical-Grade Precision

    At the core of Autobrush is an innovation that eliminates guesswork. The device features a mouthpiece-style brush head crafted from soft, antibacterial silicone that conforms to the natural shape of adult teeth. This allows all surfaces—front, back, and biting edges—to be cleaned simultaneously in a fraction of the time.

    The hands-free operation is powered by auto-cleaning sonic vibrations calibrated to provide optimal plaque removal without damaging enamel. With pre-filled, mess-free foaming toothpaste pods and modes for whitening and gum care, the technology supports a dentist-level clean tailored to busy adult routines.

    Visit Official Website To get More Information

    ADA Acceptance: A Milestone in Hands-Free Dental Innovation

    Autobrush’s acceptance by the American Dental Association (ADA) has reinforced its credibility in clinical circles. The ADA seal signifies that the brush meets rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness—a particularly important milestone for a hands-free, U-shaped model.

    Experts emphasize that the ADA’s recognition marks a turning point in the toothbrush category, validating the move toward automated, full-arch cleaning systems for adult users. In an age where convenience often competes with effectiveness, Autobrush offers both—without compromise.

    Designed for the Adult Lifestyle: Speed, Simplicity, and Compliance

    In today’s fast-paced world, adult routines demand efficiency—especially when it comes to personal care. Autobrush responds to this reality with a dental care solution that values both time and results. The device’s standout feature is its hands-free, full-mouth cleaning in just 30 seconds, offering a seamless fit into morning and evening rituals without disrupting a busy schedule.
    Unlike traditional brushing, which can be inconsistent or rushed, Autobrush promotes compliance by making oral hygiene feel automatic. Its U-shaped mouthpiece design, pre-loaded foaming toothpaste pods, and multiple cleaning modes (including whitening and gum massage) eliminate the hassle and guesswork often associated with brushing. For adults juggling work, family, and wellness goals, it simplifies the process down to a single press of a button.
    Its cordless build and travel-friendly profile allow users to maintain consistent oral hygiene habits on the go. Whether preparing for a meeting or winding down at night, Autobrush adapts to real-world adult behavior. By prioritizing ease of use without compromising effectiveness, Autobrush aligns with the growing demand for low-effort, high-reward health tools—proving that speed and simplicity can still deliver dentist-level cleaning.

    Dentist and Hygienist Insights: Shifting Perceptions in Clinical Practice

    Autobrush is not only turning heads in consumer circles—it’s also changing minds within the professional dental community. Many hygienists and general dentists who initially viewed hands-free brushes with skepticism are now acknowledging the evidence-based value Autobrush brings to daily care routines. With its ADA acceptance and focus on full-mouth coverage, the device offers an alternative for patients who struggle with consistency or manual dexterity.
    Dental professionals particularly highlight the benefits for adults with orthodontic appliances, mobility limitations, or inconsistent brushing habits. By automating brushing and ensuring all tooth surfaces receive uniform attention, Autobrush addresses long-standing concerns around missed areas and plaque buildup.
    “Autobrush has become a conversation starter in our practice,” shares Dr. Andrea Patel, a practicing DDS in Chicago. “We’ve had patients improve their oral hygiene scores in weeks just by switching to it. It’s an excellent support tool for preventative care.”
    The shift is especially important as dental offices begin embracing patient-friendly tech that reinforces compliance at home. Rather than replacing dental visits, Autobrush complements professional cleanings by filling the daily care gap. The result is a more informed, engaged user—and a cleaner, healthier mouth in between check-ups.
    Visit Official Website To get More Information

    How Autobrush Works: Inside the 30-Second Cleaning System

    At the heart of Autobrush’s innovation is its ability to streamline brushing into a simple, timed routine. Rather than relying on manual strokes and guesswork, Autobrush uses a U-shaped mouthpiece lined with rows of soft, antibacterial silicone bristles that conform to the adult dental arch. This unique structure ensures simultaneous coverage of all tooth surfaces, something that even meticulous manual brushing rarely achieves.
    Once the device is placed in the mouth, users select their preferred vibration mode, ranging from standard cleaning to gum massage and whitening. The motor then delivers up to 30,000 sonic pulses per minute, removing plaque and buildup efficiently—without the risk of applying too much pressure.
    Complementing this is the use of foam-based toothpaste pods, which distribute evenly throughout the mouth during use. These pods eliminate the need to squeeze tubes or lather manually, simplifying the process even further.
    The built-in 30-second auto timer ensures users clean long enough to meet basic hygiene standards—without wasting time or overthinking technique. This fully automated approach makes Autobrush ideal for adults looking to maintain consistent care, especially during busy mornings or late-night routines.

    Why Autobrush Fits the Preventative Health Movement

    Preventative health is no longer a trend—it’s a way of life. As adults seek to avoid chronic conditions and maintain overall wellness, daily habits have become the first line of defense. Autobrush aligns with this mindset by offering a proactive, time-efficient oral care solution that helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and plaque accumulation before they start.
    Unlike reactive treatments or intensive cleanings after dental issues arise, Autobrush empowers users to take control of their oral health at home. Its clinically-supported vibration modes and mouth-conforming silicone bristles ensure that even hard-to-reach areas are addressed consistently. This kind of thorough daily cleaning supports long-term gum and enamel health—critical to preventing more costly or invasive dental work later on.
    In the broader landscape of personal wellness—where wearable trackers, hydration apps, and gut health supplements dominate—Autobrush finds its place as an essential oral hygiene companion. It reflects a shift from symptom-focused care to daily, tech-enabled routines that promote longevity and health span.
    As part of a well-rounded wellness approach, Autobrush complements diet, sleep, and fitness habits. It proves that something as simple as toothbrushing can carry real weight in the prevention conversation—and do so in a way that fits real life.
    Visit Official Website To get More Information

    Autobrush in the Media: Growing Momentum in 2025

    National media outlets and tech-forward dental publications are increasingly spotlighting Autobrush for its role in modernizing oral hygiene. From parenting blogs to tech podcasts, the conversation has shifted from novelty to necessity.

    Influencers and health advocates are incorporating Autobrush into morning and evening rituals, often emphasizing the time savings, clean feel, and whitening results reported within weeks. This visibility has contributed to a groundswell of trust and social proof in 2025.

    User Experience in Real Life: What Adults Are Saying About Autobrush Use at Home

    Across the U.S., Autobrush is quietly becoming a household name—not just in dental offices, but in real-life homes where routines matter. Adult users report a range of benefits that go beyond traditional brushing, with consistency, convenience, and cleanliness topping the list.
    For many, the appeal starts with time savings. “I used to rush through brushing every morning,” says Anthony D., a New Jersey-based sales executive. “Now, I pop in the Autobrush while making coffee. It’s done before the kettle’s even hot.”
    Others point to the sensory experience. The soft silicone bristles and gentle vibrations provide a clean, polished feel without abrasiveness. Adults with sensitivity or receding gums appreciate the lack of harsh scraping, which can sometimes make traditional brushing uncomfortable.
    Parents of teens and caretakers of elderly adults are also finding value in Autobrush. The hands-free model helps ensure proper cleaning with minimal effort—ideal for individuals who struggle with mobility, dexterity, or forgetfulness.
    Overall, real-world usage confirms what the data suggests: Autobrush transforms brushing from a chore into a ritual. And with visible improvements in freshness, plaque control, and even surface stains, users are more inclined to stick with it long-term.

    Autobrush and the Rise of AI in Personal Health Tech

    The personal health tech landscape has witnessed a surge in automation, and Autobrush sits comfortably within this shift. While not powered by artificial intelligence in the traditional sense, its design reflects a larger trend: using smart engineering and automated systems to replace manual health routines with optimized alternatives.
    Autobrush’s pre-programmed cleaning modes, intelligent pressure calibration, and universal mouthpiece mirror the functionality often attributed to AI—simplifying decisions, enhancing precision, and ensuring repeatable, high-quality outcomes. As more consumers adopt hands-free health tools like posture trainers, hydration trackers, and sleep monitors, oral hygiene is finally getting its tech-forward counterpart.
    Industry experts see Autobrush as part of the next evolution in daily care devices: tools that eliminate human error while boosting compliance and consistency. Rather than requiring users to learn better technique, Autobrush automates it, delivering results that match or exceed traditional methods—without added time or effort.
    This movement toward tech-assisted self-care is particularly relevant for adult users balancing packed schedules, long commutes, or physical limitations. Autobrush provides a glimpse of how oral care will continue to evolve: automated, intelligent, and seamlessly integrated into daily life.

    Where to Buy Autobrush in 2025: Official Access and Safety Tips

    With the growing popularity of Autobrush across the U.S., ensuring secure and authentic access to the latest models has never been more important. In 2025, consumers are encouraged to purchase directly through the official Autobrush website to guarantee product authenticity, warranty eligibility, and access to updated features and accessories.
    The official online store offers the full lineup of adult Autobrush models, including the latest Pro and ADA-accepted designs. Buyers can also find custom-fit mouthpieces, foaming toothpaste refills, and bundle discounts that are often unavailable through third-party platforms.
    Due to rising demand, Autobrush products have begun appearing on unauthorized e-commerce sites and social marketplaces. However, experts strongly caution against purchasing from unverified sources, as counterfeit or outdated units may not deliver the safety, hygiene, or effectiveness of genuine devices

    Final Word: The Future of Toothbrushing Is Already Here

    Autobrush is not just an alternative to the manual toothbrush—it’s a leap forward in how adult oral hygiene is understood and practiced. With ADA recognition, expert endorsements, and a user-first design, the device is reshaping expectations around what a “clean mouth” means.

    As adults prioritize efficiency, wellness, and clinical results, Autobrush has earned its place at the intersection of health tech and personal care. For those ready to upgrade how they protect their teeth, this innovation offers a future-facing solution—already in the present.

    For more information, educational content, and direct purchasing, visit the official Autobrush website.

    Company: Autobrush
    Hanoverville Road Bethlehem,
    PA, 18020
    Ph – 1-888-468-7404
    Email: customercare@autobrush.com
    Website – https://tryautobrush.com/

    Disclaimer 

    The information provided in this review is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, dietary change, or health program—especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have existing health conditions, or are taking medications. Results may vary among individuals. 

    The statements made regarding Autobrush have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Autobrush is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any claims made within this article about symptom relief, hearing improvement, or related health benefits are based on the product’s formulation and individual testimonials and not on conclusive clinical evidence. This content does not constitute professional health or medical advice and should not be interpreted as such. Readers should always perform their own due diligence and consult medical professionals before making decisions related to health products.

    No responsibility is assumed for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content, nor any consequences arising from the use of the information contained in this article. The publisher and its affiliates do not endorse or guarantee any product mentioned herein. All trademarks, service marks, and brand names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Riding the Wind and Waves: XRP and DRML Miner Usher in a New Era of Cloud Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The digital finance landscape is changing rapidly, and so are the income opportunities. At the forefront of this change are XRP and DRML Miner, offering a new way to participate in cryptocurrency mining using cloud mining services. No technical skills, no expensive equipment—just a streamlined way to start generating income from day one.

    With cutting-edge infrastructure and user-first policies, DRML Miner and XRP are not just riding the wave of crypto innovation—they’re building the future of mining.

    DRML Miner: Powering Passive Income with Zero Upfront Costs

    What sets DRML Miner apart is its zero-cost entry model. Unlike traditional mining setups that require a heavy initial investment and deep technical know-how, DRML Miner allows anyone to begin mining instantly, with no financial commitment.

    Users can:

    • Register within minutes
    • Start earning without deposits
    • Withdraw daily rewards with ease
    • Earn additional income through referrals

    The platform is user-friendly, secure, and scalable enough for all people—from crypto newbies to experienced investors.

    Consistent Daily Returns, Designed for Growth

    The primary appeal of DRML Miner is stable and recurring profit potential. Free-tier users earn daily, while premium plan users can earn up to 8% daily returns, depending on the plan details. Your earnings are deposited daily into your digital wallet, with no need to check. It is a completely automatic setup designed for consistency and transparency in payments.

    The structure encourages strategic scaling. Users can start with free mining and gradually upgrade as they grow more confident in the system’s profitability.

    Maximize Revenue with a Smart Referral Program

    DRML Miner features a multi-level referral system that transforms your network into a reliable income source. Sharing your referral link lets you earn a percentage of your invitees’ profits—creating a self-sustaining cycle of passive revenue.

    Unlike platforms with rigid requirements, DRML allows any user to benefit from referrals immediately. No special status or qualifications are needed.

    Whether you refer to one person or a hundred, the system tracks and rewards your efforts efficiently.

    XRP: The Ultimate Asset for Fast, Efficient Transactions

    XRP is more than a digital currency—it’s a powerful asset that enhances cloud mining infrastructure. Known for its speed, low transaction costs, and global reach, XRP ensures that DRML users experience:

    • Rapid deposits and withdrawals
    • Minimal transaction fees
    • Cross-border access without restrictions
    • Real-time financial interactions

    Its integration into the DRML platform empowers users to access, transfer, and reinvest their profits seamlessly.

    Fortified Security and Real-Time Transparency

    Trust and security are at the core of DRML Miner’ mission. The platform implements:

    • Bank-grade encryption
    • Two-factor authentication (2FA)
    • Detailed transaction records
    • Real-time monitoring dashboards

    Users can track performance, withdrawals, and referrals without delay. The platform’s transparent model ensures you remain in control of your finances at every stage.

    Global Access with Local Convenience

    DRML Miner is built for accessibility. There are no regional restrictions, making it available to a truly global audience. Any individual with an internet connection can join and begin mining.

    The path to global access is paired with a multilingual interface and professional response support, allowing people from different parts of the world to have the experience they desire.

    Cloud mining is now available to all users, from humble beginnings on a mountaintop to every major city in the world. It’s an opportunity open to all.

    Eco-Friendly and Scalable by Design

    Beyond profitability, DRML Miner aligns with today’s sustainable tech goals. Cloud mining absolutely cuts down energy consumption, and eliminates hardware waste and wasted electricity. 

    The system scales easily as demand increases, allowing thousands of users to mine at the same time without hindering performance and retained returns.

    Get Started: Simple Steps to Financial Freedom

    Embarking on your cloud mining journey with DRML Miner takes just a few steps:

    1. Create an account on the platform.
    2. Begin mining immediately as a free user.
    3. Choose to upgrade for higher daily returns.
    4. Share your referral link to grow your income.
    5. Withdraw earnings anytime, instantly and securely.

    It’s a future-proof model, eliminating the friction that has historically discouraged people from entering the crypto mining space.

    Conclusion: Embrace a Smarter, More Inclusive Mining Economy

    DRML Miner and XRP are building the future of cloud mining. This platform offers transparency, speed, and low-risk income for everyone—whether you’re a beginner or a pro.

    It’s not just another crypto service. It’s a step forward into a more inclusive and profitable mining economy.

    Start your journey now. Visit https://drmlminer.com and unlock daily rewards without investment.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Innovator Launches Industry’s First Dual Directional Buffer ETFs™

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WHEATON, Ill., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Innovator Capital Management, LLC (Innovator), the pioneer of Defined Outcome ETFs™, builds on its track record of category-defining innovation with the launch of the industry’s first Dual Directional Buffer ETFs™. These first-of-their-kind funds are designed to offer the potential for positive returns in both up or down equity markets over a one-year outcome period.

    New ETFs:

    • Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF™ – July (DDTL)
    • Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF™ – July (DDFL)

    The Funds have characteristics unlike many other traditional investment products and may not be suitable for all investors. For more information regarding whether an investment in the Funds is right for you, please see “Investor Suitability” in the prospectus.

    Key Features:

    • Return potential in up or down markets – Provide 1:1 upside when the reference asset is positive, to a cap, and provide positive returns in negative markets, within the inverse performance threshold, before fees and expenses.
    • Defined outcome structure – Investors have known upside potential and built-in buffers prior to investing.
    • ETF benefits – Delivering options strategies within an ETF wrapper provides daily liquidity, full pricing transparency, tax efficiency1, and no credit risk2.

    How They Work

    In the case of the Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF™ – July (DDFL), the market could finish the annual period down 15%, while DDFL is designed to be up 15% gross of fees and expenses.

    Defined Outcome ETFs™ use options to mirror the performance of the underlying asset. Dual Directional Buffer ETFs™ build upon that innovation with an additional layer of options that enable the fund to deliver positive returns in negative markets, in exchange for capped upside return potential. Similar strategies have previously been locked behind high fees and illiquid investment vehicles, such as structured notes.

    “In their search for risk mitigation and diversification, investors have pinned their hopes on alts, bonds, or active management to provide positive returns in up or down markets, but few of these strategies deliver. Dual Directional Buffer ETFs™ offer a transparent alternative,” said Graham Day, Chief Investment Officer at Innovator. “These funds put consistent, knowable positive returns within reach. In fact, a 15% Dual Directional Buffer would have delivered positive returns in 75% of negative historical markets3.”

    Market Scenario: Sought-After Return Profile:
    Positive Market Tracks SPDR® S&P 500® ETF Trust (SPY) return 1:1, up to a predetermined cap.
    Negative Market Delivers inverse SPY return 1:1, up to an inverse cap.
    Very Negative Market A built-in buffer protects against deep market declines.
       

    Fund Overview

    Ticker Fund Name Upside Cap Inverse Cap Buffer Level Exposure Expense Ratio
    DDTL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 10 Buffer ETF™ – July 12.59% 10% 10% SPY 0.79%
    DDFL Innovator Equity Dual Directional 15 Buffer ETF™ – July 8.79% 15% 15% SPY 0.79%

    The upside cap, inverse cap, and buffer are shown gross of each Fund’s fees and expenses.

    A Proven Track Record

    Innovator made history in 2018 with the world’s first Buffer ETF™, and since then has built the largest suite of Defined Outcome ETFs™. Currently, Innovator has over 150 offerings with more than $25 billion in AUM as of May 31, 2025. Dual Directional Buffer ETFs™ are a natural evolution, delivering legacy options strategies within the transparency and accessibility of the ETF wrapper.

    “Our clients understand the value of defined outcomes,” Day added. “With Dual Directional Buffer ETFs™, we’re enabling them to aim for upside in positive and negative scenarios, while knowing their downside risk.”

    About Innovator Capital Management, LLC
    Founded by Bruce Bond and John Southard—pioneers behind the PowerShares ETF family—Innovator has revolutionized Defined Outcome investing since 2018. Innovator continues to drive innovation in risk‑managed equity exposure through proprietary, Defined Outcome ETF™ strategies.

    Contact:
    Frank Taylor / Stephanie Dressler
    (646) 808‑3647 / (949) 269‑2535
    innovator@dlpr.com

    1 ETFs use creation units, which allow for the purchase and sale of assets in the Funds collectively. Consequently, ETFs usually generate fewer capital gain distributions overall, which can make them somewhat more tax-efficient than mutual funds.

    2 ETFs are not backed by the faith and credit of an issuing institution, so they are not exposed to credit risk.

    3 Source: Bloomberg, Innovator. Data from 12/31/1957 – 3/31/2025. Rolling one year performance of the S&P 500 Price Return Index (SPX) was analyzed for all periods resulting in a loss. 75% percent represents the portion of 12-month periods during which SPX returns were between 0 – -15%. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. One cannot invest directly in an index. Index performance does not account for fees and expenses.

    The Outcomes may only be realized by investors who continuously hold shares from the commencement of the Outcome Period until its conclusion. Investors who purchase shares after the Outcome Period has begun or sell shares prior to the Outcome Period’s conclusion may experience investment returns that are very different from those that the Funds seek to provide.

    The Funds face numerous risks including buffered loss risk, capped upside return risk, inverse performance risk, Outcome Period risk, upside cap change risk, upside participation risk, liquidity risk, management risk, non-diversification risk, operation risk, trading issues risk, and valuation risk, among others. For a detailed list of Fund risks see each prospectus.

    Fund shareholders are subject to an upside return cap (the “Cap”) that represents the maximum percentage return an investor can achieve from an investment in the Fund for the Outcome Period, before fees and expenses. If the Outcome Period has begun and the Fund has increased in value to a level near the Cap, an investor purchasing shares at that price has little or no ability to achieve gains but remains vulnerable to downside risks. The Cap may rise or fall from one Outcome Period to the next. The Cap, and the Fund’s position relative to it, should be considered before investing in the Fund. The Funds’ website, www.innovatoretfs.com, provides important Fund information as well information relating to the potential outcomes of an investment in a Fund on a daily basis.

    The Funds seek to provide positive returns equal to the absolute value of the reference asset’s price decreases (Inverse Performance) if the reference asset experiences negative returns that are less than or equal to the Inverse Performance Threshold. If the reference asset decreases in value beyond the Inverse Performance Threshold over the course of the Outcome Period, the Funds will not provide any positive returns. Accordingly, each Fund’s value could drop significantly as a result of its Inverse Performance Threshold being exceeded at the end of the Outcome Period whereby any gains experienced by the Fund will be lost, and the buffer will be provided to shareholders. Furthermore, if the Outcome Period has begun and the reference asset has decreased in value below its initial value at the start of the Outcome Period, an investor purchasing shares at this point may not experience Inverse Performance to the extent of the Inverse Performance Threshold and will remain vulnerable to downside risks.

    If the reference asset experiences losses over the course of the Outcome Period that exceed the Inverse Performance Threshold, the Funds seek to provide a buffer, up to each Fund’s respective buffer level, against reference asset losses during the Outcome Period.

    If an investor is considering purchasing shares during the Outcome Period, and the Fund has already decreased in value by an amount that exceeds the Inverse Performance Threshold, an investor purchasing shares at that price will have increased gains available prior to reaching the Upside Cap but may not benefit from the buffer that each Fund seeks to provide for the remainder of the Outcome Period as any subsequent losses will be experienced on a one-to-one basis. Conversely, if an investor is considering purchasing shares during the Outcome Period and the Funds have already increased in value, then a shareholder may experience losses that exceed their buffer, which is not guaranteed.

    The Funds will not terminate after the conclusion of the Outcome Period. After the conclusion of the Outcome Period, another will begin. There is no guarantee that the Outcomes for an Outcome Period will be realized.

    FLEX Options Risk. The Funds will utilize FLEX Options issued and guaranteed for settlement by the OCC (Options Clearing Corporation). In the unlikely event that the OCC becomes insolvent or is otherwise unable to meet its settlement obligations, the Funds could suffer significant losses. Additionally, FLEX Options may be less liquid than standard options. In a less liquid market for the FLEX Options, the Funds may have difficulty closing out certain FLEX Options positions at desired times and prices.

    The Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses should be considered before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contains this and other important information, and it may be obtained at innovatoretfs.com. Read it carefully before investing.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Innovator ETFs® are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    The following marks: Accelerated ETFs®, Accelerated Plus ETF®, Accelerated Return ETFs®, Barrier ETF®, Buffer ETF™, Defined Income ETF™, Defined Outcome Bond ETF®, Defined Outcome ETFs™, Defined Protection ETF®, Define Your Future®, Enhanced ETF™, Floor ETF®, Innovator ETFs®, Leading the Defined Outcome ETF Revolution™, Managed Buffer ETFs®, Managed Outcome ETFs®, Step-Up™, Step-Up ETFs®, 100% Buffer ETFs™ and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are the trademarks of Innovator Capital Management, LLC, its affiliates or licensors. Use of these terms is strictly prohibited without proper written authorization.

    Copyright © 2025 Innovator Capital Management, LLC. All rights reserved.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Test Boost Max: This Legal Testosterone Supplement For Men Now Available in USA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an era where men’s health is at the forefront of the wellness conversation, Test Boost Max by Sculpt Nation has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about natural testosterone support supplements in the U.S. market. With consumers increasingly seeking solutions that enhance vitality, energy, and hormonal balance without synthetic ingredients, the growing momentum behind Test Boost Max marks a significant shift in how testosterone support is being approached.

    Positioned as a plant-powered formula that targets the body’s natural testosterone production, Test Boost Max has gained traction not through hype, but by aligning its formulation with scientific findings and time-tested herbal components. The supplement’s blend of botanicals, adaptogens, and minerals has drawn attention not only from fitness-minded consumers, but also from physicians, wellness professionals, and clinical nutritionists who are witnessing increased demand for natural alternatives to hormone therapy.

    Addressing a Quiet Epidemic: The Testosterone Decline in Modern Men

    According to the official product website (https:://sculptnation.com/) Testosterone levels in men have been gradually declining over the past few decades. While aging remains a natural factor, modern lifestyle stressors—ranging from chronic sleep deprivation and poor dietary habits to environmental toxins and sedentary routines—have exacerbated hormonal imbalances across age groups. According to recent data published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, men today produce significantly less testosterone than men of the same age just 30 years ago.

    In this context, Test Boost Max is not marketed as a quick fix, but as part of a larger wellness framework that prioritizes stress management, movement, and nutritional support. Sculpt Nation emphasizes that the product was never designed to mimic synthetic testosterone or replace hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Instead, the supplement supports endocrine function by addressing the upstream mechanisms that influence testosterone levels.

    Inside the Formula: A Science-Grounded Approach

    The proprietary blend behind Test Boost Max is built around a core belief: the body’s hormonal systems respond best to natural compounds that have evolved alongside human biology. The formulation includes ingredients such as Ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66), Longjack (Tongkat Ali), Tribulus Terrestris, Epimedium, American Ginseng, Cordyceps, and Hawthorn Berry.

    Each ingredient was selected based on peer-reviewed research that supports its individual ability to affect stress, energy, libido, muscle performance, or hormonal signaling. For example, Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce cortisol levels—a known antagonist of testosterone—while also increasing serum testosterone in male subjects undergoing strength training. Tongkat Ali, meanwhile, has earned recognition in both Western and Southeast Asian medical communities for its potential to increase free testosterone and enhance energy metabolism.

    “What’s unique about Test Boost Max is the synergy,” explained Dr. Brandon Carr, an integrative health specialist not affiliated with the company. “These ingredients don’t just operate in isolation. Together, they create a broader effect—lowering stress, improving sleep quality, optimizing metabolic function—that all converge on hormonal health.”

    Sculpt Nation’s research and development team worked with clinical advisors to calibrate dosages to align with those tested in human trials. The aim, they say, was to balance safety with physiological efficacy—something often overlooked in overcrowded supplement categories where ingredient stuffing is more common than scientific restraint.

    View official website for latest pricing and promotions

    Natural Doesn’t Mean Passive: Results Without the Risks

    One of the reasons Test Boost Max has attracted attention in 2025 is because it operates within a unique space in men’s health: powerful enough to support results, yet gentle enough to respect the body’s own regulatory systems. With no synthetic hormones, banned substances, or pharmaceutical additives, it avoids many of the risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy, which can include fertility disruption, acne, mood instability, and cardiovascular strain.

    Early consumer data collected by Sculpt Nation suggests a favorable profile:

    • Men using the supplement for 60 days or more reported noticeable improvements in energy, sexual performance, strength, and lean muscle development.
    • Anecdotal feedback has highlighted a sense of renewed motivation and physical resilience, particularly in individuals aged 35 and above.

    Still, the company remains cautious not to overpromise. “We’re not here to sell magic pills,” said Dimond. “Test Boost Max is most effective when combined with movement, nutrition, and lifestyle adjustments. It’s a catalyst—not a cure-all.”

    Navigating a Crowded Market

    The U.S. supplement industry surpassed $60 billion in annual revenue in 2024, with male performance and hormonal health categories among the fastest growing segments. With competition from legacy brands and newer digital-first startups, it’s difficult for any one product to cut through the noise.

    However, Test Boost Max appears to be achieving just that—not by reinventing the wheel, but by refining it. The formula doesn’t overwhelm with dozens of unproven ingredients. It doesn’t rely on influencer gimmicks. It doesn’t bombard the body with megadoses. Instead, it does something rare: it respects the intelligence of the modern consumer.

    Its rising success may also be partially due to Sculpt Nation’s larger ecosystem. As the supplement arm of V Shred, a digital fitness brand known for personalized training programs, Sculpt Nation has access to an existing audience of millions already tuned into strength, performance, and transformation. For many of these customers, Test Boost Max serves as a natural extension of the lifestyle changes they’ve already adopted.

    No Gimmicks, Just Guarantees

    Perhaps the most striking move by Sculpt Nation was its decision to back Test Boost Max with a 100% lifetime money-back guarantee. Unlike the standard 30- or 60-day windows, this policy removes the pressure for immediate results and encourages long-term use, which aligns with how natural supplements often work.

    “We’re confident in what we’ve built,” said CEO Vinnie Fisher in a previous statement. “If someone doesn’t feel a meaningful difference, even after months or years, they deserve a refund. It’s that simple.”

    The gesture has been well received across industry forums, with many seeing it as a bold but welcome pivot toward accountability in the wellness supplement space.

    How Does Test Boost Max Work?

    According to the official product website, Test Boost Max is formulated to support the body’s endogenous testosterone production by enhancing the signaling pathways and physiological conditions that naturally encourage hormone synthesis. Instead of introducing synthetic testosterone, the product seeks to optimize the environment in which the body produces its own.
    The formula primarily works through several complementary mechanisms:
    Reducing Cortisol and Stress Load: Ingredients like Ashwagandha have been clinically shown to lower cortisol levels. Since cortisol has an inverse relationship with testosterone, reducing stress hormones helps preserve and potentially elevate testosterone levels.
    Improving Sleep Quality and Recovery: Many users of Test Boost Max report better sleep. Since testosterone is primarily produced during deep sleep, improving sleep quality can have a measurable effect on hormonal output.
    Stimulating Leydig Cell Activity: Longjack and Tribulus Terrestris are thought to stimulate the Leydig cells in the testes—the very cells responsible for testosterone synthesis—thereby nudging the body to produce more testosterone naturally.
    Supporting Circulation and Nutrient Delivery: With adaptogens like Epimedium and circulation-enhancing herbs like Hawthorn Berry, the formula helps improve blood flow, ensuring key nutrients are effectively delivered to the endocrine system.
    Enhancing Free Testosterone Availability: Some ingredients work by reducing the action of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds to testosterone and makes it unavailable. By reducing SHBG’s effects, more testosterone remains bioavailable.
    Together, these mechanisms enable Test Boost Max to create an internal environment conducive to hormonal balance and performance, rather than forcing an artificial response.

    View official website for more information

    Consumer Caution & Professional Guidance

    Despite its natural composition, Test Boost Max isn’t designed for everyone. Men with hormone-sensitive conditions, those on medication, or individuals with a history of endocrine disorders should consult a medical professional before using any testosterone-related supplement. Sculpt Nation includes this guidance on its packaging and insists that responsible supplementation starts with awareness.

    “We always recommend people consult their doctors—not because we doubt our product, but because every person’s health landscape is different,” said Dimond.

    Healthcare professionals, including naturopaths and performance dietitians, have echoed this stance. Some practitioners are beginning to integrate products like Test Boost Max into broader protocols, particularly in cases where patients seek natural alternatives to traditional hormone therapies.

    Looking to the Future

    With a growing body of data, increasing consumer awareness, and positive early outcomes, Test Boost Max seems well positioned for longevity in an otherwise trend-heavy market. Sculpt Nation has hinted at possible clinical collaborations in 2026 to study the supplement’s long-term effects in controlled populations—a move that could further solidify its credibility and differentiate it from opportunistic copycats.

    As wellness trends evolve in the post-pandemic era, the importance of hormone health is being redefined. Where testosterone was once whispered about behind closed doors, it is now part of a larger conversation about mood, motivation, metabolic resilience, and quality of life. Products like Test Boost Max are stepping into that conversation not as magic bullets, but as tools—respectful of science, rooted in nature, and oriented around sustainable results.

    About Sculpt Nation

    Sculpt Nation is a premium supplement brand founded by the creators of V Shred, a digital fitness platform with over 10 million users globally. Focused on science-driven formulations and high-quality ingredients, Sculpt Nation develops performance supplements that support fat loss, muscle building, hormonal balance, and total wellness. All products are manufactured in the USA and third-party tested for purity and safety. With a mission to bring transparency, accountability, and real results to the supplement space, Sculpt Nation is redefining the way people approach performance nutrition.

    For more information, educational content, and direct purchasing, visit the official Test Boost Max website.

    Contact:

    https:://sculptnation.com/
    V Shred
    4530 S Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89103
    support@vshred.com

    Disclaimer The information provided in this review is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement, dietary change, or health program—especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have existing health conditions, or are taking medications. Results may vary among individuals.
    The statements made regarding Test Boost Max have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Test Boost Max is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any claims made within this article about symptom relief, hearing improvement, or related health benefits are based on the product’s formulation and individual testimonials and not on conclusive clinical evidence. 
    This content does not constitute professional health or medical advice and should not be interpreted as such. Readers should always perform their own due diligence and consult medical professionals before making decisions related to health products.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JA Mining Launches Advanced Cloud Mining Platform to Democratize Profitability

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  JA Mining, officially JA Financial Services Ltd, a reputable UK company with FCA certification, was established in 2004. It has now confirmed that it is offering extra services. The site will provide a secure and easy means for individuals to invest in cryptocurrency mining and earn money passively. This will be a new standard for equitable profit-sharing in the global cloud mining market.

    JA Mining is looking to provide a new mining experience with the latest ASIC and GPU mining hardware and a very simple interface. The platform is designed to remove the ‘pain points’ of cryptocurrency mining, which are buying of equipment, regular maintenance, and high energy costs, which lead to unnecessary energy expenses. Consequently, users can easily increase their digital portfolios.

    “Our mission at JA Mining has always been to make the immense potential of cryptocurrency mining accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical expertise or investment size,” stated a spokesperson for JA Mining. ” We believe our progressive approach, modern facilities, and transparency mean we have a unique opportunity to support everyone in finding another way to increase their wealth and participate in a fairer digital economy.”

    Key Perks of Choosing JA Mining:

    • AI-Powered Optimization: Based on present time market variations and computing conditions, a modern autonomous system is enhanced by JAMining to strongly choose the most profitable coins and tactics. No matter the changing market conditions, our expert system aims to increase profits while staying efficient.
    • Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Operations: JA Mining has more than 100 data centers in Europe, North America, and Asia, which use clean energy from sources like solar and wind. This eco-friendly method helps the environment and improves efficiency over time.
    • Stable User Experience: Getting started is as simple as a few clicks, thanks to the user-friendly design. Users can choose from a variety of mining contracts, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, and begin earning daily rewards directly to their accounts. No hardware or technical setup is necessary.
    • Robust Security Measures: It emphasizes the security of user funds and data as the platform implements multi-layer security protocols, including cold wallet storage for most funds, and it is also protected by industry-leading solutions like McAfee® and Cloudflare®.
    • Bonus and Referral Rewards for New Users: For referring your friends to the platform, users can earn upto bonuses of 5% to 7% as a part of this referral scheme. JA Mining is also giving a $100 bonus to every new user when they sign up.
    • FCA-Certified and Transparent: JAMining strictly follows all regulatory guidelines as an FCA-approved provider, which fosters an open, compliant operating environment for our international users.

    JA Mining’s continuous innovation and dedication to a user-first approach underscore its position as a leader in the cloud mining industry, enabling more individuals to participate in and benefit from the growth of digital assets.

    About JA Mining: Headquartered in the United Kingdom, and FCA-certified cloud mining provider JA Mining (JA Financial Services Ltd.), the company has provided safe and profitable ways to invest in cryptocurrency mining since 2004. They focus on being naturally friendly and making it easy for users. It operates energy-saving data centers around the world and offers a platform where users can easily earn money from algorithmic resources.

    To get started or learn more, visit jamining.com

    Media Contact:
    Full Name: Anna W Hitchens
    Position: Manager
    Phone: +44 7751696528
    Email: info@jamining.com
    Website: https://jamining.com

    Company Address:
    JA Financial Services Limited, 11 The Elms, Leek Wootton, Warwick, England, CV35 7RR, London, UK

    Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, legal advice, or investment recommendations. Stock Trading involves risk and market volatility. Please research or consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. Jamining.com and associated parties are not liable for any financial loss incurred.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Toxic fungus from King Tutankhamun’s tomb yields cancer-fighting compounds – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Miro Varcek / Shutterstock.com

    In November 1922, archaeologist Howard Carter peered through a small hole into the sealed tomb of King Tutankhamun. When asked if he could see anything, he replied: “Yes, wonderful things.” Within months, however, Carter’s financial backer Lord Carnarvon was dead from a mysterious illness. Over the following years, several other members of the excavation team would meet similar fates, fuelling legends of the “pharaoh’s curse” that have captivated the public imagination for just over a century.

    For decades, these mysterious deaths were attributed to supernatural forces. But modern science has revealed a more likely culprit: a toxic fungus known as Aspergillus flavus. Now, in an unexpected twist, this same deadly organism is being transformed into a powerful new weapon in the fight against cancer.

    Aspergillus flavus is a common mould found in soil, decaying vegetation and stored grains. It is infamous for its ability to survive in harsh environments, including the sealed chambers of ancient tombs, where it can lie dormant for thousands of years.

    When disturbed, the fungus releases spores that can cause severe respiratory infections, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. This may explain the so-called “curse” of King Tutankhamun and similar incidents, such as the deaths of several scientists who entered the tomb of Casimir IV in Poland in the 1970s. In both cases, investigations later found that A flavus was present, and its toxins were probably responsible for the illnesses and deaths.

    Despite its deadly reputation, Aspergillus flavus is now at the centre of a remarkable scientific finding. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered that this fungus produces a unique class of molecules with the potential to fight cancer.

    These molecules belong to a group called ribosomally synthesised and post-translationally modified peptides, or RiPPs. RiPPs are made by the ribosome – the cell’s protein factory – and are later chemically altered to enhance their function.

    While thousands of RiPPs have been identified in bacteria, only a handful have been found in fungi – until now.

    The process of finding these fungal RiPPs was far from simple. The research team screened a dozen different strains or types of aspergillus, searching for chemical clues that might indicate the presence of these promising molecules. Aspergillus flavus quickly stood out as a prime candidate.

    The researchers compared the chemicals from different fungal strains to known RiPP compounds and found promising matches. To confirm their discovery, they switched off the relevant genes and, sure enough, the target chemicals vanished, proving they had found the source.

    Purifying these chemicals proved to be a significant challenge. However, this complexity is also what gives fungal RiPPs their remarkable biological activity.

    The team eventually succeeded in isolating four different RiPPs from Aspergillus flavus. These molecules shared a unique structure of interlocking rings, a feature that had never been described before. The researchers named these new compounds “asperigimycins”, after the fungus in which they were found.

    The next step was to test these asperigimycins against human cancer cells. In some cases, they stopped the growth of cancer cells, suggesting that asperigimycins could one day become a new treatment for certain types of cancer.

    The team also worked out how these chemicals get inside cancer cells. This discovery is significant because many chemicals, like asperigimycins, have medicinal properties but struggle to enter cells in large enough quantities to be useful. Knowing that particular fats (lipids) can enhance this process gives scientists a new tool for drug development.

    Further experiments revealed that asperigimycins probably disrupt the process of cell division in cancer cells. Cancer cells divide uncontrollably, and these compounds appear to block the formation of microtubules, the scaffolding inside cells that are essential for cell division.

    Tremendous untapped potential

    This disruption is specific to certain types of cells, so this may in turn reduce the risk of side-effects. But the discovery of asperigimycins is just the beginning. The researchers also identified similar clusters of genes in other fungi, suggesting that many more fungal RiPPs remain to be discovered.

    Almost all the fungal RiPPs found so far have strong biological activity, making this an area with tremendous untapped potential. The next step is to test asperigimycins in other systems and models, with the hope of eventually moving to human clinical trials. If successful, these molecules could join the ranks of other fungal-derived medicines, such as penicillin, which revolutionised modern medicine.

    The story of Aspergillus flavus is a powerful example of how nature can be both a source of danger and a wellspring of healing. For centuries, this fungus was feared as a silent killer lurking in ancient tombs, responsible for mysterious deaths and the legend of the pharaoh’s curse. Today, scientists are turning that fear into hope, harnessing the same deadly spores to create life-saving medicines.

    This transformation, from curse to cure, highlights the importance of continued exploration and innovation in the natural world. Nature has in fact provided us with an incredible pharmacy, filled with compounds that can heal as well as harm. It is up to scientists and engineers to uncover these secrets, using the latest technologies to identify, modify and test new molecules for their potential to treat disease.

    The discovery of asperigimycins is a reminder that even the most unlikely sources – such as a toxic tomb fungus – can hold the key to revolutionary new treatments. As researchers continue to explore the hidden world of fungi, who knows what other medical breakthroughs may lie just beneath the surface?

    Justin Stebbing 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. Toxic fungus from King Tutankhamun’s tomb yields cancer-fighting compounds – new study – https://theconversation.com/toxic-fungus-from-king-tutankhamuns-tomb-yields-cancer-fighting-compounds-new-study-259706

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: When do we first feel pain?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laurenz Casser, Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellow, University of Sheffield

    Alina Troeva/Shutterstock.com

    At some point between conception and early childhood, pain makes its debut. But when exactly that happens remains one of medicine’s most challenging questions.

    Some have claimed that foetuses as young as twelve weeks can already be seen wincing in agony, while others have flat-out denied that even infants show any true signs of pain until long after birth.

    New research from University College London offers fresh insights into this puzzle. By mapping the development of pain-processing networks in the brain – what researchers call the “pain connectome” – scientists have begun to trace exactly when and how our capacity for pain emerges. What they discovered challenges simple answers about when pain “begins”.

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

    The researchers used advanced brain imaging to compare the neural networks of foetuses and infants with those of adults, tracking how different components of pain processing mature over time. Until about 32 weeks after conception, all pain-related brain networks remain significantly underdeveloped compared with adult brains. But then development accelerates dramatically.

    The sensory aspects of pain – the basic detection of harmful stimuli – mature first, becoming functional around 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. The emotional components that make pain distressing follow shortly after, developing between 36 and 38 weeks. However, the cognitive centres responsible for consciously interpreting and evaluating pain lag far behind, and remain largely immature by the time of birth, about 40 weeks after conception.

    This staged development suggests that while late-term foetuses and newborns can detect and respond to harmful stimuli, they probably experience pain very differently from older children and adults. Most significantly, newborns probably can’t consciously evaluate their pain – they can’t form the thought: “This hurts and it’s bad!”

    Does it hurt?
    Martin Valigursky/Shutterstock.com

    A history of changing views

    These findings represent the latest chapter in a long-running scientific debate that has swung dramatically over the centuries, often with profound consequences for medical practice.

    For most physiologists in the 18th and 19th centuries, the perceived delicacy of the infant’s body meant that it must be exquisitely sensitive to pain, so much so that some have had their doubts if infants ever felt anything else. Birth, in particular, was imagined to be an extremely painful event for a newborn.

    However, advances in embryology during the 1870s reversed this thinking. As scientists discovered that infant brains and nervous systems were far less developed than adult versions, many began questioning whether babies could truly feel pain at all. If the neural machinery wasn’t fully formed, how could genuine pain experiences exist?

    This scepticism had troubling practical consequences. For nearly a century, many doctors performed surgery on infants without anaesthesia, convinced that their patients were essentially immune to suffering. The practice continued well into the 1980s in some medical centres.

    Towards the end of the 20th century, public outrage about the medical treatment of infants and new scientific results turned the tables yet again. It was found that newborns exhibited many of the signs (neurological, physiological and behavioural) of pain after all, and that, if anything, pain in infants had probably been underestimated.

    The ambiguous brain

    The reason why there has been endless disagreement about infant pain is that we cannot access their experiences directly.

    Sure, we can observe their behaviour and study their brains, but these are not the same thing. Pain is an experience, something that’s felt in the privacy of a person’s own mind, and that’s inaccessible to anyone but the person whose pain it is.

    Of course, pain experiences are typically accompanied by telltale signs: be it the retraction of a body part from a sharp object or the increased activity of certain brain regions. Those we can measure. But the trouble is that no one behaviour or brain event is ever unambiguous.

    The fact that an infant pulls back their hand from a pin prick may mean that it experiences the pricking as painful, but it may also just be an unconscious reflex. Similarly, the fact that the brain is simultaneously showing pain-related activity may be a sign of pain, but it may also be that the processing unfolds entirely unconsciously. We simply don’t know.

    Perhaps the infant knows. But even if they do, they can’t tell us about their experiences yet, and until they can, scientists are left guessing. Fortunately, their guesses are becoming increasingly well informed, but for now, that is all they can be – guesses.

    What would it take to get certainty? Well, it would require an explanation that connects our brains and behaviour to our conscious experiences. But so far, no scientifically respectable explanation of this kind has been forthcoming.

    Laurenz Casser receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust.

    – ref. When do we first feel pain? – https://theconversation.com/when-do-we-first-feel-pain-259588

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From Roman drains to ancient filters, these artefacts show how solutions to water contamination have evolved

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rosa Busquets, Associate Professor, School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University

    Thirst: In Search of Freshwater, an exhibition at Wellcome Collection. Benjamin Gilbert., CC BY-NC-ND

    A new exhibition in London (open until February 2026) called Thirst: In search of freshwater highlights how civilisations have treasured – and been intrinsically linked to – safe, clean water.

    As a chemist, I research how freshwater is polluted by modern civilisation. Common contaminants in rivers include pharmaceuticals,
    microplastics
    (which degrade further when exposed to sunlight and wave power), and forever chemicals or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (some of which are carcinogenic).

    Synthetic toxic chemicals are introduced into the environment from the products we make, use and dispose of. This wasn’t a problem centuries ago, where we had a totally different manufacturing industry and technologies.

    Some, such as PFAS from stain-resistant textiles or nonstick materials such as cookware, can be particularly difficult to remove from wastewater. PFAS don’t degrade easily, they resist conventional heat treatments and can easily pass through wastewater treatments, so they contaminate rivers or lakes that are sources of our drinking water.

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    Testing for pollutants is even more critical in developing nations that lack sanitation and face drought or flooding.
    Having to protect and conserve drinking water and its sources is as relevant today as it always has been.

    For this exhibition, curator at the Wellcome Collection in London, Janice Li, has selected 125 historical objects, photographs and feats of engineering that link to drought, rain, glaciers, rivers and lakes. These three artefacts from Thirst illustrate how our relationship with water contamination has evolved:

    1. Ancient water filters

    Made from natural materials such as clay, water jug filters have been used for hundreds of years in every continent by ancient civilisations. They show that purifying water for drinking was commonplace. The sand and soil particles that naturally get suspended in water and removed by these filters would have carried microbes.

    Water jug filters with Arabic inscription, found in Egypt, dating back to 900-1,200.
    Victoria and Albert Museum London/Wellcome Collection, CC BY-NC-ND

    But in ancient times, pharmaceuticals and other drugs, pesticides, forever chemicals and microplastics would not have been a problem. Those filters could work relatively well despite being made of simple materials with wide pores.

    Today, those ancient filters would no longer be effective. Modern water filters are made using more advanced materials which typically have small pores (called micropores and mesopores). For example, filters often include activated carbon (a highly porous type of carbon that can be manufactured to capture contaminants) or membranes that filter water. Only then is it safe for people to drink.



    Read more:
    Forever chemicals are in our drinking water – here’s how to reduce them

    2. Roman water pipes

    Lead water pipes (known as fistulae) were useful parts of a relatively advanced plumbing system that distributed drinking water throughout Roman cities. They are still common in water systems in our cities today. In the US, there are about 9.2 million lead service lines in use. Exposure to lead causes severe human health problems. Lead exposure, not necessarily from drinking water only, was attributed to more than 1.5 million deaths in 2021.

    A Roman lead water pipe that dates back to 1-300CE.
    Courtesy of Wellcome Collection/Science Museum Group., CC BY-NC-ND

    It’s now understood that lead is neurotoxic and it can diffuse or spread from the pipes to drinking water. Lead from paints and batteries, including car batteries, can also contaminate drinking water.

    To protect us from lead leaching or flaking off from pipes, some government agencies are calling for the replacement of lead pipes with copper or plastic pipes. Water companies routinely add phosphates (mined powder that contains phosphorus) to drinking water to help capture potential lead contamination and make it safe to drink.

    3. The horror of unhealthy water

    One caricature titled The Monster Soup by artist William Heath (1828) is part of the Wellcome Trust’s permanent collection. The graphics read “microcosms dedicated to the London Water companies” and “Monster soup, commonly called Thames Water being a correct representation of the precious stuff doled out to us”. The cartoon shows a lady so terrified at the sight of microbes in river water from the Thames that she drops her cup of tea.

    Monster Soup by William Heath.
    Courtesy of the Wellcome Collection., CC BY-NC-ND

    Even today, many people remain shocked at the toxic contamination in rivers and sewage pollution prevents people from swimming.

    By 2030, 2 billion people will still not have safely managed drinking water and 1.2 billion will lack basic hygiene services. Drinking water will still be contaminated by bacteria such as E. coli and other dangerous pathogens that cause waterborne diseases. So advancing technologies to filter out contamination will be just as crucial in the future as it has been in the past.

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

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

    Rosa Busquets receives funding from UKRI/ EU Horizons MSCA Staff exchanges Clean Water project 101131182, DASA, project ACC6093561. She is affiliated with Kingston University, UCL, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, UNEP EEAP.

    – ref. From Roman drains to ancient filters, these artefacts show how solutions to water contamination have evolved – https://theconversation.com/from-roman-drains-to-ancient-filters-these-artefacts-show-how-solutions-to-water-contamination-have-evolved-253876

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump plays with new media says a lot about him – as it did with FDR, Kennedy and Obama

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sara Polak, University Lecturer in American Studies, Leiden University

    There is a strange and worrying parallel between the breakneck speed at which Donald Trump has operated in the first few months of his presidency and the ever-accelerating pace at which information moves on social media platforms. Where in his first term he used Twitter, now, the 47th US president is using his own platform, TruthSocial, to announce changes of direction that are sometimes so fundamental that they change decades of US policy.

    Social media has become a key tool of governing for Trump’s administration. He uses it both to make announcements and to drum up support for those announcements. His social media posts can move the markets and make or break careers. They can even, it seems, stop wars.

    So when he used TruthSocial to announce a ceasefire between Israel and Iran on June 23, giving the two countries a deadline to stop firing missiles, it appears that neither of the antagonists were fully aware of the situation, given they carried on attacking each other. So an all-caps message followed: “ISRAEL. DO NOT DROP THOSE BOMBS,” he posted. “BRING YOUR PILOTS HOME, NOW!” – adding, just in case anyone had any doubt he was serious: “DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.”

    Trump’s use of his TruthSocial platform began as he sought to re-establish himself from the political wilderness after the insurrection of January 6 2021. It has now become a tool of his extreme power and his willingness to use (and abuse) it – globally as well as domestically.

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

    He’s the latest in a string of US presidents known for their adroit use of whichever is the medium most guaranteed to connect with the greatest number of people. From Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt’s adept cultivation of print journalists in the early 20th century through Franklin D. Roosevelt’s comforting use of radio as it gained popularity and John F. Kennedy’s mastery of the rising medium of television, presidents have expanded their reach and influence through adept use of media.

    FDR’s “fireside chats”, broadcast on the radio throughout the US in the 1930s, reached an estimated 80% of the population, showing he understood the key media principle of reach. Roosevelt would address his listeners as “my friends” and Americans came to understand them as seemingly intimate conversations with their president.

    FDR dominated the airwaves at a time when many Americans hardly understood the important role that the federal government played in their own lives – and millions of households were only just getting mains electricity (thanks to the Rural Electrification Act of 1936). But radios were becoming a common mass medium and FDR perfectly understood how to use it. If you listen to the fireside chats, FDR may sound patrician – and at times formal – but his tone is also friendly, thoughtful and reassuring.

    In Germany at around the same time, Adolf Hitler’s massive stadium speeches were very effective for people who were in the stadium and being lifted by the intensity of the crowd and all the carefully thought out visual cues. But when broadcast on radio, Hitler had nothing like Roosevelt’s ability to connect with people on a personal level.

    Roosevelt was hardly the first leader – or even the first US president – to speak on the radio. But he was the first to master the medium. He figured out how to use its potential to deliver a key implicit message: that his government should and did take on a central role in people’s lives.

    Equally, John F. Kennedy can be said to have “discovered” political television. Not just as a medium for political campaigns, debates and speeches – but also for putting across to a mass audience his role as the embodiment of American decency, beauty and masculinity: JFK’s White House as Camelot.

    JFK was considered a master of the fast-growing medium of television.

    Both Roosevelt and Kennedy were in several ways physically disabled and lived with chronic illness, yet through the “new medium” of their time were able to project an image of quintessentially American strength and trustworthiness. In part this was their own doing – but it’s also a testament to the power of the media they used for their time.

    Mastering the medium

    These possibilities of a medium used to its best advantage – for example, to be heard around the US, but still to project a sense of intimacy – have become known as the “affordances” of a medium. The medium afforded Roosevelt space to be authentic without showing his disability. Kennedy appeared young, fit and handsome – even when dependent on painkillers.

    When a new medium is introduced, people start to play around with its affordances – and this applies to politicians too. Political leaders who develop a special aptitude for using the new medium to emphasise their unique style can become particularly successful, as has Donald Trump with his use of social media.

    The US president rose to power helped by his adept use of many of Twitter’s attributes – the imposed brevity of his messages, the ease of retweeting, the tendency for other users to “pile on” (and the user anonymity, which tends to encourage pile-ons) to polarise American public debate.

    Trump was forced off Twitter after the Capitol Hill insurrection of January 6 2021. So he came back with his own platform, TruthSocial, where he can also make the rules. And now he uses the platform to make foreign policy, trumpeting his positions (which can change with bewildering speed) on TruthSocial well before they can be announced by the White House press team, which often has to scramble to catch up.

    When Canadian communication theorist Marshall McLuhan penned his famous phrase: “The medium is the message” in his groundbreaking 1964 study, Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man, he meant to say that media form and content are not as distinct from one another as one might think and that the form of a medium of communication can shape society as much as its content. In Donald Trump’s use of social media, we are seeing this idea at work.

    Sara Polak 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 Trump plays with new media says a lot about him – as it did with FDR, Kennedy and Obama – https://theconversation.com/how-trump-plays-with-new-media-says-a-lot-about-him-as-it-did-with-fdr-kennedy-and-obama-248923

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Asos should be wary of banning customers returning unwanted goods

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nic Sanders, Senior Lecturer in Management and Marketing, University of Westminster

    ‘Now where’s that returns label?’ Cast of Thousands.Shutterstock

    Shopping for clothes online is a risky business. How do you know if that top will be a good fit, or those shoes will definitely be the right colour? One popular solution to this predicament is to order lots of tops and lots of shoes, try them on at home, and send back all the ones you don’t want – often at no cost.

    But that tactic can be expensive for the fashion retailer, which needs to pay for all those deliveries and returns. And now Asos, which sends millions of shipments every month, has started banning some customers for over-returning items – prompting something of a backlash.

    The response by the retail giant, which says it wants to maintain a “commitment to offering free returns to all customers across all core markets”, also raises questions about the sustainability of the online fashion business model which Asos helped to create.

    Many online retailers rely on the emotional highs of shopping. The excitement of placing an order, the anticipation of delivery, and the dopamine hit of unpacking a purchase is central to its popular customer experience.

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    Online shopping generally has thrived on impulsive buying, with the option of returning items treated as a normal part of the process. Of course, even in the days before online shopping there would be customers who routinely returned items.

    But by digitising and simplifying the process, the likes of Asos have helped this to happen on a massive scale. Shoppers have become completely used to ordering multiple sizes or styles with the express intention of returning most of the items they receive. Their homes effectively become fitting rooms.

    And those customers could reasonably argue that online retailers often use digital strategies which encourage multi-item purchases.

    Some sites remind shoppers of recently viewed products and provide suggestions of similar items, for example. There may be are prompts and nudges towards clothes which are frequently bought together.

    Items are then sometimes temporarily reserved in a shopper’s basket for 60 minutes, creating a sense of urgency. Targeted emails and limited time offers drive bulging shopping baskets, encouraging more risk purchases and returns.

    Yet returned items carry a significant cost. They may be unfit for resale and ultimately disposed of, which beyond the financial burden, has an environmental price.

    In addition to creating landfill, each delivery and return has a carbon footprint. And although many younger consumers express support for sustainable practices, their buying behaviour continues to prioritise price and convenience.

    But free returns have become part of the online fashion industry landscape. Research suggests that customers are simply more likely to buy something if returns are free.

    And today’s tricky financial climate, marked by inflation and rising living costs will surely have made consumers even more cautious. Many will be reluctant to buy items that incur delivery and return costs.

    Shopping around

    Frustrations can then arise from unclear return policies, often buried in lengthy terms and conditions documents. Some of those banned by Asos say they were confused about the rules.

    Automated customer service systems offering generic responses may then leave shoppers with no clear way to challenge these decisions.

    Perhaps the wider issue here is that online shopping cannot fully replicate the benefits of shopping in store. In physical shops, customers can try on items before deciding.

    But online, this can’t happen, so returns become fundamental to the decision-making process. For cost-conscious shoppers, avoiding unnecessary spending is essential. But if returns policies become harder to access, they may turn to other retailers which offer more certainty.

    Return to sender?
    A08/Shutterstock

    For example, retailers such as Zara and H&M, with a business model which mixes online convenience with a high street (or shopping mall) presence, offer the option to order online and then return in person.

    This hybrid (or “omni-channel”) model appears to be driving consumers to physical shops for a blended experience which provides convenience and helps reduce return costs.

    For Asos, doing something similar would require major investment (in bricks and mortar) and increased operational costs – so is perhaps an unlikely solution for the company.

    But to balance sustainability, cost and customer satisfaction, Asos could explore other options. These might include clearer, more visible communication regarding “fair use” policies and their consequences. It could aim for more human interactions and better dialogue with customers it plans to ban.

    Offering physical retail locations or return collection points to simplify the process and reduce the environmental impact and costs will provide customer flexibility. Overall, these areas will help create a better customer service experience.

    Ultimately, Asos and other similar online clothing retailers must evolve. With changing consumer expectations, a challenging economic climate and rising operational costs, the model that defined these retailers’ early success cannot remain unchanged.

    If they make adjustments, they may emerge stronger. If they do not, they risk sparking a customer exodus that would be hard to reverse.

    Nic Sanders 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. Why Asos should be wary of banning customers returning unwanted goods – https://theconversation.com/why-asos-should-be-wary-of-banning-customers-returning-unwanted-goods-259952

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Humans and animals can both think logically − but testing what kind of logic they’re using is tricky

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Olga Lazareva, Professor of Psychology, Drake University

    For some mental processes, humans and animals likely follow similar lines of thinking. Catherine Falls Commercial/Moment via Getty Images

    Can a monkey, a pigeon or a fish reason like a person? It’s a question scientists have been testing in increasingly creative ways – and what we’ve found so far paints a more complicated picture than you’d think.

    Imagine you’re filling out a March Madness bracket. You hear that Team A beat Team B, and Team B beat Team C – so you assume Team A is probably better than Team C. That’s a kind of logical reasoning known as transitive inference. It’s so automatic that you barely notice you’re doing it.

    It turns out humans are not the only ones who can make these kinds of mental leaps. In labs around the world, researchers have tested many animals, from primates to birds to insects, on tasks designed to probe transitive inference, and most pass with flying colors.

    As a scientist focused on animal learning and behavior, I work with pigeons to understand how they make sense of relationships, patterns and rules. In other words, I study the minds of animals that will never fill out a March Madness bracket – but might still be able to guess the winner.

    Logic test without words

    The basic idea is simple: If an animal learns that A is better than B, and B is better than C, can it figure out that A is better than C – even though it’s never seen A and C together?

    In the lab, researchers test this by giving animals randomly paired images, one pair at a time, and rewarding them with food for picking the correct one. For example, animals learn that a photo of hands (A) is correct when paired with a classroom (B), a classroom (B) is correct when paired with bushes (C), bushes (C) are correct when paired with a highway (D), and a highway (D) is correct when paired with a sunset (E). We don’t know whether they “understand” what’s in the picture, and it is not particularly important for the experiment that they do.

    In a transitive inference task, subjects learn a series of rewarded pairs – such as A+ vs. B–, B+ vs. C– – and are later tested on novel pairings, like B vs. D, to see whether they infer an overall ranking.
    Olga Lazareva, CC BY-ND

    One possible explanation is that the animals that learn all the tasks create a mental ranking of these images: A > B > C > D > E. We test this idea by giving them new pairs they’ve never seen before, such as classroom (B) vs. highway (D). If they consistently pick the higher-ranked item, they’ve inferred the underlying order.

    What’s fascinating is how many species succeed at this task. Monkeys, rats, pigeons – even fish and wasps – have all demonstrated transitive inference in one form or another.

    The twist: Not all tasks are easy

    But not all types of reasoning come so easily. There’s another kind of rule called transitivity that is different from transitive inference, despite the similar name. Instead of asking which picture is better, transitivity is about equivalence.

    In this task, animals are shown a set of three pictures and asked which one goes with the center image. For example, if white triangle (A1) is shown, choosing red square (B1) earns a reward, while choosing blue square (B2) does not. Later, when red square (B1) is shown, choosing white cross (C1) earns a reward while choosing white circle (C2) does not. Now comes the test: white triangle (A1) is shown with white cross (C1) and white circle (C2) as choices. If they pick white cross (C1), then they’ve demonstrated transitivity.

    In a transitivity task, subjects learn matching rules across overlapping sets – such as A1 matches B1, B1 matches C1 – and are tested on new combinations, such as A1 with C1 or C2, to assess whether they infer the relationship between A1 and C1.
    Olga Lazareva, CC BY-ND

    The change may seem small, but species that succeed in those first transitive inference tasks often stumble in this task. In fact, they tend to treat the white triangle and the white cross as completely separate things, despite their common relationship with the red square. In my recently published review of research using the two tasks, I concluded that more evidence is needed to determine whether these tests tap into the same cognitive ability.

    Small differences, big consequences

    Why does the difference between transitive inference and transitivity matter? At first glance, they may seem like two versions of the same ability – logical reasoning. But when animals succeed at one and struggle with the other, it raises an important question: Are these tasks measuring the same kind of thinking?

    The apparent difference between the two tasks isn’t just a quirk of animal behavior. Psychology researchers apply these tasks to humans in order to draw conclusions about how people reason.

    For example, say you’re trying to pick a new almond milk. You know that Brand A is creamier than Brand B, and your friend told you that Brand C is even waterier than Brand B. Based on that, because you like a thicker milk, you might assume Brand A is better than Brand C, an example of transitive inference.

    But now imagine the store labels both Brand A and Brand C as “barista blends.” Even without tasting them, you might treat them as functionally equivalent, because they belong to the same category. That’s more like transitivity, where items are grouped based on shared relationships. In this case, “barista blend” signals the brands share similar quality.

    How researchers define logical reasoning determines how they interpret results.
    Svetlana Mishchenko/iStock via Getty Images

    Researchers often treat these types of reasoning as measuring the same ability. But if they rely on different mental processes, they might not be interchangeable. In other words, the way scientists ask their questions may shape the answer – and that has big implications for how they interpret success in animals and in people.

    This difference could affect how researchers interpret decision-making not only in the lab, but also in everyday choices and in clinical settings. Tasks like these are sometimes used in research on autism, brain injury or age-related cognitive decline.

    If two tasks look similar on the surface, then choosing the wrong one might lead to inaccurate conclusions about someone’s cognitive abilities. That’s why ongoing work in my lab is exploring whether the same distinction between these logical processes holds true for people.

    Just like a March Madness bracket doesn’t always predict the winner, a reasoning task doesn’t always show how someone got to the right answer. That’s the puzzle researchers are still working on – figuring out whether different tasks really tap into the same kind of thinking or just look like they do. It’s what keeps scientists like me in the lab, asking questions, running experiments and trying to understand what it really means to reason – no matter who’s doing the thinking.

    Olga Lazareva 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. Humans and animals can both think logically − but testing what kind of logic they’re using is tricky – https://theconversation.com/humans-and-animals-can-both-think-logically-but-testing-what-kind-of-logic-theyre-using-is-tricky-253001

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GOP Votes Down Warnock Amendment to Save Georgia Jobs, Protect Rural Manufacturing Boom

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    GOP Votes Down Warnock Amendment to Save Georgia Jobs, Protect Rural Manufacturing Boom

    Senator Reverend Warnock took to the Senate floor to offer a bipartisan amendment to protect hundreds of thousands of clean energy jobs across the country
    Senator Warnock was instrumental in passing these clean energy tax credits, which are responsible for 42,000 good-paying jobs in Georgia
    In his effort to save these Georgia jobs, Senator Warnock penned an op-ed in the AJC, held a press conference in Savannah, and published a report on the risks posed to Georgia should the tax credits be repealed
     Senator Reverend Warnock: “Those 42,000 Georgia jobs and hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide are at risk if Republicans have their way and roll back these tax credits”
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) took to the floor of the United States Senate to urge his GOP colleagues to pass a bipartisan amendment to protect hundreds of thousands of jobs in communities across the country. Senate Republicans voted down his motion by a vote of 48-51.
    As currently written, the GOP spending bill would eliminate many of the clean energy tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that have brought a manufacturing boom to communities across the U.S.
    “Mr. President, I rise to protect pro-business tax credits that are creating hundreds of thousands of American jobs, many of which don’t require a college degree…” said Senator Warnock. “42,000 Georgia jobs and hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide are at risk if Republicans have their way and roll back these tax credits.”
    Senator Warnock has warned his colleagues repeatedly of the risks that repealing clean energy tax credits will have on Americans across the country. In May, Senator Warnock published a report highlighting the impact that the cuts would have on Georgia and its economy. The Senator followed his report with a press conference in Savannah at the Georgia Ports Authority warning of the impact on rural communities and an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Georgia is the single largest recipient of IRA tax credits in the U.S., with over $28 billion in investment, 42,000 jobs, and 51 projects announced in the state.
    The Warnock Amendment would force the Senate to reconsider its current path toward repealing the clean energy tax credits in the GOP spending bill by returning the bill to the Senate Finance Committee for additional consideration.
    In recent days, a bipartisan push urging GOP senators to reverse their proposed cuts has swept the country. Last week, Georgia lawmakers sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-ID) asking him to reconsider his support for the rollback of solar energy tax credits, writing: “We urge you not to weaken the tax credits, as doing so would only harm the manufacturing renaissance in Georgia while creating opportunities for Chinese companies to take over the solar industry.”
    Nationwide analyses show that the “vast majority” of projects announced following the passage of the clean energy tax credits have been investments in Congressional districts currently held by Republicans. This is particularly true in Georgia where 83 percent of the projects, 94 percent of the total investment, and 75 percent of the jobs are in Republican districts. More than 95 percent of the new jobs and investments are in counties where the percentage of people with a bachelor’s degree is below the national average. 
    Full remarks available below:
    Mr. President. I rise to protect pro-business, pro-worker tax credits that are creating hundreds of thousands of American clean energy manufacturing jobs, many of which don’t require a college degree.
    Put simply, these tax credits are working: I know firsthand because they’re working right now in Georgia.
    Businesses which we’ve invested $1 [federally], we’ve seen [private] investments as much as $4.50.
    They’ve helped create 42,000 new manufacturing and construction jobs, many in rural parts of our state that are too often left behind by Washington politicians. Those 42,000 Georgia jobs and hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide are at risk if Republicans have their way and roll back these tax credits.
    That’s why North America’s Building Trades Unions called this bill the “biggest job-killing bill in the history of this country.”
    I urge my colleagues to vote with America’s workers and vote YES on my Motion to Commit.

    MIL OSI USA News –