NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • Mansukh Mandaviya kicks off Weightlifting League, says “Mirabai Chanu is the perfect role model”

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the 2025 season of the ASMITA League in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday. The 2025 season of ASMITA began with the weightlifting league, where 42 girls are participating in eight different weight categories during the two-day event being held in the Open category.

    In the current financial year 2025–26, 852 leagues across 15 sports disciplines have been planned. The leagues, spread across the states and Union Territories, will feature over 70,000 female athletes. Last season, 550 leagues were conducted across 27 sports disciplines, enabling the participation of 53,101 female athletes.

    “It is our mission to create opportunities at every level and then spot talent and groom them. I see there is a lot of fire in the eyes of these kids who have turned up here in Modinagar. I am sure we will be able to find another Mirabai Chanu,” said Mandaviya.

    Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu was among the host of dignitaries present at the inauguration of the ASMITA weightlifting league. Boosting the morale of the participants was Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse.

    “ASMITA is a big pillar in our robust sports programme. Women have demonstrated their ability to excel in sports, and the sky is the limit for them. The intent in the eyes of the kids is something that needs to be cultivated,” said Raksha Khadse.

    “You can’t have a better role model than Mirabai Chanu. Having come from a remote village in Manipur and achieved excellence at the highest levels, she has created a benchmark for all women weightlifters. Her presence should inspire the young girls who are taking part in weightlifting,” said Dr. Mandaviya.

    He also reiterated the government’s “360-degree” commitment to sports and emphasised how this is reflected in the sports budget, which has increased fourfold in the last 10 years.

    “We are looking to reach every corner of India and tell aspiring sportspersons that we now have a pathway for you to rise and shine. Our Khelo Bharat Niti (sports policy) has been designed in this manner, and by collaborating with the National Education Policy, we are giving a lot of impetus to school sports. These efforts will be reflected in the Khelo India calendar that we have created. There will be no dearth of opportunities,” he added.

    Olympian Mirabai said the ASMITA Leagues, which started in 2021, have been a huge boon for women in sports. “Its tiered structure is perfectly scripted. Everyone now has a vision of how to make it to the highest level. We didn’t get such opportunities, and that’s why ASMITA is a blessing for women who want to play a sport and dream big,” said Mirabai.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    PDF, 1.99 MB, 161 pages

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@communities.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal for outline planning permission for:

    • up to 1,200 new homes (C3)
    • 80 bed care homes (C2)
    • a new 2 form entry primary school (D1)
    • a local centre to comprise flexible commercial floorspace (A1, A2, A3 and A5 up to 800 square metres), and Community Centre and Health Care Facility (D1 use up to 700 square metres)
    • the formation of new means of access onto Longfield Avenue and Peak Lane
    • new open space including the laying out of a new country park and sports facilities
    • drainage infrastructure
    • walking and cycling infrastructure and other associated infrastructure works

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Ding! Scammers are hiding in your text messages

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 8, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

    Phones are constantly buzzing, and scammers know the easiest way to you is through your text messages.

    Lately, many people are seeing more text messages from unknown numbers, saying things like “Unpaid highway toll detected on your vehicle. Pay now to avoid fines.” or “We’ve detected suspicious activity on your account – verify now”. Be on the lookout: it could be a common scam known as smishing.

    What is smishing?

    Smishing is a type of scam where fraudsters send text messages pretending to be trusted businesses, government agencies, or even people you know. They try to trick you into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. Their goal is to steal your personal data or money.

    Warning signs

    Be cautious of text messages if:

    • it comes unexpectedly from an unknown number
    • it asks for personal info or requests you click a link
    • it creates a sense of urgency
    • it claims they are from a trusted business or bank to appear legitimate

    Protect yourself

    Take these steps to prevent becoming a victim:

    • Verify the sender by contacting them through another medium, like the phone number on the official website
    • Never click on suspicious links
    • Delete smishing messages and block the number
    • Ignore texts even if they ask to reply with “STOP” or “NO”
    • Flag spam texts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM), helping your cellular provider investigate further
    • Report suspicious texts. If you believe you’ve come across smishing, report it to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nadine Riedel, Director of the Institute for Public and Regional Economics, University of Münster

    South Africa’s personal income tax system is in the spotlight as the country’s tax filing season gets under way. Personal income tax is an important way of redistributing income from higher-earning to less-well-off individuals.

    But how effectively does it do this and what can get in the way?

    At the heart of any redistributive tax system is its structure: which incomes are taxed or exempted, which expenses are tax deductible, how the tax rate schedule is designed, and which tax credits are granted, including how much they reduce the tax owed. The schedule translates taxable income into the taxpayers’ tax liability by defining tax rates by tax brackets. The top tax rate is 45%.

    In a recent study we explore how features such as tax rates, deductions, credits, and bracket adjustments shape the redistributive capacity of South Africa’s personal income tax system. For this research, we analyse all the income tax returns of South African taxpayers provided by South Africa’s Revenue Service for the tax years 2015 and 2018. (All records were made anonymous.)

    The country´s personal income tax operates under a progressive tax scheme: People pay higher rates of tax as their income rises. Those with lower incomes may owe no income tax at all, while top earners can face marginal rates as high as 45%.

    Based on our analysis, this progressive rate schedule is the most effective mechanism for redistributing income from higher- to lower-income earners. By contrast, “tax expenditures” – that is, expenses, which taxpayers can deduct from what they owe in tax – lower the redistributive impact of the personal income tax system.

    Put differently: Allowing taxpayers to claim tax deductions and tax credits reduces the extent to which personal income taxation effectively lowers gaps between the after-tax income of high- and low-income earners.

    A number of recent tax policy reforms further dampened the redistributive capacity of the system. The spotlight is on potential policy reforms that may counter this.

    Weaknesses

    Our research shows that the benefits from tax expenditures in the country’s personal income tax system lower its ability to narrow income gaps. South African taxpayers can deduct various expenses from the personal income tax base and their tax liability respectively, including expenses for donations, home offices, certain insurance contributions and public offices.

    Many of these benefits are claimed by a relatively small number of taxpayers (often below 1% of the taxpayer population or under 100,000 taxpayers) and are concentrated among top earners. And average deduction amounts can be high.

    Even more widely used deductions and credits, such as those for pensions and medical schemes, are disproportionately claimed by higher-income individuals.

    We also found that recent reforms have weakened the redistributive capacity of the personal income tax system.

    Over the years, adjustments have been made, some intended to improve equity, others driven by the need to bolster revenues. A closer look at three key reforms offers some insight into the impact they have had on the distributive goal of the country’s tax system.

    In 2016, pension-related deductions were redesigned to be more generous and to harmonise the treatment of different pension funds. The goal of the reform was to create a fairer and more coherent pension deduction system. While the number of taxpayers claiming pension deductions increased after the reform, our research found that that the policy change still disproportionately benefited higher-income earners. This is because they are more likely to make pension contributions – and do so in larger amounts.

    As a result, the policy reduced the overall redistributive impact of the personal income tax system. In other words, it lowered the extent to which personal income taxation reduces income gaps between higher and lower income taxpayers.

    The following year, the government introduced a new top tax bracket which raised the marginal tax rate on incomes above R1.5 million (today roughly R1.8 million or US$100,700) from 41% to 45%. That is, if you earn more than R1.5 million, you pay 45% of this income in tax.

    The stated aim of the reform was to strengthen the progressivity of the personal income tax system. But our analysis suggests that the real-world impact was limited. This is because the pre-tax incomes of high earners grew more slowly than those of lower-income individuals after the reform. This may reflect that high income earners responded to the reform by lowering their taxable income. They could do so by tax avoidance – high income earners may, for example, shift income to the (potentially lower-taxed) future by compensation through stock options or higher retirement contributions. Or it could be through real adjustments, like earlier retirement entry or less job effort (and, in consequence, lower earnings).

    Between 2015 and 2018, inflation pushed wages and prices upward, but tax thresholds did not keep pace. This led to many taxpayers being shifted into higher tax brackets despite no real change in their purchasing power (referred to as bracket creep). This raised effective tax rates, but also had a regressive side-effect: lower- and middle-income earners were disproportionately affected, weakening the personal income tax system’s ability to reduce income inequality.

    For example, because of bracket creep, a significant fraction of low-income taxpayers – around 3% – became liable for tax. Without bracket creep they would have stayed below the tax exemption threshold.

    Reforms to the tax system

    South Africa’s progressive personal income tax structure has played an important redistributive role. Nevertheless, its effectiveness has been weakened by tax expenditures, bracket creep, and uneven reform outcomes.

    Targeted policy adjustments can strengthen its redistributive capacity.

    Deductions and tax credits: Most of these are regressive, with benefits concentrated among higher-income earners. Phasing out some could strengthen redistribution. But not without trade-offs. After all, deductions and credits also recognise unavoidable expenses, such as work-related or medical costs, and encourage behaviour like charitable giving or retirement saving.

    Yet their appropriateness remains widely debated and their use differs across countries.

    Beyond fairness, tax expenditures come with other downsides, too. For example, they can complicate tax enforcement and open the door to misreporting, particularly where qualifying expenses are hard to verify.

    Policymakers might also consider shifting from deductions to tax credits. While deductions reduce the taxable income of an individual, tax credits directly reduce the tax owed. Individuals in higher tax brackets gain a relatively higher advantage from deductions, as their tax rate is higher. Contrarily, one rand of tax credit provides the same relief to all taxpayers with a positive tax liability.

    Making credits refundable, though potentially costly, could further boost their redistributive effect.

    Standardised deductions could help as well, by allowing fixed rand amounts for certain expenses without requiring proof of payment, and offering relief to lower-income taxpayers who often forgo claims due to lack of resources or knowledge.

    Finally, addressing bracket creep by automatically indexing tax brackets to inflation could preserve the progressivity of the personal income tax system over time, shielding lower- and middle-income taxpayers from a quiet rise in tax burdens.

    – Tax season in South Africa: the system is designed to tackle inequality – how it falls short
    – https://theconversation.com/tax-season-in-south-africa-the-system-is-designed-to-tackle-inequality-how-it-falls-short-260351

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Partners welcome Haxby Station announcement

    Source: City of York

    Work to build a new station at Haxby has taken a major step forward after funding was confirmed by the Department for Transport.

    Working in partnership with Network Rail and the Department for Transport (DfT), City of York Council have been striving to fulfil a decades-long ambition to bring a railway station back to Haxby.

    The original Haxby Station closed in 1930 and project partners are progressing plans to bring a station back to the area, reconnecting neighbourhoods in the north of York to the rail network, increasing sustainable travel options and improving connections to towns and cities across the country.

    The scheme was included in Yorkshire’s Plan for Rail – submitted to the Government in May – after the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, identified it as a key priority for the region’s rail network in order to improve journeys and drive growth.

    A planning application was submitted in 2024, with images showing what the station could look like in the future, with a fully accessible footbridge with lifts and steps connecting the two platforms, bike shelters, a 154-space car park (including EV charging), taxi rank and a bus stop. Shared-use paths will connect the station to residential areas of Haxby for those travelling to the station as pedestrians or by cycle.

    Partners on the project have welcomed the news:

    Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council said:

    “We welcome today’s significant investment in York and our wider region.

    We’ve been working hard to secure the funding for Haxby Station that will allow this important project to get started. We’ve been working with Network Rail and a range of other partners, the council itself has committed £4m to the project to help make the ambition of the new station a reality.

    “Haxby hasn’t had a station since the 1930’s and bringing one back has the potential to be an economic game changer for the north of our city and other places on this important line, like Scarborough. The new station will help people commute to work and school or have a day out in one of the many places on the TransPennine route and beyond. All while travelling sustainably.

    “With more homes being built across the city, this station is needed more than ever. It will take some pressure off the Outer Ring Road and reduce car journeys from the area into the city centre, helping to ease congestion on our roads, making it easier for everyone to get around.

    “The project still needs planning approval and we are following that process through, but this funding certainty is a welcome step forward for a project long in the making.”

    Chris Wright, senior sponsor for Network Rail, said:

    This is an important milestone for the Haxby station project, which will reconnect the local community to the rail network for the first time in almost a century.

    “The new station will provide better connections across the region and beyond, supporting sustainable travel options for local residents and visitors alike. We look forward to continuing our close partnership with all stakeholders as we progress through the planning process and work towards making this long-awaited station a reality.”

    The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said:

    Not only will residents benefit from a new station, faster journeys and better connections, Haxby Station will unlock opportunities for new homes and economic growth along the entire York to Scarborough corridor.

    “The scheme was one of our key priorities in the Yorkshire Plan for Rail we submitted to Government in May. This investment is clear recognition of the potential of the new station to drive growth and ease congestion by offering a new option for travel.

    “Once complete, 20,000 people will live within 3km of the station, benefiting from better access to jobs and opportunities.

    “I’m looking forward to working with the Government, City of York Council and Network Rail to ensure Haxby Station becomes part of an accessible, connected transport network serving York and North Yorkshire.”

    The planning application is in the planning process and is subject to a planning decision.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City awarded over £1.8m for new PlayZones programme

    Source: City of Leicester

    NINE community multi-sports mini pitches are to be developed in neighbourhoods across Leicester thanks to a £1.8 million funding award.

    The city council has successfully bid for nine grants – totalling £1,858,066 – from the Football Foundation’s national PlayZones Programme.

    PlayZones are safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities that aim to bring communities together through recreational football and other sports.

    The cash will be used to create four new outdoor mini pitches and refurbish five existing ball courts at sites across the city.

    The locations for the four new PlayZones will be Elston Fields, in the Saffron area; Hamilton Park; Mowmacre and Sharmon Crescent Play Park, in Braunstone Frith.

    Existing ball courts will be refurbished at Atlas Close, in Highfields; Armadale Drive, in Netherhall; Cossington recreation Ground, in Belgrave; Eyres Monsell; and Spinney Hill Park.

    All nine of the new PlayZones will be able to be booked for free using The ClubSpark online system, and will have timed floodlighting and secure gates, to help manage access.

    Following installation, the new PlayZones will all offer a programme of structured activities led by professional sports clubs and local community groups.

    Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for health and culture, said: “This new funding from the Football Foundation will help us to deliver valuable improvements to nine local communities.

    “Each of the areas have been selected due to a lack of high-quality sports facilities in the community which can create a barrier to physical activity.

    “The new PlayZones will help address that, offering safe and secure ball courts where the community can meet for recreational football and other activities, and enjoy a programme of events and training delivered by local sports clubs and other organisations.”

    All the new PlayZones are being designed following consultation with the local community.

    The Eyres Monsell PlayZone will be the first to be completed and is due to open to the public later this summer.

    Using investment from the Premier League, the FA and the Government through Sport England, the Football Foundation’s PlayZones Programme aims to engage with local communities across the country to create outstanding sports and activity spaces and tackle inequalities in participation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FS meets finance sector in Seoul

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan today began his visit to Seoul, Korea, by meeting Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong and Korea Investment Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer Park Il-young.

    Upon arrival in the afternoon, Mr Chan visited the Bank of Korea, the country’s central bank, and met Governor Rhee Chang-yong to discuss the developments in finance, trade and economic landscapes of the two places, in the region and around the globe.

    They also exchanged views on monetary and interest rate policies and investment trends.

    During the meeting, Mr Chan shared the latest developments in Hong Kong, particularly the continuous capital inflow to Hong Kong’s financial system, reflecting international investors’ confidence in Hong Kong in the current international environment.

    Mr Chan said that Hong Kong maintains a free and open economic and financial system as well as the Linked Exchange Rate System under the “one country, two systems” principle. He also highlighted that Hong Kong’s unique advantage of being connected to the Mainland and the world, as well as its highly internationalised characteristics, is further attracting more international participants and capital to enjoy opportunities brought by developments in China.

    Hong Kong’s international ties are continuously deepening, Mr Chan added.

    Thereafter, the finance chief visited the Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) and met its President & Chief Executive Officer Park Il-young to have an in-depth exchange of opinions on various issues of mutual concern, such as trends of investment markets, asset allocation strategies and digital asset developments.

    The KIC was established by the Korean government in 2005, responsible for managing part of Korea’s foreign exchange reserves and other public funds for overseas investments. Currently, over US$200 billion of assets are under its management.

    Mr Chan shared the recent developments in Hong Kong’s economic and financial markets, and its important role in connecting capital and investors from China and around the globe.

    He pointed out that Hong Kong’s capital market is closely connected to the Mainland’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. The recent stock market is vibrant, with many leading Mainland I&T enterprises having listed or planning to list in Hong Kong. To international investors, Hong Kong serves as a highly effective gateway to tap into I&T opportunities in Greater China.

    Mr Chan welcomed Korean capital to better use the Hong Kong market to allocate international investments and jointly seize the vast business opportunities of I&T developments.

    In the evening, Mr Chan had dinner with leaders in Korea’s digital asset industry, where he shared Hong Kong’s developments and opportunities in digital assets.

    He also encouraged the local industry to actively participate in the Hong Kong market and jointly explore and expand more applications and developments in digital assets.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Law Enforcement Personnel Injured After Horrific Shooting in McAllen Texas

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Shooter was neutralized by brave law enforcement officers

    TEXAS – Yesterday morning, a gunman, preliminarily identified as Ryan Louis Mosqued, opened fire at the entrance of the United States Border Patrol (USBP) sector annex in McAllen, Texas.

    The suspect was neutralized by law enforcement who acted heroically to stop the shooter before there was any loss of life, however three were injured. A McAllen police officer was shot in the leg. Both a Border Patrol officer and Border Patrol employee also sustained injuries. All three were taken to the hospital in non-critical condition. This incident is being investigated by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility in coordination with the FBI.

    This attack comes as federal law enforcement is facing a staggering surge in assaults and politicians continue to vilify and attack law enforcement. Just yesterday Axios published a post quoting a democratic lawmaker saying: “Our own base is telling us that what we’re doing is not good enough … [that] there needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public.”

    “Yesterday’s heinous and unprovoked attack in McAllen could have been a bloodbath if not for the fearless actions of Border Patrol and McAllen law enforcement,” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This vile assault on our officers is a disgusting escalation fueled by toxic rhetoric vilifying those who protect our borders. This must end now, and those stoking this violence will face consequences.”

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Zenolabs.AI CEO Rohan Sharma Launches First-of-its-Kind Equitable AI Trust Index and Releases Springer Book AI and the Boardroom

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amid growing concerns around AI transparency, fairness, and societal impact, Zenolabs.AI CEO Rohan Sharma today launched the Equitable AI Trust Index™—the first public framework scoring AI systems on democratic legitimacy, transparency, and civic accountability. The release aligns with Sharma’s Springer Nature book, AI and the Boardroom, recently featured in Directors Today.

    “Boards and policymakers urgently need a single, clear lens on AI risk,” Sharma said. “Our Index integrates NIST, OECD, and EU AI Act standards into a transparent, easy-to-use scoring system. For the first time, stakeholders gain immediate visibility into where algorithms are accountable—or critically falling short.”

    Why It Matters
    Recent surveys reveal 46% of users distrust AI and 64% of firms lack visibility into model risk. With the EU AI Act’s enforcement deadlines approaching in 2026, the Equitable AI Trust Index™ equips organizations with policy-ready tools to meet stringent transparency and accountability requirements, critical for responsible scaling across enterprises, cities, and governments.

    How the Index Works
    The Index offers a clear, actionable framework for assessing AI fairness and accountability:

    • Public Trust Metric: first-of-its-kind score measuring community trust in AI through public input.
    • Proactive Risk Alerts: real-time insights to ensure compliance with global standards, months ahead of deadlines.
    • Fairness Focus: prioritizes equity for underserved communities and public services.
    • Policy-Ready Reports: instantly generate EU AI Act, NIST, and OECD-aligned audit reports.

    About Rohan Sharma
    Sharma has led AI, data and digital programs at Apple, Disney and Thermo Fisher Scientific. A recognized authority on AI governance, Sharma advises Stanford Seed and UCLA Anderson, contributes regularly to Forbes and the World Economic Forum, and serves on advisory councils including Harvard Business Review and Frost C Sullivan. His TEDx Yale talk and peer-reviewed chapters on AI governance and ethics have reached global audiences from Hollywood to Washington, D.C.

    Equitable AI Trust Index™: Analysis of Major AI Models
    The first comprehensive assessment of leading AI models using the 11-point Index reveals a democratic-legitimacy crisis in AI governance:

    Key Findings
    Our analysis reveals a democratic legitimacy crisis in AI governance, with only 20% of leading models meeting exemplary civic trust standards.

    • 20%: of leading models meet exemplary civic trust standards
    • 59-point: governance gap between best and worst performing models
    • 90.9/100: highest overall trust score (Anthropic Claude)
    • 39.4/100: lowest overall trust score (OpenAI ChatGPT)

    Availability

    • AI and the Boardroom (ISBN 979-8-8688-0796-1) — available worldwide through Springer Nature and Amazon.

    Media Contact
    press@zenolabs.ai | +1 323 236 8723

    Press kit (headshot, logos, Index score chart): https://trustworthyaiindex.org/methodology

    Boilerplate
    The Equitable AI Trust Index™ is a public-good initiative maintained by Zenolabs.AI, created to make algorithmic trust measurable, transparent, and comparable. Zenolabs.AI is a venture studio dedicated to advancing responsible AI governance and public accountability.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b8acf08c-6b63-4c8d-af43-2e60e7cd6b63

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Community Bankshares, Inc. Revolutionizes Access to Capital and Speeds Up Loan Closures for Rural and Small Businesses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAGRANGE, Ga., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At a time when business owners across the country are fighting against red tape and delays, Community Bankshares, Inc. is delivering where others stall – closing complex government-guaranteed loans in as little as 30 to 45 days. In the first half of 2025, the Georgia-based financial institution closed 57 SBA and USDA loans totaling $256,038,702, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-moving mission-driven lenders in the nation. Community Bankshares is the holding company of Community Bank & Trust, Phoenix Lender Services, and Thomas Financial Group.

    In Q2 2025 alone, the company closed:

    • 25 SBA loans via Phoenix’s SBA team totaling $48,765,200 in 15 states.
    • 10 USDA loans via Phoenix’s USDA team totaling $111,376,215 in 5 states.
    • 2 USDA loans via Thomas Financial Group’s team totaling $24,715,000 in 2 states.

    “We’re not just providing capital, we’re providing it quickly,” said Chris Hurn, President & CEO of Community Bankshares and Phoenix Lender Services. “Closing a government-guaranteed loan in 30 to 45 days isn’t just rare, it’s transformative. It means our clients can grow, hire, and build when it matters most.”

    These record-setting Q2 results build on a powerful Q1, bringing Phoenix’s year-to-date total SBA loans closed to 41 loans for $70.6 million, and Phoenix’s total USDA loans closed to 14 loans for $160.7 million.

    As of Q3 of the federal government’s fiscal year FY25 (October 1, 2024 through June 1, 2025), Community Bank & Trust (sister company of both Phoenix and Thomas Financial Group) ranks as the #36 Most Active SBA Lender in the Nation with 86 SBA loan approvals totaling $146,051,200. Even more impressively, CB&T remains the #1 SBA lender headquartered in Georgia, with nearly twice the production of the second place, in-state lender.

    “Phoenix Lender Services and Thomas Financial Group have built a reputation on doing what others say can’t be done – fast closings, rural deals, food supply chain projects, and many more, all done with precision,” said Jeremy Gilpin, Chairman of Community Bankshares, Inc. and President and CEO of Community Bank & Trust. “We’re not just financing businesses, we’re building futures.”

    Closing loans across 20 states and 1 U.S. territory year-to-date, Community Bankshares, Inc. is fueling growth in industries ranging from construction and energy to healthcare, franchising, and logistics. Recent highlights include:

    • USDA Commercial – Agriculture Scientific: A South Carolina-based Sustainable Agriculture Project creating high-tech jobs, boosting food security, reducing dependence on imported produce, and reducing carbon emissions.
    • SBA 7(a) – Comprehensive Therapy Children’s Center: SBA 7(a) loan enabled a successful ownership transition for this trusted pediatric therapy clinic in Canton, Georgia, ensuring continued care for children with developmental and neurological needs.
    • Bridge Lending – Hospitality Project: Closed Over $34 Million in Bridge Loans for USDA B&I loan takeouts in under 40 days.

    “Community Bank and Trust’s professionalism and support during the loan process was beyond perfect,” said Tammy Knoop, Owner of Bel-Mar Lanes. “Their kindness and easy mannered approach is a gift.”

    “Thomas Financial Group was instrumental in our acquisition of The National Exchange Hotel and the Holbrooke Hotel—not just because they understood the nuances of hospitality lending, but because they delivered when time was critical. Under a tight deadline, they demonstrated incredible speed, efficiency, and unwavering commitment. Their ability to move decisively while maintaining a personal, solutions-oriented approach sets them apart. In a world where delays can derail opportunity, their partnership made all the difference,” said James Gould, Principal at Horizon Hotel Group.

    About Community Bankshares, Inc.
    Community Bankshares, Inc. is transforming access to capital for small businesses and rural America. Through its subsidiaries – Phoenix Lender Services; Thomas Financial Group; and Community Bank & Trust – the company delivers customized SBA, USDA, and commercial lending services nationwide. Our mission is rooted in empowering local economies, preserving family-run businesses, and supporting job creation through bold, fast, and impactful lending.

    About Phoenix Lender Services
    Phoenix Lender Services is a nationwide leader in government-guaranteed lending operations, offering full-service loan origination, underwriting, servicing, and regulatory support. PHX specializes in SBA and USDA loans and acts as a trusted Lender Service Provider (LSP) for banks and credit unions across the country.

    About Thomas Financial Group
    Thomas Financial Group is a high-performance USDA and commercial loan originator, offering sophisticated financing solutions for complex business, hotel, infrastructure, and development projects, particularly in rural or underserved areas.

    About Community Bank & Trust
    Based in LaGrange, GA, Community Bank & Trust provides personalized financial services to individuals and businesses across the Southeast and nationwide. As the top-producing SBA lender headquartered in Georgia, CB&T is committed to expanding access to capital and economic opportunity in communities of all sizes.

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Abigail Davison
    Uproar by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc.
    abigail.davison@moburst.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Satellogic Announces Inclusion in Russell 3000® Index

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Satellogic, Inc. (NASDAQ: SATL), a leader in satellite manufacturing and high-resolution Earth observation data, today announced that it has been added as a member of the U.S. small-cap Russell 3000® Index, effective after market close on June 27, 2025 as part of the 2025 Russell indexes constitution.

    The Russell 3000® Index is a comprehensive, market-capitalization-weighted index that measures the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. public companies. Membership in this widely recognized index means automatic inclusion in either the large-cap Russell 1000® Index or small-cap Russell 2000® Index, as well as the appropriate growth and value style indexes. Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies.

    Inclusion in the Russell 3000® Index marks a significant milestone for Satellogic, aligning our capital markets presence with the company’s sustained growth and progress as a leader in the earth observation and satellite manufacturing industry. This addition is expected to enhance Satellogic’s visibility within the investment community, providing greater exposure to institutional investors and increasing liquidity for its shares. It further underscores Satellogic’s strong fundamentals and business performance, validating its vertically integrated approach to democratizing access to high-resolution Earth Observation data. Russell indexes are widely used by investment managers and institutional investors for index funds and as benchmarks for active investment strategies.

    “We are incredibly honored to join the Russell 3000 Index,” said Emiliano Kargieman, CEO & Co-Founder of Satellogic. “This inclusion is a testament to our team’s dedication, the robust performance of our scalable Earth Observation platform, and our commitment to delivering accessible and affordable insights to customers worldwide. We believe this will significantly increase our visibility among a broader base of institutional investors, supporting our continued growth and our mission to help solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to energy supply and national security. We look forward to this new chapter and the opportunities it presents for our shareholders.”

    About Satellogic

    Founded in 2010 by Emiliano Kargieman and Gerardo Richarte, Satellogic (NASDAQ: SATL) is the first vertically integrated geospatial company, driving real outcomes with planetary-scale insights. Satellogic is creating and continuously enhancing the first scalable, fully automated EO platform with the ability to remap the entire planet at both high-frequency and high-resolution, providing accessible and affordable solutions for customers. Satellogic’s mission is to democratize access to geospatial data through its information platform of high-resolution images to help solve the world’s most pressing problems including climate change, energy supply, and food security. Using its patented Earth imaging technology, Satellogic unlocks the power of EO to deliver high-quality, planetary insights at the lowest cost in the industry. With more than a decade of experience in space, Satellogic has proven technology and a strong track record of delivering satellites to orbit and high-resolution data to customers at the right price point. To learn more, please visit: http://www.satellogic.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. The words “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intends”, “may”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “potential”, “predict”, “project”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are based on Satellogic’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on Satellogic. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Satellogic. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) our ability to generate revenue as expected, including due to challenges created by macroeconomic concerns, geopolitical uncertainty (e.g., trade relationships), financial market fluctuations and related factors, (ii) our ability to effectively market and sell our EO services and to convert contracted revenues and our pipeline of potential contracts into actual revenues, (iii) risks related to the secured convertible notes, (iv) the potential loss of one or more of our largest customers, (v) the considerable time and expense related to our sales efforts and the length and unpredictability of our sales cycle, (vi) risks and uncertainties associated with defense-related contracts, (vii) risk related to our pricing structure, (viii) our ability to scale production of our satellites as planned, (ix) unforeseen risks, challenges and uncertainties related to our expansion into new business lines, (x) our dependence on third parties, including SpaceX, to transport and launch our satellites into space, (xi) our reliance on third-party vendors and manufacturers to build and provide certain satellite components, products, or services and the inability of these vendors and manufacturers to meet our needs, (xii) our dependence on ground station and cloud-based computing infrastructure operated by third pirates for value-added services, and any errors, disruption, performance problems, or failure in their or our operational infrastructure, (xiii) risk related to certain minimum service requirements in our customer contracts, (xiv) market acceptance of our EO services and our dependence upon our ability to keep pace with the latest technological advances, including those related to artificial intelligence and machine learning, (xv) our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates or consummate acquisitions on acceptable terms, or our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, (xvi) competition for EO services, (xvii) challenges with international operations or unexpected changes to the regulatory environment in certain markets, (xviii) unknown defects or errors in our products, (xix) risk related to the capital-intensive nature of our business and our ability to raise adequate capital to finance our business strategies, (xx) uncertainties beyond our control related to the production, launch, commissioning, and/or operation of our satellites and related ground systems, software and analytic technologies, (xxi) the failure of the market for EO services to achieve the growth potential we expect, (xxii) risks related to our satellites and related equipment becoming impaired, (xxiii) risks related to the failure of our satellites to operate as intended, (xxiv) production and launch delays, launch failures, and damage or destruction to our satellites during launch, (xxv) the impact of natural disasters, unusual or prolonged unfavorable weather conditions, epidemic outbreaks, terrorist acts and geopolitical events (including the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, in the Gaza Strip and the Red Sea region) on our business and satellite launch schedules and (xxvi) the anticipated benefits of the domestication may not materialize. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of Satellogic’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other documents filed or to be filed by Satellogic from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Satellogic assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Satellogic can give no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations:

    Ryan Driver, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development

    ryan.driver@Satellogic.com

    Media Relations:

    Satellogic

    pr@Satellogic.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wix Expands Font Library Through Strategic Partnership with Monotype

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The new fonts empower self creators and agencies with a diverse range of high-quality typefaces

    NEW YORK – Wix.com Ltd. (NASDAQ: WIX), the leading SaaS website builder platform globally1, today announced a strategic partnership with Monotype Imaging Inc., a global leader in type design and technology, extending Wix’s font library. The newly curated typeface collection is now available to Wix users, self creators and agencies – offering them a broader spectrum of high-quality typefaces to elevate their content and match their vision, including greatest hits like Helvetica® and Avenir®, and a host of new classics such as Recoleta, Kibitz Pro, and Aether. 

    In consultation with type design experts at Monotype, Wix has carefully selected a diverse array of fonts that cater to a variety of use cases, ranging from professional business needs to playful, personal projects and agencies building bespoke web experiences with a variety of fonts. The expanded library helps ensure that users from around the world have access to the typography they both need to express themselves and their unique brand identities, and to grow their businesses.

    “Typography is an important aspect of web design, and by expanding our font offerings, we empower creators to produce visually compelling websites and content that truly reflect their brand’s personality,” said Hagit Kaufman, VP of Brand and Design at Wix . “Monotype’s expertise in the world of typography is invaluable as we continue to enhance our platform for creators around the globe. Our strategic partnership with Monotype underscores our commitment to providing the best design tools for our users to succeed in their creative and professional endeavors.”

    “At Monotype, we know the profound impact the right typeface has in communicating a brand’s identity. By providing its users with a wider library of quality typefaces, Wix demonstrates its commitment to helping creators tell their brand’s story. Through this partnership, with classic typefaces such as Futura® and newer fonts like Beatrice, Wix users will truly be able to craft a digital presence that showcases their vision,” said Charles Nix, Senior Executive Creative Director at Monotype.

    The new fonts are now live and accessible to all Wix and Wix Studio users. 

    About Wix.com Ltd.

    Wix is the leading SaaS website builder platform1 to create, manage and grow a digital presence. Founded  in 2006, Wix is a comprehensive platform providing users – self-creators, agencies, enterprises, and more – with industry-leading performance, security, AI capabilities and a reliable infrastructure. Offering a wide range of commerce and business solutions, advanced SEO and marketing tools, the platform enables users to take full ownership of their brand, their data and their relationships with their customers. With a focus on continuous innovation and delivery of new features and products, users can seamlessly build a powerful and high-end digital presence for themselves or their clients. 

    For more about Wix, please visit our Press Room
    Media Relations Contact:  PR@wix.com  

    1 Based on number of active live sites as reported by competitors’ figures, independent third-party data and internal data as of H1 2024.

    About Monotype 
    Monotype Imaging Inc. brings brands to life through type and technology that consumers engage with every day. We offer a library of over 250,000 fonts from over 4,500 talented designers and foundries across the world. We work with the biggest global brands and individual creatives, offering a wide selection of solutions that make it easier for them to do what they do best: design beautiful brand experiences. Further information is available at www.monotype.com.

    Follow Monotype on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.     

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command Selects Rise8 for FORGE Path to Production Contract

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA, Fla., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rise8 announces its selection to deliver a modern, cloud-native path to production for the U.S. Space Force’s Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program in support of missile warning and tracking. Over the next three years, Rise8 will enable continuous software delivery to support current and future ground or space-based infrared systems.

    Rise8 will establish a secure, repeatable path to production, enabling third-party developers to deploy software efficiently from development to operations. This includes scaling IL5 and IL6 cloud environments and implementing a continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline with an ongoing authorization for continuous delivery, fully aligned to NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF).

    “This FORGE Path to Production contract is a significant milestone for Rise8 as we bring our expertise in continuous delivery with ongoing authorization to our largest project to date,” said Bryon Kroger, CEO, Rise8. “Our approach is centered on delivering scalable capabilities rapidly and securely, ensuring that advanced ground or space-based infrared systems can operate seamlessly while meeting evolving threats.”

    Led by SSC, the FORGE program leverages industry best practices, commercial and government off-the-shelf products, and free or open-source software to accelerate capability delivery for the joint warfighter.

    About Rise8
    Rise8 develops custom software for critical missions to create a future where fewer bad things happen because of bad software. Rise8 is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with headquarters in Tampa, FL, and a fully remote workforce. Learn more at https://www.rise8.us/ and on LinkedIn, and X.

    The views expressed are those of Rise8 and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Space Force, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

    Media Contact: Casey Dell’Isola REQ for Rise8 rise8@req.co

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command Selects Rise8 for FORGE Path to Production Contract

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAMPA, Fla., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rise8 announces its selection to deliver a modern, cloud-native path to production for the U.S. Space Force’s Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program in support of missile warning and tracking. Over the next three years, Rise8 will enable continuous software delivery to support current and future ground or space-based infrared systems.

    Rise8 will establish a secure, repeatable path to production, enabling third-party developers to deploy software efficiently from development to operations. This includes scaling IL5 and IL6 cloud environments and implementing a continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline with an ongoing authorization for continuous delivery, fully aligned to NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF).

    “This FORGE Path to Production contract is a significant milestone for Rise8 as we bring our expertise in continuous delivery with ongoing authorization to our largest project to date,” said Bryon Kroger, CEO, Rise8. “Our approach is centered on delivering scalable capabilities rapidly and securely, ensuring that advanced ground or space-based infrared systems can operate seamlessly while meeting evolving threats.”

    Led by SSC, the FORGE program leverages industry best practices, commercial and government off-the-shelf products, and free or open-source software to accelerate capability delivery for the joint warfighter.

    About Rise8
    Rise8 develops custom software for critical missions to create a future where fewer bad things happen because of bad software. Rise8 is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) with headquarters in Tampa, FL, and a fully remote workforce. Learn more at https://www.rise8.us/ and on LinkedIn, and X.

    The views expressed are those of Rise8 and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Space Force, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

    Media Contact: Casey Dell’Isola REQ for Rise8 rise8@req.co

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA delegation briefs European Parliament and European Commission on marine contractors’ vital role in securing critical offshore infrastructure

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA delegation briefs European Parliament and European Commission on marine contractors’ vital role in securing critical offshore infrastructure



    IMCA delegation briefs European Parliament and European Commission













    A delegation of senior IMCA representatives briefed Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and senior representatives from the European Commission at a lunchtime briefing on the marine contracting sector’s essential role in securing critical offshore infrastructure. 

    The event, hosted by Walter Beke MEP at the end of June, continued IMCA’s ongoing work to inform elected representatives and civil servants of the offshore contracting sector’s critical role as a strategic enabler of Europe’s energy and climate ambitions. 

    The interest among EU audiences was strong, with 13 MEPs in attendance from the European Parliament’s Security, Energy, and Transport Committees, and from the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas (SEArica) intergroup. They were joined by two senior officials from the European Commission, and two representatives from EU member states, testament to the growing importance of this topic. 

    Submarine communication cables carry 99% of inter-continental internet traffic, while submarine electricity cables are key to energy security, connecting electricity markets and bringing offshore renewable energy to shore.  

    However, Mr Beke welcomed guests to the briefing, held under the title ‘securing critical offshore and underwater infrastructures’, by outlining the growing threat to this marine infrastructure from malicious actors. 

    In his welcome address, IMCA President Luca Gentili, from the global contractor SAIPEM, outlined the essential role of Europe’s marine contractors in delivering a “safe, more sustainable energy mix”, and pledged that IMCA “through its technical work, and as an advisor to regulators and governments” stood ready to “contribute to the security of Europe”. 

    The meeting then heard two presentations, from IMCA CEO Iain Grainger on protecting undersea infrastructure, and from IMCA Director of Strategy and Energy Transition Lee Billingham, who outlined the findings of IMCA’s recent Economic Impact Assessment, authored by PA Consulting. 

    Brussels 2025

    They were supported with insight from IMCA Vice-President Hugo Bouvy from DEME Offshore, Michel Hendriks from IMCA Board member Heerema, Jack Wattel from IMCA Board member N-Sea, and by IMCA Head of Communications Patrick Clift. 

    Iain outlined the scale of Europe’s undersea infrastructure, which includes 1,200 active oil and gas facilities, 20,000km of oil and gas pipelines, and over 10,000km of cables. The EU’s target to generate 300GW of offshore renewable energy by 2050 could necessitate the construction of an additional 20,000 wind turbines, dramatically increasing the amount of infrastructure that could be targeted by saboteurs. 

    The owners of telecoms cables have mature strategies in place to manage repairs – including through cooperative agreements such as ACMA, a non-profit cooperative subsea maintenance agreement of nearly 60 members that has three repair vessels on permanent standby in North America, the Caribbean, the North Sea, and West Africa, and MECMA, a similar body covering the Mediterranean region.  

    However, power cables are much more challenging to repair at speed, Iain said, given the absence of such ‘repair clubs’, and the additional complexity of fixing them. 

    Iain highlighted that Europe’s offshore sector had 61 vessels capable of laying and repairing cables, more than any other country or region in the world. To enable the fleet to invest and play its part in protecting undersea infrastructure, he highlighted:  

    Presenting the results of IMCA’s Economic Impact Assessment, Lee Billingham outlined that the European marine contracting industry was a world leading, highly specialised fleet of vessels that are critical to meeting Europe’s clean energy ambitions. Using the example of Dogger Bank A in the North Sea, he illustrated that it required 49 individual vessels, each including specialised workers and equipment, to install a single 1.2GW wind farm. 

    Citing data from Clarksons, he said that Europe’s fleet comprises around 3,490 vessels, 26% of the 13,372 vessels in the global fleet, and twice the percentage of the next largest regional block, China, which has 13% of the total. 

    As well as enabling the development of all offshore energy infrastructure, including carbon capture and storage, he revealed that the European marine contracting sector is expected to provide over 490,000 skilled jobs and contribute over €80bn in economic value this year, including indirect effects, in the EU, Norway, and the UK, as well as €15bn in taxes. Its wider contribution includes driving investment in port infrastructure, supporting European energy security, and facilitating international data exchange. 

    IMCA finished the meeting by delivering a call for EU institutions to:  

    Offshore sector contribution

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA delegation briefs European Parliament and European Commission on marine contractors’ vital role in securing critical offshore infrastructure

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA delegation briefs European Parliament and European Commission on marine contractors’ vital role in securing critical offshore infrastructure



    IMCA delegation briefs European Parliament and European Commission













    A delegation of senior IMCA representatives briefed Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and senior representatives from the European Commission at a lunchtime briefing on the marine contracting sector’s essential role in securing critical offshore infrastructure. 

    The event, hosted by Walter Beke MEP at the end of June, continued IMCA’s ongoing work to inform elected representatives and civil servants of the offshore contracting sector’s critical role as a strategic enabler of Europe’s energy and climate ambitions. 

    The interest among EU audiences was strong, with 13 MEPs in attendance from the European Parliament’s Security, Energy, and Transport Committees, and from the Seas, Rivers, Islands & Coastal Areas (SEArica) intergroup. They were joined by two senior officials from the European Commission, and two representatives from EU member states, testament to the growing importance of this topic. 

    Submarine communication cables carry 99% of inter-continental internet traffic, while submarine electricity cables are key to energy security, connecting electricity markets and bringing offshore renewable energy to shore.  

    However, Mr Beke welcomed guests to the briefing, held under the title ‘securing critical offshore and underwater infrastructures’, by outlining the growing threat to this marine infrastructure from malicious actors. 

    In his welcome address, IMCA President Luca Gentili, from the global contractor SAIPEM, outlined the essential role of Europe’s marine contractors in delivering a “safe, more sustainable energy mix”, and pledged that IMCA “through its technical work, and as an advisor to regulators and governments” stood ready to “contribute to the security of Europe”. 

    The meeting then heard two presentations, from IMCA CEO Iain Grainger on protecting undersea infrastructure, and from IMCA Director of Strategy and Energy Transition Lee Billingham, who outlined the findings of IMCA’s recent Economic Impact Assessment, authored by PA Consulting. 

    Brussels 2025

    They were supported with insight from IMCA Vice-President Hugo Bouvy from DEME Offshore, Michel Hendriks from IMCA Board member Heerema, Jack Wattel from IMCA Board member N-Sea, and by IMCA Head of Communications Patrick Clift. 

    Iain outlined the scale of Europe’s undersea infrastructure, which includes 1,200 active oil and gas facilities, 20,000km of oil and gas pipelines, and over 10,000km of cables. The EU’s target to generate 300GW of offshore renewable energy by 2050 could necessitate the construction of an additional 20,000 wind turbines, dramatically increasing the amount of infrastructure that could be targeted by saboteurs. 

    The owners of telecoms cables have mature strategies in place to manage repairs – including through cooperative agreements such as ACMA, a non-profit cooperative subsea maintenance agreement of nearly 60 members that has three repair vessels on permanent standby in North America, the Caribbean, the North Sea, and West Africa, and MECMA, a similar body covering the Mediterranean region.  

    However, power cables are much more challenging to repair at speed, Iain said, given the absence of such ‘repair clubs’, and the additional complexity of fixing them. 

    Iain highlighted that Europe’s offshore sector had 61 vessels capable of laying and repairing cables, more than any other country or region in the world. To enable the fleet to invest and play its part in protecting undersea infrastructure, he highlighted:  

    Presenting the results of IMCA’s Economic Impact Assessment, Lee Billingham outlined that the European marine contracting industry was a world leading, highly specialised fleet of vessels that are critical to meeting Europe’s clean energy ambitions. Using the example of Dogger Bank A in the North Sea, he illustrated that it required 49 individual vessels, each including specialised workers and equipment, to install a single 1.2GW wind farm. 

    Citing data from Clarksons, he said that Europe’s fleet comprises around 3,490 vessels, 26% of the 13,372 vessels in the global fleet, and twice the percentage of the next largest regional block, China, which has 13% of the total. 

    As well as enabling the development of all offshore energy infrastructure, including carbon capture and storage, he revealed that the European marine contracting sector is expected to provide over 490,000 skilled jobs and contribute over €80bn in economic value this year, including indirect effects, in the EU, Norway, and the UK, as well as €15bn in taxes. Its wider contribution includes driving investment in port infrastructure, supporting European energy security, and facilitating international data exchange. 

    IMCA finished the meeting by delivering a call for EU institutions to:  

    Offshore sector contribution

    Download our brochure to learn more

    We may use anonymised cookies for some functionality on this site. With your consent, we would also like to use tracking to improve our online offering. Find out more.

    Your cart has been updated

    Course type:

    Format:

    Location:

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities in every state care for congressional papers that document US political history − federal cuts put their work at risk

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Katherine Gregory, Assistant Professor, University Libraries, Mississippi State University

    The papers of members of Congress are fertile ground for research into Congress’ role in shaping U.S. history. cunfek, iStock/Getty Images Plus

    In 1971, the president of Mississippi State University, Dr. William L. Giles, invited President Richard Nixon to attend the dedication of U.S. Sen. John C. Stennis’ papers to the university library’s archives.

    Nixon declined, but the Republican president sent a generous note in support of the veteran Democrat Stennis.

    “Future students and scholars who study there will … familiarize themselves with the outstanding record of a U.S. Senator whose … judgment in complex areas of national security have been a source of strength and comfort to those who have led this Nation and to all who are concerned in preserving the freedom we cherish.”

    Nixon’s prediction came true, perhaps ironically, considering the legal troubles over his own papers during the Watergate crisis. Congress passed the Presidential Records Act of 1978 after Nixon resigned.

    Stennis’ gift to his alma mater caused a windfall of subsequent congressional donations to what is now the Mississippi Political Collections at Mississippi State University Libraries.

    Now, 55 years later, Mississippi State University holds a body of records from a bipartisan group of officials that has positioned it to tell a major part of the state’s story in national and global politics. That story is told to over 100 patrons and dozens of college and K-12 classes each year.

    The papers are fertile ground for scholarly research into Congress’ role in shaping U.S. history, with its extraordinary powers over lawmaking, the economy and one of the world’s largest militaries.

    Mississippi State University, where I work as an assistant professor and director of the Mississippi Political Collections, is not alone in providing such a rich source of history. It is part of a national network of universities that hold and steward congressional papers.

    But support for this stewardship is in jeopardy. With the White House’s proposed elimination of independent granting agencies such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, it is unclear what money will be available for this work in the future.

    A 1963 letter from Sen. John Stennis to a constituent about agricultural legislation and also Russians in Cuba.
    Mississippi State University

    From research to public service

    Mississippi State University’s building of an expansive political archive is neither unique nor a break from practices by our national peers:

    • The Richard Russell Library for Political Research and Studies at the University of Georgia – named after the U.S. senator from Georgia from 1933 to 1971 – has grown since its founding in 1974 into one of America’s premier research libraries of political history, with more than 600 manuscript collections and an extensive oral history collection.

    • Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin donated his papers to Drake University to form The Harkin Institute, which memorializes Harkin’s role as chief sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act through disability policy research and education.

    • Sens. Robert and Elizabeth Dole’s papers are the bedrock of the Dole Institute of Politics at Kansas University.

    • In 2023, retiring Sens. Richard Shelby and Patrick Leahy donated their archives – Shelby to the University of Alabama and Leahy to the University of Vermont.

    By lending their papers and relative political celebrity, members of Congress have laid the groundwork for repositories like these to promote policy research to enable local and state governments to shape legislation on issues central to their states.

    More complete history

    When the repositories are at universities, they also provide educational programming that encourages public service for the next generations.

    At Mississippi State University, the John C. Stennis Institute for Government and Community Development sponsors an organization that allows students to learn about government, voting, organizing and potential careers on Capitol Hill with trips to Washington, D.C.

    Depositing congressional papers in states and districts, to be cared for by professional archivists and librarians, extends the life of the records and expands their utility.

    When elected officials give their papers to their constituents, they ensure the public can see and use the papers. This is a way of returning their history to them, while giving them the power to assemble a more complete, independent version of their political history. While members of Congress are not required by law to donate their papers, they passed a bipartisan concurrent resolution in 2008 encouraging the practice.

    Users of congressional archives range from historians to college students, local investigative journalists, political memoirists and documentary filmmakers. In advance of the 2020 election, we contributed historical materials to CNN’s reporting on Joe Biden’s controversial relationship with the Southern bloc of segregationist senators in his early Senate years.

    A copy of a letter from U.S. Rep. Carl Albert of Oklahoma, who ultimately became the 46th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections, University of Oklahoma

    Preserving the archives

    While the results contribute to the humanities, the process of archival preservation and management is as complex a science as any other.

    “Congressional records” is a broad term that encompasses many formats such as letters, diaries, notes, meeting minutes, speech transcripts, guestbooks and schedules.

    They also include ephemera such as campaign bumper stickers, military medals and even ceremonial pieces of the original U.S. Capitol flooring. They contain rare photographs of everything from natural disaster damage to state dinners and legacy audiovisual materials such as 8 mm film, cassette tapes and vinyl records. Members of Congress also have donated their libraries of hundreds of books.

    Archival preservation is a constantly evolving science. Only in the mid-20th century was the acid-free box developed to arrest the deterioration of paper records. After the advent of film-based photographs, archivists later learned to keep them away from light and heat, and they observed that audiovisual materials such as 8mm tape decompose from acid decay quickly if not stored in proper conditions.

    Alongside preservation work comes the task of inventorying the records for public use. Archivists write finding aids – itemized, searchable catalogs of the records – and create metadata, which describes items in terms of size, creation date and location.

    Future congressional papers will include born-digital content such as email and social media. This means traditional archiving will give way to digital preservation and data management. Federal law mandates that digital records have alt-text and transcription, and they need specialized expertise in file storage and data security because congressional papers often contain case files with sensitive personal data.

    With congressional materials often clocking in at hundreds or thousands of linear feet, emerging artificial intelligence and automation technologies will usher this field into a new era, with AI speeding metadata and cataloging work to deliver usable records for researchers faster than ever.

    No more funding?

    All of this work takes money; most of it takes staff time. Institutions meet these needs through federal grants – the very grants at risk from the Trump administration’s proposed elimination of the agencies that administer them.

    For example, West Virginia University has been awarded over $400,000 since 2021 from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the American Congress Digital Archives Portal project, a website that centralizes digitized congressional records at the university and a growing list of partners such as the University of Hawaii and the University of Oklahoma.

    Past federal grants have funded other congressional papers projects, from basic supply needs such as folders to more complex repair of film and tape.

    The Howard Baker Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee used National Endowment for the Humanities funds to purchase specialized supplies needed to store the papers of its namesake, the Republican senator who also served as chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan.

    National Endowment for the Humanities funds helped process U.S. Rep. Pat Williams’ papers at the University of Montana, resulting in a searchable finding aid for the 87 boxes of records documenting the Montana Democrat’s 18 years in Congress.
    President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “I have an unshaken conviction that democracy can never be undermined if we maintain our library resources and a national intelligence capable of utilizing them.”

    With the current threat to federal grants – and agencies – that pay for the crucial work of stewarding these congressional papers, it appears that these records of democracy may no longer play their role in supporting that democracy.

    Katherine Gregory received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and is a member of the Society of American Archivists.

    – ref. Universities in every state care for congressional papers that document US political history − federal cuts put their work at risk – https://theconversation.com/universities-in-every-state-care-for-congressional-papers-that-document-us-political-history-federal-cuts-put-their-work-at-risk-256053

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities in every state care for congressional papers that document US political history − federal cuts put their work at risk

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Katherine Gregory, Assistant Professor, University Libraries, Mississippi State University

    The papers of members of Congress are fertile ground for research into Congress’ role in shaping U.S. history. cunfek, iStock/Getty Images Plus

    In 1971, the president of Mississippi State University, Dr. William L. Giles, invited President Richard Nixon to attend the dedication of U.S. Sen. John C. Stennis’ papers to the university library’s archives.

    Nixon declined, but the Republican president sent a generous note in support of the veteran Democrat Stennis.

    “Future students and scholars who study there will … familiarize themselves with the outstanding record of a U.S. Senator whose … judgment in complex areas of national security have been a source of strength and comfort to those who have led this Nation and to all who are concerned in preserving the freedom we cherish.”

    Nixon’s prediction came true, perhaps ironically, considering the legal troubles over his own papers during the Watergate crisis. Congress passed the Presidential Records Act of 1978 after Nixon resigned.

    Stennis’ gift to his alma mater caused a windfall of subsequent congressional donations to what is now the Mississippi Political Collections at Mississippi State University Libraries.

    Now, 55 years later, Mississippi State University holds a body of records from a bipartisan group of officials that has positioned it to tell a major part of the state’s story in national and global politics. That story is told to over 100 patrons and dozens of college and K-12 classes each year.

    The papers are fertile ground for scholarly research into Congress’ role in shaping U.S. history, with its extraordinary powers over lawmaking, the economy and one of the world’s largest militaries.

    Mississippi State University, where I work as an assistant professor and director of the Mississippi Political Collections, is not alone in providing such a rich source of history. It is part of a national network of universities that hold and steward congressional papers.

    But support for this stewardship is in jeopardy. With the White House’s proposed elimination of independent granting agencies such as the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, it is unclear what money will be available for this work in the future.

    A 1963 letter from Sen. John Stennis to a constituent about agricultural legislation and also Russians in Cuba.
    Mississippi State University

    From research to public service

    Mississippi State University’s building of an expansive political archive is neither unique nor a break from practices by our national peers:

    • The Richard Russell Library for Political Research and Studies at the University of Georgia – named after the U.S. senator from Georgia from 1933 to 1971 – has grown since its founding in 1974 into one of America’s premier research libraries of political history, with more than 600 manuscript collections and an extensive oral history collection.

    • Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin donated his papers to Drake University to form The Harkin Institute, which memorializes Harkin’s role as chief sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act through disability policy research and education.

    • Sens. Robert and Elizabeth Dole’s papers are the bedrock of the Dole Institute of Politics at Kansas University.

    • In 2023, retiring Sens. Richard Shelby and Patrick Leahy donated their archives – Shelby to the University of Alabama and Leahy to the University of Vermont.

    By lending their papers and relative political celebrity, members of Congress have laid the groundwork for repositories like these to promote policy research to enable local and state governments to shape legislation on issues central to their states.

    More complete history

    When the repositories are at universities, they also provide educational programming that encourages public service for the next generations.

    At Mississippi State University, the John C. Stennis Institute for Government and Community Development sponsors an organization that allows students to learn about government, voting, organizing and potential careers on Capitol Hill with trips to Washington, D.C.

    Depositing congressional papers in states and districts, to be cared for by professional archivists and librarians, extends the life of the records and expands their utility.

    When elected officials give their papers to their constituents, they ensure the public can see and use the papers. This is a way of returning their history to them, while giving them the power to assemble a more complete, independent version of their political history. While members of Congress are not required by law to donate their papers, they passed a bipartisan concurrent resolution in 2008 encouraging the practice.

    Users of congressional archives range from historians to college students, local investigative journalists, political memoirists and documentary filmmakers. In advance of the 2020 election, we contributed historical materials to CNN’s reporting on Joe Biden’s controversial relationship with the Southern bloc of segregationist senators in his early Senate years.

    A copy of a letter from U.S. Rep. Carl Albert of Oklahoma, who ultimately became the 46th speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
    Carl Albert Center Congressional and Political Collections, University of Oklahoma

    Preserving the archives

    While the results contribute to the humanities, the process of archival preservation and management is as complex a science as any other.

    “Congressional records” is a broad term that encompasses many formats such as letters, diaries, notes, meeting minutes, speech transcripts, guestbooks and schedules.

    They also include ephemera such as campaign bumper stickers, military medals and even ceremonial pieces of the original U.S. Capitol flooring. They contain rare photographs of everything from natural disaster damage to state dinners and legacy audiovisual materials such as 8 mm film, cassette tapes and vinyl records. Members of Congress also have donated their libraries of hundreds of books.

    Archival preservation is a constantly evolving science. Only in the mid-20th century was the acid-free box developed to arrest the deterioration of paper records. After the advent of film-based photographs, archivists later learned to keep them away from light and heat, and they observed that audiovisual materials such as 8mm tape decompose from acid decay quickly if not stored in proper conditions.

    Alongside preservation work comes the task of inventorying the records for public use. Archivists write finding aids – itemized, searchable catalogs of the records – and create metadata, which describes items in terms of size, creation date and location.

    Future congressional papers will include born-digital content such as email and social media. This means traditional archiving will give way to digital preservation and data management. Federal law mandates that digital records have alt-text and transcription, and they need specialized expertise in file storage and data security because congressional papers often contain case files with sensitive personal data.

    With congressional materials often clocking in at hundreds or thousands of linear feet, emerging artificial intelligence and automation technologies will usher this field into a new era, with AI speeding metadata and cataloging work to deliver usable records for researchers faster than ever.

    No more funding?

    All of this work takes money; most of it takes staff time. Institutions meet these needs through federal grants – the very grants at risk from the Trump administration’s proposed elimination of the agencies that administer them.

    For example, West Virginia University has been awarded over $400,000 since 2021 from the National Endowment for the Humanities for the American Congress Digital Archives Portal project, a website that centralizes digitized congressional records at the university and a growing list of partners such as the University of Hawaii and the University of Oklahoma.

    Past federal grants have funded other congressional papers projects, from basic supply needs such as folders to more complex repair of film and tape.

    The Howard Baker Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee used National Endowment for the Humanities funds to purchase specialized supplies needed to store the papers of its namesake, the Republican senator who also served as chief of staff to President Ronald Reagan.

    National Endowment for the Humanities funds helped process U.S. Rep. Pat Williams’ papers at the University of Montana, resulting in a searchable finding aid for the 87 boxes of records documenting the Montana Democrat’s 18 years in Congress.
    President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “I have an unshaken conviction that democracy can never be undermined if we maintain our library resources and a national intelligence capable of utilizing them.”

    With the current threat to federal grants – and agencies – that pay for the crucial work of stewarding these congressional papers, it appears that these records of democracy may no longer play their role in supporting that democracy.

    Katherine Gregory received funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities and is a member of the Society of American Archivists.

    – ref. Universities in every state care for congressional papers that document US political history − federal cuts put their work at risk – https://theconversation.com/universities-in-every-state-care-for-congressional-papers-that-document-us-political-history-federal-cuts-put-their-work-at-risk-256053

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EUAA COI report highlights challenging transition in post-Assad Syria

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

    The EUAA has just published a Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Syria. The report provides an update on the situation in Syria following the ouster of Bashar Al-Assad, with a focus on developments between March and May 2025. It examines the security and socio-economic situation in the country and reviews the latest political and human rights developments, including the treatment of specific population groups.

    Following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad’s government, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader was appointed Syria’s interim President. He signed a constitutional declaration covering a five-year transitional period until a permanent constitution and elections are established. The declaration introduced a strong presidential system and designated Islamic jurisprudence as the main source of legislation. In March 2025, a new transitional government was formed, composed of ministers from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, though largely dominated by figures with close ties to HTS.

    Syria’s security landscape remains fragmented, with numerous armed groups operating with varying degrees of autonomy, despite the caretaker authorities’ efforts to integrate all armed groups into the Syrian government’s army. Notably, negotiations were still ongoing regarding the implementation of a March agreement between the caretaker authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) —a Kurdish-led group controlling most of northeastern Syria’s—aimed at integrating the SDF’s civilian and military structures into Syria’s state institutions.

    The security situation remains volatile, with the new authorities struggling to assert full control in certain areas of the country. Incidents of lawlessness, criminality and retaliatory violence are reported to be prevalent in central and western Syria. Large-scale sectarian violence targeting Alawite communities in the coastal areas and Druze communities in southern Syria was reported between March – May 2025. Israel has also continued to launch airstrikes on military facilities and conduct military incursions into southern Syria.

    Between March and May 2025, together with the United States of America, the European Union took steps to aid in the economic recovery of the country by lifting almost all Assad-era sanctions. However, according to United Nations sources, 90 % of the population are living in poverty and 16.5 million require humanitarian assistance. Although returns from abroad, as well as of internally displaced persons, increased following Assad’s removal, key challenges to sustainable returns included worsening economic conditions, unemployment, limited access to basic services and widespread infrastructure destruction.
     

    EU Asylum situation for Syrian nationals

    Syrian asylum applications have been on a downward trend since November 2024, with a sharp drop in December reflecting the changed circumstances following the fall of the Assad regime, but have been relatively stable since March. In May 2025, Syrians lodged just under 3 100 applications. Between December 2024 and May 2025 Syrian applications (31 000) decreased by over three fifths compared to the previous six months. The main EU+ receiving countries were Germany, Greece and Austria.

    Since December 2024 most EU+ countries have suspended (fully or partially) decision making on Syrian cases, which led to a notable drop in first instance decisions: from a monthly average of 12 000 over the preceding six months to 4 200 in December, falling further in January. Since then, the numbers have fluctuated, averaging around 2 600 between March and May 2025. As a result, the number of pending first instance cases were high, standing at 111 000 at the end of May.

    Background

    The EUAA regularly updates its Country of Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ asylum and migration authorities in reaching accurate and fair decisions in asylum procedures, as well as to support national policymaking.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EUAA COI report highlights challenging transition in post-Assad Syria

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

    The EUAA has just published a Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Syria. The report provides an update on the situation in Syria following the ouster of Bashar Al-Assad, with a focus on developments between March and May 2025. It examines the security and socio-economic situation in the country and reviews the latest political and human rights developments, including the treatment of specific population groups.

    Following the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad’s government, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader was appointed Syria’s interim President. He signed a constitutional declaration covering a five-year transitional period until a permanent constitution and elections are established. The declaration introduced a strong presidential system and designated Islamic jurisprudence as the main source of legislation. In March 2025, a new transitional government was formed, composed of ministers from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, though largely dominated by figures with close ties to HTS.

    Syria’s security landscape remains fragmented, with numerous armed groups operating with varying degrees of autonomy, despite the caretaker authorities’ efforts to integrate all armed groups into the Syrian government’s army. Notably, negotiations were still ongoing regarding the implementation of a March agreement between the caretaker authorities and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) —a Kurdish-led group controlling most of northeastern Syria’s—aimed at integrating the SDF’s civilian and military structures into Syria’s state institutions.

    The security situation remains volatile, with the new authorities struggling to assert full control in certain areas of the country. Incidents of lawlessness, criminality and retaliatory violence are reported to be prevalent in central and western Syria. Large-scale sectarian violence targeting Alawite communities in the coastal areas and Druze communities in southern Syria was reported between March – May 2025. Israel has also continued to launch airstrikes on military facilities and conduct military incursions into southern Syria.

    Between March and May 2025, together with the United States of America, the European Union took steps to aid in the economic recovery of the country by lifting almost all Assad-era sanctions. However, according to United Nations sources, 90 % of the population are living in poverty and 16.5 million require humanitarian assistance. Although returns from abroad, as well as of internally displaced persons, increased following Assad’s removal, key challenges to sustainable returns included worsening economic conditions, unemployment, limited access to basic services and widespread infrastructure destruction.
     

    EU Asylum situation for Syrian nationals

    Syrian asylum applications have been on a downward trend since November 2024, with a sharp drop in December reflecting the changed circumstances following the fall of the Assad regime, but have been relatively stable since March. In May 2025, Syrians lodged just under 3 100 applications. Between December 2024 and May 2025 Syrian applications (31 000) decreased by over three fifths compared to the previous six months. The main EU+ receiving countries were Germany, Greece and Austria.

    Since December 2024 most EU+ countries have suspended (fully or partially) decision making on Syrian cases, which led to a notable drop in first instance decisions: from a monthly average of 12 000 over the preceding six months to 4 200 in December, falling further in January. Since then, the numbers have fluctuated, averaging around 2 600 between March and May 2025. As a result, the number of pending first instance cases were high, standing at 111 000 at the end of May.

    Background

    The EUAA regularly updates its Country of Origin Information reports, which aim to provide accurate and reliable up-to-date information on third countries to support EU+ asylum and migration authorities in reaching accurate and fair decisions in asylum procedures, as well as to support national policymaking.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA approves elinzanetant to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) caused by menopause  

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    MHRA approves elinzanetant to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) caused by menopause  

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 8 July, become the first regulator in the world to approve elinzanetant (Lynkuet) for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) associated with the menopause.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 8 July, become the first regulator in the world to approve elinzanetant (Lynkuet) for the treatment of moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes) associated with the menopause. 

    When oestrogen levels drop during menopause, certain brain cells become overactive and interrupt the body’s ability to control temperature, which leads to hot flushes and night sweats.   Elinzanetant is a new non-hormonal medication which works by calming these signals in the brain, helping bring the body’s temperature control back into balance. 

    It may also help improve sleep problems that often come with menopause.   This medicine is administered in tablet form, to be taken orally. 

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:  

    “Hot flushes and night sweats associated with menopause can have a significant negative impact on quality of life.  

    “We are therefore pleased to announce our approval of elinzanetant, which has met the MHRA’s standards for safety, quality and effectiveness. 

     “Elinzanetant offers a non-hormonal alternative for those who may not be able to, or prefer not to, take hormone-based therapies. As with all licensed medicines, we will continue to monitor its safety closely as it becomes more widely used.” 

    Elinzanetant’s approval is based on results from the OASIS clinical trials, which involved over 1,400 women aged 40 to 65 across several countries. These studies showed that taking a daily 120 mg tablet of elinzanetant significantly reduced the number and intensity of hot flushes and night sweats over 26 to 52 weeks, compared to a placebo.  

    Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects in some people. A full list of side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), available on the MHRA website within 7 days of approval.    

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.     

    Notes to editors     

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted on 8 July 2025 to Bayer plc. 

    • This national approval was granted after an Access Consortium new active substance work-sharing initiative (NASWSI) procedure. 

    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.   

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.   

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.   

    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement to the 109th Session of the Executive Council of the OPCW

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Statement to the 109th Session of the Executive Council of the OPCW

    Statement by Director of Defence and International Security, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Mr Stephen Lillie, at the 109th Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

    Mr Chair, Director General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

    The UK welcomes Your Excellency, Ambassador Thomas Schieb as the new Chair of the Executive Council at this critical time. You have our full support.

    Our thanks also to the Director General Fernando Arias for his detailed report.

    Mr Chair,

    Syria has demonstrated its commitment to destroying remaining elements of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons programme; and to holding accountable those responsible. The commitment of the new Syrian Government to achieve this, and it’s support to the Technical Secretariat has been exemplary.

    The UK welcomes the efforts of OPCW staff on the ground and the important progress made during the three recent deployments they have undertaken this year. At last, this Council can look forward to Syria completing the task mandated by the UN Security Council after the horrific sarin attack in 2013, namely the complete destruction of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons programme.

    We must take this opportunity and move at pace to deliver this work in the face of complex practical challenges. Close coordination will be needed between the Technical Secretariat, Syria and supporting States Parties to outline a sensible path and address immediate risks, while ensuring robust OPCW verification.

    Both Syria and the OPCW will each need significant financial and in-kind support to finish the job. On 5 July, whilst in Damascus, my Foreign Secretary announced an additional £2 million of UK support to the OPCW’s Syria missions. This comes in addition to the £837,000 already transferred since December. We urge other states to provide complementary technical, financial and logistical assistance as soon as possible. Concerted international coordination of both financial and in-kind support is essential – we urge the TS and Syria to establish the mechanisms to do this without delay.

    Mr Chair,

    While we take the opportunity to turn the page on a dark period of the widespread use of chemical weapons in Syria this century, we must also redouble our efforts to make sure that all parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention ensure that they do all within their power to uphold the Convention, and to ensure that its central norm against use is re-enforced.

    Today marks the seventh anniversary of the tragic death of Dawn Sturgess. She was killed as a result of Russia’s callous use of the nerve agent novichok in Salisbury.

    While Syria seeks to rid itself of the previous regime’s chemical weapons, Russia continues to use chemical weapons and riot control agents on the battlefield in Ukraine. The statement published last week by the Dutch and German intelligence services in which they warn of the intensifying use of chemicals by Russia on the battlefield is a cause for great concern. This blatant disregard for the Convention is outrageous.

    The British government announced today a second set of sanctions in response to Russia’s use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The measures designate senior members of Russia’s Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops; and a Russian entity responsible for supplying RG-Vo riot control agent grenades to the Russian military being used against Ukraine.

    The UK has provided a further £400,000 in extra-budgetary funding to the OPCW Assistance to Ukraine Fund. Since 2022, the UK has contributed over one million euros to this fund. Our support for Ukraine is steadfast. To quote Foreign Secretary David Lammy – “today – and every day – we stand with Ukraine”.

    Mr Chair,

    We are deeply concerned by the US determination that chemical weapons have been used in Sudan. We have noted Sudan’s response to Article IX requests submitted by the delegations of Chad, Mauritania, Benin and Guinea Bissau.  We call on Sudan to follow through on its stated commitment to investigate thoroughly.

    Mr Chair,

    You will manage the process by which we will select the next Director General. DG Arias’ successor will have big shoes to fill. They will need to continue his work to shape the Organisation so it is fit to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century:  including consigning chemical weapons to history, ensuring that there is no re-emergence of a chemical threat and advancing work on emerging technologies. Promoting and ensuring a diverse TS staff, with gender equality at its heart, and strengthening capacity building around the world will be essential priorities.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major boost for Sizewell C nuclear plan as French energy giant EDF confirms investment

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Major boost for Sizewell C nuclear plan as French energy giant EDF confirms investment

    Thousands of UK jobs will be created as French energy firm EDF confirms today it will take a 12.5% stake in Sizewell C – in a major boost for UK growth and energy security.

    • French company EDF confirms it will take a 12.5% stake in Sizewell C nuclear plant, supporting thousands of UK jobs and boosting UK’s energy security.
    • Follows £14.5 billion funding confirmed by UK government last month and takes Britain closer to ‘golden age’ of nuclear power.
    • Prime Minister Keir Starmer to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron to Downing Steet tomorrow to make progress on shared priorities and deliver for British people.

    Thousands of UK jobs will be created as French energy firm EDF confirms today it will take a 12.5% stake in Sizewell C – in a major boost for UK growth and energy security.  

    EDF is the first shareholder to announce its backing for the nuclear plant alongside the UK government, who confirmed £14.2 billion of funding into the project in last month’s Spending Review.  

    Today’s announcement takes Sizewell C one step closer to being given the green light, when it will help to deliver the UK’s ‘golden age’ of nuclear and see clean power supplied to millions of homes. 

    Further investors and details on the project’s financing will be confirmed at the point of the Final Investment Decision, targeted for this summer. 

    Nuclear energy is crucial to a mixed power supply – providing a backbone of low-carbon power alongside renewables, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependence on fossil fuel markets.

    At peak construction, Sizewell C will support 10,000 jobs, and thousands more in the nationwide supply chain, and create 1,500 apprenticeships. 

    It comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron to the UK ahead of the UK-France Summit on Thursday, which will drive forward co-operation with one of our closest neighbours on shared priorities – energy, growth, defence and security, and migration.  

    Since taking office last year, the Prime Minister has been determined to bolster the UK’s position on the world stage and improve our relationship with our closest partners in order to deliver for the British people.  

    Today’s announcement marks another vote of confidence in that approach, cementing the UK as an increasingly attractive investment destination and a reliable partner.  

    Previous governments had shied away from making real progress on Sizewell C – leaving the UK exposed when Putin’s illegal invasion into Ukraine created major shocks in the international oil and gas market.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

    I’ve been clear there will be no more dithering and delay on Sizewell C – and this investment takes us a step closer to the benefits it will bring to the British people. 

    Lower energy bills, thousands more jobs and apprenticeships, and better energy security – this is not only a vote of confidence in the UK as an investment destination, it is our Plan for Change in action.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    This investment goes hand in hand with the £14.2 billion set aside at last month’s Spending Review to deliver the biggest nuclear building programme in a generation.

    It is part of the new confidence we’re seeing in the UK as an investment destination and will create thousands of high-skilled, high-paid jobs to help deliver on our Plan for Change.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:  

    Thousands of jobs and clean power for millions of homes are one step closer today as we welcome this investment into Sizewell C – delivering a golden age of new nuclear to protect family finances and boost energy security. 

    This agreement is a landmark moment in the UK and France’s long-standing partnership in civil nuclear, and a testament to our countries’ strong relationship.

    In addition, Bpifrance, France’s export credit agency, is set to provide a £5 billion debt guarantee to the power station.  

    This supports lending to the project from a number of leading commercial banks and is enabled by Sizewell C’s innovative funding model that spreads costs between consumers, taxpayers and private investors.  

    The UK Government will remain a significant shareholder in the project – ensuring we have oversight of the progress and limiting delays.  

    The government’s nuclear programme is now the most ambitious for a generation – once small modular reactors and Sizewell C come online in the 2030s, combined with Hinkley Point C, this will deliver more new nuclear power to the grid than over the previous half century combined. 

    In another important step forward for UK–France energy collaboration, UK company Urenco have signed a 15-year deal with EDF to produce fuel for nuclear power stations, helping to deliver clean power and enhanced energy security in Europe.

    This multi-billion euro contract, with significant value for the UK, will support Urenco UK’s workforce of more than 1,400 people and support the company’s important contribution to UK economic growth, which represented more than £256 million in 2023. 

    French engineering company Assystem has also announced plans to double its nuclear workforce in the UK, creating 1,000 new engineering, digital and management jobs by 2030 across 10 UK sites, including in Sunderland, Blackburn, Derby, Bristol and London.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Anxiety, paranoia, fear’: The consequences of digital violence against women

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    During the event, held as part of the Commission on the Status of Women, the world’s biggest gender equality conference, delegates from the region outlined the many forms of digital violence, warned of the chilling effect that online harassment and discrimination are having on women’s participation in political life and shared some of the most effective ways to create safe digital spaces for women.

    After the meeting, UN News caught up with some of the speakers, who included politicians and rights advocates, to hear first-hand about the consequences of digital violence in their countries and how to deal with it.

    ‘We must remain united’

    UN News/Conor Lennon

    Anaís Burgos is a politician in the Mexican parliament. She won a round of applause after proudly holding up a doll representing Claudia Sheinbaum, the first woman president of Mexico.

    “Digital violence affects all women who are dedicated to public affairs, both at work and in our personal relationships. It leaves very important traces, because it affects your mental and physical health, creating anxiety, discrimination, paranoia and fear.

    I can’t publish anything personal on social media, because people will search for anything to attack me, such as my family, my origins or my skin colour. Some of my colleagues have thought about leaving politics altogether, so that they are no longer the targets of attacks and violence.

    However, I believe that we have to continue. I have to make this violence visible; I have to denounce it. And as a politician, I have to change it. If it happens to me, someone with a public voice to denounce it, what does it do to a young girl who doesn’t have such a platform? Or Afro-Mexican women, indigenous women and women living with disabilities?

    We need more legislation to punish this type of violence in all its forms. It has advanced so quickly, and artificial intelligence is not even regulated in some of the countries of our region.

    We must remain united. The rights women have acquired so far would not have been won without a collective voice. And we need men to understand that, for violence to end, we need their participation and support.”

    ‘Pre-bunking’ and ‘inoculating’ against disinformation

    UN News/Conor Lennon

    Roberta Braga is the founder and Executive Director of the Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas (DDIA), a hub for research and initiatives aimed at strengthening trust between communities and democracy.

    “Polarisation and distrust are amplified through social media. There is a silver lining, though. We are now able to identify what we call “meta narratives”, stories that get recycled and used in different contexts in different countries to attack women, which means that we have the information and the tools we need to both prepare and counter them ahead of time.

    We call it “pre-bunking” or “inoculation”, which is essentially explaining to people the tactics of manipulation and the narratives that get used against them online so they can recognise them when they see them and become a little more resilient.

    There is very little space between our online and offline worlds now, and digital violence can definitely become real world violence. It can lead to groups of people sitting outside your home, propagating hatred against you and even attacking you in person.

    I have been very lucky in that I have not been the target of coordinated attacks, but I know a lot of women who have been subjected to abuse. For example, a friend of mine who was about to serve on a US Government board to counter disinformation, received a huge onslaught of online attacks. It was so bad that they cancelled the initiative in its entirety. She was pregnant at the time, and her husband, even her baby, were also targets. It can get very toxic”.

    ‘Time and again, technology is used against women’

    Marcela Hernández is the co-founder of the Latin-American network of Digital Defenders, an organization promoting comprehensive legislation to address and punish digital violence.

    “Currently we have documented more than 700 policies by different government entities throughout Mexico, including police, prosecutors’ offices and courts to counter digital violence. In the Attorney General’s Office of Mexico City, there is even a specialized agency to prosecute crimes of digital violence.

    I remember the first time I knew of a girl who committed suicide because of a video of her being sexually abused was circulated online. Even though I didn’t know her, it marked me. I knew at that moment that more things like this were going to happen.

    When a new technology reaches the mass market, it is used time and time again as a tool to commit violence against women, to subordinate and objectify us. When artificial intelligence became widespread in 2024, there were immediately cases of boys in universities and schools in different parts of the world taking images of their classmates to create sexually explicit material, without their consent.

    This is why we need to appropriate technology ourselves; women creating online tools for the benefit of other women”.

    These interviews have been translated from Spanish and edited for clarity and length.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The US has high hopes for a new Gaza ceasefire, but Israel’s long-term aims seem far less peaceful

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ali Mamouri, Research Fellow, Middle East Studies, Deakin University

    US President Donald Trump has hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for dinner at the White House, where he has declared talks to end the war in Gaza are “going along very well”.

    In turn, Netanyahu revealed he has nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, saying:

    he is forging peace as we speak, in one country, in one region, after the other.

    Despite all the talk of peace, negotiations in Qatar between Israeli and Palestinian delegations have broken up without a breakthrough. The talks are expected to resume later this week.

    If an agreement is reached, it will likely be hailed as a crucial opportunity to end nearly two years of humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following the October 7 attacks in which 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas-led militants.

    However, there is growing scepticism about the durability of any truce. A previous ceasefire agreement reached in January led to the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

    But it collapsed by March, when Israel resumed military operations in Gaza.

    This breakdown in trust on both sides, combined with ongoing Israeli military operations and political instability, suggests the new deal may prove to be another temporary pause rather than a lasting resolution.

    Details of the deal

    The proposed agreement outlines a 60-day ceasefire aimed at de-escalating hostilities in Gaza and creating space for negotiations toward a more lasting resolution.

    Hamas would release ten surviving Israeli hostages and return the remains of 18 others. In exchange, Israel is expected to withdraw its military forces to a designated buffer zone along Gaza’s borders with both Israel and Egypt.

    The agreement being thrashed out in Doha includes the release of Israeli hostages, held in Gaza for the past 22 months.
    Anas-Mohammed/Shutterstock

    While the specific terms of a prisoner exchange remain under negotiation, the release of Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons is a central component of the proposal.

    Humanitarian aid is also a key focus of the agreement. Relief would be delivered through international organisations, primarily UN agencies and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

    However, the agreement does not specify the future role of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund, which has been distributing food aid since May.

    The urgency of humanitarian access is underscored by the scale of destruction in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians. The offensive has triggered a hunger crisis, displaced much of the population internally, and left vast areas of the territory in ruins.

    Crucially, the agreement does not represent an end to the war, one of Hamas’s core demands. Instead, it commits both sides to continue negotiations throughout the 60-day period, with the hope of reaching a more durable and comprehensive ceasefire.

    Obstacles to a lasting peace

    Despite the apparent opportunity to reach a final ceasefire, especially after Israel has inflicted severe damage on Hamas, Netanyahu’s government appears reluctant to fully end the military campaign.

    There is scepticism a temporary ceasefire would lead to permanent peace.
    Anas-Mohammed/Shutterstock

    A central reason is political: Netanyahu’s ruling coalition heavily relies on far-right parties that insist on continuing the war. Any serious attempt at a ceasefire could lead to the collapse of his government.

    Militarily, Israel has achieved several of its tactical objectives.

    It has significantly weakened Hamas and other Palestinian factions and caused widespread devastation across Gaza. This is alongside the mass arrests, home demolitions, and killing of hundreds of Palestinians in the West Bank.

    And it has forced Hezbollah in Lebanon to scale back its operations after sustaining major losses.

    Perhaps most notably, Israel struck deep into Iran’s military infrastructure, killing dozens of high-ranking commanders and damaging its missile and nuclear capabilities.

    Reshaping the map

    Yet Netanyahu’s ambitions may go beyond tactical victories. There are signs he is aiming for two broader strategic outcomes.

    First, by making Gaza increasingly uninhabitable, his government could push Palestinians to flee. This would effectively pave the way for Israel to annex the territory in the long term – a scenario advocated by many of his far-right allies.

    Speaking at the White House, Netanyahu says he is working with the US on finding countries that will take Palestinians from Gaza:

    if people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave.

    Second, prolonging the war allows Netanyahu to delay his ongoing corruption trial and extend his political survival.

    True intentions

    At the heart of the impasse is the far-right’s vision for total Palestinian defeat, with no concession and no recognition of a future Palestinian state. This ideology has consistently blocked peace efforts for three decades.

    Israeli leaders have repeatedly described any potential Palestinian entity as “less than a state” or a “state-minus”, a formulation that falls short of Palestinian aspirations and international legal standards.

    Today, even that limited vision appears to be off the table, as Israeli policy moves towards complete rejection of Palestinian statehood.

    With Palestinian resistance movements significantly weakened and no immediate threat facing Israel, this moment presents a crucial test of Israel’s intentions.

    Is Israel genuinely pursuing peace, or seeking to cement its dominance in the region while permanently denying Palestinians their right to statehood?

    Following its military successes and the normalisation of relations with several Arab states under the Abraham Accords, Israeli political discourse has grown increasingly bold.

    Some voices in the Israeli establishment are openly advocating for the permanent displacement of Palestinians to neighbouring Arab countries such as Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. This would effectively erase the prospect of a future Palestinian state.

    This suggests that for certain factions within Israel, the end goal is not a negotiated settlement, but a one-sided resolution that reshapes the map and the people of the region on Israel’s terms.

    The coming weeks will reveal whether Israel chooses the path of compromise and coexistence, or continues down a road that forecloses the possibility of lasting peace.

    Ali Mamouri 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. The US has high hopes for a new Gaza ceasefire, but Israel’s long-term aims seem far less peaceful – https://theconversation.com/the-us-has-high-hopes-for-a-new-gaza-ceasefire-but-israels-long-term-aims-seem-far-less-peaceful-260286

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: President Trump’s tug-of-war with the courts, explained

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul M. Collins Jr., Professor of Legal Studies and Political Science, UMass Amherst

    The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg

    The Supreme Court handed President Donald Trump a big win on June 27, 2025, by limiting the ability of judges to block Trump administration policies across the nation.

    But Trump has not fared nearly as well in the lower courts, where he has lost a series of cases through different levels of the federal court system. On June 5, a single judge temporarily stopped the administration from preventing Harvard University from enrolling international students.

    And a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked Trump on May 28 from imposing tariffs on China and other nations. The Trump administration has appealed this decision. It will be taken up in July by all 11 judges on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

    After that, the case can be appealed to the Supreme Court.

    I’m a scholar of the federal courts. The reasons why some courts have multiple judges and others have a single judge can be confusing. Here’s a guide to help understand what’s going on in the federal courts.

    Federal District Courts

    The U.S. District Courts are the trial courts in the federal system and hear about 400,000 cases per year. A single judge almost always presides over cases.

    This makes sense for a jury trial, since a judge might make dozens of spur-of-the-moment decisions during the course of a trial, such as ruling on a lawyer’s objection to a question asked of a witness. If a panel of, say, three judges performed this task, it would prolong proceedings because the three judges would have to deliberate over every ruling.

    A more controversial role of District Courts involves setting nationwide injunctions. This happens when a single judge temporarily stops the government from enforcing a policy throughout the nation.

    There have been more than two dozen nationwide injunctions during Trump’s second term. These involve policy areas as diverse as ending birthright citizenship, firing federal employees and banning transgender people from serving in the military.

    President Donald Trump speaks at the White House on June 27, 2025, after the Supreme Court curbed the power of lone federal judges to block executive actions.
    Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    Trump and Republicans in Congress argue that the ability to issue nationwide injunctions gives too much power to a single judge. Instead, they believe injunctions should apply only to the parties involved in the case.

    On June 27, the Supreme Court agreed with the Trump administration and severely limited the ability of District Court judges to issue nationwide injunctions. This means that judges can generally stop policies from being enforced only against the parties to a lawsuit, instead of everyone in the nation.

    In rare instances, a panel of three District Court judges hears a case. Congress decides what cases these special three-judge panels hear, reserving them for especially important issues. For example, these panels have heard cases involving reapportionment, which is how votes are translated into legislative seats in Congress and state legislatures, and allegations that a voter’s rights have been violated.

    The logic behind having three judges hear such important cases is that they will give more careful consideration to the dispute. This may lend legitimacy to a controversial decision and prevents a single judge from exercising too much power.

    There are also specialized courts that hear cases involving particular policies, sometimes in panels of three judges. For instance, three-judge panels on the U.S. Court of International Trade decide cases involving executive orders related to international trade.

    The federal Court of Appeals

    The U.S. Court of Appeals hears appeals from the District Courts and specialized courts.

    The 13 federal circuit courts that make up the U.S. Court of Appeals are arranged throughout the country and handle about 40,000 cases per year. Each circuit court has six to 29 judges. Cases are decided primarily by three-judge panels.

    Having multiple judges decide cases on the Court of Appeals is seen as worthwhile, since these courts are policymaking institutions. This means they set precedents for the judicial circuit in which they operate, which covers three to nine states.

    Supporters of this system argue that by having multiple judges on appellate courts, the panel will consider a variety of perspectives on the case and collaborate with one another. This can lead to better decision-making. Additionally, having multiple judges check one another can boost public confidence in the judiciary.

    The party that loses a case before a three-judge panel can request that the entire circuit rehear the case. This is known as sitting en banc.

    Because judges on a circuit can decline to hear cases en banc, this procedure is usually reserved for especially significant cases. For instance, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has agreed to an en banc hearing to review the Court of International Trade’s decision to temporarily halt Trump’s sweeping tariff program. It also allowed the tariffs to remain in effect until the appeal plays out, likely in August.

    The exception to having the entire circuit sit together en banc is the 9th Circuit, based in San Francisco, which has 29 judges, far more than other circuit courts. It uses an 11-judge en banc process, since having 29 judges hear cases together would be logistically challenging.

    Cargo ships are seen at a container terminal in the Port of Shanghai, China, in May 2025. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of International Trade blocked Trump from imposing tariffs on China and other nations.
    CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

    The US Supreme Court

    The U.S. Supreme Court sits atop the American legal system and decides about 60 cases per year.

    Cases are decided by all nine justices, unless a justice declines to participate because of a conflict of interest. As with other multimember courts, advocates of the nine-member makeup argue that the quality of decision-making is improved by having many justices participate in a case’s deliberation.

    Each Supreme Court justice is charged with overseeing one or more of the 13 federal circuits. In this role, a single justice reviews emergency appeals from the District Courts and an appellate court within a circuit. This authorizes them to put a temporary hold on the implementation of policies within that circuit or refer the matter to the entire Supreme Court.

    In February, for example, Chief Justice John Roberts blocked a Court of Appeals order that would have compelled the Trump administration to pay nearly US$2 billion in reimbursements for already completed foreign aid work.

    In March, a 5-4 majority of the high court sent the case back to U.S. District Judge Amir Ali, who subsequently ordered the Trump administration to release some of the funds.

    The federal judicial system is complex. The flurry of executive orders from the Trump administration means that cases are being decided on a nearly daily basis by a variety of courts.

    A single judge will decide some of these cases, and others are considered by full courts. Though the nine justices of the Supreme Court technically have the final say, the sheer volume of legal challenges means that America’s District Courts and Court of Appeals will resolve many of the disputes.

    Paul M. Collins Jr. 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. President Trump’s tug-of-war with the courts, explained – https://theconversation.com/president-trumps-tug-of-war-with-the-courts-explained-258234

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Scientific norms shape the behavior of researchers working for the greater good

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeffrey A. Lee, Professor of Geography and the Environment, Texas Tech University

    Mentors model the ethical pursuit of scientific knowledge. sanjeri/E+ via Getty Images

    Over the past 400 years or so, a set of mostly unwritten guidelines has evolved for how science should be properly done. The assumption in the research community is that science advances most effectively when scientists conduct themselves in certain ways.

    The first person to write down these attitudes and behaviors was Robert Merton, in 1942. The founder of the sociology of science laid out what he called the “ethos of science,” a set of “values and norms which is held to be binding on the man of science.” (Yes, it’s sexist wording. Yes, it was the 1940s.) These now are referred to as scientific norms.

    The point of these norms is that scientists should behave in ways that improve the collective advancement of knowledge. If you’re a cynic, you might be rolling your eyes at such a Pollyannaish ideal. But corny expectations keep the world functioning. Think: Be kind, clean up your mess, return the shopping cart to the cart corral.

    I’m a physical geographer who realized long ago that students are taught biology in biology classes and chemistry in chemistry classes, but rarely are they taught about the overarching concepts of science itself. So I wrote a book called “The Scientific Endeavor,” laying out what scientists and other educated people should know about science itself.

    Scientists in training are expected to learn the big picture of science after years of observing their mentors, but that doesn’t always happen. And understanding what drives scientists can help nonscientists better understand research findings. These scientific norms are a big part of the scientific endeavor. Here are Merton’s original four, along with a couple I think are worth adding to the list:

    Universalism

    Scientific knowledge is for everyone – it’s universal – and not the domain of an individual or group. In other words, a scientific claim must be judged on its merits, not the person making it. Characteristics like a scientist’s nationality, gender or favorite sports team should not affect how their work is judged.

    Also, the past record of a scientist shouldn’t influence how you judge whatever claim they’re currently making. For instance, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Linus Pauling was not able to convince most scientists that large doses of vitamin C are medically beneficial; his evidence didn’t sufficiently support his claim.

    In practice, it’s hard to judge contradictory claims fairly when they come from a “big name” in the field versus an unknown researcher without a reputation. It is, however, easy to point out such breaches of universalism when others let scientific fame sway their opinion one way or another about new work.

    When asked about patenting his polio vaccine, Jonas Salk replied, ‘There is no patent. Could you patent the sun?’
    Bettmann via Getty Images

    Communism

    Communism in science is the idea that scientific knowledge is the property of everyone and must be shared.

    Jonas Salk, who led the research that resulted in the polio vaccine, provides a classic example of this scientific norm. He published the work and did not patent the vaccine so that it could be freely produced at low cost.

    When scientific research doesn’t have direct commercial application, communism is easy to practice. When money is involved, however, things get complicated. Many scientists work for corporations, and they might not publish their findings in order to keep them away from competitors. The same goes for military research and cybersecurity, where publishing findings could help the bad guys.

    Disinterestedness

    Disinterestedness refers to the expectation that scientists pursue their work mainly for the advancement of knowledge, not to advance an agenda or get rich. The expectation is that a researcher will share the results of their work, regardless of a finding’s implications for their career or economic bottom line.

    Research on politically hot topics, like vaccine safety, is where it can be tricky to remain disinterested. Imagine a scientist who is strongly pro-vaccine. If their vaccine research results suggest serious danger to children, the scientist is still obligated to share these findings.

    Likewise, if a scientist has invested in a company selling a drug, and the scientist’s research shows that the drug is dangerous, they are morally compelled to publish the work even if that would hurt their income.

    In addition, when publishing research, scientists are required to disclose any conflicts of interest related to the work. This step informs others that they may want to be more skeptical in evaluating the work, in case self-interest won out over disinterest.

    Disinterestedness also applies to journal editors, who are obligated to decide whether to publish research based on the science, not the political or economic implications.

    Organized skepticism

    Merton’s last norm is organized skepticism. Skepticism does not mean rejecting ideas because you don’t like them. To be skeptical in science is to be highly critical and look for weaknesses in a piece of research.

    By the time new research is published in a reputable journal, it’ has made it past several sets of skeptical eyes.
    gorsh13/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    This concept is formalized in the peer review process. When a scientist submits an article to a journal, the editor sends it to two or three scientists familiar with the topic and methods used. They read it carefully and point out any problems they find.

    The editor then uses the reviewer reports to decide whether to accept as is, reject outright or request revisions. If the decision is revise, the author then makes each change or tries to convince the editor that the reviewer is wrong.

    Peer review is not perfect and doesn’t always catch bad research, but in most cases it improves the work, and science benefits. Traditionally, results weren’t made public until after peer review, but that practice has weakened in recent years with the rise of preprints, reducing the reliability of information for nonscientists.

    Integrity and humility

    I’m adding two norms to Merton’s list.

    The first is integrity. It’s so fundamental to good science that it almost seems unnecessary to mention. But I think it’s justified since cheating, stealing and lazy scientists are getting plenty of attention these days.

    The second is humility. You may have made a contribution to our understanding of cell division, but don’t tell us that you cured cancer. You may be a leader in quantum mechanics research, but that doesn’t make you an authority on climate change.

    Scientific norms are guidelines for how scientists are expected to behave. A researcher who violates one of these norms won’t be carted off to jail or fined an exorbitant fee. But when a norm is not followed, scientists must be prepared to justify their reasons, both to themselves and to others.

    Jeffrey A. Lee 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. Scientific norms shape the behavior of researchers working for the greater good – https://theconversation.com/scientific-norms-shape-the-behavior-of-researchers-working-for-the-greater-good-255159

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What “Haute Couture” Really Means in French Law

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Today’s post is a guest post by a foreign law specialist at the Law Library of Congress, Louis Gilbert. Louis previously wrote “Wait, It Is Not About Wigs?” – The Story of Faso Dan Fani Court Robes in Burkina Faso for In Custodia Legis. 

    We throw around the term “haute couture” a lot these days: on runways, in fashion blogs, and in brand campaigns, but in France, it is not just a fancy way to say “high fashion.” It is a legally protected label with very specific rules, history, and meaning.

    Haute Couture: More Than Just Clothes

    At its core, haute couture is the art of creating luxurious, made-to-measure clothing for a private and very exclusive clientele. But it is more than that, it is also a creative playground where designers push boundaries, take risks, and influence the future of fashion far beyond the small circle of people who actually wear these clothes.

    Even though only a few clients ever purchase couture, its impact is global. The media attention surrounding haute couture shows means that ideas born in couture houses trickle down into ready-to-wear collections and even pop culture.

    A Wartime Origin Story

    The story begins during World War II. With fabric shortages affecting the entire country, the French government needed a way to support the couture industry. Until the outbreak of the second World War, haute couture professionals operated independently. With the onset of the war and resulting shortages in the textile industry, Parisian couture unions requested an official designation from the government granting haute couture houses privileged access to the raw materials needed for production.

    So, in 1945, the government officially stepped in. First, the Comité Général d’Organisation de l’Habillement et du Travail des Étoffes (the General Committee for the Organization of Clothing and Fabric Work) under the authority of the Ministry of Industry, issued a decision on January 23, 1945, distinguishing “couture” companies from mass-market producers. Then, on April 6, 1945, a ministerial order laid out the exact legally enforceable criteria a fashion house had to meet to qualify as haute couture. Those rules are still the foundation of the system today.

    Since then, only a select group of fashion houses, approved each year by a special commission under the Ministry of Industry, can legally use the title. The process is overseen by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, which sets the standards and reviews applications. They can even conduct audits and investigations before granting the prestigious status.

    Christian Dior – Couturier de Rêve. Exhibition at the Musée des Arts Decoratifs, Paris, 2017. Photo by Flickr user Claudia Schillinger. Used under Creative Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

    What Really Makes a Brand “Haute Couture”

    So what exactly makes a house “haute couture”? According to the order of April 6, 1945, to earn and keep the title, a fashion house must:

    • design and create custom garments made to a client’s exact measurements, entirely in-house, with multiple fittings,
    • present two collections a year in Paris, one in January for spring-summer, and one in July for autumn-winter, each featuring at least 25 original looks,
    • produce only original work, no buying designs from outside sources, and
    • be approved by a special commission under the Ministry of Industry, overseen by the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne (now part of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode).

    Once a house is approved, it gets added to an official list updated annually. And only those on that list can legally call themselves haute couture. The presentations showing off the spring-summer and autumn-winter collections are elaborate productions, comparable to theatrical performances, and are central to the identity and visibility of haute couture.

    Prestige Over Perks

    Back in the 1940s, being on the haute couture list came with real perks: easier access to materials, more pricing freedom, and prestige. As postwar shortages faded in the early 1950s, the practical advantages disappeared. What remained, and still holds incredible power, is the status. Haute couture became less about economic benefit and more about cultural prestige. It was, and still is, a mark of excellence, craftsmanship, and artistry.

    Historically, couture houses have also used high-profile figures for promotional purposes. In the 1930s, for example, Chanel dressed the Countess de Montgomery, while Lanvin dressed the Countess Jean de Polignac, both free of charge.

    CHANEL – 215 [1938]. Black lace strapless dress with faille ribbon outlining the décolletage and ruffle of the same lace above it. 1938. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cph.3b46035.

    The Shrinking World of Couture

    While the prestige has held steady, the number of official haute couture houses has dropped sharply. There were 106 accredited houses in 1946. By 1967, that number was down to 19. As of 2020, only 16 remained.

    That decline mirrors a shrinking client base. In 1943, it was estimated that 20,000 people regularly bought haute couture. By 1990, that number had fallen to just 200. Why? The rise of luxury ready-to-wear collections gave clients more options and fewer reasons to wait weeks or months for one-of-a-kind garments.

    Still, haute couture is not going anywhere. It remains the pinnacle of fashion, a world where imagination, skill, and tradition come together in pieces that are as much art as clothing.

    A 2020 decision by the Ministry of the Economy, which was extended until July 31, 2025, by another decision, designates the following 16 houses that hold the haute couture label:

    • Adeline André,
    • Alexandre Vauthier,
    • Alexis Mabille,
    • Bouchra Jarrar,
    • Chanel,
    • Christian Dior,
    • Franck Sorbier,
    • Giambattista Valli,
    • Givenchy,
    • Jean Paul Gaultier,
    • Julien Fournié,
    • Maison Margiela,
    • Miason Rabih Kayrouz,
    • Maurizio Galante,
    • Schiaparelli, and
    • Stéphane Rolland.

    For more on clothing and fabric rationing in the 1940s, see this

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Disaster Relief Still Available to Michigan Residents, Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, homeowners and renters in Michigan of the Aug. 8 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset losses from physical damage caused by affected by the severe winter storms occurring March 28-30, 2025.

    The disaster declaration covers the Michigan counties of Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego and Presque Isle.

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms, based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Aug. 8, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is March 9, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Signs a Memorandum of Understanding with UrAmerica Ltd. to Help Modernize and Develop Argentina’s Nuclear Fuel Supply Chain

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, N.Y., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UrAmerica Ltd., a private exploration company with a package of uranium and other critical metals licenses primarily in Chubut Province, Argentina.

    The newly signed MOU formalizes the discussions that NANO Nuclear initiated with UrAmerica to explore strategic development across Argentina’s uranium-fuel supply chain. Both companies are now working to evaluate specific opportunities, ranging from mining and conversion to UF₆ feedstock supply, that could aid NANO Nuclear in securing a dependable source of material for future supply chain options. Such evaluations may lead to the signing of definitive agreements between NANO Nuclear and UrAmerica related to particular projects.

    Argentina has one of the largest uranium repositories in the world and its government is currently looking into the privatization of their nuclear energy sector, enabling innovators like NANO Nuclear to invest and support the development of the nuclear energy infrastructure in the country. Through this MOU, NANO Nuclear and UrAmerica aim to build the mining and milling capacities of the uranium supply chain in Argentina with the intention to be a part of the uranium fuel cycle exports into the U.S.

    Under the MOU, the companies will pursue (i) favorable uranium offtake agreements, (ii) potential investments in mineral production and (iii) fuel-cycle infrastructure, and (iv) future joint ventures or related collaboration. One of NANO Nuclear’s goals in entering into the MOU is to help modernize Argentina’s nuclear sector while strengthening U.S. energy security by sourcing materials for nuclear fuel from a reliable partner.

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Signs Memorandum of Understanding with UrAmerica Ltd., to explore strategic development across the uranium-fuel supply chain in Argentina

    “We are pleased to formalize our discussions with UrAmerica through this MOU as we seek to further extend NANO Nuclear’s international footprint,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “By collaborating with UrAmerica, we aim to position Argentina as a regional center for nuclear technology and a reliable supply-chain partner for the United States, strengthening the country’s existing infrastructure while advancing our shared goals.”

    “Argentina holds substantial deposits of strategic metals, like uranium, that could be a strategic supplier to us in the future,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “The timing is also favorable, as the Argentine government is actively looking to reform its nuclear sector to attract international investment. We look forward to advancing our discussions and exploring future opportunities in South America.”

    “This Memorandum of Understanding with NANO Nuclear marks a pivotal step forward in unlocking the vast potential of Argentina’s uranium resources, aligning perfectly with UrAmerica’s mission to drive sustainable and secure critical mineral supply chains,” said Omar Adra, Executive Director & CEO of UrAmerica Ltd. and President of UrAmerica Argentina S.A. “Our extensive licenses package in the San Jorge Basin holds world-class uranium deposits, and through this collaboration, we aim to not only meet the growing global demand for nuclear fuel but also position Argentina as a key strategic partner for the United States in energy security. By leveraging UrAmerica’s expertise in mineral exploration and NANO Nuclear’s advanced nuclear technology and expertise, we are hopeful that this collaboration will catalyze investments in mining, milling, and fuel cycle development, delivering long-term economic benefits for Argentina while supporting the U.S. in diversifying its nuclear supply chain away from geopolitical risks.”

    About UrAmerica Ltd.

    UrAmerica is a private critical metals exploration company with a focus on uranium and other critical metals (e.g., lithium, rare earths, molybdenum, and vanadium) operating primarily in Chubut Province, Argentina. UrAmerica, through its subsidiary UrAmerica Argentina S.A., fully owns licenses of uranium repositories in the San Jorge Basin.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
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    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “future,” “seek,” “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “goal,” “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate to the anticipated benefits to NANO Nuclear of the MOU described herein, as well as the future plans and goals of NANO Nuclear and UrAmerica as described herein. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other nuclear technology or capabilities in the timelines we anticipate, if ever (including in collaboration with UrAmerica as described herein), (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 Executive Orders seeking to streamline nuclear regulation, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

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