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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Supports Mental Health Care for Iowa Farmers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the bipartisan Farmers First Act to support access to critical mental health resources for Iowa farmers. 
    Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. The legislation would build upon Ernst and Baldwin’s Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) work that connects farmers, ranchers, and agriculture workers to stress assistance programs and resources.
    “Iowa farmers work tirelessly from sunrise to sundown – rain or shine – to feed and fuel the world. Their work isn’t easy, and mental health issues, including suicide, are too common in our agriculture community, which is why I’m working to ensure farmers have better access to mental health resources,” said Senator Ernst.
    “Wisconsin’s farmers and ranchers work hard every day to keep their businesses running and our Made in Wisconsin agricultural economy moving forward. But too often, the stress, isolation, and physical demands of this job leave them with nowhere to turn when it all gets to be too much,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m working to make sure our farmers and rural communities have the resources they need because no one should have to fight these battles alone.”
    “From trade uncertainty to labor shortages and natural disasters, many stressors are weighing heavily on the minds of farmers and ranchers. Resources supported through the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network are more critical now than at any time in recent memory. Farm Bureau appreciates Representatives Craig and Feenstra, as well as Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their tireless commitment to supporting farmer and rancher mental health across the country,” said Sam Kieffer, Vice President, Public Policy, American Farm Bureau Federation.
    “Farming can be incredibly stressful, and too many rural communities still don’t have the mental health support they need,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. “The Farmers First Act will help get essential resources to farmers who are struggling. We thank Senators Baldwin and Ernst and Representatives Feenstra and Craig for leading the charge and urge Congress to reauthorize FRSAN with increased funding.”
    “The Farmer Veteran Coalition strongly supports the reauthorization of the Farmers First Act. Expanding and strengthening the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network is essential to ensuring farmers, ranchers have access to the mental health resources they need to thrive. We commend Representatives Feenstra and Craig, as well as Senators Baldwin and Ernst, for their bipartisan leadership in prioritizing the well-being of those who feed our nation. This bill will provide critical support for agricultural producers facing stress, isolation, and mental health challenges, and we urge swift passage this Congress,” said Jeanette Lombardo, CEO, Farmer Veteran Coalition.
    “Farming and the financial insecurity associated with farming can be very stressful. Farmers dealing with stress-related mental health challenges often feel stigmatized if they seek help, which only compounds the problem. We applaud Representatives Feenstra (R-IA) and Craig (D-MN) and Senators Baldwin (D-WI) and Ernst (R-IA) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing the Farmers First Act to increase resources available to farmers and rural communities to address mental health challenges,” said Steve Etka, Policy Director, Midwest Dairy Coalition.
    “Ensuring sufficient access to evidence-based mental health services continues to be a challenge in many rural and agricultural communities, in many cases a challenge that has endured over generations,” said Arthur C. Evans Jr., CEO of the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. (APA Services). “The Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network program continues to be a lifeline to many of these communities. APA Services applauds Representatives Feenstra and Craig and Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their efforts to ensure adequate mental health resources in rural communities, and we ask Congress to swiftly enact the Farmers First Act.”
    “Farming is a stressful job, even in good times, and rural residents often face unique barriers to seeking mental health care,” said Christy Seyfert, Farm Credit Council president and CEO. “FRSAN brings valuable stress assistance services and expertise to the farm and ranch communities most in need of resources. Farm Credit commends Ranking Member Craig, Representative Feenstra, and Senators Baldwin and Ernst for their leadership on the Farmers First Act.”
    Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) introduced this bill in the U.S. House.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Outlines Principles for Crafting the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    [embedded content]

    To watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement, click here or the image above.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing on constructing the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill with stakeholders’ perspectives. In her opening remarks, Chairman Capito reiterated her three principles for crafting this legislation, and how developing a bipartisan proposal in the Senate remains a central priority for the EPW Committee. 

    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.

    “Thank you for joining us this morning and welcome to our three great witnesses that we have. This hearing is second in a two-part series of hearings that we are having to help guide the development of our next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. 

    “Earlier this spring, we held a hearing with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, where he detailed how the Trump administration is administering the current law and described priorities for the next bill. Today, we will hear from new stakeholders on their priorities.

    “My vision for this legislation is simple, but important, we want to improve the movement of people and goods. Our roads and bridges are what connect us to the people and places that matter most in our lives.

    “They help businesses, large and small, create jobs, economic activities, and enable their competitiveness in the global marketplace. For example, my home state of West Virginia is pursuing important projects like Corridor H, to better link our communities to essential services and economic opportunity.

    “This legislation will provide the funding and establishes the policies and programs that enable the improvement of the surface transportation network that we all rely on. 

    “Since the enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Committee has reviewed and conducted oversight on existing programs and policies, and we’ve learned a lot about what is working and what isn’t.

    “The IIJA met a generational level of investment in our surface transportation network, but there have been some challenges in the implementation. We know that the highway formula programs are producing results in communities across the states. We also know there have been some issues getting discretionary grant awards out the door and producing tangible improvements to that network. 

    “When Secretary Duffy appeared before the Committee, he outlined the backlog of more than 3,200 discretionary grant awards without signed grant agreements that he had inherited from the prior administration. I appreciate the Secretary’s ongoing efforts to address this backlog, and I know that the Department of Transportation is making progress on getting those agreements in place. 

    “As a matter of fact, I believe they’ve done over a thousand of those already, they have resolved those. We will apply the lessons learned from the IIJA to shape the next bill and those lessons have led me to three principles.

    “I have discussed these principles at our hearing with the Secretary, but I believe it is important that I reiterate them today.

    “Principle One: Improving the safety – and I want to emphasize safety – safety and reliability of America’s surface transportation network with impactful investments. 

    “In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the number and scope of federal transportation programs. These programs sometimes have duplicative purposes and project eligibility. This leads to an expensive and time-intensive process to get funding out the door and lessens the impact that the legislation can make.

    “As we craft the next bill, we must prioritize investments that, instead, optimize federal funding and give state partners the confidence to invest over a longer period of time. We should focus on eliminating duplicative programs and increasing funding for the highway formula programs that our states rely on and, as I said earlier, have a proven track record of success.

    “Principle Two: Reforming and modernizing federal programs and policies to create efficiency.

    “We all know that, as currently structured, federal requirements can add red tape that increases costs and slow down the completion of projects. We all want to deliver transportation benefits faster and save money for American taxpayers. To achieve this goal, we need to take a serious look at federal requirements to determine how we can create certainty for the partners who make these projects happen and ensure that the public receives the benefits of these investments quickly.

    “Principle Three: Addressing the variety of surface transportation needs across all states. Obviously, different states have different needs, and I think we’ll hear about that today.

    “I wouldn’t expect West Virginia, with our mountainous peaks and valleys…to prioritize the same transportation projects as other states. We need to avoid top-down mandates from Washington, D.C. and give states the flexibility to address the individual improvements that their communities need.

    “It will take collaboration from my Senate colleagues, the Trump administration, and our stakeholders to complete the bill before the IIJA expires in September of 2026. We must be pragmatic, work in a bipartisan fashion to deliver a bill that sets us up for a productive conversation on this reauthorization effort with our colleagues in the House.

    “I’m really grateful, I know many of you have traveled far, to the witnesses that have joined us today. I look forward to learning about these priorities. This is an excellent opportunity ahead of us to make a pivotal impact in our surface transportation network.

    “Each of us knows how important that network is and the role that it plays in keeping our country’s economy and people on the move. I’m excited to get to work and continue the EPW Committee’s bipartisan tradition of developing legislation that delivers for the American people.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: July 16, 2025 Rep. Mullin Proposes Bill to Help Evaluate Safety of Autonomous Vehicles Washington, D.C. – In response to federal regulators weakening oversight as more driverless cars hit the roads, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced a bill to require more robust safety data from autonomous vehicle (AV) manufacturers. AVs are already operating in numerous… Read More

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Mullin California (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – In response to federal regulators weakening oversight as more driverless cars hit the roads, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) introduced a bill to require more robust safety data from autonomous vehicle (AV) manufacturers.

    AVs are already operating in numerous states including California, Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Texas, with several manufacturers getting their start in the San Francisco Bay Area where Rep. Mullin’s district is located. Currently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires AV companies to report some collision data, but it isn’t required to provide other basic metrics that would help the public to determine how safe they actually are.

    Rep. Mullin’s AV Safety Data Act would help ensure the public is entitled to basic transparency about how many miles driverless cars are traveling and when there are other types of incidents like unplanned stoppages or the blocking of emergency vehicles. Requiring this type of consistent data reporting would help compare safety rates across various manufacturers and help determine whether AVs are safer than human drivers.

    “Every day, people are interacting with AVs in my district – whether they’re hailing a ride or walking across the street as one approaches. The public deserves to know how safe autonomous vehicles actually are and that the federal government is working to ensure we’re protecting people on the road,” Rep. Mullin said. “The technology behind autonomous vehicles is rapidly developing and has the potential to dramatically improve safety on our roads. While there is no doubt AV technology will continue to evolve, we simply will not know if it is getting better without more independent, verifiable data collected at the national level. AV companies that are performing well and prioritizing safety should welcome this basic transparency effort.”

    In addition to codifying NHTSA’s existing collision data reporting requirements in law, the AV Safety Data Act would also require that companies report to NHTSA:

    • The number of miles traveled on public roads
    • AV collisions that result in any injuries to other human drivers, pedestrians or bicyclists
    • Information on unplanned stoppages and any impacts to law enforcement, first responders, or public transit agencies

    Since 2021, over 3,000 crashes have been recorded involving AVs and Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, which resulted in 53 fatalities and 303 injuries. Yet earlier this year, NHTSA weakened its AV reporting requirements. Lawmakers have been urging NHTSA to improve its AV safety data collection for years, and Rep. Mullin led several letters calling upon federal regulators to act in 2024 and 2023. While Rep. Mullin supports advancements in the AV industry, his bill seeks to help increase transparency and prioritize public safety on our roads.

    “Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are increasingly on our roadways. Yet, there are no minimum federal safety standards and insufficient data collection, transparency and accountability for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS). The AV Safety Data Act will enhance reporting requirements for these vehicles,” Cathy Chase, President, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. “Robust data is essential to evaluate performance, detect safety defects and inform sound policy. Advocates commends Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA) for his safety leadership and innovative thinking to introduce this bill and urges Congress to advance it. Road users, whether as drivers, passengers, pedestrians or bicyclists, deserve this oversight and consumer protection.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Sudan’s war is an economic disaster: here’s how bad it could get

    Source: The Conversation – Africa (2) – By Khalid Siddig, Senior Research Fellow and Program Leader for the Sudan Strategy Support Program, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

    Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. What began as a struggle for power has turned into a national catastrophe. More than 14 million people have been displaced. Health and education systems have collapsed and food insecurity threatens over half the population of about 50 million.

    The war has disrupted key sectors, triggering severe economic contractions, and worsening poverty and unemployment levels.

    Sudan’s finance minister reported in November 2023 that the war had resulted in economic losses exceeding US$26 billion – or more than half the value of the country’s economy a year earlier. The industrial sector, which includes manufacturing and oil refining, has lost over 50% of its value. Employment has fallen by 4.6 million jobs over the period of the conflict. More than 7 million more people have been pushed into poverty. The agrifood system alone has shrunk by 33.6%. These estimates exclude informal economy losses.

    My research applies economy-wide models to understand how conflict affects national development. In a recent study, my colleagues and I used this approach to answer the question: what will happen to Sudan’s economy and poverty levels if the war continues through 2025?

    To assess the economic impact of the conflict, we used a Social Accounting Matrix multiplier model. This is a tool that captures how shocks affect different sectors and other agents of the economy, such as firms, government and households.

    Based on our modelling, the answer is devastating: the conflict could shrink the size of Sudan’s economy by over 40% from 2022 levels, plunging millions more into poverty.

    We modelled two scenarios to capture the potential trajectories of Sudan’s economy.

    The extreme scenario assumes a sharp initial collapse, with a 29.5% contraction in the size of the economy in 2023 and 12.2% in 2024, followed by a 7% decline in 2025, reflecting some stabilisation over time.

    The moderate scenario, based on World Bank projections, applies a 20.1% contraction in 2023 and a 15.1% drop in 2024, also followed by a 7% reduction in 2025, indicating a slower but more prolonged deterioration.

    We estimated the annual figures and report only the aggregate impacts through 2025 for clarity.

    We found that if the conflict endures, the value of Sudan’s economy will contract by up to 42% from US$56.3 billion in 2022 (pre-conflict) to US$32.4 billion by the end of 2025. The backbone of livelihoods – agriculture – will be crippled. And the social fabric of the country will continue to fray.

    How we did it

    Our Social Accounting Matrix multiplier model used data from various national and international sources to show the impact of conflict on the value of the economy, its sectors and household welfare.

    We connected this to government and World Bank data to reflect Sudan’s current conditions.

    This allowed us to simulate how conflict-driven disruptions affect the value of the economy, its sectors and household welfare.

    What we found

    Under the extreme scenario, we found:

    • Gross domestic product collapse: Gross domestic product (GDP) measures the total value of all goods and services produced in a country within a year. It’s a key indicator of economic health. We found that the value of Sudan’s economy could contract by up to 42%. This means the country would be producing less than 60% of what it did before the conflict. This would affect incomes, jobs, government revenues and public services. The industrial sector – heavily concentrated in Khartoum – would be hardest hit, with output shrinking by over 50%. The value of services like education, health, transport and trade would fall by 40%, and agriculture by more than 35%.

    • Job losses: nearly 4.6 million jobs – about half of all employment – could disappear. Urban areas and non-farm sectors would be worst affected, with over 700,000 farming jobs at risk.

    • Incomes plummet: household incomes would decline across all groups – rich and poor, rural and urban – by up to 42%. Rural and less-educated households suffer the most.

    • Poverty spikes: up to 7.5 million more people could fall into poverty, adding to the 61.1% poverty level in 2022. In rural areas, the poverty rate could jump by 32.5 percentage points from the already high rural poverty rate pre-conflict (67.6% of the rural population). Women, especially in rural communities, are hit particularly hard. Urban poverty, which was at 48.8% pre-conflict, increases by 11.6 percentage points.

    • The agrifood system – which includes farming, food processing, trade and food services – would lose a third of its value under the extreme scenario.

    Why these findings matter

    Sudan was already in a fragile state before the war. It was reeling from decades of underinvestment, international sanctions and institutional breakdown.

    The war has reversed hard-won gains in poverty reduction. It is also dismantling key productive sectors – from agriculture to manufacturing – which will be essential for recovery once the conflict ends. Every month of continued fighting adds to the damage and raises the cost of rebuilding.

    Our projections already show major economic collapse, yet they don’t include the full extent of the damage. This includes losses in the informal economy or the strain on household coping strategies. The real situation could be even worse than what the data suggests.

    What needs to be done

    First and foremost, peace is essential. Without an end to the fighting, recovery will be impossible.

    Second, even as conflict continues, urgent action is needed to stabilise livelihoods. This means:

    • supporting agriculture in areas that remain relatively safe. Food production must be sustained to prevent famine.

    • restoring critical services where possible – particularly transport, trade and retail – to keep local economies functioning

    • protecting the most vulnerable, such as women in rural areas and the elderly, through expanded social protection and targeted cash assistance.

    Third, prepare for recovery. The international community – donors, development banks and NGOs – must begin laying the groundwork for post-conflict reconstruction now. This includes investment in public infrastructure, rebuilding institutions and re-integrating displaced populations.

    The bottom line

    Sudan’s war is more than a political crisis. It is an economic catastrophe unfolding in real time. One that is deepening poverty, destroying livelihoods and erasing years of progress.

    Our research provides hard numbers to describe what Sudanese families are already experiencing every day.

    The country’s economy is bleeding. Without a shift in the trajectory of the conflict, recovery could take decades – if it happens at all.

    Khalid Siddig 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. Sudan’s war is an economic disaster: here’s how bad it could get – https://theconversation.com/sudans-war-is-an-economic-disaster-heres-how-bad-it-could-get-260609

    MIL OSI Analysis –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How Derby City Council is bringing Derby’s heritage back to life

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby is blessed with no end of beautiful historic buildings, from the charming commercial units in St Peters Quarter and the Cathedral Quarter, to the 19th and 20th-Century structures that proudly showcase our heritage for industry and innovation.

    These historic buildings provide homes for residents, offices and premises for businesses, and places to shop and enjoy leisure time. All important parts of our modern and ever-changing city. However, some of Derby’s most prominent buildings have been neglected and have fallen into disrepair, standing empty for many years. Once abandoned the cost of repairing these buildings can be substantial and they become increasingly at risk of vandalism, damage and decay.

    Despite these challenges, Derby City Council’s commitment to historic buildings is unwavering. The Council doesn’t just react, it proactively works with owners, developers, and businesses to promote positive use, reuse, and conversion of such buildings throughout the city. This collaborative approach is crucial as the vast majority of historic buildings are privately owned and there is no legal requirement for owners to keep them in a good state of repair.

    The best way to conserve historic buildings is to keep them occupied, even if this is on a temporary or partial basis. That’s why the Council works in several ways with owners, architects and developers to help them repair and restore historic buildings, and develop proposals for creative new uses. This includes:

    • Helping to identify the opportunities for use
    • Advising on the requirements for planning and listed building consent
    • Helping to broker solutions between partners
    • Providing information on potential funding sources

    The impact of the Council’s work is evident in several key projects:

    • The recent refurbishment of the Grade II Listed Market Hall by the City Council  has safeguarded the future of one of the city’s most prominent sites and provided a vibrant new leisure destination.
    • The Silk Mill, the world’s first factory and also Grade II Listed, now tells Derby’s 300-year story of innovation as the Museum of Making.
    • The £75m Friar Gate Goods Yard scheme will see restoration of a 19th Century Bonded Warehouse and Engine House by a private sector developer to create over 110,000 sq ft of commercial space, with 276 new homes.
    • Along St James Street, in the heart of the city, the Council has worked with a private sector developer to restore, regenerate and revitalise more than a dozen properties. Including transforming The Tramshed, into office space, overhauling ground-floor retail units, and repurposing extensive, unused upper floors.

    To have the greatest impact, the Council uses a targeted approach to tackle those properties in the poorest condition, rather than a city-wide scattergun approach. To help identify those properties most at risk, DCC has provided £5000 of funding to the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust to expand their Buildings at Risk survey to cover Derby City. 

    The project has recruited and trained more than 40 volunteers to record and categorise buildings based on their state of repair. To date, over three quarters of Derby’s listed buildings have been surveyed and once collated this information will provide a valuable resource for the Council and others to target the buildings most in need of urgent attention. 

    The Vacant to Vibrant programme directly targets empty properties in the city centre, particularly within the Cathedral Quarter. This programme provides crucial funding to owners to bring historic buildings back into use. This work has had an impact on some of Derby’s most historic streets, including Foulds Guitars in the Strand Arcade, Tubo Gift Shop and Mr Shaws on Sadler Gate, and Brigdens on Irongate.

    Given the number of properties in private ownership, ensuring the future of historic buildings relies on their owners to keep them in good condition. In some cases, this can present challenges which doesn’t always result in a good outcome, which is sadly the case with the Hippodrome. 

    What we can do as a Council is continue to look at future options to help us maintain Derby’s historic properties, using our resources and our powers where necessary to ensure that they can be used and enjoyed for many years to come. 

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council, said: 

    We know the value of our historic buildings and are committed to ensuring they are maintained and cared for. They have already played a crucial role in the history and identity of the city, and we want to ensure they continue to do so for many years to come.

    Given there are many historic buildings in private ownership, owners need to take their responsibility seriously in caring for the city’s heritage.

    Working closely with our partners, we’ve been able to make great progress in revitalising areas of our city centre, and this work will only continue.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Frankel Statement at the Subcommittee Markup of the 2026 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Funding Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

    Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Ranking Member of the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Subcommittee’s markup of the fiscal year 2026 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs funding bill:

    -As Prepared For Delivery-

    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    Let me start by recognizing the collegiality of Chairman Diaz-Balart and the thoughtful members on both sides of the aisle. I also want to thank the dedicated committee staff—and my own team—for their hard work and guidance. But above all, I want to express my deep gratitude to the public servants who bring American values to life around the world—diplomats, development professionals, and humanitarian workers. They serve and served in some of the most dangerous and difficult places on earth. Many have recently been forced out of their jobs, dismissed without cause or ceremony. To those who’ve served and those still standing: You are patriots. You represent the best of who we are. And we owe you more than thanks—we owe you the tools to do your job.

    With the right allocation and a White House that actually valued diplomacy, development, and humanitarianism, I believe we could have crafted a strong, bipartisan measure worthy of our nation’s leadership.

    Instead, I rise in fierce opposition to the Republican FY26 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs bill—a reckless, shortsighted blueprint for American retreat.

    It follows a deeply troubling pattern. The White House has illegally impounded foreign aid, dismantled USAID, gutted the State Department—all without input from Congress. More than ten thousand USAID staff were dismissed. Over 5,000 aid programs have been axed. Just last week, 1,300 State Department employees were let go. Entire offices eliminated.

    And all of this in the middle of a global convergence of crises: armed conflicts, climate disasters, health emergencies, famine, mass migration, and rising authoritarianism.

    This is not theoretical. These crises are slamming into us. When fragile states collapse, migration surges. When we cancel trade support, American farmers and manufacturers lose customers. When we fail to build climate resilience, homes and crops are washed away. When global health systems fail, disease reaches our shores. And when the U.S. pulls back, China and Russia are right there to take our place.

    Worse still, our closest allies—pressured to increase military spending—are also cutting their foreign aid. So as global needs explode, the soft power of democratic nations is vanishing. And the vacuum left behind? It’s being filled by regimes that don’t share our values—or our interests.

    This bill slashes international affairs funding by 22 percent—$13 billion in deep, devastating cuts.

    It guts development and economic support: children pulled from classrooms and left without clean water; farmers cut off from tools that feed communities; young entrepreneurs abandoned, fueling extremism and instability; conflict prevention programs eliminated—so violence erupts unchecked; local organizations, our most trusted partners, shut down.

    It cuts humanitarian assistance by 42 percent. That’s not just unwise—it’s inhumane: women and girls in conflict zones left without care after suffering horrific sexual violence; refugees denied shelter, medicine, hope; food rations slashed below survival levels in places like Syria, Sudan, Bangladesh; and millions of children dying from malnutrition.

    This bill is cruel. It is cold. And it is not who we are.

    And of course, Republicans couldn’t resist another attack on women—reviving the Global Gag Rule, gutting funding for the UN Population Fund, and shortchanging family planning programs that save lives and lift up communities.

    This bill also abandons multilateral institutions like the United Nations and World Health Organization; it sidelines the U.S. from global decision-making; weakens our ability to promote peace and defend allies; forces partners into the arms of authoritarian regimes; and forfeits the power of burden-sharing through institutions like UNICEF, the World Bank, and the UN.

    It’s putting China in charge of the world.

    Let me be blunt: These cuts are not abstract. They are deadly.

    In Nigeria, malnourished infants are dying because therapeutic food deliveries have stopped. In Myanmar, hospitals are shutting their doors in the middle of conflict. In The Gambia, programs to support survivors of female genital mutilation have been halted just as the country debates re-legalizing the practice. In Ukraine, wounded soldiers are going without care. In Afghanistan, pregnant women are being turned away from clinics. In Ecuador, women entrepreneurs—stripped of support—are being pushed toward our border.

    This isn’t just a loss of aid. It’s a loss of American credibility. A loss of moral authority. A loss of global influence.

    And it will cost us dearly.

    Why should the American people care? Because when we fail to lead with compassion and common sense, the world becomes less stable, our troops face more danger, and we pay the price—again and again.

    When we cut aid, we increase the risk of war. When we defund development, we undercut diplomacy. And when we turn our back on the world, we endanger our own.

    I speak as the proud mother of a U.S. Marine veteran. I know what happens when diplomacy fails. When we fail to prevent conflict with education, aid, and engagement, the burden falls on the Pentagon—and on families whose loved ones serve our military.

    Let’s remember: The entire international affairs budget has typically been less than one percent of federal spending. But it delivers exponential returns for our safety, prosperity, and moral standing.

    These programs give youth an alternative to violence. They build markets for American goods. They prevent wars. They reduce migration pressures. They keep our troops home.

    This bill—sadly—is a missed opportunity. A failure to lead. A failure to invest in the power of peace, progress, and partnership.

    But let me end with this: Democrats are not giving up. We stand ready to work with our Republican colleagues—to fight for a bill that reflects our values, honors our commitments, and protects American lives.

    A sustained path to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation cannot be built on isolation and threats.

    Because we cannot bomb our way to peace. We cannot drone our way to stability. And we cannot retreat our way to safety.

    A strong America leads—not with fear, but with courage. 

    Not by pulling back, but by reaching out.

    And that’s the bill we should all fight for.

    Thank you. I yield back.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sun Prairie Man Sentenced to 2 ½ Years for Illegally Possessing Firearm and Ammunition

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Cashius Carter, 21, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 2 ½ years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

    On September 25, 2024, a Fitchburg police officer stopped a vehicle that Carter was driving. The vehicle smelled of marijuana and the officer asked Carter to exit the vehicle so it could be searched. Carter fled from the scene but was ultimately caught. In the vehicle, the officer found a loaded Glock 19 9mm with an extended magazine between the driver’s seat and center console. In the back seat, officers recovered almost 700 grams of marijuana. The Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory later recovered Carter’s DNA on the firearm. Carter is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm or ammunitions because of a prior felony conviction for eluding an officer.

    At sentencing, Judge Peterson found that Carter’s possession of a loaded firearm with a large quantity of marijuana was dangerous. Judge Peterson also noted that Carter had an aggravated criminal history, which included a violent battery and a high-speed police chase. Judge Peterson explained that he was imposing the sentence to protect the public and deter Carter from further criminal conduct.

    The charge against Carter was the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.

    This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien from Mexico and Straw Purchaser from Fort Worth Charged with Unlawfully Acquiring Two Gas-Operated Rifles

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    An illegal alien from Mexico and a Fort Worth man were indicted for falsely acquiring two firearms from licensed firearms dealers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson.

    Illegal alien Oscar Guadalupe Cruz Gonzalez, 28, and U.S. citizen Jose Juan Flores, 45, of Fort Worth, were charged by indictment on March 18, 2025, with Conspiracy to Make False Statements to a Licensed Firearms Dealer, and two counts of Acquiring a Firearm from Licensed Firearms Dealers by False or Fictitious Statement.  Cruz Gonzalez was also charged with Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien.  The defendants made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judges on July 3 and July 7, respectively.  

    According to the indictment, in January 2023 and March 2023, Cruz Gonzalez paid Flores a combined total of approximately $2,500 to acquire two semi-automatic gas-operated rifles from two separate licensed firearms dealers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  Each rifle had the ability to be belt-fed ammunition.  Cruz Gonzalez supplied Flores with the funds to purchase both guns, more than $10,000 for the first rifle and over $15,000 for the second.  Flores allegedly purchased the two firearms knowing he was going to transfer them to Cruz Gonzalez.  To conceal this intended transfer when purchasing each rifle, Flores made false statements on the required ATF Form, stating that he was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearms.  After purchasing the first rifle, Flores gave the rifle to Cruz Gonzalez, who was an illegal alien.  In the United States, it is a federal offense for an illegal alien to knowingly possess a firearm.  

    “A straw purchase means that someone bought a firearm for a person who they knew could not legally purchase one,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson.  “Here, as we allege in the indictment, Flores used a significant amount of money to purchase two firearms for an illegal alien from Mexico.  This type of crime flouts our gun laws, which are designed to ensure safe, lawful purchases of firearms by U.S. citizens.  This will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Texas.”

    “Straw purchasing is a federal crime that undermines the integrity of our nation’s firearm laws and enables dangerous individuals to obtain weapons they are prohibited from possessing,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims. “This case highlights the importance of our partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies to identify and stop illegal firearm trafficking before it results in violence.”

    An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence.  Like all defendants, Cruz Gonzalez and Flores are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 
    If convicted, each defendant faces up to 40 years in federal prison.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation with assistance from the Homeland Security Investigations and the Fort Worth Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers is prosecuting the case.  

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guam Meth Trafficker Sentenced to 135-Months in Federal Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Gavin Domingo Alimurong, age 27, from Dededo, Guam was sentenced to 135-months imprisonment.  He was charged in the U.S. District Court of Guam with Conspiracy to Distribute Fifty or More Grams of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)(viii) and 846. Alimurong also forfeited four vehicles, jewelry, luxury bags, and $350,164 in cash.  The Court also ordered five years of supervised release and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.  In addition, defendants convicted of a federal drug offense may no longer qualify for certain federal benefits.

    Between July 2019 and July 2022, Alimurong conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in Guam. He obtained methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy through the dark web, converting U.S. currency into Bitcoin to pay for drugs shipped to Guam via the U.S. Postal Service. In December 2021, Guam Police Department investigated a domestic violence incident involving Alimurong.  During searches of his residence and vehicle, law enforcement seized 594 grams of methamphetamine and 401 grams of cocaine, in addition to pharmaceuticals including oxycodone, alprazolam, and amphetamine pills.  Police also seized glass pipes, a pill crusher, a digital scale, plastic zip-top bags, a money counter, a postal stamp printer, and various luxury items.  Officers also recovered a firearm, ammunition, and $93,124 in cash.

    A search of a storage locker revealed an additional $257,040 in U.S. currency from illegal drug sales. Western Union records indicated that Alimurong wired $103,165 to multiple individuals in China, Vietnam, Bolivia, Colombia, Laos, and the United States.

    “Law enforcement removed a prolific drug dealer from the streets of Guam,” stated United States Attorney Anderson.  “Drug defendants, such as Alimurong, face more than a substantial term of imprisonment.  We will also take any property earned from or facilitating drug trafficking.  I applaud our multi-agency partners that continue to protect our communities from this dangerous activity.”

    “Drug trafficking will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Anthony Chrysanthis, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Guam. “We will vigorously pursue all criminals who flood our streets with their poison and ensure they face the full force of the law.”

    “The defendant in this case callously chased profits with no concern for the impact and harm he brought to public safety,” said Homeland Security Investigations Hawaii Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas.  “HSI and its partners in law enforcement will aggressively investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the transnational flow of illegal drugs and ensure those that choose to traffic them are held accountable for the harm they bring to the communities of Guam.”

    “You will lose your freedom and the unlawful proceeds or your crime if you try to exploit the U.S. mail to traffic dangerous controlled substances,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen Sherwood. “I would like to thank our federal partners, and our task force partners with Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency, the Guam Police Department, and the Guam Army National Guard Counter Drug Program for helping keep methamphetamine out of the mail and out of our communities.”

    “Drugs and guns are a losing combination,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Mr. Alimurong’s actions put the community in great harm and was only exacerbated by his possession of firearms.  Because of his actions, this sentence is well deserved.” 

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strategic Initiative. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Guam Police Department, with support from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Guam Police Department Special Investigations Section, and the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency.

    Assistant United States Attorney Rosetta L. San Nicolas prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.

    MIL Security OSI –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Sudan’s war is an economic disaster: here’s how bad it could get

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Khalid Siddig, Senior Research Fellow and Program Leader for the Sudan Strategy Support Program, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

    Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. What began as a struggle for power has turned into a national catastrophe. More than 14 million people have been displaced. Health and education systems have collapsed and food insecurity threatens over half the population of about 50 million.

    The war has disrupted key sectors, triggering severe economic contractions, and worsening poverty and unemployment levels.

    Sudan’s finance minister reported in November 2023 that the war had resulted in economic losses exceeding US$26 billion – or more than half the value of the country’s economy a year earlier. The industrial sector, which includes manufacturing and oil refining, has lost over 50% of its value. Employment has fallen by 4.6 million jobs over the period of the conflict. More than 7 million more people have been pushed into poverty. The agrifood system alone has shrunk by 33.6%. These estimates exclude informal economy losses.

    My research applies economy-wide models to understand how conflict affects national development. In a recent study, my colleagues and I used this approach to answer the question: what will happen to Sudan’s economy and poverty levels if the war continues through 2025?

    To assess the economic impact of the conflict, we used a Social Accounting Matrix multiplier model. This is a tool that captures how shocks affect different sectors and other agents of the economy, such as firms, government and households.

    Based on our modelling, the answer is devastating: the conflict could shrink the size of Sudan’s economy by over 40% from 2022 levels, plunging millions more into poverty.

    We modelled two scenarios to capture the potential trajectories of Sudan’s economy.

    The extreme scenario assumes a sharp initial collapse, with a 29.5% contraction in the size of the economy in 2023 and 12.2% in 2024, followed by a 7% decline in 2025, reflecting some stabilisation over time.

    The moderate scenario, based on World Bank projections, applies a 20.1% contraction in 2023 and a 15.1% drop in 2024, also followed by a 7% reduction in 2025, indicating a slower but more prolonged deterioration.

    We estimated the annual figures and report only the aggregate impacts through 2025 for clarity.

    We found that if the conflict endures, the value of Sudan’s economy will contract by up to 42% from US$56.3 billion in 2022 (pre-conflict) to US$32.4 billion by the end of 2025. The backbone of livelihoods – agriculture – will be crippled. And the social fabric of the country will continue to fray.

    How we did it

    Our Social Accounting Matrix multiplier model used data from various national and international sources to show the impact of conflict on the value of the economy, its sectors and household welfare.

    We connected this to government and World Bank data to reflect Sudan’s current conditions.

    This allowed us to simulate how conflict-driven disruptions affect the value of the economy, its sectors and household welfare.

    What we found

    Under the extreme scenario, we found:

    • Gross domestic product collapse: Gross domestic product (GDP) measures the total value of all goods and services produced in a country within a year. It’s a key indicator of economic health. We found that the value of Sudan’s economy could contract by up to 42%. This means the country would be producing less than 60% of what it did before the conflict. This would affect incomes, jobs, government revenues and public services. The industrial sector – heavily concentrated in Khartoum – would be hardest hit, with output shrinking by over 50%. The value of services like education, health, transport and trade would fall by 40%, and agriculture by more than 35%.

    • Job losses: nearly 4.6 million jobs – about half of all employment – could disappear. Urban areas and non-farm sectors would be worst affected, with over 700,000 farming jobs at risk.

    • Incomes plummet: household incomes would decline across all groups – rich and poor, rural and urban – by up to 42%. Rural and less-educated households suffer the most.

    • Poverty spikes: up to 7.5 million more people could fall into poverty, adding to the 61.1% poverty level in 2022. In rural areas, the poverty rate could jump by 32.5 percentage points from the already high rural poverty rate pre-conflict (67.6% of the rural population). Women, especially in rural communities, are hit particularly hard. Urban poverty, which was at 48.8% pre-conflict, increases by 11.6 percentage points.

    • The agrifood system – which includes farming, food processing, trade and food services – would lose a third of its value under the extreme scenario.

    Why these findings matter

    Sudan was already in a fragile state before the war. It was reeling from decades of underinvestment, international sanctions and institutional breakdown.

    The war has reversed hard-won gains in poverty reduction. It is also dismantling key productive sectors – from agriculture to manufacturing – which will be essential for recovery once the conflict ends. Every month of continued fighting adds to the damage and raises the cost of rebuilding.

    Our projections already show major economic collapse, yet they don’t include the full extent of the damage. This includes losses in the informal economy or the strain on household coping strategies. The real situation could be even worse than what the data suggests.

    What needs to be done

    First and foremost, peace is essential. Without an end to the fighting, recovery will be impossible.

    Second, even as conflict continues, urgent action is needed to stabilise livelihoods. This means:

    • supporting agriculture in areas that remain relatively safe. Food production must be sustained to prevent famine.

    • restoring critical services where possible – particularly transport, trade and retail – to keep local economies functioning

    • protecting the most vulnerable, such as women in rural areas and the elderly, through expanded social protection and targeted cash assistance.

    Third, prepare for recovery. The international community – donors, development banks and NGOs – must begin laying the groundwork for post-conflict reconstruction now. This includes investment in public infrastructure, rebuilding institutions and re-integrating displaced populations.

    The bottom line

    Sudan’s war is more than a political crisis. It is an economic catastrophe unfolding in real time. One that is deepening poverty, destroying livelihoods and erasing years of progress.

    Our research provides hard numbers to describe what Sudanese families are already experiencing every day.

    The country’s economy is bleeding. Without a shift in the trajectory of the conflict, recovery could take decades – if it happens at all.

    – Sudan’s war is an economic disaster: here’s how bad it could get
    – https://theconversation.com/sudans-war-is-an-economic-disaster-heres-how-bad-it-could-get-260609

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Urges DOJ to Swiftly Implement RECA for Radiation Survivors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to the Department of Justice (DOJ), urging the Department to prioritize implementation of the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The Senator’s expansion provision revives RECA for survivors, allows tens of thousands of new claimants to receive life-saving assistance—including those across Missouri—and protects the program for years to come.
    “I write to ensure prompt implementation of the reauthorized and expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (‘RECA’), as passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The Department of Justice plays a central role in administering RECA, and with the enactment of the expanded law, the Department is now responsible for receiving, evaluating, and processing a broader universe of claims. I urge you to devote sufficient manpower and departmental resources for this important work,” wrote Senator Hawley.
    He continued, “It is critical that the Department promptly renews its claims process and application, given that prospective claimants have until December 31, 2027, to submit their paperwork. Timely processing of new claims is both feasible and imperative under the law, especially given the age and health of many claimants. The current RECA statute also explicitly allows the Department to use existing funds and resources to process RECA claims. Congress included this provision to ensure that the Department has sufficient resources to implement RECA fully and without delay.”
    Senator Hawley offered his support in implementing the program, saying, “I will closely monitor the Department’s implementation of the law in the months ahead and respectfully request an update on the Department’s implementation progress by August 1, 2025. I stand ready to work with you and the Department to ensure a fair, efficient, and accessible claims process for new RECA claimants.”
    Read the full letter here or below.  
    Brett ShumateAssistant Attorney GeneralU.S. Department of Justice, Civil Division950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20530
    Dear Assistant Attorney General Shumate:
    I write to ensure prompt implementation of the reauthorized and expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (“RECA”), as passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025. The Department of Justice plays a central role in administering RECA, and with the enactment of the expanded law, the Department is now responsible for receiving, evaluating, and processing a broader universe of claims. I urge you to devote sufficient manpower and departmental resources for this important work.
    As you know, RECA compensates victims and their families who have been exposed to radiation from the federal government’s nuclear programs. Since Congress created the program in 1990, it has provided benefits to tens of thousands of Americans who have developed cancer or other specified diseases after being exposed to radiation from atomic weapons testing or uranium mining, milling, or transporting. Many harrowing tales have emerged for decades after the United States shuttered its test sites and uranium mines, as negligently stored waste continued infiltrating waterways and communities across the country. Now, President Trump and Congress have extended the program to cover more victims and geographic areas.
    It is critical that the Department promptly renews its claims process and application, given that prospective claimants have until December 31, 2027, to submit their paperwork. Timely processing of new claims is both feasible and imperative under the law, especially given the age and health of many claimants. The current RECA statute also explicitly allows the Department to use existing funds and resources to process RECA claim.[1]Congress included this provision to ensure that the Department has sufficient resources to implement RECA fully and without delay.
    I will closely monitor the Department’s implementation of the law in the months ahead, and respectfully request an update on the Department’s implementation progress by August 1, 2025. I stand ready to work with you and the Department to ensure a fair, efficient, and accessible claims process for new RECA claimants.
    Sincerely,
    Josh HawleyUnited States Senator

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaLota’s Office Returns $11.3+ Million to Suffolk Residents

    Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    HAUPPAUGE, NY – Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-01) announced today that his office has recovered more than $11.3 million for Suffolk County residents since taking office in January 2023. These funds include delayed or wrongly withheld Social Security payments, Veterans’ benefits, IRS refunds, and other federal reimbursements secured through direct constituent casework. This milestone comes just days after Congressman LaLota helped deliverover $5,000 in annual SALT deduction relief for many Long Island families by negotiating key provisions in H.R. 1 – the One Big Beautiful Bill, signed into law on July 4, 2025.

    “From Day One, our team has focused on delivering results—through both legislative wins and direct constituent service,” said LaLota. “We’ve returned over $11.3 million to Long Islanders from the IRS, VA, and Social Security, and helped small business owners recover funds they were owed. Now, thanks to the SALT cap increase I fought for, middle-class families on Long Island can keep $2,500 to $7,500 more of their hard-earned income each year. Whether it’s cutting through red tape or cutting your taxes, we’re here to help. If you need assistance with a federal agency, contact my Hauppauge office at (631) 289-1097 or visit LaLota.house.gov.”

    Background:

    Federal dollars Congressman Nick LaLota’s office has returned to his constituents since taking office in January 2023 include:

    • Internal Revenue Service (IRS): $5,571,717.63

    • Social Security Administration (SSA): $1,054,559.03

    • Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): $44,903.71

    • Office of Personnel Management (OPM): $126,507.32

    • Small Business Administration (SBA): $20,833.00

    • Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS): $6,083.04

    • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): $315,104.84

    • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): $6,494.30

    • Railroad Retirement Board: $90,000.00

    • Department of Education: $109,872.55

    LaLota’s staff in Hauppauge is able to assist Long Islanders with the federal bureaucracy and receive government benefits they have earned. These include Social Security, Medicare, Veterans’ benefits, the IRS, passports and visas, and small business assistance.

    LaLota’s office in Hauppauge can be reached at 631-289-1097. Mail can be sent to 515 Hauppauge Road, Suite 3B, Hauppauge, NY 11788. Visit https://lalota.house.gov/ for more information.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues FEMA for Cutting Bipartisan Funding for Natural Disasters

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 19 other states in suing the Trump administration over its deadly decision to illegally shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which has supported critical infrastructure to protect communities from disasters before they happen. Since the 1990s, FEMA has provided billions of dollars to state and local governments to support infrastructure improvements to prepare for natural disasters. These funds have been proven to save lives, protect property, and reduce the cost of rebuilding after a disaster strikes. While BRIC has received bipartisan support and funded projects in all 50 states, the administration abruptly and illegally terminated the program earlier this year, jeopardizing billions of dollars intended to help communities prepare for disasters nationwide. With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order to stop the termination of the BRIC program and prevent the administration from illegally reallocating its funds.

    “This administration’s decision to slash billions of dollars that protect our communities from floods, wildfires, and other disasters puts millions of New Yorkers at risk,” said Attorney General James. “New Yorkers depend on quality roads, floodwalls, and other vital infrastructure to keep them safe when disaster strikes. This administration has no authority to cut this program that has helped save countless lives, and I will continue to fight to ensure New York gets the support we need to prepare for dangerous natural disasters.”

    The BRIC program provides financial and technical assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to implement new measures that protect communities from natural disasters. The program’s grants cover up to 75 percent of a project’s costs, and can rise to 90 percent for small rural communities, making them a critical lifeline. BRIC funding supports the construction of evacuation shelters and flood walls, protections for water and power infrastructure, and improvements to roads and bridges. Over the past four years, FEMA has selected nearly 2,000 projects from every corner of the country to receive roughly $4.5 billion in funding. Due to the unique threats they face, coastal communities have received the largest allocations over the past four years, with New York among the states receiving the most BRIC funding. 

    New York has 38 BRIC projects throughout the state totaling over $380 million that are all in jeopardy as a result of the termination of the program. New York City, which is particularly vulnerable to flooding, is expecting to receive BRIC funds for 19 different projects. This includes $50 million for the Central Harlem Cloudburst Flood Mitigation Project, which is designed to provide flood protection measures to over 45,000 city residents vulnerable to flash flooding of the Harlem River. 

    Multiple studies have shown that BRIC funds more than pay for themselves by preventing costly damage during disasters. Each dollar spent on mitigation saves an average of $6 in post-disaster costs, with some investments saving even more. BRIC program funds have helped avoid over $150 billion in costs and saved lives in communities throughout the country.

    Despite the program’s success and longtime bipartisan support, the Trump administration unlawfully terminated the program in April 2025, diverting over $4 billion out of FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation fund and into funds for post-disaster grants. This abrupt termination has jeopardized critical projects throughout the country. Communities have been forced to delay, scale back, or cancel hundreds of projects that depend on BRIC funding. Projects that have been in development for years, and in which communities have already spent millions of dollars for planning, permitting, and environmental review are now threatened. As a result, Americans across the country face a higher risk of harm from natural disasters.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the abrupt termination of BRIC is unconstitutional and illegal. Congress has written into law that disaster preparedness is a core part of FEMA’s mission and has appropriated funds for BRIC. Congress has also specified that the executive branch cannot alter this mission or reduce FEMA’s ability to carry out any of its core functions unless the law changes. FEMA also cannot refuse to spend congressionally appropriated funds in violation of the Constitution. In addition, Attorney General James and the coalition argue that President Trump’s FEMA administrator and his successor, who carried out BRIC’s termination, were not lawfully appointed to run FEMA and lack the authority to shut down the program.

    With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Trump Administration from spending BRIC funds on other purposes and a permanent injunction to reverse the termination of the BRIC program and require the restoration of these critical funds to the communities relying on them.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the governor of Pennsylvania.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues FEMA for Cutting Bipartisan Funding for Natural Disasters

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today joined a coalition of 19 other states in suing the Trump administration over its deadly decision to illegally shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, which has supported critical infrastructure to protect communities from disasters before they happen. Since the 1990s, FEMA has provided billions of dollars to state and local governments to support infrastructure improvements to prepare for natural disasters. These funds have been proven to save lives, protect property, and reduce the cost of rebuilding after a disaster strikes. While BRIC has received bipartisan support and funded projects in all 50 states, the administration abruptly and illegally terminated the program earlier this year, jeopardizing billions of dollars intended to help communities prepare for disasters nationwide. With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order to stop the termination of the BRIC program and prevent the administration from illegally reallocating its funds.

    “This administration’s decision to slash billions of dollars that protect our communities from floods, wildfires, and other disasters puts millions of New Yorkers at risk,” said Attorney General James. “New Yorkers depend on quality roads, floodwalls, and other vital infrastructure to keep them safe when disaster strikes. This administration has no authority to cut this program that has helped save countless lives, and I will continue to fight to ensure New York gets the support we need to prepare for dangerous natural disasters.”

    The BRIC program provides financial and technical assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments to implement new measures that protect communities from natural disasters. The program’s grants cover up to 75 percent of a project’s costs, and can rise to 90 percent for small rural communities, making them a critical lifeline. BRIC funding supports the construction of evacuation shelters and flood walls, protections for water and power infrastructure, and improvements to roads and bridges. Over the past four years, FEMA has selected nearly 2,000 projects from every corner of the country to receive roughly $4.5 billion in funding. Due to the unique threats they face, coastal communities have received the largest allocations over the past four years, with New York among the states receiving the most BRIC funding. 

    New York has 38 BRIC projects throughout the state totaling over $380 million that are all in jeopardy as a result of the termination of the program. New York City, which is particularly vulnerable to flooding, is expecting to receive BRIC funds for 19 different projects. This includes $50 million for the Central Harlem Cloudburst Flood Mitigation Project, which is designed to provide flood protection measures to over 45,000 city residents vulnerable to flash flooding of the Harlem River. 

    Multiple studies have shown that BRIC funds more than pay for themselves by preventing costly damage during disasters. Each dollar spent on mitigation saves an average of $6 in post-disaster costs, with some investments saving even more. BRIC program funds have helped avoid over $150 billion in costs and saved lives in communities throughout the country.

    Despite the program’s success and longtime bipartisan support, the Trump administration unlawfully terminated the program in April 2025, diverting over $4 billion out of FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation fund and into funds for post-disaster grants. This abrupt termination has jeopardized critical projects throughout the country. Communities have been forced to delay, scale back, or cancel hundreds of projects that depend on BRIC funding. Projects that have been in development for years, and in which communities have already spent millions of dollars for planning, permitting, and environmental review are now threatened. As a result, Americans across the country face a higher risk of harm from natural disasters.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the abrupt termination of BRIC is unconstitutional and illegal. Congress has written into law that disaster preparedness is a core part of FEMA’s mission and has appropriated funds for BRIC. Congress has also specified that the executive branch cannot alter this mission or reduce FEMA’s ability to carry out any of its core functions unless the law changes. FEMA also cannot refuse to spend congressionally appropriated funds in violation of the Constitution. In addition, Attorney General James and the coalition argue that President Trump’s FEMA administrator and his successor, who carried out BRIC’s termination, were not lawfully appointed to run FEMA and lack the authority to shut down the program.

    With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a preliminary injunction to prevent the Trump Administration from spending BRIC funds on other purposes and a permanent injunction to reverse the termination of the BRIC program and require the restoration of these critical funds to the communities relying on them.

    Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the governor of Pennsylvania.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration for Illegally Shutting Down Longstanding Disaster Prevention Program

    Source: US State of California

    Over a billion in funding potentially at stake for California projects to address flooding, wildfires, landslides, drought, and earthquakes

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit challenging the unlawful termination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. Since 2020, FEMA has made billions of dollars available under the BRIC program to prepare for and mitigate the risks from disasters before they happen. From flooding to wildfires to landslides to earthquakes, California is uniquely at risk from natural disasters and the largest beneficiary of this program; already, it has been awarded tens of millions of dollars, and if the program continues, could receive over a billion more for projects that FEMA had selected for grant funding. In today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta, alongside a coalition of 19 other states, asks the court to compel FEMA to reverse the unlawful termination of the BRIC program so that communities across the country can protect themselves from natural disasters before they strike.  

    “Nearly thirty years ago, both Democrats and Republicans in Congress recognized a simple fact: Preparing for disasters, instead of just reacting to them, saves money and lives,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Yet in the name of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, President Trump and his lackeys have once again jeopardized public safety with their indiscriminate slashing of pre-disaster mitigation funding. We’re taking them to court – not because we want to, but because we have to. As we continue to build a climate resilient California, we deserve a federal government that is a partner, not a roadblock in our efforts – and that’s exactly what Congress intended.” 

    Across five Presidential administrations, Congress and FEMA have worked together to provide funding through FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation program so that communities across the nation can invest in projects that reduce harm from natural disasters. The rationale is simple: by proactively fortifying our communities against disasters before they strike, rather than just responding afterward, we will reduce injuries, save lives, protect property, and, ultimately, save money that would otherwise be spent on post-disaster costs. 

    Given the program’s effectiveness in protecting both people and pocketbooks, it is little surprise that it has had broad bipartisan support. The bill codifying the program passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 415–2 and passed the Senate by unanimous consent before President Bill Clinton signed it. More recently, during President Trump’s first term, a bipartisan group of legislators overwhelmingly passed a bill by a vote of 398–23 in the House and 93–6 in the Senate that provided the program with an additional funding stream. And in 2021, Congress invested another $1 billion in the program through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    In California, projects that have been awarded funding include: 

    • A project in City of Rancho Palos Verdes to reduce geologic landslide movement that threatens most of the City’s residents and infrastructure, including a major arterial roadway that provides community and emergency access, sanitation sewer lines located along this roadway, electric and communication lines, potable water lines, and gas lines. Without this project, landslide movement will continue to threaten critical infrastructure, damage homes and property, and endanger lives. 
    • A project in the City of Sacramento to mitigate flooding of five major interchanges, 3.9 miles of a major interstate highway, a runway at an airport, surface streets, 27,000 housing units, and more. Among other things, the project would have improved floodwall sections, improved levee sections, and relocated a pump station. 
    • A project in Kern County to seismically retrofit the Kern Valley Healthcare District’s hospital that provides acute care and emergency medical services to a remote population in the mid-northern region of the Kern River Valley area. Unless seismically retrofitted, the hospital may soon need to close. This would force hundreds of thousands of Californians to seek services at hospitals over two hours away. 

    In Texas, where heavy rains turned into devastating floods earlier this month, FEMA was set to provide hundreds of million in federal funding for pre-disaster mitigation projects, including for several flood mitigation projects.

    All that changed when Cameron Hamilton, who the Trump Administration unlawfully installed to act as FEMA’s Administrator, suddenly shut down the program. His unilateral decision to shutter the nation’s largest, most popular, and most cost-effective pre-disaster mitigation program is illegal. Neither Cameron Hamilton nor his successor, David Richardson, were lawfully appointed or qualified to run FEMA, as required by the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and statutory requirements. Their purported termination of the BRIC program flatly contravenes Congress’s decision to continue to fund it, in violation of the U.S. Constitution and Congress’s power of the purse. In their lawsuit filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Attorney General Bonta and a coalition urge the court to reverse FEMA’s unlawful decision to shut down this program – before the devastating impact of this loss of funding results in permanent damage to our communities.  

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the state of Pennsylvania, in filing the lawsuit.  

    A copy of the lawsuit will be available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration for Illegally Shutting Down Longstanding Disaster Prevention Program

    Source: US State of California

    Over a billion in funding potentially at stake for California projects to address flooding, wildfires, landslides, drought, and earthquakes

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit challenging the unlawful termination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. Since 2020, FEMA has made billions of dollars available under the BRIC program to prepare for and mitigate the risks from disasters before they happen. From flooding to wildfires to landslides to earthquakes, California is uniquely at risk from natural disasters and the largest beneficiary of this program; already, it has been awarded tens of millions of dollars, and if the program continues, could receive over a billion more for projects that FEMA had selected for grant funding. In today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta, alongside a coalition of 19 other states, asks the court to compel FEMA to reverse the unlawful termination of the BRIC program so that communities across the country can protect themselves from natural disasters before they strike.  

    “Nearly thirty years ago, both Democrats and Republicans in Congress recognized a simple fact: Preparing for disasters, instead of just reacting to them, saves money and lives,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Yet in the name of cutting waste, fraud, and abuse, President Trump and his lackeys have once again jeopardized public safety with their indiscriminate slashing of pre-disaster mitigation funding. We’re taking them to court – not because we want to, but because we have to. As we continue to build a climate resilient California, we deserve a federal government that is a partner, not a roadblock in our efforts – and that’s exactly what Congress intended.” 

    Across five Presidential administrations, Congress and FEMA have worked together to provide funding through FEMA’s pre-disaster mitigation program so that communities across the nation can invest in projects that reduce harm from natural disasters. The rationale is simple: by proactively fortifying our communities against disasters before they strike, rather than just responding afterward, we will reduce injuries, save lives, protect property, and, ultimately, save money that would otherwise be spent on post-disaster costs. 

    Given the program’s effectiveness in protecting both people and pocketbooks, it is little surprise that it has had broad bipartisan support. The bill codifying the program passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 415–2 and passed the Senate by unanimous consent before President Bill Clinton signed it. More recently, during President Trump’s first term, a bipartisan group of legislators overwhelmingly passed a bill by a vote of 398–23 in the House and 93–6 in the Senate that provided the program with an additional funding stream. And in 2021, Congress invested another $1 billion in the program through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    In California, projects that have been awarded funding include: 

    • A project in City of Rancho Palos Verdes to reduce geologic landslide movement that threatens most of the City’s residents and infrastructure, including a major arterial roadway that provides community and emergency access, sanitation sewer lines located along this roadway, electric and communication lines, potable water lines, and gas lines. Without this project, landslide movement will continue to threaten critical infrastructure, damage homes and property, and endanger lives. 
    • A project in the City of Sacramento to mitigate flooding of five major interchanges, 3.9 miles of a major interstate highway, a runway at an airport, surface streets, 27,000 housing units, and more. Among other things, the project would have improved floodwall sections, improved levee sections, and relocated a pump station. 
    • A project in Kern County to seismically retrofit the Kern Valley Healthcare District’s hospital that provides acute care and emergency medical services to a remote population in the mid-northern region of the Kern River Valley area. Unless seismically retrofitted, the hospital may soon need to close. This would force hundreds of thousands of Californians to seek services at hospitals over two hours away. 

    In Texas, where heavy rains turned into devastating floods earlier this month, FEMA was set to provide hundreds of million in federal funding for pre-disaster mitigation projects, including for several flood mitigation projects.

    All that changed when Cameron Hamilton, who the Trump Administration unlawfully installed to act as FEMA’s Administrator, suddenly shut down the program. His unilateral decision to shutter the nation’s largest, most popular, and most cost-effective pre-disaster mitigation program is illegal. Neither Cameron Hamilton nor his successor, David Richardson, were lawfully appointed or qualified to run FEMA, as required by the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and statutory requirements. Their purported termination of the BRIC program flatly contravenes Congress’s decision to continue to fund it, in violation of the U.S. Constitution and Congress’s power of the purse. In their lawsuit filed today in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Attorney General Bonta and a coalition urge the court to reverse FEMA’s unlawful decision to shut down this program – before the devastating impact of this loss of funding results in permanent damage to our communities.  

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the state of Pennsylvania, in filing the lawsuit.  

    A copy of the lawsuit will be available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Atos launches the Atos Polaris AI Platform to accelerate digital transformation with Agentic AI

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Atos launches the Atos Polaris AI Platform to accelerate digital transformation with Agentic AI

    Driving universal automation across business processes and software engineering with the Atos Polaris AI Platform

    Paris, France – July 16, 2025 – Atos, a leading provider of AI-powered digital transformation, today announces the launch of the Atos Polaris AI Platform, a comprehensive system of AI agents that works autonomously to orchestrate complex business workflows. The Atos Polaris AI Platform, created for development, testing and IT operations, supports engineers at all stages of the development process. Customers can also use the platform to accelerate digital transformation by driving universal automation of business processes.

    AI agents developed using the Atos Polaris AI Platform enable users to achieve business outcomes thanks to built-in capabilities to autonomously plan, reason, collaborate, act and learn on their own. The platform also provides Agent Ops functionalities for alignment with business key performance indicators through compliance, performance and cost management practices.

    “With the Atos Polaris AI Platform, we are driving the automation of automation, shifting the paradigm toward fully autonomous agents for software engineering and business processes, and making agentic AI a huge lever for business success. We are particularly proud to make Atos Polaris AI Platform available worldwide to support businesses as they embrace the Agentic AI era,” said Narendra Naidu, Group Head of Data & AI, Atos.

    The Atos Polaris AI Platform includes various pre-built autonomous AI agents, including:

    • AI Developer: The AI developer reduces software development efforts by autonomously analyzing business requirements and orchestrating the solution development with foundational developer agents. It helps reduce development efforts by 40-50%.
    • Quality Assurance: The quality assurance AI agent enables the end-to-end orchestration of quality assurance tasks. It validates and scores business requirements, generates and intelligently executes test cases, and independently creates and publishes test reports. This agent can help reduce efforts and lead-time by 50-60%.
    • IT Support Engineer: The IT support engineer assists in automated analysis and resolution of support tickets. It facilitates in-depth analysis of log files across system components to determine the root cause and recommend solutions based on past history. The IT support life-cycle engineer can reduce efforts by 25-35%.
    • Contract Analyst: The contract analyst AI agent continuously monitors contracts for compliance risks, and it flags potential breaches through quantified risk analysis and compliance checks. The agent also recommends correction to ensure contracts adhere to regulations and policies. The agent can provide 30-40% reduction in time and efforts for the contracts review cycle.
    • Financial Reports Analyst: The financial reports AI analyst can interpret and analyze large financial documents and reports to provide highly accurate summaries and actionable recommendations based on specific requirements. It can also cross-validate information for anomalies or irregularities. This agent can deliver 50-60% productivity improvement in report analysis efforts.
    • Market Researcher: The market researcher AI agent leverages data from an organization’s trusted sources to perform in-depth analysis on various topics based on specific requirements. It can synthesize and present the analysis in a format and style that caters to specific business needs. This agent can enable 60-70% reduction in efforts and research lead-time.

    The Atos Polaris AI Platform is available to customers as part of Atos‘ AI transformation projects, as well as through select strategic partners.

    ***

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contacts

    Global: Isabelle Grangé | isabelle.grange@atos.net

    North America: Maggie Wainscott | maggie.wainscott@atos.net

    Attachment

    • PR-Atos launches the Atos Polaris AI Platform to accelerate digital transformation with Agentic AI

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Enlight to Report Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on Wednesday, August 6, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEL AVIV, Israel, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enlight Renewable Energy (“Enlight”, “the Company”, NASDAQ: ENLT, TASE: ENLT.TA), a leading renewable energy platform, today announced it will release its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, before market open on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

    Conference Call Information

    Enlight will host two calls to review its financial results and business outlook, one in English and one in Hebrew. Management will deliver prepared remarks followed by a question-and-answer session. Participants may join by conference call or webcast:

    English Conference Call & Webcast

    The conference call in English will be held at: 8:00am Eastern Time / 3:00pm Israel Time.

    Please pre-register to join the live conference call:
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI46289c60b7164253aa692c51490ef8ad Upon registering, you will be emailed a dial-in number, direct passcode and unique PIN.

    In addition, a live webcast will be available. Please register and join using the following link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/8u3xaw6u

    Hebrew Webcast

    The webcast in Hebrew will be held at: 6:00am Eastern Time / 1:00pm Israel Time.

    Please pre-register to join the live webcast:
    https://enlightenergy-co-il.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Fz0XzgWkRBKz4OA0OO7cnQ

    The earnings release with the financial results as well as additional investor presentation materials will be accessible on the Company’s website prior to the calls. An archived version of the English webcast will be available on the Company’s investor relations website at https://enlightenergy.co.il/events/

    About Enlight

    Founded in 2008, Enlight develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects. Enlight operates across the three largest renewable segments today: solar, wind and energy storage. A global platform, Enlight operates in the United States, Israel and 10 European countries. Enlight has been traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange since 2010 (TASE: ENLT) and completed its U.S. IPO (Nasdaq: ENLT) in 2023. Learn more at www.enlightenergy.co.il.

    Investor Contact

    Yonah Weisz
    Director IR
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Erica Mannion or Mike Funari
    Sapphire Investor Relations, LLC
    +1 617 542 6180
    investors@enlightenergy.co.il

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s expectations relating to the Project, the PPA and the related interconnection agreement and lease option, and the completion timeline for the Project, are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “might,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “target,” “seek,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “forecasts,” “aims” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our ability to site suitable land for, and otherwise source, renewable energy projects and to successfully develop and convert them into Operational Projects; availability of, and access to, interconnection facilities and transmission systems; our ability to obtain and maintain governmental and other regulatory approvals and permits, including environmental approvals and permits; construction delays, operational delays and supply chain disruptions leading to increased cost of materials required for the construction of our projects, as well as cost overruns and delays related to disputes with contractors; our suppliers’ ability and willingness to perform both existing and future obligations; competition from traditional and renewable energy companies in developing renewable energy projects; potential slowed demand for renewable energy projects and our ability to enter into new offtake contracts on acceptable terms and prices as current offtake contracts expire; offtakers’ ability to terminate contracts or seek other remedies resulting from failure of our projects to meet development, operational or performance benchmarks; various technical and operational challenges leading to unplanned outages, reduced output, interconnection or termination issues; the dependence of our production and revenue on suitable meteorological and environmental conditions, and our ability to accurately predict such conditions; our ability to enforce warranties provided by our counterparties in the event that our projects do not perform as expected; government curtailment, energy price caps and other government actions that restrict or reduce the profitability of renewable energy production; electricity price volatility, unusual weather conditions (including the effects of climate change, could adversely affect wind and solar conditions), catastrophic weather-related or other damage to facilities, unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs, unanticipated changes to availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments, environmental incidents, or electric transmission system constraints and the possibility that we may not have adequate insurance to cover losses as a result of such hazards; our dependence on certain operational projects for a substantial portion of our cash flows; our ability to continue to grow our portfolio of projects through successful acquisitions; changes and advances in technology that impair or eliminate the competitive advantage of our projects or upsets the expectations underlying investments in our technologies; our ability to effectively anticipate and manage cost inflation, interest rate risk, currency exchange fluctuations and other macroeconomic conditions that impact our business; our ability to retain and attract key personnel; our ability to manage legal and regulatory compliance and litigation risk across our global corporate structure; our ability to protect our business from, and manage the impact of, cyber-attacks, disruptions and security incidents, as well as acts of terrorism or war; changes to existing renewable energy industry policies and regulations that present technical, regulatory and economic barriers to renewable energy projects; the reduction, elimination or expiration of government incentives for, or regulations mandating the use of, renewable energy; our ability to effectively manage our supply chain and comply with applicable regulations with respect to international trade relations, the impact of tariffs on the cost of construction and our ability to mitigate such impact, , sanctions, export controls and anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws; our ability to effectively comply with Environmental Health and Safety and other laws and regulations and receive and maintain all necessary licenses, permits and authorizations; our performance of various obligations under the terms of our indebtedness (and the indebtedness of our subsidiaries that we guarantee) and our ability to continue to secure project financing on attractive terms for our projects; limitations on our management rights and operational flexibility due to our use of tax equity arrangements; potential claims and disagreements with partners, investors and other counterparties that could reduce our right to cash flows generated by our projects; our ability to comply with tax laws of various jurisdictions in which we currently operate as well as the tax laws in jurisdictions in which we intend to operate in the future; the unknown effect of the dual listing of our ordinary shares on the price of our ordinary shares; various risks related to our incorporation and location in Israel; the costs and requirements of being a public company, including the diversion of management’s attention with respect to such requirements; certain provisions in our Articles of Association and certain applicable regulations that may delay or prevent a change of control; and other risk factors set forth in the section titled “Risk factors” in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and our other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC.

    These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and speak only as of the date of this press release. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee that future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or will occur. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference & Exhibition Returns to Senegal in December 2025

    Source: APO – Report:

    The MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power Conference & Event returns to Dakar, Senegal in December at the Centre International de Conférences Abdou Diouf. The pre-conference will take place on December 8 and the main event will take place on December 9 -10 under the theme Energy, Petroleum and Mining in Africa: Synergy for Inclusive Economic Development.

    The conference & exhibition aims to unite the MSGBC region through energy cooperation, supporting cross-border collaboration and shared development strategies to drive sustainable growth and long-term economic integration across the Basin.

    For four years, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power has established itself as the premier platform for industry leaders, innovators and policymakers in the MSGBC region. Each edition has played a crucial role in determining the region’s energy future, driving investment and advancing project development. By connecting governments, energy companies, global operators and financiers, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power facilitates strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.

    The MSGBC Basin is home to upstream acreage, integrated infrastructure projects and forward-looking development plans. As large-scale projects in Mauritania and Senegal have moved into production and exploration expands across The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Guinea-Conakry, the region requires continued technical and financial engagement to meet its energy goals.

    Join MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 in Dakar this December and be part of the region’s leading energy and mining investment platform. Register now at www.MSGBCOilGasAndPower.com.

    The event is organized with the support of Senegal’s Ministry of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Senegal’s national oil company Petrosen E&P, COS-Petrogaz and the African Energy Chamber.

    Recent developments across the MSGBC region include the shipment of the first LNG cargo from bp and Kosmos Energy’s Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project offshore Senegal and Mauritania in April 2025. In Senegal, under the leadership of Birame Souleye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines and Talla Gueye, Director General, Petrosen E&P, oil production at Woodside’s Sangomar field is ongoing, with 3.11 million barrels produced and exported in January 2025 alone and a projected output of 30.5 million barrels for the year at a plateau rate of 100,000 barrels per day.

    In Guinea-Conakry, the first locomotive for the Trans-Guinean railway, part of the Simandou iron ore development, arrived in May 2025. In The Gambia, the government announced that national electricity access is expected to reach 90% by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, Guinea-Bissau signed an oil and gas cooperation agreement with Azerbaijan in June 2025 to support technical and investment partnerships.

    Building on past successes, MSGBC 2025 will be the most impactful edition to date, offering unmatched opportunities for investors and project developers, as well as international operators and service providers.

    “Our objective is to facilitate investment and partnerships across the MSGBC region by providing direct access to decision-makers and financiers,” says Sandra Jeque, Event and Project Director at Energy Capital & Power. “This event is a platform for governments and the private sector to align on shared priorities and promote energy and mining as drivers of economic development.”

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Patient safety boost as PA review recommendations accepted

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Patient safety boost as PA review recommendations accepted

    The review looked into the safety of the roles of physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs) and how they support wider health teams

    Patient safety will be strengthened across the country, as the government accepts all the recommendations of an independent review into physician associates (PAs) and anaesthesia associates (AAs).

    The review chaired by Professor Gillian Leng CBE – an experienced leader in the UK healthcare system – has made 18 recommendations aimed at providing clarity to patients and improving patient safety.

    Launched in November 2024, it looked into the safety of the roles of PAs and AAs and how they support wider health teams.

    Professor Leng sought evidence from a range of voices including patients, staff groups, employers within the NHS, professional bodies and academics. The review’s recommendations cover recruitment and training, supervision and professional regulation.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Patients should always know who they are being treated by and should always receive appropriate care.

    Legitimate concerns about patient safety have been ignored for too long – that’s why I sought out the very best clinical advice to review physician associates and anaesthesia associates’ roles in the NHS.

    I want to thank Gillian Leng, one of the UK’s most experienced healthcare leaders, for her comprehensive, thorough report.

    We’re accepting all of the recommendations of the Leng review, which will provide clarity for the public and make sure we’ve got the right staff, in the right place, doing the right thing. Patients can be confident that those who treat them are qualified to do so.

    Physician assistants, as they will now be known, will continue to play an important role in the NHS. They should assist doctors, but they should never be used to replace doctors.

    Our Plan for Change will build on its findings and we will work to implement these findings in the interests of staff and patients alike.

    Dr Claire Fuller, Co-National Medical Director (Primary Care) at NHS England, said:

    We welcome the publication of this review and the clarity it provides on how these vital and valued roles can best support high-quality care for patients as part of multidisciplinary teams.

    Following legitimate concerns raised, it is right this review has gathered expert insight and evidence from across the health service and internationally and we will now work with the service and government to fully consider and implement its recommendations.

    Professor Gillian Leng said:

    I’m pleased the government is implementing the recommendations in full.

    My review provides the opportunity of a reset, but this must be the start of the conversation, not the end.

    Now it’s time to focus on delivery: bringing clarity for patients, complementarity between doctors and assistant roles, collaboration across teams, focussed on ensuring safe and effective high-quality care.

    The Health and Social Care Secretary today confirmed he would accept all the recommendations and begin work to bring them in as quickly as possible, directing NHS England to write to systems leaders setting out the immediate actions for them to take. 

    Resident doctors have raised concerns about the safety and lack of clarity for PA and AA roles – and the government is listening to them.

    Implementing the review’s recommendations will provide clarity for the public and – crucially – improve patient safety and quality of care. PAs and AAs still have a vital role to play in wider teams and caring for patients, with many hard-working PAs and AAs making a vital contribution across the healthcare system. These recommendations will provide certainty and options for their career development.

    At the same time, clear guidance will be offered to other healthcare professionals and patients about the contributions and limits of these roles.

    PAs will in future be identified as physician assistants and AAs will be renamed as physician assistants in anaesthesia, reflecting their role as supportive members of medical teams. They will also not be able to treat undiagnosed patients, except within clearly defined cases.

    Permanent faculties will be established to provide professional leadership and set standards for PAs and PAAs. They will also form part of a clear team structure – led by a senior clinician – where everyone is aware of their roles, responsibilities and accountability.

    Doctors will receive training in line management and leadership, ensuring they can properly fulfil their supervisory roles.

    Collaboration will be vital in the face of increasing NHS demand and the recommendations should serve as a reset – encouraging greater teamwork across healthcare teams. These reforms all form part of the Plan for Change’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future, and one which works for patients and staff. 

    Lessons learned from the review will feed into the government’s upcoming workforce plan, ensuring the NHS has the right staff in the right place at the right time.

    The 10 Year Health Plan will also ensure that new and expanded roles are rolled out in a way which ensures that public, patient and professional confidence is maintained.

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    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Road crossing improvements complete at busy junction

    Source: City of Leicester

    WORK to improve road crossings at a busy road junction in Leicester is now complete.

    The city Council has constructed a new signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing, and an additional zebra crossing, at the junction of Blackbird Road and Parker Drive, in northwest Leicester.

    Existing traffic signals have also been renewed.

    The work, which cost £295,000, was paid for with Section 106 developer contributions linked to new housing at nearby Somerset Avenue.

    Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “This recent investment in highway improvements has provided new crossings in a busy residential area and helped further extend the network of safer routes for walkers, wheelers and cyclists in and around our neighbourhoods.”

    The new signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossing is located on Blackbird Road, close to its junction with Parker Drive. A new parallel zebra crossing has also been installed on the left-turn slip road from Blackbird Road to Parker Drive.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Taxis to install journey recorders

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Two amendment regulations will be published in the Government Gazette this Friday mandating the installation of Journey Recording Systems (JRSs) in all taxis and requiring all taxi drivers to allow fares to be paid by electronic payment (e-payment) means.

    The two amendments – named the Road Traffic (Construction & Maintenance of Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 and the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 – are aimed at enhancing overall service quality for members of the public through technology. 

    The Transport & Logistics Bureau said the JRSs should be capable of making “in-vehicle recordings” – video recordings, with audio, made inside taxi compartments – as well as recordings of taxis’ front and rear views.

    It added that JRSs should capture data concerning taxis’ location via a global navigation satellite system.

    The bureau said it believes the functions will help deter malpractices by taxi drivers, enhance driving safety and safeguard the interests of both drivers and passengers in the event of disputes.

    To assist the trade in preparing for new requirements relating to the JRSs, the Transport Department will inform the trade of these through various channels, including its own website, the regular Taxi Newsletter, publicity leaflets and regular meetings with the trade, in the second half of this year.

    The department will also carry out work relating to the authorisation of suppliers starting from the fourth quarter of this year, so that the trade can start installing JRSs inside taxi compartments next year.

    Upon completion of installation in all taxis, the JRSs will be ready to come into operation and will have to be connected to the department’s centralised information system.

    To protect the privacy of passengers and drivers, the recordings and data captured by JRSs should be encrypted. Law enforcement agencies, the Commissioner for Transport and authorised persons will be able retrieve or access in-vehicle recordings only for specified purposes.

    The bureau outlined that, as many taxis still only accept cash, causing great inconvenience to passengers, especially tourists, all taxi drivers will be required to allow fares to be paid by e-payment means.

    The requirement will come into effect on April 1 next year.

    To help drivers to prepare for it, the department will co-ordinate with various e-payment platforms to arrange workshops or briefings to assist drivers in learning how to collect fares through e-payment means.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    July 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Sweed Announces Partnership with Mission Green to Advocate for Criminal Justice Reform and Legalize Cannabis

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sweed, the industry-leading cannabis technology platform, announced today a partnership with Mission Green, the nonprofit organization dedicated to funding social change and providing financial aid for those who are serving prison time for nonviolent cannabis-related offenses. Initiated by Sweed as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to connect cannabis advocacy and reform with the innovative technology driving the future of cannabis retail. Sweed’s partnership with Mission Green and The Weldon Project includes a donation as well as a commitment to further promote and assist the organization’s ongoing efforts to drive criminal justice reform and legalize cannabis.

    Weldon Angelos began his journey for social equity and social justice reform after he was sentenced to a 55-year prison term in 2003 for selling less than $1,000 worth of cannabis. Mr. Angelos was eventually released from prison in 2016 after serving 13 years of his term and was then granted clemency. Following his release, Mr. Angelos launched Mission [GREEN], an initiative dedicated to securing clemency for those currently incarcerated for cannabis-related offences and to create pathways for expungements or pardons.

    “As leaders in the cannabis industry, we view it as our responsibility to contribute in whatever way possible to the ongoing fight for cannabis clemency and policy reform that Weldon and Mission Green have so valiantly and consistently led the way towards,” said Hallie Stahl, Director of Corporate Marketing for Sweed. “This partnership between Sweed and The Weldon Project’s Mission Green initiative leverages the reach and reputation of the Sweed platform to further educate, fundraise, and mobilize the cannabis industry to support those who have suffered so that the industry can flourish. We are immensely proud to be partners with Weldon, and we look forward to working together to make a positive impact on the cannabis industry.”

    The partnership between Sweed and The Weldon Project includes an initial donation to the non-profit organization, as well as the potential for additional fundraising and outreach efforts. Sweed, the leading enterprise cannabis retail technology platform, is empowering licensed cannabis dispensaries across the U.S. to support Mission Green through its built-in round-up donation feature. This capability is made possible by Sweed’s integrated tech stack and customer-facing second screen, which facilitates direct contributions during the purchase experience. Additional partnership activities promoting education of cannabis clemency efforts and policy reform initiatives will also be woven into Sweed events throughout the year.

    “Having a company like Sweed partner with Mission Green is an honor, and we are truly grateful for their commitment to furthering our advocacy efforts,” said Weldon Angelos, Founder of The Weldon Project. “Sweed is a trusted technology leader in cannabis, and to have them leverage their technical capabilities and platform to support our cause is exciting and expected to have a big impact on our reach going forward.”

    For more information on Sweed visit: Sweedpos.com

    For more information on Mission Green visit: ProjectMissionGreen.org

    About Sweed
    Sweed is redefining cannabis retail management with its cohesive platform, seamlessly combining Point of Sale, eCommerce, and Marketing & Loyalty solutions. As the original enterprise-grade platform purpose-built for multi-location scalability, Sweed empowers retailers to efficiently manage sales, customer engagement, marketing, and inventory — all from one system. By delivering a tailored, data-driven experience without relying on external integrations, Sweed enables cannabis retailers to drive growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences. For more information, visit https://sweedpos.com/.

    About Mission Green & The Weldon Project
    Mission [Green] is a national initiative powered by The Weldon Project, which was created to support individuals disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. The Weldon Project was founded by Weldon Angelos, a former music producer sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for a nonviolent cannabis offense. After receiving a full pardon from President Trump in 2020, Weldon works tirelessly towards criminal justice reform and second-chance advocacy.

    Media Contact
    Oak PR
    Raquel@oakpr.com

    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025

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

    Source: US State of North Carolina

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

    NCDHHS Celebrates Third Anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, New Resources Available to Help Those in Need
    jawerner
    Tue, 07/15/2025 – 12:26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ###

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ###

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

    Jul 16, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

    MoonBull’s Whitelist Now Live

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

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

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

    Market Context: Turbo and Cheems See Increased Trading Activity

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

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

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

    How to Register for the MoonBull Whitelist

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

    About MoonBull

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

    For More Information:

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

    Contact:
    Ayra
    support@moonbull.io

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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

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    The MIL Network –

    July 17, 2025

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

    Source: APO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Roche Diagnostics.

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

    Nelly Rwenji
    Communications Lead
    ASLM
    nrwenji@aslm.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Learn more: www.ASLM.org

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 17, 2025

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

    Source: APO

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    July 17, 2025

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

    July 17, 2025

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

    Source: Microsoft

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

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

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

    Discover solutions with Microsoft Cloud for Retail

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

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

    1. Starting with product imagery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Proving the value of AI investments in digital twins:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Learn more

    Microsoft Cloud for Retail

    Connect your customers, your people, and your data

    Michele Fisher

    Global Strategy Director

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

    See more articles from this author

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    July 17, 2025

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

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    July 17, 2025
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