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  • MIL-OSI Security: Group convicted after Russian-ordered arson attack in London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Five men have been convicted for their involvement in a Russian-ordered arson attack on a London warehouse full of supplies destined for Ukraine.

    Approximately £1 million of damage was caused after two units in an industrial estate in Leyton were deliberately set alight on 20 March last year.

    An investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command found that Dylan Earl, aged 21, established contact with the Wagner Group, a private military organisation that acts on behalf of the Russian state, in 2023.

    Earl then recruited a group of men to set fire to the Leyton warehouse and organised surveillance of two businesses in Mayfair in preparation for further arson attacks.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said; “This case is clear example of an organisation linked to the Russian state using ‘proxies’ – in this case British men – to carry out very serious criminal activity in this country on their behalf.

    “The ringleaders – Earl and Reeves – willingly acted as hostile agents on behalf of the Russian state. I am pleased that, working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, we were able to use the new National Security Act legislation, which meant the severity of Earl and Reeves’s offending was reflected in the charges they faced.

    “The warehouse arson put members of the public at great risk, and it was only by good fortune nobody was seriously injured or worse. Those involved showed little or no regard for the potential impact of their actions on the UK’s wider security. Seemingly motivated by the promise of money, they were prepared to commit criminal acts on behalf of Russia.

    “I hope these convictions send a strong warning of the very serious consequences of committing offences on behalf of a foreign country.”

    The businesses based in the warehouses damaged by the arson were both Ukrainian-owned.

    The fire was initially investigated by local Met officers in Waltham Forest. However, after officers became aware that another warehouse belonging to the same Ukrainian company was also subject to an arson attack in Madrid, Spain, detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command took over the investigation.

    Met counter terrorism detectives then worked quickly to identify the individuals involved, which led them to suspect that Earl was the architect of the plot.

    Earl was the first to be arrested in a B&Q car park in Hinckley, Leicestershire, on 10 April 2024. Analysis of his mobile phone revealed his contact with the Wagner Group on Telegram, via an account with the usernames ‘Privet Bot’ and ‘Lucky Strike’.

    In total, detectives extracted 56GB of data from Earl’s phone including, 5702 instant messages, 1244 e-mails, 51528 images, 3629 videos, 183 documents and 4840 social media files; some of the content required translation from Russian.

    The swift investigation was crucial in preventing Earl and others from carrying out further arson attacks at two premises in Mayfair – evidence of which was found by officers following his arrest. Messages recovered from Earl’s phone showed that reconnaissance had already been carried out and discussions were ongoing about the use of explosives to damage buildings.

    Detectives found that Earl was also raising the possibility of kidnapping the owner of the business, a Russian dissident, and “exiling him back to Russia to face prison.”

    Analysis of Earl’s Telegram messages showed the first person he recruited for the warehouse arson plot was Jake Reeves, who then recruited his friend Kojo Mensah to carry out the arson. In turn, Mensah recruited his friend Jakeem Rose. Ugnius Asmena was also recruited to take part.

    The investigation team established that three men – Mensah, Rose and Asmena met up on the evening of 20 March 2024 and travelled in a red Kia Picanto to the scene of the arson. Officers found evidence that Mensah filmed the warehouse being set alight and livestreamed it on Face Time to Earl and Reeves.

    Dmitrijus Paulauskas, a friend of Reeves, and Ashton Evans, who helped Earl supply drugs, were also charged as part of the investigation as social media messages allegedly showed they were both aware of the arson attack and the planned offences in Mayfair.

    On 8 July Mensah , 23 (03.06.02) from Thornton Heath, Rose 23 (24.05.02), of Croydon and Asmena, 21 (31.12.04) of no fixed address, were convicted of aggravated arson.

    Paul English 61 (02.10.63) from Roehampton was found not guilty of the same charge.

    Paulauskas 23 (02.01.02), of Croydon was found not guilty of two counts of failing to disclose information about terrorist acts.

    Evans 20 (11.01.2005) of Newport. Evans was found not guilty of the first count (relating to the Leyton arson) but guilty of the second count related to the plot to damage businesses in Mayfair.

    Rose previously pleaded guilty to having a bladed article in a public place (in relation to a knife he left at the scene of the arson in Leyton). Evans also previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

    Earl 21 (17.02.04) of Elmesthorpe, Leicester, pleaded guilty to preparatory conduct, contrary to section 18 of the National Security Act (NSA) 2023, aggravated arson, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of criminal property.

    Reeves, 23 (20.10.01), of Croydon pleaded guilty to agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 17(2) and (11), NSA 2023, and aggravated arson.

    Earl and Reeves are the first people to be convicted of offences under the National Security Act, which came into legislation at the end of 2023.

    All the defendants will be sentenced at the Old Bailey at a later date.

    All the material is available to download here

    https://mps.box.com/s/xfydvnz3dfddzsqyi7mntuzen88u17z7

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bell Wealth Partners Launches with Support of LPL Strategic Wealth Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC announced today that father and son financial advisors Robert Bell, II, AIF®, and Keegan Bell, AIF®, AAMS®, have launched a new independent practice, Bell Wealth Partners, through affiliation with LPL Financial’s supported independence model, LPL Strategic Wealth Services. The team reported serving approximately $450 million in advisory, brokerage and retirement plan assets* and joins LPL from Raymond James.

    Headquartered in Fairbanks, Alaska with an additional office in Medford, Ore., the ensemble practice has developed a strong reputation over the years for providing holistic experiences and personalized services to address each aspect of a client’s financial life. The Bells are managing partners of the firm and are joined by fellow advisor Tom Cook and client associates Renee Schoettle, Margarita Duran-Espino, Jamie Walker and Kirsten Bell, Robert’s wife.

    “We are all deeply invested in helping our clients work toward their financial goals,” Robert said. “We take the time to get to know each client on a personal level to better understand their financial aspirations, and we work with their accountants and attorneys to create a customized plan that is right for them. It’s our goal to help clients have happy, fulfilled lives, and we consider it our privilege and responsibility to help them with that.”

    Why they made the move to LPL Financial

    The transition to LPL Financial is underpinned by the team’s aspiration to augment client experiences and cater to the next generation of wealth.

    “We’re moving to LPL so we can add more value to the client experience as we seek new ways to go above and beyond,” Keegan said. “We want to be a one-stop shop—a center to help with a clients’ entire financial situation. This move allows us to really increase that value add and better take care of them, not just for them but for the next generation of wealth and the transfer to their beneficiaries.”

    The team was drawn to LPL’s comprehensive supported independence solution, LPL Strategic Wealth Services (SW), which combines the freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship with hands-on business services and support to help practices thrive, both operationally and strategically. In addition to having access to LPL’s innovative wealth management platform and sophisticated resources, SW advisors benefit from a truly integrated service that includes simplified pricing, technology and dedicated support to launch their practice. Then, after the transition is complete, SW teams receive ongoing operations support managed by their team of experienced professionals including a business strategist, marketing partner, CFO and administrative assistant. Advisors have one point of contact, a dedicated team and priority access to advocacy and project management for complex business issues, ultimately allowing them to stay focused on the enduring needs of their clients and the culture and evolution of their practice.

    “Strategic Wealth Services was truly a differentiating factor in our decision to move,” Robert said. “We are joining a very niche group at LPL, which allows us to collaborate with others in the model and access a team of specialists, including high-net-worth and trust consultants. This move enables us to add an extra layer of planning and ensure we’re not just taking care of clients now, but their beneficiaries as well.”

    Scott Posner, LPL Managing Director, Business Development, said, “We welcome Robert, Keegan, Tom, Renee, Margarita, Jamie and Kirsten to the LPL community and congratulate them on going independent with LPL Strategic Wealth. Just as the Bell Wealth Partners team is committed to helping their clients work toward their fiscal goals, LPL provides advisors with innovative technology and sophisticated capabilities to help them provide an elevated client experience. We look forward to supporting Bell Wealth Partners for years to come.”

    Related

    Advisors, learn how LPL Financial can help take your business to the next level.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports nearly 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer, member FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial. Bell Wealth Partners and LPL are separate entities.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    *Value approximated based on asset and holding details provided to LPL from end of year, 2024.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 

    Tracking #760446

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Oncology Breakthroughs Being Fueled by Advancements in Clinical Trials and New Therapies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global oncology market, including breakthrough treatments, is experiencing substantial growth, with revenues projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years. Several factors are driving this expansion, including rising cancer incidence, advancements in therapies like precision medicine and immunotherapy, and increased investment in research and development. A report from Grand View Research said that the global breakthrough therapy designation market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% through 2030. It is a process designed to escalate the development and assessment of sanctioning of drugs & biologics that are proposed for treating severe diseases, whereas primary clinical evidence notifies that the drug determines considerable enhancement over existing therapy on a clinically significant endpoint. Furthermore, the BT (Breakthrough) designation lets pharma companies hasten the developmental process by offering additional support and assistance from the FDA and making medications available to the public faster. The report continued: “Apart from breakthrough designation therapy, there are some important tools, all of which have been in place for many years, such as fast-track designation, accelerated approval, and priority review. All of these are inclined toward approving drugs used to treat serious disorders. Although these processes can reduce a drug’s time to market, standard clinical testing is required for the development process, which usually involves three phases of large-scale and controlled trials.” Active oncology biotech and pharma companies in the markets this week include Oncolytics Biotech®Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), Mustang Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBIO), Verastem Oncology (NASDAQ: VSTM), Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDF), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN).

    Grand View Research continued: “The increasing prevalence of life-threatening conditions and the necessity for the rapid development of pipeline drugs are also some factors that propel the breakthrough therapy drug market. This is primarily driven by the significant unmet need for effective treatments for severe conditions currently available. Manufacturing companies are particularly attentive to drugs designated as breakthrough therapies due to the accelerated market access and higher returns on investment. Breakthrough therapy drugs often undergo less extensive clinical trials, which is a direct consequence of their market designation. The FDA’s enhanced support for small-scale industries in research and development, including increased funding and expedited drug approval processes, is further stimulating the market for breakthrough therapy drugs. Collectively, these elements are pushing the breakthrough therapy drug market forward. Further, innovative gene and cell therapies are offering new treatment decisions for previously untreatable illnesses, mainly drifting to more breakthrough therapy designations. Moreover, the regulatory support agencies are streamlining processes and offering assistance for breakthrough therapies to speed up their development and sanction. Another aspect leading the breakthrough therapy designations is the cross-sector collaborations between academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes that are lifting the upgradation and the advancement of new breakthrough therapies completely.”

    Oncolytics Biotech®Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) Highlights Transformative Pelareorep Survival Data in Multiple Tumors and Commitment to Registration-Enabling Studies

    • Comparison with multiple landmark first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma studies substantiates strong two-year survival benefit of 21.9% vs. 9.2% historical benchmark
    • Consistent survival benefit compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy in randomized studies in the large HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer indication
    • Data from over 1,100 patients across tumor types reveals a favorable, well-understood safety profile

    — Oncolytics Biotech ® Inc. ($ONCY $ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, today announced a strategic update highlighting its compelling clinical data from two tumor types and outlining a sharpened focus on advancing pelareorep, the Company’s intravenously delivered oncolytic virus immunotherapy, into registration-enabling studies.

    “We are no longer in the business of funding proof-of-concept studies,” said Jared Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. “We have meaningful clinical data in hand—not just signals. The survival benefit across multiple tumor types demands a focused approach to take pelareorep directly into registration-enabling trials. We will use our fast-track status to find the most efficient regulatory path forward this summer to advance our platform in a product technology.”

    Results from two completed first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) trials demonstrate a strong and consistent efficacy signal showing extremely rare 2-year overall survival rates of 21.9% vs. 9.2% based on pooled data from over 100 patients across two studies evaluating pelareorep combined with a chemotherapy backbone. In addition, a best-in-class 62% objective response rate (ORR) was observed in a single-arm study of pelareorep in combination with a chemotherapy backbone and a checkpoint inhibitor in 13 evaluable patients. These results collectively represent promising efficacy for a therapeutic regimen that includes an immunotherapy in this difficult-to-treat cancer. Currently, there are no approved immunotherapies for first-line treatment of mPDAC…

    …Pelareorep’s clinical activity in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer – a large indication with continued significant unmet medical need and no currently approved immunotherapies – has been demonstrated in two randomized phase 2 studies, both of which showed a median overall survival (mOS) benefit of greater than 10 months compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy (IND.213 mOS: 21.0 vs. 10.8 months; BRACELET-1 mOS: not statistically reached; conservative estimate = 32.1 months vs. 18.2 months). In the randomized, controlled BRACELET-1 study, pelareorep combined with paclitaxel yielded a 12.1-month median progression-free survival (PFS) compared to 6.4 months in the paclitaxel alone control arm.

    “Pelareorep represents a tipping point for immunotherapy in cold tumors,” said Dr. Thomas Heineman, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics. “It is delivering consistent immunologic and clinical responses in multiple tumor types. Most impressively, pelareorep activates the immune system to produce clinical benefits in cancers that are typically unresponsive to immunotherapies like mPDAC and unresectable HR+/HER2- breast cancer, creating new oncology entry points for immune-based combination therapies.” CONTINUED… Read these full press releases and more news for ONCY at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-oncy/

    Other recent oncology developments in the biotech industry of note include:

    Mustang Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on translating today’s medical breakthroughs in cell therapies into potential cures for difficult-to-treat cancers, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to Mustang for MB-101 (IL13Ra2-targeted CAR T-cells) for the treatment of recurrent diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma (astrocytomas) and glioblastoma (GBM).

    The FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation to drugs and biologics that are intended for safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. Orphan Drug Designation provides certain incentives, such as tax credits toward the cost of clinical trials upon approval and prescription drug user fee waivers. If a product receives Orphan Drug Status from the FDA, that product is entitled to seven years of market exclusivity for the disease in which it has Orphan Drug designation, which is independent from intellectual property protection.

    Verastem Oncology (NASDAQ: VSTM), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new medicines for patients with RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers, recently announced that updated results from the Phase 1/2 FRAME study conducted by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust were published online in Nature Medicine. The full manuscript, titled “Defactinib with avutometinib in patients with solid tumors: the phase 1 FRAME trial,” was the first-in-human study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of avutometinib in combination with defactinib in patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other solid tumor types.

    “The FRAME study was the early foundation for the recent FDA approval of avutometinib plus defactinib in KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer and we are pleased to see that the mature data set continues to show the safety and tolerability of this combination therapy,” said Dan Paterson, president and chief executive officer of Verastem Oncology. “This supports our ongoing commitment to advancing our research into the combination for use in other solid tumors, including RAMP 205 in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer.”

    Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers, recently announced the company has appointed Roger Sidhu, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Sidhu is a veteran executive and clinician with over 20 years of experience and a strong track record of success in oncology research, development, and regulatory strategy. Dr. Sidhu succeeds Dr. Fairooz Kabbinavar who will remain with the company in an advisory role. The company also announced it will share additional clinical data from its lead program in RAS-mutated mCRC on July 29, 2025.

    “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Sidhu to lead the clinical program for onvansertib through the next phase of development. Dr. Sidhu is a respected clinician and seasoned executive with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through late-stage clinical development across multiple therapeutic areas including in first-line mCRC. As we move forward, we thank Dr. Kabbinavar for his leadership in progressing onvansertib’s clinical development across multiple tumor types,” said Mark Erlander, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Oncology. “In addition to today’s medical leadership transition, we are announcing our plan to share an update of clinical data from the ongoing CRDF-004 trial on July 29, at which point we expect to release a substantive dataset.”

    AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN)‘s Imfinzi (durvalumab) has been approved in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of adult patients with resectable muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as neoadjuvant treatment, followed by Imfinzi as monotherapy adjuvant treatment after radical cystectomy (surgery to remove the bladder).

    The approval by the European Commission follows the positive opinion of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use and is based on results from the NIAGARA Phase III trial, which were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

    In a planned interim analysis, the Imfinzi-based perioperative regimen demonstrated a statistically significant 32% reduction in the risk of disease progression, recurrence, not undergoing surgery, or death versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy with radical cystectomy alone (based on event-free survival [EFS] hazard ratio [HR] of 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.82; p<0.0001). Estimated median EFS was not yet reached for the Imfinzi arm versus 46.1 months for the comparator arm. An estimated 67.8% of patients treated with the regimen were event free at two years compared to 59.8% in the comparator arm.

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Oncology Breakthroughs Being Fueled by Advancements in Clinical Trials and New Therapies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global oncology market, including breakthrough treatments, is experiencing substantial growth, with revenues projected to reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the coming years. Several factors are driving this expansion, including rising cancer incidence, advancements in therapies like precision medicine and immunotherapy, and increased investment in research and development. A report from Grand View Research said that the global breakthrough therapy designation market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.2% through 2030. It is a process designed to escalate the development and assessment of sanctioning of drugs & biologics that are proposed for treating severe diseases, whereas primary clinical evidence notifies that the drug determines considerable enhancement over existing therapy on a clinically significant endpoint. Furthermore, the BT (Breakthrough) designation lets pharma companies hasten the developmental process by offering additional support and assistance from the FDA and making medications available to the public faster. The report continued: “Apart from breakthrough designation therapy, there are some important tools, all of which have been in place for many years, such as fast-track designation, accelerated approval, and priority review. All of these are inclined toward approving drugs used to treat serious disorders. Although these processes can reduce a drug’s time to market, standard clinical testing is required for the development process, which usually involves three phases of large-scale and controlled trials.” Active oncology biotech and pharma companies in the markets this week include Oncolytics Biotech®Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC), Mustang Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBIO), Verastem Oncology (NASDAQ: VSTM), Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDF), AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN).

    Grand View Research continued: “The increasing prevalence of life-threatening conditions and the necessity for the rapid development of pipeline drugs are also some factors that propel the breakthrough therapy drug market. This is primarily driven by the significant unmet need for effective treatments for severe conditions currently available. Manufacturing companies are particularly attentive to drugs designated as breakthrough therapies due to the accelerated market access and higher returns on investment. Breakthrough therapy drugs often undergo less extensive clinical trials, which is a direct consequence of their market designation. The FDA’s enhanced support for small-scale industries in research and development, including increased funding and expedited drug approval processes, is further stimulating the market for breakthrough therapy drugs. Collectively, these elements are pushing the breakthrough therapy drug market forward. Further, innovative gene and cell therapies are offering new treatment decisions for previously untreatable illnesses, mainly drifting to more breakthrough therapy designations. Moreover, the regulatory support agencies are streamlining processes and offering assistance for breakthrough therapies to speed up their development and sanction. Another aspect leading the breakthrough therapy designations is the cross-sector collaborations between academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutes that are lifting the upgradation and the advancement of new breakthrough therapies completely.”

    Oncolytics Biotech®Inc. (NASDAQ: ONCY) (TSX: ONC) Highlights Transformative Pelareorep Survival Data in Multiple Tumors and Commitment to Registration-Enabling Studies

    • Comparison with multiple landmark first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma studies substantiates strong two-year survival benefit of 21.9% vs. 9.2% historical benchmark
    • Consistent survival benefit compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy in randomized studies in the large HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer indication
    • Data from over 1,100 patients across tumor types reveals a favorable, well-understood safety profile

    — Oncolytics Biotech ® Inc. ($ONCY $ONC), a leading clinical-stage company specializing in immunotherapy for oncology, today announced a strategic update highlighting its compelling clinical data from two tumor types and outlining a sharpened focus on advancing pelareorep, the Company’s intravenously delivered oncolytic virus immunotherapy, into registration-enabling studies.

    “We are no longer in the business of funding proof-of-concept studies,” said Jared Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of Oncolytics. “We have meaningful clinical data in hand—not just signals. The survival benefit across multiple tumor types demands a focused approach to take pelareorep directly into registration-enabling trials. We will use our fast-track status to find the most efficient regulatory path forward this summer to advance our platform in a product technology.”

    Results from two completed first-line metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) trials demonstrate a strong and consistent efficacy signal showing extremely rare 2-year overall survival rates of 21.9% vs. 9.2% based on pooled data from over 100 patients across two studies evaluating pelareorep combined with a chemotherapy backbone. In addition, a best-in-class 62% objective response rate (ORR) was observed in a single-arm study of pelareorep in combination with a chemotherapy backbone and a checkpoint inhibitor in 13 evaluable patients. These results collectively represent promising efficacy for a therapeutic regimen that includes an immunotherapy in this difficult-to-treat cancer. Currently, there are no approved immunotherapies for first-line treatment of mPDAC…

    …Pelareorep’s clinical activity in HR+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer – a large indication with continued significant unmet medical need and no currently approved immunotherapies – has been demonstrated in two randomized phase 2 studies, both of which showed a median overall survival (mOS) benefit of greater than 10 months compared to standard-of-care chemotherapy (IND.213 mOS: 21.0 vs. 10.8 months; BRACELET-1 mOS: not statistically reached; conservative estimate = 32.1 months vs. 18.2 months). In the randomized, controlled BRACELET-1 study, pelareorep combined with paclitaxel yielded a 12.1-month median progression-free survival (PFS) compared to 6.4 months in the paclitaxel alone control arm.

    “Pelareorep represents a tipping point for immunotherapy in cold tumors,” said Dr. Thomas Heineman, Chief Medical Officer of Oncolytics. “It is delivering consistent immunologic and clinical responses in multiple tumor types. Most impressively, pelareorep activates the immune system to produce clinical benefits in cancers that are typically unresponsive to immunotherapies like mPDAC and unresectable HR+/HER2- breast cancer, creating new oncology entry points for immune-based combination therapies.” CONTINUED… Read these full press releases and more news for ONCY at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-oncy/

    Other recent oncology developments in the biotech industry of note include:

    Mustang Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on translating today’s medical breakthroughs in cell therapies into potential cures for difficult-to-treat cancers, recently announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to Mustang for MB-101 (IL13Ra2-targeted CAR T-cells) for the treatment of recurrent diffuse and anaplastic astrocytoma (astrocytomas) and glioblastoma (GBM).

    The FDA grants Orphan Drug Designation to drugs and biologics that are intended for safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the U.S. Orphan Drug Designation provides certain incentives, such as tax credits toward the cost of clinical trials upon approval and prescription drug user fee waivers. If a product receives Orphan Drug Status from the FDA, that product is entitled to seven years of market exclusivity for the disease in which it has Orphan Drug designation, which is independent from intellectual property protection.

    Verastem Oncology (NASDAQ: VSTM), a biopharmaceutical company committed to advancing new medicines for patients with RAS/MAPK pathway-driven cancers, recently announced that updated results from the Phase 1/2 FRAME study conducted by The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust were published online in Nature Medicine. The full manuscript, titled “Defactinib with avutometinib in patients with solid tumors: the phase 1 FRAME trial,” was the first-in-human study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of avutometinib in combination with defactinib in patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other solid tumor types.

    “The FRAME study was the early foundation for the recent FDA approval of avutometinib plus defactinib in KRAS-mutated recurrent low-grade serous ovarian cancer and we are pleased to see that the mature data set continues to show the safety and tolerability of this combination therapy,” said Dan Paterson, president and chief executive officer of Verastem Oncology. “This supports our ongoing commitment to advancing our research into the combination for use in other solid tumors, including RAMP 205 in first-line metastatic pancreatic cancer.”

    Cardiff Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRDF), a clinical-stage biotechnology company leveraging PLK1 inhibition to develop novel therapies across a range of cancers, recently announced the company has appointed Roger Sidhu, MD, as Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Sidhu is a veteran executive and clinician with over 20 years of experience and a strong track record of success in oncology research, development, and regulatory strategy. Dr. Sidhu succeeds Dr. Fairooz Kabbinavar who will remain with the company in an advisory role. The company also announced it will share additional clinical data from its lead program in RAS-mutated mCRC on July 29, 2025.

    “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Sidhu to lead the clinical program for onvansertib through the next phase of development. Dr. Sidhu is a respected clinician and seasoned executive with a proven track record of advancing innovative therapies through late-stage clinical development across multiple therapeutic areas including in first-line mCRC. As we move forward, we thank Dr. Kabbinavar for his leadership in progressing onvansertib’s clinical development across multiple tumor types,” said Mark Erlander, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Oncology. “In addition to today’s medical leadership transition, we are announcing our plan to share an update of clinical data from the ongoing CRDF-004 trial on July 29, at which point we expect to release a substantive dataset.”

    AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ: AZN)‘s Imfinzi (durvalumab) has been approved in the European Union (EU) for the treatment of adult patients with resectable muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin as neoadjuvant treatment, followed by Imfinzi as monotherapy adjuvant treatment after radical cystectomy (surgery to remove the bladder).

    The approval by the European Commission follows the positive opinion of the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use and is based on results from the NIAGARA Phase III trial, which were published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

    In a planned interim analysis, the Imfinzi-based perioperative regimen demonstrated a statistically significant 32% reduction in the risk of disease progression, recurrence, not undergoing surgery, or death versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy with radical cystectomy alone (based on event-free survival [EFS] hazard ratio [HR] of 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56-0.82; p<0.0001). Estimated median EFS was not yet reached for the Imfinzi arm versus 46.1 months for the comparator arm. An estimated 67.8% of patients treated with the regimen were event free at two years compared to 59.8% in the comparator arm.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #pressreleases #tickertagpressreleases

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM was compensated forty nine hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Oncolytics Biotech® Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Correction: Form 8.3 – Unite Group Plc

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AMENDED DISCLOSURE – PLEASE REFER TO SECTION 3(a)

    8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Rathbones Group Plc
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 The Unite Group Plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 03/07/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 Yes

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 25p Ord
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 724,161 0.14%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 724,161 0.14%    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    25p Ordinary Shares Sale 500 823.6449p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
             

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
           

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No
    Date of disclosure: 08/07/2025
    Contact name: Chinwe Enyi – Compliance Department
    Telephone number: 0151 243 7053

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Xsolis’ AI-Driven Solution, New Features Evaluated in KLAS Second Look Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FRANKLIN, Tenn., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Xsolis, an AI-driven technology company that reduces administrative waste by enabling collaboration between healthcare providers and payers, was featured today in the KLAS Second Look Report, “Xsolis Platform 2025: Improving Utilization Management, Length of Stay & Denial Performance Through AI-Driven Offerings in the Mid-Revenue Cycle.” The KLAS Second Look Report focuses on how the customer experience has changed over the past four years, including as a result of enhancements made available within Dragonfly, the next generation of the company’s AI-driven platform.

    KLAS is an independent research organization that helps healthcare providers make informed technology decisions by offering accurate, honest, and impartial vendor performance information. KLAS interviewed Xsolis clients in early 2025 for a second look, and reports the following anonymized key findings:

    • Respondents report satisfaction within the Key Performance Indicators:
      • Supports integration goals
      • Product has needed functionality (delivers solutions as expected)
      • Executive involvement
      • Likely to recommend
    • 89% of KLAS-surveyed customers report using Xsolis’ AI technology to minimize preventable denials
    • 91% of respondents say they are Satisfied or Highly Satisfied with Overall Performance
    • 88% of respondents say they saw outcomes Immediately, Within 6 Months, or Within 6-12 Months
    • 78% engage in payer-provider communications through the Dragonfly platform
    • Respondents who have been on Xsolis’ AI-driven platform for more than one year report excitement about new updates and functionalities that are being offered as a result of Dragonfly
    • Respondents report the top reasons they selected the Xsolis platform as: advanced AI technology, excellent customer service, seamless EHR integration, and positive references
    • Respondents say the Xsolis platform has reduced the length of patient stays, saved on costs, and improved observation rates and denials rates

    “What has changed with our most recent KLAS survey effort is our expanded footprint and the problems Xsolis solves, including optimizing length-of-stay and increasing payer-provider collaboration, which have been critical in bringing relief to our clients,” said Joan Butters, CEO and co-founder of Xsolis. “As we enhance our solutions to deliver frictionless healthcare in meaningful, new ways for our clients, it is both validating and informative to learn their feedback as we continue to meet their evolving needs.”

    A Kaiser Family Foundation survey from 2023 revealed claims denials are up, with nearly one in five adults experiencing health insurance claim denials in the previous year. Adjudicating denials costs just under $20 billion a year, and around half of denials are ultimately overturned — a costly problem that can be improved with tools that accelerate payer-provider alignment. Late 2024 marked an inflection point for payer-provider friction and how it affects the patient experience, accelerating the need for transparency and reform.

    Xsolis was featured in a KLAS Top 20 Emerging Solutions Report and as one of the top five solutions for reducing the cost of care in 2022 and was listed in 2025 as No. 1 Best in KLAS for Physician Advisory Services for the fourth year. A payer client’s and provider client’s use of Xsolis’ shared platform was recognized in a 2023 KLAS Points of Light Case Study, which highlights successful payer-provider initiatives that lead to an improved patient experience.

    As a pioneer in the practical, effective application of AI in healthcare, Xsolis has been helping its clients make more informed medical necessity decisions during utilization reviews since 2013. Dragonfly represents the next generation of the company’s AI-driven platform and was launched in late 2024. The platform is powered by Predictive AI models, offers new Generative AI tools, and can be augmented with advanced analytic packages such as Navigate to reduce length of stay or Revenue Integrity Insights. Xsolis also offers Denials Management Services and Physician Advisory Services. To date, Xsolis’ solutions are used in more than 500 hospitals nationwide, with two-thirds having shared AI platform access with their networked health plans.

    To learn more about Xsolis, please visit: www.xsolis.com

    Download the KLAS Second Look Report here: https://www.xsolis.com/2025-klas-second-look-report/

    KLAS subscribers can access the report here: https://klasresearch.com/report/xsolis-platform-2025-improving-utilization-management-length-of-stay-and-denial-performance-through-ai-driven-offerings-in-the-mid-revenue-cycle/3746

    About Xsolis
    Xsolis is an AI-driven technology company that reduces administrative waste by enabling collaboration between healthcare providers and payers. Dragonfly®, its AI-driven proprietary platform, is the first and only solution to use real-time predictive analytics to continuously assign an objective medical necessity score and assess the anticipated level of care for every patient, enabling more efficiency across the healthcare system. Xsolis is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee. For more information, visit www.xsolis.com.

    About KLAS
    KLAS is a research and insights firm on a global mission to improve healthcare. Working with thousands of healthcare professionals and clinicians, KLAS gathers data and insights on software and services to deliver timely reports and performance data that represent provider and payer voices and act as catalysts for improving vendor performance. The KLAS research team publishes reports covering the most pressing questions facing healthcare technology today, including emerging technology insights, that provide early insights on the future of healthcare technology solutions. KLAS also fosters measurement and collaboration between healthcare providers and payers and best practice adoption. Learn more at klasresearch.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Top Las Vegas Loan Officer Leaves CrossCountry Mortgage, Boomerangs Back to Rate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, a leading fintech company, today announced the return of top-producing Las Vegas loan originator Jia Mei Wang, who has officially boomeranged back to the company after a stint at CrossCountry Mortgage.

    A seasoned mortgage professional since 2003, Wang originally spent six years with Rate before exploring other platforms. She now returns, citing the company’s unmatched technology and end-to-end support.

    “After spending over half a decade at Rate in years prior, I was confident returning would be the right move,” said Wang. “The company’s technology platform makes it easier to close loans efficiently, which is critical when you’re focused on building long-term client relationships.”

    In addition to her career as a loan originator, Wang is also President of the North America Shanghai Chamber of Commerce. Her decision to rejoin reflects the company’s continued strength in attracting and retaining top-tier talent focused on growth, service, and community leadership.

    “Jia Mei is one of the top-producing loan officers in Las Vegas, and we’re excited to have her back,” said John Stewart, Rate Chief Production Officer, West. “She’s sharp, experienced, and deeply committed to her clients. She knows what it takes to deliver, and we’re proud to support her as she serves clients in Las Vegas and beyond.”

    Her return expands Rate’s presence in Las Vegas and reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting high-performing originators with the tools, coaching, and infrastructure to thrive.

    About Rate

    Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans, refinances, and home equity loans. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Recent honors and awards include: a Best Mortgage Lender of 2025 by Fortune; Best Mortgage Lender of 2025 for First-Time Homebuyers by Forbes; a Best Mortgage Lender of 2025 for FHA Loans, Home Equity Loans, and Lower Credit Scores by NerdWallet; Best Mortgage Lender of 2025 for Digital Experience and Down Payment Assistance by Motley Fool; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years. Visit rate.com for more information.

    Contact

    press@rate.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d70400a2-ae37-4214-a50b-87ba39f77f09

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gevo to Participate in Virtual Fireside Chat

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) announced today that Leke Agiri, Gevo’s Chief Financial Officer, and Eric Frey, Gevo’s Vice President of Finance and Strategy, will participate in a virtual fireside chat on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 10:00am ET.

    Investors and other persons interested in participating in the event must register using the link below.

    Registration Link: https://www.renmarkfinancial.com/live-registration/renmark-virtual-non-deal-roadshow-nasdaq-gevo-LDnER-DQV-

    About Gevo

    Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including synthetic aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.

    For more information, see www.gevo.com.

    Media Contact
    Heather Manuel
    Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
    PR@gevo.com

    Investor Contact
    Eric Frey, PhD
    Vice President of Finance and Strategy
    IR@Gevo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Research Team Releases Midyear Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism, Measured Expectations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This annual report offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic and market environment, highlighting potential implications for investors and their portfolios

    SAN DIEGO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC today released its Midyear Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism, Measured Expectations. Setting the tone for the second half of 2025, this report offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic and market environment, highlighting potential implications for investors and their portfolios.

    The Midyear Outlook 2025 offers a grounded, data-driven view of where the economy and markets may be headed next. As we reach the halfway mark of the year, trends in income and savings underscore how markets are still recalibrating in response to persistent inflation, a more measured Federal Reserve stance, ongoing tariff uncertainties and the volatility that continues to ripple through global financial systems.

    “Investors and policymakers will need to carefully evaluate the true economic impact of these policy shifts,” said Marc Zabicki, Chief Investment Officer at LPL Financial. “The base-case view is an economy that will begin to show more definitive adverse effects from trade policy with slower labor demand, weaker growth and an uptick in inflation.”

    Key Highlights from the Midyear Outlook 2025

    • Uncertainty in Markets & Evolving Policy: In the second half of the year, delayed effects of trade policy are expected to slow economic growth, soften labor demand and push inflation slightly higher. This challenging backdrop will likely keep the Federal Reserve in a cautious holding pattern on monetary policy for an extended period.
    • The State of the U.S. Economy & Potential Risks: Debt concerns, trade uncertainty and a cautious Federal Reserve are likely to keep Treasury yields range-bound in the second half. With yields still elevated by historical standards, investors should focus on income generation through intermediate-term bonds. As the Fed eventually begins cutting short-term rates, declining cash yields will make bonds increasingly attractive for long-term income and portfolio stability.
    • Investment Strategies in More Volatile Markets: The stock market’s outlook for the second half of the year will hinge on trade talks, AI developments, interest rate swings and tax policy. With valuations already pricing in much of the good news, gains may be modest. While volatility is expected in a tough macro environment, market pullbacks could offer smart opportunities to selectively add to equity positions.
    • Potential Trends & Opportunities in the Second Half of 2025: With economic and policy uncertainty likely to persist, tactical portfolios should strike a balance between risk management and seizing emerging opportunities. Diversifying across asset classes, regions and alternatives can help enhance resilience. Staying alert during market volatility may present timely chances to add equity exposure at more favorable valuations.

    “There’s also a strong likelihood that policy-driven uncertainty is past its high-water mark, and as it recedes, stability should gradually return, bringing with it plenty of new investment opportunities,” Zabicki added. “The environment we see ahead calls for balancing risk mitigation with proactive positioning for long-term upside opportunities—if you know where to look.”

    Important Disclosures

    Please see the LPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2025 for additional description and disclosure.

    The opinions, statements and forecasts presented herein are general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial professional prior to investing.

    Any forward-looking statements including the economic forecasts may not develop as predicted and are subject to change based on future market and other conditions.

    All indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

    All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results.

    Investing involves risk including the loss of principal. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.​ Alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors and should be considered as an investment for the risk capital portion of the investor’s portfolio. The strategies employed in the management of alternative investments may accelerate the velocity of potential losses.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports over 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (402) 740-2047 

    Tracking #: 763507

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: LPL Research Team Releases Midyear Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism, Measured Expectations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This annual report offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic and market environment, highlighting potential implications for investors and their portfolios

    SAN DIEGO, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LPL Financial LLC today released its Midyear Outlook 2025: Pragmatic Optimism, Measured Expectations. Setting the tone for the second half of 2025, this report offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic and market environment, highlighting potential implications for investors and their portfolios.

    The Midyear Outlook 2025 offers a grounded, data-driven view of where the economy and markets may be headed next. As we reach the halfway mark of the year, trends in income and savings underscore how markets are still recalibrating in response to persistent inflation, a more measured Federal Reserve stance, ongoing tariff uncertainties and the volatility that continues to ripple through global financial systems.

    “Investors and policymakers will need to carefully evaluate the true economic impact of these policy shifts,” said Marc Zabicki, Chief Investment Officer at LPL Financial. “The base-case view is an economy that will begin to show more definitive adverse effects from trade policy with slower labor demand, weaker growth and an uptick in inflation.”

    Key Highlights from the Midyear Outlook 2025

    • Uncertainty in Markets & Evolving Policy: In the second half of the year, delayed effects of trade policy are expected to slow economic growth, soften labor demand and push inflation slightly higher. This challenging backdrop will likely keep the Federal Reserve in a cautious holding pattern on monetary policy for an extended period.
    • The State of the U.S. Economy & Potential Risks: Debt concerns, trade uncertainty and a cautious Federal Reserve are likely to keep Treasury yields range-bound in the second half. With yields still elevated by historical standards, investors should focus on income generation through intermediate-term bonds. As the Fed eventually begins cutting short-term rates, declining cash yields will make bonds increasingly attractive for long-term income and portfolio stability.
    • Investment Strategies in More Volatile Markets: The stock market’s outlook for the second half of the year will hinge on trade talks, AI developments, interest rate swings and tax policy. With valuations already pricing in much of the good news, gains may be modest. While volatility is expected in a tough macro environment, market pullbacks could offer smart opportunities to selectively add to equity positions.
    • Potential Trends & Opportunities in the Second Half of 2025: With economic and policy uncertainty likely to persist, tactical portfolios should strike a balance between risk management and seizing emerging opportunities. Diversifying across asset classes, regions and alternatives can help enhance resilience. Staying alert during market volatility may present timely chances to add equity exposure at more favorable valuations.

    “There’s also a strong likelihood that policy-driven uncertainty is past its high-water mark, and as it recedes, stability should gradually return, bringing with it plenty of new investment opportunities,” Zabicki added. “The environment we see ahead calls for balancing risk mitigation with proactive positioning for long-term upside opportunities—if you know where to look.”

    Important Disclosures

    Please see the LPL Financial Research Midyear Outlook 2025 for additional description and disclosure.

    The opinions, statements and forecasts presented herein are general information only and are not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial professional prior to investing.

    Any forward-looking statements including the economic forecasts may not develop as predicted and are subject to change based on future market and other conditions.

    All indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

    All performance referenced is historical and is not a guarantee of future results.

    Investing involves risk including the loss of principal. There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.​ Alternative investments may not be suitable for all investors and should be considered as an investment for the risk capital portion of the investor’s portfolio. The strategies employed in the management of alternative investments may accelerate the velocity of potential losses.

    About LPL Financial

    LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) is among the fastest growing wealth management firms in the U.S. As a leader in the financial advisor-mediated marketplace, LPL supports over 29,000 financial advisors and the wealth management practices of approximately 1,200 financial institutions, servicing and custodying approximately $1.8 trillion in brokerage and advisory assets on behalf of approximately 7 million Americans. The firm provides a wide range of advisor affiliation models, investment solutions, fintech tools and practice management services, ensuring that advisors and institutions have the flexibility to choose the business model, services, and technology resources they need to run thriving businesses. For further information about LPL, please visit www.lpl.com.

    Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial LLC (“LPL Financial”), a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC.

    Throughout this communication, the terms “financial advisors” and “advisors” are used to refer to registered representatives and/or investment advisor representatives affiliated with LPL Financial.

    We routinely disclose information that may be important to shareholders in the “Investor Relations” or “Press Releases” section of our website.

    Media Contact: 
    Media.relations@LPLFinancial.com 
    (402) 740-2047 

    Tracking #: 763507

    The MIL Network –

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    In Q2 2025 alone, the company closed:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The MIL Network –

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

    About Satellogic

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

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

    Contacts

    Investor Relations:

    Ryan Driver, VP of Strategy & Corporate Development

    ryan.driver@Satellogic.com

    Media Relations:

    Satellogic

    pr@Satellogic.com

    The MIL Network –

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

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    About Wix.com Ltd.

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

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

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

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

    Follow Monotype on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.     

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CAI Launches Cyber Insurance Assessment to Address Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CAI, a global services firm, announced today the launch of its cyber insurance assessment to evaluate organizations’ cybersecurity postures. Designed to consolidate 15 critical cybersecurity categories into one comprehensive form, the results can be used to ensure compliance, remediate vulnerabilities and leveraged when applying for insurance or updating existing carriers.

    More than $9.8 billion in cyber insurance premiums were reported in 20231, and with global cybercrime costs projected to escalate to multitrillions by the end of 20252, organizations continue to take precautions. The cyber insurance assessment gauges data privacy and security, governance and policies, logical access controls, AI, among others. Aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, the audit serves information security officers who are interested in understanding and bolstering their cyber resilience.

    • Extensive NIST CSF 2.0 coverage: Features six main functions within the framework including identify, protect, detect, respond, recover and govern.
    • User-centric design: Streamlines the assessment process by minimizing redundancies, making it faster and more efficient for organizations of all sizes to complete.
    • Strategic insights: Delivers actionable recommendations, enabling stakeholders to prioritize cybersecurity investments.

    “We recognized a significant gap in the industry where companies, especially smaller organizations, struggled with the intricacies of cyber insurance assessments,” said Rex Johnson, vice president, Cybersecurity and Cloud Services at CAI. “Our universal assessment provides a standardized approach, empowering organizations and their security leaders with accurate, crucial and fast cybersecurity evaluations they can trust.”

    For more information, visit https://www.cai.io/services/cybersecurity/explore-a-cyber-insurance-assessment

    About CAI

    CAI is a global services firm with over 9,000 associates worldwide and a yearly revenue of $1.3 billion+. We have over 40 years of excellence in uniting talent and technology to power the possible for our clients, colleagues, and communities. As a privately held company, we have the freedom and focus to do what’s right—whatever it takes. Our tailor-made solutions create lasting results across the public and commercial sectors, and we are trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise.

    Contact:
    Madison Oler
    Sr. PR & Communications Specialist
    CAI
    Madison.oler@cai.io

    References

    1. https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/cmte-h-cyber-wg-2024-cyber-ins-report.pdf
    2. https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-damages-6-trillion-by-2021/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CAI Launches Cyber Insurance Assessment to Address Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CAI, a global services firm, announced today the launch of its cyber insurance assessment to evaluate organizations’ cybersecurity postures. Designed to consolidate 15 critical cybersecurity categories into one comprehensive form, the results can be used to ensure compliance, remediate vulnerabilities and leveraged when applying for insurance or updating existing carriers.

    More than $9.8 billion in cyber insurance premiums were reported in 20231, and with global cybercrime costs projected to escalate to multitrillions by the end of 20252, organizations continue to take precautions. The cyber insurance assessment gauges data privacy and security, governance and policies, logical access controls, AI, among others. Aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, the audit serves information security officers who are interested in understanding and bolstering their cyber resilience.

    • Extensive NIST CSF 2.0 coverage: Features six main functions within the framework including identify, protect, detect, respond, recover and govern.
    • User-centric design: Streamlines the assessment process by minimizing redundancies, making it faster and more efficient for organizations of all sizes to complete.
    • Strategic insights: Delivers actionable recommendations, enabling stakeholders to prioritize cybersecurity investments.

    “We recognized a significant gap in the industry where companies, especially smaller organizations, struggled with the intricacies of cyber insurance assessments,” said Rex Johnson, vice president, Cybersecurity and Cloud Services at CAI. “Our universal assessment provides a standardized approach, empowering organizations and their security leaders with accurate, crucial and fast cybersecurity evaluations they can trust.”

    For more information, visit https://www.cai.io/services/cybersecurity/explore-a-cyber-insurance-assessment

    About CAI

    CAI is a global services firm with over 9,000 associates worldwide and a yearly revenue of $1.3 billion+. We have over 40 years of excellence in uniting talent and technology to power the possible for our clients, colleagues, and communities. As a privately held company, we have the freedom and focus to do what’s right—whatever it takes. Our tailor-made solutions create lasting results across the public and commercial sectors, and we are trailblazers in bringing neurodiversity to the enterprise.

    Contact:
    Madison Oler
    Sr. PR & Communications Specialist
    CAI
    Madison.oler@cai.io

    References

    1. https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/cmte-h-cyber-wg-2024-cyber-ins-report.pdf
    2. https://cybersecurityventures.com/cybercrime-damages-6-trillion-by-2021/

    The MIL Network –

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

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

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



    IMCA delegation briefs European Parliament and European Commission













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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Brussels 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Offshore sector contribution

    Download our brochure to learn more

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    MIL OSI Economics –

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

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

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



    IMCA delegation briefs European Parliament and European Commission













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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Brussels 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Offshore sector contribution

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Development Bank and State Grid Brazil Holding Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Boost Brazil’s Energy Capacity

    Source: New Development Bank

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – On July 3, 2025, the New Development Bank (NDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with State Grid Brazil Holding (SGBH), with the aim of enhancing electricity transmission capacity in Brazil, to meet the immediate needs of the nation’s power sector.

    The signing of this Memorandum took place on the sidelines of NDB’s 10th Annual Meeting, held on July 4 and 5 in Rio de Janeiro.

    The project, known as the Graca Aranha Silvania Transmissora de Energia (“GATE”), will be implemented by a subsidiary of SGBH.

    The implementation of the GATE Project will address immediate needs of the electricity sector in Brazil – increasing power transmission capacity, decongesting the transmission corridor, reducing curtailment of existing renewable energy projects, and enabling investments in future wind and solar projects in the Northeast region of Brazil, and hence leading to a more diversified electricity mix in the country.

    Out of the total project capex of around BRL 18 billion, more than two-thirds will be sourced from Brazil, thereby significantly promoting economic and social development, by creating more than 10,000 employment opportunities during construction, in the Northeast (Maranhão and Tocantins) and the Center-West (Goiás) regions of the country.

    NDB is considering financing the Project in Chinese renminbi, with an estimated amount of RMB 2,150 million (approximately USD 300 million). The loan demonstrates NDB’s commitment to expanding non-sovereign operations and increasing cross-border use of its member countries’ currencies, as envisaged in NDB’s General Strategy.

    “The GATE project signifies a leap in cooperation among NDB member countries and promotes the use of local currencies. When signed, this will be our second cross-border RMB-denominated loan, which will leverage Brazil’s clean energy potential to address urgent electricity demands and benefit millions or people while generating new jobs,” said H.E. Mrs. Dilma Rousseff, President of NDB. “By expanding investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development projects, the New Development Bank aims to support Brazil in achieving its climate goals.”

    This strategic partnership marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape in Brazil, aligning with NDB’s commitment to supporting development initiatives that foster economic growth and environmental sustainability.

    Since its inception in 2015, NDB has approved 29 projects in Brazil alone with USD 7 billion in approved financing. These projects are spread across several states and municipalities in Brazil, helping improve clean energy, transport, water and sanitation, and social infrastructure. NDB also has a growing portfolio of private sector loans in the country.

    Background Information

    NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Development Bank and State Grid Brazil Holding Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Boost Brazil’s Energy Capacity

    Source: New Development Bank

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – On July 3, 2025, the New Development Bank (NDB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with State Grid Brazil Holding (SGBH), with the aim of enhancing electricity transmission capacity in Brazil, to meet the immediate needs of the nation’s power sector.

    The signing of this Memorandum took place on the sidelines of NDB’s 10th Annual Meeting, held on July 4 and 5 in Rio de Janeiro.

    The project, known as the Graca Aranha Silvania Transmissora de Energia (“GATE”), will be implemented by a subsidiary of SGBH.

    The implementation of the GATE Project will address immediate needs of the electricity sector in Brazil – increasing power transmission capacity, decongesting the transmission corridor, reducing curtailment of existing renewable energy projects, and enabling investments in future wind and solar projects in the Northeast region of Brazil, and hence leading to a more diversified electricity mix in the country.

    Out of the total project capex of around BRL 18 billion, more than two-thirds will be sourced from Brazil, thereby significantly promoting economic and social development, by creating more than 10,000 employment opportunities during construction, in the Northeast (Maranhão and Tocantins) and the Center-West (Goiás) regions of the country.

    NDB is considering financing the Project in Chinese renminbi, with an estimated amount of RMB 2,150 million (approximately USD 300 million). The loan demonstrates NDB’s commitment to expanding non-sovereign operations and increasing cross-border use of its member countries’ currencies, as envisaged in NDB’s General Strategy.

    “The GATE project signifies a leap in cooperation among NDB member countries and promotes the use of local currencies. When signed, this will be our second cross-border RMB-denominated loan, which will leverage Brazil’s clean energy potential to address urgent electricity demands and benefit millions or people while generating new jobs,” said H.E. Mrs. Dilma Rousseff, President of NDB. “By expanding investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable development projects, the New Development Bank aims to support Brazil in achieving its climate goals.”

    This strategic partnership marks a significant step toward a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape in Brazil, aligning with NDB’s commitment to supporting development initiatives that foster economic growth and environmental sustainability.

    Since its inception in 2015, NDB has approved 29 projects in Brazil alone with USD 7 billion in approved financing. These projects are spread across several states and municipalities in Brazil, helping improve clean energy, transport, water and sanitation, and social infrastructure. NDB also has a growing portfolio of private sector loans in the country.

    Background Information

    NDB was established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

    MIL OSI Economics –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    From research to public service

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

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

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

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

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

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

    More complete history

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Preserving the archives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    No more funding?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    From research to public service

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

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

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

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

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

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

    More complete history

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Preserving the archives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    No more funding?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI –

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

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

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

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

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

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

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

    EU Asylum situation for Syrian nationals

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

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

    Background

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

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

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

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

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

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

    EU Asylum situation for Syrian nationals

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

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

    Background

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Notes to editors     

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: One Day, I Will: Hopes and Dreams of Children in Crisis

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    One Day, I Will is an ongoing series by photographer Vincent Tremeau, capturing children in crisis-affected settings as they dress up as who they want to become in the future. In 2025, one year after a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck Japan’s Noto Peninsula on New Year’s Day, Vincent brought the project to local schools, inviting children to share their dreams, fears, and hopes in the wake of disaster. These portraits and testimonies are more than dress-up, they reveal resilience, imagination, and the enduring strength of children who continue to dream, despite difficult circumstances. Each of them reminds us: hope can grow even from the most challenging places. “One Day I Will” is one of the exhibits in the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai. The project was made available by OCHA (UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) with support from KUMON, a global after-school math and reading programme.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sAa-yAeWlLo

    MIL OSI Video –

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

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 

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

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

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

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

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

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Aid cuts threaten to roll back progress in ending maternal mortality

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Furthermore, unprecedented aid cuts are putting global progress to end maternal deaths at risk, UN agencies have warned in a new report that calls for greater investment in midwives and other health workers.

    The Trends in maternal mortality report was published by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN sexual and reproductive health agency UNFPA, in observance of World Health Day on 7 April.

    It shows that maternal deaths declined by 40 per cent between 2000 and 2023, largely due to improved access to essential health services.

    However, the pace of improvement has slowed significantly since 2016, and an estimated 260,000 women died in 2023 due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, or roughly one death every two minutes.

    Deadly peril in Sudan

    Frontline health workers have long raised alarms about the perils of giving birth in conflict settings.

    In Sudan’s Al Jazirah State, a midwife named Awatef told UNFPA that she helped four women deliver babies while fleeing violence: “I delivered them in the bush, with only very basic sterilization – I had nothing but water and soap.”

    One woman, Amina, had to give birth by Caesarean section – on the floor of a stranger’s home where a local doctor was assisting deliveries – while listening to the drum of gunfire just outside. “I had to start walking again just six hours later, carrying my baby while my wounds were still fresh and painful,” she said.

    Urgent action needed

    As aid funding cuts force countries to roll back vital services for maternal, newborn and child health, the UN agencies appeal for urgent action to prevent maternal deaths, particularly in humanitarian settings where numbers are already alarmingly high.

    “While this report shows glimmers of hope, the data also highlights how dangerous pregnancy still is in much of the world today – despite the fact that solutions exist to prevent and treat the complications that cause the vast majority of maternal deaths,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

    “In addition to ensuring access to quality maternity care, it will be critical to strengthen the underlying health and reproductive rights of women and girls – factors that underpin their prospects of healthy outcomes during pregnancy and beyond.”

    Pregnancy and the pandemic

    The report also provides the first global account of the coronavirus“>COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on maternal survival.

    An estimated 40,000 more women died due to pregnancy or childbirth in 2021, rising to 282,000 in 2022, and to 322,000 the following year.

    This increase was linked not only to direct complications caused by COVID-19 but also widespread interruptions to maternity services, highlighting the importance of ensuring that this care is available during pandemics and other emergencies.

    Invest in midwives

    “When a mother dies in pregnancy or childbirth, her baby’s life is also at risk. Too often, both are lost to causes we know how to prevent,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

    With global funding cuts putting more mums-to-be at risk, especially in the most fragile settings, “the world must urgently invest in midwives, nurses, and community health workers to ensure every mother and baby has a chance to survive and thrive,” she added.

    Inequalities and slowdowns

    The report also highlights persistent inequalities between regions and countries, as well as uneven progress.

    With maternal mortality declining by around 40 per cent between 2000 and 2023, sub-Saharan Africa achieved significant gains. It was also among just three UN regions to see significant drops after 2015, with the others being Australia and New Zealand, and Central and Southern Asia.

    Yet, sub-Saharan Africa still accounted for approximately 70 per cent of the global burden of maternal deaths in 2023 due to high rates of poverty and multiple conflicts.

    Meanwhile, five regions saw progress stagnate after 2015: Northern Africa and Western Asia, Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand), Europe and North America, and Latin America and the Caribbean.

    UNFPA Sudan

    A midwife visiting pregnant women in a shelter for internally displaced persons in Sudan.

    A global responsibility

    Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA’s Executive Director, upheld that access to quality maternal health services is a right, not a privilege.

    She stressed the urgent responsibility to build well-resourced health systems that safeguard the lives of pregnant women and newborns.

    “By boosting supply chains, the midwifery workforce, and the disaggregated data needed to pinpoint those most at risk, we can and must end the tragedy of preventable maternal deaths and their enormous toll on families and societies,” she said.

    Childbirth in crisis settings

    The report also highlighted the plight of pregnant women living in humanitarian emergencies, who face some of the highest risks globally.  Nearly two-thirds of global maternal deaths now occur in countries affected by fragility or conflict.

    Beyond ensuring critical services during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, the report emphasized the importance of efforts to enhance women’s overall health by improving access to family planning services, as well as preventing underlying health conditions that increase risks, such as anaemia, malaria and noncommunicable diseases.

    Furthermore, it is also vital to ensure that girls stay in school, and that they and women have the knowledge and resources to protect their health.

    Source: WHO/UNICEF/UNFPA/World Bank/UN Population Division

    Maternal mortality ratio (MMR) trends by region.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Details of the deal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Obstacles to a lasting peace

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

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

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

    Militarily, Israel has achieved several of its tactical objectives.

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

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

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

    Reshaping the map

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

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

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

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

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

    True intentions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Analysis –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Federal District Courts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The federal Court of Appeals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The US Supreme Court

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Universalism

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

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

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

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

    Communism

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

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

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

    Disinterestedness

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

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

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

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

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

    Organized skepticism

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

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

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

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

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

    Integrity and humility

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

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

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

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

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

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

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