Category: Transport

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New fence installed at Silksworth wheeled sports park to boost safety and community use

Source: City of Sunderland

A brand-new fence has been installed around the wheeled sports park at Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope, providing a significant boost to safety and enjoyment for local families and young people.

The improvements come as part of a project costing £15,690 funded by Sunderland City Council’s West Area Committee. The fencing works were completed over a four-week period, and a new gate has also been installed to fully complete the improvements.

The wheeled sports park has long been a popular hub of activity and enjoyment for the Silksworth community, attracting hundreds of users each week. However, the removal of the original fence around five years ago, due to damage and safety concerns, left the area exposed. In the years since, rising levels of motorcycle disorder and general antisocial behaviour had made the park feel unsafe, particularly for younger users and their families.

The installation of the new fence marks a major step forward in reclaiming the space for safer community use. These improvements should provide peace of mind for parents and encouraging more children and young people to enjoy the wheeled sports park as a safe, inclusive place to play, exercise, and socialise.

Councillor Joanne Laverick, chair of the West Area Committee at Sunderland City Council said: “We listened to the concerns of residents, and this fence is a direct response to those calls for action. By improving safety and deterring antisocial behaviour, we’re making sure the park remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

“Hopefully the installation of the new fence will not only attract former users of the wheeled sports park to come back and enjoy it again but attract new users too.”

The West Area Committee is one of the five area committees across Sunderland. Made up of local councillors, these provide residents with a greater say by working closely with their communities and drawing on local knowledge to identify priorities for their area. They also create Area Plans to support the City Plan, focusing on local needs. These plans help fund and deliver projects in partnership with local voluntary and community sector organisations.

The new gate will further support the long-term management of the site, helping to ensure the park continues to serve as a vibrant and valued community facility.

Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member of Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council said: “The wheeled sports park is a valuable community asset that brings together young people and encourages healthy, active lifestyles.

“By making this a safer place for everyone to enjoy once again, I’d like to welcome residents to get the most out of this wheeled sports park.”

The installation of the new fence has been welcomed by riders who regularly use the sports park. Jonathan Dobson, a Sunderland resident and BMX rider for 16 years said: “The new fence has made a huge difference to the sports park. Before it was installed, you’d often find rubbish and smashed glass around the park making it unusable. But now its cleaner and I know my bag will be safe while I’m riding as there’s only one entrance.”

Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope is one of Sunderland’s most distinctive recreational destinations, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and leisure facilities managed by Everyone Active. Home to one of the UK’s few dry ski slopes, the park also features a large lake, walking trails, sports pitches, a children’s play area, and wide green spaces.

Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope is popular with families and fitness enthusiasts alike and is a key community asset in the west of the city. The park plays an important role in promoting outdoor activity, wellbeing, and social connection throughout the year.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE awards govt teams

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today presented award certificates to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Search & Rescue Team to quake-stricken areas in Myanmar in March and the Inter-departmental Preparation Team for Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) Commissioning.

Addressing the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance Presentation Ceremony, Mr Lee praised the excellent performances of the two award-winning teams.

He noted that the two awarded outstanding teams have demonstrated their respective strengths, which not only set an example for the entire civil service, but also demonstrated the Hong Kong SAR Government’s spirit of pursuing excellence and fearlessly taking on challenges.

Mr Lee said: “They created good stories of civil servants that we are proud of through their actions.”

The Chief Executive highlighted that Hong Kong’s ranking of second globally and first in Asia in the Government efficiency section of the World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025 underlines the outstanding competence and effective performance of Hong Kong’s civil servants.

Mr Lee said he will continue to strengthen the system to enable officials to better utilise their proactive leadership capability so that the civil service can bring out their efficiency and potential to the fullest and realise the Government’s result-oriented policy initiatives through action.

In March this year, a major earthquake struck Myanmar, resulting in serious casualties. The Hong Kong SAR Search & Rescue Team rushed to Mantalay, one of the most devastated areas in Myanmar, to conduct search and rescue operations.

The team completed 61 search and rescue operations covering 57 locations amid constant aftershocks and scorching heat in the disaster-stricken areas, and conducted joint operations with the China Search & Rescue Team, successfully rescuing one survivor who had been trapped for more than 125 hours.

The Hong Kong SAR Search & Rescue Team consists of civil servants from the Security Bureau, the Fire Services Department and the Immigration Department, as well as medical representatives from the Hospital Authority.

The team’s commander Cheu Yu-kok thanked the Government for recognising the team’s efforts.

He said that the team will continue to uphold its professionalism, strengthen exchanges with relevant Mainland authorities and continue to explore further uses of AI and advanced technology to persistently enhance its emergency rescue capabilities and standards, and to make greater contributions to international humanitarian rescue work.

Another awardee is an interdepartmental preparation team formed by the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, the Security Bureau, the Civil Service Bureau, the Transport & Logistics Bureau, the Police Force and the Transport Department.

The team completed around 20 test events, including five large-scale drills, in just five months, mobilising about 140,000 civil servants to participate in the stress tests to evaluate the capability of the KTSP and its surrounding facilities comprehensively, to become fully prepared for the grand opening ceremony on March 1 and the subsequent large-scale events.

Representative of the Inter-departmental Preparation Team for KTSP Commissioning, Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi thanked the Chief Executive for his recognition of the team.

He said that the team had done its utmost to overcome various challenges during the KTSP’s preparatory process with efficiency and professionalism. The team will continue to work closely with the established foundation of good communication and collaboration to fully capitalise on the opportunities brought about by the KTSP.

The nomination exercise for the new round of the Chief Executive’s Award for Exemplary Performance commenced in May this year. The Civil Service Bureau invited bureaus to nominate outstanding teams or colleagues for the honour.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Coal-fired power plants are well-stocked this year

Source: US Energy Information Administration

In-brief analysis

July 23, 2025

We expect U.S. coal-fired power plants will remain relatively well-stocked through the end of next year in our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook. We estimate power plants in the United States had 124 million short tons of coal on-site at the end of June for them to consume that coal at a rate of about 1.3 million short tons per day, meaning they had about 93 days’ worth of fuel on-site. This metric, also called days of burn, is calculated by dividing coal inventories held at power plants by a seasonal consumption rate. We forecast days of burn will range between about 90 and 120 days between now through the end of 2026, or about a month’s worth of coal more than power plants had on-site between 2019 and 2022.

Although coal inventories held at U.S. power plants have fallen since early 2024, coal consumption in the U.S. electric power sector has also fallen since then, so the supply measure of days of burn remains relatively high. Reflecting this supply condition, coal shipments to power plants—many of which occur by rail—have declined in line with coal consumption in the U.S. electric power sector.

We forecast the long-term decrease in U.S. coal consumption will temporarily reverse in 2025 primarily because of rising electricity demand and coal’s increased competitiveness in the electric power sector, which accounted for more than 90% of U.S. coal consumption in 2024. U.S. natural gas prices last year were at historic lows, and as natural gas prices increased in the first quarter of 2025, coal became more competitive: U.S. coal consumption in the first quarter of 2025 was 18% more than in the first quarter of 2024.

In our short-term forecast, we expect coal’s share of U.S. electricity generation to increase from 16% in 2024 to 17% in 2025 and then decrease to 15% in 2026. Overall electricity generation is increasing to meet growing electricity demand, especially from the commercial and industrial sectors.

Similarly, we forecast a 6% increase in U.S. coal consumption for 2025, followed by a 6% decrease in 2026 with planned coal power plant retirements and increasing renewable capacity coming online.

Principal contributor: Jonathan Church

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Chile Strengthens National Cancer Control, Views Expansion of Radiopharmaceutical Production

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The imPACT team of 13 international experts reviewed cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care, as well as nuclear and radiation medicine safety. For the first time, the imPACT review also included radiopharmaceutical production.

The assessment underlined Chile’s achievements in cancer control, including universal health coverage, the adoption of latest technologies and a highly trained health workforce sustained by strong academic institutions.

At the same time, the team identified opportunities for improvement, such as strengthening governance and coordination mechanisms for cancer control, reducing waiting times, increasing access in underserved regions, and enhancing national cancer surveillance and information systems.

Chile has a well-established national governance structure for cancer control, which includes the Child and Adolescent Cancer Plan 2023-2028 and the Adult Action Plan for the National Cancer Plan 2022-2027.

“Chile’s cancer control strategy is rooted in inclusive and participatory processes. The involvement of stakeholders from across ministries, academia and civil society is essential to address the most pressing challenges,” said Bernardo Martorell Guerra, Vice Minister of Healthcare Networks at MINSAL.

The country is seeking to expand cancer control activities, including enhanced infectious disease control, addressing risk behaviours such as tobacco use and expanding access to radiation medicine.

MIL Security OSI –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Global Blockchain Artificial Intelligence Market Size Estimated to Reach $4.33 Billion By 2034

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PALM BEACH, Fla., July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global blockchain Artificial Intelligence (AI) market is rapidly evolving due to the influence of its secure and decentralized technology and advanced data processing capabilities provided by AI with blockchain. A recent report from Precedence Research said: “The market has a considerable expansion rate due to rising demand for efficient data handling, data transparency, and security. Key applications for the market are supply-chain management, healthcare domain, BFSI, fraud detection methods, etc. Major tech companies are investing heavily in the development and research to enhance the functionalities of blockchain AI technology and integrate AI algorithms into the blockchain.” It projected: “The global blockchain AI market size was calculated at USD 550.70 million in 2024 and is expected to reach around USD 4,338.66 million by 2034. The market is expanding at a solid CAGR of 22.93% over the forecast period 2024 to 2033. An increasing amount of data generation pervades almost every sector, which needs to be analyzed precisely with advanced technology like AI and blockchain to provide a secure ledger system. Based on a regional perspective, North America currently dominates the blockchain AI technology market, while Asia Pacific shows the highest growth rate owing to technological advancements and supportive regulatory backup. Despite the number of benefits, the blockchain AI market is challenged by some hurdles, like the need for a highly skilled workforce and limitations in scalability. However, as the technology grows and matures with time, these hurdles will be mitigated. Thus, the market presents a promising future and the potential to transform several industries.” Active companies in the markets this week include: Intellistake Technologies Corp. (CSE: ISTK) (OTC: ISTKF), Strategy Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR), Galaxy Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: GLXY) (TSX: GLXY), MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA), Riot Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT).

Precedence Research continued: “The primary driver for the blockchain AI market is the highly secure and immutable ledger system offered by blockchain, which further provides decentralization data that aids in reliable transactions and reduces data privacy concerns. Blockchain AI systems can be deployable in major industries like automation, healthcare, electronics and services, banking, fiancé, etc., due to their data integrity to avoid financial loss and, thereby, the reputation of firms or institutes. When AI is combined with blockchain, which excels at analyzing and processing vast amount of data, it holds potential to create more efficient and secure system is substantial. Moreover, the integration of blockchain and AI can enhance the functionalities of smart contracts and decentralized applications to foster innovations and new business models, which again propels the blockchain AI market. Furthermore, AI can enhance security measures by detecting and mitigating fraudulent activities on blockchain networks, thus building greater trust among users. By combining AI’s data processing capabilities with blockchain’s transparency and security, this integration can drive the next wave of innovation in financial services, making them more accessible, efficient, and secure.”

Intellistake Technologies Corp. (CSE: ISTK) (OTC: ISTKF) Appoints Mario Casiraghi, Leading AI Digital Asset Ecosystem CFO at SingularityNET Foundation and CEO of Established $90M USD AUM Digital Asset Firm Singularity Venture Hub, to Advisory Board to Bridge Traditional Finance and Digital Asset Markets – Intellistake Technologies Corp. (FSE: 3KZ) (“GFCO” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mario Casiraghi to its Advisory Board. A globally recognized financial strategist with over a decade of experience bridging traditional capital markets and decentralized technology. Casiraghi will provide strategic guidance to support the Company’s operations as a technology company focused on decentralized artificial intelligence (“AI”) and digital currencies.

Casiraghi brings exceptional expertise from both traditional finance and the digital asset ecosystem. As a former investment banker at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and ING Bank, he executed over $80 billion in structured transactions across Europe and the United States, including the landmark $46 billion AB InBev acquisition financing—the second-largest corporate debt offering in U.S. history. His traditional finance background includes 15+ major debt capital markets transactions and liability management exercises for Fortune 500 companies.

Recognizing the transformative potential of blockchain technology, Casiraghi transitioned from traditional investment banking to become a pioneer in digital asset infrastructure. In 2020, he became Group CFO of SingularityNET Foundation and co-founded SingularityDAO Labs, where he led a $6 million USD Series A funding round and scaled the decentralized finance protocol to manage up to $200 million USD in total value locked.

In his role as Group CFO, Casiraghi has scaled a multi-token digital ecosystem from $40 million USD to over $5 billion USD market cap, positioning him as one of the leading financial architects in decentralized AI infrastructure. He led the structuring of the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI)—a $6 billion USD token-based merger between three of the world’s largest decentralized AI networks, representing one of the most significant consolidations in blockchain and artificial intelligence history. As part of this ecosystem expansion, he participated in the $100 million USD acquisition of Cudos, the largest decentralized compute network in Web 3.0 by available computing power.

“Mario’s unique combination of traditional finance background and deep understanding of digital asset ecosystems makes him a great addition to our Advisory Board,” said Jason Dussault, CEO of Intellistake Technologies Corp. “His experience executing billion-dollar transactions in both traditional and digital markets provides invaluable perspective as we build infrastructure bridging AI and blockchain technology.”

Casiraghi is also Founder and CEO of Singularity Venture Hub, a venture and treasury advisory firm managing over $90 million USD in assets. The firm provides capital allocation strategy, risk governance, and regulatory structuring to fast-scaling AI and blockchain companies.

“Mario’s expertise will strengthen Intellistake’s role of providing traditional investors with regulated access to the intersection of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology through familiar stock exchange mechanisms,” added Mr. Dussault.

“Joining the advisory board at Intellistake is a natural progression in what has already been a strong and growing relationship” said Mario Casiraghi, CEO of Singularity Venture Hub. “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with their team and have been consistently impressed by their vision and execution. This next step allows us to converge even more deeply on the innovative work Intellistake is doing in decentralized finance and AI—two sectors I believe are shaping the future.” CONTINUED… Read this full press release and more news for Intellistake Technologies at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-istk/

Other recent developments in the blockchain/digital currency industry of note include:

Strategy Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR), the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin and the world’s first Bitcoin Treasury Company, recently announced the general availability of Strategy Mosaic™, a groundbreaking AI-powered Universal Intelligence Layer designed to enable AI applications. As organizations modernize their data infrastructures, they often encounter challenges with siloed systems that lead to inconsistent metrics and governance gaps. This lack of clean, connected, and organized data is one of the greatest barriers to AI adoption. Strategy Mosaic addresses this issue by connecting disparate data sources across the enterprise, providing consistent and secure access to information that empowers both business users and AI applications.

Sitting atop any database or data warehouse, Strategy Mosaic allows organizations to access diverse data sources. This unified layer supports AI, applications, and analytics use cases, enabling rapid development of data products without the need for custom data warehouses. Unlike traditional data catalogs and virtual data warehouses, Mosaic uses business definitions and user-friendly objects to represent data.

Galaxy Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: GLXY) (TSX: GLXY) recently announced that it will report second quarter 2025 financial results before the opening of Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange on Tuesday August 5th, 2025. Michael Novogratz, CEO and Founder of Galaxy, and members of management will host a conference call to provide an update to investors and analysts on the Company’s activities and results on the same day at 8:30 AM Eastern Time.

A live webcast will be available at https://investor.galaxy.com/. The conference call can also be accessed by investors and analysts in the United States or Canada by dialing 1-844-746-0741, or +1-412-317-5107(outside the U.S. and Canada) using the Conference ID: 2449863. A replay of the webcast will be available and can be accessed in the same manner as the live webcast on the Company’s Investor Relations website.

MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA), a vertically integrated digital energy and infrastructure company that leverages high-intensity compute, such as bitcoin (“bitcoin” or “BTC”) mining, to monetize excess energy and optimize power management, recently published unaudited bitcoin production updates for April 2025.

“In April, our production saw a 15% month-over-month decrease in blocks won, as global hashrate had its second largest monthly gain on record and mining difficulty grew 8% from March,” said Fred Thiel, MARA’s chairman and CEO. “Despite these headwinds, our energized hashrate grew 5.5% over the prior month. We completed a 50-megawatt (“MW”) expansion at our fully owned data center in Ohio, bringing total operational capacity to 100 MW, with the site designed to scale up to 200 MW. Additionally, we installed over 12,000 S21 Pro miners at the location.

“Last month, we fully energized our 25 MW gas-to-power operations across wellheads in North Dakota and Texas. These sites currently provide us with our lowest cost per BTC mined while monetizing excess gas and mitigating methane emissions for the producers.

Riot Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT) recently announced the hiring of Jonathan Gibbs as Chief Data Center Officer (“CDCO”) to lead the development of Riot’s data center platform. In this role, Jonathan will lead the strategic development and operations of this new platform, which will focus on building and operating state-of-the-art data centers specifically tailored to serve hyperscale and enterprise tenants.

The creation of this new data center platform furthers Riot’s strategy to maximize the value of its assets by expanding into the development of non-bitcoin-related data centers, which diversifies the Company’s revenues, enhances Riot’s ability to generate long-term cash returns for investors and strengthens its capabilities to contract with the world’s leading technology companies. This additional platform will build on the success of Riot’s vertically-integrated strategy of utilizing bitcoin mining at scale to create significant value across its land and power portfolio and positions the Company to capitalize on the upsurge in demand for digital infrastructure driven by the growing need for cloud computing, AI and other compute-intensive applications.

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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 two hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Intellistake Technologies Corp. by the company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

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SOURCE: FN Media Group, LLC.

The MIL Network –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Matador Technologies Inc. Secures USD $100 Million Financing Facility to Accelerate Bitcoin Treasury Growth
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Key Highlights
- Strategic Capitalization: Matador has executed a Purchase Agreement for a USD $100 million secured convertible note facility (the “Facility”) with ATW Partners, featuring an initial USD $10.5 million tranche.
- Exclusive Use of Proceeds: Proceeds are earmarked for purchasing Bitcoin as part of Matador’s treasury allocation strategy, with the intention of increasing long-term Bitcoin-per-share (BPS).
- Institutional Partnership: ATW Partners—an institutional investor known for structuring growth-stage financings—brings both capital and strategic depth to Matador’s Bitcoin ecosystem vision.
  Flexible, Equity-Aligned Structure: The secured convertible notes provide minimally dilutive, price-adaptive funding that converts at market-aligned prices.
- Accelerates Treasury Plan: Supports Matador’s roadmap to acquire up to 1,000 BTC on or before 2026 and 6,000 BTC on or before 2027, targeting a top 20 global corporate holder position.
TORONTO, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV:MATA, OTCQB:MATAF, FSE:IU3) (“Matador” or the “Company”), the Bitcoin Ecosystem Company, announces that it has entered into an arm’s-length agreement for a secured convertible note facility (the “Facility”) with ATW Partners (the “Investor”), signed on July 22, 2025 (the “Purchase Agreement“), pursuant to which the Company may issue convertible notes (“Notes“) in the aggregate principal amount of up to USD $100 million.

The Facility provides a structured funding mechanism designed to support the Company’s stated objective of increasing its Bitcoin holdings. USD $10.5 million will be funded at the Initial Closing, while USD $89.5 million of additional capacity remains available subject to customary conditions, including execution of a registration-rights agreement and receipt of all required regulatory approvals. The Facility marks a significant financing step in the execution of the Company’s treasury strategy. The Facility will be used exclusively to purchase Bitcoin for Matador’s balance sheet, reinforcing its strategy to become a top 20 corporate holder globally.

Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies, commented:

“This financing represents meaningful progress toward our long-term Bitcoin accumulation goals. It provides the Company with capital to increase our Bitcoin holdings in a way that minimizes immediate dilution and aligns with our broader capital strategy.”

Mark Moss, Chief Visionary Officer of Matador Technologies, added:

“Bitcoin remains central to our business model and balance sheet approach. This structure supports our objective of growing Bitcoin per share and reflects continued institutional interest in our strategy.”

This funding supports Matador’s long-term BTC strategy, including:
- Acquiring up to 1,000 BTC on or before 2026
- Reaching 6,000 BTC on or before 2027
- Long-term objective to hold 1% of Bitcoin’s supply and be a top 20 corporate holder globally
The Notes will carry an interest rate of 8% per annum and the maturity date of the Notes will be approximately two years from the applicable closing date. The Notes will be senior secured, with the Initial Closing backed by 1.5x Bitcoin collateral, and future tranches secured by 1.0x Bitcoin collateral. The Notes will be convertible at the closing price immediately prior to the related news release. As it relates to the Initial Closing, the conversion price will be CAD$0.72.

The Notes, and the common shares issuable upon conversion, will be issued outside of Canada pursuant to Ontario Securities Commission Rule 72-503 – Distributions Outside Canada, and accordingly will not be subject to any statutory hold period under Canadian securities laws. A copy of the Purchase Agreement is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Joseph Gunnar & Co., LLC acted as placement agent for the transaction. For the Initial Closing, the placement agent will receive a placement fee of 5% in cash on the net proceeds received by the Company, a capital markets advisory fee of 2.5% in cash on the net proceeds, and 5% fee in warrants. For any subsequent closings, the placement agent will receive a 5% cash placement fee on the net proceeds received by the Company.

For additional information, please contact:

Media Contact:
Sunny Ray
President
Email: sunny@matador.network
Phone: 647-496-6282

About Matador Technologies Inc.
Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV:MATA, OTCQB:MATAF, FSE:IU3) is a publicly traded Bitcoin ecosystem company focused on holding Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset and building products to enhance the Bitcoin network. Matador’s strategy combines strategic Bitcoin accumulation, Bitcoin-native product development, and participation in digital asset infrastructure, with a focus on driving long-term shareholder value while maintaining capital efficiency.

Matador has recently proposed to expand its global footprint by entering into an agreement to invest in HODL Systems, one of India’s first digital asset treasury companies, securing up to a 24% ownership stake. This investment strengthens Matador’s position as a leading Bitcoin treasury company and underscores its commitment to the worldwide adoption of Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

With a Bitcoin-first strategy, and a clear focus on innovation, Matador is shaping the future of financial infrastructure on Bitcoin.

Visit us online at https://www.matador.network/.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (i) statements regarding the structure, terms, and anticipated benefits of the Facility; (ii) expectations relating to the timing and completion of the initial USD$10.5 million tranche and subsequent drawdowns, upon terms as presently proposed or at all; (iii) the use of proceeds from the Facility for purchasing Bitcoin; (iv) the Company’s ability to meet its Bitcoin accumulation targets, including 1,000 BTC on or before 2026, 6,000 BTC on or before 2027, and a long-term goal of holding 1% of Bitcoin’s total supply; and (v) the Company’s strategy to grow Bitcoin-per-share (BPS) and become a top 20 global corporate BTC holder.

Forward-looking information is based on management’s reasonable assumptions at the time such statements are made, including assumptions regarding market conditions, the price and availability of Bitcoin, regulatory and stock exchange approvals, and the Company’s ability to execute its strategic plans and secure additional capital on acceptable terms.

Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including: fluctuations in Bitcoin price and trading volume; availability and terms of financing; satisfaction of conditions related to future drawdowns under the Facility; the impact of potential penalties and payments under the Facility on the liquidity and future prospects of the Company; potential risks associated with the Company committing an event of default under the Facility and the potential implications thereof; regulatory risk; changes in the Company’s business model or execution plans; and the potential that the Company will not receive applicable regulatory approval of the Facility or any individual drawdown thereunder.. There can be no assurance that the Company will meet its BTC accumulation targets, receive any applicable regulatory approvals, complete any tranches of the Facility, or achieve its broader strategic objectives within the projected timelines or at all.

Forward-looking statements are provided to offer information about management’s current expectations and plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The MIL Network –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Matador Technologies Inc. Secures USD $100 Million Financing Facility to Accelerate Bitcoin Treasury Growth
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Key Highlights
- Strategic Capitalization: Matador has executed a Purchase Agreement for a USD $100 million secured convertible note facility (the “Facility”) with ATW Partners, featuring an initial USD $10.5 million tranche.
- Exclusive Use of Proceeds: Proceeds are earmarked for purchasing Bitcoin as part of Matador’s treasury allocation strategy, with the intention of increasing long-term Bitcoin-per-share (BPS).
- Institutional Partnership: ATW Partners—an institutional investor known for structuring growth-stage financings—brings both capital and strategic depth to Matador’s Bitcoin ecosystem vision.
  Flexible, Equity-Aligned Structure: The secured convertible notes provide minimally dilutive, price-adaptive funding that converts at market-aligned prices.
- Accelerates Treasury Plan: Supports Matador’s roadmap to acquire up to 1,000 BTC on or before 2026 and 6,000 BTC on or before 2027, targeting a top 20 global corporate holder position.
TORONTO, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV:MATA, OTCQB:MATAF, FSE:IU3) (“Matador” or the “Company”), the Bitcoin Ecosystem Company, announces that it has entered into an arm’s-length agreement for a secured convertible note facility (the “Facility”) with ATW Partners (the “Investor”), signed on July 22, 2025 (the “Purchase Agreement“), pursuant to which the Company may issue convertible notes (“Notes“) in the aggregate principal amount of up to USD $100 million.

The Facility provides a structured funding mechanism designed to support the Company’s stated objective of increasing its Bitcoin holdings. USD $10.5 million will be funded at the Initial Closing, while USD $89.5 million of additional capacity remains available subject to customary conditions, including execution of a registration-rights agreement and receipt of all required regulatory approvals. The Facility marks a significant financing step in the execution of the Company’s treasury strategy. The Facility will be used exclusively to purchase Bitcoin for Matador’s balance sheet, reinforcing its strategy to become a top 20 corporate holder globally.

Deven Soni, CEO of Matador Technologies, commented:

“This financing represents meaningful progress toward our long-term Bitcoin accumulation goals. It provides the Company with capital to increase our Bitcoin holdings in a way that minimizes immediate dilution and aligns with our broader capital strategy.”

Mark Moss, Chief Visionary Officer of Matador Technologies, added:

“Bitcoin remains central to our business model and balance sheet approach. This structure supports our objective of growing Bitcoin per share and reflects continued institutional interest in our strategy.”

This funding supports Matador’s long-term BTC strategy, including:
- Acquiring up to 1,000 BTC on or before 2026
- Reaching 6,000 BTC on or before 2027
- Long-term objective to hold 1% of Bitcoin’s supply and be a top 20 corporate holder globally
The Notes will carry an interest rate of 8% per annum and the maturity date of the Notes will be approximately two years from the applicable closing date. The Notes will be senior secured, with the Initial Closing backed by 1.5x Bitcoin collateral, and future tranches secured by 1.0x Bitcoin collateral. The Notes will be convertible at the closing price immediately prior to the related news release. As it relates to the Initial Closing, the conversion price will be CAD$0.72.

The Notes, and the common shares issuable upon conversion, will be issued outside of Canada pursuant to Ontario Securities Commission Rule 72-503 – Distributions Outside Canada, and accordingly will not be subject to any statutory hold period under Canadian securities laws. A copy of the Purchase Agreement is available under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Joseph Gunnar & Co., LLC acted as placement agent for the transaction. For the Initial Closing, the placement agent will receive a placement fee of 5% in cash on the net proceeds received by the Company, a capital markets advisory fee of 2.5% in cash on the net proceeds, and 5% fee in warrants. For any subsequent closings, the placement agent will receive a 5% cash placement fee on the net proceeds received by the Company.

For additional information, please contact:

Media Contact:
Sunny Ray
President
Email: sunny@matador.network
Phone: 647-496-6282

About Matador Technologies Inc.
Matador Technologies Inc. (TSXV:MATA, OTCQB:MATAF, FSE:IU3) is a publicly traded Bitcoin ecosystem company focused on holding Bitcoin as its primary treasury asset and building products to enhance the Bitcoin network. Matador’s strategy combines strategic Bitcoin accumulation, Bitcoin-native product development, and participation in digital asset infrastructure, with a focus on driving long-term shareholder value while maintaining capital efficiency.

Matador has recently proposed to expand its global footprint by entering into an agreement to invest in HODL Systems, one of India’s first digital asset treasury companies, securing up to a 24% ownership stake. This investment strengthens Matador’s position as a leading Bitcoin treasury company and underscores its commitment to the worldwide adoption of Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

With a Bitcoin-first strategy, and a clear focus on innovation, Matador is shaping the future of financial infrastructure on Bitcoin.

Visit us online at https://www.matador.network/.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (i) statements regarding the structure, terms, and anticipated benefits of the Facility; (ii) expectations relating to the timing and completion of the initial USD$10.5 million tranche and subsequent drawdowns, upon terms as presently proposed or at all; (iii) the use of proceeds from the Facility for purchasing Bitcoin; (iv) the Company’s ability to meet its Bitcoin accumulation targets, including 1,000 BTC on or before 2026, 6,000 BTC on or before 2027, and a long-term goal of holding 1% of Bitcoin’s total supply; and (v) the Company’s strategy to grow Bitcoin-per-share (BPS) and become a top 20 global corporate BTC holder.

Forward-looking information is based on management’s reasonable assumptions at the time such statements are made, including assumptions regarding market conditions, the price and availability of Bitcoin, regulatory and stock exchange approvals, and the Company’s ability to execute its strategic plans and secure additional capital on acceptable terms.

Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including: fluctuations in Bitcoin price and trading volume; availability and terms of financing; satisfaction of conditions related to future drawdowns under the Facility; the impact of potential penalties and payments under the Facility on the liquidity and future prospects of the Company; potential risks associated with the Company committing an event of default under the Facility and the potential implications thereof; regulatory risk; changes in the Company’s business model or execution plans; and the potential that the Company will not receive applicable regulatory approval of the Facility or any individual drawdown thereunder.. There can be no assurance that the Company will meet its BTC accumulation targets, receive any applicable regulatory approvals, complete any tranches of the Facility, or achieve its broader strategic objectives within the projected timelines or at all.

Forward-looking statements are provided to offer information about management’s current expectations and plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The MIL Network –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Chile Strengthens National Cancer Control, Views Expansion of Radiopharmaceutical Production

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

The imPACT team of 13 international experts reviewed cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care, as well as nuclear and radiation medicine safety. For the first time, the imPACT review also included radiopharmaceutical production.

The assessment underlined Chile’s achievements in cancer control, including universal health coverage, the adoption of latest technologies and a highly trained health workforce sustained by strong academic institutions.

At the same time, the team identified opportunities for improvement, such as strengthening governance and coordination mechanisms for cancer control, reducing waiting times, increasing access in underserved regions, and enhancing national cancer surveillance and information systems.

Chile has a well-established national governance structure for cancer control, which includes the Child and Adolescent Cancer Plan 2023-2028 and the Adult Action Plan for the National Cancer Plan 2022-2027.

“Chile’s cancer control strategy is rooted in inclusive and participatory processes. The involvement of stakeholders from across ministries, academia and civil society is essential to address the most pressing challenges,” said Bernardo Martorell Guerra, Vice Minister of Healthcare Networks at MINSAL.

The country is seeking to expand cancer control activities, including enhanced infectious disease control, addressing risk behaviours such as tobacco use and expanding access to radiation medicine.

MIL OSI NGO –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: How germy is the public pool? An infectious disease expert weighs in on poop, pee and perspiration – and the deceptive smell of chlorine
Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Lisa Cuchara, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Quinnipiac University

A 2023 CDC report tracked more than 200 pool-associated outbreaks over a four-year period. But a few basic precautions can ward off these dangers. Maria Korneeva/Moment via Getty Images

On hot summer days, few things are more refreshing than a dip in the pool. But have you ever wondered if the pool is as clean as that crystal blue water appears?

As an immunologist and infectious disease specialist, I study how germs spread in public spaces and how to prevent the spread. I even teach a course called “The Infections of Leisure” where we explore the risks tied to recreational activities and discuss precautions, while also taking care not to turn students into germophobes.

Swimming, especially in public pools and water parks, comes with its own unique set of risks — from minor skin irritations to gastrointestinal infections. But swimming also has a plethora of physical, social and mental health benefits. With some knowledge and a little vigilance, you can enjoy the water without worrying about what might be lurking beneath the surface.

The reality of pool germs

Summer news headlines and social media posts often spotlight the “ick-factor” of communal swimming spaces. These concerns do have some merit.

The good news is that chlorine, which is widely used in pools, is effective at killing many pathogens. The not-so-good news is that chlorine does not work instantly – and it doesn’t kill everything.

Every summer, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues alerts about swimming-related outbreaks of illness caused by exposure to germs in public pools and water parks. A 2023 CDC report tracked over 200 pool-associated outbreaks from 2015 to 2019 across the U.S., affecting more than 3,600 people. These outbreaks included skin infections, respiratory issues, ear infections and gastrointestinal distress. Many of the outcomes from such infections are mild, but some can be serious.

Germs and disinfectants

Even in a pool that’s properly treated with chlorine, some pathogens can linger for minutes to days. One of the most common culprits is Cryptosporidium, a microscopic germ that causes watery diarrhea. This single-celled parasite has a tough outer shell that allows it to survive in chlorine-treated water for up to 10 days. It spreads when fecal matter — often from someone with diarrhea — enters the water and is swallowed by another swimmer. Even a tiny amount, invisible to the eye, can infect dozens of people.

Showering before and after swimming in a public pool helps avoid both bringing in and taking out pathogens and body substances.
Hafid Firman Syarif/iStock via Getty Images Plus

Another common germ is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that causes hot tub rash and swimmer’s ear. Viruses like norovirus and adenovirus can also linger in pool water and cause illness.

Swimmers introduce a range of bodily residues to the water, including sweat, urine, oils and skin cells. These substances, especially sweat and urine, interact with chlorine to form chemical byproducts called chloramines that may pose health risks.

These byproducts are responsible for that strong chlorine smell. A clean pool should actually lack a strong chlorine odor, as well as any other smells, of course. It is a common myth that a strong chlorine smell is a good sign of a clean pool. In fact, it may actually be a red flag that means the opposite – that the water is contaminated and should perhaps be avoided.

How to play it safe at a public pool

Most pool-related risks can be reduced with simple precautions by both the pool staff and swimmers. And while most pool-related illnesses won’t kill you, no one wants to spend their vacation or a week of beautiful summer days in the bathroom.

These 10 tips can help you avoid germs at the pool:
- Shower before swimming. Rinsing off for at least one minute removes most dirt and oils on the body that reduce chlorine’s effectiveness.
- Avoid the pool if you’re sick, especially if you have diarrhea or an open wound. Germs can spread quickly in water.
- Try to keep water out of your mouth to minimize the risk of ingesting germs.
- Don’t swim if you have diarrhea to help prevent the spread of germs.
- If diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis, often called “crypto,” wait two weeks after diarrhea stops before returning to the pool.
- Take frequent bathroom breaks. For children and adults alike, regular bathroom breaks help prevent accidents in the pool.
- Check diapers hourly and change them away from the pool to prevent fecal contamination.
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming to help prevent swimmer’s ear.
- Don’t swim with an open wound – or at least make sure it’s completely covered with a waterproof bandage to protect both you and others.
- Shower after swimming to remove germs from your skin.
Lisa Cuchara is affiliated with American Society for Microbiology

– ref. How germy is the public pool? An infectious disease expert weighs in on poop, pee and perspiration – and the deceptive smell of chlorine – https://theconversation.com/how-germy-is-the-public-pool-an-infectious-disease-expert-weighs-in-on-poop-pee-and-perspiration-and-the-deceptive-smell-of-chlorine-260996
MIL OSI –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Caution in the C-suite: How business leaders are navigating Trump 2.0

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Erran Carmel, Professor of Business, American University Kogod School of Business

In the first months of Donald Trump’s second term as president, his policies – from sweeping tariffs and aggressive immigration enforcement to attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion – have thrown U.S. businesses into turmoil, leading to a 26-point decline in CEO confidence.

Yet despite this volatility, many American corporations have remained notably restrained in their public responses.

This might come as a surprise. After all, in recent decades, CEOs have become increasingly willing to speak out about social and political issues. But while some universities and law firms have publicly pushed back against the Trump administration, business leaders are seemingly opting for caution.

What would it take for these titans of corporate America to speak out against Trump’s policies? We are a professor and a graduate student who study business, and back in 2018, one of us – Dr. Carmel – conducted an analysis asking this very question. More recently, we gathered new data looking at how business leaders are responding to Trump’s second term.

The 2018 analysis, involving data from about 200 leading U.S. CEOs, found that most business leaders remained publicly neutral on Trump, and only a handful expressed strong opposition. Silence was often a strategic choice, with many leaders staying mum due to fear of retaliation. The evidence also suggested that Trump could one day cross a line that would prompt a broader CEO backlash.

Seven years later, that line hasn’t yet appeared, even as Trump’s footprint on corporate America is now far more direct and substantial.

Most notable are Trump’s tariffs, first announced in April 2025, which have roiled global markets and unnerved CEOs. And there are many other ripples: Some companies, such as CBS’ parent company, Paramount – which is seeking the Trump administration’s approval for a merger – have decided to self-censor. Others, including Disney and Meta, gave in to Trump’s lawsuits and paid multimillion-dollar settlements, against the counsel of many outside experts. CEOs also have to deal with the threat of backlash from both the right and left.

Against this backdrop, we collected new public data to see how corporate leaders are responding to the second Trump administration. Just as in 2018, we examined the 232 companies that make up the Business Roundtable – a club of the most powerful American businesses.

We assessed the actions that these companies took regarding DEI and whether they experienced any backlash. We focused on these criteria as a way to assess whether CEOs are seeking either to support or placate Trump, or to stand on other principles. We also collected other data, including public statements from CEOs and campaign donations.

DEI as a bellwether

Corporate DEI actions were an early, useful way to gauge a business’s stances, since, from the outset, the Trump administration identified DEI as a “scourge” to be eliminated. Although the White House’s anti-DEI directives have applied to the executive branch and federal contractors, some private businesses rushed to make changes as well.

By May, just a bit over 100 days into Trump’s second term, a significant number of companies had decided to go along with Trump’s preferences. Sixty-nine of the 232 companies in the Business Roundtable rolled back their DEI initiatives in some way, while just 20 companies announced that they kept their DEI programs in place. There’s no information either way on the remaining 61% – likely because they decided it’s better to stay out of the news.

DEI-related actions have tapered off since May, but there’s still an impact. For example, the Federal Communications Commission pressured T-Mobile to eliminate DEI. Only then was its merger approved.

Companies that scaled back their DEI initiatives sometimes pointed to the political environment as a factor. Meta, for example, said in an internal memo that it was ending its DEI efforts due to a “shifting legal and policy landscape.” Other companies, including Verizon and Comcast, reportedly rolled back DEI programs because they feared legal action by the federal government.

Some corporations announced changes through internal announcements, legal filings or quiet updates to their websites, suggesting they want to stay out of the media spotlight.

A small number of Business Roundtable companies stood firm on their DEI policies – to mixed results. When Marriott’s CEO voiced support for DEI at a corporate leadership event, he reportedly received 40,000 appreciative emails from employees. On the other hand, after Coca-Cola reiterated its “commitment to sponsoring an inclusive workplace,” the right-wing activist Robby Starbuck — who The New York Times has described as “the anti-DEI agitator that companies fear most” – said Coca-Cola “should be very nervous about continuing with its woke policies.”

Bracing for backlash

Overall, 22% of Business Roundtable companies saw some sort of backlash to their actions. Most came from the political right: 36 companies were called out by conservatives, another eight by progressives, and eight more faced bipartisan backlash.

With more than three years left in Trump’s second term, it’s worth asking what lies ahead. We think the most likely scenario is that companies will continue to try to stay off the president’s radar and placate him when they must. After all, following the split with Elon Musk, Trump quite explicitly threatened to use presidential powers to hurt Musk’s businesses. Any CEO gets the implications.

While our analysis primarily focused on social issues, policies at the business core may push U.S. companies to confront Trump. Tariff policy is a prime example. Back in April, major retailers like Walmart quietly warned Trump that tariffs could lead to empty shelves and higher prices. More recently, the CEO of Goldman Sachs publicly warned that tariffs “have raised the level of uncertainty to a degree I do not think is healthy for investment and growth.”

These are voices of criticism – but worded quite softly.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Caution in the C-suite: How business leaders are navigating Trump 2.0 – https://theconversation.com/caution-in-the-c-suite-how-business-leaders-are-navigating-trump-2-0-260557

MIL OSI –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: 2 ways cities can beat the heat: Which is best, urban trees or cool roofs?

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Ian Smith, Research Scientist in Earth & Environment, Boston University

Trees like these in Boston can help keep neighborhoods cooler on hot days. Yassine Khalfalli/Unsplash, CC BY

When summer turns up the heat, cities can start to feel like an oven, as buildings and pavement trap the sun’s warmth and vehicles and air conditioners release more heat into the air.

The temperature in an urban neighborhood with few trees can be more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit (5.5 Celsius) higher than in nearby suburbs. That means air conditioning works harder, straining the electrical grid and leaving communities vulnerable to power outages.

There are some proven steps that cities can take to help cool the air – planting trees that provide shade and moisture, for example, or creating cool roofs that reflect solar energy away from the neighborhood rather than absorbing it.

But do these steps pay off everywhere?

We study heat risk in cities as urban ecologists and have been exploring the impact of tree-planting and reflective roofs in different cities and different neighborhoods across cities. What we’re learning can help cities and homeowners be more targeted in their efforts to beat the heat.

The wonder of trees

Urban trees offer a natural defense against rising temperatures. They cast shade and release water vapor through their leaves, a process akin to human sweating. That cools the surrounding air and reduces afternoon heat.

Adding trees to city streets, parks and residential yards can make a meaningful difference in how hot a neighborhood feels, with blocks that have tree canopies nearly 3 F (1.7 C) cooler than blocks without trees.

Comparing maps of New York’s vegetation and temperature shows the cooling effect of parks and neighborhoods with more trees. In the map on the left, lighter colors are areas with fewer trees. Light areas in the map on the right are hotter.
NASA/USGS Landsat

But planting trees isn’t always simple.

In hot, dry cities, trees often require irrigation to survive, which can strain already limited water resources. Trees must survive for decades to grow large enough to provide shade and release enough water vapor to reduce air temperatures.

Annual maintenance costs – about US$900 per tree per year in Boston – can surpass the initial planting investment.

Most challenging of all, dense urban neighborhoods where heat is most intense are often too packed with buildings and roads to grow more trees.

How cool roofs can help on hot days

Another option is “cool roofs.” Coating rooftops with reflective paint or using light-colored materials allows buildings to reflect more sunlight back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it as heat.

These roofs can lower the temperature inside an apartment building without air conditioning by about 2 to 6 F (1 to 3.3 C), and can cut peak cooling demand by as much as 27% in air-conditioned buildings, one study found. They can also provide immediate relief by reducing outdoor temperatures in densely populated areas. The maintenance costs are also lower than expanding urban forests.

Two workers apply a white coating to the roof of a row home in Philadelphia.
AP Photo/Matt Rourke

However, like trees, cool roofs come with limits. Cool roofs work better on flat roofs than sloped roofs with shingles, as flat roofs are often covered by heat-trapping rubber and are exposed to more direct sunlight over the course of an afternoon.

Cities also have a finite number of rooftops that can be retrofitted. And in cities that already have many light-colored roofs, a few more might help lower cooling costs in those buildings, but they won’t do much more for the neighborhood.

By weighing the trade-offs of both strategies, cities can design location-specific plans to beat the heat.

Choosing the right mix of cooling solutions

Many cities around the world have taken steps to adapt to extreme heat, with tree planting and cool roof programs that implement reflectivity requirements or incentivize cool roof adoption.

In Detroit, nonprofit organizations have planted more than 166,000 trees since 1989. In Los Angeles, building codes now require new residential roofs to meet specific reflectivity standards.

In a recent study, we analyzed Boston’s potential to lower heat in vulnerable neighborhoods across the city. The results demonstrate how a balanced, budget-conscious strategy could deliver significant cooling benefits.

For example, we found that planting trees can cool the air 35% more than installing cool roofs in places where trees can actually be planted.

However, many of the best places for new trees in Boston aren’t in the neighborhoods that need help. In these neighborhoods, we found that reflective roofs were the better choice.

By investing less than 1% of the city’s annual operating budget, about US$34 million, in 2,500 new trees and 3,000 cool roofs targeting the most at-risk areas, we found that Boston could reduce heat exposure for nearly 80,000 residents. The results would reduce summertime afternoon air temperatures by over 1 F (0.6 C) in those neighborhoods.

While that reduction might seem modest, reductions of this magnitude have been found to dramatically reduce heat-related illness and death, increase labor productivity and reduce energy costs associated with building cooling.

Not every city will benefit from the same mix. Boston’s urban landscape includes many flat, black rooftops that reflect only about 12% of sunlight, making cool roofs that reflect over 65% of sunlight an especially effective intervention. Boston also has a relatively moist growing season that supports a thriving urban tree canopy, making both solutions viable.

Phoenix, left, already has a lot of light-colored roots, compared with Boston, right, where roofs are mostly dark.
Imagery © Google 2025.

In places with fewer flat, dark rooftops suitable for cool roof conversion, tree planting may offer more value. Conversely, in cities with little room left for new trees or where extreme heat and drought limit tree survival, cool roofs may be the better bet.

Phoenix, for example, already has many light-colored roofs. Trees might be an option there, but they will require irrigation.

Getting the solutions where people need them

Adding shade along sidewalks can do double-duty by giving pedestrians a place to get out of the sun and cooling buildings. In New York City, for example, street trees account for an estimated 25% of the entire urban forest.

Cool roofs can be more difficult for a government to implement because they require working with building owners. That often means cities need to provide incentives. Louisville, Kentucky, for example, offers rebates of up to $2,000 for homeowners who install reflective roofing materials, and up to $5,000 for commercial businesses with flat roofs that use reflective coatings.

In Boston, planting trees, left, and increasing roof reflectivity, right, were both found to be effective ways to cool urban areas.
Ian Smith et al. 2025

Efforts like these can help spread cool roof benefits across densely populated neighborhoods that need cooling help most.

As climate change drives more frequent and intense urban heat, cities have powerful tools for lowering the temperature. With some attention to what already exists and what’s feasible, they can find the right budget-conscious strategy that will deliver cooling benefits for everyone.

Lucy Hutyra has received funding from the U.S. federal government and foundations including the World Resources Institute and Burroughs Wellcome Fund for her scholarship on urban climate and mitigation strategies. She was a recipient of a 2023 MacArthur Fellowship for her work in this area.

Ian Smith 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. 2 ways cities can beat the heat: Which is best, urban trees or cool roofs? – https://theconversation.com/2-ways-cities-can-beat-the-heat-which-is-best-urban-trees-or-cool-roofs-260188

MIL OSI –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: How the nature of environmental law is changing in defense of the planet and the climate

Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Dana Zartner, Professor of International Studies, University of San Francisco

A 2017 New Zealand law recognizes inherent rights of the Whanganui River. Jason Pratt, CC BY-SA

While the dangerous effects of climate change continue to worsen, legal efforts to address a range of environmental issues are also on the rise.

Headlines across the globe tout many of these legal actions: South Korea’s Climate Law Violates Rights of Future Generations; Ukraine is Ground Zero in Battle for Ecocide Law; Paris Wants to Grant the River Seine Legal Personhood; and Montana Court Rules Children Have the Right to a Healthy Environment, to name a few recent examples.

As an environmental lawyer, I see that most of these suits use one of five legal strategies that have been developed over the past couple of decades. These approaches vary in terms of who is filing the lawsuit, against whom, and whether the underlying legal perspective is based on protecting human rights or the rights of the environment itself. But they all share an innovative approach to protect all life on this planet.

1. Right to a healthy environment

In 2022, the United Nations declared that humans have “the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment … essential to protecting human life, well-being and dignity.” More than 150 countries have similar declarations in their constitutions or laws, often alongside protections for other human rights, such as those to education and medical care.

These rights are held by humans, so people can sue for alleged violations. Typically they sue one or more government agencies, whose responsibility it is to protect human rights.

One recent case using this approach was Held v. Montana, in which a group of young people in 2024 won a lawsuit against the state of Montana for violating the state constitution’s right to a “clean and healthful environment.” The state Supreme Court agreed with the plaintiffs and struck down a law barring the consideration of climate effects when evaluating proposals for fossil fuel extraction. Similar cases have been heard in the U.S. and other countries around the world.

Rikki Held, the lead plaintiff in the Montana case, center seated, confers with the Our Children’s Trust legal team before the start of the trial on June 12, 2023.
William Campbell/Getty Images

2. The rights of future generations

A legal concept called “intergenerational equity” is the idea that present generations must “responsibly use and conserve natural resources for the benefit of future generations.” First codified in international law in the 1972 Stockholm Declaration, the principle has been gaining popularity in recent decades. International organizations and national governments have enshrined this principle in law.

Focused on humans’ rights, these laws allow people and groups to bring claims, usually against governments, for allowing activities that are altering the environment in ways that will harm future generations. One well-known case that relied on this legal principle is Future Generations v. Ministry of the Environment and Others, in which a Colombian court in 2018 agreed with young people who had sued, finding that the Colombian government’s allowance of “rampant deforestation in the Amazon” violated the pact of intergenerational equity.

3. Government responsibility

Another human-centered approach is the public trust doctrine, which establishes “that certain natural and cultural resources are preserved for public use” and that governments have a responsibility to protect them for everyone’s benefit.

While the concept of “public trust” has long existed in the law, recently it has been used to bring suit against governments for their failure to address climate change and other environmental degradation. In Urgenda Foundation v. the State of the Netherlands, a Dutch court held in 2019 that the government has a responsibility to mitigate the effects of climate change due to the “severity of the consequences of climate change and the great risk of climate change occurring.” Since the decision, the Dutch government has sought to reduce emissions by phasing out the use of coal, increasing reliance on renewable energy and aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Government responsibility for the public trust was also a basis of the Juliana v. U.S. case, where a group of young people sued the U.S. government for breaching the public trust by not doing enough to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately declined to hear an appeal of a lower court’s ruling, but the lack of a specific ruling by the nation’s highest court has given continued hope to new cases, which continue to be filed based on the same principle.

A documentary examining the movement to protect the rights of nature.

4. Rights of nature

The rights of nature is one of the fastest-growing environmental legal strategies of the past decade. Since Ecuador recognized the rights of Pachamama, the Quechua name for Mother Earth, in its Constitution in 2008, more than 500 laws on the rights of nature have been enacted around the world.

The principle recognizes the legal rights of natural entities, such as rivers, mountains, ecosystems or even something as specific as wild rice. The laws that grant these rights don’t focus on humans but rather nature itself, often including language that the natural entity has the right to “exist and persist.”

The laws then provide a mechanism for the natural entity – whether through a specific group assigned legal guardianship or other community efforts – to protect itself by filing lawsuits in court. In the 2018 Colombian case, the court found that the Amazon ecosystem has rights, which must be respected and protected.

Similarly, in Bangladesh in 2019 the courts recognized the rights of all the country’s rivers, requiring, among other things, a halt on damaging development along the rivers that block their natural flow. The court also created a commission to serve as legal guardians of the country’s rivers.

The destruction of a dam in Ukraine, which emptied this former reservoir, is being investigated as a possible crime of ecocide.
Tarasov/Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images

5. Defining a new crime: Ecocide

In 2024, the governments of Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa formally proposed that the international community recognize a new crime under international law. Called “ecocide,” the principle takes a nature-focused approach and includes any unlawful act committed with “the knowledge that there is a substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the environment.”

Put another way, what genocide is to humans, ecocide is to nature. It is being proposed as an addition to the 2002 Rome Statute, which created the International Criminal Court to prosecute war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.

While the idea is relatively new, in addition to the international efforts, several countries have incorporated ecocide into their laws – including Vietnam, France, Chile and Ukraine. A Ukrainian prosecutor is currently investigating the June 2023 destruction of a dam in a Russian-occupied area of the country as a potential crime of ecocide, because of the widespread flooding and habitat destruction that resulted.

The European Union has also incorporated ecocide into its Environmental Crime Directive, which applies to all EU member countries, providing them with a mechanism to hear ecocide claims in their national courts.

Using these ideas

Each of these legal concepts has the potential to increase protection for the environment – and the people who live in it. But determining which strategy has the greatest chance of success depends on the details of the existing law and legal system in each community.

All of these legal strategies have a role in the fight to protect and preserve the environment as an integral, interdependent living thing that is vitally important to us as humans but also in its own right.

Dana Zartner is a volunteer with the Earth Law Center assisting with the editing of toolkits and guides, but has not worked on any of its lawsuits.

– ref. How the nature of environmental law is changing in defense of the planet and the climate – https://theconversation.com/how-the-nature-of-environmental-law-is-changing-in-defense-of-the-planet-and-the-climate-258982

MIL OSI –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Trump has fired the head of the Library of Congress, but the 225-year-old institution remains a ‘library for all’ – so far

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Alex H. Poole, Associate Professor of Information Science, Drexel University

The main reading room is seen at the Library of Congress on June 13, 2025, in Washington. Kevin Carter/Getty Images

Carla Hayden, the 14th librarian of Congress, who has held the position since 2016, received an unexpected email on May 8, 2025.

“Carla, on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as the Librarian of Congress is terminated effective immediately. Thank you for your service,” wrote Trent Morse, deputy director of presidential personnel at the White House.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later explained that Hayden, who was the first woman, Black person and professionally trained librarian to oversee the Library of Congress, had done “quite concerning things,” on the job, including “putting inappropriate books in the library for children.”

Democratic politicians sharply criticized Hayden’s termination, saying the firing was unjust. It was actually about Trump punishing civil servants “who don’t bend to his every will,” New York Sen. Chuck Schumer said.

An information science scholar, I have written extensively about the history of libraries and archives, including the Library of Congress. To fully understand the role Hayden played for the past nine years, I think it is important to understand what the Library of Congress does, and the overlooked and underappreciated role it has played in American life.

Carla Hayden, the recently fired librarian of Congress, attends an event in March 2025 in Washington.
Shannon Finney/Getty Images

The Library of Congress’ work

The Library of Congress is an agency that was first established, by an act of Congress, in 1800. The act provided for “the purchase of such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress at the said city of Washington, and for fitting up a suitable apartment for containing them.” Its chief librarian is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

The library has six buildings in Washington that hold a print and online collection of nearly 26 million books, as well as more than 136 million other items, including manuscripts, maps, sheet music and prints and photographs.

It also houses historic documents, like Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and James Madison’s notes on the 1787 Constitutional Convention.

The library is the property of the American people. Anyone over the age of 16 with a government-issued photo identification can enter its buildings and read or view its materials on-site. The Library of Congress was partially designed as a research institution to suit the needs of members of Congress, and only Congress members can borrow items from the library and take them home.

The Library of Congress has an annual budget of about US$900 million, with a staff of 3,263. In 2024, the library’s staff helped acquire 1,437,832 million new items, issue nearly 69,000 library cards and answer more than 764,000 reference requests, among other tasks.

The library’s deep roots

The library has evolved alongside the U.S. itself. Five years before the Constitutional Convention of 1787, future president James Madison called for a library to provide materials to help inform Congress and its members. In 1800, President John Adams signed a bill that established the institution, which began with a $5,000 government appropriation, equivalent to more than $127,000 today.

The library’s first collection included 152 works in 740 volumes imported from England. It occupied a space in a Washington Senate office that measured just 22 feet by 34 feet.

The British army torched the infant library and its collection that had grown to 3,000 books in 1814, during the War of 1812. In response, former president Thomas Jefferson sold his personal collection of 6,479 books to the library, which he called “unquestionably the choicest collection of books in the U.S.”

Tragedy struck again in 1851, with a fire that incinerated two-thirds of the library’s 55,000 volumes, including most of Jefferson’s personal collection.

The organization rebounded in the next few years, as it purchased the 40,000-volume Smithsonian library in 1866, among other new acquisitions.

Ainsworth Spofford, the sixth librarian of Congress, boosted the library’s national image in the late 1800s when he tried to centralize the country’s patchwork copyright system.

Spofford also successfully lobbied Congress to pass the Copyright Act of 1870, which stipulated that any party registering a work for copyright needed to deposit two copies of that work with the library.

A growing place in American life

As its collections burgeoned in both scale and scope in the latter part of the 19th century, the library assumed an increasingly visible role and became known by some as “the nation’s library.” By 1900, it had nearly 1 million printed books and other materials.

The opening of a new library building in 1897, offering services to blind people with a designated reading room containing 500 raised character – or braille – books and music items, epitomized the library’s new status.

President Theodore Roosevelt said in 1901 that the library was “the one national library of the United States” and that was “a unique opportunity to render to the libraries of this country – to American scholarship – service of the highest importance.”

The library’s work, and global approach, continued to grow during the 20th century.

By the late 1900s, the library held materials in more than 450 languages.

It continued to add remarkable items to its collection, including a Gutenberg Bible, the first book printed in Europe from movable metal type, a kind of printing technology, in 1455.

Documenting the evolution of democracy, the library also assumed stewardship of 23 presidents’ official papers, from George Washington to Calvin Coolidge, during this time frame.

A public service

While primarily designated a research institution for Congress, the library has also catered to a diverse range of patrons, including by mail and telephone.

As one Science Digest writer noted in 1960, reference staff members fielded questions ranging from “What was the color of a mastodon’s eye?” to “How many words are there in the English language?” and “Could you suggest a name for twins?”

The library’s register of copyrights received similarly diverse and even humorous inquiries. One older woman seeking to publish her poetry wrote in 1954 to request “a poetic license” to ensure her work conformed to the law.

In the late 20th century, the library focused on a new democratic national and international mission, as it embraced a new role. Daniel Boorstin, the librarian from 1975 to 1987, termed that role a “multimedia encyclopedia.”

A congressional resolution marking the Library of Congress’s bicentennial in 2000 noted that it was “the largest and most inclusive library in human history,” as it digitized its collections to extend its reach still further with the growth of the internet.

As the library marks its 225th year, it continues to represent, as David Mearns, chief of the library’s manuscript division, said in 1947, “the American story.”

The Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress is seen on June 11, 2025, in Washington.
Kevin Carter/Getty Images

A library for all

Following Hayden’s dismissal, Trump appointed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer, as acting librarian of Congress.

Hayden has contended that her dismissal, which occurred alongside other firings of top civil servants, including the national archivist, represents a broad threat to people’s right to easily access free information.

“Democracies are not to be taken for granted,” Hayden said in June. She explained in an interview with CBS that she never had a problem with a presidential administration and is not sure why she was dismissed.

“And the institutions that support democracy should not be taken for granted,” Hayden added.

In her final annual report as librarian, Hayden characterized the institution as “truly, a library for all.” So far, even without her leadership, it remains just that.

Alex H. Poole 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. Trump has fired the head of the Library of Congress, but the 225-year-old institution remains a ‘library for all’ – so far – https://theconversation.com/trump-has-fired-the-head-of-the-library-of-congress-but-the-225-year-old-institution-remains-a-library-for-all-so-far-257508

MIL OSI –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Ozzy Osbourne’s spirit of defiance changed music forever

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Douglas Schulz, Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology, University of Bradford

Ozzy Osbourne’s death is not just the passing of another rock star. It marks the end of an era – the fading of a figure who helped shape an entire music genre and subculture.

Both as a member of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist, Osbourne’s legacy lies not only in music history but how we understand performance, rebellion, and the expressive power of sound itself.

Despite a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and several health setbacks over the years, the news of his death was a shock to the whole metal community. Just weeks before his death on July 22, Osbourne delivered his final performance with Black Sabbath in the place it all began – Villa Park in Birmingham.

In the hours following the announcement of his death, countless bands and musicians flooded their social media channels to pay their respects.

Osbourne’s life was a testament to reinvention, grit, and the power of artistic authenticity – going from a working-class kid in Aston to the biggest name in heavy metal, writing the soundtrack to so many people’s lives. His distinctive voice, theatrical presence, and sheer will and determination shaped heavy metal music – inspiring generations of musicians and fans.

Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

When Black Sabbath emerged in the early 1970s, they played a role in making rock music more menacing, grittier and heavier. The Birmingham band didn’t just turn up the amplifiers and played louder guitars – they introduced a new aesthetic. They were known for their doomy riffs and lyrics about war, madness and the occult. Osbourne, with his uncanny voice and stage presence, was at the front and centre.

This sound was destined to become the blueprint for heavy metal. But Osbourne’s contribution went beyond his voice. He gave the genre its face, theatricality – and above all, its spirit of defiance.

Whether he was biting off the head of a bat on stage, stumbling through reality television with absurd but relatable quotes, or delivering genre-defining performances, Osbourne embodied contradictions. He was a mix of menace and mischief, tragedy and comedy, myth and man.

Heavy metal music has existed in tension with mainstream culture ever since its emergence in the UK in the late 1960s. It has been regarded as too aggressive, too loud, too weird. But Osbourne’s presence forced metal into the public discourse – whether through moral panics in the 1970s and ’80s, or through his television appearances in the 2000s. The Osbournes, a reality show following the family which aired on MTV, was a huge hit in the US and around the world, making Ozzy famous to a whole new audience.

Throughout his long career, Osbourne helped shift heavy metal from the margins into the mainstream, without ever diluting its transgressive edge.

A symbol of inspiration

Osbourne’s stage persona carved out space for other artists to follow. His willingness to be ridiculous, to speak openly about his addictions, health struggles and family dysfunction made him oddly relatable. It is that relatability that allowed Osbourne to be metal’s court jester and elder statesman in one.

Over time, bands like Slipknot, Ghost, Sleep Token, as well as more introspective bands like Deftones or Gojira, owe much to the groundwork Osbourne and Black Sabbath laid: a template for authenticity, theatricality, and emotional openness wrapped in spectacle and distortion. They helped define the core rhythms, riffs, themes and aesthetics that generations of metal bands followed.

But Osbourne’s cultural influence cannot be measured only in record sales (although those were plenty), Grammy wins, or his induction into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His influence lies in how his image, sound and attitude reshaped music scenes across continents.

In countries where metal is censored or underground, Osbourne was a symbol of resistance. In places where metal was accepted, he was the genre’s most unpredictable ambassador.

The Prince of Darkness, as he was known, may have left the stage but his legacy will live on. His music is still looped on Tiktok videos, and memes still make rounds on social media.

Young metal-heads will continue to emulate his style and irreverence. As long as people pick up guitars and look for a way to scream back at the world, Ozzy will be there – in spirit, in sound, and in spectacle.

Douglas Schulz 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. Ozzy Osbourne’s spirit of defiance changed music forever – https://theconversation.com/ozzy-osbournes-spirit-of-defiance-changed-music-forever-261775

MIL OSI –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Rain and thunderstorms are expected in Moscow during the day

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

According to weather forecasters, short-term rain is expected in the next hour, and thunderstorms with showers are expected in some areas. During thunderstorms, winds may increase with gusts of up to 15 meters per second. This weather will continue until the evening.

Residents are asked to be attentive and careful, not to be near billboards and shaky structures, and not to take shelter under trees.

In such bad weather, motorists are advised to significantly reduce their speed and increase the distance from vehicles in front, as well as avoid sudden maneuvers – overtaking, changing lanes, passing, not to take shelter under trees and not to park cars next to them.

In an emergency, you must call the emergency services at the single number: 112 or the single helpline of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia for the city of Moscow: 7 495 637-31-01.

Quickly find out the main news of the capital inofficial telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

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

.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inspection report published: An inspection of the Home Office’s use of age assessments (July 2024 – February 2025)
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Inspection report published: An inspection of the Home Office’s use of age assessments (July 2024 – February 2025)

The Independent Chief Inspector, David Bolt CBE, comments on the inspection report on the Home Office’s use of age assessments, and the Home Office’s response, following its publication yesterday.
My report on the Home Office use of age assessments was published yesterday (22 July 2025). The report was sent to the Home Secretary on 20 May 2025, so publication fell just outside the agreed 8-week target timescale. I made eight recommendations designed to improve training, guidance, assurance, resources and communication and I am pleased that all were accepted.

When a young person claims asylum in the UK, the Home Office must determine whether they will be treated as an adult or as a child while their claim is being processed. The focus is on chronological age, reflecting the fact that immigration and other relevant legislation is framed around 18 years as the bright line between childhood and adulthood. However, the binary nature of the determination and the absence of a foolproof ‘test’ of chronological age mean that the Home Office will sometimes get it wrong. This is clearly a cause for concern, especially where a child is denied the rights and protections to which they are entitled.

This inspection examined initial age decisions based on appearance and demeanour made by the Home Office when first encountering young people who claim asylum, in particular those arriving by small boat. It also examined subsequent age assessments, including those conducted by the National Age Assessment Board (NAAB), which sits within the Home Office and since 2023 has been assisting local authorities by conducting Merton-compliant age assessments on their behalf.

Inspectors set out to understand how far the Home Office went to ensure that its assessments were sufficiently mindful of the difficulty of getting it right and of the consequences of getting it wrong. Inspectors looked for evidence that processes were methodical, fairly and consistently applied, and child-sensitive; that decisions were balanced and reasonable; and that those involved were open to learning from others and from their mistakes.

Inspectors found that many of the long-standing concerns about policy and practice, especially in respect of initial age decisions, remain unanswered, and for small boat arrivals some of these concerns had increased. Yet there was a surprising lack of curiosity about decisions that were subsequently disputed and overturned, and a prevailing view that there was no learning to take from these later assessments as the processes were too dissimilar.

For those disputing their initial age decision, the greater reliance on qualified social workers, whether employed by local authorities or by the NAAB, the recognised Merton ‘standard’, and the fact that there is more time to probe and reflect, made for a more careful and thorough process, though still not guaranteed to get it right. Here there was a need to improve information sharing (with local authorities regarding age disputed individuals dispersed to their area) and capacity (especially of the NAAB to meet the demand it had generated for its services), along with record-keeping, data and quality assurance.

Previous inspections have raised concerns about the Home Office’s ability to identify vulnerable adults and respond effectively. In focusing on determining chronological age the Home Office needs to take care that it is not deflected from making a more holistic assessment of individual needs, since a young person who is assessed correctly to be over 18 may nonetheless be vulnerable and at risk if placed with other adults.

Underlying my eight recommendations the overall message is that the Home Office should look to work more closely and collaboratively with external stakeholders, including local authorities in England and Wales and their equivalents in Scotland and Northern Ireland, Strategic Migration Partnerships, Non-Governmental Organisations, and should involve others (interpreters, social workers, experts and practitioners in supporting and providing services for children and young people) as much as possible in designing and delivering its processes.

Home Office policies and practice in relation to age assessments will always be hotly contested, not least because of what is at stake. But a more open and inclusive approach will make it easier for the Home Office and its critics to maintain a constructive dialogue about how to ensure that the best interests of children are served. Committing to better communication, engagement and collaboration would be a start.

Yesterday, the government also issued a written ministerial statement regarding the use of scientific methods to help determine age. As no scientific methods are currently in use, this was out of scope for this inspection. However, the ICIBI will no doubt wish to return to age assessments at some point to follow up on its recommendations, and this will also be an opportunity to inspect any new methods that are in use at that time.

David Bolt CBE, Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration

23 July 2025

An inspection of the Home Office’s use of age assessments (July 2024 – February 2025)

The Home Office responses to the Chief Inspector’s reports

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Updates to this page

Published 23 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 23, 2025
Indian stock market surges amid value buying, Sensex jumps 540 points

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Indian stock market settled in positive territory on Wednesday following buying in banking, financial services, automobiles and healthcare sectors amid positive global cues surrounding the US-Japan trade pact.

Sensex closed at 82,726.64, up 539.83 or 0.66 per cent. The 30-share index opened with a decent gap-up at 82,451.87 against last session’s closing value of 82,186.81. The index soared further to hit an intraday high of 82,786.43, following buying interest in heavyweights like Tata Motors, Bharti Airtel and ICICI Bank.

Nifty 50 closed at 25,219.90, up 159 points or 0.63 per cent.

“The day was characterised by robust performance across key sectors such as Banking, Financial Services, Automobiles, Healthcare, and Information Technology. In contrast, pockets of weakness persisted in Realty, Media, Consumer Goods, and Metals, reflecting a sectorally bifurcated landscape,” said Ashika Institutional Equities in its note.

On the global stage, investor sentiment soared following optimistic developments surrounding the US-Japan trade pact, igniting expectations for further international agreements shortly.

Tata Motors, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finance, Maruti Suzuki, Bajaj FinServ, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Eternal, Asian Paints, and SBI were top gainers from the Sensex’s stocks. Hindustan Unilever, Infosys, and Ultratech Cements ended the session in red.

Meanwhile, 37 stocks advanced and 13 shares declined from Nifty50.

Among sectoral indices, Nifty Bank settled 454 points or 0.80 per cent higher, Nifty Auto surged 203 points or 0.85 per cent and Nifty IT closed 92.60 points or 0.25 per cent up. Nifty FMCG declined.

Broader indices followed the gaining momentum as well. Nifty Net 50 surged 159 points, Nifty 100 rallied 0.55 per cent or 142 points, and Nifty Midcap 100 ended the session up 203 points or 0.34 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 settled flat.

Rupee traded flat in a narrow range near 86.40, with marginal movement of 0.01 per cent against the dollar. The dollar index also remained steady around 97.40 as markets awaited further cues.

“Domestic capital markets gained 0.65 per cent, while Fed Chair Powell’s recent speech kept the dollar range-bound. Attention now shifts to next week’s U.S. interest rate decision, which will be a key directional trigger. Rupee is expected to trade within a range of 85.80–86.70,” said Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities.

(IANS)

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: District Man Sentenced to 11.5 Years in Scheme to Steal Residential Real Estate Using Fraudulent Deeds

Source: US FBI

WASHINGTON – Jeffrey M. Young-Bey, 68, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 138 months in prison for his role a scheme that stole residential real estate property in order to generate more than $850,000 in fraudulent loans, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

Young-Bey was found guilty by a jury on Feb.12, 2024, on 12 federal charges: one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and bank fraud, two counts of bank fraud, two counts of mail fraud, two counts of money laundering, and five counts of aggravated identity theft. In addition to the term of incarceration, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered five years of supervised release.

Joining in the announcement was FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, which led the investigation.

According to the government’s evidence, beginning in November 2019, Young-Bey conspired to steal a residential townhome located in LeDroit Park in order to obtain mortgage financing against the stolen property.

Young-Bey identified a target property owned free and clear by an elderly homeowner. He then prepared a fraudulent property deed, including forged signatures of the true owners and used a fake notary stamp to make the deed appear legitimate.

Young-Bey filed the deed with the District of Columbia Recorder of Deeds, transferring the title from the true owners to a corporate entity. Young-Bey passed a check to the D.C. Recorder of Deeds to pay for the transfer taxes but put a stop payment order on the check before the D.C. government could cash the check. After causing the fake deed to be recorded with the D.C. Recorder of Deeds, he falsely told a mortgage services business that another individual had inherited the property and wanted to take a large loan against the value of the home.

Young-Bey created a fake rental lease and deceived the mortgage company into loaning one of his associates approximately $360,000 against the value of the home they did not own, which was split evenly between the two. Young-Bey used his half of the proceeds to buy a BMW 3-Series valued at approximately $23,000.

After succeeding on the first scam, Young-Bey executed a second fraudulent scheme on a Shephard Park property in the District, forging the names of the two owners, using the fake notary stamp, and recording the deed at the D.C. Recorder of Deeds Office. Young-Bey again put a stop payment order on the transfer tax check before it could be cashed. Young-Bey used the recorded deed to obtain a construction loan of more than $500,000 against the value of the house. Young-Bey took a portion of the loan and purchased a BMW 7-Series worth approximately $120,000. He promptly sold the home to a legitimate real estate company for an additional $42,000 in profit. The fraud was discovered when the real estate company began performing renovations on the home and the rightful owners were alerted to the construction and demolition by their neighbors.

This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher R. Howland and Kevin L. Rosenberg of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Gina Torres. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Rothstein, who investigated and indicted the case, as well as former Assistant U.S. Attorney Virginia Cheatham, former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Viviana Vasiu, and Paralegal Specialist Lisa Abbe, each of whom assisted in investigating the case. The prosecution team was also assisted by Tonya Jones from the Victim Witness Assistance Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Lenerz from the Appellate Section.

21cr661

MIL Security OSI –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mobix Labs Accelerates Growth with Appointment of Phil Sansone as CEO as Co-Founder Fabian Battaglia Transitions to Strategic Advisor

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

~ Mobix enters powerful new growth phase, expanding its footprint in defense, military, aerospace, and high-speed wireless innovation ~

~ Leadership transition marks new phase of expansion and innovation ~

IRVINE, Calif. , July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mobix Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOBX) (“Mobix” or the “Company”), a fabless semiconductor company focused on next-generation wireless and wired connectivity, today announced that Fabian Battaglia, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, is retiring from his role as CEO effective July 25, 2025. Phil Sansone, who has served as Interim CEO since April 2025, has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective July 25, 2025. Battaglia will remain actively involved with the Company as a senior advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors.

“Mobix Labs was founded with a mission to transform high-performance connectivity, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together,” said Fabian Battaglia. “Taking this company from an early-stage vision to a Nasdaq-listed innovator in just a few years has been the honor of my career. I have complete confidence in Phil’s leadership and look forward to supporting him and the Board in my new advisory role. The future of Mobix has never been brighter.”

Under Battaglia’s leadership, Mobix grew from a startup into a public company with a rapidly expanding presence in advanced communication technologies. As CEO, he spearheaded Mobix’s strategic expansion into critical sectors including defense, military, aerospace, and wireless communications, as well as rapid growth through M&A.

“Fabian’s vision, passion, and relentless commitment laid the foundation for Mobix’s success,” said Jim Peterson, Executive Chairman of the Board. “We are grateful for his exceptional leadership and pleased that he will continue contributing to the Company in an advisory capacity. We are equally excited to welcome Phil as our new CEO — a proven leader with the insight, drive, and strategic acumen to guide Mobix into its next chapter of growth.”

Phil Sansone brings over two decades of operational leadership experience, including his most recent role leading Mobix as interim CEO. In that time, he has accelerated customer acquisition, strengthened internal execution, and positioned the Company for scalable expansion.

“I’m honored to take the helm as CEO of Mobix Labs at this pivotal moment,” said Phil Sansone, Chief Executive Officer. “We have extraordinary technology, world-class talent, and a clear vision. As we enter our next phase, I’m committed to delivering transformative solutions to our customers and exceptional value to our shareholders.”

The leadership transition underscores Mobix’s commitment to long-term innovation, growth, and operational excellence as the Company continues to scale across key growth markets.

Phil Sansone brings over 30 years of global sales and executive management experience within the semiconductor industry. Previoulsy, Sansone held senior roles at Microsemi and MaxLinear and spent nearly two decades at Avnet, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President of North American sales and engineering. He was instrumental in driving market share gains and improving operational performance. Sansone’s proven leadership in global distribution, strategic partnerships, and revenue growth strongly supports Mobix’s continuing success in dynamic, high-demand markets.

Since joining Mobix Labs in October 2021 as Vice President of Sales, Sansone has notably expanded the company’s footprint in the military, defense, and aerospace sectors, securing key orders for technologies utilized in critical U.S. military and defense platforms.

About Mobix Labs, Inc.

Mobix Labs designs, develops, and supplies advanced connectivity and sensing solutions for high-growth sectors, including aerospace, defense, wireless, medical, industrial, and automotive markets. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Mobix’s offerings include mmWave RF modules, EMI filters, optical interconnects, and active optical cable systems. Founded in 2020, the company is publicly traded on Nasdaq under the ticker MOBX.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about future events and the performance of Mobix Labs, Inc. (“Mobix,” the “Company,” “we,” or “our”), and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s strategic growth initiatives, market expansion plans, leadership transition, expectations regarding the Company’s technology development, customer relationships, product demand, and future financial and operational performance.

Words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions, as they relate to Mobix or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict and that are, in many cases, beyond the Company’s control.

Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to: the ability of the Company to effectively execute its growth strategy; risks related to leadership transitions and management continuity; macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions; supply chain disruptions; market acceptance of new products and technologies; customer demand and procurement timing in the defense and aerospace sectors; the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements; and other risks and uncertainties described from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including under the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Mobix assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

About Mobix Labs, Inc.

Mobix Labs (Nasdaq: MOBX) is a purpose-built, 100% U.S.-based supplier of advanced connectivity solutions targeting aerospace, defense, AI, and 5G infrastructure markets. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Mobix Labs delivers performance-critical RF, optical, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) interconnect technologies through proprietary semiconductor IP, advanced packaging, and vertically integrated manufacturing. Learn more at www.mobixlabs.com.

Investor Contact:
Ryan Battaglia
rbattaglia@mobixlabs.com

Media Contact:
Christopher Lancaster
clancaster@mobixlabs.com

Source: Mobix Labs, Inc.

The MIL Network –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: CertiK Skynet Report Ranks Leading Stablecoins: USDT, USDC, PYUSD, and RLUSD Among the Top

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CertiK, the largest Web3 security services company, released its Skynet Stablecoin Spotlight Report for H1 2025, detailing the current state of the stablecoin market, how the Skynet Stablecoin Rating Framework provides a tailored system for evaluating a stablecoin’s security risk profile, and recent regulatory impacts on stablecoin adoption and security.

In this report, CertiK noted that stablecoin adoption grew significantly in the first half of 2025; as of July 2025, stablecoins represent approximately 8.9% of the overall crypto market. However, as is the case with the growth of other digital assets, stablecoin expansion has brought increased scrutiny of security, risk, and regulatory compliance. This shift was one of the driving factors behind the development of CertiK’s Skynet rating system, which brings a comprehensive framework for assessing stablecoin activity from a security and risk standpoint, aiming to protect stablecoin users.

The report paints a detailed picture of the current state of the stablecoin market. For instance, aggregate supply of stablecoins grew from $204 billion to $252 billion in the first half of 2025, and monthly settlement volumes rose by 43 percent to $1.39 trillion. Stablecoins such as USDT (Tether) and USDC (Circle) are dominating the stablecoin market, with other stablecoins seeing a steep growth trajectory.

Additionally, CertiK noted how recent regulatory developments are changing the stablecoin landscape. In the United States, the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy (STABLE) Act of 2025 proposes a robust federal framework for stablecoin reserve requirements and monthly audited reserve reports, among other requirements. Concurrently, the Senate passed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act of 2025, which proposes a tiered regulatory system, allowing smaller issuers (under $10 billion in circulation) to operate under state-level oversight while mandating federal supervision for larger entities. The European Union has enforced its own similar frameworks through Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA).

These frameworks are bifurcating the market into license-ready leaders and non-compliant holdouts. Banks such as Société Générale, Santander, and Bank of America, and payment networks like Visa and Stripe, accelerated stablecoin pilots, signaling that regulated USD-backed coins are moving onto traditional finance rails.

As stablecoin adoption accelerates, security considerations will become all the more important. Thus, the focal point of CertiK’s report is its Skynet Stablecoin Rating Framework, which combines qualitative analysis with quantitative metrics across six key domains: Operational Resilience, Governance Strength, Fundamental Health, Code Security, Market Dynamic, and Community Trust. Some of the leading stablecoins evaluated by CertiK’s framework include USDT, USDC, PYUSD, and USDS.

CertiK’s report noted that the next wave of stablecoin innovation will likely involve the growth of two main stablecoin models: RWA-backed stablecoins and yield-bearing stablecoins. According to the report, the stablecoin market is projected to exceed $300 billion by year-end. In this evolving environment, rigorous risk management, transparent operations, and a proactive compliance posture are the critical determinants of long-term viability.

Elisa Yiting Xu
yiting.xu@certik.com

The MIL Network –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Next Hydrogen Announces Aggregate of $1.5 million in Loans and Provides Corporate Update

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc. (the “Company” or “Next Hydrogen”) (TSXV:NXH, OTC:NXHSF), is pleased to announce that it is entering into a loan agreement with certain existing directors and officers of the Company (the “Lenders”) providing for the advance of an unsecured loan (the “Loan”) bearing interest at 5.0% per annum in the principal amount of $530,000. The Loan shall mature on the date that is one year from the advance of the Loan (the “Maturity Date”). In conjunction with the advance of the Loan, the Company will also pay a set-up fee of $20,000 to the Lenders.

The advance of the Loan is expected to take place on July 23, 2025, immediately prior to the advance of a $1 million loan from an arm’s length commercial lender (the “Original Loan”) that is being negotiated between the Company and such lender. There can be no assurances that the Original Loan will be completed as proposed or at all.

In consideration of the advance of the Loan by the Lenders, the Company shall, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the “TSXV”) in accordance with the policies of the TSXV, issue to the Lenders, an aggregate of 214,140 common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”) at a deemed price of $0.495 per share as bonus shares (the “Loan Bonus Shares”), representing approximately 20% of the principal amount of the Loan, subject to adjustment in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.

In addition, subject to the approval of the TSXV in accordance with the policies of the TSXV, the Loan may be converted into Common Shares (the “Conversion Shares”) at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the closing of an offering of equity securities of the Company.

Next Hydrogen intends to use the proceeds of the Loan and the Original Loan for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Loan and the Original Loan will assist the Company in bridging its financial position in order to keep its talented team and continue operations while it evaluates longer term financial and strategic solutions.

In conducting its review of financial and strategic solutions, the Company’s board and management team are committed to acting in the best interests of the Company, its shareholders and its stakeholders. There is no deadline or definitive timetable for the completion of the review of financial and strategic solutions, and the Company does not intend to comment further unless the Company’s board has approved a specific transaction or otherwise determined that disclosure is necessary or appropriate. There can be no assurances that the review will result in any specific transaction or outcome.

This issuance of the Loan Bonus Shares and the Conversion Shares, if applicable, are subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Loan or the Original Loan and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

All moneys quoted in this press release shall be stated and paid in the lawful money of Canada.

The Company also advises that the last day of trading of the Common Shares on the OTCQX will be Thursday, July 24, 2025.

The Lenders consist of Allan MacKenzie, Anthony Guglielmin, Adarsh Mehta, Jens Peter Clausen, Susan Uthayakumar and Walter Howard, each a director of the Company, Raveel Afzaal, the Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company and Rohan Advani, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Each Lender is an Insider of the Company (as such term is defined under the policies of the TSXV) and the participation of Insiders in the Loan would constitute a “related party transaction” within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101”). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.5(b) as the Company is not listed on a specified market and the minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to section 5.7(1)(b), based on a determination that the fair market value of the Loan, insofar as it involves the related parties, will not exceed $2,500,000. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the expected closing date of the Loan as closing occurred on an expedited basis. An aggregate of 214,140 Loan Bonus Shares will be issued to the Lenders which in the aggregate represents less than 1.0% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares.

About Next Hydrogen

Founded in 2007, Next Hydrogen is a designer and manufacturer of electrolyzers that use water and electricity as inputs to generate clean hydrogen for use as an energy source. Next Hydrogen’s unique cell design architecture supported by 40 patents enables high current density operations and superior dynamic response to efficiently convert intermittent renewable electricity into green hydrogen on an infrastructure scale. Following successful pilots, Next Hydrogen is scaling up its technology to deliver commercial solutions to decarbonize transportation and industrial sectors.

Contact Information

Raveel Afzaal, President and Chief Executive Officer
Next Hydrogen Solutions Inc.
Email: rafzaal@nexthydrogen.com
Phone: 647-961-6620

www.nexthydrogen.com

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements”. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as “expects”, or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, “plans”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “forecasts”, “estimates”, “believes”, or “intends” or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results “may” or “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: the risk that the Loan and the Original Loan will not be completed as planned or at all; changes to the use of proceeds of the Loan and the Original Loan, risks associated with the pursuit of any financial or strategic transaction or the completion thereof, the risks associated with the hydrogen industry in general; delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure development or capital expenditures; uncertainty with respect to the timing of any contemplated transactions or partnerships, or whether such contemplated transactions or partnerships will be completed at all; the timing for any submissions or correspondences with applicable securities laws regulators; whether the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to costs and expenses; failure to obtain timely necessary regulatory approvals and all required TSXV approvals; health, safety and environmental risks; uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to infrastructure developments or capital expenditures; currency exchange rate fluctuations; as well as general economic conditions, stock market volatility; and the ability to access sufficient capital. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, there will be no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

The MIL Network –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Partners with KOL to Drive Blockchain and AI Growth in Southeast Asia

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, partnered with Indian crypto thought leader Pushpendra Singh to support a landmark Blockchain & AI Summit in Southeast Asia—further strengthening its role as a global enabler of the decentralized tech ecosystem.

The summit was organized in collaboration with the Consortium of Indian Industries in Malaysia (CIIM). It brought together builders, investors, and leaders from India, South Asia, the Middle East, Singapore, China, and beyond, establishing Malaysia as an up-and-coming regional hub for blockchain and AI collaboration. The event included keynotes, panel discussions, and interactive sessions aimed at promoting innovation and the responsible adoption of Web3 technologies.

“Having a prominent Indian KOL like Pushpendra lead a Blockchain and AI Summit in Malaysia highlights the global and collaborative nature of this industry. At Bitget, our mission is to empower and scale these ecosystems wherever they develop,” said Jyotsna Hirdyani, South Asia Head at Bitget.

Bitget KOL Pushpendra Singh taking the stage at the Blockchain & AI Summit

Pushpendra expressed a similar viewpoint, emphasizing that Malaysia’s rising status as a premier destination for both technology and tourism makes it an ideal location for a globally diverse gathering. “This event wasn’t solely focused on Web3; it was also about uniting various voices under one shared vision. Malaysia is quickly becoming a hub where innovation meets opportunity, and we take pride in working to help shape that narrative,” he shared.

The partnership shows Bitget’s continued efforts to advance inclusivity, education, and grassroots leadership in nascent cryptocurrency communities. One region, one builder, and one summit at a time, Bitget is dedicated to offering the platforms, tools, and collaborations that propel the industry forward as blockchain and AI continue to converge.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.
Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP™, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/64aba109-89d5-46a4-a8b1-ccef7eb91ad5

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/695b5285-5250-427c-9886-20d016670456

The MIL Network –

July 23, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Indonesian military set to complete Trans-Papua Highway under Prabowo’s rule

By Julian Isaac

The Indonesian Military (TNI) is committed to supporting the completion of the Trans-Papua Highway during President Prabowo Subianto’s term in office.

While the military is not involved in construction, it plays a critical role in securing the project from threats posed by pro-independence Papuan resistance groups in “high-risk” regions.

Spanning a total length of 4330 km, the Trans-Papua road project has been under development since 2014.

However, only 3446 km of the national road network has been connected after more than a decade of construction.

“Don’t compare Papua with Jakarta, where there are no armed groups. Papua is five times the size of Java, and not all areas are secure,” TNI spokesman Major-General Kristomei Sianturi told a media conference at the Ministry of Public Works on Monday.

One of the currently active segments is the Jayapura–Wamena route — specifically the Mamberamo–Elim section, which stretches 50 km.

The project is being carried out through a public-private partnership and was awarded to PT Hutama Karya, with an investment of Rp3.3 trillion (about US$202 million) and a 15-year concession. The segment is expected to be completed within two years, targeting finalisation next year.

Security an obstacle
General Kristomei said that one of the main obstacles was security in the vicinity of construction sites.

Out of 50 regencies/cities in Papua, at least seven are considered high-risk zones. Since its inception, the Trans-Papua road project has claimed 17 lives, due to clashes in the region.

In addition to security challenges, the delivery of construction materials remains difficult due to limited infrastructure.

“Transporting goods from one point to another in Papua is extremely difficult because there are no connecting roads. We’re essentially building from scratch,” General Kristomei said.

In May 2024, President Joko Widodo convened a limited cabinet meeting at the Merdeka Palace to discuss accelerating development in Papua. The government agreed on the urgent need to improve education, healthcare, and security in the region.

The Minister of National Development Planning, Suharso Monoarfa, announced that the government would ramp up social welfare programmes in Papua in coordination with then Vice-President Ma’ruf Amin, who chairs the Agency for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy in Papua (BP3OKP).

‘Welfare based approaches’
“We are gradually implementing welfare-based approaches, including improvements in education and health, with budgets already allocated to the relevant ministries and agencies,” Suharso said in May last year.

As of March 2023, the Indonesian government has disbursed Rp 1,036 trillion for Papua’s development.

This funding has supported major infrastructure initiatives such as the 3462 km Trans-Papua Highway, 1098 km of border roads, the construction of the 1.3 km Youtefa Bridge in Jayapura, and the renovation of Domine Eduard Osok Airport in Sorong.

Republished from the Indonesia Business Post.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow Metro Tests Neurovoice in Audio Messages

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Metro

Moscow Metro Tests Neurovoice in Audio Messages

Artificial intelligence is being gradually introduced into the capital’s transport system. For example, since the beginning of the year, the neural network has been helping the chatbot Alexander answer passengers’ questions. Now, as part of a pilot project, AI will help Moscow metro announcers in their work.

Moscow metro tests neurovoice in audio messages.

As Maxim Liksutov explained, audio information is one of the most important ways of communicating with passengers. Sometimes something changes in the metro: an escalator is closed for repairs or trains take a different route. An announcement must be promptly prepared for each situation. Neurovoice will help solve this problem in a matter of minutes.

The required audio file can be created remotely. Specialists only need to: 1) prepare the text; 2) upload it to the program; 3) adjust the voice – select the timbre, intonation and length of pauses. It is noteworthy that the AI was trained on real recordings of metro announcers.

The neurovoice testing will take place on the Sokolnicheskaya line, where there are many transfers to the Moscow Central Circle, Moscow Central Diameters, other metro lines, bus and railway stations. Komsomolskaya is also located here, the leading station in terms of the number of transport infrastructure facilities announced by the announcers.

Voices in neural processing allow creating prompt audio announcements in the uniform style of Moscow transport. After the pilot launch of the technology on the Sokolnicheskaya line, a decision will be made on its further use in the metro and beyond. In this case, the wishes of passengers will be taken into account. The Moscow metro continues to implement the most modern digital services, as instructed by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, noted Maxim Liksutov.

MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Since the beginning of 2025, there has been a significant increase in air passenger traffic between Urumqi and Central Asian countries

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

URUMQI, July 23 (Xinhua) — The number of travelers flying between China and five Central Asian countries via the airport of Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has increased 31.6 percent year on year to more than 277,000 since the beginning of 2025, according to data from the Urumqi Border Guard Service.

According to the data, international passenger airlines have linked Urumqi Tianshan International Airport with 10 major cities in Central Asian countries after launching two new air routes this year linking it with Fergana, Uzbekistan, and Shymkent, Kazakhstan.

During the reporting period, the incoming passenger flow to China via the Urumqi airport from Central Asian countries on a visa-free basis exceeded 30 thousand people, with the majority of air passengers coming from countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

As of July 23, more than 530,000 people have entered or exited China via Tianshan Airport since the beginning of 2025, up 66 percent year-on-year, while international cargo turnover through the airport has exceeded 54,000 tons, up 635 percent year-on-year. -0-

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: 835 people detained in major security operation in Turkish capital

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

ISLAMABAD, July 23 (Xinhua) — Turkish police have detained 835 suspects in a major operation to ensure public security in Istanbul, the city police department said on Wednesday.

Some 3,000 police officers took part in the operation on Tuesday evening, with air support from a police helicopter and naval forces. Authorities also carried out checks in public places.

According to the department, among those detained were about 390 people wanted for various offenses.

During the inspections, police seized, among other things, 22 unlicensed pistols, five rifles, 125 rounds of ammunition and 1,520 grams of drugs.

The Istanbul Police Department regularly carries out such operations to maintain public order and ensure the safety of residents of the city of 15 million people. –0–

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev got acquainted with the progress of construction of the new passenger terminal of the Kazan International Airport

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Vitaly Savelyev got acquainted with the progress of construction of the new passenger terminal of the Kazan International Airport

July 23, 2025

Vitaly Savelyev got acquainted with the progress of construction of the new passenger terminal of the Kazan International Airport

July 23, 2025

Vitaly Savelyev got acquainted with the progress of construction of the new passenger terminal of the Kazan International Airport

July 23, 2025

Vitaly Savelyev got acquainted with the progress of construction of the new passenger terminal of the Kazan International Airport

July 23, 2025

Previous news Next news

Vitaly Savelyev got acquainted with the progress of construction of the new passenger terminal of the Kazan International Airport

Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev and the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov heard a report on plans to expand airport infrastructure and develop air traffic in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Today, flights to 83 destinations are operated from Kazan International Airport named after Gabdulla Tukay: 51 on domestic routes and 32 on international routes.

The airport is designed to receive 2.5 million passengers per year, but already in 2023 it received twice as many passengers. In 2024, 5.3 million passengers were served, an increase of 3.8% compared to the same period in 2023 (in 2023 – almost 5.2 million passengers).

In preparation for the BRICS summit in October 2024, a new passenger platform with 51 parking spaces and an area of 160 thousand square meters was put into operation.

The airport continues to develop, and as part of the master plan, work has begun on the design of a new passenger terminal. Its capacity will be more than 5.7 million passengers per year.

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Data on average market values of maximum yield on deposits of individuals

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Central Bank of Russia –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Calculation by banks of the maximum yield on attracted deposits for the purpose of submitting information on the maximum yield on attracted deposits to the Bank of Russia as part of the reporting is carried out in accordance with the Procedure for compiling and submitting reports on form 0409119 “Data on the maximum yield on deposits of individuals”, established by Appendix 1 to Bank of Russia Instruction dated 10.04.2023 No. 6406-U “On the forms, terms, procedure for compiling and submitting reports of credit institutions (banking groups) to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, as well as on the list of information on the activities of credit institutions (banking groups)” (taking into account the changes provided for by Bank of Russia Instruction dated 10.07.2024 No. 6800-U “On Amendments to the Bank of Russia Instruction dated April 10, 2023 No. 6406-U”.

Based on the specified information, the Bank of Russia calculates the average market value of the maximum yield on deposits of individuals by type of deposit on a monthly basis and publishes it for informational purposes in the subsection “Banking sector” of the section “Statistics”.

The average market value of the maximum yield on deposits of individuals is determined by the Bank of Russia as the average value of the maximum yield on deposits attracted in banks that attracted, over the past calendar month, in total two-thirds of the total volume of corresponding deposits in banks of the Russian Federation.

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

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: How can we harness AI to tackle the complexity of disaster risk?

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

To say that artificial intelligence will reshape the way we live and work is to state the obvious. However, reflecting on its promise and perils for one’s own area of work is quite another matter.

Earlier this month I had the opportunity to participate in the ITU-hosted ‘AI for Good’ summit in Geneva, where during several sessions we explored the many ways that generative, predictive and integrated AI promises a vast range of benefits for disaster risk reduction and disaster response. Later, in New York, I joined a discussion with students, academics and practitioners at Columbia University’s National Centre for Disaster Preparedness, where I was struck – and greatly encouraged – by the focus on building multidisciplinary approaches to managing increasingly complex and systemic risks.

What stayed with me was the sense of convergence: the technological leaps in AI are rising to match the complexity of systemic risk.

Below are five reflections on how we might use AI not only to do more, but to do better.

One: Let’s start by asking the right questions

The need for deeper and greater dialogue between producers of solutions and users of such solutions is nothing new – but with AI tools the stakes may be higher, and the opportunities more available.

Problems once deemed intractable – those requiring swift analysis of vast and varied data drawn from scattered sources – are now within reach. But we need to be prudent in how we allocate our resources towards these new possibilities.

We could use the new tools to build an AI-based epidemiological model for earthquakes that very rapidly estimates the type and quantum of search-and-rescue and medical needs after a seismic event. We may be able to develop faster ways of alerting lightning-strike-prone communities ahead of electrical storms. We could find ways to rapidly identify sources and control the spread of misinformation to avoid panic during an emergency.

To decide how and where we employ our new AI toolkits, we must articulate the demand from both disaster risk reduction practitioners and at-risk communities, and prioritize the problems that matter most.

Two: We must redefine disaster risk governance for the AI era

Our systems of risk governance were born in a simpler time, so we need to retrofit them for an AI-enabled future. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are not only going to redefine traditional professions – but also traditional institutions.

For example, at present, the formal institutions of the state have the authority to issue alerts and ask people to evacuate in the wake of an impending cyclone. We are already beginning to see situations where competing sources of information are sometimes more agile, more nimble, and more accurate. Such developments are likely to displace the traditional state institutions that have the sole authority for actions such as evacuating people in the face of an impending hazardous event. We are going to need to find ways to ensure that decisions are streamlined, but institutional accountability remains in place.

Authorities must still be held responsible for taking the best possible decisions – whether those decisions are made in data-constrained or data-rich environments. We need to remember that AI is no more than a tool to help us do our jobs better.

Three: AI will become critical infrastructure

Yes – AI holds great promise for disaster risk reduction, and for just about every other sector, in many cases being put to good use keeping complex systems flowing smoothly.

We need to remember that AI itself relies on infrastructure – data centres, energy infrastructure, digital connectivity infrastructure – and this too needs to be resilient to physical hazards and climate risk. AI infrastructure is growing rapidly, spanning multiple geographies across the world. As a result, it will inevitably be exposed to a range of hazards – many of them increasingly frequent and intense.

We must make sure that we plan, locate, design and build AI infrastructure to manage these risks – now and into the future. As we inevitably rely more on AI systems to manage disaster risks, if compromised by disasters, these systems could trigger complex cascading risks leading to potentially catastrophic systemic failure.

This infrastructure brings sustainability challenges, and, if unmanaged, will create new risks. Data centres consume huge amounts of power and water. As demand for AI grows, we’ll need more investment in green computing and low-resource solutions – including safeguards so that the environmental costs don’t fall on those already bearing the heaviest burdens.

Four: It’s time to rethink disaster education for an AI era

Over the past two decades formal disaster risk reduction education has expanded rapidly.

In India alone more than two dozen universities or colleges offer Masters’ degrees in disaster risk management. But many of the subjects taught – like multi-sectoral policy analysis for disaster risk reduction; hazard, vulnerability and risk assessment; disaster risk reduction planning; early warning systems – are likely to increasingly be performed by AI. Such programmes will need to equip students to use new tools, and adapt further to future developments.

These skills must be taught not only at elite institutions – to avoid knowledge inequality we must make sure that access is widespread. This is part of a much broader challenge – those communities that stand to gain the most from AI are those that are currently least served: lacking in connectivity, living in data-poor zones, and whose voices are unrepresented and ignored.

There are emerging initiatives for public-good AI models that are trained to serve priority needs in vulnerable regions, and these must be supported and encouraged so we can fill those gaps.

Five: We must keep risk knowledge grounded in people

There is a deeper issue: If there is one single learning from the practice of disaster risk reduction over the last three decades, it is that disaster risk is socially constructed.

It’s the behaviour of human beings in social, economic, political and cultural spheres that leads to accumulation of risk in a society. To date the AI use cases for disaster risk reduction are heavily loaded towards understanding, observing and predicting hazards. At best they are focused on forecasting the impacts based on the people, capital assets and economic activity in the path of hazards and how vulnerable they are. It stops well short of helping us understand why they are where they are and why they are fragile in the first place.

If we are going to use AI to foster the agency of individuals, persons, households, communities, and local governments to take actions that reduce risk – we must target not just short term actions but also long-term development choices. AI can only work with the data it’s given, and risk is often under-represented or misrepresented in marginalized areas. This is both a technical and a social issue: we must make sure that community-generated data feeds into AI-supported solutions, and that all people are given agency to act – and not just to be analyzed.

We must find ways to use AI to support deeper transformations in our society that lower risk and build resilience for all. If we fail to do this our efforts will be focused largely on more efficient band-aids.

AI opens up powerful new possibilities for disaster risk reduction. But real progress won’t come from algorithms alone. It will come from asking better questions, forging stronger partnerships, and keeping justice, equity, and long-term resilience at the core of our innovation.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 23, 2025
MIL-OSI: Waldencast Acquires Novaestiq Corp. and U.S. Rights to Leading Injectable Hyaluronic Acid Gel Line, Saypha®, Under the Obagi Medical Brand

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Acquisition strengthens Obagi Medical’s product portfolio with proven, scientifically backed, injectable portfolio

New products position Obagi Medical at the forefront of health, beauty and aesthetics convergence

LONDON, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waldencast plc (NASDAQ: WALD) (“Waldencast”), a global multi-brand beauty and wellness platform, today announced that it has acquired Novaestiq Corp. (Novaestiq), a growth-oriented aesthetic and medical dermatological innovations company, as well as the U.S. rights to the Saypha^® line of hyaluronic acid (HA) injectable gels. The strategic acquisition expands Obagi Medical’s offerings beyond U.S. medical-grade skincare, a market projected to be $2.2 billion by 2029, into the growing U.S. dermal filler market, projected to reach $2 billion in market size by 2029, effectively doubling its addressable market.¹ The move marks a pivotal step in positioning Obagi Medical as an industry leader in integrated skincare and aesthetic solutions.

“We are excited to further diversify Obagi Medical’s portfolio of medical-grade skincare with consumer centric, in-office injectable procedures through the introduction of the Obagi Medical Saypha^® ChIQ™ and MagIQ™ lines of injectable HA gels,” said Michel Brousset, Co-Founder and CEO of Waldencast. “Adding proven products into our portfolio increases our addressable market and allows us to deliver solutions for professionals and patients seeking both skincare and aesthetic treatments, all under the trusted Obagi Medical brand.”

Obagi Medical’s philosophy advocates for a holistic, science-driven approach where potent skincare and professional procedures work in tandem to achieve and maintain optimal skin health and a youthful appearance. These injectable products will play a pivotal role in the evolution of Obagi Medical into an end-to-end, synergistic solution that integrates medical-grade skincare with aesthetic treatments to deliver enhanced outcomes, prolonged results, and greater patient satisfaction. Beyond the two current offerings, the Novaestiq transaction provides access to a future pipeline of novel injectables in North America.

Saypha^®,² currently undergoing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, is recognized globally as a proven, safe and efficacious HA injectable with high levels of patient satisfaction. The new Obagi Medical injectable portfolio is supported by an industry-leading clinical program that reflects the brand’s commitment to science-backed innovation. Core pivotal studies are more than twice the size of typical nasolabial fold (NLF) and midface trials and include the highest representation of Fitzpatrick Skin Types I, V, and VI – underscoring Obagi Medical’s mission to provide effective solutions for all skin types and tones.

Saypha^® is distinguished by its proprietary technology delivering advanced HA treatments through a stable 3D matrix designed to provide natural-looking results with optimally balanced gel characteristics. This technology powers a portfolio of clinically proven products that lead in multiple performance categories including high HA content at injection, ideal gel distribution, and consistent injection force and swelling behavior. Saypha^®, a product of Croma-Pharma GmbH, is developed and manufactured in Austria and marketed in over 80 countries, leveraging 40 years of expertise in HA-based treatments with more than 110 million syringes produced. This global reach and deep market insight allow for the delivery of trusted, personalized care to patients and professionals worldwide.

“We believe that great results start with great skincare and are perfected with great after care,” said Dr. Suzan Obagi, Chief Medical Director at Obagi Medical. “By combining Obagi Medical skincare with injectable procedures under the guidance of a qualified professional, patients can achieve more significant, longer-lasting, and natural-looking results. This acquisition also allows our professionals to offer patients more personalized, higher quality and safer products that their customers are looking for.”

Obagi Medical’s vision is to become the #1 Dermatological Mega Brand uniquely serving all the needs of physicians, patients and consumers globally. It is already the fastest-growing U.S. professional-skincare brand among the top ten in its category.³ This momentum is powered by a three-pronged strategy: anchoring products in dermatological science, introducing breakthrough innovations, and expanding its global reach.

Brousset added, “We are thrilled to introduce this new offering that will strengthen Obagi Medical’s market position, drive innovation, and create new growth opportunities in our fast-evolving industry. We see an accelerating global convergence of health, beauty, and aesthetics – an intersection where Obagi Medical is uniquely positioned to lead. We also plan to leverage this acquisition to expand Obagi Medical’s footprint.”

Transaction Details
Under the terms of the definitive agreement relating to the transaction, Waldencast has agreed to acquire Novaestiq in exchange for (1) certain amount of cash payable at closing, (2) certain additional ongoing royalties based on net sales of Saypha^® products, and (3) the contingent issuance of Waldencast class A shares (equal to approximately 7% of Waldencast’s fully diluted class A shares), based on the receipt of FDA approval relating to the Saypha^® products (triggering the issuance of 3,273,000 Waldencast class A shares) and the achievement of cumulative net revenue thresholds of (a) $100 million (triggering the issuance of an additional 3,273,000 Waldencast class A shares) and (b) $200 million (triggering the further issuance of 3,273,000 Waldencast class A shares), respectively, reflecting meaningful long-term commercial targets, with (a) and (b) being earnable until June 20, 2031. The details of the transaction will be summarized in more detail in a Form 6-K that Waldencast will file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) following this press release.

About Waldencast
Founded by Michel Brousset and Hind Sebti, Waldencast’s ambition is to build a global best-in-class beauty and wellness operating platform by developing, acquiring, accelerating, and scaling conscious, high-growth purpose-driven brands. Waldencast’s vision is fundamentally underpinned by its brand-led business model that ensures proximity to its customers, business agility, and market responsiveness, while maintaining each brand’s distinct DNA. The first step in realizing its vision was the business combination with Obagi Medical and Milk Makeup. As part of the Waldencast platform, its brands will benefit from the operational scale of a multi-brand platform; the expertise in managing global beauty brands at scale; a balanced portfolio to mitigate category fluctuations; asset light efficiency; and the market responsiveness and speed of entrepreneurial indie brands. For more information please visit: https://ir.waldencast.com/.

About Obagi Medical
Obagi Medical is an industry-leading, advanced skincare line rooted in research and skin biology, with a legacy of 35+ years of experience. Initially known for its leadership in the treatment of hyperpigmentation with the Obagi Nu-Derm^® System, Obagi Medical products are designed to address a variety of skin concerns, including premature aging, photodamage, skin discoloration, acne, and sun damage. As the fastest-growing professional skincare brand in the U.S. in 2024,³ Obagi Medical empowers individuals to achieve healthy, beautiful skin. More information about Obagi is available on the brand’s website, https://www.obagi.com.

¹In preparing for this transaction, Waldencast engaged management consulting services from a reputed global consulting firm. ²Saypha^® products are not approved medical devices, and each product has a premarket approval (PMA) application under review by the FDA. ³Among the Top 10 Professional Skin Care Brands in the U.S., according to Kline’s 2024 Global Professional Skin Care Series (China, Europe and the U.S.).

Advisors
Holland & Knight LLP is serving as Waldencast’s legal advisor, with support from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Experium Capital Advisers is serving as Waldencast’s financial advisor.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding the intended benefits of the transaction with Novaestiq, the ability to obtain FDA approval for Saypha^®, the contingent issuance of Waldencast class A shares, and the growth strategies of Waldencast, including Obagi Medical and Novaestiq. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “estimates,” “projects,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “future,” “propose,” “target,” “goal,” “objective,” “outlook” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the control of Waldencast, Obagi Medical and Novaestiq that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Important factors, among others, that may affect actual results or outcomes include, but are not limited to: (i) the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the transaction; (ii) the inability to obtain FDA approval for one or both of the Saypha^® products; (iii) the general impact of geopolitical events, including the impact of current wars, conflicts and other hostilities; (iv) the overall economic and market conditions, sales forecasts and other information about Waldencast’s possible or assumed future results of operations or our performance; (v) changes in general economic conditions; (vi) the impact of any international trade or foreign exchange restrictions, the imposition of new or increased tariffs, foreign currency exchange fluctuations; (vii) that the price of Waldencast’s securities may be volatile due to a variety of factors, including Waldencast’s, Obagi Medical’s or Novaestiq’s inability to implement their business plans; and (viii) the ability to implement Waldencast’s strategic initiatives and continue to innovate Obagi Medical’s existing products and anticipate and respond to market trends and changes in consumer preferences. 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 Waldencast’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 20, 2025, or in other documents that may be filed or furnished by Waldencast from time to time with the SEC. 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 Waldencast assumes no obligation and do not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Contacts

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July 23, 2025