Category: Transport

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council set to appoint development partner for Spode

Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

Published: Wednesday, 21st May 2025

The ambitious redevelopment of a former Stoke-on-Trent pottery works looks set to take a huge leap forward.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Cabinet is being asked to appoint Capital & Centric – the group behind the landmark renovation of Goods Yard – as development partner for the site, marking a huge milestone in its regeneration.

The move would see the company allocated up to £6.5 million of Levelling Up money to deliver the work as part of the wider masterplan for the site.

Proposals, which will be subject to planning and other permissions, include preparation of the site, landscaping, demolition of some buildings with no heritage value as well as the development of new high-quality residential buildings to create a thriving neighbourhood across the historic site that is full integrated with Stoke town centre.

The deal would also allow Capital & Centric to bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for funding which would enable it to bring the China Halls back into operational use.

The proposed partnership does not include the whole site which will continue to host a diverse range of tenants such as Dog & Bone Ltd, ACAVA, BCB and Claybody Theatre.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, regeneration and infrastructure at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “What makes Spode special isn’t just the heritage, it’s the people and organisations that bring it to life.

“It’s a melting pot of what makes our city so great: creativity, community, and a belief in what Stoke-on-Trent can be.

“This project will protect that spirit while unlocking new opportunities—good jobs, economic growth, and more investment.

“We’re proud to work with Capital & Centric again. Their track record at Goods Yard shows they can deliver, and together we’ll make sure Spode continues to be a success story, not just for the creative industry in the city, but for heritage regeneration too.”

The Spode site was acquired by Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 2010, two years after the factory closed and went into administration.

In 2022, the council secured £10 million of Levelling Up Funding to invest in the site and bring it back into use.

Since August 2024, work has progressed on the delivery of a new masterplan for Spode. Asbestos removal work has been carried out across many of the heritage buildings, lease terms are being agreed for building 4 and the planned refurbishments of units 1F and 1G are ongoing to provide more space for the on-site Spode Museum.

The final decision on a development partner for the site will be made at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 27 May.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Former primary school sets sail on a new community voyage 21 May 2025 Anchored in heritage — former primary school sets sail on a new community voyage

Source: Aisle of Wight

There’s cause for celebration in Yarmouth as the former primary school site officially begins a new chapter — one rooted in community, heritage, and a touch of maritime magic.

The Yarmouth Community Foundation CIC has completed the purchase of the former Yarmouth Primary School from the Isle of Wight Council, marking the end of a long journey and the start of an exciting future.

The bid was accepted back in March 2024, but the final handover was delayed by some behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Crown Estates over covenants and Department for Education restrictions.

Now, with the paperwork signed and the keys in hand, the Foundation is ready to breathe new life into the site.

The Foundation was formed by trustees from the Herapath-Shenton Trust and the Maritime Archaeology Trust, with one clear goal: to ensure the site continues to serve the people of Yarmouth.

Funding came from the Herapath-Shenton Trust, a charity established by a former Yarmouth resident with a deep love of the sea — fitting, given the town’s proud maritime roots.

The Maritime Archaeology Trust will now take up residence in the old school buildings, transforming them into a centre for maritime history with a special focus on the Western Solent, incorporating the shipwreck centre currently at Arreton.

Martin Woodward, who set up the shipwreck centre in 1978 first in Bembridge, said: “Thankfully the education theme and legacy of the school site will live on for the Yarmouth community and provide an important education experience for schools and communities on and off the Island.

“The site will now give us the opportunity to further expand and be part of an exciting new complex.“

Councillor Ian Stephens, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Finance at the Isle of Wight Council, praised the project: “This is a fantastic example of how a community-led initiative can preserve a much-loved site and turn it into something that will benefit generations to come.

“I’m pleased the council has been able to support this vision and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on Yarmouth.”

In addition to the heritage centre, the council has retained a portion of land along Mill Road with plans to develop affordable housing — giving priority to those who work in Yarmouth and helping to keep the town’s community spirit thriving.

And it doesn’t stop there. The Foundation has also set aside land for community use, with a special invitation extended to the Yarmouth Scouts and Guides. Whether it’s campfire singalongs or badge-earning adventures, the site is set to become a hub of activity once again.

Ward councillor, Councillor Peter Spink, added: “I’m delighted that this project has come to fruition and am sure it will be a huge asset for Yarmouth.

“As ward councillor I intend to ensure that the affordable housing is for the benefit of local people and that the selection process that the Isle of Wight Council administers is carried out in an open and transparent manner.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: Best Online Roulette Florida: Wild Casino Chosen as The Top Roulette FL Site
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

New York City, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

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Final Thoughts: Play Wild Casino’s Online Roulette in Florida With Confidence

For Florida players seeking a reliable and rewarding online roulette experience, Wild Casino delivers on every front. With multiple roulette variants, secure gameplay, and a platform designed for US users, it stands out as a trusted destination for real-money action. From quick registration and fast payouts to live dealer options and smart bonuses, everything is built to support smooth, engaging, and fair roulette sessions.

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Editorial Note

This article is provided solely for informational and entertainment purposes. Nothing within should be interpreted as legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers should carry out their own research before participating in any gambling activities or signing up with any online casinos mentioned.

Gambling Caution

Online gambling comes with financial risks and may lead to addictive behavior or monetary loss. We urge all readers to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional help is available. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) can be contacted at 1-800-522-4700 or visited online at www.ncpgambling.org.

21+ only. It is up to each individual to verify whether online gambling is permitted under their local, state, or federal laws. Neither the publisher, the authors, nor any syndication partners condone or support unlawful gambling. Participation in online gambling is done at the reader’s own discretion and risk.

Affiliate Transparency

This article may include affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase or register, a commission may be earned, at no extra cost to you.

Syndication and Liability Disclaimer

Any third-party publishers, media platforms, or syndication partners that republish this content do so understanding that it is meant for informational purposes only. These entities are not responsible for the legality, accuracy, or interpretation of the material.

Project name: Wild Casino

Company Website: https://wild-casino.live/

Email: support@wild-casino.live

Phone: (08) 8326 3976

Contact person name: Smith

Contact person email: smith@wild-casino.live

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The MIL Network –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Post Secondary Graduates Ready to Make Their Mark in Saskatchewan

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on May 21, 2025

Post-secondary students from across Saskatchewan are crossing the stage and preparing to enter the work force this spring. Over 10,000 students are graduating from universities, federated, affiliated and regional colleges, technical institutes and private vocational schools in 2025.

“Congratulations to all post-secondary students graduating this spring,” Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “The high-quality education they have received at Saskatchewan institutions has set these graduates up for success, ensuring a bright future for them, their communities and the province.”

Post-secondary graduates are essential to the continued success of Saskatchewan’s growing economy. The province supports graduates through several programs, including rural and remote health care incentives, and student loan forgiveness and repayment assistance.

The Government of Saskatchewan also recently expanded the Graduate Retention Program by 20 per cent. It now offers up to $24,000 in tax credits to graduates who stay in Saskatchewan to work after completing their studies.

“Saskatchewan is a great place to live, work and raise a family,” Cheveldayoff said. “I encourage all of these grads to build their careers, and lives, right here at home.”

The province’s strong economy is providing ample opportunities for rewarding careers across a variety of sectors. Graduates bring talent and innovation into the workforce and are vital to the success of Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan, the Labour Market Strategy, and the Health Human Resources Action Plan.

Visit the following links for more information:

Graduate Retention Program.

Student Loan Forgiveness Programs.

Rural and Remote Incentive.

Student Loan Repayment Assistance.

Saskatchewan Jobs.

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: I-90 Vantage Bridge work pauses on weekends and holidays to accommodate summer travel
Source: Washington State News 2

VANTAGE – Construction on Interstate 90 across the Vantage Bridge will be adjusted to help traffic flow during peak travel times for the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day holidays.

All four lanes of the Vantage Bridge will be open during busy summer holidays:
- Memorial Day: Friday, May 23 – Sunday, June 1
- Fourth of July: Thursday, July 3 – Tuesday, July 8
- Labor Day: Thursday, Aug. 28 – Tuesday, Sept. 2
The bridge will be reduced to one lane in each direction on weekdays (Monday through Friday) and all lanes will be open on Saturdays and Sundays through July 8. Starting Wednesday, July 9, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in each direction seven days a week, except for Labor Day weekend, until the project wraps up for the season in November.

Repair work on the Vantage Bridge began in spring 2024. The completion of the project is scheduled for 2028.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-East Africa trade forum to kickstart investment
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

World news story

UK-East Africa trade forum to kickstart investment

UK hosts first-ever forum dedicated to trade and investment with East Africa, including announcements on cross-border trade and electric motorbikes.
The UK has announced two investments in East Africa to de-risk cross-border trade for buyers and sellers, as well as to provide more electric bikes and charging infrastructure in Kenya.

The announcements were made at the first-ever East Africa Trade and Investment Forum (EATIF). The forum has brought together businesses and governments from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to engage directly with British businesses, and agree future investments. The forum takes place on 21 to 22 May 2025. It has been organised by DMA Invest and the East Africa Association, in partnership with the UK Government.

British International Investment (BII) and Standard Chartered Bank will support trade finance in Kenya and Tanzania with a USD $100 million facility to de-risk cross-border and local trade. This will make finance more accessible for businesses as well as increase the availability of vital goods and services. Investment qualifies for the ‘2X Challenge’ which advances gender equality and women’s economic empowerment in developing countries. The facility will support female-led businesses, as well as employment and leadership opportunities for women, and is expected to finance over USD $450 million in trade volumes over its lifetime.

In addition, BII will make a USD $5 million investment in electric motorbike infrastructure in Kenya. The investment will support ARC Ride’s initial rollout of 5,000 electric motorbikes and upgrade battery swapping infrastructure which will increase adoption. This will directly result in over 100,000 metric tons of CO2 per year being saved as electric mobility replaces petrol motorbikes.

Lord Collins, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, represented the United Kingdom at the summit, which was also attended by government delegations from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. This included: Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary State Department for Investment Promotion, Kenya, and the CEO of the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest), John Mwendwa; General Wamala, Minister for Works and Transport in Uganda; and Msafiri Lameck Mbibo, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Minerals in Tanzania.

Lord Collins, the UK Government’s Minister for Africa, said:

The UK is a long-term partner for long-term investment in East Africa. This forum will showcase the best of East African business to British business and lay a pipeline of private sector investment between them. This, combined with much-needed improvements to regulations and resilience, will lead to jobs and mutual growth in the future. We go far when we go together.

Mwebesa Francis, Ugandan Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives said:

We welcome the UK-East Africa Trade and Investment Forum 2025 as a platform to highlight Uganda’s vibrant trade and investment opportunities. By engaging with UK investors and partners, we aim to enhance our trade infrastructure, diversify our export markets, and drive sustainable development. We hope this forum will also explore ways to leverage trade and investment to accelerate progress towards our Ten-fold Growth Strategy, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and development.

Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Principal Secretary, State Department for Investment Promotion, Kenya, said:

Kenya provides Africa’s leading value proposition for private capital, with a great portfolio of opportunities in key sectors. We are proud to be part of the UK EATIF and welcome the regional focus that fosters economic integration.

Chris Chijiutomi, MD and Head of Africa at British International Investment, said:

BII is proud to announce these two investments today at the EATIF, demonstrating our commitment to fostering economic growth in East Africa. By making trade finance more accessible and backing innovative infrastructure projects like electric motorbikes, we are addressing critical needs in the region. We’re not only supporting businesses that are the backbone of these economies, but also driving inclusive and sustainable growth, contributing to a more resilient and prosperous East African region.

The EATIF aims to deliver mutually beneficial growth and jobs by building partnerships between businesses and policymakers in Kenya, to create a long pipeline of investment between the UK and the region. It will aim to channel private sector funding into high-impact sectors critical for sustainable development like infrastructure, clean energy, agribusiness, healthcare, and manufacturing.

EATIF aims to replicate the success of the West and Central Africa Forum (WCAF), which built a pipeline of over GBP 1 billion in deals over three years. EATIF is just the beginning, with a series of follow-up engagements planned to sustain momentum and translate relationships into tangible deals.

These interactions, ranging from government-to-government meetings to C-suite business dialogues, will help align priorities and lay the groundwork for future partnerships. The forum will showcase the full suite of UK government support available to businesses, such as UK Export Finance (UKEF) and BII. UKEF has played a transformative role in other regions, growing its exposure in West and Central Africa from £3 million to over £1.2 billion, and similar outcomes are expected in East Africa over time. These tools can help UK and East African businesses de-risk projects and access finance more easily.

Further information

The East Africa Trade and Investment Forum

More information can be found here.

British International Investment announcements

1. Trade Finance Facility with Standard Chartered

the USD $100 million Trade Finance Programme with BII and SCB is a 50:50 risk-sharing facility to increase access to trade finance for businesses in Kenya and Tanzania

the facility will provide much-needed trade finance support to businesses in sectors such as food, agriculture, healthcare, industrials, and infrastructure to increase access to trade financing and support growth in the region

the investment qualifies for the 2x Challenge as at least 30% of the facility will support businesses that provide employment and leadership opportunities for women

it is expected to support and facilitate over USD $450 million in trade volumes over its lifetime, creating better economic opportunities for suppliers and businesses in East Africa

the long-standing partnership between BII, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor and SCB, a leading international cross-border bank, demonstrates how UK organisations are collaborating to enhance trade and economic development in the region

2. ARC Ride

BII’s investment in ARC Ride, Africa’s e-mobility battery-as-a-service (BaaS) provider, will support the company to provide affordable, reliable and clean e-mobility solutions for rapidly developing cities in Kenya

the financing will enable ARC Ride’s initial rollout of 5,000 electric two-wheelers (E2W) and accelerate the expansion of E2W BaaS infrastructure

with the goal to build Africa’s first and largest automated battery swapping network, it is also establishing the industry standard for battery swapping of E2Ws both from ARC Ride and other manufacturers, which is important for more Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption

it will directly result in over 100,000 metric tonnes of CO2 per year being saved as electric mobility replaces petrol motor bikes

Media Content

Photos and videos from the event can be found here.

Contact

for UK Government, contact: naomi.baker@fcdo.gov.uk

for British International Investment, contact: press@bii.co.uk

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Published 21 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Missouri Man Sentenced to Over 19 Years in Prison for Transporting Minor for Sex

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Henry E. Autrey on Tuesday sentenced a man who admitted transporting a minor across state lines for sex to 230 months in prison.

Scott M. Arnold-Micke, 48, of Rolla, Missouri met the 17-year-old victim in 2021 and took him to Chicago, where they used drugs and engaged in sexual acts. Arnold-Micke engaged in drug use with the victim on an almost daily basis after Arnold-Micke moved from Sullivan, Missouri to Rolla.

Arnold-Micke, 48, pleaded guilty in January to one count of transportation of a minor to engage in a criminal sex act.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Rolla Police Department with assistance from the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards prosecuted the case.

“The FBI is unrelenting when it comes to protecting children,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “I commend those who brought this crime to light in order to get this child predator off the streets and in prison where he belongs.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

MIL Security OSI –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ranking Member Kaptur Remarks at Fiscal Year 2026 Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation Budget Hearing

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

Full Hearing Recording Available Here

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Ranking Member of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the subcommittee’s fiscal year 2026 budget hearing for the Army Corps of Engineers (Civil Works) and the Bureau of Reclamation:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining us. You build America, and we respect that. I welcome this opportunity to examine recent actions for the budget requests for the Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.

Thank you to our witnesses for devoting your lives to the nation and for joining us today. Your agencies play a critical role in developing the resources of our land while mindful of our obligations to future generations. Your vital work strengthens our economy, sustains life on Earth, and ensures public safety against the now constant onslaught of both increasing natural and human-caused disasters across our country, which is growing in population, headed to half a billion people. For example, the Corps played a vital role in clearing the waterways after the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. Thank you so much. And you are currently carrying out wildfire debris removal in Los Angeles County. Thank you for your exemplary service to our country. You hold us together, and all those who serve in the Corps and the Bureau.

The proposed cuts to the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation are not just misguided — they are dangerous. Slashing their budgets and eroding their workforce endangers people’s lives and public safety, undermines economic growth, and weakens our national — the national welfare of the country — in the face of climate change.

Let’s start with the Corps of Engineers. Your work is not just about dams and levees. It’s about protecting lives and building America’s public infrastructure to manage flood control systems that safeguard our communities from the devastating effects of extreme weather. And we saw that this past week, with the terrible tornadoes from St. Louis and all surrounding states.

Along the shores of Lake Erie — the largest freshwater system in the world — we know what’s at stake. Erosion, rising lake levels, the problems with algal blooms, and increasingly violent storms threaten homes, businesses, and public assets. We cannot build a safe and a habitable environment for our growing population on shrinking budgets and shrinking staff.

In the Great Lakes region, modernization of projects like the Soo Locks are a prime example of long overdue investments that will turbocharge our economy. One hundred percent of America’s domestic iron ore passes through the Soo Locks. Think about how important that makes this strategic infrastructure.

Steel is a $500 Billion industry, it supports 123 thousand middle-class jobs, and I’m a strong advocate for reshoring the US steel industry and growing those numbers, but we have to modernize the shipping lanes and the waterways, and our ports, for today and the future. This project will ensure our heartlands’ maritime, industrial, agricultural, and commercial products are safe and efficiently moved.

Think about our region, it is the shortest distance by way of the Atlantic Ocean to the ports of northern Europe and beyond. Canada, the Great Lakes, and St. Lawrence Seaway hasten global trade, and President Eisenhower understood its place within our continental enterprise and global defense. So must we, as we witness the dawn of the new arctic age.

Similarly, the Brandon Road project, aims at arresting the potential enormous economic and environmental damage that can be unleashed by the invasion of the Asian carp. They could exterminate local and regional aquatic fish and species, and that would be devastating to our Great Lakes’ $7 Billion fishery and its $16 Billion recreational boating industry. These are astounding numbers.

The Corps of Engineers has a return on investment of over 200 to 1 in terms of economic benefits for every dollar invested. Ports, locks, and inland waterways maintained by the Corps are vital arteries for our very large nation and its commerce. In the Great Lakes region alone, these investments ensure that goods — from American steel to Ohio soybeans — can reach domestic and global markets. And cuts to this work would cause costly delays, limit our competitiveness, and harm local economies.

Now, to the Bureau of Reclamation. Though it serves primarily the Western United States, its importance cannot be overstated. The Bureau manages water supply for over 31 million Americans in the dry, and I guess I would say, coming from my part of the country drier, Western states, irrigates 10 million acres of farmland, and generates hydropower for millions of homes.

In this time of unprecedented drought and water stress, we must bolster — not diminish — Reclamation’s capacity to invest in sustainable water systems and innovative conservation technologies. Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover understood what development west of the Mississippi River would require. So must we.

Let’s be clear: disinvestment in the Corps and Bureau now will lead to higher costs down the road. Deferred maintenance becomes disaster recovery. Preventable failures become national emergencies.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle — this is not the time to retreat. It is time to lead. We must provide these agencies with the resources they need to protect our growing population, strengthen our economy, and safeguard our environment for generations to come.

Finally, I truly condemn the extreme politicization of critical Army Corps’ construction funding decisions, as we saw in last week’s work plan. It is yet another reminder that Congress must reclaim its authority over funding decisions by passing full-year appropriations bills.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Members and our guests. I yield back.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Launches New Brand Identity and “Crypto for Everyone” Movement

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Backed by 300% user growth, Bitget Wallet unveils a new design and $1M campaign to bring crypto into everyday use worldwide

SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has unveiled a new brand identity to reflect its evolution into a full-service crypto wallet designed for everyday use. With over 80 million users, Bitget Wallet has strategically expanded its offerings beyond trading and earning to onchain discovery and global payments. Alongside a new logo symbolizing simplicity and direction, the app has introduced a more streamlined, user-friendly interface to make crypto more intuitive for all. Bitget Wallet stands by the inclusive motto — Crypto for Everyone — now part of a broader initiative, the Crypto for Everyone Movement, aimed at onboarding the next billion users. Through this, it plans to incentivize the community with a pool of over $1 million as gratitude for support.

“The role of wallets is evolving — it’s moving from a niche tool to one with real-world utility for everyday needs,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “This rebrand is part of a longer-term plan to make crypto accessible for everyone. We’re building towards a future where interacting with crypto feels as easy as using Uber or Paypal,” he added. Bitget Wallet’s growth has coincided with increased demand for self-custody and alternative financial access, particularly in regions where banking infrastructure is limited. The platform saw a 300% increase in users over the past year, with the fastest growth in Africa (+959%), Europe (+367%), and the Middle East (+350%), as more individuals turn to crypto to navigate inflation, limited banking access, and economic instability, gaining greater control over their finances.

Bitget Wallet’s rebrand focuses on making crypto easier to use and more practical for everyday needs. Built around four core features — Trade, Earn, Pay, and Discover — the wallet lets users track market trends, explore new tokens, and trade across over 130 blockchains with one click. In selected regions, a new Simple Mode will be launched to offer a streamlined experience for users who are new to crypto. To support secure usage, it includes protections like real-time risk monitoring and transaction screening, helping users navigate onchain finance more safely.

Bitget Wallet is among the first to launch an in-app shop and remains the only major self-custodial wallet offering full payment flexibility, including crypto cards, QR code scans, and direct purchases. The shop supports over 300 brands across gaming, mobile, travel, and e-commerce, enabling crypto payments at Amazon, Google Play, Shopee, and more. Regional integrations with national QR payment systems are also underway. Building on this everyday utility, the wallet offers yield features to help users earn passive income on their crypto balances and plans to support tokenized real-world assets like stocks and gold as it expands beyond digital assets.

“Bitget Wallet stands strong with the essence of crypto extending beyond our decentralized vision, serving as a critical access layer across trading, earning, and payments for onchain assets. Users now have an even more powerful tool — simple to use, accessible, and packed with capabilities — that connects people to opportunity, wherever they are, whenever they need,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

To mark the rebrand, Bitget Wallet is launching the Crypto for Everyone Movement in partnership with leading ecosystem projects, offering over $1 million in rewards and inviting users to explore the updated platform through interactive campaigns.

More details on the brand update and product roadmap are available on the Bitget Wallet blog. Watch the brand video on YouTube.

About Bitget Wallet
Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets.
For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Bitget. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

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The MIL Network –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: ZOOZ Power to Present at the 2025 Aegis Capital Virtual Conference

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Tel-Aviv, Israel, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ZOOZ Power (Nasdaq and TASE: ZOOZ), a leading provider of flywheel-based power boosters and energy management systems enabling ultra-fast EV charging solutions, announced today that Erez Zimerman, ZOOZ Power’s Chief Executive Officer will present at the 2025 Aegis Capital Corp. Virtual Conference on May 22 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

For interested investors, a live webcast of the presentation can be accessed HERE.

About The 2025 Aegis Capital Corp. Virtual Conference

The conference brings together a lineup of companies and key business partners, and it features a network of retail brokers, institutional funds, and money managers. The conference is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the latest developments happening at each of the presenting companies.

About ZOOZ Power

ZOOZ Power (NASDAQ/TASE: ZOOZ) is a leading provider of intelligent, flywheel-based energy-boosting and management solutions that empower the rapid deployment of ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure, without the need for expensive or time-consuming grid upgrades.

As the electric vehicle market accelerates, ZOOZ addresses a critical challenge: the widening gap between growing consumer demand for ultra-fast charging and the limited capacity of existing electrical grids.

ZOOZ’s proprietary flywheel technology enables Charging Point Operators (CPOs) and fleet owners to overcome local grid limitations by delivering high-performance, sustainable, and cost-effective power-boosting systems. These solutions ensure reliable ultra-fast charging capabilities while enhancing grid efficiency and flexibility.

Engineered for long-term durability and environmental sustainability, ZOOZ Power’s solutions help customers accelerate infrastructure rollout, optimize utilization, and drive faster revenue and profitability growth.

For more information, please visit: www.zoozpower.com

Investor Contact:
Miri Segal – CEO
MS-IR LLC
msegal@ms-ir.com

Media enquiries:
Media@zoozpower.com

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions of ZOOZ Power. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding ZOOZ Power, and any of ZOOZ Power’s strategy, future operations and statements related to the collaboration between ZOOZ Power and “ON” charging network (including any plans to implement ZOOZ Power’s solution and upgrade an additional site of “ON” on Route 6) are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause ZOOZ Power’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks and other risks and uncertainties are more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of ZOOZ’s most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as well as other documents that may be subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the limited operating history and evolving business model of ZOOZ Power, ZOOZ Power’s future prospects, ZOOZ Power’s planned global expansion, including the timing and the results thereof, statements regarding ZOOZ Power’s newly introduced Energy Storage System (ESS), intelligent boosting offering and Energy Management System (EMS), their adoption by the market and any benefits that they may have to ZOOZ Power, its operations, financial position and its current and potential customers, statements regarding the expansion of ZOOZ Power’s sales team and the effect of that expansion on ZOOZ Power’s planned global expansion, financial condition, market position and results of operations, statements relating to ZOOZ Power’s market position, statements regarding the demand for ZOOZ Power’s products, the potential outcome of ZOOZ Power’s collaborations with third parties for installation of its flywheel-based power boosting solution, and conditions in Israel and in the Middle East, including the effect of the evolving nature of the ongoing “Swords of Iron” war, may adversely affect ZOOZ Power’s operations. These forward-looking statements are only estimations, and ZOOZ Power may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in any forward-looking statements, so you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements made in this Press Release. Management of ZOOZ Power has based these forward-looking statements largely on current expectations and projections about future events and trends that such persons believe may affect ZOOZ Power’s business, financial condition and operating results. Forward-looking statements contained in this Press Release are made as of the date hereof, and none of ZOOZ Power or any of its representatives or any other person undertakes any duty to update such information except as may be expressly required under applicable law.

The MIL Network –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: LambdaTest Enhances Mobile App Testing with Camera Image Injection on Virtual Mobile Devices
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

San Francisco, CA, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LambdaTest, a unified agentic AI and cloud engineering platform, has announced a major enhancement to its real-time manual testing suite: Camera Image Injection. This tool empowers developers and quality assurance teams to test image capture, QR code scanning, and barcode scanning functionalities across a wide range of real mobile devices.

The Camera Image Injection tool is compatible with over 3,000 real devices, supporting image-based functionalities and in-app image upload workflows. By enabling this feature, teams can ensure their applications perform seamlessly across diverse device ecosystems, enhancing user experience and application reliability.

This capability removes the reliance on physical devices and enables seamless image injection via Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), saving time, costs, and effort. Teams building applications for FinTech, logistics, retail, and AR platforms can now validate complex visual workflows quickly and efficiently by injecting test images like QR codes or ID cards directly into the virtual camera input.

“Ensuring that mobile applications function flawlessly across various devices is crucial in today’s diverse mobile landscape,” said Mayank Bhola, Co-Founder and Head of Product at LambdaTest. “With the Camera Image Injection feature, we are providing developers with the tools to test and validate image-related functionalities in real-world scenarios, leading to more robust and user-friendly applications.”

The Camera Image Injection rollouts demonstrate LambdaTest’s continued commitment to providing innovative, reliable, and accessible tools for modern QA workflows. Whether you’re building secure banking platforms, immersive AR experiences, or education-focused web apps, LambdaTest is equipping teams with the tools they need to deliver quality faster and smarter.

About LambdaTest

LambdaTest is an AI-native, omnichannel software quality platform that empowers businesses to accelerate time to market through intelligent, cloud-based test authoring, orchestration, and execution. With over 15,000 customers and 2.3 million+ users across 130+ countries, LambdaTest is the trusted choice for modern software testing.
- Browser & App Testing Cloud: Enables manual and automated testing of web and mobile apps across 10,000+ browsers, real devices, and OS environments, ensuring cross-platform consistency.
- HyperExecute: An AI-native test execution and orchestration cloud that runs tests up to 70% faster than traditional grids, offering smart test distribution, automatic retries, real-time logs, and seamless CI/CD integration.
- KaneAI: The world’s first GenAI-native testing agent, leveraging LLMs for effortless test creation, intelligent automation, and self-evolving test execution. It integrates directly with Jira, Slack, GitHub, and other DevOps tools.
For more information, please visit, https://lambdatest.com

The MIL Network –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Demand Explanation for DOGE Cuts at VA Impacting Healthcare for Maine Veterans

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), senior members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), led their House and Senate colleagues in a letter to Doug Collins, the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) requesting detailed information on the hundreds of cancelled contracts across the agency impacting earned health care and benefits for veterans in Maine. In the letter, the senators slam the Secretary’s untruthful narrative about these various contract cancellations across the country and demand answers on the true updated list of canceled contracts.
The letter comes on the heels of mass firings and contract cancellations executed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) at the request of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The members began, “Since February, our Committees have made more than a dozen requests, many of them bipartisan, for you to provide Congress with the complete lists of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts you have cancelled or proposed be cancelled. Today, we write to once again demand these lists. In addition, we are requesting a briefing from VA officials on the process by which contracts were and continue to be identified and cancelled, any meaningful advance consultation with career VA officials whose programs are impacted by these cancellations, and all activities of the VA-designated Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) personnel or liaisons and other DOGE personnel involved in VA programs, operations, and management. Our requests for information on DOGE operations at VA began on February 12, 2025, and to date have received no substantive response.”
“…Now, more than two months later, Congress is still waiting for accurate and complete information on the contracts you have cancelled, the contracts you have restored after being cancelled, the process the Department is using, and documentation for the savings generated and reinvested. When asked about receiving this information and a briefing on DOGE’s operations at the Department, your leadership stated simply that VA “will not be providing a briefing on the issue.” Additionally, even though many of these contracts were officially cancelled more than two months ago, your staff has indicated “VA cannot release any contract lists as this is all ‘pre-decisional’ until the Contracting Officer officially notifies and signs the termination letter and negotiates potential settlement costs.” This statement is another attempt to hide the truth from Congress and runs counter to logic given that many companies and public databases list hundreds of VA contracts as already cancelled,” the members continued.
The members concluded, “So that we may conduct our independent and constitutionally authorized oversight of the Department, we ask again for a copy of the list of more than 870 contracts cancelled or proposed for cancellation you discussed in your social media posting and video on February 24 and 25, 2025, which you indicated had a value of $2 billion; a copy of the list of 585 cancelled contracts VA announced publicly on March 3, 2025, with an estimated value of $1.8 billion; and a list of all contracts cancelled by VA from January 20, 2025, to present. Further, we request a briefing to the Committees to explain the timeline and process by which these contracts were selected and ordered cancelled; how the material provided to Congress on May 16, 2025, was assembled; and on DOGE operations inside VA related to contracts and more generally.”
Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. This year, he cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. Most recently, he joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize a program that would expand access to veteran disability claims exams.
Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. In February, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” Senator King recently joined SVAC Ranking Member Senator Blumenthal in writing a letter to Secretary Collins raising concerns over proposed $1 spending limits on VA purchase cards which are used to pay for gas to transport disabled veterans to apportionments, buy medical supplies and more. Senator King also joined his colleagues in raising concerns over proposed plans to terminate 83,000 VA employees and demanded information from the VA in a previous letter to Secretary Collins.
The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
+++
Dear Secretary Collins,
Since February, our Committees have made more than a dozen requests, many of them bipartisan, for you to provide Congress with the complete lists of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts you have cancelled or proposed be cancelled. Today, we write to once again demand these lists. In addition, we are requesting a briefing from VA officials on the process by which contracts were and continue to be identified and cancelled, any meaningful advance consultation with career VA officials whose programs are impacted by these cancellations, and all activities of the VA-designated Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) personnel or liaisons and other DOGE personnel involved in VA programs, operations, and management. Our requests for information on DOGE operations at VA began on February 12, 2025, and to date have received no substantive response.
On February 24 and 25, 2025, you publicly celebrated on social media your plan, carried out with Elon Musk and DOGE, to cancel hundreds of VA contracts you claimed were for “PowerPoint slides and meeting minutes” and you indicated were valued at $2 billion. After you had given the orders for career officials in the Department to start the cancellations, a list of more than 870 contracts was leaked to Congress and the media. In reality, these contracts were predominantly for direct services for veterans or supporting VA operations including: suicide prevention and mental health treatment; radiology services; outreach regarding burial benefits and health care services; cancer care; the PACT Act; disability claims processing and audits; and ensuring safe and clean facilities. Amazingly, while claiming the purpose of cancelling these contracts was to improve efficiency and reduce waste, you also directed the cancellation of more than a dozen contracts whose purpose was to assist VA in conducting oversight activities to identify and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse and follow the recommendations of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the VA Office of Inspector General.
When the true purpose and impact of your mass contract cancellations were exposed, you and your leadership team directed career officials to pause some cancellations, stating in an internal email “VA Leadership is reconsidering previous guidance,” and “further contract reviews will be conducted to arrive at a new final decision.” Records show some contracts previously cancelled at your direction were then reversed while others remain cancelled. On March 3, 2025, you announced that instead of more than 870 contracts, you would cancel 585 contracts with an alleged value of $1.8 billion. This announcement provided no detail or information to support that claim while also stating VA would redirect about $900 million toward health care, benefits, and services for VA beneficiaries – again without evidence.
Also, on March 3, 2025, the Department indicated the 585 contracts would be cancelled “over the next few days” and that “the termination of these contracts will not negatively affect Veteran care, benefits or services, and will help VA better focus on its core mission: providing the best possible care and services to Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors.” In your response to Senator King’s letter requesting information on these contracts, you refused to take accountability for your chaotic contract cancellation process and subsequent damage control. Your letter describes “a deliberative, multi-level review that involved the career subject-matter expert” but then admits the feedback from these experts was disregarded until after the fact when “VA rapidly reversed and restored contracted services in response to feedback from resident expert specialties, to include radiation safety, Veteran suicide prevention, and all other critical VA mission areas to avoid any clinically significant effect on patient care.” If this was in fact a consultative and deliberate process, why did the Department have to reverse your orders of just a few days prior to blindly terminate hundreds of contracts?
Now, more than two months later, Congress is still waiting for accurate and complete information on the contracts you have cancelled, the contracts you have restored after being cancelled, the process the Department is using, and documentation for the savings generated and reinvested. When asked about receiving this information and a briefing on DOGE’s operations at the Department, your leadership stated simply that VA “will not be providing a briefing on the issue.” Additionally, even though many of these contracts were officially cancelled more than two months ago, your staff has indicated “VA cannot release any contract lists as this is all ‘pre-decisional’ until the Contracting Officer officially notifies and signs the termination letter and negotiates potential settlement costs.” This statement is another attempt to hide the truth from Congress and runs counter to logic given that many companies and public databases list hundreds of VA contracts as already cancelled.
Further, on May 16, 2025, your staff provided Congress with a list of more than 445 contracts which it indicated were “terminated and closed contracts” and then went on to say “there are additional contracts in negotiation to be closed, and this list does not include contracts modified to change scope. The frequently mentioned list of over 800 contracts was not released by VA as finale (sic) and complete; it was an initial review followed by several additional reviews.” Our initial review of these statements and the information provided indicates a number of contradictions and inaccuracies, and raises numerous additional concerns and questions.
First, the statements from VA staff attempt to once-again mischaracterize the sequence of events associated with your multi-month effort to withhold information about your disorganized contract cancellation effort. The public record is clear: you directed the cancellation of hundreds of contracts impacting services for veterans and only reversed yourself when the nature of those contracts were publicly disclosed. Second, the list of 447 contracts includes at least 80 that were terminated during the Biden Administration. Third, according to the documentation you provided, the list of canceled contracts totals $120.8 billion dollars in contracting value and claimed savings. Given VA’s entire budget for Fiscal Year 2025 is approximately $426.3 billion, the value of these contracts would represent 28 percent of the Department’s budget. This questionable number is compounded by numerous contracts with wildly inaccurate value/savings figures. For example, one contract labeled “VA Program Management Support Services Contract” is shown with an astronomical value of $44.8 billion. However, federal data shows the value of this contract at approximately $85 million – meaning the Department has misstated the value by $44 billion. Finally, a number of the contracts provided do not appear on the list of cancelled contracts in the official Federal government system of record – the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). All of these points call into question the accuracy of the data in the document you provided to Congress.
We firmly support VA efforts to regularly review services procured by the Department. And that process should be built into any functioning acquisition and program management operation at VA. However, cancelling hundreds of contracts in a several-day period and then scrambling to restore dozens just a few days later is not an indication of good program management. It’s an indication of waste and incompetence.
So that we may conduct our independent and constitutionally authorized oversight of the Department, we ask again for a copy of the list of more than 870 contracts cancelled or proposed for cancellation you discussed in your social media posting and video on February 24 and 25, 2025, which you indicated had a value of $2 billion; a copy of the list of 585 cancelled contracts VA announced publicly on March 3, 2025, with an estimated value of $1.8 billion; and a list of all contracts cancelled by VA from January 20, 2025, to present. Further, we request a briefing to the Committees to explain the timeline and process by which these contracts were selected and ordered cancelled; how the material provided to Congress on May 16, 2025, was assembled; and on DOGE operations inside VA related to contracts and more generally. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Slam GOP Tax Bill for Raising Taxes on Working Families to Fund Windfalls for the Ultra-Wealthy

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (D-VA) issued the following statement blasting the GOP’s partisan tax bill that would raise taxes on the lowest-income Americans while handing six-figure windfalls to the wealthiest 0.1% of taxpayers:
“At a time when working families are struggling with the rising cost of living, Donald Trump and Washington Republicans are asking them to pay more so the ultra-rich can get a handout. The numbers speak for themselves: under the terms of the tax plan championed by President Trump and Republicans in Congress, the bottom rung of the income ladder will see their taxes hiked by more than 50% in order to give the richest 0.1% a $188,000 tax cut. That’s not what Virginians sent us here to do, and we will fight tooth and nail to stop it. We call on Republicans to drop this sham of a bill and instead work with us to provide meaningful relief to working families by bringing down housing and child care costs, cutting taxes for working- and middle-class Americans, and lowering prescription drug prices.”
The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates that in the year 2029, when the permanent effects of the GOP tax plan are felt, those earning less than $15,000 a year would see a 53.5% increase in their federal taxes compared to current law. Meanwhile, the top 0.1% – roughly 197,000 taxpayers – would receive a collective $37.1 billion tax cut, amounting to $188,324 per person.
New analysis from the Yale Budget Lab further underscores just how skewed the GOP bill is in favor of the wealthy. The lowest-income households would lose about $800 a year because of the GOP bill, amounting to a 4% hit to their budgets, while the richest 5% would walk away with an average annual windfall of $27,000. Overall, nearly 80% of the bill’s total benefits would go to the top 20% of earners.
Warner and Kaine have been sounding the alarm about the effects of the GOP plan on Virginia if Republicans in Congress continue to insist on gutting vital programs in order to pay for tax breaks for the richest Americans, noting that the GOP bill would strip health insurance from more than 262,000 Virginians, raise energy costs for Virginia households, and jeopardize more than 20,000 Virginia jobs at clean energy and manufacturing facilities benefiting from Inflation Reduction Act investments.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Landsat at Work: Conserving Water and Growing High Quality Grapes
Source: US Geological Survey
Breadcrumb

News
Landsat at Work: Conserving Water and Growing High Quality Grapes

Grapevine researcher turns to satellites for considerable water-use challenge
Leading that effort is Nick Dokoozlian, who has spent his career studying grapevines—from working on his family’s vineyard to teaching at the University of California, Davis, and now leading a research group at Gallo, the largest winery in the world. His extensive knowledge of growing grapes, paired with a commitment to preserving Central Valley water, led him to explore new tools for managing irrigation.

That openness to experimentation brought him to remote sensing, and to Landsat, helping the company reduce water use while continuing to grow high-quality grapes for generations to come.

After years of innovation and collaboration, the company has made it halfway to its long-term goal of reducing water usage by 50% while maintaining or improving yield and fruit quality. “Now we’re going after the next 25%. That goal will outlive me, probably, but we will continue to refine our irrigation practices to improve water use efficiency,” Dokoozlian said.

“None of that would have been possible without Landsat.”

And this work didn’t just benefit one vineyard—it helped set the stage for agricultural water management efforts now used across the western United States.

Dokoozlian received the company’s sense of environmental responsibility from Bob Gallo, son of co-founder Julio Gallo. Around the time of the company’s 75th anniversary in 2008, Bob Gallo shared his concern: They needed to ensure that they would have enough groundwater to grow grapes for future generations and help area grape growers save water, too.

This image is an example of evapotranspiration mapping, centered on Modesto, California, which contains the Gallo Winery headquarters. The area’s fields are known for growing a wide variety of crops, including almonds, walnuts, tomatoes and hay. This particular image of 2020 annual actual evapotranspiration (ETa) is provided by the Landsat-based SSEBop (Operational Simplified Surface Energy Balance) ET model, which is one of the models used in the OpenET ensemble.

The vineyards were generally well positioned with two water sources, groundwater and rivers, with the potential for recharging groundwater. But achieving a 50% reduction in water use was a very steep goal, especially across thousands of acres. They needed a way to accurately measure the amount of water the grapevines were using, and how much water the vines actually needed.

At that time, Dokoozlian had been reading about the use of satellites in irrigation management and knew of a U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) hydrology group in Maryland working with Landsat data for a similar use.

Landsat sensors have two key capabilities for monitoring water use: the necessary scale for monitoring large areas and land surface temperature measurements. Those temperatures are used to calculate the plants’ water usage, also called evapotranspiration (evaporation plus transpiration, or ET).

Grapevines can vary in water needs, even within the same vineyard, so the research team used Landsat’s 30-meter resolution to understand this variability by examining water use across their vineyards. This helped them identify where irrigation could be adjusted to match the plants’ needs.

“Landsat is the single most valuable tool that we have used.” – Nick Dokoozlian

A Broader Collaboration

To build on that insight, the team worked with USDA researchers Bill Kustas (background photo) and Martha Anderson as they set up GRAPEX (Grape Remote sensing Atmospheric Profile & Evapotranspiration eXperiment) with Landsat and other imagery, developing a toolkit to improve irrigation schedules and water management in vineyards and potentially other tree crops. Gallo was an ideal partner to help with ground data and testing the usefulness of the tools in a real-world situation.

“GRAPEX was really the foundation of understanding how much water the vines are actually using,” Dokoozlian said. He began to spread the word about its usefulness beyond the wine industry to other water users in the area, such as almond growers.

That effort helped contribute to the foundation for OpenET, a broader scale initiative developed in collaboration with agencies including the USGS, USDA and NASA, universities and other partners. OpenET delivers evapotranspiration estimates based on Landsat data to growers and other water managers across the western United States, with plans to soon expand east.

“OpenET wouldn’t exist without Landsat. Most everything related to the use of remote sensing in irrigation management generally funnels back to Landsat,” Dokoozlian said.

The winery also works with its contract growers on water management and developed an irrigation dashboard with OpenET data and their own ground data. “We can adjust and validate the amounts of water that we’re applying and constantly look at it and have a continual feedback loop,” Dokoozlian said. “Did we apply enough? Did we apply too little? How do the vines look?”

He predicts that automating data flows like this will unlock additional water savings. But Dokoozlian wishes he had even more Landsat data—particularly high-resolution thermal imagery.

He’ll get his wish as plans for the next generation of Landsat include land surface temperature gathered more frequently and at a higher resolution than current Landsat satellites. Landsat Next is expected to launch in the early 2030s and will offer significant improvements, particularly for applications like GRAPEX and OpenET that rely on thermal data to support water management and agricultural decision-making.

The mission will also extend Landsat’s historic 50-plus year record, providing long-term records needed to monitor environmental change and support resource management.

“If you had one dime to call from a phone booth and you needed imagery, Landsat’s the imagery source to call,” Dokoozlian said. “Landsat provides the longest-running, well-calibrated and trusted source of information.”

Left: Landsat 9 launched from Vandenberg Space Flight Center in California on September 27, 2021, onboard an Atlas V 401 rocket. Among those in attendance were Nick Dokoozlian and his son, who took a road trip to view the launch. Center: An artist’s illustration of Landsat 9 orbiting Earth. Right: The Landsat program has collected Earth observation data for more than 50 years. Watch an overview of its history and capabilities.

Note: Landsat data are available from the U.S. Geological Survey at no cost to users.

Disclaimer: This web page contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other organizations. USGS is not responsible for the content of any off-site pages. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, processes, or services by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by the United States Government.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Russia and China have made significant progress in bilateral cooperation in recent years – Russian businessman O. Deripaska

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

Moscow, May 21 /Xinhua/ — Russia and China have made significant progress in bilateral cooperation in recent years, and the countries have established a deep level of cooperation in many areas, Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska said in a recent interview with Xinhua.

“We have made serious progress over the past four years. In general, this is a large, deep, large-scale cooperation in many areas: energy, transport, logistics, mechanical engineering, joint developments in aviation, space, nuclear energy. The countries share experience, organize joint design, develop engineering. This is already a fairly deep level of cooperation,” he noted.

According to O. Deripaska, the countries are taking important steps to develop transport and logistics infrastructure. “The Russian side is modernizing railways, transport crossings, pipelines, power lines, communication lines, and ports. The Chinese and Russian sides are stimulating trade turnover by providing subsidies for transportation,” the businessman said, emphasizing that increasing the speed of cargo delivery improves trade.

Another important area for further deepening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, he believes, is improving financial conditions. This is not only about settlements in national currencies, but also about developing project financing mechanisms. “Our companies are already opening enterprises in China to produce modules that are needed for use in Russian production. In the same way, Chinese companies should invest in creating joint production facilities in Russia,” the Xinhua source believes.

Speaking about cooperation between China and Russia in the field of science and education, O. Deripaska emphasized that in the next two years this issue will be given special attention, because joint educational projects not only bring the peoples of the two countries closer together, but also allow building a foundation for the future.

As an example of such cooperation, the Russian entrepreneur cited the Chinese-Russian University PPI-MSU in Shenzhen /Guangdong Province, South China/. With the support of O. Deripaska’s funds, the university has created several educational programs for Chinese and Russian students. “Science is a source of progress, that is, all innovations begin with scientific developments, and this is important for us. Our investments create the opportunity for joint education in Russia and China,” he explained, adding that joint programs are being developed between universities in Irkutsk, Krasnoyarsk and universities in Harbin /the administrative center of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China/ and Xi’an /the administrative center of Shaanxi Province, Northwest China/.

The businessman praised the level of development of science, technology and engineering knowledge in China, noting significant successes in such high-tech areas as renewable energy, space programs, electronics, and electric vehicle production. “China has focused on education and building a system of scientific universities and research centers. A lot has been spent on training Chinese specialists abroad. Now many of them have returned. We see this progress,” he added.

According to O. Deripaska, the deep level of cooperation between China and Russia allows us to hope that all the development goals set for the two countries will be achieved. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Statement On The Passing Of Gerry Connolly

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) today issued the following statement on the passing of his longtime friend and colleague, Congressman Gerry Connolly:

“Gerry Connolly was one of a kind, and I am heartbroken that he has passed.

“Gerry will leave a towering legacy of accomplishment in Fairfax County, he was a forceful advocate for our region and the people in it. Everyone who runs for office says they want ‘to get stuff done,’ but comparatively few actually succeed. Gerry got stuff done for years in Fairfax, where he advocated successfully for projects including the Silver Line and the Cross County Trail, which now bears his name. Then he brought the same attitude and outlook to Congress, where he wrote and passed a major postal reform, led efforts to create the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, and was one of the most tireless and active advocates for the federal workforce ever to serve in Congress. Gerry was especially proud to have been named the House’s ‘most effective legislator,’ and to have earned the trust of his colleagues to lead our Caucus on oversight and government reform, topics he knew more about than almost anyone.

“Everyone who worked with him knew Gerry as a pugnacious fighter for his constituents, for good government, and for a range of causes around the world. He was also warm, witty, and loyal, and he loved acting in community theater as a company member of the Providence Players of Fairfax. Above all, Gerry was beloved by his family, friends, and staff. Megan and I send our condolences to all of them, and especially my best wishes to Smitty, Caitlin, and their family.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: REP LIEU STATEMENT ON PASSING OF RANKING MEMBER GERRY CONNOLLY

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ted Lieu (33 District of California)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-VA).

“Congress and Virginia’s 11^th District lost a legislative titan today with the passing of Gerry Connolly. I join his family, friends, colleagues, and constituents in mourning this monumental loss. Gerry was a skillful lawmaker with a passion for making sure our government worked efficiently, ethically, and always for the people. In addition to his work as Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Gerry was a passionate voice on foreign relations. I was grateful to get to work with him over the years on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Gerry was a lifelong public servant who cared deeply about making a difference and serving his community in Northern Virginia. We will miss him.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign, health ministers call on WHO to facilitate Taiwan’s participation

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 16, 2025 No. 157

During a joint press conference on May 16, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Health and Welfare Chiu Tai-yuan called on the World Health Organization (WHO) to facilitate Taiwan’s participation. They said that Taiwan would demonstrate self-confidence and work with the world while showcasing the professionalism of Taiwan’s medical diplomacy team.

The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) is set to open in Geneva on May 19. Minister Lin and Minister Chiu held a joint press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the morning of May 16, at which they underscored Taiwan’s willingness to contribute to better global health. The two ministers said that the WHO should not brook political interference but rather should promptly invite Taiwan to participate as an observer in the WHA as well as WHO technical meetings and thus realize WHO’s goal of “One World for Health.”

Making a special appearance at the press conference was the Puzangalan Children’s Choir of Pingtung County, which performed “Ualjaiyui,” a traditional song of blessing of the Paiwan indigenous community. The song speaks of good fortune and of passing on traditions. Taiwan shares such sentiments for its WHA Action Team headed to Geneva as well as to the world at large. Minister Lin pointed out that the choir would also be traveling to Geneva to show that Taiwan was not just a land of technology but also home to cultural soft power.

Minister Lin shared that this year’s WHA slogan is “One World for Health” and that the government was calling on WHO to “Chip in with Taiwan” so that no nation or people would be left behind, allowing Taiwan to work with other nations toward a healthier world. Adding that health and disease knew no borders, he said that in addressing COVID-19 Taiwan showed great resilience and was able to assist other nations. Excluding Taiwan from the WHA and WHO therefore represented a loss for the international community.

Minister Lin further commented that Taiwan’s national health insurance program has enrolled 99 percent of residents and that no matter where people lived, they had access to Taiwan’s quality medical services and social security net, an accomplishment praised worldwide. Acknowledging WHO’s Global Action Plan for Health of Indigenous Peoples, the minister said that Taiwan was ready to share its experience providing quality medical care to indigenous people.

In the AI era, Minister Lin stated, utilizing digital technology could improve access to medical care. Reflecting this, MOFA would for the first time hold a forum on smart medicine in Geneva, at which both Acer Medical and Quanta Computer would share their experience in order to promote a Taiwan model of smart medicine. Taiwan, he said, would continue to show how it could help and underscore its role as a global leader in semiconductors and related technology.

Minister Lin said that to realize President Lai Ching-te’s vision of a healthy Taiwan, MOFA had implemented the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and eight flagship projects, which included the smart medicine and healthcare industries. He said thats MOFA had worked with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to establish a Taiwan medical diplomacy team as well as a medical consultation team that included professionals from medical firms and organizations. Through the “One Country, One Center” project, medical cooperation would be strengthened with New Southbound Policy partner countries. Such efforts would also bring Taiwan’s healthcare industry—comprising its biotech, pharmaceutical, and information technology sectors—to the world.

Minister Lin thanked the nation’s diplomatic allies for making proposals in favor of Taiwan’s participation, as well as like-minded countries for taking such concrete steps as sending letters and conducting joint demarches in support of Taiwan. Such actions underscored the strength of international support for Taiwan. However, China’s distortion of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and its pressure on the WHO Secretariat meant that Taiwan had yet to be invited to attend the WHA.

Minister Lin stressed that Taiwan had established a government firmly rooted in popular support by conducting many democratic elections. As such, only the popularly elected government of Taiwan could represent the people of Taiwan at the United Nations, WHO, and other multilateral organizations. Many nations’ executive and legislative branches had publicly stated that UNGA Resolution 2758 did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in international organizations such as WHO. He then expressed hope that more nations would work together in support of Taiwan’s participation in WHO and oppose China’s international efforts at lawfare and cognitive warfare.

In addition, Minister Lin said that this year’s WHA slogan was “One World for Health” and that a Pandemic Agreement would be signed during the meeting. Taiwan had, he said, already shown the humanitarian spirit of “Taiwan can help” during COVID-19 and proved itself a valuable resource to WHO. However, Taiwan’s absence left a gap in the global public health and disease prevention network, said Minister Lin, who called on the WHO Secretariat to not brook political interference, to maintain professionalism and neutrality, and to facilitate Taiwan’s membership in the global public health and disease prevention network so as to create greater welfare for the world.

In closing, Minister Lin said that Taiwan’s WHA Action Team would conduct publicity efforts in Geneva starting from May 16 and that MOFA and the MOHW would work together with self-confidence and engage the world. Moreover, the ministries would be proactive in making Taiwan’s voice heard and ensure that Taiwan responded to “One World for Health” and appealed to others to “Chip in with Taiwan” by making greater contributions to global public health. (E)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Former Vice President Chen attends inauguration of Pope Leo XIV

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 18, 2025
No. 161

Former Vice President Chen Chien-jen, serving as special envoy of President Lai Ching-te, together with his wife and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs François Chihchung Wu, attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV on the morning of May 18. In an audience with the pontiff following the ceremony, Mr. Chen conveyed greetings from President Lai and the sincere congratulations of the government, people, and Catholic community of Taiwan.

Upon arriving for the ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, Mr. Chen was received by a ceremonial officer for the Holy See. The inauguration, a grand and solemn occasion, took around two hours. According to statistics released by the Holy See, more than 150 delegations attended. Before the ceremony commenced, Mr. Chen exchanged greetings with Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies Speaker Raúl Latorre; Guatemalan Special Envoy and Ambassador to the Holy See Alfredo Vásquez Rivera; other officials from diplomatic allies; and delegates from the United States, Japan, Europe, and numerous other friendly countries. He also extended felicitations to and shared cordial interactions with several high-ranking members of the Vatican clergy, including Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Secretary of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage.

After the inauguration, Pope Leo received the heads of national delegations. Mr. Chen presented the pontiff with a congratulatory letter from President Lai, a commemorative set of postage stamps depicting four of Taiwan’s Catholic churches—St. Joseph’s Church in Jinlun Village, Taitung County; the Holy Family Catholic Church in Taipei City; the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Wanjin Village, Pingtung County; and the Holy Rosary Cathedral Basilica in Kaohsiung City—and a collection of postcards on Holy See artifacts jointly produced by Taiwan and the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan, highlighting the close connection between the Catholic Church in Taiwan and the Holy See. Mr. Chen also presented Pope Leo with a photo taken in 2020, when the pontiff was serving as bishop of the Chiclayo Diocese in Peru. The picture showed him accepting antipandemic supplies donated by Taiwan. The materials, delivered in cartons labeled “Taiwan Box,” were donated to Cáritas Chiclayo and other Peruvian healthcare and charitable organizations by the Pingtung County Government and Dr. Lai Hsien-yung of Hualien County’s Mennonite Christian Hospital. The government and people of Taiwan provided proactive assistance to the international community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, fulfilling their international responsibilities and demonstrating that Taiwan could help and that Taiwan was helping.

When Mr. Chen arrived at the airport in Rome on May 17, he met with Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, who had also made the trip to attend the papal inauguration. Mr. Chen also attended a mass and prayer service for peace led by Bishop John Lee Keh-mien, President of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan, at St. Benedict’s Monastery. On May 18, Mr. Chen had dinner with 16 prominent members of the Catholic clergy and several key officials and ambassadors of diplomatic allies, including Special Delegate of the Holy See to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Cardinal Silvano Tomasi and Haitian Special Envoy and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Alrich Nicolas.

Since establishing diplomatic ties 83 years ago, Taiwan and the Holy See have enjoyed a profound diplomatic alliance and shared the core values of religious freedom, human rights, peace, and benevolence. The two sides will build on their existing friendship and solid foundation of cooperation in humanitarian assistance and other domains to further deepen bilateral relations and together make even greater contributions to the world. (E)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA sincerely appreciates international support for Taiwan’s bid to participate in WHO and WHA

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 19, 2025
No. 163

The 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) is opening in Geneva on May 19. Following proactive efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and related overseas missions, Taiwan’s bid to participate in the WHA has received staunch and concrete support from the Group of Seven (G7), the executive and legislative branches of government of more than 50 countries, the European Union, the European Parliament, and representative offices of like-minded nations in Taiwan. MOFA expresses sincere appreciation for this support.

Eleven of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, as members of the World Health Organization (WHO), submitted a proposal to the WHO Secretariat to invite Taiwan to participate in the WHA as an observer, requesting that the proposal be included as a supplementary item on this year’s WHA agenda. Saint Lucia Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre personally wrote a letter urging WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to invite Taiwan to attend the WHA. The parliaments of Guatemala, Palau, and Saint Christopher and Nevis adopted resolutions backing Taiwan.

The magnitude of support for Taiwan from like-minded countries has continued to grow. The current US administration has publicly endorsed Taiwan’s international participation more than 10 times. This includes a joint statement issued at the US-Japan leaders’ summit by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in February, which for the first time contained text advocating Taiwan’s meaningful involvement in international organizations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed firm US support for Taiwan’s international participation during his congressional confirmation hearing as well as in interviews and joint statements issued at two meetings with the foreign ministers of Japan and the Republic of Korea. The United States twice spoke up for Taiwan at the WHO Executive Board session held in February. In April, it publicly refuted China’s misuse of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758 at the UN Security Council for the first time, reiterating that the resolution did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other multilateral fora. In terms of US congressional support, the House of Representatives passed the Taiwan International Solidarity Act without opposition on May 5. The act urged the US government to resist China’s efforts to suppress Taiwan through mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758. In addition, nine US state legislatures approved resolutions backing Taiwan’s involvement in international organizations.

Furthermore, in a joint statement issued following a meeting in March, the G7 foreign ministers reaffirmed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. On May 15, the European Union expressed a similar stance and recognized the extraordinary contributions Taiwan can make through its digital healthcare capabilities. In February, the European Parliament overwhelmingly adopted a resolution on the implementation of the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, which backed Taiwan’s meaningful participation in relevant world bodies.
High-ranking European officials who publicly spoke up for Taiwan included Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, and Swedish Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health Jakob Forssmed. A total of 534 members of the European Parliament and 29 national parliaments across Europe cosigned a letter of the Formosa Club reaffirming support for Taiwan. The World Medical Association and other professional groups endorsed Taiwan’s participation in WHO and the WHA as they had done in the past.

MOFA thanks the representative offices in Taiwan of the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, and Lithuania for issuing a joint statement for the fifth year prior to the WHA affirming the immense benefits that Taiwan could bring to WHA discussions. The statement also emphasized that there was no legitimate reason for Taiwan’s exclusion from the WHA and that Taiwan’s absence would undermine the spirit of inclusive global public health cooperation and safety that WHO’s founding documents called for.

MOFA points out that these positive developments fully demonstrate that China’s unreasonable obstruction of Taiwan’s participation in WHO has gained little traction or support among nations worldwide. MOFA reiterates that UNGA Resolution 2758 and WHA Resolution 25.1 make no mention of Taiwan, have nothing to do with Taiwan, and therefore cannot be cited as a legal basis for precluding Taiwan from participating in WHO or other international organizations or multilateral mechanisms or fora. MOFA asks that the WHO Secretariat listen closely to member countries, stop further condoning political manipulation by China, and instead work to realize WHO’s goals of “Leaving No One Behind” and “One World for Health” so as to fulfill its responsibility to maintain and improve the health and well-being of all people. MOFA also asks that Taiwan be allowed full and unobstructed participation in all WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities, including the WHA. (E)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon to mark state visit by Palauan President Whipps

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

May 20, 2025
No. 167

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on May 20 to mark a state visit by President Surangel Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau. During the luncheon, Minister Lin conveyed a warm welcome on behalf of the government of Taiwan and thanked Palau for its staunch support for Taiwan’s international participation. He said he expected Taiwan and Palau to continue their close cooperation and together promote sustainable development across a range of areas in both nations.

In his remarks, Minister Lin explained that since taking office, he had launched a strategy of integrated diplomacy to serve as Taiwan’s primary focus for foreign affairs, adding that its three pillars of values-based diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic and trade diplomacy were advancing the promotion of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project in Palau. He also noted that, in addition to personally leading an industrial delegation to Palau in January, several business delegations had visited Palau on information-gathering missions, and that in March President Whipps had appointed Taiwanese business leader Stan Shih to serve as a senior economic advisor to Palau. Minister Lin said that these activities had laid a successful foundation for using public-private partnerships as a cooperative model through which to promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project.

In his remarks, President Whipps thanked the government of Taiwan and Minister Lin for their gracious reception. Observing that he had already made several trips to Taiwan, President Whipps said that visiting once again felt just like experiencing the warmth of home. Likening the 26-year ties between Taiwan and Palau to a marriage, he said that the nations’ sincere friendship was based on such shared values as freedom and democracy, a common Austronesian culture, and mutual support and prosperity.

President Whipps also reiterated his heartfelt gratitude for Taiwan’s assistance toward national development in Palau, adding that Taiwan’s status as one of the world’s leading producers of semiconductors and other technologies was a reflection of its successful education system and outstanding industrial development. Remarking that President Lai Ching-te’s visit to Palau in December 2024 had established a robust foundation for a new era of Taiwan-Palau collaboration, he said he hoped the two nations would continue to use public-private partnerships to engage in close cooperation on sustainable tourism, green energy, smart medicine and healthcare, education and training, and food security, together creating a vision of economic prosperity for both countries.

Among others attendees at today’s luncheon were Cheng Shih-chung, Director-General of the Ministry of Education’s Sports Administration; Professor Wang Ying-chou, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fu Jen Catholic University; Liao Song-yie, Chairman of COTA Commercial Bank; and Liu Qing-ling, Chairperson of Chuan Cheng Hat Co., Ltd. Amid a warm and cordial environment, guests and the members of the Palauan delegation engaged in in-depth exchanges regarding various aspects of Taiwan-Palau cooperation. (E)

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Scientists design gene delivery systems for cells in the brain and spinal cord

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

News Release
Wednesday, May 21, 2025

NIH-funded breakthrough could enable targeted therapies for many neurological disorders.

Research teams funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have created a versatile set of gene delivery systems that can reach different neural cell types in the human brain and spinal cord with exceptional accuracy. These delivery systems are a significant step toward future precise gene therapy to the brain that could safely control errant brain activity with high precision. In contrast, current therapies for brain disorders mostly treat only symptoms.
The new delivery systems carry genetic material into the brain and spinal cord for targeted use by specific cell types. This platform has the potential to transform how scientists can study neural circuits. It provides researchers with gene delivery systems for various species used in research, without the need for genetically modified, or transgenic, animals. Examples include illuminating fine structures of brain cells with fluorescent proteins and activating or silencing circuits that control behavior and cognition.
“Imagine this new platform as a delivery truck dropping off specialized genetic packages in specific cell neighborhoods in the brain and spinal cord,” said John Ngai, Director of the NIH’s Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative, or The BRAIN Initiative®. “With these delivery systems, we can now access and manipulate specific cells in the brain and spinal cord – access that was not possible before at this scale.”
The new delivery tools, which use a small, stripped-down adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver DNA to target cells, can be broadly applied across many species and experimental systems, including small tissue samples removed during human brain surgeries. The delivery systems have been tested, or validated, in intact living systems, which is an important step for introducing new tools for widespread use. The newly published toolkit includes:

Dozens of delivery systems that selectively target key brain cell types, including excitatory neurons, inhibitory interneurons, striatal and cortical subtypes, brain blood vessel cells, and hard-to-reach neurons in the spinal cord that control body movement and are damaged in several neurological diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy
Computer programs powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that can identify genetic “light switches,” known as enhancers, that turn genes on in specific brain cell types, using data from many different species – cutting considerable time and effort for scientists looking for these genetic switches.

Overall, this collection of research tools will significantly accelerate understanding of the human brain. Importantly, the toolkit enables access to specific brain cell types in the prefrontal cortex, an area that’s critical for decision-making and uniquely human traits. With other tools in the collection, scientists can better study individual cells and communication pathways known to be affected in several neurological diseases. These include seizure disorders, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and Huntington’s disease – as well as various neuropsychiatric conditions.
AAV-based treatments are already approved for some conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy for which a 2016 approval of a gene therapy known as Zolgensma transformed the lives of infants and young children who once faced severe disability or early death. The new collection of gene delivery resources lays the groundwork for more precise treatments that target only affected cells in the brain, spinal cord, or brain blood vessels.
The toolkit is available at distribution centers including Addgene, a global supplier of genetic research tools. This collection of publications offers researchers standard operating procedures and user guides for these tools.
The work is supported by the NIH’s Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative, or The BRAIN Initiative®. Funding issued less than four years ago launched a large-scale, team-run project to design new molecular tools that can be useful to many research laboratories. The Armamentarium for Precision Brain Cell Access aims to develop precise and reproducible access to cells and circuits in experimental research models of the brain and spinal cord. The large-scale project brings together experts in the field of molecular biology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence (AI). The eight papers appear in the May 21 issue of the journals Neuron, Cell, Cell Reports, Cell Genomics, and Cell Reports Methods.
Grants: UF1MH130701, UH3MH120096, U24MH133236, UF1MH128339, UM1MH130981, R01MH123620, U19MH114830, P510D010425, U420D011123, S10MH126994, UH3MH120094, UF1MH130881, F30DA053020, R01FD007478, U01AG076791, R35GM127102, RF1MH114126, UH3MH120095, RF1MH121274, R01MH113005, UH3MH120095
The Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies® Initiative and The BRAIN Initiative® are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The NIH BRAIN Initiative, a multidisciplinary collaboration across 10 NIH Institutes and Centers, is uniquely positioned for cross-cutting discoveries in neuroscience to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain. By accelerating the development and application of innovative neurotechnologies, The BRAIN Initiative® is enabling researchers to understand the brain at unprecedented levels of detail in both health and disease, improving how we treat, prevent, and cure brain disorders. The BRAIN Initiative involves a multidisciplinary network of federal and non-federal partners whose missions and current research portfolios complement the goals of The BRAIN Initiative.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Buildings Department expresses grave concern regarding ICAC’s arrest action at a construction site at Anderson Road

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Buildings Department (BD) expressed grave concern today (May 21) regarding the arrests made by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) at a construction site at Anderson Road on suspicion of offering and accepting advantages. The BD emphasised that illegal or non-compliant behaviours would not be tolerated. The BD has been actively co-operating with the ICAC’s investigation, including providing information and assisting in evidence collection and enforcement action. As the investigation is still on-going, the BD will not comment on the details of the case.

The main contractor involved is a registered general building contractor (RGBC) under the Buildings Ordinance (BO). Apart from assisting in the ICAC’s investigation, the BD is also conducting an investigation on the quality of works at the subject site under the BO. The BD received a report in August last year alleging that the steel reinforcements of some structural elements in the superstructure works of six blocks of residential buildings being carried out at the site had not been installed in accordance with the standards under the BO. The BD took the matter very seriously and deployed its staff to the site for inspection four times in September last year. It was found that the number of steel reinforcements installed at some beams was less than that required in the approved plans. The BD thus served an order under section 23 of the BO ordering the cessation of works for the entire site in October last year. The BD subsequently deployed its staff to carry out site inspections on many occasions, conducted interviews and collected project information from the project registered structural engineer (RSE) and registered contractor (RC), including requiring open-up of concrete at various locations of the superstructure works of the six buildings to determine whether the quantity, distribution, position, and size of the steel reinforcements complied with the plans, as well as testing the strength of the concrete.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Pushing Boundaries and Becoming Beacons for Positive Change
Source: US State of Connecticut

The Academy of Distinguished Engineers, class of 2025, gathered for this year’s induction ceremony last week on the UConn Storrs campus. The annual event featured comments from JC Zhao, dean of the College of Engineering (CoE), and was emceed by 2024 inductees Rashi Akki, and Mark Raymond. Attendees included new Academy inductees and GOLD Rising Star recipients, their friends and family, as well as past Academy members.

Zhao praised the class of 2025 for its accomplishments and contributions to engineering research, leadership and societal impact.

“This was my first Academy of Distinguished Engineers awards ceremony since becoming dean of the College of Engineering,” Zhao says. “I take great pride in recognizing and celebrating the amazing achievements of our Academy inductees and Rising Stars. It was also a pleasure meeting these CoE graduates, their families and the previous awardees who joined us.

Dean JC Zhao (left) and He Li, Academy 2025 GOLD Rising Star (Christopher LaRosa/UConn Photo)

“These highly accomplished men and women are a testament to the overall quality of education we offer here at UConn, as well as recognition for the many CoE faculty and mentors who helped guide them. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to hearing about their continued successes and their positive impact on our society.”

Induction into the Academy recognizes CoE alumni for their exemplary contributions to the engineering profession through research, practice, education, policy or service, says Kylene Perras, assistant dean, Operations and Strategic Initiatives. The GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Rising Star awards recognize graduates over the past decade who inspire the world around them through their contributions to engineering and society.

“The Academy’s members are considered to be among the most successful and distinguished engineers in their respective fields,” Perras adds. “They each represent UConn Engineering, with distinction and strong leadership, and inspire current and future CoE students. And while they may not have been in the field for as many years, our Rising Stars also are making their mark and cutting successful professional trails.”

Academy inductee Erika Lindeberg (Christopher LaRosa/UConn Photo)

One of this year’s inductees, Erika Lindeberg, earned her B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering at UConn. She is a senior project manager and group leader at Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., a global leader in advanced manufacturing, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and more. Prior to joining Jacobs, she worked for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, including five years spent as principal engineer in their Division of Traffic Engineering.

“Both of my parents are UConn alumni and taught me the importance of mentoring and of working for the common good,” Lindeberg says. “As engineers, we have a profound responsibility to ensure that the effective application of engineering and science serve a higher purpose and improve the comfort and safety of human life. To that end, sharing our knowledge, which includes mentoring others, is a critical responsibility and obligation.”

JC Zhao (left) and Academy inductee Nasir Mannan (Christopher LaRosa/UConn Photo)

Another inductee, Nasir Mannan, earned his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering in 2007 at the then School of Engineering at UConn. Mannan is the principal engineer at the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology’s Advanced Design Automation and Metrology lab, where he leads the integration of 4.0 technologies to help strengthen the U.S. supply chain. Like Lindberg, he shared similar sentiments about the need to help others and to become beacons for positive change.

“In addition to building things, we create, innovate, discover and connect. All society is one human race, and the work we’re doing can push the boundaries of what’s possible, as well as what’s needed,” Mannan says. “I’m grateful for this recognition, and excited about the future and the opportunities we share to greatly improve the quality of life on earth for all beings through the technology we create and help implement as engineers.”

This year’s inductees are:
- James Bosse: B.S., M.S., and Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut (’09, ’12, ’14)
- Marat Kulakhmetov: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut (’09), M.S. and Ph.D., Aeronautics and Astronautics, Purdue University (’11, ’16)
- Michael Lamont: B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Connecticut (’91)
- John Leonard: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut (’89), M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University (’94)
- Erika Lindeberg: B.S. and M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Connecticut (’94, ’04)
- Nasir Mannan: B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut (’07)
- Steven Naboicheck: B.S., Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Connecticut (’81)
- Frederick Sporck: B.S., Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Connecticut (’78), M.S., Physics, University of Vermont (’84)
- Adrian Weidmann: B.S., Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut (‘02)
- Peyman Zamani: B.S., Computer Science and Engineering, Master of Business Administration, University of Connecticut (’95, ’06)
This year, the GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Rising Star recipients are:
- Yongduk Lee: B.S., M.S., Hankyong National University (’06, ’08), Ph.D., Electrical Engineering, University of Connecticut (’15)
- He Li: B.S., Beijing University of Technology (’05), M.S., University of Saskatchewan (’08), Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut (’15)
- Qin Lu: B.S., University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (’13), Ph.D., Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Connecticut (’18)
MIL OSI USA News –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI: FCCI Insurance Group Honored with Duck Creek Standard of Excellence Customer Award at Formation ’25

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has named FCCI Insurance Group (FCCI) a recipient of its 2025 Standard of Excellence Customer Award winner at Formation ’25, its flagship customer conference held this week in Orlando, Florida.

The Duck Creek Standard of Excellence Customer Award recognizes customers who have achieved the highest level of excellence through their implementation of Duck Creek solutions to transform their business and shape the future of insurance.

FCCI was recognized for its successful launch of Excess & Surplus (E&S) offerings using a suite of Duck Creek’s solutions, including Policy, OnDemand, Data Insights/Clarity, Distribution Management, and Digital Engagement Producer.

FCCI is a commercial property and casualty insurance company that serves mid-sized businesses across various industries, including agribusiness, construction, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and manufacturing. Their product offerings include workers’ compensation, property, and general liability insurance.

Originally founded in 1959 in Sarasota, Florida, FCCI has grown into a super-regional provider, delivering standard lines commercial insurance services in 19 states, with Surety and Specialty operating in an expanded state footprint. The company emphasizes its network of more than 550 contracted agencies and more than 3,800 independent agents.

FCCI’s recent expansion into E&S lines focused on enhancing digital capabilities, streamlining operations, and speed to market for new offerings.

By implementing Duck Creek’s Policy Administration System and Active Delivery model, FCCI achieved straight-through processing, automated intake, and seamless integration. Regulatory compliance was strengthened while a modern self-service portal provided agents with real-time capabilities.

“Our goal was to reimagine how we serve the commercial insurance market, particularly within E&S lines, and Duck Creek helped us do just that,” said Dave Patel, EVP & Chief Information Officer at FCCI Insurance Group. “This award is a testament to the innovation, collaboration, and determination of everyone involved in bringing this vision to life.”

Despite the complexities of E&S markets and a tight implementation timeline, FCCI collaborated closely with Duck Creek, Cognizant, and other partners to design, test, and deploy a future-ready solution and ensure quality delivery of production environments.

Following a successful implementation, the launch of FCCI Specialty exceeded initial projections for both premium and policy count, resulting in excitement and positive feedback from FCCI’s trusted agency partners.

“From enhanced agent experiences to agile regulatory adaptation, FCCI’s story is a powerful example of what’s possible through technology, teamwork, and forward-thinking leadership,” said Chris McCloskey, Chief Operating Officer of Duck Creek Technologies. “Their success reflects not only the power of our platform, but also the dedication of their team and partners in transforming complex business requirements into real, measurable outcomes.”

About Duck Creek Technologies 
Duck Creek Technologies is the global intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

Media Contacts:
Marianne Dempsey/Tara Stred
duckcreek@threeringsinc.com 

About FCCI Insurance Group – Founded in 1959 in Sarasota, Florida, FCCI Insurance Group provides commercial property and casualty insurance, risk control services, and surety bonds. FCCI writes business exclusively through more than 3,800 independent agents in 20 states, plus Washington, D.C. Coverages include auto, crime, cyber liability, equipment, excess & surplus, property, general liability, inland marine, umbrella, and workers’ compensation. Contract and commercial surety bonds are written in 45 states.

FCCI insures over 12,000 policyholders across various industries, including agribusiness, construction, manufacturing, medical and professional, restaurants and hospitality, retail, service and repair, and wholesale and distribution. FCCI has $3.3 billion in assets, $1.2 billion in direct written premium, and is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. FCCI has regional and branch offices in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Virginia.

The MIL Network –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Half-term family fun at Island museums for just £1 per visitor 21 May 2025 Half-term family fun at Island museums for just £1 per visitor
Source: Aisle of Wight

Family fun is on offer at two Island museums during next week’s half-term.

On Tuesday May 27 and Thursday May 29 (10am-1pm) visitors to the Museum of Island History will be able create their own bracelet or bedroom door sign inspired by Anglo-Saxon runes and decorate them using patterns inspired by amazing artefacts found on the Isle of Wight.

There will also be an opportunity to complete a trail exploring some of the treasures currently on display at the museum, including objects from prehistory to the modern day.

Meanwhile, at Newport Roman Villa on Wednesday May 28 from 10am-2pm, visitors will have the chance to ‘spring’ into action and create their own working catapult!

Visitors can also explore the villa ruins with a picture hunt to complete, with lots to discover about the mighty Roman army. The whole site will be open throughout the event so visitors can also explore the historic site, museum displays and garden.

On these special days there’s no need to book — all activities and museum entry costs just £1 per person at each museum site.

The events are organised by Isle of Wight Council’s Heritage Service.
- Newport Roman Villa, Cypress Road, Newport, PO30 1HA
- Museum of Island History, Guildhall, High Street, Newport, PO30 1TY
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Void on St Leonard’s Place to undergo urgent investigation

Source: City of York

Published Wednesday, 21 May 2025

A void has opened on St Leonard’s Place in the road outside the Theatre Royal in central York. While it has been made safe by City of York Council it requires urgent investigation and attention.

In order to investigate fully, from 6am tomorrow (Thursday 22 May) the portion of St Leonard’s Place from the Theatre Royal to the Red House antiques centre will be made into one lane for traffic, and put under temporary traffic light control.

The Theatre is open as usual and pedestrian access to both the theatre and neighbouring businesses is unaffected.

While buses will continue to use the road as usual, the works mean we need to temporarily move the bus stops outside and opposite the Theatre Royal. From 6am on Thursday, southbound buses using those stops – including services 1 (towards Chapelfields), 5/5A (towards Acomb), 6 (towards University of York), 30 and 40 (towards York College), will all use a temporary stop at the taxi rank by Bootham Bar, which will be sign posted. The taxi rank (which is normally used at night only) will be suspended for the duration of the works.

In the northbound direction, service 1 (towards Wigginton) will use stop ED, at the shelter next to Exhibition Square. Services 5/5A (towards Strensall) and 6 (towards Clifton Moor) will use a temporary stop on Museum St, on the same side of the road as stop EA (for Rawcliffe Bar P&R).

It is currently not known what has caused the void and it is anticipated that the works could take around two weeks to complete. Once our teams have been able to safely access the site we will have a much better understanding of the causes and how we can quickly and safely repair the hole and road surface and will share any updates as necessary. As usual, the site will be assessed for any archaeological remains once excavation starts.

The temporary traffic lights will be staffed between 7am and 7pm so that we can manage the signals and respond dynamically to levels of traffic, to limit disruption for all road users including those using Gillygate and Bootham.

Local businesses have been written to with an update explaining the urgency of the works.

Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport said:

“These unavoidable emergency works come at a busy time for York’s road network, with the planned closure on Queen Street this weekend.

“York is very much open for business and we encourage everyone to plan ahead, use public transport, walk or cycle where possible, to help reduce traffic congestion in the city centre. For example, Askham Bar, Poppleton Bar, Monks Cross and Grimston Bar Park and Ride routes do not use St Leonard’s Place and would make excellent alternatives to driving in to the city.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 1600 children and young people take part in Benedetti Foundation residency

Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

Pupils and young string instrumentalists from 50 City of Edinburgh Council schools have taken part in the prestigious Benedetti Foundation Residency which took place from May 12 to 15.

The week started with the Benedetti Foundation delivering concert performances at nine primary schools in Edinburgh to approximately 1200 learners across the city, before the city’s young string players, from P5 to P7, came together for a ‘play day’ in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council Instrumental Music Service.

The Benedetti Sessions Strings Day workshop was attended by violin, viola, cello and double bass players from P5 to P7 and S1 who took part in engaging sessions followed by a concert performance for parents and carers. The string orchestra was made of a staggering number of over 400 young musicians with 122 young people forming the enormous cello section.

During the sessions, the children and young people worked with a team of 25 Instructors from the City of Edinburgh Council Schools Instrumental Service, tutors from the Benedetti Foundation and a group of ambassadors made up of Conservatoire students. Young musicians had the opportunity to practice and finesse two contrasting pieces of music – Bubble Pop and Enchanted Caroussel.

The Residency session was delivered in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council Schools Instrumental Service who hosted the event, organised the venue and resources and supported in preparing learners in lessons ahead of the residency session. The Benedetti Foundation provided their expert tutor team to lead the day and provided the wonderful musicians to deliver the concerts in our schools.

Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener said:

The City of Edinburgh Councils Schools Instrumental Service is a jewel in the crown of our education service with over 5,000 children and young people across Edinburgh benefitting from weekly instrumental lessons. I am proud to be part of a city that invests in making it accessible for all children and young people to learn to play a musical instrument.

It is incredible to hear that over 400 of our young musicians took part in what I’m sure was a fantastic day of music making, collaboration and performance. My thanks to our schools’ instrumental teachers and to the team at the Benedetti Foundation for organising a special day that I’m sure will be a formative memory for those learners who attended.

Published: May 21st 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get ready to embark on an exciting digital journey with Wallace and Gromit and Vaughan Williams this summer
Source: City of Manchester

For two weeks in June, Manchester Libraries will be hosting state-of-the-art VR headsets and a feast of digital experiences for the public.

Launching in Manchester Libraries in June, this forward-thinking initiative will be offering an array of incredible free digital experiences at both Manchester Central Library and Wythenshawe Forum Library.

Available between Saturday 7th June to Thursday 12th June (Central Library) and Monday 16th June to Thursday 19th June (Wythenshawe Forum Library), visitors to the libraries will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an array of awe-inspiring virtual worlds. Amongst the thrilling programme of VR offerings, the experiences on offer include:
- Wallace & Gromit in the Grand Getaway: Join the beloved Aardman characters on a brand new immersive adventure. Expect cracking graphics Gromit
- The Philharmonia Virtual Orchestra – The Lark Ascending: Experience a mesmerising 360-degree performance of Vaughan Williams’ masterpiece featuring Nicola Benedetti.
- Monoliths: Explore England’s northern landscape through the voices of three women in this immersive XR experience by Pilot Theatre and One to One Development Trust.
- Berlin Blitz: 80 years on from VE Day, step back in time to this especially tense period of WWII history.
- Phase Space: A multi-sensory, immersive experience that provides immediate stress and anxiety relief by harnessing the power of VR to transport you to a place where you can relax and re-set your mind, emerging refreshed in just seven minutes.
The VR headset experiences arrive as part of Manchester Libraries recently announced participation in the new Libraries Digital Network, a groundbreaking collaboration with eight other library services, including: Bradford, Cambridgeshire, Coventry, Leeds, Newham, Nottinghamshire, Somerset, and Sunderland.

This innovative network is the first of its kind, uniquely combining local relevance with national impact. It aims to empower our local community and is supported by comprehensive training for our colleagues, who will guide our networks on exciting digital journeys.

Speaking about the arrival of the Digital Spaces VR headsets at Manchester Libraries this Summer, Councillor John Hacking Executive Member for Skills Employment and Leisure said:

“We are thrilled to be able to showcase this rich collection of fully immersive Virtual Reality titles which I know will be very popular and that will have broad appeal for all our library users. In today’s society technology is moving ever faster and as a member of the new Libraries Digital Network we are determined to continue to make available new digital opportunities and experiences to all our residents.”

The Digital Spaces VR headsets will be freely available to the public to experience in open drop-in sessions as part of the Festival of Libraries, plus for a series of bookable sessions between 7th -19th June.

All bookable Central Library sessions can be booked at: VR Headset Experience Manchester Central Library

Join a session at these dates and times as follows:

Saturday 7th June – Festival of Libraries @ Central Library

– Drop In Session [10.00-12.00]

– Drop In Session [14.00-16.00]

Sunday 8th June – Festival of Libraries @ Central Library

– Drop In Session [12.00-16.00]

Monday 9th June – Bookable Sessions @ Central Library

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [11.00 – 12.00]

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [13.00 – 14.00]

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [15.00 – 16.00]

Tuesday 10th June – Bookable Sessions @ Central Library

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [11.00 – 12.00]

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [17.00 – 18.00]

Wednesday 11th June – Bookable Sessions @ Central Library

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [11.00 – 12.00]

– Book Ahead to Guarantee A Place [15.00 – 16.00]

Thursday 12th June – Drop In Sessions @ Central Library

– Drop In Session [10.00 – 12.00]

– Drop In Session [16.00 – 19.00]

Saturday 16th June – Thursday 19th June @ Wythenshawe Forum Library

Wythenshawe Forum free tickets can be booked at VR Headset Experience Wythenshawe Forum

Monday 16th June : 10-11, 1-2, 2-3

Tuesday 17th June: 10-11, 1-2, 2-3

Wednesday 18th June : 10-11, 1-2, 2-3

Thursday 19th June: 2-3

For more details, go to Library Live

The headsets are also confirmed to return to Manchester Libraries later in 2025. Standby for further news of hands-on immersive film-making masterclasses and opportunities for creating new digital content in association with the Digital Spaces initiative later this year.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 22, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Protecting Wildland Firefighters and Supporting Saskatchewan’s out of Province Workers
Source: Government of Canada regional news
Released on May 21, 2025

Amendments passed to The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013, make Saskatchewan a leader across the country in ensuring wildland fire fighters have access to presumptive cancer coverage.

“We are delivering on safety for wildland firefighters with the extension of presumptive cancer coverage for 22 types of cancer,” Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Workers’ Compensation Board Jim Reiter said. “We also expanding coverage for out of province workers whose normal place of residence is Canada.”

Housekeeping amendments to improve clarity and consistency within the Act include:

Ensuring chiropractors, health care professionals, physicians and psychiatrists licensed in other jurisdictions are covered;

Allowing board members to complete proceedings after their term expires; and

Enabling regulations to specify how the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board publishes appeal tribunal decisions.

The amended provisions will come into force on Order in Council later this year.

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For more information, contact:

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