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  • MIL-OSI: Oxford Square Capital Corp. Prices Public Offering of $65 Million 7.75% Notes Due 2030

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Square Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXSQ) (NasdaqGS: OXSQG) (NasdaqGS: OXSQZ) (the “Company”) today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of $65 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% unsecured notes due 2030. The notes will mature on July 31, 2030, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after July 31, 2027. The notes will bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per year payable quarterly on January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31 of each year, commencing October 31, 2025.

    The offering is expected to close on August 7, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company has granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $9.75 million in aggregate principal amount of notes. The notes are expected to be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and to trade thereon within 30 days of the original issue date under the trading symbol “OXSQH”.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness, acquire investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general corporate purposes.

    Lucid Capital Markets, LLC and Piper Sandler & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Clear Street LLC, InspereX LLC, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. are acting as lead managers for the offering.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in this offering or any other securities nor will there be any sale of these securities or any other securities referred to in this press release in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is on file with and has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus and a related prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained, when available, from the following investment banks: Lucid Capital Markets, LLC at 570 Lexington Ave, 40th Floor, New York, NY 10022, at telephone number (646) 362-0256, or via email at: Prospectus@lucidcm.com; and Piper Sandler & Co., 350 North 5th Street, Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55402, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by telephone at (800) 747-3924, or by email at prospectus@psc.com. The preliminary prospectus supplement, dated July 31, 2025, and accompanying prospectus, dated September 26, 2022, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, contain a description of these matters and other important information about the Company and should be read carefully before investing. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses of the Company before investing.

    About Oxford Square Capital Corp.
    Oxford Square Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded business development company principally investing in syndicated bank loans and, to a lesser extent, debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. These factors are identified from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events, except as may be required by law.

    Contact:
    Bruce Rubin
    203-983-5280

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxford Square Capital Corp. Prices Public Offering of $65 Million 7.75% Notes Due 2030

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., Aug. 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Square Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXSQ) (NasdaqGS: OXSQG) (NasdaqGS: OXSQZ) (the “Company”) today announced that it has priced an underwritten public offering of $65 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.75% unsecured notes due 2030. The notes will mature on July 31, 2030, and may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time or from time to time at the Company’s option on or after July 31, 2027. The notes will bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per year payable quarterly on January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31 of each year, commencing October 31, 2025.

    The offering is expected to close on August 7, 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. The Company has granted the underwriters an option to purchase up to an additional $9.75 million in aggregate principal amount of notes. The notes are expected to be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market and to trade thereon within 30 days of the original issue date under the trading symbol “OXSQH”.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay indebtedness, acquire investments in accordance with our investment objective and strategies described in this prospectus supplement and for general corporate purposes.

    Lucid Capital Markets, LLC and Piper Sandler & Co. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Clear Street LLC, InspereX LLC, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC and William Blair & Company, L.L.C. are acting as lead managers for the offering.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in this offering or any other securities nor will there be any sale of these securities or any other securities referred to in this press release in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    A shelf registration statement relating to these securities is on file with and has been declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The offering may be made only by means of a prospectus and a related prospectus supplement, copies of which may be obtained, when available, from the following investment banks: Lucid Capital Markets, LLC at 570 Lexington Ave, 40th Floor, New York, NY 10022, at telephone number (646) 362-0256, or via email at: Prospectus@lucidcm.com; and Piper Sandler & Co., 350 North 5th Street, Suite 1300, Minneapolis, MN 55402, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by telephone at (800) 747-3924, or by email at prospectus@psc.com. The preliminary prospectus supplement, dated July 31, 2025, and accompanying prospectus, dated September 26, 2022, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, contain a description of these matters and other important information about the Company and should be read carefully before investing. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks and charges and expenses of the Company before investing.

    About Oxford Square Capital Corp.
    Oxford Square Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded business development company principally investing in syndicated bank loans and, to a lesser extent, debt and equity tranches of collateralized loan obligation (“CLO”) vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. These factors are identified from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events, except as may be required by law.

    Contact:
    Bruce Rubin
    203-983-5280

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: On brink of famine, Gazans forced to scour dirt for food

    Source: United Nations 2

    Without fuel, many basic facilities cannot function, from water treatment plants to medical infrastructure.

    Meanwhile, Gazans now on the brink of famine have been reduced to taking desperate measures in their search for food, scouring the roads taken by aid convoys, UN aid worker Olga Cherevko told UN News.

    “While we were driving, I saw an elderly man on the side of the road completely alone, kneeling down, and he was picking up handfuls of lentils that had spilled on the ground from one of the previous convoys that had been passing,” she said.

    “He was picking them up with his hands and just putting them into his t-shirt as this is obviously the only option he has right now to find food because this is how desperate the situation has become.”

    Desperate actions

    The latest reports from Gaza indicate that mothers who are unable to breastfeed because they are not eating enough now feed their babies ground chickpeas, bread and rice, which are not suitable for infants.

    In a social media post, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) stressed that “this is a condition that we can prevent,” calling for increased humanitarian access. 

    Separately, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) emphasised that “the health needs in Gaza are immense. A continuous flow of medical supplies is critical.”

    Meanwhile, health workers on Wednesday reported that at least 50 Gazans were killed and 400 others injured while waiting for food near Zikim crossing in the north.

    Ms. Cherevko, who works with the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, explained that her mission to Kerem Shalom on Thursday morning had been delayed at a “holding point” for two hours before being allowed to proceed to the crossing point separating Gaza from Israel.

    ‘Tactical pauses’ are not enough

    Although the fuel supplies are welcome, they are far from enough, she insisted.

    “We need hundreds of thousands of litres of fuel to be entering every day so that we can power even the most basic of our facilities to power, water, sanitation, healthcare, emergency telecommunications and other critical facilities effectively,” she said.

    The announcement of daytime military pauses by Israel last weekend appears to have slightly reduced the amount of time aid convoys now wait for permission to proceed, the OCHA worker noted.

    There has also been a “slight reduction” in security incidents involving Gazans taking food from UN trucks, she said.

    In its latest update on the emergency, OCHA said that four days since the start of tactical pauses declared by Israel, “we are still seeing casualties among those seeking aid and more deaths due to hunger and malnutrition…Unilateral tactical pauses alone do not allow for the continuous flow of supplies required to meet immense needs levels in Gaza.”  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing 1 Hour Payday Loans Online from 1F Cash Advance! Experience Instant Approval Loans with No Credit Check and Get Your Quick Cash the Same Day You Apply

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOULDER, Colo., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 1F Cash Advance, a responsive fintech committed to delivering fast, people-focused financial solutions, today announces the nationwide launch of its enhanced 1-Hour Payday Loan product. Designed to support Americans with bad credit facing unexpected expenses, the product offers quick financial relief. It addresses record-high financial stress levels affecting households across the country.

    Get Cash in 1 Hour – Apply for a Payday Loan Today!

    1F Cash Advance leverages AI and machine learning to evaluate a broader range of data points, such as social media activity, online transaction patterns, and utility payments, to assess borrower creditworthiness. This innovative approach eliminates the need for a traditional credit check, a benefit that is appreciated by people with limited or poor credit history who are often rejected by banks.

    Using advanced AI analytics, 1F Cash Advance creates personalized loan packages tailored to each borrower’s unique financial profile and needs. This ensures borrowers receive customized solutions rather than standardized, one-size-fits-all offers.

    “Our 1-hour payday loans are built for speed. You apply online, answer a few quick questions, and hear back in minutes,” says Marsha Welch, financial expert at 1F Cash Advance. “The whole idea is to resolve the emergency immediately before it turns into something more serious.”

    As financial demands become more varied and time-sensitive, 1F Cash Advance has expanded its offerings, developing multiple loan options that address a wide range of everyday challenges:

    Today, the urgency and scale of consumer financial insecurity have intensified throughout 2024 and into 2025. The following statistics illustrate this trend:

    • Consumer prices rose by 3.0% over the year leading up to January 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many families are still feeling the pressure, even though inflation isn’t as high as it was in 2022.
    • About 37% of Americans say they wouldn’t be able to handle a $400 emergency expense, based on a Federal Reserve report.
    • More than 12 million people now rely on short-term payday loans each year. Just three years ago, that number was around 900,000.

    1-hour payday loans fit today’s fast-paced lifestyle, letting qualified borrowers get $100 to $1,000 almost instantly. You receive a guaranteed approval with no credit check and repay the loan by your next paycheck. The goal: to help Americans manage pressing financial obligations, such as rent, utilities, medical bills, or car repairs, without unnecessary delays or burdensome red tape.

    Apply Now for a 1 Hour Payday Loan – Quick Approval, Instant Relief!

    Unlike conventional loans, which often require collateral or an extensive credit history, these cash advances are unsecured and highly accessible. Applicants need only meet basic eligibility criteria: be a legal adult with a government-issued ID, a consistent income stream, and an active checking account.

    1F Cash Advance utilizes automated systems to verify income and banking history in real-time, without relying on full credit reports. Once approved, funds are deposited directly into the customer’s bank account the same day.

    “It’s a practice that keeps doors open to more people, even for those with bad credit history,” says Latoria Williams, founder & CEO at 1F Cash Advance. “In many cases, approvals arrive in as little as 15 minutes, and the money is on its way before the end of the day.”

    “Speed matters when you’re staring down a utility shutoff or an urgent repair,” adds Marsha Welch. “But clarity is just as important. Even a fast form at 1F Cash Advance is still a legal contract.”

    What makes 1-hour payday loans so appealing is their simplicity: one online form replaces piles of paperwork, no collateral changes hands, and everything stays confidential. The company believes it provides a modern alternative to borrowing from friends or paying overdraft fees, especially for households with tight budgets.

    For many, bridging a short-term cash gap with a clear, straightforward option is well worth the service cost. While fees typically range from $10 to $30 per $100 borrowed, responsible borrowing and transparent terms keep the process manageable. Edward Evans, managing editor and money management expert at 1F Cash Advance, argues that clear disclosures and automated underwriting keep the process transparent: “Fast money should never mean hidden terms. Our goal is relief today without regret tomorrow.”

    From the Field: Statistics & Real Voices of Local Managers

    Experts from 1F Cash Advance analyzed data from their offices nationwide to determine the source of online applications. The leaders were Texas, California, Florida, and Mississippi; these four states account for the majority of commission fees. 1F Cash Advance experts predict that this figure will grow even more in 2024 after receiving final data.

    Usage maps highlight strong demand across the South, Midwest, and Western states. Meanwhile, in regions like New York, Massachusetts, West Virginia, and Oregon, where lending rules are more restrictive, activity remains minimal.

    “1-hour payday loans requests have increased by about 40% over the past two months. Most are for repairs, vehicle or HVAC, a consistent theme.” – José Ramirez, manager from the Texas office.

    “High cost of living in LA and the Bay Area means urgent needs crop up often. We’ve seen overdraft protections and quick payday solutions become essential tools.” – Priya Singh, manager from the California location

    “Midwestern tight budgets show demand for low-sum advances, typical borrowings are $300–$500, often for auto or rent.” – Mark Walters, loan officer from the Ohio store

    “Tourism jobs with irregular pay cycles push us into gig-focused solutions. Approvals are up 35% year‑over‑year.” – Maria Lopez, manager from the Florida store

    1F Cash Advance has emerged as a nimble fintech leader in an industry now serving over $21 million annually in short-term loans.

    Their early adoption of immediately payout technology, combined with strong compliance controls and credit risk data analytics, positions us for rapid scaling. Key metrics include:

    • Year-over-year loan volume increased by 75% in Q1 2025.
    • Net default rate held below 8%, significantly lower than the 15–20% industry average.
    • Customer retention rate exceeds 60%, with high repeat usage among borrowers with stable repayment histories.

    Regional differences in short-term lending come down to two main factors: what states allow and local economic conditions. Texas and Mississippi have looser rules, so people use 1-hour payday loan services more. New York, Massachusetts, and Oregon have strict laws that basically shut down access.

    The economy plays a big role too. California and Florida have tons of gig workers – Uber drivers, delivery people, restaurant staff – who never know what their next paycheck will look like. In tourist areas like Florida and parts of Tennessee, work is seasonal and people get stuck between jobs. Rural areas down South and in the Midwest deal with bad credit and high unemployment, so folks can’t get regular bank loans.

    Things might change next year. Some Midwest states are talking about copying Illinois and capping rates at 36%. 1F Cash Advance worry’s this could backfire – if rates get too low, people might end up borrowing from sketchy offshore websites instead.

    Rising Demand for 1-Hour Payday Loans: Key Reasons

    All signs indicate that the demand for 1-hour Payday Loans will grow, and there are several reasons for this.

    On May 29, 2025, a federal appeals court allowed President Trump’s 10% import tariff to remain in place while legal battles continued. As a result, many retailers are warning customers to expect higher prices on everyday goods as additional costs are passed through the supply chain.

    And Americans are already reacting. According to 1F Cash Advance, 1-hour payday loan inquiries increased by 19% in just one week following the court decision.

    “When prices rise before paychecks do, families look for fast cash that arrives the right now,” explains Latoria Williams.

    Additionally, the gig economy continues to expand. Upwork’s Freelance Forward report reveals that 38% of U.S. workers, about 64 million people, now earn their main income through freelance or gig work. These workers don’t receive paid time off and often wait for client payments, meaning their income can fluctuate significantly from one week to the next.

    “Freelancers can plan their budget, but they can’t lock in a payday,” says Edward Evans. When a client pays late, even a quick $300 advance can be the difference between missing rent and staying on track with repairs. Technology is making access to emergency funds even easier — another reason why interest is growing.

    How Technology Redefining 1-Hour Payday Loans

    As AI-powered approval tools and real-time access to banking data gain traction, a new era of financial inclusion and responsiveness is emerging. Technologies like FedNow®, the Federal Reserve’s real-time payment service, are paving the way for 24/7 banking, including nights and weekends — a significant step forward in meeting the demands of today’s digital-first economy.

    Artificial intelligence is transforming the way creditworthiness is assessed. Instead of relying solely on traditional FICO scores, modern AI models evaluate a broader range of financial behaviors, such as transaction history, income stability, and bill payment patterns. This shift expands access to credit for millions who were previously overlooked by traditional systems, especially gig workers and individuals with non-traditional income streams.

    The launch of FedNow® brings true real-time payments to the U.S. financial system. For consumers, this means instant access to funds — whether it’s loan disbursements, paychecks, or repayments. For lenders, it enables a smooth and efficient flow of capital, improving both borrower satisfaction and operational processes.

    These innovations are particularly important for underbanked populations and gig workers, who often face inconsistent income and limited access to credit. Borrowers with poor credit can get guaranteed approval through AI-driven decisions and instant funding. Flexible repayment schedules match their payday or gig income, making it easier to manage unique financial needs.

    How These Advances Position 1F Cash Advance

    All this tech progress means 1F Cash Advance can offer 1-hour loan services that actually work. They’re not just promising speed — they can deliver it. Here’s how they stack up against your other options when you need cash fast:

    Feature 1F Cash Advance Traditional Banks Credit Cards Other Payday Lenders
    Approval Speed Within 15 minutes Days to weeks Instantly if approved Same day or next day
    Funding Time Usually within 24 hours or the same day  1–5 business days Immediately usable Often same-day
    Transparency Clear fees & terms upfront Regulated disclosure Hidden fees, variable APR Often vague or misleading
    Credit Score Impact Soft check or none Hard check, strict Depends on usage No credit check advertised
    Accessibility Online, low barriers High credit & income reqs Credit-dependent Widely available
    Loan Amounts $100–$5,000 typical $1,000–$50,000 Based on the limit $100–$1,500
    Repayment Flexibility Flexible terms Strict terms High interest if unpaid Lump sum or rollover fees
    Use Case Fit Emergency, short-term needs Large, planned expenses Ongoing purchases Emergency, short-term
             

    Quick Cash in Just 1 Hour – Payday Loans with Guaranteed Approval!

    Look, what used to be cutting-edge is becoming standard. Everyone expects faster service now, whether it’s food delivery or getting a loan with no credit check. The combination of smart AI approval systems and instant payments means companies like 1F Cash Advance can actually help people who banks won’t touch. And when you need money in an hour, that tech backbone is what makes 1-hour payday loans reliable instead of just another empty promise.

    About 1F Cash Advance

    Founded in 2019, 1F Cash Advance was created to help consumers access the funds they need and overcome everyday financial emergencies. The company operates under fair lending laws and uses encryption technologies to protect customer data.

    Headquartered in Boulder, CO, 1F Cash Advance combines digital convenience with local accessibility. In addition to its nationwide online service, the company operates over 80 physical locations across the U.S., including in Texas, Nevada, Kansas, and Tennessee.

    Committed to transparency and customer care, 1F Cash Advance has earned high trust ratings and consistently positive reviews from its clients.

    Media Contact Info

    Mailing Address

    1F Cash Advance, LLC

    1942 Broadway St., STE 314C Boulder, CO 80302

    Main Office Location

    2770 Canyon Blvd, Boulder, CO 80302

    Website: https://1firstcashadvance.org

    E-mail: info@1firstcashadvance.org

    Phone:  (720) 428-2247

    Social Media:

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49624086-d128-46fd-8edb-9d978d3c425d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On The Senate Floor, Durbin Urges The Release Of Political Prisoners In The UAE, Azerbaijan, Tunisia, & Guatemala

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    July 31, 2025

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) highlighted the plight of political prisoners in four nations and called for their immediate and unconditional release. These political prisoners have been outspoken in their support for democracy, freedom of the press, human rights, and basic freedoms.

     

    During his remarks, Durbin reflected on past American voices in the fight for democracy, including President Reagan who told the Soviets at the Brandenburg Gate to “tear down this wall,” and John McCain who joined thousands of Ukrainians aspiring for freedom on the Maidan Square.

     

    “From time to time I come to the floor to discuss political prisoners jailed by some of the world’s worst regimes. I have often been joined in efforts to secure their release by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including then-Senator and now Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
    You see, despite periods of retreat on the global stage, the United States has been seen as a beacon of hope for those who want a more free and democratic society, and this American voice has also enjoyed broad bipartisan support,”     said Durbin.

     

    Durbin first highlighted Ahmed Mansoor who has been imprisoned for over eight years in the United Arab Emirates. Mr. Mansoor is considered one of the last major human rights voices in the Emirates—one tragically held at times in solitary confinement unable to contact his family. He was arrested under the guise that his social media posts advocating for human rights threatened social harmony.

     

    “Despite dismal conditions of his incarceration, he remains steadfast in his commitment to human rights—even conducting multiple hunger strikes in protest of his jail conditions, the same conditions he spoke out against before his detention. Recently his outrageous 15-year sentence was upheld on appeal. We have strong ties and shared interests with the UAE, but its continued involvement in the horrific Sudanese civil war and incarceration of Mr. Mansoor complicate that relationship. I appeal to the UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to show compassion and allow Mr. Mansoor’s release on humanitarian grounds,” Durbin said.

     

    Durbin then highlighted a political prisoner in Azerbaijan—Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu—who was forcibly dragged from his vehicle with his wife and severely beaten. He was taken to a prison well known fortorture, where he was denied medication and legal representation.

    “His [Dr. Ibadoghlu’s] crime? Investigating and writing on the rampant corruption stemming from Azerbaijan’s oil and gas industry. While he was eventually placed under house arrest in April 2024, he has still been denied a trial, legal representation, and access to adequate medical care, and his family continues to suffer harassment. He is one of the many wrongfully detained individuals in Azerbaijan who should be released,” said Durbin.

     

    Durbin then spoke about a political prisoner in Tunisia, originally one of the most promising nations to emerge from the Arab Spring. Sonia Dahmani, a prominent Tunisian lawyer and political commentator who was arrested in May 2024 for her radio and television commentary. She faces five separate legal proceedings and an additional 10 years pending charges. Her sister, Ramla, was also sentenced in absentia to two years in prison for advocating for her sister’s case on social media.

     

    “Ms. Dahmani has endured appalling prison conditions, including sexual assault, and denial of basic medical care. I urge President Saied: release her on humanitarian charges and drop any remaining charges, including against her sister,” Durbin continued.

     

    Lastly, Durbin spoke about two cases in Guatemala—including the troubling jailing of journalist José Rubén Zamora and legal harassment of anti-corruption prosecutor, Virginia Laparra.

     

    “Their incarceration occurred amid multiple efforts to derail the peaceful transition of power to President Arevalo last year. Both were eventually released from prison to house arrest, but Mr. Zamora has now been sent back to prison and Ms. Laparra continues to face baseless legal harassment from holdovers from the previous regime. Both deserve full release and dropping of remaining charges,” said Durbin.

     

    Durbin concluded, “What we do here matters around the world, for the large and small battles occurring for freedom and democracy. My friend and jailed Russian dissident Vladimir Kara Murza wrote the following from his Russia gulag a few years ago, ‘The prisoner’s worst nightmare is the thought of being forgotten… I always knew how true those words were — and how important were international campaigns of solidarity with prisoners of conscience. I now feel it with my own skin.’ So, let me remind Ahmed, Gubad, Sonia, José Rubén, and Virginia—you are not forgotten… Don’t give up hope. I will continue to be that voice to remind the world of the incarceration and treatment [of the political prisoners.] We need to be a beacon of hope and freedom in the United States.”

    Following the speech, Durbin met with Mr. Zamora’s son, José, and Dr. Ibadoghlu’s son, Emin. They also watched Durbin’s floor speech from the Senate gallery.

     

    Video of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s floor speech is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s floor speech is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “I felt like an expert” — a RUDN University master’s student about participating in a scientific and practical school at the Eurasian Economic Forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    How to bring products of the Belarusian company SinRubEnergo, which produces energy equipment, to the Armenian market? A team of students had to think up a business strategy with such a task at a scientific and practical school that took place during the Eurasian Economic Forum in Minsk. It was this team that included a master’s student of the RUDN University Faculty of Economics, Khafiza Nigmatullaeva.

    All participants of the school, and this is more than 50 people from different universities of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, were divided into five groups. They represented the member countries of the Eurasian Economic Union: Armenia, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Each of the groups, except Belarus, developed a project to bring the products of “SinRubEnergo” to the market of the country they were assigned. And the “Belarus” team got the market of Uzbekistan. The company for which the students prepared the projects is a resident of the industrial park “Great Stone”. Therefore, the defense of the works took place on the territory of this park.

    “Armenia is probably one of the most difficult countries to implement such a project, given its political and economic peculiarities. Despite this, we managed to develop an effective and comprehensive plan, which was highly praised by the jury. We competently distributed the tasks among ourselves, relying on the strengths of each: one participant specialized in legal issues, another in marketing, someone confidently worked with analytics and data visualization,” – Khafiza Nigmatullaeva, Master’s student of the Faculty of Economics of RUDN (International Trade, 1st year).

    Logistics and flexibility

    During the tour of the Great Stone, Hafiz, along with another member of the team, was discussed with the residents of the park, how can they use their potential to solve logistics problems. And at a meeting with the Deputy General Director of the North-Western Administrative District of the Industrial Park Development, Arthur Detkov, they found out how appropriate to cooperate with logistics resident companies compared to attracting external operators. “As a result, we reached one of the resident companies, which not only confirmed the possibility of organizing transportation from Belarus to Armenia, but also prepared preliminary calculations of the cost of logistics operations. This has become a significant contribution to the project, since it is logistics that often represents one of the most complex parts of such strategies and requires an accurate miscalculation. Our approach, based on creativity, flexibility and ability to quickly find practical solutions, was also marked by the jury. In addition, one of the members of the commission, Oleg Tabanyukhov, praised our proposals to improve the legal regime of the industrial park and even asked to send our ideas to him. This is largely the merit of our colleague Diana Silchenko – students of the Belarusian Economic State University. In general, I want to emphasize the high level of training and involvement of all members of the team. Working with them was easy and truly productive. The projects of other teams were also very strong, I hope our ideas will be useful to Sinrubenergo, Hafiz Nigmatullaeva, undergraduate of the Faculty of Economics RUDN (direction “International Trade”, I Course).

    Debate on customs rates

    According to the RUDN student, the program of the scientific and practical school was very intense and did not end with work on projects. Every day, students were given excursions, including a visit to the Minsk Tractor Plant and the BelGee automobile plant (a joint Belarusian-Chinese production facility), where they saw the process of assembling cars. The school participants also attended lectures by Belarusian government officials and business representatives. Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic Kirill Masharsky spoke about the work of the EAEU and his experience in public service. And Director of OJSC Giprosvyaz Anton Alekseev talked to students about digital trends in economic development.

    “Another memorable event was the simulation of the Eurasian Economic Commission. During the business game, we had a lively debate on the issue of extending zero customs duties on electric vehicles. This allowed us to feel like experts and representatives of our country. I am sincerely glad that I took part in the scientific school. Here, each student was able to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice, work in a team, discuss current topics with other participants and experts. I am sure that such initiatives play an important role in building professional confidence, developing communication skills and accumulating real-life experience,” — Khafiza Nigmatullaeva, Master’s student at the Faculty of Economics of RUDN (International Trade, 1st year).

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Medieval skeletons reveal the lasting damage of childhood malnutrition – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Julia Beaumont, Researcher in Biological Anthropology, University of Bradford

    Beneath churchyards in London and Lincolnshire lie the chemical echoes of famine, infection and survival preserved in the teeth of those who lived through some of the most catastrophic periods in English history.

    In a new study, my colleagues and I examined over 270 medieval skeletons to investigate how early-life malnutrition affected long-term health and life expectancy.

    We focused on people who lived through the devastating period surrounding the Black Death (1348-1350), which included years of famine during the little ice age and the great bovine pestilence (an epidemic that killed two-thirds of cattle in England and Wales). We found that the biological scars of childhood deprivation during this time left lasting marks on the body.

    These findings suggest that early nutritional stress, whether in the 14th century or today, can have consequences that endure well beyond childhood.

    Children’s teeth act like tiny time capsules. The hard layer inside each tooth, called dentine, sits beneath the enamel and forms while we’re growing up. Once formed, it stays unchanged for life, creating a permanent record of what we ate and experienced.

    As our teeth develop, they absorb different chemical versions (isotopes) of carbon and nitrogen from our food, and these get locked into the tooth structure. This means scientists can read the story of someone’s childhood diet by analysing their teeth.

    A method of measuring the chemical changes in sequential slices of the teeth is a recent advance used to identify dietary changes in past populations with greater accuracy.

    When children are starving, their bodies break down their fat stores and muscle to continue growing. This gives a different signature in the newly formed dentine than the isotopes from food. These signatures make centuries-old famines visible today, showing exactly how childhood trauma affected health in medieval times.

    We identified a distinctive pattern that had been seen before in victims of the great Irish famine. Normally, when people eat a typical diet, the levels of carbon and nitrogen in their teeth move in the same direction. For example, both might rise or fall together if someone eats more plants or animals. This is called “covariance” because the two markers vary together.

    But during starvation, nitrogen levels in the teeth rise while carbon levels stay the same or drop. This opposite movement – called “opposing covariance” – is like a red flag in the teeth that shows when a child was starving. These patterns helped us pinpoint the ages at which people experienced malnutrition.

    Lifelong legacy

    Children who survived this period reached adulthood during the plague years, and the effect on their growth was recorded in the chemical signals in their teeth. People with famine markers in their dentine had different mortality rates than those who lacked these markers.

    Children who are nutritionally deprived have poorer outcomes in later life: studies of modern children have suggested that children of low birth weight or who suffer stresses during the first 1,000 days of life have long-term effects on their health.

    For example, babies born small, a possible sign of nutritional stress, seem to be more prone to illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes in adulthood than the population at large. These characteristics can also be passed to future offspring through changes in how genes are switched on or off, known as “epigenetic effects” – which can endure for three generations.

    Epigenetics explained.

    In medieval England, early nutritional deprivation may have been beneficial during catastrophic times by producing adults of short stature and the capacity to store fat, but these people were much more likely to die after the age of 30 than their peers with healthy childhood dentine patterns.

    The patterns for childhood starvation increased in the decades leading up to the Black Death and declined after 1350. This suggests the pandemic may have indirectly improved living conditions by reducing population pressure and increasing access to food.

    The medieval teeth tell us something urgent about today. Right now, millions of children worldwide are experiencing the same nutritional crises that scarred those long-dead English villagers – whether from wars in Gaza and Ukraine or poverty in countless countries.

    Their bodies are writing the same chemical stories of survival into their growing bones and teeth, creating biological problems that will emerge decades later as heart disease, diabetes and early death.

    Our latest findings aren’t just historical curiosities; they’re an urgent warning that the children we fail to nourish today will carry those failures in their bodies for life and pass them on to their own children. The message from the medieval graves couldn’t be clearer: feed the children now or pay the price for generations.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Julia Beaumont receives funding from Arts and Humanities research council, British Academy/Leverhulme.

    – ref. Medieval skeletons reveal the lasting damage of childhood malnutrition – new study – https://theconversation.com/medieval-skeletons-reveal-the-lasting-damage-of-childhood-malnutrition-new-study-262081

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting Zero-Emission Transportation Solutions

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced over $21 million is now available to support zero-emission mobility transportation solutions in communities across New York State. The Clean Mobility Program provides funding for scalable, community-led demonstration projects that improve connections through micro mobility, ridesharing, and on-demand shared transportation options. Together, these solutions lower pollution and offer residents affordable connections to services, jobs, and transit, including in underserved communities.

    “Even as the federal government walks away from clean air and energy standards, New York continues to invest in modern, flexible and efficient electric transportation options that improve air quality and expand affordable consumer choices,” Governor Hochul said. “Our priority is linking communities, including areas that have been historically marginalized, with resources that provide residents with a variety of flexible transportation options that allow them to conduct their daily business uninterrupted.”

    The Clean Mobility Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), will competitively award funding to local governments, transit operators, community-based organizations, or employers with more than 1,000 employees for demonstration projects that advance innovative clean mobility options to address transportation challenges. Proposed solutions must expand access to shared zero-emission transportation options, create long-term affordable options, and can be continued into the future. Eligible technologies include bikes, electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters), on-demand electric vehicle ride-hailing, and small-scale, on-demand electric public transit services, or shared electric vehicle options.

    Proposals for demonstration projects must include a completed planning document that includes community engagement, site identification and operations, project partner identification, technical feasibility assessment, and a policy and regulatory feasibility assessment. Only one proposal per applicant will be awarded and a cost share of at least 20 percent of the total project cost in non-NYSERDA funding is required. E-bikes or e-scooters must meet industry safety standards such as being UL-certified.

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Supporting electric vehicle ride sharing, e-bikes, e-scooters and other sustainable, affordable mobility options helps keep people engaged and active in their communities. We look forward to receiving innovative demonstration proposals that offer the opportunity to help New Yorkers maintain transportation independence and can be replicated and adopted throughout the state for the benefit of all.”

    The Clean Mobility program offers up to $21.6 million for projects across New York State and will award up to $3 million per project, with priority given to projects in disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Climate Justice Working Group.

    Additionally, up to $8 million is set aside to fund demonstration projects located in specific areas of the state, including those served by the upstate investor-owned utilities. This includes a total of up to $5 million for micro mobility projects in the Central Hudson, National Grid, New York State Electric & Gas, and Rochester Electric & Gas region and up to $3 million for any type of eligible demonstration projects located in the Bronx.

    New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, “It is critically important for New York to invest in and create affordable transportation opportunities for our citizens, especially those who find themselves without flexible transportation options. This program will do just that.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “With this latest $21 million in funding, Governor Hochul is bolstering actions to help communities most vulnerable to pollution-driven asthma and other harmful health impacts. Clean Mobility Program funding promotes the pursuit of accessible and affordable green transportation options and supports our efforts to improve air quality statewide by transitioning to cleaner, zero-emission transportation.”

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Clean transportation solutions do more than just reduce emissions—they improve public health, advance equity and accessibility and build a more sustainable, connected future. No one understands a community’s transportation challenges better than the people who live there. Empowering people to help develop mobility solutions is a game changer as we strive for a more resilient, community-centered future for transportation in New York.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “The Clean Mobility Program represents a major step forward in delivering economic opportunity and cleaner transportation to underserved communities across Upstate New York. By investing in ridesharing, micro mobility, and on-demand transportation options, we’re expanding access to jobs, public transit, while also reducing emissions. As chair of the NYS Senate Transportation Committee, I’m proud to support this initiative and am grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to clean, equitable transportation solutions.”

    Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “People in some regions of our state without access to mass transit or a car are unable to get around. It’s laudable that the Governor saw fit to invest $21 million in a program that looks to improve the connections for micro mobility, ridesharing, and on-demand shared transportation options, to begin solving this problem.”

    Proposals are due on September 25, 2025 by 3:00 p.m. ET. For more information on this funding opportunity please visit NYSERDA’s website.

    NYSERDA will host an informational webinar on August 7, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET to provide more explanations on the solicitation, project requirements, and the application process.

    To support demonstration project applicants, NYSERDA offers a Mobility Solutions Provider Directory that highlights companies that manufacture, supply, develop, install, operate, or maintain mobility solutions eligible under the Clean Mobility Program.

    NYSERDA will host a virtual showcase for prospective applicants on August 14, 2025. The morning session will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET to highlight companies that support two-wheeled mobility solutions. The afternoon session will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET for companies that support four-wheeled mobility solutions.

    In June 2024, Governor Hochul announced the $32 million Clean Mobility Program which supports community-led planning and demonstration projects that solve local transportation needs and help reduce emissions. In March 2025, NYSERDA announced that $2.9 million was awarded to 29 community-led planning projects to enhance planning for shared electric transportation solutions. These projects are eligible to apply for the demonstration project planning announced today, although previous participation in the Clean Mobility Program is not a requirement for demonstration project funding.

    Last summer, Governor Hochul signed legislation to encourage the safe use of e-bikes and lithium-ion batteries. The guidelines and manufacturing standards adopted for e-mobility devices help consumers understand safety requirements and protocols, and provide information on purchasing, storage, and avoiding risks. The New York State Department of State and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services have also developed a consumer safety guide for lithium-ion batteries which is available here. Together, these efforts help to raise awareness and educate consumers about how to safely and properly purchase, use, charge and maintain devices with lithium-ion batteries, including micro-mobility options.

    For more than fifty years, NYSERDA has been a trusted and objective resource for New Yorkers, taking on the critical role of energy planning and policy analysis, along with making investments that drive New York toward a more sustainable future. This program is part of New York’s nearly $3 billion investment in zero emissions vehicles and growing access to clean transit to benefit all New Yorkers, including those in low-income or disadvantaged communities, by reducing emissions to create cleaner air and healthier communities. It complements New York State’s other zero-emission transportation initiatives including the New York Clean Transportation Prizes Initiative, administered by NYSERDA, the New York State Department of Public Service and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), as part of an $85 million allocation through New York’s EV Make Ready program to accelerate the transition to a clean transportation future.

    The program is funded through a combination of Clean Energy Fund (CEF), Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Freedom to water

    To ensure that plants receive the water they need, Alberta is removing the requirement to have a temporary diversion licence to water plants as part of a riparian restoration project. This change will cut unnecessary red tape, keep plants alive and ensure the time and money that communities and businesses put into watershed restoration projects are not wasted.

    Traditionally, a licence has been required in Alberta to water newly planted trees, shrubs, grasses and other vegetation along rivers, creeks and lakes. This requirement means that otherwise healthy plants could die from lack of water if a licence could not be obtained in time due to bureaucratic delays, water shortages or drought conditions in the area.

    A solar-powered irrigation system at a riparian restoration site along the Elbow River in Calgary (Credit: Leaf Ninjas)

    “Freedom to water is about cutting through the clutter of bureaucracy so real work can happen. This change stops the waste, ends the delays and lets communities focus on restoring Alberta’s rivers, creeks and lake banks – not filling out forms.”

    Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas

    “This amendment is a huge step forward for practical, common-sense riparian restoration in Alberta. This simple change will reduce flood and drought risk, protect our watersheds and ensure Alberta’s restoration efforts are resilient and effective. We applaud the Alberta government for listening to restoration practitioners, cutting red tape and delivering a solution that benefits both the environment and Albertans.”

    Andrew Renaux, chief executive officer and founder, Leaf Ninjas

    Riparian restoration projects are crucial for expanding, repairing and rejuvenating ecosystems near water bodies. The requirement to have a temporary diversion licence made this important work more difficult by adding additional costs onto small companies and organizations and delaying projects while waiting for licences. It also meant that if a licence could not be obtained or water shortages were seen in an area, water had to be trucked in, or the plants were left to die.

    “Our government is pleased to support the important work of restoring riparian areas and improving the health of our rivers. Allowing a small quantity of water to be used without a licence will help establish healthy, lush vegetation along previously degraded riverbanks and help make these projects successful over the long term.” 

    Grant Hunter, Associate Minister of Water

    “By cutting unnecessary red tape, we’re empowering communities and ecological restoration groups to focus on what really matters: restoring Alberta’s watersheds. This change will ensure that their hard work and investment won’t be lost to bureaucratic delays, allowing more time to focus on helping plants thrive and our environment flourish.”

    Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction

    With the removal of the requirement to have a temporary diversion licence, more restoration projects will be able to adapt to changing conditions. In addition to the removal of the temporary diversion licence requirement, there are new industry-led technologies like solar-powered drip systems that make watering more efficient than ever and reduce the amount of water needed.  

    Quick facts:

    • The exemption only applies to small projects consuming no more than 100 cubic metres per day, for water that will be used to support the growth and establishment of plants along a watercourse or water body.
    • Strong, healthy vegetation around waterways helps restore native habitats, prevents erosion to riverbanks, stabilizes nearby land and improves water quality.
    • Alberta’s Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program provides grants to restore riverbanks and riparian areas across the province.

    Related Information:

    • Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: “We support the efforts currently being led by the United States in the region to get an immediate ceasefire”

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Published on July 31, 2025

    Excerpts from the interview given by M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to France 24 (New York, July 29, 2025)

    You consider the two-state solution to be the only way of achieving peace. So you’re confirming Emmanuel Macron’s desire to recognize a Palestinian State. Why do so only now? What’s changed?

    THE MINISTER – Because the two-state solution, which is the only one likely to bring peace and stability to the region, is in mortal danger, and the conditions had to be created for it to become credible again. That’s why around nine months ago we decided, with Saudi Arabia, to undertake an initiative to create momentum leading those involved – the Palestinian Authority and the region’s Arab countries, but also the whole international community – to make commitments. These commitments are crystallizing in New York today with a statement by the participating countries, which is historic and unprecedented in that the Arab countries – the countries of the region, of the Middle East – are, for the first time, condemning Hamas, condemning 7 October [attacks], calling for the disarmament of Hamas, calling for it to be excluded from participating in any way in Palestine’s governance and clearly voicing their intention to have normalized relations with Israel in the future and be part of a regional organization on the lines of ASEAN in Asia or the OSCE in Europe, alongside Israel and the future State of Palestine. This is a decisive step being taken, made possible by President Macron’s decision, among other things.

    And a moment ago, the United Kingdom announced that it’s going to recognize Palestine as well, if Israel doesn’t make certain commitments. Do you welcome this decision by Prime Minister Keir Starmer? Has momentum been created?

    THE MINISTER – I welcome it. Indeed, the United Kingdom has become part of the movement created by France to recognize the State of Palestine. With these crucial decisions announced by France and the UK, with the combined efforts of the whole international community gathered here in New York, we want to counter the cycle of violence and war and reopen the prospect of peace in the Middle East.

    The United States isn’t participating in the conference taking place in New York at the moment. Regarding your initiative to advocate for a two-state solution, it’s denouncing an unproductive, ill-timed initiative resembling a publicity stunt. Donald Trump also reckoned that the statement by President Macron a little earlier, last Thursday, doesn’t carry any weight. What’s your reply to him?

    THE MINISTER – Firstly, we support the efforts currently being led by the United States in the region to get an immediate ceasefire, the release of all Hamas’ hostages and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance. But to secure a ceasefire, we still have to sketch out what happens after the war and the political horizon that goes with it. That’s the goal of this UN conference that France is chairing with Saudi Arabia. And in the document we’ve just adopted, with the countries that were part of it, we’re mapping out a credible prospect that’s going to make a positive contribution to a ceasefire being reached in Gaza. Moreover, these efforts we’ve led, these concessions the various parties have made will, at some point, enable the United States to resume the Abraham Accords process that it began during President Trump’s first term. We hope this time will come. But in the meantime, it was obviously unthinkable to stand by and do nothing. (…)

    You said in New York that the two-state solution is the only possibility, that there’s no alternative. Given the situation on the ground for the moment, the two-state solution, as you’ve said yourself, is virtually dead. Isn’t there an alternative, though: for this Israeli Government gradually to bring the idea of any Palestinian State to a definitive end, annex the West Bank – in short, make “Greater Israel” a reality?

    THE MINISTER – You’re right, the alternative to the two-state solution is a state of permanent war. And what we’re seeing today is the two-state solution being threatened, on the one hand, by supporters of “Greater Israel”, who want to deny Palestinians the right to self-determination, and attacked, on the other, by supporters of Hamas or others, who believe Palestine extends from the River Jordan to the sea. Through the historic decision President Macron took, which the British Prime Minister has just taken and others will take, through the commitments being made in New York by the Arab countries today, we’re agreeing with everyone else, the side of peace against the side of war. We’re reopening the possibility of a peace that will involve the two States living side by side in peace and security, with security for Israel and the right of the Palestinians to have their own State.

    Yesterday, for the first time, two Israeli NGOs used the term genocide to refer to what’s happening in Gaza. Several countries have described what’s happening in the Palestinian enclave in that way. That’s the case with Spain and South Africa in particular. What’s France’s position today?

    THE MINISTER – The French Government has no position to take on the legal description of the facts. That’s up to the international courts. What I can say is that the situation in Gaza is disastrous. Gaza is now a death trap where, as I said yesterday from the United Nations General Assembly rostrum, bodies bear the scars of famine and minds are ravaged by terror. It’s unacceptable that in humanitarian distribution queues, women and children are targeted and shot down in cold blood. It’s outrageous and it must stop. That’s why the meeting which was held in Brussels today – or will be held in a few minutes’ time – is so important. It will lead the European Union to speak out so that the Israeli Government finally hears our expectations: access for humanitarian aid and an end to the militarized aid-distribution system, payment by the Israeli Government of the €2 billion due to the Palestinian Authority, an end to, and the abandonment of, the pernicious settlement plans in the West Bank, and in particular the E1 plan for 3,400 housing units, which would cut the West Bank in two and strike a fatal blow to the prospect of two States and to the emergence of a State of Palestine./.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hogback Man Charged After Violent Altercation Involving Firearm Leaves Woman Injured

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Hogback man is facing federal charges after an argument escalated into violence in front of multiple witnesses

    According to court documents, on June 19, 2025, Renaldo Descheny, 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe by strangling her and striking her in the face with a firearm. The assault resulted in a laceration requiring hospital treatment. During the altercation, Descheny also pointed the firearm at multiple individuals and discharged the weapon several times, including firing towards the vehicle as the victims attempted to flee.

    Descheny is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Descheny faces up to 10 years in prison.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: TAB Bank Q2 Loans Fund Growth for 218 Companies Totaling $66 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OGDEN, Utah, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TAB Bank funded growth for 218 companies in Q2 2025 with loans totaling $66 million. Companies signed with TAB Bank for working capital, cash flow management through factoring, equipment purchases and small business lines of credit. Businesses in the manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, food, fintech and toy/game industries selected TAB Bank as their financial partner.

    Highlights of some of the largest Q2 2025 deals include:

    • $8 million—A leader in global sourcing, supply chain management, manufacturing and nearshoring solutions in Ohio.
    • $5 million—Package Steel Systems, of Massachusetts, the premier builder of metal buildings in the Northeast.
    • $5 million—An exotic and collector car financing dealer in Utah.
    • $5 million—A toy, puzzle and gaming company based in California.
    • $2.5 million— Ryan Transportation, Inc., a Michigan-based truckload transportation provider.

    Additionally, in Q2, TAB Bank provided equipment financing to 140 companies, with a combined value of $15.2 million. Nine companies in the transportation sector—the core industry of the bank’s beginnings—received term loans and accounts receivable lines of credit ranging from $40,000 to $300,000. TAB also funded 55 small- to medium-sized businesses.

    “TAB Bank is a key financial partner, whether a company is looking for creative ways to manage cash flow or to leverage cash or assets to maximize growth,” said Justin Hatch, Chief Lending Officer at TAB Bank. “Our expertise in financing, along with our experience in many industries, allows us to take a comprehensive, creative and strategic view of the business goals and then structure the deal that best meets those needs. We are with our companies every step of the journey, even in some of their most difficult times.”

    The bank’s services include working capital, equipment financing, term loans, lines of credit and commercial real estate loans. TAB Bank’s specialists ensure each client is matched with the right financial product for their industry and growth stage. The bank supports businesses with stellar credit and those without, requiring alternative assessments. To determine creditworthiness, the bank considers various factors, such as income and operational history.

    For more information on TAB Bank’s capital financing and credit solutions, visit TABBank.com.

    About TAB Bank
    At TAB Bank, our mission is to unlock dreams with bold financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses nationwide. We are committed to building value in all we do through our innovative banking products.   Our dedication drives us to continuously improve, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our clients with excellence and agility. For over 25 years, we have remained steadfast in offering tailored, technology-enabled solutions designed to simplify and enhance the banking experience. 

    For more information about how we can help you achieve your financial dreams, visit www.TABBank.com.

    Contact Information:
    Trevor Morris
    Director of Marketing
    801-710-6318
    trevor.morris@tabbank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 3 CoE Students Pursue In-Depth Research Projects as University Scholars

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    As 2025 University Scholars, three College of Engineering students are spending their last three semesters pursuing personalized research projects.

    Open to all undergraduate students, the University Scholar Program allows students to design an in-depth research or creative project and to craft a learning plan that supports their academic goals during their final three semesters. Each student is mentored by an advisory committee of three faculty.

    Admission to the University Scholars program is based on an application submitted during the first semester of a student’s junior year. Applications are reviewed by an interdisciplinary committee of faculty members who may select up to 30 University Scholars in any given year.

    The University Scholars and their projects are below:

    Laxmi Chinmaya Vobbineni ’26
    Project Title: The Synergic Role of Electrical and Chemical Stimulation in Wound Healing of Diabetic Patients

    University Scholar Laxmi Vobbineni ’26 is exploring techniques that can help diabetes patients heal faster from wounds.

    People with diabetes often have trouble healing from wounds. Since high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and weaken the immune system, white blood cells struggle to reach the wound. This can slow tissue repair and lead to ongoing inflammation.

    Wounds may heal very slowly, become chronic, or leave scars—and this can be painful and expensive for patients.

    University Scholar Laxmi Vobbineni ’26, a biomedical engineering and molecular and cell biology double major, is working to help diabetic patients heal from wounds faster by using chemical and electrical stimulation.

    “Chemical stimulation, such as ion channel blockers, in conjunction with electrical stimulation may improve the wound healing process for diabetic patients,” she says.

    By combining these treatments with an ionically-conductive biomaterial called scaffolding, ions can help restore electrical signals in the body that guide white blood cells to repair tissue.

    “Our hope is to develop a system that has high potential for clinical use,” Vobbineni says.

    Vobbineni’s advisors are Syam Nukavarapu, professor and department head in Biomedical Engineering; David Daggett, associate professor-in-residence of molecular and cell biology; and Sangamesh Kumbar, associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the UConn Health Center. She also interns at the UConn Health Center under Kumbar, working on projects related to the fields of tissue engineering and drug delivery.

    Vobbineni, a member of the Society of Women Engineers and STEM Scholar Executive Board, volunteers as a nursing aide at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, Connecticut. She also holds an executive board position for the UConn FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League Explore Program, which uses Legos and technology to excite youth about robotics and STEM.

    Her involvement in FIRST began in middle school and high school and sparked her interest in innovation. “This is one of the reasons I decided to pursue biomedical engineering,” she says.

    After graduation, Vobbineni plans to pursue medical school and work in the field of emergency medicine.

    Wyeth Haddock ’26
    Project Title: Developing a Copper-Based Medium Entropy Alloy with Enhanced Mechanical Properties for Space Applications

    University Scholar Wyeth Haddock ’26, at left, is working at the National Center for Electron Microscopy in Berkeley, California this summer.

    As a University Scholar, Wyeth Haddock ’26, a materials science and engineering major, is developing a structural material for use in extreme environments with potential applications in space exploration and nuclear energy.

    His project focuses on synthesizing and analyzing an alloy made from copper, dysprosium, and yttrium (Cu-Dy-Y) that exhibits enhanced mechanical properties. By studying the alloy’s microstructure, phase stability, and mechanical behavior across temperature regimes, Haddock hopes to demonstrate improved material performance in extreme conditions and understand unique deformation behavior.

    “If successful, the alloy could support the development of more durable materials for space exploration,” he says.

    Haddock’s advisors include Seok-Woo Lee, associate professor of materials science and engineering and Director of Undergraduate Studies; and Yuanyuan Zhu, associate professor of materials science and engineering and director of the MSE Honors Program.

    Haddock, an honors student from Fairfax, Vermont, is president of the UConn Running Club, and is a member of the UConn Materials Advantage Society, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Mu MSE Honor Society, and the ASM Board of Trustees. His jobs on campus include work as a campus tour guide and undergraduate teaching assistant. He recently served as a facilitator for the Honors First Year Experience program and as a Floor Mentor for the Honors 2 Opportunities Learning Community.

    This summer, Haddock is a STROBE Summer Undergraduate Research Scholar at the University of California at Berkeley where he works in the National Center for Electron Microscopy at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

    “Throughout my UConn experience, I’ve immersed myself in collaborative communities, working in a lab, facilitating a first-year course, and traveling nationally to compete in running races,” he says. “These sorts of experiences have allowed me to further my learning, as I seek to positively impact the world around me.”

    Haddock intends to pursue a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, with an emphasis on understanding how atomic structure influences the properties of materials. He hopes to continue research in structural materials, developing the materials necessary for the complex demands of an evolving world.

    Passionate about education and outreach, Wyeth also hopes to continually inspire younger audiences to get involved in materials science and engineering.

    Zhengyang Wei ’26
    Project Title: Stability Analysis on 9D Shear Flow Model by Small-Signal Finite-Gain Lp Stable Theorem

    University Scholar Zhengyang Wei ’26 is exploring ways to improve the stability and performance of aerodynamic designs.

    Turbulence—when fluid flow becomes chaotic—is difficult to control, but preventing it is important in many engineering systems. As a University Scholar, mechanical engineering major Zhengyang Wei ’26 is using mathematical tools to prevent turbulence by studying shear flows. In shear flows, layers of liquid or gas move parallel to each other but at different speeds.

    By finding the conditions that keep the flow stable, Wei’s research can help improve the stability and performance of aerodynamic designs, industrial systems, and other applications. This work contributes to developing effective strategies for controlling shear flows and advancing fluid dynamics research.

    “For example, we can mitigate the transition to turbulence in the wind over an airplane wing, which will make the flight more stable and efficient,” he explains.

    His advisors are Chang Liu, assistant professor in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering; Reza Sheikhi, professor-in-residence in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering; and Jason Lee, professor-in-residence in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering.

    As a member of the FLUids, rEduction, Nonlinearity, and Turbulence (FLUENT) Lab, Wei and Liu published a paper on shear flows in the June 2025 issue of arXiv.

    Wei, a math minor, also is a 2025 Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) awardee. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in fluid stability or optimization.

    As University Scholars, Vobbineni, Haddock, and Wei receive a range of benefits designed to support and enrich their academic journey. These include a financial award that covers the General University Fee and Student Health Services Fee for up to three regular semesters, or until graduation from the program. Scholars are also eligible for course credit fee waivers for up to nine credits of summer or intersession courses, and the opportunity to enroll in graduate-level courses with instructor permission.

    Students accepted into a UConn graduate program while in the University Scholar Program may begin working toward their graduate degree as undergraduates, with the ability to apply eligible graduate-level coursework toward that degree.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Labrador Secures Prison Sentence for Child Predator

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom Attorney General Labrador Secures Prison Sentence for Child Predator

    BOISE — Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit arrested and secured the conviction of Enrique Galeana, 30, for possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Gem County District Judge Brent Whiting sentenced Galeana to 20 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after serving 10 years on July 14, 2025. Upon release, Galeana must register as a sex offender pursuant to Idaho law. “Every predator we remove from our streets makes Idaho families and communities safer,” said Attorney General Labrador. “Our ICAC investigators work relentlessly to protect children in Idaho from those who would exploit and harm them, and we will continue pursuing these criminals with the full force of the law.” In September 2024, Labrador’s ICAC Unit received a CyberTip indicating Galeana was uploading and distributing child sexual abuse material through an account linked to his phone number. After obtaining search warrants and conducting months of surveillance, ICAC investigators searched Galeana’s home, vehicle, and devices. Officers discovered numerous files depicting children ages 4 to 12. During questioning, Galeana admitted attraction to children ages 3-10 and to accessing the material for sexual arousal. During the investigation, authorities learned Galeana was an inadmissible alien and reported him to the appropriate federal authorities. Lead Deputy Attorney General Madison Allen Gourley prosecuted the case. ICAC Investigator Lauren Lane conducted the investigation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

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

    GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – James C. Mobley, 43, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to a total of 15 years in federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence.

    U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a strong message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses. Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners, this armed felon has been called to account for his continued criminal conduct.”

    On July 11, 2024, Gainesville Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Mobley. During a search of Mobley’s vehicle, officers located a loaded revolver and various narcotics. Mobley pleaded guilty the day his trial was set to commence on April 28, 2025. Mobley was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his numerous felony convictions for serious drug offenses.

    “We have zero tolerance for gun crimes in our community. My message to those who choose to bring guns and drugs to our streets – we will find you, and we will work with all our criminal justice partners to hold you accountable. Our community deserves safety,” said Chief Nelson Moya, Gainesville Police Department.

    Mobley’s imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Harley W. Ferguson and Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Families Are Hitting the Road for Summer Travel: How to Maximize Every Travel Dollar

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del. and DETROIT, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With summer in full swing, families are hitting the road for vacations, choosing cars over planes for everything from camping weekends to family reunions. Car travel remains the top choice, but rising prices have prompted more travelers to stretch every dollar, especially when traveling with kids, grandparents or even a pet or two.

    “Planning ahead is key,” said Joe Saul-Sehy, personal finance expert and host of “The Stacking Benjamins Podcast.” “Set a budget that includes everything, not just gas and hotels, but food, entertainment and the unexpected. That’s where families often get caught off guard.”

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

    One way travelers are maximizing their money is by using rewards programs that allow them to earn on everyday spending. A new option is the GM Rewards program and GM Rewards Mastercard from Barclays which enables cardmembers to earn and redeem points across GM brands. Points can be applied toward new vehicles, exclusive experiences, accessories, services, and digital features like most OnStar plans and Super Cruise.

    “You’re already spending on things like groceries, gas and travel,” Saul-Sehy said. “A card like this helps turn that spending into something that can actually reduce future costs and can make a real difference.”

    Cardmembers can earn up to 10x points on GM purchases – that’s 7x points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases plus up to 3x points for being a GM Rewards Member.

    GM enhances loyalty program and unveils new GM Rewards™ Mastercard® from Barclays.

    There is no cap on earnings, and new cardmembers can earn 30,000 bonus points after meeting initial spending requirements. For more information, visit experience.gm.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Deputy Chairman of Delovaya Rossiya Nonna Kagramanyan noted the high scientific and technical capabilities of the State University of Management

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 31, 2025, the State University of Management was visited on a working visit by the Deputy Chairman and Head of the Executive Committee of the All-Russian public organization “Business Russia”, a graduate of the State University of Management, Nonna Kagramanyan.

    At the beginning of the visit, the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev and the vice-rector Maria Karelina introduced the guest to the technical capabilities of the Media Center and the developments of the Engineering Project Management Center.

    As a former employee of VGTRK, Nonna Kagramanyan especially highly appreciated the Jalinga studio and noted its wide opportunities for promoting educational programs and any other media projects. The guest also liked the more familiar interior design studio, where materials for the school entrepreneurship Olympiad for the united company Wildberries and Russ are currently being recorded. As Vladimir Stroyev noted, three online master’s courses have already been recorded in the interior design studio during the short time of its operation.

    Vladimir Filatov, Director of the Center for Management of Engineering Projects at the State University of Management, spoke about the main areas of work of the Center, the activities of the inter-university student design bureau, and showed prototypes of unmanned aerial vehicles.

    Vladimir Stroyev paid special attention to the inter-university design bureau, which won the first specialized competition from the Ministry of Education and Science. The rector noted that the current project of the State University of Management surprised the expert committee, which did not expect something like this from a management university, because at the moment this is the only such experience in Russia.

    Vladimir Filatov shared the design bureau’s work scheme, in which young scientists and students perform design work, and GUU also plays the role of integrator of the entire inter-university network. In less than a year, students digitized more than 3,000 drawings ordered by TMH Engineering. The director of the engineering center reported high customer satisfaction from cooperation with GUU, as this allowed them to unload their staff engineers, while the students receive the necessary practical work experience from completing the order.

    Summing up what she saw in a conversation with the rector, GUU graduate Nonna Kagramanyan sincerely rejoiced at the successes of her native university: “You listen – and you are filled with pride. You have a whole world here, a whole world.”

    Moving to a more practical plane, Nonna Sayadovna put forward her proposals. First. Taking into account the high demand of businesses for the services of engineers, Delovaya Rossiya is ready to promote the scheme of work of student design bureaus tested at SUM, as well as manually send information about the finished developments of SUM to its partners. Second. For more systematic work, Delovaya Rossiya expects SUM to provide a list of the capabilities of the student design bureau in the form of a presentation for distribution to the partners of the organization, with the purpose of concluding agreements between them and SUM. Third. Through its production partner, Delovaya Rossiya will facilitate the start of serial production of the prototypes available at SUM. Fourth. Delovaya Rossiya asks to provide presentation materials and production conditions of the SUM Media Center for the possible resumption of the project of programs “Business Russia” together with the TV channel “Russia 24”.

    In addition, Nonna Kagramanyan discussed with the management of the State University of Management plans to create an Advanced Engineering School, new youth laboratories, additional classes in the Pre-University, as well as methodological opportunities for accelerated training of engineering personnel.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Aerospace expo to open

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The “National Development & Achievements Series – Endless Exploration: The Journey of Chinese Aerospace, Aviation & Navigation” exhibition will be launched at the Science Museum from tomorrow to September 7.

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said at the expo’s opening ceremony that the Chang’e-6’s successful return to earth bringing lunar soil samples from the far side of the Moon last year represents a global first, underscoring China’s leading position in lunar exploration.

    He added that the exhibition showcases the remarkable achievements of the Chang’e lunar exploration programme and the country’s remarkable accomplishments in aerospace, aviation and navigation.    

    The exhibition includes the first concurrent display in Hong Kong of lunar soil samples collected from the far side and near side of the Moon by the Chang’e-6 and the Chang’e-5 respectively.

    Other debut exhibits include the Chang’e-6 returner and parachute, seawater samples collected from 10,000 metres under the sea, and models of the “three pearls” of the shipbuilding industry, namely an aircraft carrier, a luxury cruise ship and a liquefied natural gas carrier.

    The expo will display large-scale aerospace, aviation and maritime models concurrently, including an approximately 12m-tall 1:5 Long March-5 launch vehicle and a full-size Fendouzhe full-ocean-depth manned submersible with a length of approximately 10m displayed outdoors, as well as a 1:8 model of a Y-20 heavy lifter with a wingspan of approximately 6m displayed indoors for the first time.

    It will also present Hong Kong’s significant contributions to the space and deep-sea exploration projects of the country. Plus, interactive exhibits of the “Lunar Base”, the “Zhurong Rover Expedition” and more are available for visitors to experience the challenges of building a lunar base and exploring Mars.

    Fixed-point guided tours will be provided on Saturdays and Sundays from August 9 to September 7. Additionally, lectures will be conducted tomorrow and on August 4, and the public is welcome to participate in lectures and tours on-site. Other activities include experiment classes, workshops and demonstrations.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Caritas Bunia: “In July alone, more than 100 people died in Ituri despite the state of siege in place for four years”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – “In our province alone, in July, more than 100 people, including women and children, were brutally murdered in attacks of unspeakable brutality.” This was revealed by the diocesan Caritas of Bunia (Ituri province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo), whose territory includes the church of Blessed Anuarite de Komanda, attacked by a commando unit of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) on the night of Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 (see Fides, 28/7/2025).The 100 deaths recorded in July of this year alone represent, according to Caritas Bunia, “the flagrant failure of the state of siege” decreed on May 3, 2021, by President Félix Tshisekedi in Ituri and North Kivu, with the aim of “neutralizing the armed groups operating in the two provinces, restoring state authority through a temporary military government, protecting the civilian population, and stabilizing the region.””Four years and nearly 100 extensions later, the results are disappointing because new armed groups have emerged and are more active than ever,” Caritas states. Impunity reigns, and massacres continue without investigation or prosecution of the criminals. Even worse, there is compelling evidence revealing the complicity, passive or active, of the Congolese army, as in the recent Lopa massacre, where CODECO militiamen desecrated the Church of Saint John of Capistrano (see Fides, 23/7/2025). The desecration of the church “forced His Excellency Monsignor Dieudonné Uringi, Bishop of Bunia, to close the parish, whose reopening remains undefinite.”Meanwhile, more details have emerged about the attack on the village of Komanda. The attackers entered the village around 2:00 a.m. from their stronghold on Mount Hoyo. They attacked the parish church of Blessed Anuarite, killing about twenty people with machetes who were attending a prayer vigil. Other bodies were found in burned homes and businesses near the church, including that of a charred man found in a truck set on fire by the attackers. The total death toll is 43, with dozens injured.According to Caritas, the attack on the village of Komanda has sown widespread panic, causing a mass exodus of its population to Bunia, Beni, and Kisangani. It has also led to the suspension of economic and religious activities. All of this has exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis due to the influx of newly displaced people. Caritas Bunia denounces “the unacceptable passivity of the security forces and MONUSCO (UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo), which, despite being stationed less than 3 kilometers from the crime scene, failed to intervene to protect civilians.”In a statement sent to Fides, Caritas Bunia highlights the deteriorating security situation in Ituri: “With the emergence of a new rebel movement (Convention for Popular Revolution), recently founded by Thomas Lubanga and his accomplices in Uganda, and the unnatural alliances between the regular army (FARDC) and the criminal militias it was supposed to fight, Ituri is sinking into unprecedented chaos. The population, left to itself, no longer knows who to trust.”To prevent further massacres and improve security in the area, Caritas calls for the immediate lifting of the state of siege, describing it as “an ineffective measure rejected by the population”; the replacement of all FARDC and police personnel deployed in Komanda during the July 27 massacre, as well as in Lopa during the massacres and destruction of July 21, 2025; and the urgent review of civil protection strategies to prevent further tragedies. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 31/7/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why some underwater earthquakes cause tsunamis – and others, just little ripples

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Blackett, Reader in Physical Geography and Natural Hazards, Coventry University

    After a massive earthquake off the coast of Kamchatka, a peninsula in the far east of Russia, on July 30 2025, the world watched as the resultant tsunami spread from the epicentre and across the Pacific Ocean at the speed of a jet plane.

    In some local areas, such as in Russia’s northern Kuril Islands, tsunami waves reached heights of over three metres. However, across the Pacific there was widespread relief in the hours that followed as the feared scenario of large waves striking coastal communities did not materialise. Why was this?

    Not all underwater earthquakes result in tsunamis. For a tsunami to be generated, the Earth’s crust at the earthquake site must be pushed upwards in a movement known as vertical displacement. This typically occurs during reverse faulting, or its shallow-angled form known as thrust faulting, where one block of the Earth’s crust is forced up and over another, along what is called a fault plane.

    It is no coincidence that this type of faulting movement occurred at a subduction zone on “the Pacific ring of fire”, where the dense oceanic Pacific plate is being forced beneath the less dense Eurasian continental plate.

    These zones are known for generating powerful earthquakes and tsunamis because they are sites of intense compression, which leads to thrust faulting and the sudden vertical movement of the seafloor. Indeed, it was the ring of fire that was also responsible for the two most significant tsunami-generating earthquakes of recent times: the 2004 Indonesian Boxing Day and March 2011 Tohoku earthquakes.

    Why did the Indonesian and Japanese earthquakes generate waves over 30 metres high, but the recent magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Kamchatka (one of the strongest ever recorded) didn’t? The answer lies in the geology involved in these events.

    In the case of the 2004 Indonesian tsunami, the sea floor was measured to have risen by up to five metres within a rupture zone of 750,000 sq km.

    For the tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011, estimates indicate the seafloor was thrust upwards by nearly three metres within a rupture zone of 90,000 sq km.

    Preliminary data from the recent Kamchatka event has been processed into what geologists call a finite fault model. Rather than representing the earthquake as a single point, these models show where and how the crust ruptured, including the length of that rupture in Earth’s crust, its depth and what direction it followed.

    The model results show that the two sides of the fault slipped by up to ten metres along a fault plane of 18°, resulting in about three metres of vertical uplift. Think of it like walking ten metres up an 18° slope: you don’t rise ten metres into the air, you only rise about three metres, because most of your movement is forward rather than upward.

    However, since much of this occurred at depths greater than 20km (over an area of 70,000 sq km) the seabed displacement would probably have been reduced as the overlying rock layers absorbed and diffused the motion before it reached the surface.

    For comparison, the associated slippage for the Tohoku and Indonesian events was as shallow as 5km in places.

    An added complication

    So, while the size of sea floor uplift is key to determining how much energy a tsunami begins with, it is the processes that follow – as the wave travels and interacts with the coastline – that can transform an insignificant tsunami into a devastating wall of water at the shore.

    As a tsunami travels across the open ocean it is often barely noticeable – a long, low ripple spread over tens of kilometres. But as it nears land, the front of the wave slows down due to friction with the seabed, while the back continues at speed, causing the wave to rise in height. This effect is strongest in places where the sea floor gets shallow quickly near the coast.

    The shape of the coastline is also important. Bays, inlets and estuaries can act like funnels that further amplify the wave as it reaches shore. Crescent City in California is a prime example. Fortunately however, when the wave arrived in Crescent City on July 30 2025, it reached a height of just 1.22 metres – still the highest recorded in the continental US.

    So, not every powerful undersea earthquake leads to a devastating tsunami — it depends not just on the magnitude, but on how much the sea floor is lifted and whether that vertical movement reaches the ocean surface.

    In the case of the recent Russian quake, although the slip was substantial, much of it occurred at depth, meaning the energy wasn’t transferred effectively to the water above. All of this shows that while earthquake size is important, it’s the precise characteristics of the rupture that truly decide whether a tsunami becomes destructive or remains largely insignificant.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

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

    – ref. Why some underwater earthquakes cause tsunamis – and others, just little ripples – https://theconversation.com/why-some-underwater-earthquakes-cause-tsunamis-and-others-just-little-ripples-262352

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing Rippling Travel: For Faster Bookings, Smarter Spending, and Better Travel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rippling, a leading business software company, today announced the launch of Rippling Travel, allowing companies to save more time and money on business travel. Rippling Travel unifies expense management, corporate cards, bill pay, payroll, and travel booking all within a single, integrated system – making it faster, easier, and cheaper than ever to book and manage corporate travel.

    “At Rippling, our focus has always been to free people to work on hard problems by automating away repetitive admin work so they can focus on strategic work,” said Matt Epstein, General Manager, Rippling Spend.

    That’s why we launched Rippling Travel. It makes it insanely easy for employees to book flights, hotels, and cars without having to worry about what is (and isn’t) in-policy. And for companies to automatically control every penny their employees spend on business travel, from in-flight seat upgrades to reimbursements on the road.

    Corporate travel has historically been a headache. For employees, it takes time and causes stress. For employers, it requires endless administrative tasks and back-and-forths on approvals. In fact, in a recent Rippling survey, 80% of companies said business travel is critical to revenue generation – but 93% still using legacy travel platforms report budget overruns and administrative inefficiencies.

    Rippling Travel solves these issues, providing an alternative to outdated software and disparate systems with a single system for unified travel and expense management that offers:

    • Seamless and cost conscious booking: Rippling Travel makes it quick and easy for employees to book and manage their travel. We partnered with Duffel to offer options from Expedia Group, Priceline, Booking.com, and direct airline integrations – all from within one intuitive platform.
    • Hyper-custom policies: Rippling Travel allows you to build hyper-custom policies around flights, hotels, and car rentals in just a few clicks. Rippling Travel’s deep integration with other business systems means policies automatically adapt to internal organizational changes (such as promotions or procedural updates).
    • Comprehensive reporting and analytics: Integrated into the Spend suite, Rippling Travel empowers employers with real-time, comprehensive data and analytics reports on all travel and spend related matters across the business.

    Ready to consolidate all spend management with Rippling – including Travel? Learn more and sign up for a demo today.

    About Rippling
    Rippling gives businesses one place to run HR, IT, and Spend – globally. It brings together all of the workforce systems that are normally scattered across a company, like payroll, expenses, benefits, and computers. For the first time ever, you can manage and automate every part of the employee lifecycle in a single system. Based in San Francisco, CA, Rippling has raised $1.8B from the world’s top investors – including Kleiner Perkins, Founders Fund, Sequoia, and Bedrock.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Statement on the Widespread Famine in Gaza and the Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    Washington, D.C. — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today issued the following statement urging President Trump and the Israeli government to take immediate action to ensure that aid reaches innocent civilians in Gaza:

    “I am deeply concerned by the famine and perilous security situation in Gaza. In February 2024, I went to the Rafah Crossing in Egypt and saw the backlog of aid trucks being kept out of Gaza. I took my concerns about keeping aid from reaching civilians directly to Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Biden. Restricting life saving aid from reaching civilians was as dangerous then as it is today. Failure to take immediate action now will lead to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, including women and children, and the perpetuation of the war. 

    “I was encouraged to see the announcement earlier this week that increased humanitarian aid would be allowed to enter Gaza, but it is not enough. The previous system of distributing aid through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation was ineffective and directly led to the deaths of civilians at aid sites within days of beginning the operation. It needlessly endangered civilian lives. I immediately called on President Trump to work with the Israeli government and humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza to develop a safer method of delivery aid, but no action was taken. 

    “It is unacceptable that Hamas walked away from the last round of ceasefire negotiations and rejected the proposal agreed to by Israel, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. I again urge both parties to return to the negotiating table immediately to reach a ceasefire and bring the hostages home. But that alone will not lead to the end of this conflict. For that to happen, the human suffering must end.

    “It is past time that President Trump stands up for American values and works with the Israeli government to ensure that aid reaches the innocent civilians who desperately need it. Limiting the delivery of aid has only allowed Hamas and criminal gangs to exploit the situation. Ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is vital to maintaining America’s values, weakening Hamas’s support, and permanently ending the conflict.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Consumer Alert Amid Increase in Reported Scams Targeting the Military Community

    Source: US State of California

    Thursday, July 31, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Does an offer seem too good to be true? Take a tactical pause to evaluate  

    OAKLAND — In recognition of Military Consumer Month, Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert to help protect California service members, veterans, and their family members from targeted common scams and fraud. The military community and their families are often targets for predatory scammers: According to the Federal Trade Commission, military consumers nationwide reported over 99,400 fraud complaints last year — an increase from 2023’s approximately 93,000 complaints — including 44,587 imposter scams that reportedly cost them and their families over $199 million.  

    “More and more often, service members, veterans, and their families are targets for predatory scammers promising everything from home loans to jobs, and continuing education. This is absolutely unacceptable. As part of our commitment to protect those who protect us, my office will continue to bring the full force of the law against those who seek to exploit California’s military community,” said Attorney General Bonta. “If you have fallen victim to a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, get help and share your story so that we can help your fellow service members. You can report fraud to your local military or civilian law enforcement agency, or to the California Department of Justice at oag.ca.gov/report.”

    Why is the Military Community Targeted? 

    Military service members, veterans, and their families are frequently targeted by scammers who want access to their pay and benefits, and who know that military members will often pay even fraudulent or over-stated debts to avoid security clearance issues or other disruptions to their military careers. In addition, the camaraderie that unites the military community is often exploited by impostors who claim to be veterans in attempts to perpetrate scams or access personal information for fraudulent purposes.   

    Common Scams Targeting the Military Community:

    Scammers use a variety of tactics to gain trust. Protect yourself by staying up to date on common military- and veteran-targeted scams. Beware of the following: 

    • Charity Scams: Just because a charity includes the word “veteran” in its name doesn’t mean that veterans are members of the group, or that veterans or their families will benefit from a donation. Scammers will use names that sound legitimate or those that mimic the names of well-known charities to create confusion. Take the time to make an informed decision and be wary of aggressive solicitations. Go to oag.ca.gov/charities, under the Resources & Tools section, and click on Registry Verification Search. If a charity is not listed, it should not be soliciting funds in California. If it is listed, you can view its financial reports, including the IRS Form 990 that the charity is required to file with DOJ’s Registry of Charitable Trusts.
    • Predatory Schools: The GI Bill and other military education programs offer you the chance to attend school and plan for your future, but for-profit schools sometimes target service members and veterans with false promises. Slow down and take the time you need to make the right decision. Predatory schools often use high-pressure sales tactics to try to get you to sign up. It’s important to ask for information about the programs, such as graduation rates, job placement, and graduate salary information. Offers that seem too good to be true generally are. Further, don’t forget that educational opportunities at the California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California may be available to you. 
    • Home Loan Scams: Be aware of scammers that — through phone calls or fraudulent mailers — claim to be affiliated with the government, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or your home loan servicer. These fraudsters may attempt to convince you to agree to loan modifications, refinance your home, or make payments on your loans. Be cautious of any individual or lender that contacts you and asks you to pay fees upfront before receiving any services; tells you to cancel your mortgage payment and resend the funds elsewhere; tells you to make payments to someone other than your current loan servicer; or pressures you to sign papers you haven’t had a chance to read thoroughly or that you don’t understand — including asking you to sign over the title to your property. 
    • Identity Theft and Fraud: Some scammers will pretend to be from the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, or other official organizations in order to get your personal information so that they can commit identity theft or fraud. Before you provide any information, always make sure a request is coming from an official organization by doing a quick search on the internet or consulting a trusted source to get the organization’s real contact information. Never trust the contact information given by the person that is asking for your personal information, as scammers often give out fake contact information. Be wary of letters and emails that have misspellings, look unprofessional, or send you to a non-government website for information or action, as these are almost always fake. Lastly, never give out your Social Security number to receive military or veteran discounts. Scammers often promise military or veteran discounts in order to obtain personal information. 
    • Job Scams: Service members looking for new career opportunities after leaving service are a target for scammers posting fictitious job listings with the goal of stealing their personal information and finances. Avoid becoming a victim of job scams by conducting thorough research on the company. Additionally, stick to well-known job search platforms and government career websites when looking for job opportunities. Remember, legitimate employers will never require you to pay fees for applications, interviews, or background checks. You should also look out for fake check scams, which occur when a scammer posing as an employer sends you a counterfeit check to deposit into your account. The scammer will then ask you to send a portion of the funds back to them or a third party, while letting you keep some as payment. Eventually, the bank reverses the fake check, leaving you stuck paying the money back to the bank. If something feels off or suspicious during the job search, trust your instincts and end communication immediately.
    • Pension Scams: Veterans ages 65 and over are targeted by scam financial advisers who try to persuade senior veterans to buy costly annuities or transfer their assets into trusts, or pay unnecessary and illegal fees for help with a veterans pension application. These “advisers” claim to help veterans qualify for Aid and Attendance or other veterans benefits, but may cause you to lose eligibility or access to pension, disability, or healthcare benefits. If you are interested in Aid and Attendance or other veterans benefits, you can get free help from your County Veterans Service Office here.
    • Affinity Fraud: Affinity scams target members of identifiable groups, including the military. The perpetrators are — or pretend to be — members of the targeted group, and use sales pitches that rely on group trust and loyalty. In the military community, this includes exploiting the trust that service members have for their fellow service members, and for veterans who previously served. Don’t make a significant purchase, or an investment decision, based on the salesperson’s supposed military service, or the claim that a business is military-friendly or endorsed by the Armed Forces. Take a tactical pause, and shop around for the best deal.
    • Debt Collection and Illegal Threats: Debt collectors may try to trick or scare service members into making payments on debts. It is illegal for debt collectors to do any of the following: revoke your security clearance; contact your command in order to collect a debt (unless they have your consent, given after the debt came due, to do so); discipline or demote you; or garnish your pay. If a debt collector is trying to collect a debt that you do not owe or have already paid, dispute the debt in writing. Tell the debt collector why you do not owe the debt, include copies of any evidence you have, and mail this dispute to the debt collector using registered mail so that you have proof that the collector received it — and make sure to keep copies of everything for yourself. If you dispute the debt within 30 days after the collector first contacted you, the collector must stop collection until it shows you written proof of the debt.
    • Rental Housing Scams: These scams target military personnel looking for housing near a base, especially prevalent during the Permanent Change of Station season. Scammers pretend to be real estate agents and post fake ads for rental properties on websites, sometimes promising military discounts and other incentives in order to get service members to send them money for fees and deposits upfront. If someone insists on receiving money or other payments before a property has been seen, it is likely a rental scam. Avoid wiring money to reserve apartments, and use your installation housing office or established property management companies to locate potential housing. 
    • Predatory Auto Sales and Financing: Car dealers located near military bases may try to lure service members with promises of special deals for military personnel. Often, these so-called deals conceal the terms of purchase for the vehicle and result in the service member drastically overpaying for both the vehicle and the cost of financing. For example, dealers may insist that military personnel will not qualify for financing unless they purchase overpriced and unnecessary add-ons. Other times, the dealer may tell a service member who just purchased a car that the initial financing fell through and insist on renegotiating for worse terms. You should not rely on oral promises, nor feel pressured to enter into any purchase, without first reading and understanding the contract. If you are looking to purchase a car, you should explore all of your options for financing — including by contacting your bank or credit union — before making a purchase.  

    Protect Yourself from Scams:  

    • Bring a battle buddy when making big decisions, and take a tactical pause: Take your time with big decisions and get advice. A business that pressures you to make a quick decision or to not talk with your family, friends, a military financial counselor, or an officer or NCO that you trust may be out to scam you.
    • Take advantage of free annual credit reports: You are entitled to one free credit report every year from each of the three national credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Your credit history contains information from financial institutions, utilities, landlords, insurers, and others. By checking your credit reports at least once a year, you can identify signs of identity theft, as well errors in your report that could be raising the cost of your credit. Order your free annual credit reports by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-322-8228, or online at www.annualcreditreport.com.
    • Place a Fraud Alert: If your identity is stolen, put a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting the three main credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Also, consider requesting a credit freeze, which will restrict access to your credit file, making it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Report identity theft right away and get a recovery plan at identitytheft.gov. Additionally, file a police report with your local sheriff or police department and keep a copy for your records.
    • Report Suspicious Activity: Never give out personal information to a lender or servicer that contacts you out of the blue. If you are feeling unsure, hang up and call your loan servicer directly at the number that is listed on your mortgage statement. Report suspicious activity to the Office of the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report and file a complaint with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
    • Protect your online information and accounts with strong passwords: Protect yourself by using different, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. Make sure that the passwords you use are at least eight characters, including a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
    • Check your credit card bills and bank statements often: Look for unauthorized charges, withdrawals, or unexpected bills, and report irregular activity to your bank as soon as you see it. If you notice that a bill didn’t arrive on time, it may mean that someone has changed the contact information on your account in order to hide fraudulent charges. Don’t share personal information: Be careful about what personal information you share, such as your address or financial information.
    • Sign up for the Enhanced Homeowner Notification Program: If you reside in Los Angeles County, you may sign up to receive mailed copies of documents recorded against your home, allowing you to review recorded real estate documents so you are aware of actions taken against your property.

    If you believe you have been the victim or target of a scam, immediately contact your local police department or reach out to your base legal office. For the legal office’s contact information, ask your command or visit to legalassistance.law.af.mil/. California National Guard personnel can also obtain legal help at calguard.ca.gov. You may also file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General at oag.ca.gov/report. For additional information on military-targeted scams, visit our website at oag.ca.gov/consumers/general/military.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: European gloom over the Trump deal is misplaced. It’s probably the best the EU could have achieved

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maha Rafi Atal, Adam Smith Senior Lecturer in Political Economy, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow

    The trade deal between the US and the European Union, squeezed in days before the re-introduction of Donald Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs, is reflective of the new politics of global trade. Faced with the threat of 30% baseline tariffs from Washington, as well as additional levies on specific sectors, the EU has secured a partial reprieve of a flat 15% tariff on all goods.

    Was this the best the bloc could have achieved? In the time available, it may well have been. The 15% rate is higher than the UK secured earlier this year, but it’s significantly below the level applied to China and Mexico, and on par with Japan.

    The EU has also managed a “zero-for-zero” tariffs deal on some hi-tech goods, notably semiconductors vital for products like phones and laptops. This is something the UK did not push for or secure in its own framework agreed with the US president.



    Read more:
    Donald Trump has reduced tariffs on British metals and cars, but how important is this trade deal? Experts react

    What’s more, EU leaders have argued that agreeing to the deal has security benefits in protecting dwindling US support for European defence. The urgency of Europe’s security concerns in Ukraine made these talks different from trade negotiations in the first Trump administration, when Europe could afford to be more aggressive.

    The biggest winners in this deal are Europe’s carmakers. The US has collapsed various sector-specific duties on goods like aircraft, cars and automotive parts into the 15% ceiling. This effectively reduces tariffs on EU-made cars (from 27.5%).

    American automakers, meanwhile, rely heavily on parts from Mexico and China – still subject to higher tariffs at the time of writing. This makes EU vehicles more competitive for US consumers than “American” cars that rely on overseas parts.

    Most importantly however, like the UK deal before it, the new EU agreement is a statement of understanding between the White House and the European Commission, rather than a formal treaty. A treaty would be subject to parliamentary ratification on both sides.

    But the semi-formal nature of this agreement allows both Trump and European leaders to portray the deal as a “win” by playing fast and loose with what’s actually in it.

    For example, the Trump administration will celebrate an EU commitment to buy US$250 billion (£189 billion) in US energy imports annually. Yet the concession holds no legal weight in the EU. The European Commission, which negotiated with Trump, does not buy any energy nor does it manage the power grid inside its 27 member states.

    The commission can encourage, but cannot compel, those states to buy American. (Indeed, it might want to do so anyway, since it helps it to pivot away from Russian gas). But ultimately, member states and businesses decide where their energy supply comes from, and they are not direct parties to the deal. Only a formal treaty ratified by the European parliament would compel them.

    No guarantees from Trump

    The informal nature of this agreement also allows EU member states to protest against what they see as capitulation to Trump’s demands without real consequence. After all, there is not yet a treaty text they would be required to vote on or implement.

    The Trump administration similarly imposed its sweeping tariff threats in early spring without a vote from Congress, and has been making ad hoc changes to the rates in the same way.

    On the one hand, this means European countries may not ultimately be required to implement some of the deal’s less savoury elements such as the energy purchases or lowering the bloc’s own tariffs on US goods.

    On the other hand, this means the Trump administration – notorious for abrupt changes of turn – can also renege at any time. In reality, there is little the EU can do about this. The question of leverage looms large. Trump’s longstanding antipathy towards the EU – seeing it less as an ally and more as a rival – meant that Brussels was never negotiating from a position of strength.

    The fact that the EU avoided the worst-case scenario, protected key sectors and secured other sector-specific advantages suggests a deal shaped not by triumph, but by containment of Trump. Since the deal was announced, the picture emerging from many European leaders has been one of gloom. True, the EU didn’t win – but it survived. And that, for now, is probably enough.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

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

    – ref. European gloom over the Trump deal is misplaced. It’s probably the best the EU could have achieved – https://theconversation.com/european-gloom-over-the-trump-deal-is-misplaced-its-probably-the-best-the-eu-could-have-achieved-262369

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Angola protests: UN urges restraint, investigations into deaths

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Thursday urged Angolan authorities to conduct prompt, thorough and independent investigations into the deaths, as well as the reported use of excessive force during the demonstrations.

    “Unverified footage suggests that security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, which points to an unnecessary and disproportionate use of force,” OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said.

    He added that while some demonstrators resorted to violence and looting, any force used by authorities must comply with international human rights standards.

    “Any individuals who may have been arbitrarily detained must be immediately released.”

    Rapid escalation in situation

    The protests began on Monday as a strike by minibus taxi drivers over a one-third rise in diesel prices, part of a government effort to reduce fuel subsidies. According to media reports, the demonstrations quickly spread, becoming one of Angola’s most disruptive protest waves in recent years.

    Government officials reported that at least one police officer was among those killed. Nearly 200 people are said to have been injured, and shops and vehicles reportedly vandalized – mostly in the capital, Luanda.

    Sporadic gunfire was also reported in parts of the city earlier in the week, and emergency services were overwhelmed. Many businesses remained shuttered Thursday and hospitals reportedly struggled to cope with the number of casualties.

    Ensure rights protection

    OHCHR emphasised that while authorities have a responsibility to maintain public order, they must do so in a way that protects human rights.

    “All protesters taking to the streets to express their opinions should do so peacefully,” said Mr. Al-Kheetan. “All human rights violations must be investigated and those responsible held accountable.”

    The UN rights office also reiterated the importance of safeguarding fundamental freedoms, including the rights to life, expression and peaceful assembly, in any law enforcement response.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Science Museum’s new exhibition to showcase country’s achievements in aerospace, aviation and navigation (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Jointly presented by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the “Bank of China (Hong Kong) Presents: National Development and Achievements Series – Endless Exploration: The Journey of Chinese Aerospace, Aviation and Navigation” exhibition will be launched at the Hong Kong Science Museum (HKScM) from tomorrow (August 1) to September 7. This is the first time for Hong Kong to showcase the country’s achievements in these three major arenas in the same exhibition. Featuring a rich array of artefacts, models, graphics, videos and interactive exhibits, the exhibition not only presents important developments in relevant fields, but also aims to inspire the public, especially youngsters, with a passion for technological innovation while enhancing national confidence in science and technology.
     
         Addressing the opening ceremony today (July 31), the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, said that the Chang’e-6’s successful return to earth bringing lunar soil samples from the far side of the Moon last year represents a global first, underscoring China’s leading position in lunar exploration. Hong Kong is proactively integrating into national development matters and making significant contributions, with local scientists having the opportunity to participate in major national scientific research projects. These achievements affirm Hong Kong’s unique advantages in contributing to national development with an international vision. He further said that this exhibition showcases the remarkable achievements of the Chang’e lunar exploration programme as well as the country’s remarkable accomplishments in aerospace, aviation and navigation. It also highlights Hong Kong’s role as a cultural hub connecting China with the world, telling the good story of China and promoting patriotism to the public.

         Other officiating guests today included the Chief Engineer of the CNSA, Dr Li Guoping; the First-level Inspector of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Liu Maozhou; the Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Mr Sun Yu; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Convenor of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee, Legislative Council Member, Dr Starry Lee; the Chairperson of the Science Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Alexander Wai; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; and the Museum Director of the HKScM, Mr Patrick Lau.
     
         This exhibition achieves several “firsts”, including the first concurrent display in Hong Kong of lunar soil samples collected from the far side and near side of the Moon by the Chang’e-6 and the Chang’e-5 respectively. Other exhibits debuting in Hong Kong include the Chang’e-6 returner and parachute, seawater samples collected from 10,000 metres under the sea, as well as models of the “three pearls” of the shipbuilding industry, namely an aircraft carrier, a luxury cruise ship and a liquefied natural gas carrier.
     
    Moreover, the HKScM will display large-scale aerospace, aviation and maritime models concurrently, including an approximately 12m-tall 1:5 Long March-5 launch vehicle and a full-size Fendouzhe full-ocean-depth manned submersible with a length of approximately 10m displayed outdoors, as well as a 1:8 model of a Y-20 heavy lifter with a wingspan of approximately 6m displayed indoors for the first time.
     
         Apart from the exhibits from the Mainland, the exhibition also presents Hong Kong’s significant contributions to the space and deep-sea exploration projects of the country. There are also interactive exhibits, namely the “Lunar Base”, the “Zhurong Rover Expedition” and more, for visitors to experience the challenges of building a lunar base and exploring Mars.
     
    Fixed-point guided tours will be provided on Saturdays and Sundays from August 9 to September 7. A series of lectures will be conducted on August 1 and August 4 by experts invited from the Mainland, who will share their knowledge of aviation, aerospace and navigation, as well as the achievements and future plans of the country in related fields. Members of the public are welcome to participate in the tours and lectures on-site. Other activities include experiment classes, workshops and demonstrations for the public to explore the scientific principles behind aviation and deep-sea navigation.
       
         The exhibition is jointly organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the News Center of the CNSA, as solely sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. It is one of the activities of the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. For details of the exhibition and activities, please visit the HKScM website at hk.science.museum/en/web/scm/exhibition/exploration2025.html.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun and Drug Charges

    Source: US FBI

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jeremy Hodge, 39, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that on April 4, 2025, the FBI executed a search warrant at Hodge’s Ernst Avenue residence, on his vehicle, and person. Law enforcement seized a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Hodge was arrested at the scene. He was previously convicted of felony charges in April 2008 and March 2009, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm.

    Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2025, before Judge Vilardo.

    # # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Erayak Power Solution Group. Announces $7 Million Registered Direct Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Wenzhou, China, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Erayak Power Solution Group Inc. (NASDAQ: RAYA) (“Erayak” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer, designer, and exporter of high-quality products in the power supply industry, today announced that it has entered into a securities purchase agreement with certain institutional investors for the purchase and sale of an aggregate of 107,692,307 shares of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001 per share (the “Shares”) (or pre-funded warrants in lieu thereof) at a purchase price of $0.065 per share in a registered direct offering. The purchase price for the pre-funded warrants is identical to the purchase price for Shares, less the exercise price of $0.0001 per share.

    The aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of this offering are expected to be approximately $7 million. The transaction is expected to close on or about August 1, 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

    Craft Capital Management is acting as the sole placement agent for the offering. 

    The registered direct offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-278347) previously filed by the Company and declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on May 16, 2024.

    The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus. The prospectus supplement describing the terms of the public offering will be filed with the SEC prior to the closing and will form a part of the effective registration statement, available on the SEC’s website located at http://www.sec.gov.

    Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained from Craft Capital Management, 377 Oak St., Lower Concourse, Garden City, NY 11530, Attention: Syndicate Dept.; email: info@craftcm.com

    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.

    About Erayak Power Solution Group Inc.

    Erayak specializes in the manufacturing, research and development, and wholesale and retail of power solution products. Erayak’s product portfolio includes sine wave and off-grid inverters, inverter and gasoline generators, battery and smart chargers, and custom-designed products. Our products are used principally in agricultural and industrial vehicles, recreational vehicles, electrical appliances, and outdoor living products. Our goal is to be the premier power solutions brand and a solution for mobile life and outdoor living. For more information, visit www.erayakpower.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. In addition, from time to time, we or our representatives may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing. We base these forward-looking statements on our expectations and projections about future events, which we derive from the information currently available to us. Such forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance, including: our financial performance and projections; our growth in revenue and earnings; and our business prospects and opportunities. You can identify forward-looking statements by those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “contemplates,” “estimates,” “believes,” “plans,” “projected,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “hopes” or the negative of these or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider various factors, including: our ability to change the direction of the Company; our ability to keep pace with new technology and changing market needs; and the competitive environment of our business. These and other factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are only predictions. The forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives, may not occur, and actual events and results may differ materially and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions about us. We are not obligated to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release and other statements made from time to time by us or our representatives might not occur.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Erayak Power Solution Group Inc.
    No. 528, 4th Avenue
    Binhai Industrial Park
    Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
    People’s Republic of China 325025

    Email: investor@erayakpower.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Installs Key ‘Sunblock’ Shield on Roman Space Telescope

    Source: NASA

    Technicians have successfully installed two sunshields onto NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope’s inner segment. Along with the observatory’s Solar Array Sun Shield and Deployable Aperture Cover, the panels (together called the Lower Instrument Sun Shade), will play a critical role in keeping Roman’s instruments cool and stable as the mission explores the infrared universe.

    The team is on track to join Roman’s outer and inner assemblies this fall to complete the full observatory, which can then undergo further prelaunch testing.
    “This shield is like an extremely strong sunblock for Roman’s sensitive instruments, protecting them from heat and light from the Sun that would otherwise overwhelm our ability to detect faint signals from space,” said Matthew Stephens, an aerospace engineer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
    The sunshade, which was designed and engineered at NASA Goddard, is essentially an extension of Roman’s solar panels, except without solar cells. Each sunshade flap is roughly the size of a garage door — about 7 by 7 feet (2.1 by 2.1 meters) — and 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) thick.
    “They’re basically giant aluminum sandwiches, with metal sheets as thin as a credit card on the top and bottom and the central portion made up of a honeycomb structure,” said Conrad Mason, an aerospace engineer at NASA Goddard.
    This design makes the panels lightweight yet stiff, and the material helps limit heat transfer from the side facing the Sun to the back—no small feat considering the front will be hot enough to boil water (up to 216 degrees Fahrenheit, or 102 degrees Celsius) while the back will be much colder than Antarctica’s harshest winter (minus 211 Fahrenheit, or minus 135 Celsius). A specialized polymer film blanket will wrap around each panel to temper the heat, with 17 layers on the Sun side and one on the shaded side.
    The sunshade will be stowed and gently deploy around an hour after launch.

    “The deploying mechanisms have dampers that work like soft-close hinges for drawers or cabinets, so the panels won’t slam open and rattle the observatory,” Stephens said. “They each take about two minutes to move into their final positions. This is the very first system that Roman will deploy in space after the spacecraft separates from the launch vehicle.”
    Now completely assembled, Roman’s inner segment is slated to undergo a 70-day thermal vacuum test next. Engineers and scientists will test the full functionality of the spacecraft, telescope, and instruments under simulated space conditions. Following the test, the sunshade will be temporarily removed while the team joins Roman’s outer and inner assemblies, and then reattached to complete the observatory. The mission remains on track for launch no later than May 2027 with the team aiming for as early as fall 2026.

    Download high-resolution video and images from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio
    The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is managed at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, with participation by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California; Caltech/IPAC in Pasadena, California; the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore; and a science team comprising scientists from various research institutions. The primary industrial partners are BAE Systems Inc. in Boulder, Colorado; L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York; and Teledyne Scientific & Imaging in Thousand Oaks, California.
    By Ashley BalzerNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gunrunner Who Illegally Trafficked More than 200 Firearms to DC Area Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Michael Pittman, 30, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison in connection with trafficking more than 200 illegal firearms from Georgia and North Carolina to the Washington D.C. area where he sold many of them to convicted felons, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

                Pittman pleaded guilty on April 14, 2025, to conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking.

                In addition to the 84-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan ordered Pittman to serve three years of supervised release.

                Joining in the announcement was Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                According to court documents, from at least April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman rented cars and drove to Georgia and North Carolina where he purchased guns from illegal firearm suppliers. Pittman re-sold the firearms in the D.C. area, advertising them through different means. He took photos of the firearms displayed on his bed with prices.

                Between April 2023 through May 2024, Pittman obtained, advertised, or sold 200 or more firearms.

                On May 30, 2024, Virginia State Police arrested Pittman in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, as he was returning to D.C. from a buying trip. Pittman fled from a traffic stop before he crashed and ran into the nearby woods. Police recovered Pittman’s backpack which contained 16 firearms, an additional firearm he had dropped, and two firearms he had left in his vehicle.

                Law enforcement subsequently obtained a warrant and searched Pittman’s residence. In Pittman’s home, law enforcement recovered hundreds of rounds of ammunition, firearm cleaning and repair tools, firearm magazines, and three additional firearms. Law enforcement also observed the same red-and-black patterned bed spread observed in the images from Pittman’s phone.

                Pittman has one prior felony conviction for second degree assault in Prince George’s County, Maryland, for which he was sentenced to two years in prison suspended as to all but 30 days.

                This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division with valuable assistance from the Virginia State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Tepfer and Sarah Martin.

    24cr296

    MIL Security OSI –