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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force Arrests Two Males Wanted for Homicide

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Cleveland, OH – Late last night, members of the U.S. Marshals led Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force (NOVFTF) arrested Money Baccus, 18, in Akron, Ohio.  Baccus was wanted by the Canton Police Department for aggravated murder.  This morning, members of the NOVFTF arrested Deshon Baker, 24, in Euclid, Ohio. Baker was wanted by the Cleveland Division of Police for aggravated murder.

    On February 12, 2025, members of the Canton Police Department responded to an address in the 1900 block of 2nd Street SW, Canton, Ohio for a 30-year-old male that suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. It is alleged that Baccus shot and killed the male and fled the scene. Later in the day, members of the U.S. Marshals, NOVFTF arrested Baccus at the intersection of Crosby Street and S. Balch Street in Akron.

    On December 28, 2024, officers with the Cleveland Division of Police – 3rd District, responded to a shooting near the intersection of E. 9th Street and Bolivar Road. It was discovered that two males had engaged in a physical altercation that ended in a shooting near the 700 block of Bolivar Road. Simajah Harris, 24, suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced at MetroHealth hospital. Deshon Baker, 24, was later identified as the suspect in this incident and a warrant for aggravated murder was issued for his arrest. This morning, members of the NOVFTF arrested Baker at an address in the 27000 block of Sidney Drive, Euclid, Ohio.

    U.S. Marshal Pete Elliott stated, “Within 24 hours our fugitive task force had two outstanding arrests in Akron and Euclid. Our task force is constantly pursuing and arresting wanted fugitives, in hopes to make the communities we serve safer.”

    Anyone with information concerning a wanted fugitive can contact the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-4WANTED (1-866-492-6833), or you can submit a web tip. Reward money is available, and tipsters may remain anonymous.  Follow the U.S. Marshals on Twitter @USMSCleveland.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Continue Search for East Baton Rouge Man Wanted in 2016 Murder

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Washington, DC – A Baton Rouge, Louisiana, man added to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) 15 Most Wanted fugitive List in December 2023 remains at large, and the agency is offering up to $25,000 as a reward for information that leads investigators to his location.

    Leethel White aka “Lee Lee,” 47, is wanted by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office for first-degree murder and attempted murder.

    White is alleged to have shot two female associates at close range, killing one and severely injuring the other in a January 2016 incident in the Gardere area of Baton Rouge.   

    White is 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighs approximately 215 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on both arms, his chest and his back. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

    “I urge anyone with information that can help us find Mr. White or his remains and close this investigation to come forward and help us bring closure to the victims and their families,” said William Travis Brown Jr., U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of Louisiana.

    While the USMS does not not usually offer rewards in cases in which the fugitive is deceased, in rare situations, if there is uncertainty about a fugitive’s status, the agency may offer a reward for information to confirm a death to close the case. Anyone with information regarding White’s whereabouts or the location of his remains is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals 24-hour tip line at 1-877-WANTED2 or send information via the USMS Tips App.

    Created in 1983, the USMS 15 Most Wanted fugitive program draws attention to some of the country’s most dangerous and high-profile fugitives. These fugitives tend to be career criminals with histories of violence who pose a significant threat to public safety. Generally, 15MW fugitives are considered the “worst of the worst” and can include murderers, sex offenders, major drug kingpins, organized crime figures and individuals wanted for high-profile financial crimes. Since the program began in 1983, more than 250 15MW fugitive cases have been closed. 

    The USMS has a long history of providing assistance and expertise to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in support of their fugitive investigations. Working with authorities at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels, USMS-led fugitive task forces arrested more than 74,000 fugitives and cleared nearly 89,000 warrants in FY 2024.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: StepStone Group Launching ELTIF in Europe

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP), a leading global private markets investment firm responsible for approximately $698 billion in total capital, including $65 billion in private debt, announced it received approval to launch a Private Debt-based European Long-Term Investment Fund (“ELTIF”).

    “As part of our continued expansion into the European private wealth market, this milestone marks yet another chapter in our story of delivering private markets strategies to more investors with the mission of convenience, efficiency, and transparency,” said Neil Menard, Partner and President of Distribution, StepStone Private Wealth. “With these approvals in place, we will now be able to deliver institutional-grade investments better tailored to the dynamics of European wealth platforms.”

    ELTIFs are designed to channel investments in Europe that support economic growth and job creation. StepStone plans to initially market ELTIFs in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Nordic and Benelux regions, focusing on investing in private credit assets in the European Union.

    “We believe that this offering provides unique advantages and is very differentiated to all other solutions in the market. The Firm’s sourcing network can provide significant selectivity and diversification to investors in a market that is otherwise highly fragmented,” said Marcel Schindler, Head of StepStone Private Debt. “Both institutional and individual investors alike are seeking efficient solutions such as this one. StepStone is well positioned to meet these expectations.”

    StepStone also received approval to convert their current RAIF funds into UCI Part II vehicles, allowing professional investors and semi-professional investors greater access to the private markets, including private equity, infrastructure, and real estate. Funds set to be converted include StepStone Private Markets Fund Lux (SPRIM Lux), StepStone Private Venture and Growth Fund Lux (SPRING Lux) and StepStone Private Infrastructure Fund Lux (STRUCTURE Lux). These funds are currently available on a variety of platforms, including Allfunds, FundsPlace, and offer a digital subscription through Goji.

    About StepStone

    StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP) is a global private markets investment firm focused on providing customized investment solutions and advisory and data services to its clients. As of December 31, 2024, StepStone was responsible for approximately $698 billion of total capital, including $179 billion of assets under management. StepStone’s clients include some of the world’s largest public and private defined benefit and defined contribution pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies, as well as prominent endowments, foundations, family offices and private wealth clients, which include high-net-worth and mass affluent individuals. StepStone partners with its clients to develop and build private markets portfolios designed to meet their specific objectives across the private equity, infrastructure, private debt and real estate asset classes.

    Contacts

    Shareholder Relations:
    Seth Weiss
    shareholders@stepstonegroup.com
    +1 (212) 351-6106

    Media:
    Brian Ruby / Chris Gillick / Matt Lettiero, ICR
    StepStonePR@icrinc.com
    +1 (203) 682-8268

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Multimedia Trust 10% Distribution Policy Reaffirmed and Declared First Quarter Distribution of $0.22 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. (NYSE:GGT) (the “Fund”) reaffirmed and satisfied its 10% distribution policy by declaring a $0.22 per share cash distribution payable on March 24, 2025 to common stock shareholders of record on March 17, 2025.

    The Fund intends to pay a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund within a calendar year or an amount sufficient to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. The average net asset value of the Fund is based on the average net asset values as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters during the year. The net asset value per share fluctuates daily.

    Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, the current distribution paid to common shareholders in 2025 would be deemed 100% from paid-in capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Carter Austin
    (914) 921-5475

    About The Gabelli Multimedia Trust
    The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company with $198 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE: GGT
    CUSIP – 36239Q109

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Carter Austin
    (914) 921-5475
    caustin@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Graham, Coons, Young, Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Advance Domestic Critical Materials Production

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Legislation will cut reliance on China for critical materials essential to our national security, energy, and emerging tech
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, Lindsey Graham, Chris Coons, and Todd Young reintroduced the bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act to establish a pilot program for the Department of Energy to financially support domestic critical material processing projects.
    “American energy independence is a bipartisan goal,” said Hickenlooper. “The U.S. could be a global leader in critical materials, but we need to shore up our domestic supply chains to strengthen our national security. Let’s get to work.”
    “China maintains dominant control over critical mineral processing, which poses significant risks to our national security. It’s important for us to build better and more resilient processing capabilities here at home,” said Graham.
    “Critical minerals are essential to manufacturing the most advanced energy and defense technologies, but the production, processing, and recycling of these materials is dominated by China,” said Coons. “This bipartisan bill will spur the investment we need to regain American control of our critical mineral supply chains.”
    “Our reliance on global supply chains for critical materials poses a significant national security threat, especially as the Chinese Communist Party continues to manipulate this market,” said Young. “Our bill will take innovative steps to identify opportunities for American leadership and investment in critical material projects, strengthen domestic supply chains, and boost our economic and global competitiveness.”
    The U.S. critical minerals list contains 50 minerals – including graphite, nickel, and cobalt – that are essential to our economy, infrastructure, and military capability. Critical minerals are used in smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and more.
    This December, China announced that they would immediately block the export of three critical minerals: gallium, germanium, and antimony to the U.S. China currently controls 90% of the global processing capacity for rare earth elements and over 80% of the processing for other critical minerals like cobalt, gallium, and graphite. Experts have become increasingly concerned with U.S. dependence on China for critical materials, arguing it poses a significant risk to national security.
    The Critical Materials Future Act supports critical material processing projects in the United States by granting the Secretary of Energy the authority and funding to deploy innovative financial mechanisms, such as contracts for differences and advanced market commitments, within this sector.
    The bill also requires the Secretary of Energy to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of these financial tools on market dynamics and processing projects within the critical materials sector, and to provide recommendations for expanding their use to strengthen America’s processing capabilities.
    In the 119th Congress, Hickenlooper has reintroduced his bipartisan  STRATEGIC Minerals Act to foster critical minerals trade with our international allies, and the bipartisan Unearth Innovation Act to establish a DOE program for critical minerals innovation.
    The Critical Materials Future Act is supported by the Colorado School of Mines, the Bipartisan Policy Center, the National Wildlife Federation, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, the Key Minerals Forum, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, Employ America, MineTech Ventures, Alta Resource Technologies, the Chamber of Progress, U.S. Critical Minerals, Nyrstar, the Alabama Mobility and Power Center (University of Alabama), South32 Hermosa, Alliance for Mineral Security, South Star Battery Metals Corp, the American Critical Minerals Association, and the Federation of American Scientists. For their statements of support, click HERE.
    Full text of the Critical Materials Future Act is available HERE. A one-pager explanation on this bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Tillis Reintroduce Bill to Boost Critical Mineral Innovation, Secure American Leadership

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Unearth Innovation Act would create a Department of Energy program to drive responsible domestic critical mineral production, develop our energy workforce
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Thom Tillis reintroduced their bipartisan Unearth Innovation Act to spur American innovation and drive responsible production of domestic critical minerals with less environmental impact.
    “We need critical minerals for our clean energy future and national security, but we can’t rely on China or others for them,” said Hickenlooper. “U.S. research and innovation will set a global example for critical minerals sourcing and help develop our energy workforce of tomorrow.”
    “This legislation promotes innovative technologies that will make mining safer, cleaner, and more efficient,” said Tillis. “By collaborating with agencies and experts, we can create high-quality jobs, enhance safety, and equip the next generation with the skills and training needed to strengthen our critical minerals supply chains.”
    The legislation would establish a Mining and Mineral Innovation Program within the Department of Energy (DOE) to increase research, development, and commercialization of advanced mining, recycling, and processing technologies that would reduce environmental and human impacts.
    The U.S. critical minerals list contains 50 minerals – including graphite, nickel, and cobalt – that are essential to our economy, infrastructure, and military capability. Critical minerals are used in smartphones, electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and more. Currently, the U.S. is largely dependent on China for importing these minerals, which creates supply chain instability and threats to national security.
    Specifically, the Unearth Innovation Act would:
    Support research and development of technologies for identifying, mining, recycling, and processing minerals and to reclaim, remediate, and reuse existing mines
    Promote responsible mining practices that minimize human and environmental impact
    Engage with communities and consult with tribal nations to support strategies to increase the prosperity of mining communities
    Allow DOE to coordinate with federal agencies on mining safety innovations
    Partner with academic institutions and the mining industry to accelerate new mining technologies and create a pipeline into the critical minerals workforce
    In the 119th Congress, Hickenlooper has reintroduced his bipartisan STRATEGIC Minerals Act to foster critical minerals trade with our international allies and the bipartisan Critical Materials Future Act to establish a pilot program to finance domestic critical minerals production.
    The Unearth Innovation Act is supported by the Colorado School of Mines, the Bipartisan Policy Center, the National Wildlife Federation, the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, SAFE’s Center for Critical Minerals Strategy, the Key Minerals Forum, the Zero Emission Transportation Association, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, Employ America, MineTech Ventures, Alta Resource Technologies, the Chamber of Progress, U.S. Critical Minerals, Nyrstar, the Alabama Mobility and Power Center (University of Alabama), South32 Hermosa, Alliance for Mineral Security, South Star Battery Metals Corp, the American Critical Minerals Association, and the Federation of American Scientists. For their statements of support, click HERE.
    A one-pager explanation of the bill can be found HERE.
    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Phil Scott Announces $4.7M in Community Development Block Grants to Benefit 15 Transformative Projects

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Montpelier, Vt. – Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) today announced $4,764,010 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to benefit 15 projects in 14 communities. Projects include supporting the creation of the regional Orange County Parent Child Center in Randolph, renovating the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi headquarters in Swanton which includes a food pantry that serves the entire region, and increasing home ownership services provided by the Windham and Windsor Housing Trust.

    “These investments are transformational for rural Vermont and will help revitalize communities,” said Governor Phil Scott. “Without this support, many of these projects would not get across the finish line. I want to thank our Congressional delegation for their support of this important program.”

    There is a total of nine of the projects that will receive a CDBG grant:

    • Town of Braintree – Subgrant to Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation to develop property in Randolph to become Orange County Parent Child Center which will accommodate 88 childcare slots, workforce training, education, and other services.
    • Town of Hardwick – Subgrant to Heartbeet Lifesharing, Inc. to hire at least three full-time staff to support three Vermonters living with developmental and/or physical impairment.
    • Town of Randolph – Subgrant to Randolph Area Community Development Corporation for design and rehabilitation of 25 existing affordable housing units and construction of seven at three different properties.
    • Town of Swanton – Subgrant to Maquam Bay of Missisquoi to renovate the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi’s headquarters in Swanton. The building serves all members of the public with cultural and community services, programs and events including the Abenaki Food Pantry, health and wellness workshops, and preservation and enrichment of indigenous cultural knowledge.
    • Town of Bennington – Subgrant to Shires Housing for integration, technical expertise, and coordination necessary for the merger of Shires Housing, Housing Trust of Rutland County, and NeighborWorks of Western Vermont.
    • Town of Fair Haven – Planning feasibility study to determine if a vacant industrial building can be redeveloped so it can again produce HUD approved Manufactured Homes.
    • Town of Hancock – Conduct feasibility study, develop architectural and engineering plans for construction of housing, and conduct an environmental review at 50 Taylor Meadow.
    • Town of Stowe – Subgrant to Downstreet Housing & Community Development to plan for the merger of the Lamoille Housing Partnership and Downstreet Housing and Community Development.
    • Town of West Rutland – Subgrant to NeighborWorks of Western Vermont to fund merger of Housing Trust of Rutland County, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont, and Shires Housing in Bennington.

    Click here for a full list of awards.

    Six other projects which received CDBG funding in the past are awarded CDBG Enhancement grants in this round. For more details about these latest awards and previous CDBG grants, please visit the DHCD website.

    CDBG is funded by U.S. Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Vermont Community Development Program at DHCD. Seventy percent of CDBG funds must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income households. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL WASHINGTON AND CANADA SIGN HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP TO COMBAT TREN DE ARAGUA

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Lyon, France — INTERPOL Washington Director Jeffrey A. Grimming and National Central Bureau Ottawa Director Marie-Josee Homsy have signed a historic Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to strengthen cross-border law enforcement collaboration against Tren de Aragua (TdA), one of the world’s most dangerous transnational criminal organizations. Exploiting recent migration patterns, TdA has expanded its presence in North America and is now in cities and communities across both countries. This landmark agreement enhances the ability of INTERPOL Washington and NCB Ottawa to combat TdA through robust information sharing, coordinated law enforcement support, and strengthened border security efforts.

    “Today, we have taken a great leap forward in our fight to eradicate TdA in the United States,” said Director Grimming. “By bringing our combined law enforcement resources to bear, the United States and Canada have ensured that TdA will find no safe harbor in either of our nations. Together, as partners, we will work in lockstep to disrupt and dismantle TdA and remove their violent criminal operatives from our communities.”

    “Tackling Transnational Criminal Organizations like TdA requires transnational cooperation,” said Director Homsy. “These groups threaten security and stability across the Americas. This signing is an example of the strong collaboration that takes place between Canadian and American authorities every day – as well as the power and reach of INTERPOL capabilities. By working together, we can dismantle criminal networks, protect our communities, and reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law.”

    According to the MOC, both countries have agreed to take concrete actions within the INTERPOL framework to improve police coordination, information sharing, and operational support against TdA in the United States and Canada. This includes enhancing the timely and secure exchange of criminal intelligence, operational data, and best practices regarding efforts against TdA; coordinating joint investigations and activities targeting TdA; and strengthening mechanisms to detect, prevent, and respond to illicit cross-border TdA activities.

    This agreement was signed during Director Grimming’s participation in the INTERPOL Heads of National Central Bureaus Conference in Lyon, France. In addition to the signing, INTERPOL Washington engaged in high-level bilateral and multilateral meetings with key partners in the fight against TdA. Director Grimming also delivered a keynote presentation on U.S. efforts to dismantle TdA, sharing strategies and best practices with law enforcement leaders from over 140 countries.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust Continues Monthly Distributions, Declares Distributions of $0.14 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Trustees of The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust (NYSE:GDV) (the “Fund”) approved the continuation of its policy of paying fixed monthly cash distributions. The Board of Trustees declared cash distributions of $0.14 per share for each of April, May, and June 2025.

    The Board of Trustees increased the annual distribution 27% to $1.68 per share, which will be paid $0.14 per share monthly, commencing with the January 2025 monthly distribution.

    Distribution Month Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per Share
    April April 15, 2025 April 23, 2025 $0.14
    May May 15, 2025 May 22, 2025 $0.14
    June June 13, 2025 June 23, 2025 $0.14

    Additionally, the Board of Trustees continues to evaluate potential strategic opportunities for the Fund in what we believe to be an attractive environment to invest in the broader equity markets.

    Each quarter, the Board of Trustees reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Trustees will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the financial market environment. If necessary, the Fund will pay an adjusting distribution in December which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the monthly distributions for that year to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Trustees at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, each of the distributions paid to common shareholders in 2025 would include approximately 3% from net investment income, 4% from net capital gains and 93% would be deemed a return of capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the monthly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Carter Austin
    (914) 921-5475

    About The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust
    The Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $3.0 billion in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on dividends and income. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE – GDV
    CUSIP – 36242H104

    THE GABELLI DIVIDEND & INCOME TRUST

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Carter Austin
    (914) 921-5475
    caustin@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust Declares First Quarter Distribution of $0.16 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Trustees of The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust (NYSE:GGZ) (the “Fund”) declared a $0.16 per share cash distribution payable on March 24, 2025 to common shareholders of record on March 17, 2025.

    The Fund intends to pay a quarterly distribution of an amount determined each quarter by the Board of Trustees. In addition to the quarterly distributions, and in accordance with the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies, the Fund may pay an adjusting distribution in December which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the quarterly distributions for that year.

    Each quarter, the Board of Directors reviews the amount of any potential distribution from the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Directors will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification by the Board of Directors at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate sufficient earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro-rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, the current distribution paid to common shareholders in 2025 would be deemed 100% from paid-in capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Bethany Uhlein
    (914) 921-5546

    About The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust
    The Gabelli Global Small and Mid Cap Value Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $136 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is to achieve long-term capital growth of capital. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities (such as common stock and preferred stock) of companies with small or medium sized market capitalizations. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE – GGZ
    CUSIP – 36249W104

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Bethany Uhlein
    (914) 921-5546
    buhlein@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Progress and lessons learned on the road to 2030 climate goals

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Progress and lessons learned on the road to 2030 climate goals

    2025 is a notable year in the world’s continued efforts toward a more sustainable future. It marks the five-year countdown to 2030, the end of the timeline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 2025 will also be the 30th convening of the UN Climate Change Conference—also known as COP30—and it is taking place in Brazil, both a symbolically and strategically important nation in the world’s fight against climate change and environmental degradation.   

    It is also a notable year for Microsoft. In addition to celebrating the 50th anniversary of our company’s founding, it is the midpoint of our own sustainability journey. In 2020 we announced our ambitions to be carbon negative, water positive, and zero waste by 2030, all while protecting ecosystems. We have made tremendous progress over the past five years, and we are proud of what we’ve accomplished. We’ve also learned lessons along the way, lessons that constantly inform and shape our path toward 2030 and beyond.  

    The goals that we set in 2020 reflected what we believed we needed to do in order to help push the world toward a net-zero economy. I joined Microsoft on this journey two years ago—becoming our Chief Sustainability Officer in January 2023—and I continue to be impressed by the work of employees across the company in their relentless pursuit of these goals.  

    • In June 2020, we announced our largest power PPA to date at the time—a 500MW PPA with Sol Systems. Today, we are one of the largest carbon-free energy buyers in the world, with a 34-gigawatt (GW) contracted renewable energy portfolio across 24 countries to date. We are bringing more carbon-free electricity onto the grids where we operate, and we continue to advocate for the expansion of clean energy solutions around the world. 
    • A key component of our water positive goal is to replenish more water than we consume across our global operations. We’ve grown our replenishment portfolio to 90 projects in over 40 locations around the world.  
    • On our journey to become zero waste, we’re finding opportunities to keep electronics in circulation. The repairability of our current portfolio of Surface devices has evolved significantly from our first field-repairable product in 2019. This is also true of Xbox, which recently announced how they’re working to expand the number of ways players can get support to repair their consoles and accessories.  
    • We exceeded our land protection goal, with 15,849 acres of protected land and surpassed our initial target of 11,000 acres by more than 40%. 

    This is only a snapshot of the real progress we’ve made over the last 5 years. We have a longstanding commitment to sustainability, and our experience shows us that the investments and innovations we’ve focused on are good for our company, our customers, the economy, and our planet. Every investment has also been a learning opportunity, a chance to test our assumptions and adjust as needed.  

    While we are proud of these achievements, we know that our work is far from over, and that the path ahead has gotten harder. The world is not on track to meet critical climate goals and we see many of these challenges reflected in our own journey.  

    In 2020, Microsoft leaders referred to our sustainability goals as a “moonshot,” and nearly five years later, we have had to acknowledge that the moon has gotten further away. However, the force creating this distance from our goals in the short term is the same one that will help us build a bigger, faster, and more powerful rocket to reach them in the long term: artificial intelligence (AI). This is not hyperbole. Already, we are seeing AI make a positive impact on the planet, and in the coming years, this technology will begin to rapidly accelerate climate solutions at a scale we’ve not yet seen. In November 2023, we introduced our AI and Sustainability Playbook, which highlights five foundational enabling conditions needed to unlock AI’s full transformative potential for accelerating sustainability progress. In January, we shared a report that highlights our progress and the innovations that have advanced each of those five pillars.  

    Building the AI economy of the future is a top priority for our business, but we are also in the business of sustainability. As CSO, it is my job to ensure that these dual mandates are working together.   

    To achieve this, we need to run our sustainability initiatives like we run the rest of our business: ensuring that our focus is on the highest-impact interventions that truly move the needle when it comes to planetary impact. 

    Carbon Neutrality

    Microsoft announced that it was carbon neutral in 2012, several years ahead of our ambitious goal to be carbon negative by 2030. Microsoft’s prior years achieving carbon neutrality were based on a common combination of environmental attributes purchased with funds from our corporate-wide carbon fee and our overall carbon emissions reduction efforts. This is a prime example of where we have learned and adjusted along our journey. While we continue to apply the carbon fee to investments in emissions reductions, we have ceased purchasing non-additional, unbundled renewable energy certificates. We are refocusing the use of these funds on more long-term, higher-impact investments across carbon reduction, carbon removal, and clean electricity procurement. These interventions are expected to more effectively help us achieve our goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030 and may take us out of carbon-neutral position. 

    We will also continue to invest in innovative climate solutions through our $1B Climate Innovation Fund (CIF). Since launching the CIF in 2020, Microsoft has committed nearly $800M to solutions ranging from sustainable fuels and low-carbon building materials to carbon dioxide removal, water innovation, and circular economy technologies. We now have a portfolio of 63 investees that we’re helping to scale. Going forward, we will extend this strategy and continue to invest our capital to build new markets and increase the market supply of emerging sustainable technologies to address carbon, water, and waste.  

    We are proud to continue making decisions that drive positive environmental impact in the market and deliver high-integrity investments. We remain resolute in our commitment to our climate goals and to empowering others with the technology needed to build a more sustainable future.

    In my first year with Microsoft, I wrote a piece on LinkedIn: Removing Roadblocks in the Race to Net Zero, where I compared reaching our sustainability goals to training for a marathon, noting that “it will take focus, planning, and perseverance to reach the finish line.” Today—and now two years into my role—I would like to add another comparison, to an African proverb that says the following: “If you want to travel fast, travel alone; if you want to travel far, travel together.”     

    In 2025, the moon is further away, so we all must travel together and do more if we are going to reach it. We will continue to work in close collaboration with our employees, customers, suppliers, industry peers, partners, and with policymakers to maximize our impact in pursuit of our shared goals. 

     

    Tags: COP30, net zero, sustainability, Sustainable Development Goals, UN Climate Change Conference

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Captain America: what the evolution of the superhero says about the US

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura Crossley, Senior Lecturer in Film, Bournemouth University

    The first time comic fans saw Captain America, he was punching Adolf Hitler. It was 1940 and the image was the cover of the first volume of the Captain America Comics.

    Now, 85 years later, many people know “Cap” best from his depiction in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The first film to bring the character to the big screen was Captain America: The First Avenger, in 2011. The film establishes what is probably the best known iteration of Captain America, a mantle taken up by the second world war “super-soldier” Steve Rogers (Chris Evans).

    Each iteration of Captain America correlates to the real US of their time. For Trump’s America, that iteration is played by Anthony Mackie. His MCU character, Sam Wilson, formerly known as Falcon, takes up the mantle in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Mackie now appears in his first standalone film in the role, Captain America: Brave New World.

    But what do other MCU wielders of the shield reveal about their respective era of US history?

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    Joe Simon and Jack Kirby, the creators of Captain America, conceived him explicitly as the antithesis to Hitler. By draping Steve Roger in stars and stripes and giving him the name Captain America, their superhero became the symbol of a nation.

    With his origins in the second world war, the Steve Rogers iteration of Captain America is a fairly uncomplicated piece of propaganda, representing the righteousness of the US and its fight against Nazism. Captain America is the archetype of the nationalist superhero. He’s embodiment of the nation state and therefore represents and defends the ideal version of it.

    However, as cultural geographer Jason Dittmer points out in his book Captain America and the Nationalist Superhero (2013), the state and the nation are not necessarily the same thing. The state is the governmental apparatus while the nation is the identity of its people.

    Erskine explains why Rogers was chosen as a super-solder.

    This difference is articulated, to an extent, in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011). The creator of the super-soldier serum, Abraham Erskine (Stanley Tucci) explains that the weak, sickly Rogers was chosen to become the first super-soldier because he understands the value of power. Having never had it, Erskine argues, he would not be corrupted by it. Rogers is not a perfect soldier, but he is a good man and that is more important.

    If we map this onto the US, the implication is that America as a nation is fundamentally good and just, and therefore separate from any potentially problematic policies set by America the state.

    As Rogers’ arc progresses across successive movies, the character becomes increasingly disillusioned with state power and control. His relationship with his own identity as Captain America fluctuates, with his ambivalence often symbolised by his either giving up or reclaiming the shield.

    Enter Sam Wilson

    In one of the closing scenes of Avengers: Endgame (2019), an aged Steve Rogers passes his shield to Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie), the African-American superhero known as the Falcon.

    In the world of the MCU, Captain America’s shield has never just been a shield – it is a symbol of heroism, of moral values and of “American-ness”. It can be read as a symbol of what America is, and what it could be.

    Captain America: Brave New World is Anthony Mackie’s first standalone film in the role.

    The legacy of Steve Rogers’ Captain America was explored in the TV show The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021). The series interrogated topics such as race, patriotism and American identity through the story arcs of two versions of Captain America: the Rogers-approved Wilson and the state-sponsored John Walker (Wyatt Russell). The series explores the concept of heroism and links it to questions of race.

    In American Masculinities: A Historical Encyclopedia (2003), associate professor of American studies Holly Allen argues that: “The basis of American notions of both heroism and manliness has been a tension between virtuous devotion to a higher cause and the quest for personal achievement.”

    This tension is palpably played out in the narrative arc of Rogers and in some ways resolved across the course of his films. His personal achievement (thanks to the super-soldier serum) is put in service of a higher cause, first during the second world war, later with the Avengers and finally in passing the shield to Wilson.

    The state-sponsored shield

    Despite his disillusionment, Rogers is positioned as being the living embodiment of the American dream, rather than a tool of the state. The same cannot be said of Walker, the white, blond, blue-eyed, highly decorated soldier selected to be the next Captain America by the US government.

    Rogers’ Captain America was conceived of to fight against and be ideologically opposed to fascism. But Walker’s short-lived tenure sees him – with the backing of the “Global Repatriation Council” – carrying out raids on safe houses and refuges. He angrily demands that the people he is brutalising show him respect purely because he is Captain America.

    Walker becomes, effectively, the public face of the Global Repatriation Council. Armed with the shield and dubbed the new “Star Spangled Man”, he embodies a particularly American brand of aggressive insertion into global politics. This can be interpreted as a critique of the positioning of America as “the world’s policeman”.

    Wilson’s speech in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier.

    During the show, Walker’s murder of an unarmed dissident brings his stint as Captain America to an end. The shield, mantle and title of Captain America therefore return to Wilson, whose climatic speech in the series’ finale articulates the hostility and judgment he faces as a black man wearing the stars and stripes.

    During the recent promotional tour for Brave New World, Mackie stated that Captain America was a man with “honour, dignity and integrity”, noting that these are virtues not currently embodied by America the state.

    He added that while Cap represents many things, “America” as it currently is should not be one of them. It looks likely then that Wilson’s Captain will return the character to the ideal of the nation as it should be, rather than a tool of state propaganda and repression.

    Unsurprisingly, Mackie has faced enormous backlash to his comments – despite them being almost identical to sentiments expressed by Evans in 2011. Whatever the future of the character in the MCU, ideas around heroism, patriotism and race will be central to the continuing evolution of Captain America.

    Laura Crossley 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. Captain America: what the evolution of the superhero says about the US – https://theconversation.com/captain-america-what-the-evolution-of-the-superhero-says-about-the-us-249635

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We have always used music to express our love – we can now use AI too

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hussein Boon, Principal Lecturer – Music, University of Westminster

    GoodStudio/Shutterstock

    As a nine-year-old, I loved singing and took every chance to do so enthusiastically during school assemblies and end-of-year shows. I developed a bit of a reputation, so much so that one day, a classmate asked me to serenade him and a girl. Cut to me belting Donna by 10CC from behind a bush outside his bedroom window.

    My classmate was lacking in musical or lyrical abilities to write and perform his own song. However, if he found himself in a similar position this Valentine’s Day, he could get a little help from AI, and so can you.

    Suno’s Valentine’s Day Experience is a tool to create personalised love songs in response to a three-question prompt. Keenan Freyberg, one of Suno’s co-founders, noted that their generator is similar to a mixtape, a curated collection of songs that can reflect the compiler’s feelings and intentions.

    Music and dance have long served as mediators in matters of love. A British music publisher, writing in 1912, recounted in Pete Doggett’s Electric Shock, noted that music was essential at the start of a courtship, with song lyrics needing to be a blend of directness and obliqueness. This balance should allow the message to be understood while providing a safe way to ignore it if the sentiment is not reciprocated.

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    This six-week newsletter course from The Conversation will bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required.

    Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time

    So, for instance, if you send someone At Last by Etta James you can plausibly deny that it meant anything. You were just sharing a great song. If, however, they share the sentiment and hear a ring of reciprocal feeling in James’s voice then you can bond in a burgeoning romance where “life is like a song”.

    Many of us have probably been guilty of doing this and there are so many love songs out there that there is quite possibly one to help convey every sort of romantic feeling.

    A recent survey by the UK’s Performing Rights Society of 2,000 British respondents identified All of Me by John Legend as the UK’s favourite love song. The song was prompted by an old friend of Legend’s who suggested that he write one for his future-wife, Chrissy Teigen, that conveyed a similar message as Billy Joel’s She’s Always A Woman To Me. The idea that you could love someone, flaws and all, is a pretty powerful and universal sentiment.

    In the US, a similar chart compiled by Billboard of the top 50 songs with love in their title, spanned hits from 1958 to 2011. The top track was Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, a true classic about undying feelings and commitment.

    The most recently released song in the list was Rhianna’s We Found Love featuring Calvin Harris from 2011. The song’s lyrics and central hook, “We found love in a hopeless place,” were written by Calvin Harris and conveys perhaps a more youthful, possibly hedonistic message of love in a club based track.

    All of these songs have really strong sentiments, but they aren’t quite the same as expressing your unique thoughts and feelings for your intended yourself. But if, like my 10CC-loving friend, you lack the skill, AI could help you craft something a bit more specific for your intended.

    Suno’s love song generator asks for you to plug in your love interest’s name, where you met and something nice about them. The product is a personalised love song. While you might not be able to hide your feelings in the words of others with this AI-generated song, there is something brave and worthy about being so forthright.

    Such a direct show of emotion might not be for you but this new development in AI makes clear that music and words have long been essential in the expression of love through the ages. As my experience at the tender age of nine confirms, providing the right words, with a suitable melody, at crucial moments mitigates the awkwardness of males, of all ages, where matters of the heart are concerned. Even in the age of AI.

    Hussein Boon 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. We have always used music to express our love – we can now use AI too – https://theconversation.com/we-have-always-used-music-to-express-our-love-we-can-now-use-ai-too-249523

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Valentine’s Day: the economic value of romantic tradition

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sameer Hosany, Professor of Marketing, Royal Holloway University of London

    Evgeny Karandaev/Shutterstock

    We may never know if St Valentine, a martyr beheaded for officiating the forbidden weddings of persecuted Christians, was keen on chocolate and flowers. But we do know that millions of people around the world will be using those very items to celebrate his name on February 14.

    In the UK, it is estimated that 60% of the population will celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, each spending around £52 on gifts and other romantic gestures. The total spend in the US will be about US$27 billion (£22 bilion), including roughly $US500 million on roses.

    So the tradition of spending money on your romantic partner on February 14 seems fairly well established. But it is hard to know exactly when the link began.

    Up until the late 14th century, Valentine’s Day was solely a commemoration of his martyrdom. The shift toward an association with romantic love emerged in the Middle Ages, and is often attributed to the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who linked Valentine’s Day to romance in his poem Parliament of Fowls.

    But it was the 19th century industrial revolution which brought about the mass production of romantic gifts. Cadbury was the first chocolate maker to commercialise the association between romance and confectionery by producing heart-shaped boxes of chocolates for Valentine’s Day in 1868. These boxes were decorated with images of Cupid, roses and hearts, and would sometimes be kept to store romantic letters and mementos.

    And while Hallmark did not invent the occasion, it played a big part in bolstering its popularity by selling Valentine’s Day postcards in 1910, and then printing its own greetings cards from 1916.

    Now in the US, around 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged each year, making it the second largest annual occasion for card giving (after Christmas).

    But it’s not just car sellers, florists and chocolate-makers who seek to benefit from the commercial opportunities Valentine’s Day provides. This year for example, IKEA has partnered with a dating app to give nine British couples a “once-in-a-lifetime” first date in an Ikea store, where they will share a meatball dinner for two in bed.

    Lego has launched a travelling campaign in major cities around the world to show off its floral designs, and Coca-Cola has teamed up with a fast-food brand to create a Valentine-themed drive-thru experience.

    Chocolate and marshmallows

    These kinds of one-off marketing campaigns are only possible thanks to a long history of Valentine’s traditions, which vary around the world.

    In Japan for example, it is a two-part celebration. On February 14, women often give “Giri-choco” (“obligation chocolate”) to friends and colleagues, while “home-choco” (“true-feeling chocolate”) is reserved for romantic partners. On March 14, known as White Day, men reciprocate by giving jewellery and less-expensive gifts that are white (marshmallows are a popular choice).

    Celebrations in South Korea are similar to those in Japan, but with the addition of Black Day on April 14 when single people gather at restaurants to eat black noodles (jajangmyeon). In the Philippines, Valentine’s Day is marked by mass weddings organised by the government.

    In Finland and Estonia, Valentine’s Day is known as “Friend’s Day” with the focus on celebrating non-romantic love and friendship. A similar idea, “Galentine’s Day”, which featured in a 2010 episode of the US sitcom Parks and Recreation, has become a popular way of celebrating female friendship.

    Love for sale

    Of course, not all consumers enjoy Valentine’s Day rituals. For many, there is pressure attached to romantic shopping, while for others it is just an unwelcome reminder of their single status.

    It can also bring social pressure, and lead to feelings of obligation and self-loathing.

    But there is a market for that too. Anti-Valentine’s day sentiment has inspired other ways to (not) celebrate, including a box of chocolates aimed at single people.

    And it can be a very valuable day for businesses, large and small. With high levels of participation and spending, Valentine’s Day brings a major surge in revenue for sectors including retail, hospitality and entertainment.

    So although it might not sound very romantic, it’s worth remembering that while money can’t buy you love, love can provide a significant boost to the economy.

    Sameer Hosany 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. Valentine’s Day: the economic value of romantic tradition – https://theconversation.com/valentines-day-the-economic-value-of-romantic-tradition-248594

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways humans have scuppered the love lives of animals

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Louise Gentle, Principal Lecturer in Wildlife Conservation, Nottingham Trent University

    In Canada, male bears are becoming more nocturnal and overlapping less with females. Erik Mandre / shutterstock

    Frustrated with which dating app to use? Unable to find “the one”? Spare a thought for some of the animal kingdom, where humanity has hampered their efforts to find a mate.

    Humans have destroyed or polluted animal habitats. But perhaps the most obvious way that we have affected animals is by placing barriers, such as roads, between populations, making it hard for individual animals to reach each other. In response to this habitat fragmentation, reptile and bird species have increased the distances they move by 35% and 50% respectively.

    Here are five more ways that humans have scuppered the love lives of animals.

    Noise pollution causes animals to sing louder

    Song is hugely important for birds and some other animals, as it indicates their fitness – those who sing louder, or more elaborately, are better able to defend territories against rivals and attract higher quality mates. But city-living great tits have to sing at a higher frequency than those in rural areas, in order to be heard over the sound of low frequency urban noises, such as traffic and machinery. They also sing faster, shorter songs.

    Songbirds have learned to survive in a noisy world.
    Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH / shutterstock

    And its not just terrestrial animals that have changed their behaviour in response to humans. As oceans are largely dark, most marine animals rely on non-visual cues, such as sound, to help them find food, navigate and attract mates. Although some whale song can be over 180 decibels in volume – comparable to the sound of a rocket launch – and heard thousands of miles away, ocean noises caused by humans can be even louder.

    Not only does noise pollution make it much harder to communicate to potential mates, it has also been linked to more frequent strandings, reduced growth and low fertility in whales and dolphins. Narwhals, for example, have even responded to loud noises by diving deeper into the oceans, using up vital resources that they could be putting into reproducing.

    Human disturbance makes mammals more nocturnal

    Given that humans are daytime dwellers, it’s not surprising that some animals have developed nocturnal habits to avoid coming into contact with us. Animals often practice this sort of risk avoidance, but typically they move in space – away from us. With a reduction in available space, animals are also moving in time.

    Mammals have been found to become more nocturnal in response to human disturbance. This disturbance could be anything from hiking to hunting: animals tend to view all human activity as threatening, whether it is or not.

    For example, large male brown bears become more nocturnal when humans are present. But this creates less competition for food during the day. Consequently, the females stick to their daytime activity, essentially separating the males and females in time, and making it increasing difficult to find a mate that won’t fall asleep on them.

    Introduced species hybridise with locals

    Species that are introduced to areas where they are not usually found, whether on purpose or by accident, often wreak havoc on the native animals, spreading disease and out-competing, or even preying, on them.

    The white headed duck is endangered, thanks to hunting, habitat loss, and the new thread of interbreeding with ruddy ducks.
    smutan / shutterstock

    The ruddy duck was unintentionally introduced to Great Britain from North America around 75 years ago, and quickly spread throughout western Europe. After finding their way to Spain, they mated with the endangered white-headed duck, managing to produce fertile offspring and a new hybrid duck. This is pushing the white-headed duck to extinction – not good if you are a white-headed duck looking for love.

    Chemical pollution turns males into females

    Imagine searching for a reproductive partner only to find none of the opposite sex. This is the unfortunate situation some fish have found themselves in.

    Some streams, containing wastewater or effluents, are polluted with synthetic oestrogens from birth-control pills. A study on fathead minnow fish found that increased levels of synthetic oestrogens caused males to have less developed testicles and early-stage eggs. The fish that developed these intersex traits – both male and female characteristics – were found to have fewer and less mobile sperm, which reduced their fertilisation success. This can lead to less sustainable populations, ultimately resulting in extinctions – hardly a good way to find love.

    A rubbish Valentine’s Day gift

    Animals often ingest plastic and other rubbish, or becoming tangled in it. But rubbish isn’t entirely bad news for all animals.

    For instance, birds often use human-made materials when building nests, implying that some species are intentionally using rubbish to show off to members of the opposite sex. One particular species, the satin bower bird, constructs highly ornate bowers – stages where the males show off to the females – decorated with blue items. The more complex the bower, the better the mating success.

    Bower building, with blue plastic litter.
    Ken Griffiths / shutterstock

    But, as there are relatively few blue items in nature, the males now decorate their bowers with as many bright blue items of human rubbish as possible, including bottles tops, crisp packets, pegs and even blue condom wrappers. So, although humans are making it increasingly difficult for animals to survive and reproduce, for this particular bird, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

    Louise Gentle works for Nottingham Trent University

    – ref. Five ways humans have scuppered the love lives of animals – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-humans-have-scuppered-the-love-lives-of-animals-249425

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ‘romantic’ advertising tricks that give you unrealistic expectations of love

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Carl W. Jones, Senior Lecturer at Westminster School of Media and Communication, University of Westminster

    Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

    The run up to February 14 is a good time for selling certain products. And alongside the jewellery and flowers, advertisers also try to sell us something broader: a notion of what we should consider romantic.

    This might involve an idyllic and perfectly filmed holiday destination, or the casting of a glamorous Hollywood star to represent a particular perfume. For research has shown that advertising can shape our expectations of what love should look like – from the perfect partner to the things we should buy for them.

    It’s become a familiar tactic for all kinds of advertising. And it fits with an idea explored by the French literary theorist Roland Barthes in his 1957 collection of essays, Mythologies: that if a message is repeated enough, it becomes true.

    Advertisers seem to have embraced this notion, and we see the same kind of messages repeated year after year, telling potential customers what they should aspire to – and invest in – to achieve their best and most romanticised ideals.

    Whether those ideals are realistic or not is not the goal here. Advertising generates money for brands by creating a commercially driven view of what love should look like.

    There are various techniques available to advertisers to shape those expectations. Emotional appeals, for example, try to evoke feelings of passion and desire.

    Google did this effectively in a simple video which tells a love story through the medium of an online search tool.

    To connect with consumers, some brands use humour to elicit a positive emotional response, like the men’s body shaver company which uses innuendo and suggestive storytelling to sell its product.

    These narratives associate various emotions with specific products or experiences in order to persuade consumer to buy.

    “Social proof” is a different advertising approach which involves relaying a specific message about what consumers can achieve if they turn to a particular brand. You too can be happy if you drink coffee with your new partner at a local branch of McDonalds for example.

    This kind of marketing is designed to appeal to people’s need for social validation. It is advertising which implies that using certain products will lead to a fulfilling romantic life, and that your partner will really love you if you buy them a Toblerone this Valentine’s Day.

    “Targeted marketing” is a method which focuses on creating personalised campaigns for specific audiences. This strategy has become more common as we spend more time online, providing big tech with plenty of data about our likes and dislikes.

    And with online dating still growing in popularity, targeted marketing is applied through apps like Tinder and Hinge, which are able to provide valuable insights into users’ preferences, enabling advertisers to tailor their messages to specific demographics.

    Match up

    Marketing can also apply pressure to consumers to purchase gifts or experiences as a way of demonstrating affection. This could be anything from a box of chocolates to an engagement ring.

    And who came up with the idea that one of those rings should cost the proposer the equivalent of two months’ salary? It was the jewellery company, De Beers.

    In fact, it was only after the company’s 1947 advertising campaign with the slogan “A diamond is forever”, that diamond rings became an engagement tradition at all.

    But depictions of diamonds and perfect lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem when people compare themselves to idealised portrayals in the media. Research suggests that how we process these romantic ideals is affected by our own attachment styles – the patterns of bonding that we learn as children and carry into our adult relationships.

    Feelings of inadequacy have also inspired alternative Valentine’s Day celebrations. For instance, an Indian chocolate bar created a campaign to “destroy Valentine’s Day” using the assumption that as soon as uncles join a trend, such as celebrating February 14th, it becomes instantly unfashionable – and Generation Z runs for the hills.

    Another harmful effect of advertising romance is how young people’s perception of relationships is shaped by the media promoting unrealistic lifestyles, body shapes and beauty standards. These kinds of branded messages are being delivered to romantic consumers of all ages as the battle for their money and time continues.

    Advertisers want you to buy their products. And to make this happen, they also want you to buy into fabricated expectations of romantic love – through repetition, strategy and a familiar date in February.

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

    – ref. The ‘romantic’ advertising tricks that give you unrealistic expectations of love – https://theconversation.com/the-romantic-advertising-tricks-that-give-you-unrealistic-expectations-of-love-249672

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The love we seek: How to build authentic and healthy relationships

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By DaLissa Alzner, Registered Psychotherapist, Adjunct faculty in the Department of Applied Psychology, Adler University

    A healthy relationship is one where you feel comfortable being your authentic self. (Shutterstock)

    Many people spend much of their lives searching for what is arguably one of the most subjective of human experiences — true love. From popular movies, TV shows and dating apps to a cultural focus on finding “the one,” the phenomenon of love is inescapable. Our preoccupation with social connectedness is biologically connected to our desire for human connection.

    But how do we establish connections across all our relationships that positively contribute to our well-being? Identifying the characteristics of a healthy relationship and being mindful of red flags is a reasonable place to start.

    Love is often one of those things that you just know when you feel it. While it is difficult to define love as an explicit experience or construct, there are certain guides we can use to understand what makes a loving relationship.

    What makes a healthy relationship?

    If you believe that friends are the family we choose, then you have been fortunate to experience a meaningful friendship that positively contributes to a reality where you feel appreciated, valued and have a sense of belonging.

    This experience of connection can be defined as compassionate love — originally coined as a component of the Two-Factor Theory of Love, which suggests love is comprised of two main categories. The first is passionate love, which is the intense longing for someone that may end in sexual connection or rejection. The second is compassionate love, which is associated with friendship, companionship and affection.

    A healthy relationship is one where you feel comfortable being your authentic self. As children, we are encouraged to contribute to social situations by being ourselves. As we grow, however, pre-conceived notions and human constructs like social comparison, stone-walling and gaslighting often push us to conform to certain standards or conceal who we are and how we feel

    Being your authentic self means aligning your actions and behaviours with your core values and beliefs. This allows you to engage in self-discovery and thrive in every environment or relationship you find yourself in.

    This alignment fosters a sense of congruence between your internal self and external expressions, allowing you to interact with others genuinely. Engaging with others authentically allows you to navigate social interactions with integrity and fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships.

    What does love look like?

    While love can be a difficult thing to define, there are some ways that we can sense when it is present, and when it isn’t.

    Celebrating differences: Embracing the authenticity and differences of friends, siblings and partners fosters appreciation. This can reduce criticism, unrealistic expectations and dissatisfaction in relationships. Forcing change may work briefly, but it often leads to resentment and unhappiness.

    Putting in the work: The grass is greener where you water it. Whether it’s a 25-year or five-month partnership, relationships require effort and co-operation. Working through individual differences to achieve a common goal is crucial in relationships. Siblings may need to overlook disagreements, while friends should meet regularly.

    Leaning into language: When extending a gesture or token of appreciation, consider how it will be received by your partner — not by you. For instance, if you enjoy going out for dessert, but the other person prefers staying at home, you might initially think to take them out for dessert. However, to ensure the gesture is meaningful, present it in a way that aligns with their preferences and how they receive affection.

    Diffusion: Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages people to create psychological and emotional space when conflict arises. This makes space for them to process conflict objectively, while also de-personalizing the interaction, contributing to emotional regulation and an ability to respond intentionally. The ability to develop and facilitate this skill is a vital tool for emotional regulation across relationships and circumstances.

    To curate healthy and meaningful relationships, be intentional about nurturing connection, authenticity and mutual respect.
    (Shutterstock)

    Signs love may not be present

    Our need to belong and form meaningful connections drives our desire for companionship. When these efforts fail or relationships break, it is painful. Yet, there are some potential signs that can indicate when love is no longer present in a relationship.

    Lack of communication and avoiding conflict: Poor communication and avoiding conflict can harm relationships. Research shows that not communicating leads to misunderstandings, emotional withdrawal and unresolved issues. Avoiding conflict can result in internalizing emotions, passive-aggressive behaviour and tension. In friendships, poor communication can cause feelings of being unheard or undervalued. Studies indicate that healthy friendships rely on open communication and respectful conflict resolution.

    In family relationships, dysfunctional communication often contributes to division and resentment. Family therapy research has found that a lack of open communication can contribute to generational misunderstandings, leading to dysfunctional family dynamics.

    Lack of empathy and emotional support: Empathy is essential for maintaining a long and satisfying relationship longevity. In the absence of empathy, relationships are more likely to become emotionally disconnected and particularly one sided, where one person is identified as the giver and the other the recipient.

    Within families, particularly between parents and children, the absence of empathy may lead to significant emotional strain. Research has found that if family members fail to offer emotional support or to recognize each other’s needs, it negatively impacts family cohesion and individual well-being.

    Controlling or manipulative behavior: Controlling behaviours, like restricting autonomy or manipulating someone into believing they are the problem in every situation, poses a serious threat to the well-being of a relationship. Research has shown that controlling behaviours often reflect insecurity and can contribute to abusive dynamics in relationships.

    In friendships, manipulation may present as guilt-tripping, isolating from others or using emotional leverage to get one’s way. Research in this area suggests that healthy friendships involve mutual respect and boundaries, and when manipulation is present, satisfaction and trust is significantly reduced.

    In families, controlling behaviours from parents, siblings or other relatives may contribute to a decrease in personal growth. The creation of toxic family dynamics manipulation and control at the hands of family has been found to significantly contribute to damaging effects over time, particularly in the parent-child relationship.

    To curate healthy and meaningful relationships, be intentional about nurturing connection, authenticity and mutual respect. By celebrating differences, putting in effort, communicating openly and practising emotional regulation, it is possible to create meaningful relationships that will positively contribute to our well-being.

    At the same time, we need to be diligent in recognizing and addressing red flags like poor communication and manipulative behaviours. Doing so allows us to safeguard our emotional health. Start today — reflect on your relationships, embrace authenticity and take the steps necessary to build deeper, more supportive connections that enrich your life.

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

    – ref. The love we seek: How to build authentic and healthy relationships – https://theconversation.com/the-love-we-seek-how-to-build-authentic-and-healthy-relationships-247674

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The heart is a symbol of love – things weren’t always like that

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol

    Valentine’s Day is all about the hearts: heart-shaped chocolates, cards, balloons and even pizza. But the heart hasn’t always just been a symbol of romance.

    Across cultures and centuries, the heart has been revered as the seat of the soul, a source of supernatural power and a vessel of identity. From ancient Egyptian afterlife beliefs to medieval relics, from necromantic rituals to modern heart transplants, this organ has been at the centre of both scientific curiosity and deep-seated mysticism.

    Why has the heart, more than any other organ, been imbued with such deep symbolism and power? While anatomy tells us it is a muscular pump controlled by electrical impulses, history tells a more complex story – one of rituals, relics and even dark magic.

    The human heart is a remarkably efficient pump, beating about 100,000 times a day and circulating about 7,500 litres of blood. It is driven by the sinoatrial node, a cluster of pacemaker cells that spontaneously generate electrical impulses independently of the brain.

    As this intrinsic electrical system does not rely on direct nervous input but is influenced by it, the heart can continue beating for a short while even when removed from the body – provided it has an adequate supply of oxygen and electrolytes. This uncanny quality only reinforced superstitions that the heart was more than just a muscle and may explain why many early cultures viewed the heart as possessing a life force of its own.

    But to present the heart as merely a pump ignores wider influences. The heart functions as an endocrine organ, releasing hormones that regulate blood pressure, fluid balance and cardiovascular health.

    The connection between the heart and “love hormones”, such as oxytocin, extends beyond metaphor, as research suggests the heart not only responds to oxytocin but may also play a role in its release.

    Oxytocin is primarily produced in the brain by the hypothalamus and released from the pituitary gland, flooding the body during moments of affection, trust and bonding. It is the chemical catalyst behind the deep emotional connections that define human relationships.

    The heart is equipped with oxytocin receptors, and studies show that the hormone promotes vasodilation (widening of the blood vessels), reducing blood pressure and improving circulation. Beyond this, oxytocin may protect the heart, helping it repair itself and reducing inflammation after injury, such as during a heart attack.

    However, the heart’s function was not always understood. The ancient Greeks believed it was the seat of intelligence, while Aristotle dismissed the brain as a mere “cooling fluid” for the heart’s divine fire.

    Galen, a Greek physician, surgeon and philosopher who lived during Roman times, described the heart as the body’s furnace, while William Harvey’s 1628 discovery of circulation reshaped our understanding of this important organ. Even so, its symbolic and mystical significance never fully waned.

    The seat of the soul

    The ancient Egyptians preserved the heart during mummification, believing it would be weighed by Anubis against the Feather of Truth, the divine measure of justice. Ironically, the brain was discarded as totally useless. An excerpt from the Book of the Dead, an ancient Egyptian funerary text, reads:

    O my heart which I had from my mother! which I had from my mother! O my heart of my different ages! Don’t stand up as a witness against me. Do not be opposed to me in the tribunal.

    This spell is intended to pacify the heart and assert dominion, ensuring it remains loyal when weighed.

    The idea that the heart carried more than just blood persisted into the Renaissance, with scholars debating whether it was the true locus of identity.

    “If indeed from the heart alone rise anger or passion, fear, terror, and sadness; if from it alone spring shame, delight, and joy, why should I say more?” Andreas de Laguna, a Spanish physician wrote in 1535.

    Even today, heart transplants fuel questions about whether a transplanted heart carries something of its donor. Some recipients report changes in personality, memories or food preferences, raising speculation about cellular memory. While no definitive scientific basis exists, such cases continue to intrigue.

    Heart of darkness

    The heart’s power was not only revered, but feared. In folk magic and necromancy, people believed that the hearts of executed criminals retained energy from their violent deaths. Some thought consuming, burning or preserving a heart could grant knowledge or strength.

    In Scotland and England, people reportedly boiled the hearts of murderers to prevent their ghosts from haunting the living. Dried hearts were sometimes ground into powders for potions, while in occult traditions, they were burned in rituals to banish spirits or bind enemies.

    More disturbing are accounts of unbaptised infants’ hearts in witchcraft traditions. Some sources claim they were used in hexes, flying ointments or dark pacts. While probably exaggerated during witch trials, such stories reflect a deep-rooted belief in the heart as a conduit of power.

    The heart has been a vessel of the soul, a source of magic and a point of conflict between science and superstition. While modern medicine has demystified much of its function, its symbolism remains deeply ingrained in human culture.

    This Valentine’s Day, as we exchange stylised hearts in celebration of love, we might pause to remember that the power of the heart has been a symbol of life, death and everything in between for millennia.

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

    – ref. The heart is a symbol of love – things weren’t always like that – https://theconversation.com/the-heart-is-a-symbol-of-love-things-werent-always-like-that-249211

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Decolonization ‘Central to Mission of United Nations’, Secretary-General Tells 2025 Special Committee Session

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ opening remarks, delivered by Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cabinet, at the 2025 Session of the Special Committee on the Situation with regard to the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, in New York today:

    I am pleased to deliver the Secretary-General’s remarks today on his behalf.  It is my pleasure to greet the Special Committee on Decolonization at the beginning of its 2025 Session.  As the Committee continues to fulfil its vital mandate, I remain fully committed to your work.

    Decolonization is central to the mission of the United Nations — and one of the defining causes of my own political journey.  I witnessed first hand how liberation movements in Portuguese colonies transformed societies, including my own.

    Yet, decolonization is just the first step on a new path, not the journey’s end.  Countries must still grapple with the legacy of colonialism — including economies structured by exploitation, persistent inequalities, chronic economic, social and institutional underinvestment, and profound imbalances and discrimination.

    As we meet today, 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories remain.  Each with its own set of unique challenges and circumstances.

    As you can see, our work is far from over.  However, the path to decolonization requires the collaboration of Non-Self-Governing Territories, administering Powers, Member States, and other stakeholders to support these Territories, guided by the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions.

    In the upcoming session, I urge all involved to strengthen dialogue towards achieving decolonization.  Constructive discussions among all are essential to eradicating colonialism.

    Most Territories are small islands on the front lines of the climate crisis.  I therefore urge you to keep resilience and adaptation at the heart of today’s discussions.

    We in the Secretariat will do everything to support the Special Committee in its important task.  Over the coming year, let’s redouble our efforts to end colonialism.  I wish you every success during this session.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: ASIRT investigations concluded on three files

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Man jailed for murder following violent attack in Redbridge

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who was found guilty of murder following a violent attack in Redbridge has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

    Marius Ziugzda, 48, (15.06.76), of no fixed address, was sentenced on Thursday, 13 February and will serve a minimum of 18 years.

    He was previously found guilty on Friday, 17 January of the murder of 60-year-old Brian Shields following a two-week week trial at Wood Green Crown Court.

    Brian, who lived in a disused pavilion in a park with Ziugzda, was killed by blunt force trauma to his head and chest on 20 October 2022 – injuries consistent with multiple punches or kicks.

    Detective Sergeant David Brooks, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Despite Ziugzda’s claims that he and Brian were friends, he subjected him to a sustained and ultimately fatal attack. This verdict is a testament to the hard work of the investigation team, the numerous witnesses who came forward and the efforts of the wider police team.”

    On the morning of his death, police were called at 11:14hrs to Orchard playing fields (formerly Goodmayes Park extension) in Redbridge, following reports of an unresponsive man at the location. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Brian sadly died.

    At the scene, Ziugzda approached the cordon, despite being told by officers that he could not enter the park. Ziugzda then spoke with officers and said that he had been with Brian the previous evening.

    Ziugzda said that he had slept at the location and had woken up there that morning to find Brian dead. He said “I killed him today, I don’t know what….” He then said something incomprehensible before saying, “my friend, in the morning I killed him, now…..”

    Officers noted that Ziugzda’s hands appeared to have scuff marks and scratches on them and when later questioned by detectives about his earlier comments, he said that the police officer must have misunderstood what he said.

    In interview Ziugzda said that he and Brian arrived at the Park at 20:00hrs on 19 October 2022 and at some point that evening Ziugzda said that he left Brian to get water from a local shop.

    He claimed that upon leaving and returning to Brian he found him uninjured. He confirmed that it was only the two of them at the location and that they sat up for a period of time drinking and smoking before Ziugzda had fallen asleep next to Brian at the pavilion.

    To confirm Ziugzda’s claims, detectives viewed 10 hours of CCTV footage from the two nearest shops to the park and found that Ziugzda had visited one to buy water and alcohol but that at the time he had visible red staining on his trousers. This was later forensically examined and identified as the Brian’s blood, contradicting his account of Brian being uninjured before he went to sleep.

    Officers also gathered witness statements which revealed that at about 23:00hrs, loud, aggressive shouting of two distinct male voices could be heard from the area of the disused pavilion.

    Following this evidence, Ziugzda was subsequently charged on 23 October 2022.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Huntzinger Management Group Welcomes Industry Leader Jon P. Burns as Advisor

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUNMORE, Pa., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Huntzinger Management Group is thrilled to announce that accomplished healthcare IT and operations executive Jon P. Burns has joined the organization as an advisor. His decades of expertise, leadership, and transformative impact in healthcare technology and operations will further strengthen Huntzinger’s ability to deliver strategic insights and value-driven solutions to clients.

    “We are beyond excited to welcome Jon to the Huntzinger team,” said Robert Kitts, CEO and Founding Partner at Huntzinger. “His vast industry experience, innovative leadership, and ability to drive meaningful change in healthcare IT and operations align perfectly with our mission to empower organizations with expert-driven solutions.”

    About Jon P. Burns

    With an impressive career extending 48 years in healthcare leadership, Jon Burns has held senior executive roles at leading institutions, including Geisinger, UNC Hospitals, Cleveland Clinic, and the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). As UMMS’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) and later Chief Administrative Officer, he spearheaded the integration of IT and other operations across the medical system, executed a single enterprise-wide EMR, and co-developed iHarbor, an innovation center that generated marketable healthcare technology products. His expertise in operations, healthcare technology, and strategy has earned him national recognition, including being consistently named among Becker’s Health Care’s Top CIOs.

    Huntzinger is honored to have Jon as part of its growing team of industry-leading advisors. His experience and leadership will further enhance Huntzinger’s ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions, drive healthcare transformation, and optimize IT performance for clients nationwide.

    For more information about Huntzinger and its services, visit https://huntzingergroup.com

    ABOUT HUNTZINGER MANAGEMENT GROUP
    Huntzinger Management Group provides expert healthcare advisory and managed services, delivering actionable solutions that enhance performance, manage risk, and drive results. Recognized as a “Best in KLAS” organization, Huntzinger is committed to excellence in healthcare IT leadership. With a team of seasoned healthcare professionals, Huntzinger sets the standard in HIT leadership. For more information, please visit https://huntzingergroup.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Key Tronic Corporation Executes New Lease to Expand Domestic Operations In Arkansas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Tronic Corporation, a provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), is expanding its clean-tech manufacturing operations in Arkansas, establishing its flagship manufacturing and research and development location in Springdale. The company anticipates investing more than $28 million in the new facility and expects to create over 400 new jobs in the next five years.

    “We are pleased to announce the expansion of our U.S. manufacturing operations in Northwest Arkansas. Our new center of excellence in Springdale will provide both our employees and customers with cutting-edge technology and the increased capacity necessary to accommodate expected growth,” said Brett Larsen, CEO of Key Tronic. “We are committed to continuously investing in our capabilities and attracting innovative talent. Our people are our most valuable asset, and we are delighted to enhance our operations in a region where we have maintained a longstanding presence and a strong team and can benefit from a business-friendly environment.”

    “When we invest in education and our workforce, we can attract companies like Key Tronic and ensure they have the skilled workforce they need. Arkansas LEARNS and ACCESS are laser-focused on that issue and help attract announcements like this one, which mean $28 million and nearly 400 jobs for Springdale,” said Governor Sanders.

    Key Tronic will be shifting its existing Arkansas operations to a new larger facility in Springdale, located at 601 W Apple Blossom Avenue later in 2025, increasing its total U.S. production capacity by approximately 40 percent.

    “Crossland purchased the land in 2021 with a vision to build a modern, best-in-class facility, and we are grateful that Key Tronic has chosen this location to call home. This building is part of a larger business park, representing an investment of over $100 million in the Springdale community,” said Director of Real Estate Mattie Crossland. “Our goal is to provide spaces that allow our tenants to run their businesses efficiently while also contributing to the growth and future of the community.”

    Crossland Realty Group developed the 300,000-square-foot building shell in late 2023, with Crossland Construction completing Key Tronic’s tenant improvements, slated for completion in Q3 2025.

    “Key Tronic has a long history of manufacturing electronics in Arkansas, and we are proud that the company has decided to expand their presence and increase production capacity in our state,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Congratulations to the Key Tronic team and to the City of Springdale on this major economic development win.”

    “Key Tronic’s decision to relocate to Springdale is a strong endorsement of our city’s talented workforce, thriving economy, and commitment to fostering business success,” said Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse. “This investment brings significant job opportunities to our community, further strengthening Springdale’s reputation as a prime destination for industry and innovation. We proudly welcome Key Tronic and look forward to their future growth here.”

    “This exciting announcement would not have been possible without the leadership of Governor Sanders and the unwavering support of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission,” said Bill Rogers, president and CEO of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to our regional partners and the proactive efforts of Mayor Sprouse’s administration, we were able to roll out the red carpet for Key Tronic. We are thrilled to welcome them to Springdale and look forward to supporting their success in our community.”

    “Key Tronic’s reinvestment in Northwest Arkansas highlights our region’s strong workforce and pro-growth environment,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. “As a leader in electronics manufacturing, their expansion strengthens our economy, retains quality jobs and creates new opportunities—reinforcing our position as a top destination for business and innovation.”

    About Key Tronic
    Founded in 1969, Key Tronic is a leading contract manufacturer offering value-added design and manufacturing services from its facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Vietnam. The Company provides its customers with full engineering services, materials management, worldwide manufacturing facilities, assembly services, in-house testing, and worldwide distribution. Its customers include some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers. Key Tronic has operated in Arkansas since 1985.

    For more information about Key Tronic visit: www.keytronic.com.

    About Crossland Construction Company
    Crossland is a top-ranked construction firm offering a wide range of services through its family of companies. Crossland Construction provides general contracting, construction management, and much more. Crossland Realty, a division of Crossland Construction, offers complete real estate services, guiding clients through location scouting, planning, development, construction, and leasing. Crossland is dedicated to Building So Much More for its clients and the communities they serve. Learn more: www.crossland.com

    About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
    At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Key Tronic’s opportunities and its partnership, the potential success of Key Tronic and the customer, and related revenues. Forward-looking statements include all passages containing verbs such as aims, anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, hopes, intends, plans, predicts, projects or targets or nouns corresponding to such verbs.  Forward-looking statements also include other passages that are primarily relevant to expected future events or revenue or that can only be fully evaluated by events that will occur in the future.  There are many factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted or projected in forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the success and timing of our expansion plans; the success and timing of ramping; availability and timing and receipt of critical parts or components; demand from customers and sales channels; the future of the global economic environment and its impact on our customers and suppliers; the availability of a healthy workforce; the accuracy of suppliers’ and customers’ forecasts; development and success of customers’ programs and products; success of new-product introductions; the risk of legal proceedings or governmental investigations relating to the previously reported financial statement restatements and related material weaknesses, the May 2024 cybersecurity incident and the subject of the internal investigation by the Company’s Audit Committee and related or other unrelated matters; acquisitions or divestitures of operations or facilities; technology advances; changes in pricing policies by the Company, its competitors, customers or suppliers; impact of new governmental legislation and regulation, including tax reform, tariffs and related activities, such trade negotiations and other risks; and other factors, risks, and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    CONTACTS:   Anthony G. Voorhees   Michael Newman
        Chief Financial Officer   Investor Relations
        Key Tronic Corporation   StreetConnect
        (509) 927-5345   (206) 729-3625

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iink Appoints Scott Fleszar as Chief Executive Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iink, a leading provider of technology to streamline the property damage insurance claims process and support faster payments to contractors, property owners, and claim professionals, is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Fleszar as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Fleszar brings extensive experience and a proven track record of scaling businesses, driving operational excellence, and cultivating customer-centric innovation in high growth technology companies.

    Mr. Fleszar succeeds Tom McGrath who will transition to the role of Chief Product Officer and lead iink’s product innovation efforts. “Tom has been a tremendous steward of the iink business, and this planned transition will ensure that Tom’s deep industry expertise and experience leading product teams will continue to support our ambitious platform innovation agenda and customer-focused product roadmap,” said Mr. Fleszar. Mr. McGrath will also lead iink’s partnerships strategy aimed at building more automation and connectivity across the insurance payments ecosystem.

    “I am excited to work closely with Tom as we continue to enhance iink platform’s capabilities and extend our reach through partnerships to offer customers more convenience, transparency, and speed in claims processing and payments.” Mr. Fleszar added.

    iink recently launched powerful new platform capabilities, including a proprietary digital wallet that enables instant, wallet-to-wallet payments, even on weekends. “We are just getting started with our vision for revolutionizing claims processing and payments,” said Mr. McGrath. “This is an exciting time for iink. Scott’s experience leading high-growth technology businesses will help propel us into our next phase of expansion and strengthen our market leadership.”   

    Mr. Fleszar most recently served as CEO of SafeSend, a market leader in automation and client collaboration technology for accounting firms. During his tenure, the company experienced transformational growth, with revenues increasing eightfold, annual margin improvements, and customer NPS scores rising into the 60s—a testament to strong customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, SafeSend cultivated an award-winning, high-performance culture, marked by exceptional employee engagement, low turnover, and a commitment to innovation, positioning the company as a standout employer in the fintech and automation space.

    “I am thrilled to join iink at such a pivotal time in its journey,” said Mr. Fleszar. “Leading a passionate and talented team, backed by an engaged investor group, is truly an honor. iink has established itself as a pioneer in insurance payments, and I look forward to accelerating our growth, expanding our product offerings, and delivering even greater value to customers and partners.” Under Mr. Fleszar’s leadership, iink will focus on advancing its technology platform, securing key strategic partnerships, and expanding its Sales and Marketing efforts. His vision reinforces iink’s mission to simplify claims payments, empower policyholders, and drive efficiency across the insurance ecosystem.

    “Scott’s extensive experience and leadership make him the ideal person to guide iink into its next chapter,” said King Goh of Headline Venture Capital, Chairman of the Board at iink. “We are confident that his strategic vision and passion for innovation will propel iink to new heights and further strengthen our position as an industry leader.”

    Mr. Fleszar’s appointment follows the recent addition of Tina Hsiao to iink’s Board of Directors. Hsiao brings deep expertise in payments, having led WePay through a Series B funding round to a successful acquisition by JP Morgan Chase.

    The appointments of Mr. Fleszar and Ms. Hsiao come at a pivotal moment for iink as the company pursues rapid expansion of its platform capabilities, target customer segments, and vendor partners.

    About iink

    iink, Corp develops and operates a homeowner’s claims and endorsements management platform. The company provides document review, insurance claims, mortgages, insurance payments, endorsement package submission, and insurance services. Its platform also allows its users to access property insurance payments for restoration professionals and enables payees to endorse and disburse funds electronically.

    For more information about iink, please visit https://iink.com/.

    Media Contact:

    iink Media Relations

    media@iink.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Unifying Cybersecurity and IT Management: USX Cyber Unveils the Next Evolution of GUARDIENT XDR

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VIENNA, Va., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — USX Cyber, a leader in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, today announced the latest evolution of its flagship GUARDIENT™ XDR platform—now integrating advanced Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) capabilities. This powerful upgrade transforms GUARDIENT into a comprehensive cybersecurity and IT management platform, enabling businesses to detect, respond, and remediate threats—all within a single solution.

    A Unified Approach to Security and IT Management

    Traditional cybersecurity solutions focus on detection and response, often leaving IT teams struggling with remediation and ongoing system management. With GUARDIENT XDR’s latest enhancements, security and IT operations converge into a unified solution, providing:

    • Comprehensive Remote Access – Secure, real-time remote access to any endpoint, enabling IT teams to troubleshoot and respond to incidents instantly.
    • Automated Patch & Software Management – Ensuring all endpoints stay updated with the latest security patches and software versions, reducing vulnerabilities.
    • Live System Monitoring & Health Checks – Continuous system diagnostics, tracking CPU usage, memory consumption, and disk health to proactively address performance issues.
    • Policy Enforcement & Compliance Management – Centralized security policy enforcement, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
    • Real-Time Threat Response & Remediation – Instant security actions such as isolating compromised systems, terminating malicious processes, and executing remote security scripts.

    Why This Matters

    Cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented rate, and organizations can no longer afford to have siloed security and IT management. By integrating RMM capabilities, GUARDIENT XDR enables IT and security teams to work in unison—eliminating inefficiencies, reducing downtime, and significantly improving response times.

    Unlike conventional cybersecurity platforms that rely on third-party tools for remediation, GUARDIENT XDR’s built-in capabilities provide:

    • Faster incident resolution with direct endpoint access for immediate forensic analysis and remediation.
    • Reduced operational overhead by automating system maintenance and security enforcement.
    • Enhanced IT visibility with a single pane of glass to monitor and secure all managed endpoints.

    Setting a New Standard for Cybersecurity Excellence

    Many organizations struggle to balance robust security with efficient IT management. GUARDIENT XDR’s advanced integration closes this gap, delivering an intelligent, automated, and proactive defense system that strengthens security postures while empowering IT teams to maintain optimal system health and compliance—without unnecessary complexity.

    “With GUARDIENT XDR’s latest advancements, we’re redefining what cybersecurity means for businesses and MSPs. It’s no longer just about detecting threats—it’s about eliminating them, automating IT management, and streamlining operations in a way no other platform can. This evolution cements GUARDIENT XDR as the most complete security and IT management solution on the market.”

    – Cole McKinley, Chief Technology Officer, USX Cyber

    About USX Cyber

    USX Cyber is at the forefront of AI-powered cybersecurity innovation, delivering cutting-edge threat detection and response solutions tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), small to mid-sized businesses, and enterprises. Our flagship GUARDIENT XDR platform consolidates security operations, enhances threat visibility, and automates incident response—helping businesses stay secure, compliant, and ahead of evolving cyber threats.

    For more information about USX Cyber and our solutions, visit www.usxcyber.com.

    Media Inquiries

    Rod Volz
    Chief Growth Officer, USX Cyber
    Email: rod@usxcyber.com
    Phone: (703) 244-3892

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Europe’s Security is Ukraine’s security

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    Ukraine’s security is Europe’s security. There can be no peace deal without Ukraine at the table. As we stand for Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity, our priority must be to strengthen Ukraine.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o80B2JSq8Q

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden and Biggs Urge New Intel Chief Gabbard to Protect Americans’ Communications From Foreign Surveillance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 13, 2025
    U.S. Must Resist Reported U.K. Efforts to Spy on Americans’ Encrypted Files, They Write in Bipartisan Letter
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Representative Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., today urged Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to protect U.S. communications from demands by the United Kingdom that will leave all Americans less secure and more vulnerable to spying by China, Russia, and other adversaries.
    Wyden and Biggs wrote in response to reports that the U.K. ordered Apple to build a backdoor into encrypted iCloud backups to enable government surveillance of messages, photos and other files. Apple is barred from even disclosing the U.K. order to the public, or members of Congress, according to the Washington Post.
    “If the U.K. does not immediately reverse this dangerous effort, we urge you to reevaluate U.S.-U.K. cybersecurity arrangements and programs as well as U.S. intelligence sharing with the U.K.,” Wyden and Biggs wrote. “The bilateral U.S.-U.K. relationship must be built on trust. If the U.K. is secretly undermining one of the foundations of U.S. cybersecurity, that trust has been profoundly breached.”
    Creating a backdoor for the U.K. government would open a glaring new security weakness in all encrypted products subject to the reported order. Weakening American cybersecurity is particularly shortsighted following China’s “Salt Typhoon” hack of U.S. phone networks — which included tapping President Trump and Vice President Vance’s calls. In response, U.S. cybersecurity officials publicly recommended Americans to use encrypted services to secure their calls, texts, and other communications against foreign hackers and criminals.
    According to a public report published by the U.K. Parliament’s intelligence oversight committee in 2023, the U.K. benefits greatly from a “mutual presumption towards unrestricted sharing of [Signals Intelligence]” between the U.S. and U.K. and that “[t]he weight of advantage in the partnership with the [National Security Agency] is overwhelmingly in [the U.K.’s] favour.”
    Read the full letter to DNI Gabbard here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Join Effort Demanding Trump Reverse Illegal Firing of Independent FEC Chair

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 13, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined an effort led by California’s U.S. Senator Alex Padilla to demand President Trump rescind his unprecedented and illegal firing of Federal Election Commission (FEC) Chair Ellen Weintraub. The Senators also advised Trump to pursue the lawful process of consulting with the Senate on nominating a replacement for both Weintraub and future vacancies.
    The FEC is an independent, bipartisan agency tasked with enforcing U.S. campaign finance laws. In the 50 years since it was created — in the wake of the Watergate scandal — a commissioner has never been fired by the President. Typical procedure, as outlined in the Federal Election Campaign Act, is to have a Commissioner depart upon confirmation of their replacement. The illegal, unprecedented firing of Chair Weintraub took effect immediately on February 6.
    “Chair Weintraub must be able continue to serve in her role unless and until you use the lawful process of nominating a commissioner for the Senate’s consideration and that nominee is confirmed,” wrote the Senators. “Your letter seeking to remove a commissioner ignores the legal requirements that commissioners may not be removed without cause. This effort violates the procedure set in statute for replacing commissioners in the Federal Election Campaign Act and appears to be a bad faith effort to dismantle the only federal agency that protects the American people’s right to transparency in campaigns and elections.”
    “Record spending in our elections, including from ultra-wealthy individuals who now serve at the highest levels of power, has placed the FEC’s responsibilities at the heart of maintaining a healthy democracy,” continued the Senators. “While years of deadlock at the Commission have hindered its ability to serve as an effective regulator, removing commissioners without cause moves beyond dysfunction to outright destruction.”
    In addition to Merkley, Wyden, and Padilla, the letter was signed by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    Full text of the letter is available here and below:
    Dear President Trump:
    We write to strongly urge you to rescind your illegal attempt to remove Chair Ellen Weintraub from the Federal Election Commission (FEC), the independent and bipartisan agency charged with enforcing our campaign finance laws. Chair Weintraub must be able continue to serve in her role unless and until you use the lawful process of nominating a commissioner for the Senate’s consideration and that nominee is confirmed.
    Your letter seeking to remove a commissioner ignores the legal requirements that commissioners may not be removed without cause. This effort violates the procedure set in statute for replacing commissioners in the Federal Election Campaign Act and appears to be a bad faith effort to dismantle the only federal agency that protects the American people’s right to transparency in campaigns and elections.
    Removing an FEC commissioner without nominating a replacement is without precedent. With Republican Commissioner Sean Cooksey’s recent resignation to join your administration, regular order would be to consult with the Senate on a bipartisan basis and nominate a pair of Republican and Democratic commissioners for the Senate’s consideration. Unlawfully removing a commissioner with an existing vacancy, without consultation with the Senate on nominations to replace them, demonstrates an intent to ignore the Senate’s constitutional role and diminish the Commission’s ability to hold accountable potential violations of campaign finance law.
    Chair Weintraub, a Democratic commissioner, has a strong record of seeking to enforce the law that regulates money in politics on a nonpartisan basis, including holding presidential campaigns accountable. Congress created the FEC over 50 years ago, in the wake of the Watergate scandal that eroded trust in our government. The FEC was designed to be free from the interference of those it might be regulating and to ensure the American people had insight into how money was being spent to influence its elected officials. The role of money in our elections has changed since the FEC was first created, particularly as the Supreme Court has issued decisions permitting dark money to infiltrate our elections. However, the need for balanced and dedicated commissioners who work on behalf of the country has remained unchanged.
    Further, record spending in our elections, including from ultra-wealthy individuals who now serve at the highest levels of power, has placed the FEC’s responsibilities at the heart of maintaining a healthy democracy. While years of deadlock at the Commission have hindered its ability to serve as an effective regulator, removing commissioners without cause moves beyond dysfunction to outright destruction.
    We call on you to rescind your unlawful letter and pursue the legal process for replacing commissioners in bipartisan consultation with the Senate.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Making Valentine’s Day More Expensive This Year

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – There are many ways to show one’s love on Valentine’s Day, but unfortunately, due to President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and refusal to help lower food prices, Americans will likely shell out record amounts this year for things like flowers, chocolate, or a dinner date at their favorite local restaurant. 

    U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) says it’s time President Trump follow through on his campaign promise to actually do something to help lower prices instead of making moves to increase costs on consumers and American businesses.

    “Donald Trump pledged to fix the economy, but so far he’s made things worse.  He’s fixated on tax cuts for the wealthy and tariffs that economic experts say will only drive up prices for American consumers.  Since Trump took office, inflation is accelerating and groceries, gas, and rents rose over the last month.  His chaotic, destabilizing approach is sending prices in the wrong direction for families,” said Senator Reed.

    During Trump’s second term in office, the consumer price index rose 3 percent in January from a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. It has increased from a 3-and-a-half year low of 2.4 percent in September.

    Those planning to wine and dine their sweetheart this Valentine’s Day will likely face higher costs than last year for everything from flowers to food to fuel.  In fact, Trump’s focus on everything but the economy might leave Americans a little lighter in their wallet for things like:

    Flowers: A majority of florists import their bouquet flowers from countries like Colombia and Mexico. Recent tariff threats by President Trump are already creating supply chain pressures and impacting prices on products coming into the U.S.  In order to stay afloat, some mom and pop flower shops are estimating they could have to raise prices as much as 10 percent on bouquets compared to last year’s Valentine’s Day.

    Chocolate: It will be harder to find a sweet deal on chocolate this Valentine’s Day because chocolate prices are up about twenty percent as cocoa prices hit new heights.  Several factors contribute to the price hike, and not all are within Trump’s direct control. For instance, key cocoa-producing regions of West Africa have been impacted by severe weather, exacerbated by climate change. But Trump’s inaction and climate denial only exacerbates environmental and health hazards that don’t respect borders. The chocolate industry in the U.S. is also impacted by consolidation.  Trump has allowed anti-competitive industry consolidation in the past which leads to higher prices in the long run and allows huge companies to stomp out upstarts. 

    Restaurant Dining: Not only are menu prices rising under the Trump Administration, but due to Trump ignoring his pledge to take action on day one to address food prices, staples like eggs and entrée items like steak have shot up in the last month.

    “Americans want the federal government to work effectively and they want action to lower prices and strengthen the economy.  Donald Trump needs to stop with the culture war sideshows and focus on the things he pledged to do — like lowering food, housing, and health costs.  Giving away massive tax windfalls for the wealthy and slashing Medicaid doesn’t lower prices.  So far, Trump’s policies have made things worse for many Americans.  He needs to change course,” concluded Reed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Meets With Rural Health Care Providers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 12, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Illinois members of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) to speak about the challenges of providing health care in rural communities.  During their meeting, Durbin and the health care leaders discussed the importance of preserving Medicaid funding from Republican proposals to cut health insurance benefits and coverage from millions of Americans.  They also discussed workforce initiatives to recruit and retain health care providers to serve in rural areas.  To help address the shortage of health care professionals, Durbin secured $1 billion in the American Rescue Plan for scholarship and loan repayment awards through the National Health Service Corps and Nurse Corps to build a more diverse pipeline of clinicians and recruit more health providers to serve in shortage areas. 

    Durbin also spoke about his Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act, which he introduced earlier this week.  The bipartisan legislation would update Medicare’s “Critical Access Hospital” (CAH) designation so more rural hospitals can qualify for this financial lifeline and continue to serve their communities with quality, affordable health care services. Small and rural hospitals are the backbone of their communities, and often the largest employers, contributing nearly $5 billion in direct spending on payroll, goods, and services in Illinois. Yet more than 135 rural hospitals have closed nationwide in the past dozen years, an estimated 50 percent of rural hospitals ran operating losses last year, and more than 400 hospitals are facing closure risk.

    “Across rural Illinois, hospitals and clinics are the backbone of the local economy.  I am committed to helping recruit more doctors, nurses, dentists, and behavioral health providers, and ensure sustainable federal funding for these critical anchors of the community,” said Durbin. 

    A photo of the meeting is available here.

    Attending the meeting were representatives from:

    • Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network
    • Massac Memorial Hospital (Metropolis)
    • Franklin Hospital (Benton)
    • Pana Community Hospital (Pana)
    • Community Hospital of Staunton (Staunton)
    • Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Hospital (Mt. Vernon)
    • UIC College of Medicine (Rockford)
    • Arukah Institute of Healing (Princeton)

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    MIL OSI USA News –