NewzIntel.com

Blog

  • MIL-OSI USA: King to White House: Measured Approach to Implementation of Hiring Freeze Will Prevent Harmful Impacts on Maine’s Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), is highlighting the catastrophic consequences that could result from the immediate federal hiring freeze enacted by the new administration. In a letter to President Donald Trump, King specifically expresses his concerns about the impact this hiring freeze will have on access to healthcare and critical services for veterans in Maine.
    King wrote, “Our veterans deserve access to the best quality health care, the benefits they earned, and someone to answer the phone when they call for help. I worry that this hiring freeze will have harmful impacts on the VA and their ability to continue providing critical services to our veterans. As a former governor who implemented a hiring freeze for state employees, I encourage your administration to take a measured approach to implementation.”
    “As you know, the VA provides various services to millions of veterans—from health care to life-saving assistance from the Veterans Crisis Line. VA employees across the Department dedicate their careers to caring for our veterans,” King continued. “Without a broad exemption, I worry that any hiring freeze would hurt access to veterans’ benefits, including health care. For example, if support staff are not there to help schedule appointments or address IT issues, veterans will not be able to get care; if claims processors aren’t processing disability claims, veterans will not receive benefits; if there aren’t enough doctors and nurses, veterans will not have access to health care; if the National Cemetery Administration isn’t properly staffed, veterans will not have access to burial benefits.”
    “I appreciate new guidance from Acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter that clarifies that more than 300,000 health care positions at the VA will be considered essential to department operations, and therefore exempt from the hiring freeze. I urge you and the VA to ensure that all positions within the VA are considered as essential, so that we can continue to hire dedicated employees to serve and care for our veterans,” King concluded.
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. In the committee cabinet nomination hearing, King questioned nominee Doug Collins of his concerns over using artificial intelligence (AI) to determine the status of a veteran’s earned benefits. In the exchange, he pressed Collins for his commitment to ensure veterans’ access to benefits will not be adversely impacted by AI technologies. In 2024, Congress also passed Senator King’s bipartisan legislation to improve veterans’ access to health care and benefits.
    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.
    +++
    Dear President Trump:
    I write regarding the January 20, 2025, Presidential Memorandum instituting an immediate hiring freeze of civil service federal employees. While the intended goal of the hiring freeze is to allow the government time to evaluate the size of the current workforce, I have concerns about the impact this hiring freeze will have on our nation’s veterans, especially those in Maine. That is why I urge you to provide a full exemption to all Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) personnel to ensure continued services to our nation’s heroes.
    Our veterans deserve access to the best quality health care, the benefits they earned, and someone to answer the phone when they call for help. I worry that this hiring freeze will have harmful impacts on the VA and their ability to continue providing critical services to our veterans. As a former governor who implemented a hiring freeze for state employees, I encourage your administration to take a measured approach to implementation.
    As you know, the VA provides various services to millions of veterans—from health care to life-saving assistance from the Veterans Crisis Line. VA employees across the Department dedicate their careers to caring for our veterans. Without a broad exemption, I worry that any hiring freeze would hurt access to veterans’ benefits, including health care. For example, if support staff are not there to help schedule appointments or address IT issues, veterans will not be able to get care; if claims processors aren’t processing disability claims, veterans will not receive benefits; if there aren’t enough doctors and nurses, veterans will not have access to health care; if the National Cemetery Administration isn’t properly staffed, veterans will not have access to burial benefits.
    I appreciate new guidance from Acting VA Secretary Todd Hunter that clarifies that more than 300,000 health care positions at the VA will be considered essential to department operations, and therefore exempt from the hiring freeze. I urge you and the VA to ensure that all positions within the VA are considered as essential, so that we can continue to hire dedicated employees to serve and care for our veterans.
    Veterans deserve the best care and we must deliver on the promises made to them. I look forward to working with you on this important matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Named Lead Democrat On Appropriations Subcommittee Responsible For Funding State Department, Key Programs That Provide Economic Support, Security Assistance, Live-Saving Aid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) today was named Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations. Schatz is also a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
    “This new role will put me in a better position to continue the hard work of strengthening U.S. diplomacy overseas. I’m committed to working with Chairman Graham and my committee colleagues to stand by our friends, partners, and allies around the world, honor our international commitments, and deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to those most in need,” said Ranking Member Schatz.
    The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations is responsible for appropriating billions of dollars in funding for the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other critical agencies and programs that provide humanitarian aid, global health support, and economic and security assistance, among other things to those in need around the world.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Schakowsky Introduce Mentoring To Succeed Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 29, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), today introduced the Mentoring to Succeed Act in recognition of January as National Mentoring Month.  U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-04), and Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) introduced companion legislation in the House earlier this week.  This legislation creates a strong, sustainable support system through mentorship to ensure that children who experience barriers like poverty, disability, adverse childhood experiences, or drug or alcohol abuse, can successfully transition to high school, college, and the workforce.  The Mentoring to Succeed Act would strengthen investments in mentorship programs to help youth facing risk develop the academic, social, and workforce skills that lead to success. 
    “Across Illinois and the country, young kids, especially from underserved communities, face obstacles like community violence and underfunded schools that have a dramatic impact on their ability to graduate from high school and transition to college and the workforce.  But with the guidance of a mentor, youth could lean on a trusted adult to help them navigate these challenges,”said Durbin.  “I’m introducing the Mentoring to Succeed Act to ensure that our most vulnerable children have the opportunity to succeed and achieve their full potential with the guidance of a mentor.”
    “Too many young people, particularly young people of color, don’t have access to the academic or economic opportunities that everyone deserves,” Duckworth said.  “At the same time, too many struggle with violence in their communities and other obstacles that stifle their dreams and their ambitions.  Our nation’s children deserve a chance to reach their full potential, and mentoring programs have been proven to help students do just that.  I’m proud to join my colleagues in re-introducing this legislation to help ensure every child gets the guidance and resources they need to succeed in school, in the workforce and in life.”
    “Across the country, young kids lack access to the resources they need to thrive academically and succeed post-graduation,” said Booker.  “Mentorship programs have a proven track record of helping young people stay on track and achieve their dreams by providing a stable support system for the kids who don’t have one at home.  The Mentoring to Succeed Act will expand access to high quality, trauma-informed mentorship programs and help at-risk kids receive the help, support, and skills they need to pursue their aspirations.”
    “In celebration of National Mentoring Month, I am proud to reintroduce the Mentoring to Succeed Act in the House of Representatives,” said Schakowsky.  “Whether it be the gun violence epidemic, the ongoing threat of climate change, the rising cost of college education, or anything in-between, today’s students are dealing with a lot and deserve access to a support system.  TheMentoring to Succeed Act will give students that support system – through a mentor – helping them get the resources and support they need to thrive in school, the workforce, and beyond.”
    A study by MENTOR found that 70 percent of today’s young people could remember a time when they wanted a mentor for support but did not have one.  As a result, these youth missed out on the powerful effects of mentoring that have been shown to make a child more likely to enroll in college, participate regularly in sports and extracurricular activities, volunteer in their communities, and hold leadership positions.  Researchers at the University of Chicago found that Youth Guidance’s school-based mentoring program, Becoming a Man, reduced rates of arrests for violent crime, improved school engagement, and increased high school graduation rates.
    Mentoring programs help youth develop valuable workforce skills that employers are seeking and prepare young people for future apprenticeships, internships, and workforce-based learning opportunities.  A 2024 study found that 84 percent of employers say job candidates must demonstrate social and emotional skills, such as communication and problem-solving—with the majority of employers stating that these types of skills were the most important.  The federal government can strengthen investments in mentoring programs to help youth facing significant barriers develop the academic, social, and workforce skills that lead to success in career and life.
    The Mentoring to Succeed Act would:
    Invest in Mentoring Programs.  Establish a three-year, competitive grant program that provides federal funding to establish, expand, or support mentoring programs.
    Help Youth Overcome Adversity and Trauma.  Provide grant recipients with funding to train mentors in trauma-informed practices and interventions to increase resilience in youth and reduce juvenile justice involvement.
    Strengthen Workforce Readiness.  Support partnerships with local businesses and private companies to help youth facing risk with hands-on career training and career exploration.
    Close the Opportunity Gap.  Give preference to applicants that develop a plan to help prepare youth facing barriers for college and the workforce.
    Support Capacity Building.  Support partnerships with nonprofit, community-based, and faith-based organizations to increase the number of youth facing risk served.
    Enhance Youth Success.  Provide grant recipients with funding for program evaluation and identification of successful strategies.
    The Mentoring to Succeed Act is endorsed by MENTOR; Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa; Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago; Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound; Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County; Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah; Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County; College Mentors for Kids; Friends of the Children; Girls Inc. of Chicago; Instituto del Progreso Latino; National Alliance of Faith and Justice; National Organization of Concerned Black Men; Partners for Youth with Disabilities; Sisters Circle; Union League Boys and Girls Clubs; Year Up United; and YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Votes ‘No’ On Advancing President Trump’s Pick To Be Attorney General, Pam Bondi

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 29, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today voted against advancing President Trump’s pick to be Attorney General of the United States, Pam Bondi, in the Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting this morning. The Committee voted to advance her nomination on a party-line vote of 12-10.
    Key Quotes:
    “If you want to know the role of the Department of Justice under President Trump, just listen to his words. He said ‘I have the absolute right to do what I want to do with the Justice Department.’ He not only uses the Justice Department to advance his political interests but he has also promised to seek ‘retribution’ against ‘the enemy within.’ The President has repeatedly threatened to weaponize the justice system against those he feels have wronged him and that’s a long list. It includes career prosecutors, military officials, and his own former political appointees. Unfortunately, we are seeing these threats emerge in real time.”
    “Given the massive upheaval that President Trump has caused at the Justice Department in just the first few days in office, the next Attorney General will have their work cut out for them. As I said during Ms. Bondi’s hearing, it is absolutely critical that any nominee for this position be committed first and foremost to the Constitution and the American people—not the President and his political agenda. Unfortunately, I am unconvinced that Ms. Bondi shares my belief. She is one of four personal lawyers of President Trump that he has already selected for top positions at the Department of Justice. And she has echoed President Trump’s calls for exacting revenge on his political opponents.”
    “Ms. Bondi undermined our democracy by joining in President Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. It appears she does not regret this decision, as she refused before this Committee repeatedly during her hearing to acknowledge that President Trump actually lost the vote in 2020. During her hearing, I asked if she was familiar with the January 2021 phone call in which President Trump called on the Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger [to] ‘find 11,780 votes.’ Ms. Bondi denied having ever listened to that phone call. However, in August 2023, she appeared on a news program and defended President Trump’s conduct with Raffensperger. She stated that his actions were ‘not a crime’ and were instead ‘free speech.’ She condemned the criminal charges that had been filed against President Trump due to his conduct on this call where he asked the Georgia Secretary of State to ‘find 11,780 votes.’ I asked Ms. Bondi to explain why she spoke so authoritatively on the legal strength of a case when she was, according to her own claim before this Committee, unfamiliar with the evidence. Her explanation was that she was on television, not in a court of law.”
    “It is deeply concerning that someone seeking the role of Attorney General believes it is appropriate to comment publicly on a criminal case without conducting even a minimal assessment of the evidence against the defendant. The role of Attorney General is a serious one. It requires someone who is committed to the facts and the law—not someone who is willing to say whatever is most politically expedient.”
    “During Ms. Bondi’s hearing, I was shocked to hear her speak of a ‘peaceful transition of power’ in 2021. In written questions, Ms. Bondi attempted to walk that statement back, instead referring to ‘a smooth transition of power.’ I was at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The events of that day were neither peaceful nor smooth. You don’t have to take my word for it. The 140 law enforcement officers who were assaulted by President Trump’s supporters on January 6 can attest to what actually happened. Ms. Bondi also refused to comment on possible pardons for January 6 rioters who violently assaulted police officers. One of my Republican colleagues—a friend on this panel—dismissed my question on the subject and said it was ‘an absurd and unfair hypothetical,’ to even ask if President Trump was going to grant pardons to those who assaulted police officers. Now we know what happened.”
    “I went into Ms. Bondi’s hearing with an open mind for obvious reasons… There remains one basic question that I wanted answered—whether she would be willing to tell President Trump and wealthy special interests ‘No’ if faced with pressure to use her position as Attorney General to benefit those parties. In light of the Trump Administration’s actions over the course of the past week, that question is even more critical. And I did not receive a satisfactory answer from Ms. Bondi. Since Watergate, there has been bipartisan support for the idea that the Justice Department must be independent from the White House. President Trump’s conduct during his first term underscored the need for this independence. I do not believe that Ms. Bondi will provide it.”
    “I hope she proves me wrong, but I cannot support her nomination.”
      
    Video of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s opening statement is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s opening statement is available here for TV Stations.
    Ms. Bondi was previously a registered lobbyist with the Washington, D.C.-based firm Ballard Partners. In that role, she has represented wealthy special interests and foreign governments, presenting serious potential conflicts of interest if she is confirmed as Attorney General. In response to Question 22 of the Senate Judiciary Questionnaire regarding conflicts of interest, she only listed two potential conflicts of interest: her work for the America First Policy Institute and her brother’s legal practice.
    To view Durbin’s questions to Ms. Bondi in her confirmation hearing click here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Cassidy, Lead Colleagues in Reintroducing Bill to Expand School Choice, Educational Opportunity

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus and member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), chair of the Senate HELP Committee, led 16 Republican colleagues in introducing the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), bicameral legislation to expand education freedom and opportunity for students. Specifically, it provides a charitable donation incentive for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for students to cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education.
    “When you give parents a choice, you give kids a better chance at achieving their dreams,” said Senator Scott. “By empowering families with more education resources and freedom, this bill will unlock opportunities that have been out of reach for students across America who deserve every chance to succeed and a schooling system that fosters their potential.”
    “Parents want to see their child succeed. Giving them the ability to make decisions over their child’s education puts that child’s needs first,” said Dr. Cassidy. “More freedom empowers parents and allows American children to thrive in school.”
    The Educational Choice for Children Act:
    Provides $10 billion in annual tax credits to be made available to taxpayers. Allotment of these credits to individuals would be administered by the Treasury Department.
    Sets a base amount for each state and then distributes the credits on a first-come, first-serve basis.
    Uses a limited government approach with respect to federalism, thus avoiding mandates on states, localities, and school districts.
    Includes provisions that govern Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), as SGOs are given the ability to determine the individual amount of scholarship awards.
    An estimated two million students in any elementary or secondary education setting, including homeschool, are eligible to receive a scholarship. Eligible use of scholarships awards includes tuition, fees, book supplies, and equipment for the enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary school.
    Senators Scott and Cassidy were joined by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.) in introducing the bill. 
    The Educational Choice for Children Act has received the endorsement from former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos; former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Dr. Mick Zais; former U.S. Attorney General Bill Barr; Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley; LA Kids Matter; Louisiana Family Forum; Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors; ACE Scholarships Louisiana Founder Eddie Rispone; ACE Scholarships; Invest in Education Coalition; ACSI Children’s Education Fund; America First Policy Institute; American Association of Christian Schools; American Federation for Children (AFC); American Principles Project; Americans for Tax Reform; Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI); Black Mothers Forum; U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB); Catholic Education Partners; CatholicVote; Center for Education Reform; Children’s Scholarship Fund; Club for Growth; Coalition for Jewish Values; Agudath Israel of America; Orthodox Union Advocacy; Republican Jewish Coalition; Concerned Women for America; Council for American Private Education (CAPE); Defense of Freedom Institute (DFI); Family Policy Alliance; Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd); Freedom Foundation; Heartland Institute; Heritage Action for America; Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA); Independent Women’s Forum; Mountain States Policy Center; Parental Rights Foundation; Parents Defending Education Action; Partners in Mission; Project 21; Protect the First; 60Plus Association; Former Virginia & Florida Secretary of Education Gerard Robinson; and several other conservative leaders.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Defence Secretary speech at the ADS Annual Dinner: 28 January 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Defence Secretary John Healey addressed the ADS Annual Dinner on 28 January 2025.

    Good evening. Let me begin by thanking Kevin and his team at ADS for hosting this splendid event and for their work in promoting an industry that is the foundation for our way of life.

    ADS is going from strength to strength, with a double digit increase in your membership last year.

    You represent a commitment to innovation and excellence that are hallmarks of the British business spirit.

    Yours is an industry which proves that we are still – at heart – a nation of makers and inventors. I know recent times haven’t been easy. And as Defence Secretary, I am grateful to you all.

    This event brings us together from across the UK, across the industry and across the political divide.

    I welcome this because defence policy and procurement commitments reach beyond political cycles.

    I believe I’m the first Defence Secretary who’s spoken at this dinner, and tonight, you have two for the price of one with me as the warmup act for Penny Mourdant’s after dinner speech.

    Penny is someone with a lifelong connection and commitment to our armed forces, who rose to become the first woman ever to hold the role of Defence Secretary.

    I’ve had the privilege of six months in the role, part of a government taking on profound challenges in our economy, our public finances and our national security.

    Yet, as a new government, we’ve already:

    • Stepped up and speeded up support for Ukraine…
    • Increased defence spending by nearly £3 billion…
    • Launched a first of its kind Strategic Defence Review…
    • Given service personnel the largest pay rise in over 20 years… and still dealt with a multi-billion in-year deficit…
    • Signed the landmark Trinity House Agreement with Germany…
    • Secured a huge deal to buy back over 36,000 military homes to improve forces housing and save taxpayers billions…
    • Set new targets to tackle the recruitment crisis…
    • Begun a transformational MOD reform programme…
    • And got the Armed Forces Commissioner Bill through the House of Commons to improve service life.

    The point I want to make is that this is a new government that is delivering for defence.

    Something which I was able to underline last Friday at Rolls Royce, announcing a major new contract over 8 years, which will boost British jobs, business and national security.

    There’s incredible work being done there in Derby, by an incredible team, some of whom are here this evening.

    It’s a big investment, but behind the numbers are 200 apprentices a year who now feel they have a future.  

    And suppliers – 92 per cent of which are British based – who now feel like have certainty. 

    What really struck me – and it happens every time I visit a defence site – is the deep sense of pride and purpose.

    Defence workers are right to feel that way. Their efforts keep us all safe.

    And as an industry, you also invest huge sums in research and development. One of the great strengths of the defence industry is that you force us to reach for the future.

    Down the years, you’ve been responsible for some of the most significant innovations in history. Designed for times of war but which often produce lasting benefits for wider society well beyond the battlefield.

    As a nation, we’re good – and rightly so – at taking pride in the professionalism of our soldiers, sailors and aviators.

    But we know that that they are only as effective as the industry which equips them.

    We must be better at celebrating the role of the coders, programmers, scientists and engineers who provide our forces with the tools they need to protect us.

    It’s why I want us to not only change the way we work with the defence industry, but also change the way we see the defence industry.

    On the way we work with industry, I hope the last few months serve as a glimpse of type of partnership we want to forge.

    From industry involvement – for the first time ever – in our war gaming, to the creation of the new Defence Industrial Joint Council. 

    And on the way we see industry, we know we have much to do.

    Right now, there’s growing security concerns for defence firms at university careers, you attend to offer young people a route to a better life.

    You’re facing harassment and intimidation, forced to cancel events on campus. This is wrong.

    This attitude takes for granted the privileged position we enjoy in Britain – to live in freedom and security… security our defence industry guarantees. 

    So, today – alongside the Business and Education Secretaries – I’ve written to Universities UK for assurances about your safety on campuses. 

    We’re also seeing defence firms ranked alongside tobacco and gambling in Environmental, Social and Governance audits. And pension funds divest from you.

    I have no doubt the intentions are well-meaning. But they’re fundamentally flawed.

    We don’t stop wars by boycotting our defence industry.

    We stop wars by backing it.

    Let’s not forget that national security is a pre-condition for economic security, investor confidence and social stability. 

    I will always be a fierce advocate for you in the Department, to wider government, to the City, to the British public and to whoever needs to hear it.

    My challenge to you – as an industry – is to be louder and confident about your role.

    As my friend – Jonny Reynolds– said to the President’s Reception earlier:

    “You are exceptional in your importance… in helping to safeguard our national security and our way of life.

    “But you are also exceptional in your contribution to our economy. Nearly half a million well paid jobs are directly owed to aerospace, defence, security and space sectors.”

    To meet the challenges of this new era of threats, you’ve seen the direction we want to take with our Defence Industrial Strategy Statement of Intent.

    And let me thank everyone who’s shared their insights so far in submissions to both our industrial strategy, and SDR consultations. 

    I know – for some – our Statement of Intent may have been met with a degree of scepticism. You’ve been here before… I get that…

    New government, new ideas.

    But old habits die hard and entrenched interests dig in.

    Previous industrial strategies have produced policies – many of them good – but there wasn’t the plan, the structures and the relentless attention to reform needed to make change happen.

    So, why will this be different?

    First, it has to be different. 

    The war in Ukraine confronts us with the deep truth that when a country faces conflict or is forced to fight, its armed forces are only as strong as the industry which stands behind them…

    That innovation and production capacity is a major part of our nation’s – and our alliance’s – deterrence.

    And that industry’s constant purpose is to give the nation’s war fighters the advantage over our adversaries.

    The last Defence Industrial Strategy was published in 2021, a year before Putin shattered the peace in Europe.

    Ours will hardwire in these lessons and so too will the Strategic Defence Review.

    Second, I’m driving deep reform to defence.

    It doesn’t make news headlines, but it’s an essential foundation for implementing both the SDR and Defence Industrial Strategy.

    For industry, it means you’ll be brought in earlier to the conversation on how we should fight…

    We’ll ask you how you can help solve our problems rather than giving you a requirement to deliver.

    You’ll also see the creation of a new role, the National Armaments Director, soon-to-be one of the most senior roles in UK Defence, sitting alongside the Chief of the Defence Staff and Permanent Secretary.

    Their responsibilities will include:

    • Repairing a broken procurement system…
    • Ensuring our armed forces have what they need to fulfil their duty of protecting our nation…
    • And championing your industry at home and abroad.

    Third, defence is part of our bigger British drive for growth – the government’s number one mission.

    The Chancellor is speaking tomorrow about how we are going to meet this challenge.

    But the message I want to reinforce is that defence is an engine for driving economic growth.

    Fourth, we’ve proved we can do it by supporting Ukraine through Taskforce KINDRED and HIRST.

    From the onset, when it took 287 days after Putin invaded to sign contracts for new NLAWs…

    … to today, when we’ve created industrial bases for new capabilities – virtually from scratch…

    Supplying – at scale – one of the most effective drone systems in Ukraine.

    Restarted artillery barrel manufacturing in the UK to deliver hundreds to the front line.

    Enhancing our own capabilities through Stormer and Starstreak…while Gravehawk, Snapper and Wasp have all been developed with breathtaking speed.

    I don’t just want this to be the government’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, it needs to be a national endeavour… private and public… SMEs and primes… innovators and educators… trade associations and trade unions…

    All creating a defence industry which is better and more integrated…

    One that can keep our armed forces equipped… and innovating at wartime pace, ahead of our adversaries.

    The Shadow Defence Secretary is familiar with the challenges. 

    I know he will play his part in holding us to account.

    And I trust he – and his Party – will play their part in backing reforms that strengthen our country’s defence and its defence industry.

    This is new era of threats, demands a new era for defence.

    Change is essential, not optional.

    Our success rests on a new partnership with innovators, investors and industry.

    Our government is determined to meet the challenge, determined to deliver for defence.

    Together, we will make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    Thank you – enjoy your evening and I look forward to working with you over the coming years.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defendant Extradited To Face Charges Related To International Bank Fraud And Money Laundering Ring That Caused Over $60 Million In Losses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Members of the Charged Conspiracy Opened Bank Accounts for Over 1,000 Fake Businesses to Receive and Launder the Proceeds of Fraudulent Schemes, Causing Actual Losses of Over $60 Million and Intended Losses of Over $150 Million

    Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Patrick J. Freaney, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service (“USSS”), announced today that ERICK JASON VICTORIA-BRTIO was extradited from the Dominican Republic and will appear in a federal courtroom in Manhattan later today.  VICTORIA-BRITO is charged in a two-count Indictment with conspiring to commit bank fraud and money laundering from December 2017 through November 2022.  In connection with the scheme, VICTORIA-BRITO and other members of the charged conspiracy registered over 1,000 fake businesses, used those fake businesses to open bank accounts to receive money stolen through business e-mail compromise schemes, and then laundered that money.  Members of the conspiracy caused over $60 million in actual losses and attempted to steal over $150 million.

    U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “As we allege, Erick Jason Victoria-Brito and his co-conspirators ran an international bank fraud and money laundering scheme designed to help carry out business email compromise scams. These scams cause significant harm to businesses, nonprofits, and even local governments.  As the successful extradition of Erick Jason Victoria-Brito shows, this Office and our partners will not rest until every individual responsible is held accountable.” 

    USSS Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Freaney said: “This alleged scheme rained down financial ruin upon unwitting businesses and individuals. While the suspects operated with impunity across the nation and beyond, the U.S. Secret Service and its partners remained steadfast in building a strong case — no matter where the evidence took them. I commend the investigators and prosecutors for their commitment to  disrupting this type of insidious fraud on behalf of all those victimized by it.”

    As alleged in the Indictment, Superseding Indictments, and court filings:[1]

    From at least December 2017 through at least November 2022, a group of individuals perpetrated a massive, international bank-fraud and money-laundering scheme (the “Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme”) designed to obtain and launder the proceeds of business e-mail compromise schemes.  In a business email compromise scheme, a scheme member fraudulently induces a company or individual to send money to a bank account controlled by that scheme member or the scheme member’s compatriots. 

    The Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme operated across borders and preyed on businesses large and small. Between 2020 and 2021 alone, participants in the scheme stole tens of millions of dollars, targeting victims that included a major American sports organization, a publicly traded healthcare company, and a prominent international nonprofit organization, along with multiple city governments, law firms, construction companies, and investment funds. Participants in the Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme registered over 1,000 fake businesses, then used those businesses to open bank accounts. Those bank accounts then received the proceeds of business email compromise schemes. Once the stolen funds reached those fraudulent bank accounts, participants in the Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme worked quickly to take advantage of the international banking system by either withdrawing the money or helping to launder it by wiring it to overseas banks, thereby preventing victims from recouping their losses. The co-conspirators accomplished that primarily by wiring stolen money to banks in China, outside the reach of American banks. During the course of the charged conduct, members of the conspiracy participated in inflicting over $60 million in actual losses and attempted to inflict losses of over $150 million.

    *                *                *

    VICTORIA-BRITO, 30, of Hollywood, Florida, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

    The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

    Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, USSS, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.  Ms. Sassoon further thanked the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations for their assistance.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas S. Burnett and Amanda C. Weingarten are in charge of the prosecution.

    The charges contained in the Indictment and Superseding Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
     

    [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and Superseding Indictment, and the description of the Indictment and Superseding Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian National Pleads Guilty To Armed Fentanyl Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Alberto Ismael Salinas Valencia (20, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Salinas Valencia, who is present illegally in the United States, faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

    According to the plea agreement, between August 2023 and August 2024, Salinas Valencia ran an online business selling firearms, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Orlando area. An undercover law enforcement officer found Salinas Valencia’s online store and set up several undercover transactions. Over the course of the investigation, Salinas Valencia sold the undercover officer several firearms, including two machineguns, fentanyl pills, and cocaine.

        

    Examples of firearms and pills Salinas Valencia sold to the undercover officer

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ‘Keeping America Left-of-Boom Safe’

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

    The FBI is the lead federal agency for responding to WMD threats. The Bureau’s program has existed since 1995, but in 2006 it shifted to a more operational posture as the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate inside the Bureau’s National Security Branch. The directorate, located at FBI Headquarters, develops the overall policy, guidance, and countermeasures for operators in the field. In FBI field offices across the U.S., WMD coordinators put it all into action.

    “We’re the boots on the ground,” said Caviggiola.

    Their primary roles include training first responders, partners, and even fellow agents and task force officers on the different modalities of WMD investigations—chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive, often referred to as CBRNE. They are subject matter experts who coordinate the tactical responses when WMDs are suspected.

    In the Vermont case, for example, WMD coordinator Tom Stewart led all the responding agencies through the FBI’s Threat Credibility Evaluation (TCE) to determine the gravity of the threat and develop a plan of action. While the TCE process follows strict guidelines established by national policy for interagency responses, the FBI also developed a 14-point checklist—available on an FBI phone application—that helps WMD coordinators and first responders evaluate and process scenes that may not rise to the level of Headquarters involvement.

    “We’re constantly in a state of being an investigator and being an educator,” Stewart said. Indeed, many WMD coordinators wear multiple hats: the full cadre includes SWAT operators, special agent bomb technicians, and members of evidence response teams (ERT) and hazardous evidence response teams (HERT). Like each of those disciplines, WMD coordinators receive extensive training and certifications before stepping into the uniquely dangerous role.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Just Stop Oil protesters charged

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Two Just Stop Oil protesters have been charged, after they allegedly disrupted a theatre performance in central London.

    Richard Weir, 60, (05.12.1964), of Hotspur Street, Tynemouth, Nottinghamshire and Hayley Walsh, 42 (01.05.1982), of Grantham Road, Radcliffe on Trent, Nottinghamshire were charged with aggravated trespass on Tuesday, 28 January.

    The charges relate to an incident at Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, WC2, where at around 20:00hrs two Just Stop Oil protesters entered the stage area.

    They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 February.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: AirBoss Defense Group Awarded New Boot Contract Valued at up to $82.3 Million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JESSUP, Md., Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AirBoss Defense Group (ADG), the global leader in survivability for the assured mobility and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear (CBRN) communities, is announcing that the U.S. government has selected the ADG Molded AirBoss Lightweight Overboot (MALO) for its CBRN overboot program contract. This is a three (3) year contract expected to be worth up to an aggregate amount of $82.3 million.

    ADG has supplied overboots to the United States for over 20 years. The company has held the current contract for this requirement for many years and is proud to have been again selected as the supplier of choice for this critical personal protective equipment (PPE) item for American warfighters. CBRN overboots are in continuous demand by the Department of Defense and the MALO was designed to provide superior protection against chemical and biological threats while providing optimal fit and comfort. The MALO is the solution of choice and is the incumbent program overboot in over sixty countries, with over 6.1 million pair sold to date.

    “Our company is pleased to continue providing unique protective and survivability solutions to support American warfighters,” said John Johns, President of ADG. “The MALO is a key component of CBRN protection systems procured by the Department of Defense and we look forward to providing this protective gear to ensure the safety of our warfighters in critical mission environments and challenging conditions.”

    ADG has supported the CBRN and PPE needs of the Federal Government for more than two decades and continues to actively assist the Department of Defense to build a stable, secure, and resilient supply chain for high-quality PPE.

    About AirBoss Defense Group (ADG)

    ADG is a growing survivability company that provides military, law enforcement, medical providers, industrial providers and first responders with a diverse portfolio of protective equipment that spans the entire survivability spectrum. AirBoss Defense, an ADG brand, is a recognized world leader in rapid deployment negative pressure isolation shelters, CBRNE protective equipment, medical protective equipment, and personal respiratory protective products. AirBoss Defense’s emergency response and personal protective equipment is utilized by the Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, FEMA, CDC, other government agencies and private companies.

    For more information, please visit www.adg.com.

    FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION DISCLAIMER

    Certain statements contained or incorporated by reference herein, including those that express management’s expectations or estimates of future developments or ADG’ future performance, constitute “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, and can generally be identified by words such as “will”, “may”, “could” “expects”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “forecasts”, “plans”, “intends”, “should” or similar expressions. These statements are not historical facts but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events and performance.

    Statements containing forward-looking information are necessarily based upon a number of opinions, estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time the statements are made, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. ADG cautions that such forward-looking information involves known and unknown contingencies, uncertainties and other risks that may cause ADG’ actual financial results, performance or achievements to be materially different from its estimated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Numerous factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking information, including without limitation: impact of general economic conditions, notably including its impact on demand for rubber solutions and products; dependence on key customers; global defense budgets, notably in the Company’s target markets, and success of the Company in obtaining new or extended defense contracts; cyclical trends in the tire and automotive, construction, mining and retail industries; sufficient availability of raw materials at economical costs; weather conditions affecting raw materials, production and sales; ADG’ ability to maintain existing customers or develop new customers in light of increased competition; ADG’ ability to successfully integrate acquisitions of other businesses and/or companies or to realize on the anticipated benefits thereof; ADG’ ability to successfully develop and execute effective business strategies; changes in accounting policies and methods, including uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates; changes in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the US dollar; changes in tax laws; changes in trade policies or the imposition of new tariffs; current and future litigation; ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and ability to satisfy the covenants set forth in such financing arrangements; environmental damage and non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations; impact of global health situations; potential product liability and warranty claims and equipment malfunction. There is increased uncertainty associated with future operating assumptions and expectations as compared to prior periods. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of ADG’ forward-looking information.

    All of the forward-looking information in this press release is expressly qualified by these cautionary statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information attributable to ADG or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this press release and, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, ADG disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly this forward-looking information except as required by applicable laws. Risks and uncertainties about ADG’ business are more fully discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in AirBoss of America Corp.’s (“AirBoss”) recent Annual Information Form and are otherwise disclosed in AirBoss’ filings with securities regulatory authorities which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    Contact: David Costello
    Tel: 617.875.2492
    Email: david@risingtidemhd.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lufthansa Group strengthens wet lease partnership with airBaltic

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Lufthansa Group has signed an agreement to receive a convertible share representing a 10 per cent stake of the Latvian state airline airBaltic which will be issued at a subscription price of 14 million euros. Additionally, Lufthansa Group will receive a seat in the airBaltic Supervisory Board.

    The convertible share will be changed into ordinary shares upon a potential IPO of air Baltic. The size of the stake will be determined by market pricing of the potential IPO, with Lufthansa Group’s share amounting to no less than 5 per cent of airBaltic.

    The transaction is building on the existing wet lease agreement between Lufthansa Group and airBaltic and intends to strengthen airBaltic’s role as a strategic partner of Lufthansa Group. Expanding this commercial cooperation allows Lufthansa Group to improve the quality of its network and to add additional markets. Additionally, a further product development of the wet lease services in line with our customer expectations is planned.

    The closing of the transaction is planned for the second quarter of this year and subject to antitrust review.

    Just recently, the wet lease agreement between Lufthansa Group and airBaltic has been extended for a further three years beyond the summer of 2025. This partnership enables to flexibly deploy up to 21 additional aircraft of the fuel-efficient Airbus A220-300 in summer and five aircraft of this type in winter at various Lufthansa Group hubs. Lufthansa Group is thus responding more flexibly to the additional customer demand in Summer.

    With the additional capacities of airBaltic, destinations in high demand in the route networks can be served even more flexibly in future. At the same time, it strengthens the quality and stability of connections to Lufthansa Group Airlines’ intercontinental services at the Group’s hubs.

    airBaltic is Latvia’s national and largest airline with its headquarters and hub in Riga and operates a fleet of 50 modern and fuel-efficient Airbus A220 aircraft. The Lufthansa Group has been working with airBaltic since 2019, which has proven itself to be a reliable and valuable partner.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden Blast President Trump’s Illegal Federal Funding Cuts That Harm American Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    January 29, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden today issued the following statements in response to a federal judge blocking the Trump Administration’s executive order immediately stopping all federal loans and grants:
    “The attack on these programs that allow families to get on their feet and thrive is the great betrayal coming from President Trump, who campaigned on helping working families, said Merkley, Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “In addition, Trump’s order cutting federal funds will have a huge impact on critical infrastructure projects in Oregon—like the Hood River-White Salmon and I-5 bridge replacement projects and the Port of Coos Bay’s transformative container port project—as well as funding to mitigate and fight wildfires, fulfill our commitments to Tribal communities, ensure clean air and water, and protect our public lands and wildlife. During the chaos caused by Trump’s constitutional crisis, Oregonians called my office after being shut out of their federal reimbursement systems and cut off from funding for their work to provide affordable housing, Head Start programs, and health care at federally qualified health centers. I’ll keep fighting to block these illegal cuts.”
    “Chaos is not leadership. Ransacking resources from Oregonians counting on federal support for local law enforcement, schools, small businesses, firefighters, veterans, and more hurts each and every community I am honored to represent,” said Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. “Donald Trump ran on lowering prices for families, and instead he’s intentionally driving the economy into the ground, forcing all Americans who aren’t Elon Musk to accept a lower standard of living to help he and his buddies get richer and richer. Legal or not, he doesn’t care. This illegal unconstitutional act is now in a court of law, but it’s already playing out in the court of opinion with Oregonians voicing their outrage. The American people must keep the pressure on until every community counting on this funding is assured they will receive it just as Congress intended.”
    According to the Oregon State Legislature, about 30% of Oregon’s budget is supported by federal aid, which is critical for supporting local communities. If allowed to go into effect, the directives in President Trump’s executive order could block funding in Oregon for:
    PUBLIC SAFETY: Grants for law enforcement departments would cease to go out the door, undermining public safety in Oregon.
    FIREFIGHTING: Grants to support firefighters would be halted—this includes grants that help states and localities purchase essential firefighting equipment.
    HEALTH SERVICES: Over $106 million in federal funding for community health centers that provide health care for people across Oregon would be at risk, creating chaos for patients trying to get their prescriptions, a regular checkup, and more.
    TRIBES: Funding to Tribes for basic government services like health care, public safety, programs, Tribal schools, and food assistance would be halted.
    HEAD START: Funding for Head Start programs that provide comprehensive early childhood education for almost 10,000 children in Oregon would be at risk. Teachers and staff would not get paid, and programs may not be able to stay open.
    COMBATTING FENTANYL CRISIS: Funding for communities to address the substance use disorder crisis and combat the fentanyl crisis would be cut off.
    CHILD CARE: Child care programs in Oregon and across the country would be at risk to accessing the funding they rely on to keep their doors open.
    K-12 SCHOOLS: Federal funding for our K-12 schools would be halted, preventing school districts in Oregon from accessing key formula grant funding including Title I and nearly $160 million in IDEA Grants (which help children with disabilities). This would pose tremendous financial burdens on schools in the middle of the school year.
    INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS: Federally-funded transportation projects in Oregon and across the country—roads, bridges, public transit, and more—would be halted, including projects already under construction.
    EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: Critical preparedness and response capability funding used to prepare for disasters, public health emergencies, and chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear events would be frozen.
    DISASTER RELIEF: Public assistance and hazard mitigation grants from the Disaster Relief Fund to state, Tribal, territorial, and local governments and non-profits to help communities quickly respond to, recover from, and prepare for major disasters would be halted—right as so many communities are struggling after severe natural disasters.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Village People’s YMCA is actually a great fit for team Trump

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By William Rees, PhD Candidate in Modern American History, University of Exeter

    It was a bizarre sight watching a huge gay 1970s disco hit being performed at Donald Trump’s 2025 pre-inauguration rally. Many prominent artists from Beyoncé to Bruce Springsteen prohibit Trump from using their music. So why do Village People – a band synonymous with the 1970s gay liberation movement – allow their music to be associated with a political movement that has fixed and repressive ideas about sexual identity and morality?

    Village People’s recent incarnation has had a complicated relationship with the “make America great again” movement (Maga). In 2020, their song YMCA began featuring at Maga anti-lockdown rallies and soon became a prominent song in Trump’s re-election campaign.

    At the time, the band asked Trump not to use its music and later supported Kamala Harris for the presidency in 2024. Since then Village People have dramatically changed tack.

    To be clear, of the group that performed at Trump’s pre-inauguration rally, only one of the original Village People remains. The band, put together by the gay producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo in 1978, was named after New York’s Greenwich Village gay scene.

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

    In the 1970s, the group was mostly gay-fronted except the first recruit, lead singer and co-songwriter Victor Willis (sometimes the policeman, sometimes the admiral figure). Willis took control of the name and the hits in 2017 after an out-of-court settlement with co-owner Henri Belolo.

    Willis is now the only member of the original line up still performing under the official band name. Perhaps to ensure mainstream popularity, he has tried to move Village People away from its gay associations – the biography on the band’s website makes no mention of the act’s significance to queer audiences. He recently wrote on Facebook that he will sue every news organisation that suggests “YMCA is somehow a gay anthem”.

    Victor Willis, the last remaining original member of Village People in a 1978 video for Just A Gigolo.

    But it’s difficult to untangle Village People from queer history as it was the trendsetting gay community of underground disco culture that made them famous. Record companies selected the songs and artists to promote based on how DJs reported their popularity in the hottest clubs. Many of these clubs were gay dominated, and disco itself was tied up with the growing confidence of the gay liberation movement in America and the era of sexual liberalisation that followed the 1960s.

    Jacques Morali put together Village People knowing the band could offer influential gay clubbers something they had always been denied: cultural representation, and with it, acknowledgement of their existence.

    It worked. One self-proclaimed “disco doll” writing to LGBTQ+ newspaper The Advocate in 1978 recalled first hearing Village People: “The music was very hot … and the words were about us, about our scene. I couldn’t believe it.”

    Village People’s innuendos and knowing references to gay culture often went over the heads of many straight listeners. Songs like Macho Man and the group’s hypermasculine image epitomised the “clone” movement in 1970s gay culture.

    Queer men, long derided for being effeminate, would bulk up at the gym and dress in leathers like bikers, effectively becoming more of an embodiment of masculinity than straight men. Go West was a reference to San Francisco’s more liberal environment for gay men. The YMCA was a place to “hang out with all the boys”.

    But skyrocketing into the mainstream made Village People an awkward fit for gay disco culture. This vibrant community wanted their own scene that was not part of the mainstream. They felt betrayed by a band publicly denying their gayness as they juggled the hardcore homosexual audience that had made them famous alongside a family-friendly audience.

    The backlash was fierce. A 1978 letter to gay lib magazine The Body Politic declared: “The commercial exploiters are disguising it to gain the commercially lucrative straight audience”, describing Village People as “traitors of the worst kind”.

    But even if they became momentarily unpopular in the hottest gay clubs, for many LGBTQ+ people, Village People’s hits have endured as anthems played at queer nights and Pride events. In their sound, appearance and sheer 1970-ness, they are undeniably camp icons.

    Which of course leads many to question why people attending Trump’s rallies – hardly famous for their inclusivity – would embrace their music. One explanation is that Maga audiences simply do not care about past gay associations as the music is simple, catchy and positive.

    Another is that just like the 1970s, the queer messaging of Village People’s music still goes over the heads of straight Maga audiences. Perhaps despite its past gay associations, they are consciously trying to culturally repurpose disco for their own movement. Or they’re trying to be ironic.

    Most likely, though, the music might have a particular meaning to LGBTQ+ audiences, it has other meanings depending on the context in which it is played. To many, Village People are the epitome of a novelty, apolitical pop group. Their hits are associated with weddings, children’s parties and good-time disco. The prosaic truth may be that Trump fans just enjoy a really catchy tune.

    But for Trump’s team, the use of these songs is politically calculated toward their core supporters who have changed the lyrics of YMCA to “MAGA”. And don’t forget Village People were joined at the pre-inauguration rally by WWE wrestling’s Hulk Hogan. Both are nostalgic late 20th-century acts that revel in blatant performances of muscled masculinity.

    They seem to be the embodiment of that imagined past of American virility that Trump vaguely refers to when he promises to make the nation “great again”. It’s not difficult to work out what Trump’s message is, especially when he dances along to Macho Man at rallies.

    Both these acts are carnivalesque, like Trump himself. They indicate an era of politics as spectacle, but beneath the surface messages, we must carefully pay attention to what is actually being said and done.

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

    – ref. Why Village People’s YMCA is actually a great fit for team Trump – https://theconversation.com/why-village-peoples-ymca-is-actually-a-great-fit-for-team-trump-248457

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Oak Ridge Boys Scam Warning

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    The Oak Ridge Boys warn their fans to be wary of scams targeting the elderly.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS6xAOb1E2k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Philly Whole Foods store becomes first to unionize – a labor expert explains what’s next and how Trump could stall workers’ efforts

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul F. Clark, Professor of Labor and Employment Relations, Penn State

    Workers at a Whole Foods store in Philadelphia voted 130-100 to unionize. Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

    Whole Foods workers at the Philadelphia flagship store in the city’s Art Museum area voted to unionize on Jan. 27, 2025. They are the first store in the Amazon-owned grocery chain to do so.

    Paul Clark, a professor of labor and employment relations at Penn State University, talked to Kate Kilpatrick, The Conversation U.S. Philadelphia editor, about why this is happening – and why in Philly.

    The Whole Foods workers in Philadelphia voted 130-100 in favor of unionizing. What do we know about their grievances?

    From what I understand, these workers have felt that compensation, benefits and work conditions were not what they should be. Some are long-standing employees and say they struggle to afford their basic necessities.

    Why did the union drive effort succeed now, and in Philly?

    In the last five years, there has been a surge in union organizing. There are a number of reasons for this. First is the labor market. Low unemployment emboldens workers to take the risk of organizing a union. If workers feel their employer can’t replace them or that they can easily get a similar job, they are less fearful of angering the employer by trying to organize.

    The second reason is that the Biden administration was a labor-friendly administration – perhaps the most in history. The U.S. president appoints a majority of members to the National Labor Relations Board, which interprets and enforces the labor law that governs organizing. Under Biden, the NLRB regularly issued decisions that provided greater protection to workers and held employers accountable when they violated workers’ rights. During Republican administrations, the board’s decisions are generally pro-business and provide less protection to workers. So workers had the wind at their back in that regard.

    Also recent polling shows that 70% of Americans approve of unions, compared with less than half of Americans just 15 years ago. The generally favorable view of unions creates a more supportive environment for organizing.

    And the last factor is that Generation Z, the youngest group of workers, clearly wants more out of their work and employment than previous generations. So we see a lot of young workers across the country organizing at Starbucks, Trader Joe’s, Apple and now at Whole Foods and other stores.

    Why Philadelphia? Philadelphia is a relatively strong union town. The percentage of the workforce that is represented by a union is higher in Philadelphia than in most cities and areas of the country. So when workers express interest in organizing in Philadelphia they get a lot of support. Other unions might turn out members for their rallies, pressure the company to not oppose the organizing drive and offer other aid and assistance.

    The starting wage at the Philadelphia Whole Foods store is US$16 an hour. Is that considered low when the city’s minimum wage is just $7.25 an hour?

    The minimum wage in Philadelphia is $7.25 because that is the federal minimum wage. States can institute a higher minimum wage if they choose to, but Pennsylvania is one of the few Northeast states that hasn’t adopted a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum. The minimum wages in New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts, for example, are $15 or above.

    But the minimum wage in Pennsylvania is almost irrelevant because of today’s labor market. Unemployment is low, and many employers have to offer significantly more than the minimum wage to get workers.

    And the minimum wage is supposed to be a starting wage for workers with little experience or seniority. What workers want is a living wage. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, a single person in Philadelphia needs to earn around $24 per hour to cover the basic costs of living. And Whole Foods is a profitable business. It’s part of Amazon, one of the most profitable, largest companies in the world. I think workers at these companies believe that they play an important role in generating those profits because of the work they do. And they think they should get a fair share of those profits.

    How might the Whole Foods workers expect the company to fight back?

    When employees win an organizing election as the Whole Food workers have, they have won a battle but not the war. The purpose of forming a union is to improve wages and benefits and working conditions, and you do that by negotiating a contract with the company. That is the next step in the process. But the law only requires employers to bargain with employees – to meet at reasonable times and exchange proposals. It doesn’t compel them to agree to anything.

    The typical strategy of companies that aggressively oppose their workers having a union is to drag their feet in bargaining and not sign a contract. That is technically illegal, but labor law in the U.S. is relatively weak, and with good legal advice you can drag out bargaining for a very long time.

    We’ve seen this with the Starbucks campaign. The first Starbucks store unionized in 2021. Over 540 stores have organized since then. And Starbucks workers at those stores still do not have a contract.

    Could the new Trump administration have any impact on how this plays out in Philly?

    The fact that the Trump administration has taken over gives companies more confidence that the standard delay strategy will work.

    On Jan. 28, 2025, President Donald Trump fired Jennifer Abruzzo, the general counsel of the NLRB. The general counsel is the official at the board who basically enforces the National Labor Relations Act. Abruzzo was very aggressive in holding employers accountable if they violated the act and in protecting the rights of workers who tried to organize.

    Trump’s approach to labor law in his first four years in office was at the other extreme. He appointed as general counsel Peter Robb, who was seen as far less aggressive in protecting workers’ rights and his interpretations of the law were much more pro-business.

    Under the Biden administration, if a company was coming to the bargaining table month after month and not agreeing to anything, the NLRB would eventually step in and cite the employer for not bargaining in good faith. The NLRB could find the employer guilty of unfair labor practices and genuinely put pressure on it to bargain a contract.

    Based on the board’s actions during the first Trump administration, the board in the next few years will be more likely to allow companies to delay and delay in reaching a contract.

    What leverage do the Whole Foods employees have?

    They can go on strike. But Amazon has the resources to put up with a strike at one Whole Foods store forever.

    Other Whole Foods stores may be considering union drives. The more stores that organize, the more momentum the Philadelphia store will have. But for now, these workers in Philly are going to have their work cut out for them.

    That said, they won’t be alone. The Whole Foods workers organized with the UFCW Local 1776, which is basically a statewide union that’s been around for decades. It has a lot of resources and experienced and knowledgeable leaders, plus the resources of the national UFCW. So it’s going to lean into this fight, and these workers will also have a lot of support from the rest of the labor community in Philadelphia.

    Earlier this month, three Congressional representatives from Pennsylvania wrote a letter to Jason Buechel, the Whole Foods CEO, and to Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, that expressed their concerns about efforts to suppress the union drive. Is that support typical?

    It’s not unusual. But there is no legal basis for elected officials to intervene in a labor-management dispute. I’d put that under the heading of community support.

    You have a lot of progressive elected officials in Philadelphia who are supportive of unions, and that’s true in Pennsylvania right up to the governor.

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

    – ref. Philly Whole Foods store becomes first to unionize – a labor expert explains what’s next and how Trump could stall workers’ efforts – https://theconversation.com/philly-whole-foods-store-becomes-first-to-unionize-a-labor-expert-explains-whats-next-and-how-trump-could-stall-workers-efforts-248513

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 3,000 Westminster residents supported to live healthier lives in 2024 through the Healthy Communities Fund | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    The Healthy Communities Fund (HCF) is a three-year initiative established in January 2024 to support organisations in the VCS to deliver culturally competent targeted health interventions in Westminster’s most deprived areas. 

    • Since its launch in January 2024, the Healthy Communities Fund has reached over 3,000 participants across Westminster with an average of 126 activities delivered per week. 
    •  The £5 million fund aims to support Voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations to deliver culturally competent health interventions to prevent health conditions worsening or developing in the first place.  
    • Fund recipients ‘Middle Eastern Women’s Society’ helped participants to lose weight healthily, improve blood pressure and lower blood sugar levels through targeted health interventions.  

    The £5 million fund is part of the council’s wider prevention agenda and is a direct result of collaboration with residents and VCS partners. Fund recipients receive training commissioned by the council’s Public Health team to embed health promotion and health interventions by trusted organisations who know their communities well. While the fund aims to increase the capacity of these organisations, the training aims to provide sustainability so that fund recipients can continue to support community members for a long time.  

    In the last year the fund has helped to reach over 3,000 regular participants through an average of 126 activities per week.  

    Thanks to the incredible progress made by organisations funded by the HCF, the council has seen tangible health outcomes including weight loss, improved blood pressure and increased screening and vaccination uptake. 

    Fund recipients, Middle Eastern Women’s Society (MEWSO), delivered interventions with the support of the HCF aimed at improving physical health through healthy cooking classes, walking groups, and establishing peer support networks. As with all recipients, MEWSO’s interventions were delivered in response to identified health needs to ensure that they are targeted and relevant to the community they intend to reach.  

    Identified needs included support for residents with physical disabilities, translating traditional dishes into healthier recipes and difficulties with keeping physically active outside of fitness classes. With MEWSO’s support participants are being equipped with tools and knowledge to look after their health – the offer has become so popular that it now operates with a waiting list.  

    Aman Zanoon, the project manager at MEWSO said:

    Since we launched our healthy cooking classes on Church Street, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. The sessions became so popular that we now have a waiting list of women keen to join. To manage this, we rotate participants weekly, with 12 women in each class, ensuring fairness and access for everyone.

    One of the highlights of the project has been our recipe book, which till now contain 31 Middle Eastern dishes, presented in both traditional and healthier versions. Beyond the cooking, these classes have Inspired broader changes in our participants’ lives. Many women have formed walking groups, shared progress and more healthy snacks and recipes in a WhatsApp group.

    For example, Mayada, one of our participants, has lost 4kg over six months and has stabilised her blood pressure, while Najwa has reported a 2kg loss. Many others have shared similar successes, demonstrating that this initiative is more than just about cooking—it’s about life-changing improvements.

    Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector, Cllr Nafsika Butler-Thalassis said: 

    It’s amazing to see the progress that the Healthy Communities Fund has made in just one year. 

    We set up this fund in the council to increase the capacity of local grassroot community organisations because we know that they are best placed to serve the community, and we want to support them to increase their impact.

    To address health inequalities, it is essential to engage communities in activities they find interesting and enjoyable  which have wider benefits, touching not only on healthy eating and physical activity but also on mental health and reducing isolation.

    Further training will be rolled out in 2025 to ensure trusted organisations can continue to deliver commissioned services in the future, focusing on mental health, diabetes and hypertension.

    The Healthy Communities Fund provide free activities designed to meet the needs of the local community. It is part of our #2035 initiative to promote healthy living in the borough.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: LegenDerry Food Month adds exciting new experiences

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    LegenDerry Food Month adds exciting new experiences

    29 January 2025

    As we gear up for the third annual Love LegenDerry Food Month, the programme is even bigger and better with a tantalising selection of food experiences to look forward to.

    Already a highlight of the culinary calendar, this celebration of the city’s thriving food and drink scene offers more unique ways than ever to indulge, explore, and connect with the region’s vibrant culinary culture.

    The programme is delivered by the LegenDerry Food Network with support from Derry City and Strabane District Council, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Regional Food Programme.

    The Network brings together the finest local producers, growers, chefs, brewers, restaurateurs working together to put the City and District on the map when it comes to the finest produce and creative culinary experiences.

    If you fancy something a bit more creative, then why not Paint Your Partner at Offing Coffee? Friday 14th February, brings the quirky Paint Your Partner event at Offing Coffee, hosted by Spark and Ponder. This light-hearted experience invites couples or friends to try their hand at painting each other’s portraits while enjoying locally roasted coffee and delicious treats. It’s a blend of laughter, art, and excellent hospitality, promising a unique and memorable afternoon.

    Theis new addition joins a packed calendar of events with highlights including the Oyster & Stout Festival, the Dart Mountain Cheese Experience, the Wild and Fired Dining Experience, Seafood Supper and the Derry By Fork Food Tour. Whether you’re savouring fresh seafood, discovering the craft of cheese-making, or exploring the city’s rich culinary history, this February promises to showcase the very best of Derry’s food scene.

    So, if you haven’t booked your place yet, now is the time. Love LegenDerry Food Month offers something for everyone – from creative workshops to indulgent dinners – all against the stunning backdrop of one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic cities.

    For full event listings and booking details, visit www.legenderryfood.com/events

    Or explore Visit Derry for things to see and do, accommodation. Plus, for places to eat and drink www.visitderry.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government unleashes offshore wind revolution

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    New measures will unlock up to £30 billion investment in homegrown clean power as permissions for new offshore wind projects are streamlined

    Up to thirteen major offshore wind projects have today (Wednesday 29th January) been unlocked as the Government announced measures to accelerate the construction of offshore infrastructure.

    Inheriting outdated and archaic infrastructure restrictions that slowed and jammed the building of offshore clean energy projects, Ministers are streamlining the consenting process to accelerate their construction. As set out in the Chancellor’s growth speech, this will hasten the delivery of vital infrastructure projects and unlock growth as part of the Government’s Plan for Change, while protecting nature and the environment.

    Together, the unlocked projects will generate up to 16GWs of electricity – almost equivalent to the electricity generated by all of the country’s gas power plants last year – and create thousands of good jobs in the offshore wind sector, potentially spurring £20-30bn of investment in homegrown clean power.

    These changes will allow the Government to designate new Marine Protected Areas or extend existing Marine Protected Areas to compensate for impacts to the seabed caused by offshore wind development. This will prevent delays that have previously resulted from insufficient environmental compensation being agreed, while protecting the marine environment and contributing to our commitment to protect 30% of our seas for nature by 2030.

    Marine Minister Emma Hardy said:

    Under the Government’s Plan for Change, we are committed to boosting growth and making Britain a clean energy superpower while defending our important marine habitats.

    These changes show we can make significant progress in expanding homegrown British clean power in a way that protects vulnerable sea life.

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

    Offshore wind will be the backbone of delivering clean power by 2030 as we enter a new era of clean electricity.

    As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, today’s announcement will help unlock crucial offshore wind projects that will boost our energy security, protect billpayers from volatile fossil fuel markets, and help make the UK a clean energy superpower.

    Any new designations of Marine Protected Areas will follow the existing process required under legislation, and will include consulting other affected industries and communities.

    The new or extended Marine Protected Areas will protect a range of marine habitats, with the cost of their designation and management funded by offshore wind developers through the Marine Recovery Fund.

    This follows the announcement that the Government’s forthcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill will unlock much-needed infrastructure projects whilst supporting nature recovery, and targeted changes to the management of underwater noise will fast-track the UK to deliver a clean power system by 2030.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest made in Wimbledon school fatal collision investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the fatal collision at the Study Prep School in Wimbledon in July 2023 have arrested the driver as part of their ongoing investigation, as they appeal for further potential witnesses to come forward.

    The 48-year-old female driver was arrested on Tuesday 28 January, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving – she has been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in late April. This is the second time she has been arrested for this offence, the first time being at the scene of the collision on 6 July 2023.

    Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau – both eight years old – died when a car crashed through a fence and collided with a building at the school.

    An initial investigation by the Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) resulted in a direction from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in June 2024 that the driver should face no further action.

    After concerns were raised by the families of Nuria and Selena regarding this outcome, it was agreed the Specialist Crime Review Group (SCRG) would carry out a review of the investigation. That review identified lines of enquiry which required further examination.

    In October the investigation was moved to the Specialist Crime Command, under Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford. He leads a team who have since been pursuing new lines of enquiry identified by the review.

    Detective Superintendent Basford said: “I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to any witnesses or individuals with information who are yet to speak to police to please come forward.

    “Were you attending the local golf course or driving in or around the area of the Study Prep School in Wimbledon at the time of the collision? Did you see the vehicle – a distinctive gold Land Rover Defender – in the lead up to the collision? We believe there were people in the local area who have not been spoken to by police and remain unidentified. I would ask those individuals to please contact us.

    “Our main priority is to ensure the lines of enquiry identified by the review are progressed. This is a live investigation and in order to maintain its integrity I can’t go into further detail at this stage. I would urge people to avoid speculation.”

    + To provide information you can contact the major incident room on 0207 175 0793, call 101 quoting CAD 6528/27Jan, or message @MetCC on X providing the CAD reference. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: BTCS Inc. Enhances Infrastructure for Improved Performance and Cost Efficiency

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) (“BTCS” or the “Company”), a provider of blockchain infrastructure and technology solutions, announced updates to its operations, including the migration of a significant portion of its infrastructure from AWS (Amazon Web Services) to bare metal servers, and the transition of its Builder+ platform from Go to the Rust programming language. These updates aim to improve operational efficiency, optimize system performance, and support developers utilizing BTCS’s technology.

    Migration to Bare Metal

    As part of BTCS’s ongoing commitment to operational efficiency, the transition to bare metal servers addresses one of the company’s largest non-compensation operating expenses. Better performing dedicated hardware eliminates the overhead costs associated with shared cloud services while providing enhanced reliability and performance. This move aligns with BTCS’s strategy to maximize value while delivering superior results to stakeholders.

    Adoption of Rust Programming Language

    In addition to the infrastructure upgrade, BTCS has migrated its Builder+ platform—an Ethereum-focused block construction tool—to Rust, a programming language known for its exceptional speed, memory efficiency, and reliability. The switch from Go to Rust has improved the speed and responsiveness of BTCS’s operations. This enhancement should help position Builder+ as a more competitive and innovative solution in the Ethereum ecosystem.

    “These advancements underscore BTCS’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation,” said Benjamin Hunter, VP of Engineering at BTCS. “By reducing costs with bare metal servers and leveraging the speed and efficiency of Rust, we are enhancing our technology infrastructure to gain a competitive advantage.”

    The combination of enhanced hardware and a more powerful programming language reinforces BTCS’s position as a premier blockchain infrastructure provider, ensuring the scalability, and efficiency of its operations.

    About BTCS

    BTCS Inc. (Nasdaq: BTCS) is a U.S.-based blockchain infrastructure technology company currently focused on driving scalable revenue growth through its Ethereum blockchain infrastructure operations. BTCS has honed its expertise in Ethereum network operations, particularly in block building and validator node management. Its branded block-building operation, Builder+, leverages advanced algorithms to optimize block construction for on-chain validation, thus maximizing potential gas fee revenues. BTCS also supports other blockchain networks by operating validator nodes and staking its crypto assets across multiple proof-of-stake networks, allowing crypto holders to delegate assets to BTCS-managed nodes. In addition, the Company has developed ChainQ, an AI-powered blockchain data analytics platform, which enhances user access and engagement within the blockchain ecosystem. Committed to innovation and adaptability, BTCS is strategically positioned to expand its blockchain operations and infrastructure beyond Ethereum as the ecosystem evolves.

    Users can explore how BTCS is revolutionizing blockchain infrastructure in the public markets by visiting www.btcs.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including statements regarding maximizing value while delivering superior results for stakeholders, expectations from the enhancement from the switch from Go to Rust. Words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation regulatory issues, unexpected issues with Builder+, unexpected issues with the transition to Rust, as well as risks set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 which was filed on March 21, 2024. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Investor Relations:

    Charles Allen – CEO

    X (formerly Twitter): @Charles_BTCS

    Email: ir@btcs.com

    Contact

    CEO

    Charles Allen

    BTCS Inc.

    ir@btcs.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2932e395-ff3e-482b-ac02-08de96e1f9b7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Will the US get to Mars quicker if it drops or delays plans to visit the Moon?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University

    Esteban De Armas/Shutterstock

    The Artemis program has been Nasa’s best chance to get “boots on the Moon” again. But with the new US administration taking guidance from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who is focused on Mars colonisation, will they end up abandoning or pushing back lunar missions?

    For example, there’s been speculation that returning US president Donald Trump may cancel the Space Launch System rocket, which Nasa intended to use to get from the Moon to Mars. But is this approach likely to help them get to Mars quicker?

    The last human presence on the lunar surface was Apollo 17 in 1972. So you may imagine that it should be easy for the US to return. However there have been plans to once again send people there since 2004, which have changed name with each incoming president, until its current incarnation as the Artemis program.

    The 2022 Artemis-1 test flight was successful in its mission to send an unmanned satellite around the lunar orbit and return using the new SLS rocket system. But Artemis-2, which will carry crew, is not scheduled for launch until 2026. When we consider private companies and other nations, this is comparatively slow progress.

    Artemis mission.
    Nasa

    The first successful landing of a spacecraft on the Moon by the Indian Space Agency, Isro, took place in 2023 with Chaandrayan-3, which was an amazing achievement with a low budget. China landed in 2013 with Chang’e 3, and Chang’e 4 in 2019 on the dark side.

    Russia have previously had landers on the Moon. Their more recent attempt at a lunar landing with Luna-25 was unsuccessful though. There are also future lander missions planned by the European Space Agency with Argonaut, a private Israeli company and other private industries. Clearly, there is no shortage of potential competitors which could eventually develop to send humans too.

    Implications for Mars

    So would turning to Martian exploration be a sensible move instead of heading for the Moon? It would likely mean abandoning the Lunar Gateway project, a space station in orbit around the Moon where astronauts could live. But as this is not planned until 2027 at the earliest, this would seem acceptable.

    However the difference between going to the Moon and going to Mars is like the difference between walking to the end of your road compared to walking to another country.

    Besides the incredible difference in distance (the distance to travel to Mars is 833 times greater than that of the distance to the Moon), the time taken to get there is far longer as well. The optimal lunar launch conditions repeat once a month. And you could still launch at times that are not ideal.

    The optimal fuel route for Mars involves arriving when the two planets are roughly on opposite sides of the Sun. This launch window repeats every 18 months, and the journey time of nine months means any problems onboard will need to be fixed by the crew, with no rescue option. Faster routes can be achieved (roughly six months) but this then becomes very energy intensive.

    This is why the lunar gateway would come in handy, allowing astronauts to take off from the Moon, away from the Earth’s immense gravity, and head to Mars from there. Of course the material for the gateway would need to be sent to the lunar gateway first. But by splitting the energy requirements up it means slower but more efficient propulsion methods can be used for part of the Mars journey.

    There is no doubt that, with some work, SpaceX will be able to make a landing on Mars. But will they be able to safely take people there and get them back? As a company the idea of profit will be a strong factor, along with astronaut safety. We only have to look at some of the more recent Boeing problems (astronauts have been stuck on the International Space Station for seven months at time of writing) to see that private companies may want to slow down a bit when it comes to transporting people.

    This is unlikely to happen though, with the considerable influence of Musk on the White House administration, and the suggestion of fellow billionaire Jared Isaacman (a private astronaut) as the new head of Nasa.

    Critical decisions

    So two options for Nasa to choose from: either keep going with their Artemis program and abandon the Lunar Gateway, or aim for Mars and be primarily dependent on Musk.

    Funding both options will likely mean that neither ever happens. Of course, the Mars mission would be easier if the gateway was already present at the Moon.

    The timelines involved here are important. SpaceX states that it will send five uncrewed Starships to Mars next year with an aim to send humans to Mars in 2028. This seems ambitious, particularly as it involves refuelling in orbit, but if additional funds and material are put towards the project it could potentially be sooner than this.

    As the lunar gateway would be built at the earliest in 2027, then it’d be unlikely to be operational in 2028 anyway. So prioritising Mars exploration over the lunar gateway may indeed get us to Mars quicker – but it will be risky.

    If the US pulls out of plans to explore the Moon, other nations can expand their presence in those areas more easily – with the potential to have an easier route to launch to Mars. These are likely to be on much longer time scales though, but if Musk fails to get humans to Mars in the next few years, these countries may have an edge.

    The conditions on Mars are slightly more favourable for human presence, with at least some atmospheric pressure and the potential for mining water. But as many studies have shown, it has no potential for terraforming, the process of altering a planet to make it more habitable for humans.

    The increased distance from the Sun also means that solar panels are slightly less effective, and Mars is not rich in deposited solar Helium-3, which can be used as a fuel for nuclear fusion.

    Of course the challenge is what excites many people and it may be a risk worth taking. But this decision should be left with the experts in the field, rather than politicians and billionaires.

    Ian Whittaker 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. Will the US get to Mars quicker if it drops or delays plans to visit the Moon? – https://theconversation.com/will-the-us-get-to-mars-quicker-if-it-drops-or-delays-plans-to-visit-the-moon-248046

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tonsils can grow back after they’ve been removed – here’s which other body parts can regenerate

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Adam Taylor, Professor and Director of the Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre, Lancaster University

    The human body is composed of over 37 trillion cells, each with a limited lifespan. These cells are continuously replaced to maintain organ and system function. Yet over time, or as a result of damage, the number of functioning cells can decrease to a level that causes symptoms or even organ failure.

    Regeneration of organs and systems is a scientific holy grail that relies on stem cells, but due to their limited number and slow division rate, this isn’t a practical route to organ regeneration. It would take many years to repopulate all the cell types needed.

    However, some people see organs “reappear”, like Katy Golden who had her tonsils removed for a second time as an adult after they grew back over 40 years.

    One reason that tonsils may grow back is that one of the operations to remove them is a partial tonsillectomy. Only removing part of the tonsils leads to a quicker recovery and fewer complications, but around 6% of children may see regrowth, which may require further surgery in later life.

    Most people associate organ regrowth and regeneration with the liver. As little as 10% of the liver can regrow into a fully functioning liver. This is also how partial liver transplants allow the donor to “regrow” a normal sized and fully functioning liver.

    One organ that has a surprising capacity to regenerate is the spleen and sometimes it can regenerate without people realising.

    The spleen is a high-risk organ for injury and is the most commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma during traffic collisions, sporting injuries or trivial activities such as bumping into furniture.

    The spleen is at high risk because it has lots of blood vessels and hence lots of blood, but is only surrounded by a thin capsule that can tear in trauma, allowing blood to leak out. This can result in death if not treated promptly.

    What may also happen is small pieces of the spleen – sometimes just a few cells – can become free in the abdomen and go on to “grow” where they settle – termed splenosis, going on to have similar functional activity to a mature, normally located spleen. This can be beneficial for those who have to have their spleen removed due to traumatic injury, with some reports suggesting regeneration in up to 66% of patients.

    In the last few years, our lungs have also been shown to have regenerative capacity. It is well known that smoking and other pollutants destroy the alveoli (tiny air sacs) where oxygen is passed to the blood. Stopping smoking has been shown to allow cells that have avoided damage from the cancer-causing chemicals in tobacco smoke to help regenerate and repopulate the lining of parts of the airways with healthy cells.

    Where a lung has been removed, the remaining lung has to adapt to support the tissues of the body and ensure enough oxygen gets to them. Studies have shown that the remaining lung increases the number of alveoli it has, rather than the remaining alveoli compensating by getting bigger to take up more oxygen.

    It isn’t just organs inside that regenerate. One organ that constantly does so on a humongous scale is the skin.

    As the largest organ, it has multiple barrier functions to keep things such as water in and germs out. With a surface area of almost 2m², the skin requires a significant amount of regeneration to replenish the 500,000,000 cells that are lost each day – that’s over 2g of skin cells per day.

    Tissue regeneration is much more common

    One of the most active regenerative tissues is the endometrial lining of the uterus which is shed every 28 days as part of the menstrual cycle and goes through about 450 cycles of this during a woman’s life.

    This layer varies between 0.5 and 18mm in thickness depending on the stage of the menstrual cycle, the functional cells that are lost along with the blood from vessels that support a fertilised egg if it implants.

    Men’s genitalia can also show regeneration. Vasectomy, which removes a piece of the tube (vas deferens) connecting the testes to the openings in the urethra, is used to reduce the chance of pregnancy by preventing sperm moving from the testes out of the penis.

    However, the cut ends of the ducts have shown regenerative capacity and reconnected. Some sections, where up to 5cm has been restricted or removed, have shown regeneration, even through scar tissue. This “recanalisation” can result in unexpected pregnancies.

    Bone is another tissue that can regenerate. If you’ve ever broken a bone, you’ll know that it repairs so that (eventually) you will regain function.

    This process of repairing the break takes six to eight weeks. But the process of regenerating the bone architecture and strength continues for months and years beyond this date.

    However, with increasing age and in post-menopausal woman, this process slows and the bone may not regenerate to its previous strength or structure.

    Where paired organs exist and one is lost, there is good evidence that the remaining organ can increase its functional ability to help the body cope with maintaining function. For example, when one kidney is removed, the remaining kidney enlarges to handle the extra workload, filtering blood and eliminating waste efficiently.

    Although organ regeneration is rare, it does happen and typically takes years to manifest because organs are complex structures. Work continues to try to understand how scientists can develop this knowledge to help with the shortage of donor organs. Thankfully, tissue regeneration happens much more often than many people might suppose, and it is a much-needed part of staying alive.

    Adam Taylor 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. Tonsils can grow back after they’ve been removed – here’s which other body parts can regenerate – https://theconversation.com/tonsils-can-grow-back-after-theyve-been-removed-heres-which-other-body-parts-can-regenerate-246653

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why we should all try to eat like people in rural Papua New Guinea – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jens Walter, Professor at the School of Microbiology, University College Cork

    Tanya Keisha/Shutterstock

    Western diets – high in processed foods and low in fibre – are associated with obesity, diabetes and heart disease. These diets don’t only harm our bodies, they also harm our gut microbiomes, the complex community of bacteria, fungi and viruses found in our intestinal tract that are important for our health.

    Scientists, including my colleagues and me, are actively searching for ways to create healthy microbiomes to prevent chronic diseases. And my search has taken me to Papua New Guinea.

    I have long been fascinated by this country, with its remote valleys almost untouched by the modern world until 1930, more than 800 languages, an ancient system of sustenance agriculture and entire communities living a non-industrialised lifestyle. This fascination kicked off a thrilling nine-year research project involving researchers from eight countries, which led to a paper published in the scientific journal Cell.

    In previous research, my team studied the gut microbiomes of rural Papua New Guineans. We discovered microbiomes that are more diverse than their westernised counterparts, enriched in bacteria that thrive on dietary fibre, and with lower levels of inflammation-causing bacteria that are typically found in people who eat highly processed foods.

    This information provided hints on how to perhaps redress the damage caused to our gut microbiomes.

    The traditional diet in rural Papua New Guinea is rich in unprocessed plant-based foods that are full of fibre but low in sugar and calories, something I was able to see for myself on a field trip to Papua New Guinea. Determined to create something everyone could use to benefit their health, our team took what we saw in Papua New Guinea and other non-industrialised societies to create a new diet we call the NiMe (non-industrialised microbiome restore) diet.

    What sets NiMe apart from other diets is that it is dominated by vegetables (such as leafy greens) and legumes (such as beans) and fruit. It only contains one small serving of animal protein per day (salmon, chicken or pork), and it avoids highly processed foods.

    Dairy, beef and wheat were excluded from the human trial because they are not part of the traditional diet in rural Papua New Guinea. The other characteristic distinction of the diet is a substantial dietary fibre content. In our trial, we went for around 45g of fibre a day, which exceeds the recommendations in dietary guidelines.

    One of my PhD students got creative in the kitchen designing recipes that would appeal to a person used to typical western dishes. These meals allowed us to develop a meal plan that could be tested in a strictly controlled study in healthy Canadian adults.

    Remarkable results

    We saw remarkable results including weight loss (although participants didn’t change their regular calorie intake), a drop in bad cholesterol by 17%, decreased blood sugar by 6%, and a 14% reduction in a marker for inflammation and heart disease called C-reactive protein. These benefits were directly linked to improvements in the participants’ gut microbiome, specifically, microbiome features damaged by industrialisation.

    On a western diet low in dietary fibre, the gut microbiome degrades the mucus layer in the gut, which leads to inflammation. The NiMe diet prevented this process, which was linked to a reduction in inflammation.

    The diet also increased beneficial bacterial metabolites (byproducts) in the gut, such as short-chain fatty acids, and in the blood, such as indole-3-propionic acid – a metabolite that has been shown to protect against type 2 diabetes and nerve damage.

    Research also shows that low dietary fibre leads to gut microbes ramping up protein fermentation, which generates harmful byproducts that may contribute to colon cancer.

    In fact, there is a worrying trend of increased colon cancer in younger people, which may be caused by recent trends towards high-protein diets or supplements. The NiMe diet increased carbohydrate fermentation at the expense of protein fermentation, and it reduced bacterial molecules in the participants’ blood that are linked to cancer.

    The findings from our research show that a dietary intervention targeted towards restoring the gut microbiome can improve health and reduce disease risk. The NiMe diet offers a practical roadmap to achieve this, by providing recipes that were used in our study. It allows anyone interested in healthy eating to improve their diet to feed their human cells and their microbiome.

    Jens Walter has received honoraria and/or paid consultancy from PrecisionBiotics/Novonesis A/S. NiMe is a trademark of Anissa M. Armet and Jens Walter.

    The research described in this article was supported by the Weston Family Microbiome Initiative, PrecisionBiotics Group Ltd., the “Hundred Talents Program” Research Start-up Fund of Zhejiang University, Alberta Innovates Postgraduate Fellowship, Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship, the Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship, the Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarship, the Walter H. Johns Graduate Fellowship, the University of Alberta Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship, the Campus Alberta Innovates Program, the Canada Research Chairs Program, the Science Foundation Ireland Centre grant to APC microbiome Ireland (APC/SFI/12/RC/2273_P2) and a Science Foundation Ireland Professorship (19/RP/6853).

    I would like to thank the people of Papua New Guinea whose way of life has been an inspriation for the development of the NiMe diet, and the participants of the human trial. I am deeply indepted to all the collaborators and the scientific institutions that have contributed to the research (please see author list and affiliations on publication). I would like to thank Prof. Andrew Greenhill (Federation University, Australia) and Prof William Pomat (Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research) for hosting me in Papua New Guina in 2019. I would further like to thank Jessica Stanisich and Tina Darb from the APC Microbiome Ireland for their help with this article.

    – ref. Why we should all try to eat like people in rural Papua New Guinea – new study – https://theconversation.com/why-we-should-all-try-to-eat-like-people-in-rural-papua-new-guinea-new-study-248064

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Early support to help you avoid a crisis in life

    Source: City of Coventry

    Find out how city agencies can help with health, care and other services by calling in between 9.30am and 12.30pm at the Council House on Tuesday 4 February.

    Professionals, community representatives and the public are being encouraged to call in at an event to highlight how agencies like the Alzheimer’s Society, Carer’s Trust and Voiceability can help when you or a friend or family member face challenges in their life.

    The Council along with Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust, Panahghar, Healthy Lifestyles, Coventry Haven Women’s Aid, Alzheimer’s Society, Change Grow Live, Blue Sky Centre, Voiceability, and the Carers Trust will all be joining together at a drop-in session at the Council House on Tuesday 4 February.

    Coventry Adult Safeguarding Board are co-ordinating the event to help raise awareness of the way the range of partners organisations work in providing early support to avoid a difficult situation turning into a crisis.

    All these organisations are here to help and could support your needs!

    We are hosting the event to enable members of the public/communities to link in with key organisations that are often approached for help, support and advice.

    Among the organisations represented will be the Carer’s Trust. The Trust campaigns for unpaid carers and recognises the broad range of caring responsibilities that people of all ages have. For example, it can arrange a carer’s assessment and help you get the support and respite that you may need from your caring role.

    Come along and talk about any concerns, support or questions you might have! We’d love to meet you.

    Find out more about the event.

    Wednesday, 29th January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Slovak Republic: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    January 29, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund mission, led by Magnus Saxegaard, and comprising Christian Bogmans, Shinya Kotera, Yen Mooi, and Jonathan Pampolina conducted discussions for the 2025 Article IV consultation with the Slovak Republic virtually during December 4-13, 2024, and in Bratislava, Slovakia, during January 15-28, 2025. Sumiko Ogawa, Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) mission chief, joined the concluding meeting. At the conclusion of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

    Slovakia, like much of the EU, faces headwinds related to geoeconomic fragmentation, high energy costs, and demographic change. Growth has held up in recent years, but at the cost of a much-increased fiscal deficit. Steadfast implementation of the authorities’ ambitious 4-year consolidation plan is needed to reverse the upward trajectory in public debt, alongside policies to strengthen financial resilience and structural reforms to bolster medium-term growth, including through efforts to strengthen governance and reduce vulnerability to corruption.

    Economic Developments, Outlook, and Risks

    The Slovak economy is recovering. The economy slowed sharply in 2022-23, but growth is estimated to have accelerated to 2.1 percent in 2024, outpacing that in the euro area. Private consumption was the main driver fueled by recovering real wages, the extension of household energy support, and more generous pensions. Meanwhile, an increase in public consumption partially offset a slowdown in EU-funded public investments. While inflation has declined from record-highs in 2023, it increased in 2024H2 due to higher global food price inflation. Core inflation is higher than in the euro area, driven by a tight labor market and strong nominal wage growth.

    Economic growth is projected to moderate to 1.9 percent in 2025, before rising to 2.1 percent in 2026. The fiscal consolidation in 2025 will lower growth directly by slowing government spending, and indirectly as higher taxes put upward pressure on prices and dampen private consumption, though the effect will be partially mitigated by the one-year extension of household energy support and strong EU-funded public investments. Meanwhile external demand is expected to remain subdued. For 2026, higher growth in trading partners and increased capacity in the automotive sector is expected to boost exports. Inflation is projected to rise temporarily to 4.0 percent in 2025 and moderate to 3.2 percent in 2026. Adverse demographic trends and lower productivity growth imply that Slovakia’s medium-term growth, as projected by staff, is expected to be significantly lower than its pre-pandemic average, and below IMF forecasts of medium-term growth in other Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) countries with comparable income levels.

    Risks to growth are tilted to the downside while risks to inflation are broadly balanced. Near term risks include a global slowdown or intensifying trade policy uncertainty which would weigh on growth and exert downward pressure on inflation. Domestically, slippages in fiscal consolidation could increase sovereign spreads and tighten financial conditions. A lack of political consensus on structural reforms and concerns about institutional quality could deter private investment and slow the disbursement of EU funds that have been critical in supporting public investment. A correction in real estate prices combined with an economic downturn could trigger losses for financial institutions. Meanwhile, continued strong nominal wage growth could undermine competitiveness and keep inflation elevated.

    Fiscal Policy

    Slovakia’s fiscal outlook is challenging. The fiscal deficit is projected to have increased to 5.7 percent in 2024 from 5.2 percent in 2023 due to a combination of revenue easing and higher spending that more than offset the 0.6 percent of GDP in net consolidation measures in the 2024 budget. This increase follows the 3.6 percentage points of GDP widening of the fiscal deficit in 2023. While the change in government in October 2023 meant time to finalize the 2024 budget was short, it is clear ex-post that robust growth combined with significant medium-term fiscal challenges would have warranted a tighter fiscal stance in 2024.

    The mission welcomes the authorities’ ambitious fiscal consolidation targets for 2025-28, which is commensurate with the scale of Slovakia’s fiscal challenges.

    • The 2025 budget targets a reduction in the headline deficit to 4.7 percent of GDP. Fund staff’s more conservative macroeconomic forecasts imply an overall deficit of 4.9 percent of GDP in 2025. However, the projected structural tightening is broadly in line with the budget. These forecasts are subject to significant downside risks, including from a lower-than-expected yield from the fiscal consolidation measures or a worse economic outlook. If revenues in 2025 appear to be falling short of targets (as implied by staff’s macroeconomic forecasts) the authorities should limit the resulting increase in the deficit, including by saving as much as possible of the contingency buffer.
    • Beyond 2025, the medium-term fiscal structural plan targets another 2.5 percentage points of GDP reduction in the fiscal deficit to bring it close to 2 percent of GDP by 2028, though measures to achieve this consolidation are not yet specified. Staff projections suggest that the fiscal consolidation envisaged over the next four years, if met, will reverse the increase in the deficit over the past two years and put public debt on a downward path by the end of the projection period. Staff’s baseline forecast, which does not include any further consolidation beyond that in the 2025 budget, entails a gradual increase in the deficit over the medium term, with public debt rising to 75 percent of GDP by end-2030 from 56 percent of GDP in 2023.

    The consolidation measures for 2025 are a step in the right direction. Several of the measures are welcome and will help reduce the deficit on a structural basis, including the increase in the basic VAT rate, and better targeting of child benefits. However, the increase in the number of items subject to reduced VAT rates deprives the government of much needed revenue, while the financial transactions tax (FTT) could weaken financial intermediation and increase incentives for informality.

    The measures to lower Slovakia’s fiscal deficit closer to 2 percent of GDP by 2028 should be consistent with Slovakia’s long-term growth and climate objectives, while protecting the most vulnerable in society. While there is no definitive evidence that reducing spending is more effective than increasing revenues in terms of economic efficiency or equity, prioritizing the rationalization of expenditures moving forward would result in a more balanced fiscal consolidation, given the reliance on revenue-based measures thus far.

    • Spending: According to Fund staff estimates, value for Money initiatives, including a reduction in subsidies, could yield savings of up to 0.5 percent of GDP, while improved targeting could reduce social spending by as much as 0.8 percent of GDP. Also, there may be scope to increase efficiency by trimming departmental budgets and reducing public sector wage growth, though this should be done cautiously to avoid unintended cuts in service delivery. Reversing the increase of the 13th pension could yield about 0.4 percent of GDP in savings while eliminating the recently introduced early retirement option could yield fiscal savings over the long-term. Finally, energy support measures to households (projected to cost 0.2 percent of GDP in 2025) should be phased out as they are costly and discourage energy conservation.
    • Revenues: Reducing the number of items subject to reduced VAT rates could generate as much as 1.3 percent of GDP in savings, while raising property taxes by transitioning to a market value-based system could generate around 0.3 percent in additional revenue. Plans to counter tax evasion and reduce the VAT compliance gap are welcome and could yield up to 0.5 percent of GDP in revenues. Finally, the authorities should replace the FTT with alternative revenue sources, while phasing out the bank levy as planned.

    Safeguarding Slovakia’s strong fiscal framework is essential for the credibility of the consolidation effort. Aligning Slovakia’s national expenditure ceiling framework with the new EU fiscal rules avoids inconsistencies and streamlines the budget process but continued focus on the long-term fiscal outlook (beyond the horizon used for the EU fiscal framework) remains useful given Slovakia’s medium-term fiscal challenges. Slovakia’s strong and independent Council for Budgetary Responsibility can help by monitoring the impact of government policies on the long-term sustainability of public finances. Lastly, the mission recommends reforming the debt brake before it comes into effect in 2026, to avoid the risk of a disruptive fiscal consolidation.

    The mission welcomes the government’s objective to increase absorption of EU funds. The Slovak government is working with the OECD and the European Commission to identify concrete measures to increase absorption. In this regard, there is a need to strengthen project management capacity, especially at the municipal level, while the preparation of a national investment plan could help guide the timely selection of investment projects.

    Financial Sector Policy

    The 2024 Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP)—an in-depth review of the financial sector—assessed the banking sector to be resilient against severe shocks, reflecting a healthy level of buffers and profitability. The residential real estate market remains a source of vulnerability. In particular, tighter financial conditions, an economic slowdown, and a decline in still-elevated house prices could put pressure on households’ repayment capacity and increase the riskiness of banks’ mortgage portfolios. Also, risks remain elevated in the office segment of the commercial real estate (CRE) market while banks with large exposures to firms facing geopolitical risks could be vulnerable to credit losses. That said, solvency stress tests indicate that banks have sufficient capital to withstand severe macro-financial shocks. Likewise, liquidity stress tests indicate that the banking system as a whole is resilient to funding and market liquidity shocks.

    The current macroprudential stance is broadly appropriate, but the policy framework could be further developed over the medium term to help attenuate cyclical and structural risks.

    • Residual risks in the residential and CRE markets suggest the current level of the countercyclical capital buffer (CCyB) is appropriate. Borrower-based measures (BBMs) have contributed to contain household credit risk and should remain in force. The authorities should stand ready to activate the systemic risk buffer on banks’ CRE exposures before risks in the sector become systemic.
    • The macroprudential policy framework could be further strengthened by adopting a positive neutral countercyclical capital buffer (pnCCyB). A pnCCyB would help safeguard the availability of releasable capital and give policymakers time to collect evidence of a build-up in vulnerabilities. A healthy level of profitability and/or the availability of voluntary buffers would help facilitate a smooth introduction of a pnCCyB. In addition, remaining leakages in the BBMs (e.g. co-financing a mortgage with a consumer loan) should be closed, while the BBM speed limits should be differentiated across borrower categories (e.g. first- and second-time home buyers, investors, and mortgage top-ups).

    Financial resilience could be bolstered by strengthening the supervision of less significant institutions (LSIs) as well as the crisis management framework.

    • The NBS’s supervisory powers and operational independence should be enhanced by restricting banks’ appeals only to supervisory decisions and corrective measures that are finalized, and by strengthening the legal protections for supervisors. Moreover, the NBS should streamline off-site supervision to align with LSI’s risk profile and strengthen on-site inspections to bolster the overall effectiveness of LSI supervision.
    • The financial safety net and crisis management framework should be reinforced by ensuring that the National Resolution Authority (NRA) has adequate resources, preventing the judiciary from suspending or reversing resolution decisions, ensuring NRA resolutions are immediately enforceable, and enhancing the legal protection of staff involved in resolution. Meanwhile, the authorities should remove active bankers from the board of the deposit guarantee fund to prevent conflicts of interest, while expanding the fund’s mandate and financial strength to enable it to play a broader role in crisis management.

    Efforts to strengthen the AML/CFT framework should continue. In particular, the authorities should review the criteria for the application of ML/TF sanctions, strengthen coordination between the NBS and Financial Intelligence Unit, and introduce mechanisms to verify beneficial ownership information and sanction the submission of inaccurate information.

    Structural Policy

    Slovakia needs structural reforms to diversify its economy, enhance resilience to global shocks and sustain productivity growth. The success of the automotive sector has led to decades of strong growth but exposed Slovakia to global trends related to the green transition and automation. To improve resilience and sustain productivity growth the authorities should intensify efforts to promote innovation and technology adoption. In this context, the mission welcomes the increase in direct government R&D spending, but further efforts are needed to stimulate business R&D including in small firms and startups that are not yet profitable. At the same time, deepening the European single market would allow innovative firms to leverage economies of scale. Finally, advancing the capital market union would facilitate cross-border flows of capital including equity financing and venture capital, which is critical for supporting startups, particularly in countries with less-developed capital markets.

    The automotive sector is facing headwinds related to the unfolding green transition and rapid rise of electronic vehicle (EV) production in other markets. To address these challenges, the authorities should encourage innovation across the entire domestic EV production supply chain, promote efforts to diversify the economy, and enhance Active Labor Market Policies (ALMPs) to facilitate the movement of workers across sectors.

    The challenges of an aging population require policies to increase the labor force. Flexible working arrangements, shortening the 3-year long maximum parental leave period, and improved child and elderly care could increase female participation, while tax credits and restrictions on early retirement could raise labor force participation among the elderly. The recent easing of national visa rules for foreign workers in professions with shortages could boost migrant inflows, but further efforts are needed to integrate and retain migrants, including by scaling up language training and streamlining certification recognition. Increased focus on vocational education and training would help bring down Slovakia’s high youth unemployment.

    Maintaining a favorable investment climate, strengthening governance, and reducing vulnerability to corruption will help lift the economy’s growth potential.

    • Governance indicators and perceptions of judicial independence lag peers, and recent surveys point to a decline in the perceived effectiveness of anti-corruption policies.
    • A new national anti-corruption strategy is expected to be released mid-year. In that context, the authorities should verify that the new institutional framework that replaced the dissolved Special Prosecutor’s Office and National Crime Agency has not weakened the institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute high-level corruption. Also, the asset declaration and conflict of interest framework for high-risk public officials could be improved. Specifically, broadening the scope of covered public officials, and centralizing and digitizing the submission and publication process with robust verification procedures and appropriate sanctions, would be beneficial. Finally, existing safeguards pertaining to the Prosecutor General’s authority to annul decisions by lower-level prosecutors should be strengthened.
    • Safeguards to ensure members of the Judicial Council can only be recalled based on specific and reasonable grounds would enhance judicial independence. Also, the crime of “abuse of law”, whereby judges are subject to criminal liability for their decisions, can have an intimidating effect on judges. Additional safeguards to ensure the framework balances the accountability of judges and independent judicial decision-making would be beneficial.

    While greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by 50 percent since 1990, further efforts are needed to cut emissions by 55 percent by 2030 and to reach net-zero by 2050. Slovakia should move expeditiously to fully implement the ETS II scheme for road transport and buildings and could consider gradually raising environmental levies in these sectors until the scheme becomes operational in 2027. The authorities should continue exploring options to replace two coal-fired blast furnaces in the steel industry and phase out fossil fuel subsidies. Also, supporting environmental R&D and green technology would support mitigation efforts and economic diversification. Lastly, a more integrated energy market in Europe would encourage investment in renewables and enhance energy security and reduce energy prices.

    The IMF team thanks the authorities and other interlocutors for their generous hospitality and constructive dialogue.

     Table 1. Slovakia: Selected Economic Indicators, 2020–2030 
     
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Boris Balabanov

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/01/29/mcs-012925-slovak-republic-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New operator will revitalize historic site experience at Fort Steele

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Landmark Society (CAMAL), the new operator of Fort Steele Heritage Town, is planning new, dynamic, interactive and diverse visitor experiences that complement the site’s community traditions.

    “Fort Steele isn’t just a tourism attraction for visitors,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “It holds great historical value for our province and plays an important role in telling B.C.’s story. This new partnership is key to ensuring high-quality historic experiences at this site that will keep visitors coming back.”

    The provincial heritage site and national historic site is a key attraction for the East Kootenay region of British Columbia, drawing visitors worldwide. Visitors can experience the 19th century through its restored buildings, interpreters and exhibits. There are more than 60 original or accurately reconstructed buildings from the 1890s, offering an immersive cultural and educational experience. It includes activities such as gold panning, stagecoach rides, tours and heritage trades demonstrations.

    CAMAL is planning to work with area First Nations to find ways to collaborate on the site’s exhibits and programming. These initiatives aim to deepen visitors’ understanding and appreciation of the history and culture of Indigenous communities in British Columbia.

    “We are dedicated to preserving and promoting Fort Steele, while bringing a renewed vibrancy to the site through innovative programs, storytelling and visitor experiences,” said Keith Powell, chair of the CAMAL. “We are excited to build upon the site’s legacy, focusing on Fort Steele’s role as an integral part of the local and regional tourism economy, and strengthening its position as a significant cultural and historical destination.”

    CAMAL begins a six-year operations contract with the Province on April 1, 2025, with potential for renewal. CAMAL was selected as the site operator for Fort Steele Heritage Town following a publicly posted request-for-proposals process in late 2024.

    Friends of Fort Steele Society has been operating Fort Steele Heritage Town from 2004 and will continue until March 2025. It oversaw numerous capital works developments, including a new visitor centre and focused efforts on repairing Fort Steele’s steam train. The Province provided $500,000 to support these projects, which are expected to be complete in spring and ready for the 2025 season.

    The Province acknowledges the stewardship Friends of Fort Steel Society provided for this heritage site for more than 20 years.

    Quick Facts:

    • Fort Steele Heritage Town receives $900,000 in annual funding from the Province to support site operations, ensure conservation and maintain public access.
    • Since 2020, the Province has provided more than $55 million through various programs to celebrate, preserve and protect B.C.’s heritage assets.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about B.C. heritage sites, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=499BEC462CB84EC48D983C16E0404090

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Enhanced visitor experiences planned for Barkerville historic site

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Visitors can look forward to continuing strong operations, along with expanded hands-on demonstrations and interpretations at Barkerville Historic Town & Park and Cottonwood House Historic Site as part of the site operator’s proposed plan.

    “Barkerville and Cottonwood House are among B.C.’s most iconic heritage destinations that visitors love to visit again and again,” said Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “I can’t wait to see the new exhibits our partner, Barkerville Heritage Trust, is developing that will further enrich the storytelling and historical experience at this site.”

    Barkerville’s resource-development history dates back to 1862, when Billy Barker struck gold at Williams Creek, ushering in the gold rush that drew fortune seekers from all over the world and made Barkerville the largest town in Western Canada at that time. Barkerville offers visitors a chance to step back in time to the late 1800s with its interpreters in period costumes, stagecoach rides and a collection of more than 500,000 artifacts, including 100 preserved heritage structures.

    Barkerville Heritage Trust will continue as the site operator for the next seven years, with potential for renewal, as part of a new management contract with the Province. The trust is planning additional interactive activities to let visitors experience everyday life on the Cariboo homestead during the gold-rush era. This includes an increase in cultural programming, a greater diversity of stories that are part of B.C.’s heritage, particularly the culture and history of area First Nations, and more tourism offerings outside of the site’s peak season.

    “We are thrilled to continue our stewardship of these cherished heritage assets, and with decades of experience operating Barkerville and Cottonwood House, our team has gained invaluable insights that will guide us as we work to deliver world-class tourism experiences for visitors over the next seven years,” said Al Richmond, chair of the Barkerville Heritage Trust. “We will be looking to expand the offerings at Cottonwood House, as well as sending Barkerville’s historical interpreters back to the Richfield Courthouse and continuing with our Indigenous and Chinese cultural interpretation. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and concern from the public during last year’s wildfires, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who stood by us during that challenging time.”

    The provincial heritage site’s popular 100 days of Barkerville season runs from May 31 until Sept. 7, 2025.

    “Barkerville Heritage Trust is a trusted steward and operator of this iconic tourism destination in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region,” said Amy Thacker, CEO, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism.  “Barkerville Historic Town & Park’s exhibits and interactive demonstrations for tourists and locals provide an incredible opportunity for people to explore, discover our history and create lasting memories. We look forward to sharing Barkerville’s plans with the community and inviting people to come back to see what’s new.”

    The new heritage site management agreement begins on April 1, 2025. Barkerville Heritage Trust has operated the historical site since 2005.

    Quick Facts:

    • Barkerville Heritage Trust was selected as the site operator for Barkerville Historic Town & Park and Cottonwood House Historic Site following a publicly posted request-for-proposals process in late 2024.
    • Barkerville Heritage Trust will receive more than $2 million in annual funding to support site operations, ensure conservation and maintain public access.
    • Since 2020, the Province has provided more than $55 million through various programs to celebrate, preserve and protect B.C.’s heritage assets.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about B.C. heritage sites, visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/celebrating-british-columbia/historic-places/provincial-heritage-properties

    To learn more about Barkerville Historic Town & Park, visit: https://www.barkerville.ca/ourstory/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from Premier Pillai on Lunar New Year 2025

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier Ranj Pillai has issued the following statement:

    “Today, we join people around the world in celebrating the Lunar New Year, one of the most significant occasions in the lunar calendar.

    “Also known as the Spring Festival, this holiday is an opportunity for many members of Asian communities to reunite with family, share festive meals and participate in age-old traditions. From colourful parades and traditional dances to the exchange of red envelopes, the Lunar New Year embodies the values of connection, gratitude and hope.

    “As we enter the Year of the Snake, we are reminded of the qualities this symbol represents – wisdom, good fortune and transformation. These traits inspire us to embrace the year ahead with resilience and optimism, overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities to grow.

    “Lunar New Year also offers an opportunity to celebrate the rich diversity and enduring contributions that Asian communities have made to the Yukon and Canada. These communities continue to play an essential role in contributing to the cultural landscape of our territory and our nation.

    “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizations and people across the Yukon who have worked hard to organize Lunar New Year celebrations. Your efforts bring joy and a spirit of inclusivity to our communities.

    “On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I wish everyone a wonderful Year of the Snake filled with health, happiness and prosperity.

    “Happy Lunar New Year!”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE ERO Boston arrests illegal MS-13 member charged with firearms, drug crimes

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston apprehended an illegally present 19-year-old Guatemalan gang member charged with drug and weapons crimes. Officers from ICE ERO Boston arrested Luis Adolfo Guerra-Perez in Boston Jan. 22.

    “Luis Adolfo Guerra-Perez is an illegally present gang member, who has shown complete disregard for American laws,” said acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “He is a member of a violent street gang charged with illegally possessing a high-capacity firearm and drugs. We will not tolerate such offenders to threaten the residents of our New England neighborhoods. ERO Boston will continue to arrest and remove egregious alien offenders from our communities.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Guerra on March 21, 2021, after he illegally entered the United States at the Southern Border. Authorities with USBP issued Guerra a Notice to Appear before a Department of Justice immigration judge.

    ERO Dallas released Guerra on an Order of Recognizance May 8, 2021.

    On Oct 2, 2024, a DOJ immigration judge ordered Guerra removed from the United States to Guatemala.

    The East Boston District Court arraigned Guerra Jan. 3 for the offenses of possession of a large capacity weapon/firearm, possession of class D controlled substance, possession of firearm without permit and possession of ammunition.

    ICE ERO Boston issued an immigration detainer against Guerra with the Nashua Street Jail in Boston Jan. 6; however, the East Boston District Court ignored the immigration detainer and ordered Guerra released from custody Jan. 21.

    Officers from ERO Boston arrested Guerra in Boston, Massachusetts Jan 22. He remains in ERO custody.

    ERO conducts removals of individuals without a lawful basis to remain in the United States, including at the order of immigration judges with the Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. EOIR is a separate entity from DHS and ICE. Immigration judges in these courts make decisions based on the merits of each individual case, determining if a noncitizen is subject to a final order of removal or eligible for certain forms of relief from removal.

    As one of ICE’s three operational directorates, ERO is the principal federal law enforcement authority in charge of domestic immigration enforcement. ERO’s mission is to protect the homeland through the arrest and removal of those who undermine the safety of U.S. communities and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws, and its primary areas of focus are interior enforcement operations, management of the agency’s detained and non-detained populations, and repatriation of noncitizens who have received final orders of removal. ERO’s workforce consists of more than 7,700 law enforcement and non-law enforcement support personnel across 25 domestic field offices and 208 locations nationwide, 30 overseas postings, and multiple temporary duty travel assignments along the border.

    Members of the public with information regarding child sex offenders can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ERO Boston’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –