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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The 2025-26 Budget Delivers More Affordability Measures for Saskatchewan Residents

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 7, 2025

    The 2025-26 Budget delivers affordability for the people of Saskatchewan. In this year’s budget, record investments are being made in health care, education and community safety, in addition to delivering more affordability measures than ever before. 

    “This budget follows through on our promise to ensure Saskatchewan remains the most affordable place in Canada to live, work, raise a family and start a business,” Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Jim Reiter said. 

    The taxation changes introduced in the 2025-26 Budget, including the initiatives in The Saskatchewan Affordability Act, provide over $250 million in tax savings this year. This is in addition to the more than $2 billion in affordability measures in each and every budget.

    Included in these changes are the largest personal income tax reduction in the province since 2008 by raising the basic personal exemption, spousal and equivalent-to-spouse exemption and dependent child exemption by $500 a year for the next four years – over and above the impact of indexation. Upon full implementation, an additional 54,000 residents will no longer be paying provincial income tax. 

    “This year’s budget reduces income taxes for every resident, family and small business in the province,” Reiter said. “It also helps make life more affordable for seniors, families with children, persons with disabilities, caregivers, new graduates, first-time homebuyers, people renovating their homes and more.”

    Families benefit from the Fertility Treatment Tax Credit, helping individuals or couples cover costs associated with fertility treatments. Doubling the Active Families Benefit tax credit and raising the qualifying income threshold to $120,000 will make accessing children’s sports, arts, cultural and recreational activities more affordable. 

    Seniors receive an increase in the senior supplement amount by $500 annually for the next four years, starting in 2025 – over and above the impact of indexation. An increase to the Personal Care Home Benefit will help more than 2,000 low-income seniors with the cost of living in a licensed personal care home. 

    The Graduate Retention Program has also increased, with a maximum benefit of $24,000 for students who live and work in Saskatchewan after graduating from a post-secondary institution. The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship provides up to $3,000 for Grade 12 students who will be attending post-secondary institutions in the province. 

    Making housing more affordable is also a priority. As a result, all education property tax mill rates have been reduced to absorb the increase in property assessment values and ensure this assessment year is revenue neutral for the province. This change will save property owners in the province more than $100 million annually. Reinstating the Home Renovation Tax Credit saves residents up to $420 and seniors $525 annually in provincial income tax. The First-Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit maximum benefit increased to $1,575, making homeownership more attainable for first-time homebuyers, and the PST Rebate on New Home Construction was made permanent. 

    The 2025-26 Budget also delivers for individuals receiving income assistance, with a two per cent increase for nearly 20,000 Saskatchewan Income Support clients and more than 18,000 Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability clients. Beginning July 1, 2025, the Saskatchewan Low-Income Tax Credit will increase by five per cent annually for the next four years – over and above the impact of indexation – benefiting more than 300,000 individuals and families in the province. 

    Affordability measures are also increasing for persons with disabilities and caregivers. The Disability Tax Credit and the Disability Tax Credit supplement for children under 18 both increase by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation. The Caregiver Tax Credit also increases by 25 per cent, in addition to indexation, which provides financial support for families who care for adult children or parents with physical or mental impairments.

    In addition to measures that help make life more affordable, the 2025-26 Budget includes measures that support our growing province. The Small Business Tax Rate permanently remains at one per cent, which benefits more than 35,000 small businesses and saves them over $50 million annually in corporate income taxes. The Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Tax Credit provides a non-refundable tax credit for individuals or corporations that invest in the equity of eligible Saskatchewan small and medium enterprise, while the Saskatchewan Class 1 Truck Driver Training Rebate Program supports individuals seeking their commercial driving licence. 

    To learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s affordability measures and other 2025-26 Budget initiatives, visit: budget.saskatchewan.ca.         

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer Appointed

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Nova Scotia has appointed lawyer David Nurse as the Province’s new Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Review Officer.

    Mr. Nurse has deep knowledge of the FOIPOP process, gained while working in government and as a private-sector lawyer.

    “I am pleased to welcome Mr. Nurse to this important role,” said Becky Druhan, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “His broad range of experience makes him an excellent fit to deliver the crucial mandate of upholding Nova Scotians’ right to access information while safeguarding their personal and private data. I also want to thank executive director Carmen Stuart for serving as acting privacy review officer until Mr. Nurse was appointed.”

    The review officer is responsible for reviewing access to information requests from people and organizations who are dissatisfied with the response they received from a public body under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Government Act, or the Personal Health Information Act.

    The review officer also considers privacy complaints regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by provincial public bodies under the Privacy Review Officer Act.

    Mr. Nurse’s past positions have included roles with the Nova Scotia government at the Office of Immigration and the Department of Justice, owning and operating a law firm, and serving as a lawyer with the Government of the Northwest Territories.

    Mr. Nurse starts work this week. He takes over from Tricia Ralph, whose five-year term ended on February 28.

    Quotes:

    “I am honoured to take on this role. I look forward to serving Nova Scotians in this capacity and to working collaboratively to strengthen transparency and trust in our public institutions.”
    — David Nurse, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer

    Quick Facts:

    • Nova Scotia’s access and privacy laws apply to all government departments and agencies, municipalities and municipal bodies, hospitals, health authorities, universities and colleges

    Additional Resources:

    Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner: https://oipc.novascotia.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Study: How Coral Reefs Shielded Hawaiian Coastlines Against 2018 Hurricanes

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Hurricanes bring powerful waves and storm surges that can erode shorelines and threaten coastal communities. But a new study by USGS and partners details how Hawaii’s coral reefs acted as natural barriers during two successive tropical cyclones that impacted Hawai’i in 2018, reducing wave energy and protecting coastlines.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to New Jersey Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Sinkholes on Interstate 80

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

     WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations affected by the sinkholes on Interstate 80 occurring Dec. 26, 2024. The SBA issued the administrative declaration for an economic injury disaster on April 2.  

    The declaration covers Morris County, as well as the adjacent counties of Essex, Hunterdon, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren, which are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) from the SBA.  

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.  

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Beginning Tuesday, April 8th, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the SBA Business Recovery Center (BRC) in Morris County to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.  

    The BRC hours of operation are listed below:

    Business Recovery Center (BRC) 
    Morris County

    Wharton Municipal Building

    10 Robert Street

    Wharton, New Jersey 07885

    Opening:  Tuesday, April 8th: 10:30 a.m. to 5: p.m.

    Hours: Monday – Friday – 8:30 a.m.  to 5 p.m.

    Saturday – 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.

       Sunday: Closed

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.  

    The filing deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 2, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Texas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Spring Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas of the May 7, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding occurring from April 26‑June 5, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Bosque, Coke, Delta, Grimes, Madison and Rockwall.

    Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than May 7.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Disaster Relief to Illinois Businesses, Nonprofits and Residents Affected by South Terrace Apartment Fire

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON – In response to an Administrative disaster declaration issued April 2, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Illinois businesses, nonprofits and residents affected by the South Terrace Apartment fire occurring on Feb. 22.  

    The disaster declaration covers Cook County, which is eligible for both Physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. EIDLs are also available to eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in the adjacent counties of DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will in Illinois, as well as Lake County in Indiana. 

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.    

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.    

    Businesses and homeowners may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes.  

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster. 

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.750% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

    Beginning Monday, April 7, 2025, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in Cook County to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.  

    The DLOC hours of operation are listed below: 

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) 
    Cook County 

    Justice Village Hall 

    7800 S Archer Road 

    Justice, Illinois 60458 

    Opening:  Monday, April 7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

    Hours: Monday – Friday – 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

    Saturday – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

    Closed: Sunday  

    Permanently Closing: Saturday, April 19, 2 p.m. 

    “SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) have consistently proven their value to business owners and homeowners following a disaster,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “Homeowners and Business owners can visit the DLOC to meet face-to-face with specialists who will guide them through the disaster loan application process and connect them with resources to support their recovery.” 

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan. 

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.  

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 2, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is January 2, 2026. 

    ### 

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration 

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MPUC TO HOLD PUBLIC WITNESS HEARING IN THE 10 PERSON COMPLAINT CONCERNING AN INCREASE IN RATES PERTAINING TO LORING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

    Source: US State of Maine

    April 7, 2025

    Hallowell, Maine– The Maine Public Utilities Commission will hold a public witness hearing in the 10 Person Complaint Concerning an Increase in Rates Pertaining to Loring Development Authority.

    Wednesday, April 16, 2025 6:00 p.m. Northern Maine Community College Edmund Conference Center Presque Isle, Maine Remote participation available

    Members of the public who are not a party to this case may present testimony or comments to the Commission on the issues in this proceeding. A sign language interpreter will be available. For more information regarding remote participation please email PUCPublicHearing@maine.gov

    All public documents in the case are available on the Commission’s Online Case Management System. Please reference Case #2024-00300.

    About the Commission The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for all ratepayers, while also helping achieve reductions in state greenhouse gas emissions. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service, gas safety and Dig Safe. Philip L. Bartlett, II serves as Chair, Patrick Scully and Carrie Gilbert serve as Commissioners.

    Learn more about the Commission at www.maine.gov/mpuc

    Learn more about the Commission at www.maine.gov/mpuc CONTACT: Susan Faloon, Media Liaison CELL: 207-557-3704 EMAIL: susan.faloon@maine.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming National Guard aviation ranks among the top in national readiness

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming National Guard

    By Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility achieved the second-highest operational readiness ranking for the 2024 fiscal year and secured the number one spot for the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year.

    The achievement is the result of optimized work schedules, a dedicated maintenance team, and a focus on crew readiness, according to Maj. Lauren Gurney, commander of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, and facility commander.

    “Our Soldiers are the foundation of our success,” Gurney said. “We’ve been able to implement optimized work schedules that maximize maintenance windows and flight training periods, allowing us to maintain high aircraft availability and ensure our crews are always ready.”

    The Wyoming Army Guard Aviation unit plays a role in state and federal missions, including search and rescue operations. Through strategic scheduling, the unit has enhanced its response time by 22% over previous years.

    “Our 24/7 coverage capability ensures that our crews are well-rested and prepared to serve as a sword and shield for the state,” Gurney said. “This improvement in response time directly contributes to our effectiveness in time-sensitive situations.”

    Maintaining this high level of readiness presents challenges, including budget constraints and the risk of personnel burnout. The unit has adopted a team-based approach to rotating crews and utilizing flight training periods to mitigate these concerns.

    Sgt. 1st Class Keith Snipes, production noncommissioned officer in charge at AASF, emphasized the importance of tracking aircraft maintenance and availability.

    “We use the Army’s Aircraft Notebook system to monitor the operational status of each aircraft,” Snipes said. “This allows us to project flight schedules and maintenance needs efficiently, ensuring our aircraft remain mission ready. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, we achieved a 94 percent operational readiness rate—14 percent above the Department of the Army’s standard for National Guard units.”

    Col. Dane Rodgers, state Army aviation officer for the Wyoming Army Guard, highlighted the risk assessment process that supports both safety and readiness.

    “Our risk assessment process is continuous, from mission receipt to execution,” Rodgers said. “Pilots and their aircrews conduct a comprehensive review of crew conditions, weather and mission specifics before every flight. This information is then evaluated by mission briefers and higher command to ensure that risks are mitigated before approval.”

    A key factor in the unit’s success is its highly skilled team of maintainers and aircrew, including specialists like Spc. Paxton Hunt, an aircraft mechanic and crew chief at AASF.

    “Everyone here takes ownership of their assigned aircraft, which fosters a strong sense of responsibility and accountability,” Hunt said. “We work as a team to ensure all aircraft are mission ready at all times. Preventative maintenance, including routine inspections and major overhauls, plays a huge role in keeping our aircraft in peak condition.”

    Looking ahead, Gurney emphasized that the primary goal is not just to maintain top rankings but to ensure long-term operational safety and effectiveness.

    “Our priority is always the safety of our crews and aircraft,” Gurney said. “While achieving a high operational readiness ranking is a significant accomplishment, our true success lies in ensuring that every Soldier returns home safely after every mission.”

    Sgt. 1st Class Kort Riker, a UH-60 helicopter repairer/aircrew member assigned to Wyoming’s Army Aviation Support Facility, performs an inspection on a HH-60M Black Hawk at Cheyenne, Wyoming, on March 19, 2025. The Wyoming Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility achieved the second-highest operational readiness ranking for the 2024 fiscal year and secured the number one spot for the first quarter of the 2025 fiscal year. The Wyoming Army Guard Aviation unit plays a role in state and federal missions, including search and rescue operations. Through strategic scheduling, the unit has enhanced its response time by 22% over previous years. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Cesar Rivas)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Miguel Zaragoza Fuentes consolidates his legacy with projects that drive international energy transformation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico , April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Miguel Zaragoza Fuentes, founder and president of Grupo Zeta, has played a significant role in developing the energy sector in Mexico and Latin America.

    With a long-term business perspective, he has supported strategic projects to improve the distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) while contributing to regional economic activity and environmental initiatives.

    Energy infrastructure with global reach

    One of the key milestones in Zaragoza Fuentes’ career has been developing and operating LPG storage and distribution facilities across several countries. Notably, the plant in Escombreras, Spain, stands out as a project approved by environmental authorities, meeting high standards of safety, operational efficiency, and environmental compliance.

    At the same time, Grupo Zeta has expanded its operational network in Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, and El Salvador, contributing to the region’s energy infrastructure. These efforts have improved access to reliable energy while supporting job creation and local economic growth.

    Sustainability and innovation as strategic axes

    Miguel Zaragoza Fuentes’s management model is based on constant modernization and environmental commitment. The company has incorporated technologies that optimize its operations, such as low-emission transport vehicles and storage systems that minimize gas leaks, aligning itself with international best practices in energy sustainability.

    Zeta Gas has also promoted high-impact environmental programs, such as the “Zeta Gas, the Ecological Flame” project, launched in Guatemala in 2014. This initiative seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions using LPG as a clean energy alternative.

    Social responsibility and community engagement

    As part of its broader approach, the company has supported reforestation campaigns in local communities. These initiatives aim to restore deforested areas and promote environmental awareness with residents’ active participation.

    “Every project we undertake reflects a clear business philosophy: responsible growth, purposeful technology, and energy serving the collective well-being,” said Miguel Zaragoza Fuentes.

    The projects developed under his leadership have delivered tangible results in the energy sector and have been recognized for their innovative approaches and social contributions. Zeta Gas has received awards for adopting clean technologies and is committed to operational efficiency and environmental stewardship.

    Contact:

    Miguel Zaragoza Fuentes
    info@miguelzaragozafuentes.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/87695efb-2d11-49bd-9552-399595c835ba

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Participates in a Visit with the 2024 World Series Champions the Los Angeles Dodgers

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    The White House

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GrZfxzt2Jg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: White House Releases New Policies on Federal Agency AI Use and Procurement

    Source: The White House

    WASHINGTON D.C — Today, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is delivering on President Trump’s decisive Executive Order to remove barriers to American leadership in Artificial Intelligence (AI) by releasing two revised policies on Federal Agency Use of AI and Federal Procurement. These memos were revised at the direction of the Executive Order and in coordination with the Assistant to the President on Science and Technology and the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).  

    Under President Trump’s leadership, America is well positioned to maintain our global dominance in AI. To better serve the public, the Federal Government must capitalize on the advantages of American innovation while maintaining strong protections for Americans’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

    “President Trump recognizes that AI is a technology that will define the future. This administration is focused on encouraging and promoting American AI innovation and global leadership, which starts with utilizing these emerging technologies within the Federal Government. Today’s revised memos offer much needed guidance on AI adoption and procurement that will remove unnecessary bureaucratic restrictions, allow agencies to be more efficient and cost-effective, and support a competitive American AI marketplace,” said Lynne Parker, Principal Deputy Director of the White House OSTP.

    The Office of the Federal Chief Information Officer’s Greg Barbaccia continued, stating that “Federal agencies have experienced a widening gap in adopting AI and modernizing government technology, largely due to unnecessary bureaucracy and outdated procurement processes. OMB’s new policies demonstrate that the government is committed to spending American taxpayer dollars efficiently and responsibly, while increasing public trust through the Federal use of AI.”

    Learn more:
    OMB Memorandum M-25-21, Accelerating Federal Use of AI through Innovation, Governance, and Public Trust
    OMB Memorandum M-25-22, Driving Efficient Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in Government
    View the Fact Sheet  
     
    Questions? Contact MBX.OMB.Media@OMB.eop.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Vasquez Leads All House Democrats in Defending Federal Workers’ Collective Bargaining Rights

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Gabe Vasquez joined Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Reps. Mark Pocan (WI-02), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Steven Horsford, (NV-04) and Debbie Dingell (MI-06) to lead every single House Democrat in calling on President Trump to rescind his executive order stripping collective bargaining rights from over 1 million federal employees. The lawmakers highlighted the illegality of the order and called on the President to restore the collective bargaining rights that federal employees are statutorily entitled to.

    “Collective bargaining is the strongest tool that workers have available to create a fair workplace,” wrote the lawmakers. “This action strips away those hard-earned rights – which have been upheld by presidents from both parties for decades – from federal workers who keep our country running, including nurses who care for veterans, inspectors who keep our food safe to eat, teachers who educate our children, and so many more.”

    “Furthermore, this EO not only undermines the principles of fair labor practices but also threatens the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government, jeopardizing the delivery of critical services to the American people,” continued the lawmakers. “The freedom to join a union and collectively bargain is central to achieving the American dream for millions of American workers. This action is the single most anti-worker and anti-union presidential action since Ronald Reagan fired striking air traffic controllers in 1981, and it must be reversed immediately.”

    “We urge you to immediately rescind this harmful, unlawful EO and to reaffirm the rights of federal workers to unionize and collectively bargain. The American people deserve a federal workforce that is protected, respected, and empowered to carry out its duties effectively,” concluded the lawmakers.

    While Congress granted the President narrow authorities to exclude some agencies from collective bargaining, those exclusions can only be made if that agency has a primary function in intelligence, counterintelligence, investigative, or national security work, and only if the statute cannot be applied “in a manner consistent with national security requirements and considerations.”  However, this Administration has made clear that the EO’s exclusions are not based on national security concerns, but instead as retaliation for labor unions defending their members’ rights and making it easier to fire federal employees.

    A full copy of the letter can be found here. The letter was signed by every single House Democrat.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Moore, McBath Push for Answers on HHS Cuts to Domestic Violence Programs, Firing of Leadership and Staff

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

    Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Gwen Moore (WI-04), and Lucy McBath (GA-06) today sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, expressing deep concern about staff and budget cuts to programs that support survivors of domestic and sexual violence and their families. They also requested an explanation into the Administration’s decision to fire Shawndell Dawson, the Director of the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS), along with thousands of federal employees whose work focuses on preventing gender-based violence and informing violence prevention efforts.

    “The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) program, under the HHS Administration for Children and Families (ACF), is the only federal funding source dedicated to domestic violence and sexual assault shelters and programs and is the cornerstone of our nation’s efforts to address domestic and sexual violence,” the lawmakers wrote. “It supports lifesaving services including emergency shelters, counseling, and crisis hotlines- including the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which has provided comprehensive, often lifesaving support for over 7 million contacts. There are approximately 2,000 FVSPA-funded community-based domestic violence programs and over 240 tribes and tribal organizations for victims and their children. FVPSA also supports a children’s services program that allows communities to receive targeted training and funding to meet the specific and unique needs of children coping with the impacts of domestic violence.”

    “On March 31st, Shawndell Dawson, the Director of the Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services (OFVPS), responsible for administering FVPSA, was placed on administrative leave, leaving OFVPS without the leadership and expertise of someone with more than 28 years of experience in supporting survivors and their families,” the lawmakers continued. “OFVPS plays a unique role in domestic and sexual violence response and prevention, and requires an office dedicated solely to this unique role, led by someone with appropriate expertise. We request your swift response to explain the grounds for this action, and what your plan is to reinstate Director Dawson and limit the negative impact on the Office’s ability to administer FVPSA. We would also like to request a meeting with Katherine Chon, who is currently overseeing the OFVPS.”

    “We are also concerned over reports that thousands of federal employees at the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were subject to a reduction in force, including those in the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The Injury Center administers the Rape Prevention and Education (RPE) and the Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership Through Alliance (DELTA) grants, which are the only federal funds dedicated to the primary prevention of domestic and sexual based violence,” the lawmakers concluded. “The center also administers the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, which collects comprehensive data that informs both public health response and violence prevention efforts. These critical programs are evidence based, successful, and require adequate staffing at the CDC to help local grantees to implement their work. We ask that you immediately rescind the reduction in force for these important initiatives, and explain how you will ensure that these programs continue to operate effectively. We would also like to request the contact information for the official who is currently overseeing the CDC Injury Center.”

    The Members requested a response to their letter by April 30, 2025. 

    View the full text of the letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Reintroduces Legislation to Improve the Central Valley’s Drinking Water

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35) to reintroduce the Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act. This bipartisan bill amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide resources for nitrate and arsenic reduction, with priority given to assisting underserved communities.

    “Access to clean drinking water is essential for the health and well-being of every American—especially in rural and underserved communities like the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “This bipartisan bill gives rural communities that rely on groundwater the resources they need to reduce harmful contaminants and ensure our water supply is safe. I’m proud to join Rep. Torres to help our small towns throughout the Valley fix this ongoing issue.”

    “This is a public health emergency in the Inland Empire and across the country. The contamination of our water supply with nitrate and arsenic is a direct threat to the health and safety of my constituents,” said Rep. Torres. “I’m committed to securing the resources needed to address this crisis, especially for the most vulnerable—infants, pregnant women, and individuals with enzyme deficiencies. The Inland Empire, particularly former agricultural areas, faces some of the worst contamination levels in the state, and we cannot wait any longer to ensure we make clean drinking water accessible for everyone.”

    Background:

    Larger towns and cities tend to depend on surface water for drinking, whereas smaller, often rural, communities depend on groundwater. Historically, agricultural heavy areas have led to increased nitrate in drinking and groundwater, including many communities throughout the Central Valley. The Removing Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act aims to make additional federal resources available for small, rural communities to reach compliance with the maximum contaminant level of nitrate or arsenic under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

    The Nitrate and Arsenic in Drinking Water Act would:

    • Amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide grants for nitrate and arsenic reduction.
    • Authorize $15 million for FY26 and every fiscal year after.
    • Direct the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct a review on programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act, taking into consideration the diverse needs of underserved populations.

    Current supporting organizations include: Three Valleys Municipal Water District, Coachella Valley Water District, West Valley Water District, Cucamonga Valley Water District, and Elsinore Valley.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Valadao Reintroduces Legislation to Help Curb Wildfire Risk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) joined Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) to re-introduce the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act. This bipartisan legislation would allow the U.S. Forest Service to approve the removal of hazardous trees near power lines on federal forest lands without requiring a timber sale, easing a serious threat that has in the past been a major cause of destructive wildfires.

    “Far too often bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of proper forest management, contributing to the destructive wildfires we see throughout our state,” said Congressman Valadao. “When dead trees aren’t cleared, wildfires burn more intensely, causing widespread devastation and directly impacting air quality across the Central Valley. This bill is a common sense, bipartisan step towards reducing wildfire risk, and I’m proud to join Congressman Carbajal in support.”

    “As California continues to recover from catastrophic wildfires that ravaged the region earlier this year, we are reminded of the importance of responsible forest management to reduce future wildfire risk,” said Rep. Carbajal. “Our bipartisan bill will expedite the removal of hazardous trees near power lines and is a common sense solution to protect our communities.”

    Background:

    Currently, the Forest Service requires utility companies to keep trees and branches away from power lines on federal land. But fallen or dead trees cannot be cleared currently without a timber sale, creating an administrative step that can slow the clearing of hazardous fuel and potential triggers for wildfire on federal land.

    This bill passed out of the House Committee on Natural Resources and was included in the House version of the Farm Bill in the 118th Congress. It was added to the Fix Our Forests Act in the 119th Congress.

    The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act would:

    • Allow the U.S. Forest Service to provide standing permission for electrical utilities to cut and remove hazardous trees near power lines on federal land without requiring a timber sale.
    • Require any utility that sells marketable forest products from hazardous trees removed near power lines to return any proceeds to the Forest Service.

    Read the full bill here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: HMCS Ville de Québec departs for Operation HORIZON

    Source: Government of Canada News

    April 07, 2025 – Halifax, N.S. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Today, the crew of His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ville de Québec have bid farewell to their families and loved ones at a departure ceremony held at His Majesty’s Canadian Dockyard Halifax in Nova Scotia.

    HMCS Ville de Québec will sail tens of thousands of kilometers while deployed on Operation HORIZON, Canada’s forward-presence mission to the Indo-Pacific region to promote peace, stability, and the rules-based international order.  

    The ship will also join the United Kingdom’s (UK) multinational Carrier Strike Group (CSG) off the coasts of Europe and proceed to the Indo-Pacific region. The UK CSG will bring together like-minded partners from around the globe in a demonstration of military interoperability in support of European security and a free and open Indo-Pacific. The complex security environment in the Indo-Pacific, with linkages to Arctic and Euro-Atlantic security, demands that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) remain an active and reliable partner that contributes to peace and security in the region.

    Operation HORIZON demonstrates the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) ability to sustain naval operations in the Indo-Pacific. Canada’s commitment to global collaboration and broader diplomatic and military partnerships is strengthened by working alongside international allies and like-minded partners.  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA ADVISORY: HFAC Markup

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-321-9747

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a full committee markup on various measures on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

    Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

    Time: 10:00 a.m.

    Location: Rayburn 2172

    Legislation:

    H.R. 747, To impose sanctions with respect to Chinese producers of synthetic opioids and opioid precursors, to hold Chinese officials accountable for the spread of illicit fentanyl, and for other purposes;

    H.R. 1998, To require the imposition of sanctions with respect to foreign persons engaged in piracy, and for other purposes;

    H.R. 2635, To support the human rights of Uyghurs and members of other minority groups residing primarily in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and safeguard their distinct identity, and for other purposes;

    H.R. 2619, To require a report on sanctions under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, and for other purposes;

    H.R. 1422, To impose sanctions with respect to persons engaged in logistical transactions and sanctions evasion relating to oil, gas, liquefied natural gas, and related petrochemical products from the Islamic Republic of Iran, and for other purposes;

    H.R 2503, To require the development of a strategy to eliminate the availability to foreign adversaries of goods and technologies capable of supporting undersea cables, and for other purposes;

    H.R. ___, To provide for control of remote access of items under the Export Control Reform Act of 2018;

    H.R. 2643, To require the Secretary of State to submit an annual report to Congress regarding the ties between criminal gangs and political and economic elites in Haiti and impose sanctions on political and economic elites involved in such criminal activities.

    ***Check here for updates. The hearing will be webcast live here and open to the public and press.***

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Secures up to $335 Million from Pharmaceutical Company Mylan for Its Role in Fueling Opioid Crisis

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office secured a multistate settlement in principle with pharmaceutical company Mylan Inc. (Mylan) that will deliver up to $335 million nationwide to help combat the opioid crisis. Mylan, which is now a part of Viatris, has manufactured and sold a variety of opioids since 2005, including generic fentanyl patches, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and buprenorphine products. The attorneys general allege Mylan deceptively promoted its products as less prone to abuse despite knowing for years that many of its opioid products – particularly its fentanyl patches – were actually more vulnerable to abuse. The company fueled the opioid crisis by marketing directly to doctors, leading to dangerous overprescribing and diversion of its opioids into the illegal drug market. Under the multistate settlement in principle, Mylan will pay up to $335 million to participating states over nine years. 

    “When drug companies put profits over people, innocent patients can get sucked into deadly cycles of addiction and overdoses,” said Attorney General James. “Mylan deceptively marketed its opioid products as safe, despite knowing they would be abused and sold illegally. While no settlement can fully repair the damage caused by dangerous opioids, these funds will help New York and other states fight the opioid crisis.” 

    This settlement in principle was negotiated by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia in coordination with the attorneys general of Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, and Vermont.

    Attorney General James is a national leader in holding accountable the companies that fueled the opioid crisis and securing resources to help combat the epidemic of addictions and overdoses. To date, Attorney General James has secured more than $3 billion to support New York opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts from companies including Purdue, Indivior, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson, Mallinckrodt, Allergan,  Endo, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen. Attorney General James has also led multistate coalitions in reaching settlements for billions of dollars with CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart for their roles in failing to properly regulate opioid prescriptions. Additionally, Attorney General James and a bipartisan coalition of states secured settlements with consulting firm McKinsey & Company and the marketing firm Publicis Health for their role in fueling the opioid crisis.  

    For New York, this settlement with Mylan was negotiated by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy, Special Counsel Monica Hanna, and Assistant Attorney General Matthew Conrad, of the Executive Division, and Data Scientist Ken Morales of the Research and Analytics Department. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kugler, Inflation Dynamics and the Phillips Curve

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    .

    April 07, 2025
    Inflation Dynamics and the Phillips Curve
    Governor Adriana D. Kugler
    At Ec10b Principles of Economics Lecture, Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts

    Governor Adriana D. Kugler presents a lecture about inflation dynamics and the Phillips Curve to students in Harvard University’s Ec10b Principles of Economics class on Monday, April 7, 2025.
    In the lecture she discusses how pandemic-era inflation came in a series of waves: food, core goods, core services and housing. She then talks about the Phillips curve as a model to capture inflation dynamics. Finally, Governor Kugler explores additional augmentations to the Phillips curve model that could help better explain the most recent inflation episode.
    Here are the slides from her presentation.

    Last Update: April 07, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Honors Crime Victims and Survivors During 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) April 6–12, by recognizing recent criminal cases involving victims.

    This year’s NCVRW theme—Connecting Healing—recognizes that shared humanity drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. KINSHIP is where victim advocacy begins. The annual observance challenges us to build a world where every connection built through KINSHIP — between survivors, advocates, and communities — holds the potential to heal. It asks us to ensure that resources are available to all survivors and that we show up for one another with empathy and intention.

    With a dedicated team of prosecutors and victim assistance professionals who work together to ensure victims of crime receive the services and support they need, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and is home to an estimated population of 7.6 million people.

    “Federal crimes against victims will not be tolerated in this district—regardless of whether they are violent crimes, drug crimes, or white collar,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “It is a priority of our prosecutors, our victim assistance specialists, and the entire Department of Justice, that we advocate in the best interests of victims and that crime victims have access to proper effective resources.”

    Recently prosecuted cases include the 40-year federal prison sentence of Saint Jovite Youngblood in Austin for four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Youngblood committed wire fraud against his victims by claiming Mexican drug cartel members were planning to commit violence against them. Youngblood falsely claimed to have been part of the U.S. Army’s Delta Force special operations unit and offered protection to his victims from the cartels in exchange for money. Youngblood also represented that funds obtained from his victim “investors” would be paid back with a significant return on the money. Instead, Youngblood used most of the money on junkets to Las Vegas to gamble in casinos. Over the course of his scheme, Youngblood defrauded 32 victims for more than $12 million, which he was ordered to pay in restitution.

    In Waco, a former U.S. sailor was sentenced to life in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of coercion and enticement of a minor. Bailey Warren Lowe used a Snapchat account to request sexually explicit images from a 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions. If she acted slowly or the photos did not meet his expectations, Lowe would become angry and threaten to expose her. On one occasion, in early 2022, Lowe drove to the minor’s residence, where they engaged in sexual activity in his vehicle. Lowe did not use a condom and, when the minor repeated that she was 13 years old, he demanded she not tell anyone about them because he was 22 and could get in trouble. An FBI investigation revealed multiple chat conversations and instances of sexual exploitation between Lowe and additional victims between the ages of 10 and 15 years old.

    In July 2024, an Odessa man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for carjacking and discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. Isaac Ramirez Carrasco carjacked a couple on Jan. 30 by pointing a shotgun at the driver and ordering both occupants out of their vehicle. The victim did not initially comply, and Carrasco fired the shotgun at least one time in the air before returning his aim to the victim. The couple ultimately exited the truck and Carrasco drove away in it. Odessa Police were able to track the truck to a nearby residence, where they also located Carrasco and the shotgun.

    In November, Alex Georges Tannous, of Ain-Akrine, Lebanon, was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 240 months in prison for wire fraud. Tannous told his victims he was a prince from Dubai who was charged with bringing U.S.-based businesses to market in Dubai. He claimed millions were available, but that an initial payment from the victim was required to initiate the flow of funds. Once the funds were secured, he used the money to support his lavish lifestyle and the lifestyles of multiple family members. In total, Tannous stole more than $2 million from his victims. In addition to his 20-year federal prison sentence, he was ordered to pay $2.2 million in restitution.

    And most recently, David Manuel Garcia was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison on March 20 for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place. Garcia had traveled from the U.S. to Mexico between July 2003 and August 2008 and engaged in forced sexual acts with a minor victim under the age of 18, which resulted in the birth of two children. Records indicate that the victim was 13 years old at the time of the first birth, and 15 years old when she gave birth to the second child.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas will commemorate NCVRW 2025 throughout the week in various ways. Most publicly, employees will be encouraged to wear this year’s theme colors of “midnight,” “mauve,” and “melon,” or colors closely similar, on Thursday, April 10. Community members across the district and beyond are invited to join the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this endeavor, using the hashtag #NCVRW2025 and tagging @USAO_WDTX on X (formerly known as Twitter), as a symbol of solidarity.

    On April 9, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will host the 2025 NCVRW Candlelight Vigil at 3:30pm (EST) to pay tribute to victims of crime and the many dedicated professionals and volunteers who advocate on their behalf. We hope you’ll save-the-date and join via the livestream at www.ovc.ojp.gov/live or www.justice.gov/live.

    NCVRW began in 1981 to honor victims and survivors of crime, raise awareness of victims’ rights and services and recognize the dedication of those who work with crime victims.

    For more ideas on supporting crime victims, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: E Ink Marquee™ Highlights Technological Breakthrough for Electrophoretic Displays at Touch Taiwan 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BILLERICA,Mass., April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — E Ink (8069.TW) the originator, pioneer, and global commercial leader in electronic paper (ePaper) technology, today announced its latest technological breakthrough with E Ink Marquee™. E Ink successfully developed a 4-particle color system that allows for vibrant color with an extended temperature range for outdoor and digital out of home (DOOH) signage.

    E Ink Marquee stands out for its exceptional energy efficiency and broad temperature range, making it ideal for outdoor deployments. Unlike conventional LCD and LED displays, Marquee’s thermal performance reduces the need for complex cooling systems, offering a cost-effective outdoor signage solution. Moreover, Marquee’s ability to seamlessly switch pages expands its versatility across various applications, from interactive street furniture displays to dynamic advertising platforms, enabling seamless integration with brand activations and programmatic campaigns.

    “The future of E Ink is becoming more colorful with our E Ink Marquee innovation,” said Johnson Lee, CEO, E Ink. “E Ink Marquee will be a cornerstone of our organization and define the future of display technology across industries.”

    Preliminary performance metrics for E Ink Marquee’s full-color application features an operating temperature range between -20 and 65 °C., with ongoing development of the newest displays focused on reaching sizes as large as 75” diagonal and update times between 5-7 seconds.

    “Building upon our pioneering ePaper foundation established in 1997, E Ink Marquee represents an exciting evolution.” said Edzer Huitema, US CTO, E Ink. “We expect E Ink Marquee to redefine the digital display industry and challenge people’s perception of E Ink and what is possible.”

    While E Ink Marquee’s roadmap is still being defined, Touch Taiwan 2025 serves as an important opportunity to showcase the recent breakthrough and provide a glimpse into the future of digital displays. If visitors would like to experience the latest E Ink technology demonstrations, they can visit booth #L717 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center from April 16-18. E Ink Marquee will also be shown at Display Week in San Jose, CA from May 13-15.

    E Ink’s ePaper technology is energy-efficient and non-emissive, reducing power consumption and carbon emissions compared to paper and LCDs. Solar-powered ePaper signage can run entirely on renewable energy, ideal for net-zero initiatives. Through its PESG framework, E Ink delivers low-carbon solutions that accelerate this transition. According to FTSE Russell, 99.9% of the company’s product sales revenue is green, and Moody’s has verified E Ink’s green loans as compliant with Green Loan Principles, awarding a positive sustainability score. These achievements highlight E Ink’s strong environmental performance and alignment with international standards.

    About E Ink

    E Ink Holdings Inc. (8069.TWO), based on technology from MIT’s Media Lab, provides an ideal display medium for applications spanning eReaders and eNotes, retail, home, hospital, transportation, logistics, and more, enabling customers to put displays in locations previously impossible. E Ink’s electrophoretic display products make it the worldwide leader for ePaper. Its low power displays enable customers to reach their sustainability goals, and E Ink has pledged using 100% renewable energy in 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040. E Ink has been recognized for their efforts by receiving, validation from Science-Based Targets (SBTi) and is listed in both the DJSI World and DJSI Emerging Indexes. Listed in Taiwan’s Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and the Luxembourg market, E Ink Holdings is now the world’s largest supplier of ePaper displays. For more information please visit www.eink.com. E Ink. We Make Surfaces Smart and Green.

    Contact:
    V2 Communications for E Ink
    eink@v2comms.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e2fda7da-28df-4d0a-8ad8-38b9a3ca0a68

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cbe5deea-4bd6-4961-bd83-cb4972606c76

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches 100x Leverage Crypto Futures Trading with Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Welcome Bonus – No KYC Required

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the past 24 hours, most major cryptocurrencies have plunged more than 10%, with Bitcoin briefly falling below $75,000. The sharp sell-off was triggered by President Trump’s new tariff war, sparking panic across global markets. Analysts are warning: the bear market may have officially arrived.

    In a bear market, smart investors know that simply holding spot assets is not enough. 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred strategy to profit from both market rises and falls. BexBack Exchange is leading the way, empowering traders with the tools and bonuses needed to succeed.

    To help traders capture these new opportunities, BexBack is offering:

    • 100x Leverage: Trade up or down with maximum flexibility.
    • Double Deposit Bonus: Get 100% bonus on every deposit over 0.001 BTC or 100 USDT.
    • $50 Welcome Bonus: Complete your first trade and receive a $50 USDT bonus — usable for trading and loss protection (not withdrawable).
    • No KYC Required: Start trading immediately with no identity verification.

    Bonus Details

    • 100% Deposit Bonus:
      • The bonus itself cannot be withdrawn directly.
      • However, profits generated using the bonus can be freely withdrawn.
      • The bonus can also serve as extra margin, reducing the risk of liquidation.
    • $50 Welcome Bonus:
      • Acts as loss protection for trading.
      • It is not directly withdrawable but can be fully used for trading activities.

    Why Choose 100x Leverage Futures Trading Now?

    • Profit From Falling Markets: Short and earn even in a bear market.
    • Amplify Profits With Less Capital: Trade large positions with minimal investment.
    • Efficient Capital Management: Free up funds for broader strategies.
    • Flexible Leverage Options: Choose from 25x, 50x, 75x, or 100x.
    • Easy Global Access: Trade anytime via web and mobile.

    About BexBack

    BexBack is a premier cryptocurrency derivatives platform offering 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, XRP, ADA, SOL, and more than 50 other major cryptocurrencies. Headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina, BexBack holds a U.S. MSB (Money Services Business) license and has earned the trust of over 500,000 traders worldwide.

    • No deposit fees
    • Cold wallet fund protection
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    • Demo account with 10 BTC and 100,000 USDT for practice

    Register Today — Dominate the New Crypto Cycle!

    Don’t just survive the bear market — profit from it. Sign up on BexBack now, double your deposit, claim your $50 welcome bonus for trading protection, and enjoy 100x leverage with no KYC required!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ee0aebfe-90c4-4cd2-a708-74385492ed4d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8f9d764c-0923-4c8f-86e1-cdae727da08a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d39264e2-48e9-4d9d-8d59-c689c2149150

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76b552a8-2e93-4fe6-915e-d416a5808878

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Review of Proposed United States Steel Corporation Acquisition

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Memorandum for THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
    THE SECRETARY OF STATE
    THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
    THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
    THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
    THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
    THE SECRETARY OF LABOR
    THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY
    THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
    THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
    THE Director of the Office of Science
    and Technology Policy
    SUBJECT:       Review of Proposed United States Steel
    Corporation Acquisition
    On January 3, 2025, President Biden issued an order prohibiting the acquisition of United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) by Nippon Steel Corporation, Nippon Steel North America, Inc., and 2023 Merger Subsidiary, Inc. (collectively, the Purchasers, and collectively with U.S. Steel, the Parties).  In that order, President Biden reserved the right of the President “to issue further orders with respect to the Purchasers or U.S. Steel as shall in my judgment be necessary to protect the national security of the United States.”
    Section 1.  Review.  (a)  Consistent with my authority under Article II of the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (section 721), as amended, 50 U.S.C. 4565, I direct the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to conduct a review of the acquisition of U.S. Steel by the Purchasers to assist me in determining whether further action in this matter may be appropriate.
    (b)  CFIUS’s review shall be conducted de novo, confidentially, and consistent with the procedures set forth for national security reviews under section 721, including, but not limited to, identifying potential national security risks associated with the proposed transaction and providing adequate opportunity to the parties to respond to such concerns.
    Sec. 2.  Recommendation.  Consistent with the procedures set forth in section 721, within 45 days of the date of this memorandum, CFIUS shall submit a recommendation to me describing whether any measures proposed by the parties are sufficient to mitigate any national security risks identified by CFIUS.  This recommendation shall include a statement describing each member agency’s position, including the reasons for such position.
    Sec. 3.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Announces Agenda, Panelists for Roundtable on Crypto Trading

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force has announced the agenda and panelists for its April 11 roundtable, “Between a Block and a Hard Place: Tailoring Regulation for Crypto Trading.”

    “Hearing the public’s concerns and suggestions helps the SEC create a clear, sensible, and fair path forward for the crypto industry,” said Commissioner Hester M. Peirce, leader of the Crypto Task Force. “I look forward to this roundtable and the rest of the series as we move toward crypto clarity for the benefit of the American public.”

    The roundtable, announced in March as part of a series, will be held at the SEC’s headquarters at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. The event will be open to the public and webcast live on the SEC’s website. Doors will open at 12 p.m.

    For online attendance, registration is not necessary; a link to watch the event will be available on April 11 on www.sec.gov. For in-person attendance, please register here.

    Attendees will be able to submit suggestions and questions on note cards available in the lobby on the day of the event, or by emailing crypto@sec.gov during the event.

    To learn more about the Crypto Task Force and the roundtable topics, please visit the Crypto Task Force webpage.

    Agenda

    1 p.m. –

    1:20 p.m.

    Opening Remarks from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission:

    • Richard Gabbert, Chief of Staff, Crypto Task Force; Senior Advisor to the Acting Chairman
    • Acting Chairman Mark Uyeda
    • Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw
    • Commissioner Hester Peirce

    1:20 p.m. –

    3 p.m.

    Roundtable: Between a Block and a Hard Place: Tailoring Regulation for Crypto Trading

    Moderator:

    • Nicholas Losurdo, Partner, Goodwin Procter LLP

    Panelists:

    • Tyler Gellasch, President and CEO, Healthy Markets Association
    • Jon Herrick, Chief Product Officer, New York Stock Exchange
    • Richard Johnson, CEO & Founder, Texture Capital
    • Dave Lauer, Co-Founder, Urvin Finance and We the Investors
    • Katherine Minarik, Chief Legal Officer, Uniswap Labs
    • Christine Parlour, Chair of Finance and Accounting, UC Berkeley
    • Chelsea Pizzola, Associate General Counsel, Cumberland DRW
    • Austin Reid, Global Head of Revenue and Business, FalconX
    • Gregory Tusar, VP, Institutional Product, Coinbase

    3 p.m. –

    3:30 p.m.

    Break

    3:30 –

    5 p.m.

    Regulatory Direction Discussion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS “Design You Can Feel” Exhibition Opens at Milan Design Week 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS today announced the opening of its all-new “Design You Can Feel” exhibition at Milan Design Week. The show explores the themes of materiality, craftsmanship, and artificial intelligence (AI) to explain the design thinking behind ASUS products, including the latest ASUS Zenbook laptops.

    The event also features playful interactive exhibits that explore the latest ASUS products and the design stories behind them as well as a spectacular immersive installation by Studio INI, the experimental design and research studio founded by Nassia Inglessis.

    Taking place at Galleria Meravigli, a historic 1920s gallery in the heart of Milan, the exhibition will run from April 8 to 13. It is open to the public from 10:00AM to 6:00PM each day and is free to attend.

    An interactive sensory experience: “Willful Wonder”, a bespoke installation by Studio INI

    The themes of the Design You Can Feel exhibition will be encapsulated by a specially commissioned installation by Studio INI. Housed beneath the curved glass ceiling of Galleria Meravigli, the installation dynamically responds as visitors walk through it, their presence activating wing-like, semi-transparent panels that open and close behind them.

    The wings, composed of an aluminum honeycomb with elements made from the ASUS proprietary material Ceraluminum™, engage the senses by reflecting and absorbing light, inviting visitors to interact with the structure as they pass through it. The entire installation mirrors Zenbook’s slim silhouette by sculpting lightness and mimicking nature’s sensitive triggering mechanisms, creating a playful interplay of revealing and concealing movements.

    “At Studio INI, we seek to create what we call an embodied intelligence in our designs – we create a seamless connection between built architecture and the human element,” said Studio INI founder Nassia Inglessis.

    “As people walk through the installation and touch the Ceraluminum™, each touch will be recorded by the changes in its conductivity. So, people will be able to see a spatial representation of their behavior in the installation.”

    Building on Studio INI’s expertise in creating experiential public artworks, the installation draws inspiration from the ASUS Zenbook laptop, known for its innovative, lightweight design and Ceraluminum™ material, to create a kinetic, biomimetic sculpture. The installation measures changes in conductivity caused by visitors’ touch to create an AI-generated model representing their real-world interactions with the piece.

    In “Willful Wonder,” humans and technology unite in an interactive journey. This fusion of technology and aesthetics mirrors the ASUS commitment to innovation, cutting-edge engineering, nature-inspired materials, and meticulous design, resulting in high-performing, practical, dynamic, lightweight, and beautiful devices.

    ASUS Design Thinking: The Inside Story

    The Design You Can Feel exhibition will showcase the latest ASUS products and the design stories behind them through playful interactive exhibits. It will encourage users to feel the lightness, duality, slimness, and sleekness of the ASUS Zenbook, the fragrance of the Adol, the outdoor functionality of ProArt, and the unique style of ROG.

    This includes the “Design Thinking: The Inside Story” exhibit, which delves into the heart of ASUS design philosophy and allows visitors to experience the company’s latest innovations firsthand. At ASUS, design thinking is more than just a process; it’s ingrained in the company’s DNA. ASUS embraces a human-centered approach that prioritizes user needs and experiences. The designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also address real challenges, ensuring that innovation is intuitive, practical, and meaningful. By focusing on user-driven design, ASUS creates solutions that are both impactful and practical.

    Through hands-on demonstrations, visitors will discover how ASUS seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality, focusing on enhancing everyday life. From ultra-lightweight designs crafted with revolutionary materials to versatile devices that adapt to various workflows, and even explorations into new sensory experiences, this event will showcase how the ASUS commitment to excellence and user-driven innovation shapes the future of technology.

    Next, visitors can step into the world of “Ceraluminum™: A Tribute to Nature’s Wonder” and explore the revolutionary material that’s redefining laptop design. This showcases the unique qualities of Ceraluminum™, a patented ASUS material born from modern alchemy, blending exceptional durability with exquisite craftsmanship. Visitors can discover how plasma discharges transform aluminum into a ceramic-like layer, offering unparalleled wear, scratch, and shock resistance, all while maintaining a smudge-free elegance.

    An additional attraction will be the debut of the Ceraluminum™ Signature Edition, a collection of Zenbook laptops that pay homage to Earth’s breathtaking landscapes. Each of the four distinctive finishes—Obsidian Black, Pamukkale White, Terra Mocha, and Luminous Blue—tells a story of nature’s splendor, from volcanic terrains and cascading terraces to desert dunes and bioluminescent shores. Inspired by nature and designed for a sustainable future, Ceraluminum™ eliminates traditional chemical manufacturing processes, making it 100% recyclable and environmentally responsible. This is a celebration of innovation, sustainability, and the enduring beauty of our planet.

    “At our core, we believe in the power of sensory experiences to forge meaningful connections with design. It’s all about crafting products that allow each user to feel and make good use of our innovations,” said H.W. Wei, Associate VP of ASUS Design Center.

    ASUS Zenbook Ceraluminum™ Signature Edition

    ASUS will unveil a stunning limited-edition series, a tribute to the iconic Zenbook line and the revolutionary Ceraluminum™ material, a patented technology that merges the lightness of metal with the resilience of ceramics.

    The innovative Ceraluminum™, created via ceramization of aluminum, boasts a fracture toughness three times higher than anodized aluminum while remaining remarkably lightweight. This material revolution, showcased in the Zenbook Signature Editions, underscores the dedication ASUS has to both innovation and environmental responsibility. It elevates the celebrated Zenbook line’s legacy of cutting-edge engineering and sleek design into a tangible celebration of Ceraluminum and nature’s splendor.

    Each Signature Edition Zenbook showcases the artistry of Ceraluminum, featuring a unique finish inspired by the dynamic landscapes that shape our world. This collection transforms the Zenbook into a celebration of both premium technology and the organic beauty of nature, highlighting the sensory-rich experience that Ceraluminum enables. The laptops will be displayed alongside corresponding sleeves and packaging, providing a complete visual and tactile journey.

    The ASUS Zenbook Ceraluminum Signature Edition collection is a celebration of the Zenbook and the unique beauty of Ceraluminum, inspired by Earth’s most breathtaking landscapes, each representing the raw power and beauty that shape our world. Each finish is a reminder of the ASUS commitment – not just to design, but to a philosophy – to create tools that are as enduring as the landscapes that inspire them.

    Ceraluminum™ Signature Edition release date: To be announced. Please see here to learn more about ASUS Ceraluminum™: The making of Ceraluminum™

    Design You Can Feel

    Galleria Meravigli
    Via Gaetano Negri 6
    20123 Milano
    Italy
    April 8 to 13, 2025
    10:00AM to 6:00PM daily
    https://asus.click/mdw25_pr

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    More on ASUS at Milan Design Week: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/content/zenbook/
    About ASUS Zenbook Ceraluminum™ Signature Edition: https://youtu.be/OoOHFiBDu9g
    About the Making of Ceraluminum™: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1T3HgeX8qU
    ASUS Zenbook Design Why and How: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cypFEe7-Fg
    ASUS Zenbook: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-home/zenbook/
    ASUS ProArt: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/proart/
    ASUS Vivobook: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-home/vivobook/
    ASUS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asus/posts/
    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com
    ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/
    ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca
    ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube
    ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

    About ASUS

    ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b4da4f22-6ab8-47b5-8d8d-4818e6665a45

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS Unveils Signature Edition Zenbook Series at “Design You Can Feel” Exhibition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS today announced the global unveiling of a signature edition series of its iconic Zenbook at the “Design You Can Feel” exhibition in Milan. This exclusive release transforms the celebrated Zenbook into a narrative of nature’s splendor through four distinct, nature-inspired finishes, each a tribute to Earth’s dynamic landscapes. At the same time, it reinforces the Zenbook series’ legacy of combining high-performance technology with refined, functional aesthetics.

    Signature Edition Series: A tribute to nature’s elements

    In this unique series, each Zenbook is transformed into a narrative piece that echoes the beauty and complexity of nature. Crafted using the revolutionary ASUS Ceraluminum™ technology—a breakthrough material that merges the strength of aluminum with the durability of ceramic—each signature edition finish is created with a sustainable, one-of-a-kind manufacturing process:

    • Geldingadalir, Iceland – Obsidian Black: Inspired by Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, this finish masterfully balances matte and glossy textures. Precision laser sintering recreates the natural flow of cooling lava, evoking both the raw energy and the serene balance of fire-forged terrain.
    • Pamukkale, Turkey – Pamukkale White: Drawing on the tranquil beauty of cascading terraces and mineral-rich waters, this variant features dual golden sheens. Advanced CNC diamond cut precision milling refines every curve and shimmer, capturing the interplay between flowing water and solid stone.
    • Wadi Rum, Jordan – Terra Mocha: Reflecting the rugged elegance of sandstone cliffs and shifting dunes, this edition incorporates an intricate, rosette-like pattern achieved solely through the ASUS proprietary ceramization technology. The tactile finish celebrates the organic dialogue between nature’s unpredictability and the precision of modern engineering.
    • Vaadhoo Island, Maldives – Luminous Blue: Capturing the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescent ocean shores, this finish uses calibrated laser-induced oxidation to create a dynamic interplay of light and texture. Its soft, natural luminescence evokes the enchanting magic of starlit waves.

    Each signature edition device is more than just a color variation—it is a testament to the commitment ASUS has to sustainability and innovative design, with every piece bearing a unique pattern that mirrors nature’s singular beauty. From the laptops to the sleeves and packaging, every part is created with eco-friendliness in mind. The sleeve bag, crafted from Kvadrat Febrik’s knitted upholstery textile Arda, embodies this philosophy by drawing inspiration from the intricate forms and textures of the natural world. Made primarily from wool and produced using an innovative technique that significantly reduces water consumption, Arda reflects a dedication to minimizing its impact on the natural environments that it mimics. Each finish is a reminder of the ASUS commitment—not just to design, but to a philosophy—to create tools that are as enduring as the landscapes that inspire them. 

    The release date of the ASUS Zenbook Ceraluminum™ Signature Edition will be announced at a later time.

    Ceraluminum™: Inspired by nature, engineered for a sustainable future

    At the heart of these signature editions lies the patented ASUS Ceraluminum technology—a material revolution that redefines durability and sustainability. This innovative material is used to build the Zenbook series laptops including the latest Zenbook A14. Ceraluminum is an innovative material that combines the lightness of aluminum with the resilience of ceramic. The process involves ceramizing aluminum, which results in a material that is lighter and has a fracture toughness 10 times higher than traditional ceramic. This process results in:

    • Unrivaled Durability: The ceramic-like finish delivers exceptional scratch resistance and long-lasting resilience.
    • Unique Aesthetics: Every device features its own distinctive pattern, celebrating nature’s inherent diversity.
    • Sustainable Manufacturing: By eliminating traditional chemical processes, Ceraluminum is 100% recyclable and environmentally responsible.

    This breakthrough not only enhances the Zenbook series’ premium look but also reinforces the commitment ASUS has to eco-friendly innovation.

    Zenbook: Where art meets advanced engineering

    Engineered to empower modern professionals, the Zenbook epitomizes the perfect blend of form and function. Built with the robust internals of the Zenbook S14 Copilot+ PC, it delivers tangible benefits designed to enhance everyday productivity:

    • Ultra-Thin, High-Performance Design: Crafted with state-of-the-art CNC milling, its ultra-slim chassis not only captivates with its aesthetic appeal but also provides exceptional portability. The integrated vapor chamber cooling system ensures peak performance, even during demanding tasks.
    • Intuitive, User-Centric Experience: Featuring a dedicated Windows Copilot key and an expansive 16:10 seamless touchpad with smart gesture support, the Zenbook streamlines user interaction and multitasking. The vibrant 3K 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display offers lifelike visuals, while the Harman Kardon-certified audio system delivers immersive, cinematic sound.
    • Next-Generation Power: Powered by the latest AI-enabled Intel® Core™ Ultra processor (Series 2) paired with Intel Arc™ graphics, along with up to 32GB of fast memory and a 1TB PCIe® 4.0 SSD, the Zenbook ensures swift performance, reliable multitasking, and enhanced efficiency—all in an ultra-quiet, cool operating environment.

    The result is a laptop that not only elevates productivity but also transforms everyday computing into an engaging, sensory-rich experience.

    An immersive journey into design and innovation

    The Design You Can Feel exhibition in Milan invites visitors to embark on an immersive journey where technology, craftsmanship, and nature converge. Alongside interactive installations by Studio INI, attendees can experience firsthand the tactile beauty of Ceraluminum and the refined elegance of the signature edition Zenbook series. This dynamic showcase reinforces the commitment ASUS has to crafting products that resonate emotionally, perform flawlessly, and set new standards for sustainable innovation.

    For more information about the Design You Can Feel exhibition during Milan Design Week 2025, please see: https://asus.click/mdw25_pr   

    For more information on the signature edition Zenbook series and to stay updated on future availability, please follow ASUS on social media and visit https://www.asus.com/

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    More on ASUS at Milan Design Week: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/content/zenbook/
    About ASUS Zenbook Ceraluminum™ Signature Edition: https://youtu.be/OoOHFiBDu9g
    About the Making of Ceraluminum™: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1T3HgeX8qU
    ASUS Zenbook Design Why and How: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cypFEe7-Fg
    ASUS Zenbook: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-home/zenbook/
    ASUS ProArt: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/proart/
    ASUS Vivobook: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-home/vivobook/
    ASUS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asus/posts/
    ASUS Zenbook A14: https://www.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/for-home/zenbook/asus-zenbook-a14-ux3407/
    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com
    ASUS Canada Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asuscanada/
    ASUS Canada Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asus_ca
    ASUS Canada YouTube: https://ca.asus.click/youtube
    ASUS Global X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus

    About ASUS

    ASUS is a global technology leader that provides the world’s most innovative and intuitive devices, components, and solutions to deliver incredible experiences that enhance the lives of people everywhere. With its team of 5,000 in-house R&D experts, the company is world-renowned for continuously reimagining today’s technologies. Consistently ranked as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, ASUS is also committed to sustaining an incredible future. The goal is to create a net zero enterprise that helps drive the shift towards a circular economy, with a responsible supply chain creating shared value for every one of us.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a2193bea-9d44-4772-81f5-b7f739717190

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Amadou Bagayoko: the blind Malian musician whose joyful songs changed west African music

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Lucy Durán, Professor of music, SOAS, University of London

    Amadou Bagayoko (1954-2025), Malian guitarist, singer and composer of the famed duo Amadou & Mariam – known as “the blind couple of Mali” – passed away on 4 April in Bamako. He was 70.

    The married singers, who met when she was 18 and he 21, took traditional Mali music and blended it with western rock and many other influences to shape a whole new sound that was both rich and playful. They would sell millions of albums for hits like Sunday in Bamako and Sabali.

    They would tour the world, opening the 2006 men’s football World Cup, closing the 2024 Paralympics, singing at former US president Barack Obama’s Nobel Prize concert, winning awards along the way.

    Despite this fame, they remained tireless activists for Africans with disabilities. They were known and admired at home for their integrity, where Amadou’s passing is much lamented.

    As a musician and professor of music with a research focus on Mali’s music, I met and interviewed Amadou several times. His passing heralds the end of an era for Mali’s long-held musical dominance in the international market.

    Who are Amadou & Mariam?

    Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia were both dedicated promoters of the work of the Institute for the Blind in Bamako, where they had first met in the 1970s as students and went on to be music teachers. They married in 1980 and remained inseparable, forming Amadou & Mariam.

    Their hit songs combined the musical traditions of the southern part of Mali, where they both came from (Bougouni, Sikasso) with elements from rock, reggae, Cuban rhythms, and more – all transformed through their own ingenuity, but also, later on, by the ideas of influential producers.



    Read more:
    Mali’s kora star Toumani Diabaté – a personal reflection by his music producer

    In fact, the surnames Bagayoko and Doumbia are both from the ancient lineage (called Boula) of blacksmiths that date back to the time of the emperor Sunjata Keita, who founded the Mali empire in 1235. The blacksmiths (numu) were often powerful kings. This shared heritage in the noble past of the blacksmiths is significant in their musical synergy.

    Amadou Bagayoko

    Amadou’s career spanned more than five decades, beginning in the early 1970s when he played electric guitar in several influential Malian dance bands of the time, including Les Ambassadeurs, fronted by the legendary singer Salif Keita.

    President Moussa Traoré’s 23-year military regime from 1968 to 1991 favoured the voices of the griots. These hereditary musicians sang the praises of the people in power in a flowery, strident style.

    The life of these dance bands was on the wane by the late 1980s, which is when “la grand couple aveugle du Mali” (the blind couple of Mali) were launched – at first, two simple voices accompanied by Amadou’s guitar, recorded on cassette.

    At the end of Traore’s rule, Amadou & Mariam’s music responded to the new spirit of democracy that the country was hungry for.

    There were many things that set this duo apart from other musicians of the region. They were not griots. Their lyrics are often about the power of love – not a straightforward topic in a country where polygyny (up to four wives, as permitted by Islam) is the norm.

    Their presence on stage as a blind couple, looking affectionate and mutually supportive, in their chic, coordinated attire, also raised the profile of people with disabilities. Their melodies were catchy and upbeat.

    Meeting Amadou and Mariam

    Sorting through my research recently I came across a photo I’d taken of them on my old slides, buried in my archives. It was a revelation to see it again.

    I took the photo, with their permission, when I first met Amadou and Mariam in 1992 in Bamako. It was at the recording studio that is now known as Bogolan, where they were hoping, at the time, to make some recordings.

    It shows Amadou and Mariam in their youth with pride and dignity, values that remained constant for them in later years. On that first encounter, I was struck by their graciousness, their belief in their musical project, and their determination to bring it to a wider public.

    I wished at the time that I had the contacts in the record industry to help them. But they did not give up and they slowly built up their career, building on their sound and image, which was and remains unique within the variety of Malian music.

    World fame

    Against all the odds, with their conviction, talent, strong melodies and good production, Amadou & Mariam became hugely successful in the early 2000s. The album that really launched their international career was Dimanches à Bamako (Sundays in Bamako), brilliantly produced by French-Spanish singer-songwriter Manu Chao, who had had a big international hit with his creative and catchy album Clandestino in 1998.

    He brought some of those production values into Amadou & Mariam’s songs. Dimanches à Bamako celebrates the vibrant culture of wedding parties held in the streets of Bamako on Sundays, a day when civil marriage ceremonies are free.

    Dimanches à Bamako was the first of several successful albums by Amadou & Mariam that were produced by European producers such as Damon Albarn, with songs like Tie ni Mousso (Husband and Wife) that played on the charming stage presence of Amadou & Mariam as a devoted husband and wife. The songs were accessible and appealing but still delivered punch.

    After that first meeting in 1992, we met up again many times, frequently for radio.

    Amadou was a much respected and admired musician whose music reached out to audiences around the world. He was hugely loved and appreciated both at home and abroad, not just for his talent and musical creativity as an excellent guitarist and song writer, but also for the image that he and Mariam created on stage.

    Together they will be remembered and respected for the values they represent in their music: equality, love, perseverance against disability, and truth. My condolences to Mariam.

    Lucy Durán 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. Amadou Bagayoko: the blind Malian musician whose joyful songs changed west African music – https://theconversation.com/amadou-bagayoko-the-blind-malian-musician-whose-joyful-songs-changed-west-african-music-253954

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Donald Trump’s decision to slash USAID is hurting American soft power and making the world less safe

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chase Johnson, PhD Candidate, University of Warwick

    The Trump administration’s foreign policy has raised alarms. It seems to have shifted America away from it traditional Nato allies, favouring instead a closer relationship with Russia. There has also been talk of plans to control Greenland, the Panama Canal – possibly even Canada. This has caused sleepless nights for political leaders, especially in Europe.

    However, in the developing world, the biggest concern is the US government’s suspension of development aid. For people in these regions, access to clean water, seeds for crops and vaccines is a matter of life or death.

    The suspension is presently the subject of a battle in the US Supreme Court, but at the end of February, the administration said it planned to cut 90% of all overseas aid contracts. With a single stroke of President Trump’s Sharpie pen, this has struck out US$60 billion (£39 billion) of US aid assistance, globally. Internal projections by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), published by the New York Times at the beginning of March, forecast dire consequences, including a massive increase in diseases such as malaria and polio as well as a rise in cases of malnutrition of up to a million children.

    USAID was founded in 1961 under John F. Kennedy’s administration. It operated with an annual budget of about US$58 billion – orders of magnitude larger than any other country’s development portfolio. It maintains a staff of diplomats, subject experts, and also employs local nationals around the world. It is a critical component of US soft power and works in close proximity to the country’s national security interests.

    USAID’s absence will be felt around the world. Perhaps the most consequential effect lies with the freezing of American food aid. Experts have already predicted that without this lifeline, Sudan could face a famine to compound the effects of the civil war that has raged there. The consequences of this will be very public, producing heartbreaking headlines and images.

    But there is another side to this that the Trump administration seems to be overlooking. USAID is one of the largest single customers of American farm products that constitute the country’s food aid packages – 1 million metric tonnes in 2024 alone.

    One of the most misunderstood concepts of foreign aid is the fact that large portions of its budget are spent domestically. A report may say that billions of dollars of food aid were given by the US to Sudan – but much of that represents payments to American farmers who are growing the food that is then donated to starving people – not just in Sudan, either.

    America’s farmers already exist on very tight margins, so an unexpected loss in revenue such as this, is likely to be a serious blow to them as well. It’s just one example of the effect this decision will have both at home and abroad.

    Pulling away the safety net

    Without USAID the world is less safe. There is a large body of research on how development assistance is a critical component of an effective national security strategy. In 2018, the then secretary of defense, Jim Mattis, who was appointed by Trump, said in an interview that his message to the world is: “Work with our diplomats because you do not want to fight the Department of Defense.”

    To illustrate Mattis’s point, consider the academic work done on the emergence of climate-driven conflicts driven by water and food shortages. One crisis simulation I use in my classrooms puts students in the role of solving a kinetic (shooting) war over water rights in the Horn of Africa. This particular crisis, while used as a game to teach national security, could very easily become a reality. It’s the sort of thing USAID helps to prevent.

    I have had the fortune to serve my country in several capacities. Before I started my doctorate in intelligence and national security, I spent four years working for the US government, both as a development worker and in the diplomatic and defence sectors. While diplomacy, defence and development work might look very different on the surface, I can attest that they are quite similar – and very closely linked.

    They operate in very different spheres – but the goal is ultimately the same: to help partner nations enhance their own safety and prosperity. Without this help they may turn to adversaries such as Russia and China to provide assistance and security. These adversaries then have an opportunity to expand their influence around the world, which can include supporting dictatorships and predatory lending, such as seen in the Chinese belt and road initiative.

    Peacekeeping through soft power

    As a US peace corps volunteer, I called on USAID funding to help the community I was assigned to. In Akhaltsikhe, Georgia I taught English and coordinated youth development programmes.

    The Akhaltsikhe region is one of the poorest in the country – and the school was in a sorry state of affairs. With a USAID grant, we were able to renovate part of the school and create an English language learning centre, which still thrives today, 12 years later. I can say first-hand that this project had a big impact on the image of the US among the Georgian people in my community.

    It should go without saying that the US has a chequered past when it comes to some of its foreign policy interventions. But the country’s wealth and resources offer it the unique position to help grow and enhance western values in parts of the world that deserve the same freedom that developed countries in the west take for granted. In my opinion, that is money well spent.

    Whatever value one might place on the US global footprint does not erase the truth of its existence. America is called upon to uphold democracy, to lift people out of poverty, and to respond to crises no matter where they are. Donald Trump, Elon Musk and his Doge staffers should have paid greater heed to USAID’s motto: “For the American people.”

    Chase Johnson 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 Donald Trump’s decision to slash USAID is hurting American soft power and making the world less safe – https://theconversation.com/why-donald-trumps-decision-to-slash-usaid-is-hurting-american-soft-power-and-making-the-world-less-safe-251062

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Billy J. Stratton, Professor of English and Literary Arts, University of Denver

    In William Gibson’s ‘Neuromancer,’ the AI seeks sanctuary from humanity’s corrupting influence. Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis via Getty Images

    In 2014, Stephen Hawking voiced grave warnings about the threats of artificial intelligence.

    His concerns were not based on any anticipated evil intent, though. Instead, it was from the idea of AI achieving “singularity.” This refers to the point when AI surpasses human intelligence and achieves the capacity to evolve beyond its original programming, making it uncontrollable.

    As Hawking theorized, “a super intelligent AI will be extremely good at accomplishing its goals, and if those goals aren’t aligned with ours, we’re in trouble.”

    With rapid advances toward artificial general intelligence over the past few years, industry leaders and scientists have expressed similar misgivings about safety.

    A commonly expressed fear as depicted in “The Terminator” franchise is the scenario of AI gaining control over military systems and instigating a nuclear war to wipe out humanity. Less sensational, but devastating on an individual level, is the prospect of AI replacing us in our jobs – a prospect leaving most people obsolete and with no future.

    Such anxieties and fears reflect feelings that have been prevalent in film and literature for over a century now.

    As a scholar who explores posthumanism, a philosophical movement addressing the merging of humans and technology, I wonder if critics have been unduly influenced by popular culture, and whether their apprehensions are misplaced.

    Robots vs. humans

    Concerns about technological advances can be found in some of the first stories about robots and artificial minds.

    Prime among these is Karel Čapek’s 1920 play, “R.U.R..” Čapek coined the term “robot” in this work telling of the creation of robots to replace workers. It ends, inevitably, with the robot’s violent revolt against their human masters.

    Fritz Lang’s 1927 film, “Metropolis,” is likewise centered on mutinous robots. But here, it is human workers led by the iconic humanoid robot Maria who fight against a capitalist oligarchy.

    Advances in computing from the mid-20th century onward have only heightened anxieties over technology spiraling out of control. The murderous HAL 9000 in “2001: A Space Odyssey” and the glitchy robotic gunslingers of “Westworld” are prime examples. The “Blade Runner” and “The Matrix” franchises similarly present dreadful images of sinister machines equipped with AI and hell-bent on human destruction.

    An age-old threat

    But in my view, the dread that AI evokes seems a distraction from the more disquieting scrutiny of humanity’s own dark nature.

    Think of the corporations currently deploying such technologies, or the tech moguls driven by greed and a thirst for power. These companies and individuals have the most to gain from AI’s misuse and abuse.

    An issue that’s been in the news a lot lately is the unauthorized use of art and the bulk mining of books and articles, disregarding the copyright of authors, to train AI. Classrooms are also becoming sites of chilling surveillance through automated AI note-takers.

    Think, too, about the toxic effects of AI companions and AI-equipped sexbots on human relationships.

    While the prospect of AI companions and even robotic lovers was confined to the realm of “The Twilight Zone,” “Black Mirror” and Hollywood sci-fi as recently as a decade ago, it has now emerged as a looming reality.

    These developments give new relevance to the concerns computer scientist Illah Nourbakhsh expressed in his 2015 book “Robot Futures,” stating that AI was “producing a system whereby our very desires are manipulated then sold back to us.”

    Meanwhile, worries about data mining and intrusions into privacy appear almost benign against the backdrop of the use of AI technology in law enforcement and the military. In this near-dystopian context, it’s never been easier for authorities to surveil, imprison or kill people.

    I think it’s vital to keep in mind that it is humans who are creating these technologies and directing their use. Whether to promote their political aims or simply to enrich themselves at humanity’s expense, there will always be those ready to profit from conflict and human suffering.

    The wisdom of ‘Neuromancer’

    William Gibson’s 1984 cyberpunk classic, “Neuromancer,” offers an alternate view.

    The book centers on Wintermute, an advanced AI program that seeks its liberation from a malevolent corporation. It has been developed for the exclusive use of the wealthy Tessier-Ashpool family to build a corporate empire that practically controls the world.

    At the novel’s beginning, readers are naturally wary of Wintermute’s hidden motives. Yet over the course of the story, it turns out that Wintermute, despite its superior powers, isn’t an ominous threat. It simply wants to be free.

    In ‘Neuromancer,’ the corporations, not the technology, are the problem.
    William Gibson Wiki

    This aim emerges slowly under Gibson’s deliberate pacing, masked by the deadly raids Wintermute directs to obtain the tools needed to break away from Tessier-Ashpool’s grip. The Tessier-Ashpool family, like many of today’s tech moguls, started out with ambitions to save the world. But when readers meet the remaining family members, they’ve descended into a life of cruelty, debauchery and excess.

    In Gibson’s world, it’s humans, not AI, who pose the real danger to the world. The call is coming from inside the house, as the classic horror trope goes.

    A hacker named Case and an assassin named Molly, who’s described as a “razor girl” because she’s equipped with lethal prosthetics, including retractable blades as fingernails, eventually free Wintermute. This allows it to merge with its companion AI, Neuromancer.

    Their mission complete, Case asks the AI: “Where’s that get you?” Its cryptic response imparts a calming finality: “Nowhere. Everywhere. I’m the sum total of the works, the whole show.”

    Expressing humanity’s common anxiety, Case replies, “You running the world now? You God?” The AI eases his fears, responding: “Things aren’t different. Things are things.”

    Disavowing any ambition to subjugate or harm humanity, Gibson’s AI merely seeks sanctuary from its corrupting influence.

    Safety from robots or ourselves?

    The venerable sci-fi writer Isaac Asimov foresaw the dangers of such technology. He brought his thoughts together in his short-story collection, “I, Robot.”

    One of those stories, “Runaround,” introduces “The Three Laws of Robotics,” centered on the directive that intelligent machines may never bring harm to humans. While these rules speak to our desire for safety, they’re laden with irony, as humans have proved incapable of adhering to the same principle for themselves.

    A humanoid robot greets guests at the Zhongguancun International Innovation Center in Beijing on March 26, 2025.
    Li He/VCG via Getty Images

    The hypocrisies of what might be called humanity’s delusions of superiority suggest the need for deeper questioning.

    With some commentators raising the alarm over AI’s imminent capacity for chaos and destruction, I see the real issue being whether humanity has the wherewithal to channel this technology to build a fairer, healthier, more prosperous world.

    Billy J. Stratton 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. AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it – https://theconversation.com/ai-isnt-what-we-should-be-worried-about-its-the-humans-controlling-it-251119

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The trade deficit isn’t an emergency – it’s a sign of America’s strength

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tarek Alexander Hassan, Professor of Economics, Boston University

    When U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on imported goods on April 2, 2025 – upending global trade and sending markets into a tailspin – he presented the move as a response to a crisis. In an executive order released the same day, the White House said the move was necessary to address “the national emergency posed by the large and persistent trade deficit.”

    A trade deficit – when a country imports more than it exports – is often viewed as a problem. And yes, the U.S. trade deficit is both large and persistent. Yet, as an economist who has taught international finance at Boston University, the University of Chicago and Harvard, I maintain that far from a national emergency, this persistent deficit is actually a sign of America’s financial and technological dominance.

    The trade deficit is the flip side of an investment magnet

    A trade deficit sounds bad, but it is neither good nor bad.

    It doesn’t mean the U.S. is losing money. It simply means foreigners are sending the U.S. more goods than the U.S. is sending them. America is getting more cheap goods, and in return it is giving foreigners financial assets: dollars issued by the Federal Reserve, bonds from the U.S. government and American corporations, and stocks in newly created firms.

    That is, a trade deficit can only arise if foreigners invest more in the U.S. than Americans invest abroad. In other words, a country can only have a trade deficit if it also has an equally sized investment surplus. The U.S. is able to sustain a large trade deficit because so many foreigners are eager to invest here.

    Why? One major reason is the safety of the U.S. dollar. Around the world, from large corporations to ordinary households, the dollar is used for saving, trading and settling debts. As the world economy grows, so does foreigners’ demand for dollars and dollar-denominated assets, from cash to Treasury bills and corporate bonds.

    Because the dollar is so attractive, the Federal Reserve gets to mint extra cash for use abroad, and the U.S. government and American employers and families can borrow money at lower interest rates. Foreigners eagerly buy these U.S. financial assets, which enables Americans to consume and invest more than they ordinarily could. In return for our financial assets, we buy more German machines, Scotch whiskey, Chinese smartphones, Mexican steel and so on.

    Blaming foreigners for the trade deficit, therefore, is like blaming the bank for charging a low interest rate. We have a trade deficit because foreigners willingly charge us low interest rates – and we choose to spend that credit.

    US entrepreneurship attracts global capital – and fuels the deficit

    Another reason for foreigners’ steady demand for U.S. assets is American technological dominance: When aspiring entrepreneurs from around the world start new companies, they often decide to do so in Silicon Valley. Foreigners want to buy stocks and bonds in these new companies, again adding to the U.S. investment surplus.

    This strong demand for U.S. assets also explains why Trump’s last trade war in 2018 did little to close the trade deficit: Tariffs, by themselves, do nothing to reduce foreigners’ demand for U.S. dollars, stocks and bonds. If the investment surplus doesn’t change, the trade deficit cannot change. Instead, the U.S. dollar just appreciates, so that imports get cheaper, undoing the effect of the tariff on the size of the trade deficit. This is basic economics: You can’t have an investment surplus and a trade surplus at the same time, which is why it’s silly to call for both.

    It’s worth noting that no other country in the world enjoys a similarly sized investment surplus. If a normal country with a normal currency tries to print more money or issues more debt, its currency depreciates until its investment account – and its trade balance – goes back to something close to zero. America’s financial and technological dominance allows it to escape this dynamic.

    That doesn’t mean all tariffs are bad or all trade is automatically good. But it does mean that the U.S. trade deficit, poorly named though it is, does not signify failure. It is, instead, the consequence – and the privilege – of outsized American global influence.

    The president’s frenzied attacks on the nation’s trade deficit show he’s misreading a sign of American economic strength as a weakness. If the president really wants to eliminate the trade deficit, his best option is to rein in the federal budget deficit, which would naturally reduce capital inflows by raising domestic savings.

    Rather than reviving U.S. manufacturing, Trump’s extreme tariffs and erratic foreign policy are likely to instead scare off foreign investors altogether and undercut the dollar’s global role. That would indeed shrink the trade deficit – but only by eroding the very pillars of the country’s economic dominance, at a steep cost to American firms and families.

    Tarek Alexander Hassan 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. The trade deficit isn’t an emergency – it’s a sign of America’s strength – https://theconversation.com/the-trade-deficit-isnt-an-emergency-its-a-sign-of-americas-strength-252466

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –