NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Citizen Airman wins Integrator of the Year for creating a warrior culture  in the Cowboy Guard

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Melissa Mendez has always believed in the power of people. As a first sergeant with the 153rd Security Forces Squadron in the Wyoming Air National Guard, she takes pride in her role as a mentor, coach, and advocate for her Airmen. 

    But Mendez isn’t just a leader in uniform. Off-duty, she serves as a Wyoming National Guard primary prevention specialist, a role focused on addressing issues before they escalate and creating a positive environment for service members across 97,000 square miles.

    “Melissa was one of three IPPW specialists, nationally, to be selected as Integrator of the Year out of hundreds,” she added. “And the only lead. Knowing that Wyoming, as a small state, has the ability to stand out and rise above brings a level of pride to the entire team and motivates all of us to keep doing great things. We will never be the largest state in the room, but we can lead the way.”

    “People are my passion,” Mendez said. “If we can support individuals and help them thrive, we’re not just building stronger teams—we’re creating a better future for everyone.”

    As a Citizen Airman, Mendez balances her dual responsibilities to the military and her community. In her prevention role, she dives deep into data to identify areas where service members may be struggling—whether with financial stress, relationship challenges, or mental health concerns. By analyzing trends and collaborating with legacy programs like suicide prevention and sexual assault prevention and response, she ensures that targeted training and resources reach those who need them most.

    One notable success story highlights her ability to turn data into action. When a unit reported high levels of financial stress in surveys, Mendez coordinated with local financial advisors to provide targeted workshops. The results were transformative, with members expressing relief and gratitude for the support.

    “Melissa continues to grow and excel in her leadership role. She is constantly helping others, guiding conversations and projects, and leading the way,” said Kristin Malone, Cowboy Guard integrated primary prevention manager. “The leadership she demonstrates doesn’t stop with the IPPW, but extends to her role as a 1st Shirt in the WYANG.”

    Mendez’s ability to connect with people and turn data into actionable solutions is unmatched, Malone said. 

    Her leadership has directly contributed to initiatives such as distributing over $61,000 in gun locks and lock boxes, expanding suicide prevention efforts across the state’s 97,000 square miles. She also spearheaded the alignment of the Wyoming Military Department with the Governor’s Challenge initiatives, ensuring strategic coordination to bolster lethal means safety and resilience programs.

    As the first generation of her family born in the United States and the fourth generation to serve in the military, Mendez’s journey is one of resilience and hope. “Hope is what keeps people going,” she said. “Sometimes it’s as simple as reminding someone that they’re not alone. Whether I’m in uniform or in my civilian role, my goal is to help people find that hope and build on it.”

    In her role as a first sergeant, Mendez leans on her background as a mental health technician to support her Airmen. Whether she’s assisting with professional development or helping someone navigate personal challenges, she approaches each situation with empathy and determination.

    “Being a first sergeant is about seeing the person behind the uniform,” she said. “It’s about helping them be the best version of themselves, not just for the mission but for their families and their own well-being.”

    For Mendez, her role as a prevention specialist and first sergeant is not just a job; it’s a calling. Over her career, she has seen firsthand the power of hope and support in transforming lives. One of her most memorable experiences was helping an Airman at rock bottom. The individual was struggling with personal issues, failing fitness tests and facing challenges at work.

    “I asked them, ‘What else is going on? Rank aside, human to human, let’s talk,’” Mendez recalled. “Sometimes people just need someone to listen without judgment.”

    Through consistent mentorship and connecting the Airman to available resources, Mendez saw a remarkable transformation. The individual passed their fitness test with high marks, earned awards and regained confidence. Years later, they reached out to Mendez to express gratitude, saying her support had inspired them to help others.

    Her impact extends beyond individual Airmen. She implemented the first Wyoming IPPW Care Team Meeting, bringing together 15 different stakeholders to improve interagency collaboration. She also developed a helping agency resource matrix to assist approximately 3,000 Guard members in navigating work-life challenges and preventing crises.

    “Wyoming is a large state with a small population,” she said. “That makes it even more important to build strong networks and ensure no one falls through the cracks.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Whale-sized exhibition coming to the Royal Alberta Museum | Une exposition gigantesque ouvre au Musée royal de l’Alberta

    This spring, meet the rulers of the ocean as Alberta’s government, in cooperation with the Royal BC Museum and MuseumsPartner, present Orcas: Our Shared Future, opening May 16.

    Alberta’s government is committed to supporting the province’s world-class museums and historic sites that tell our story to the world and provide all Albertans and visitors with immersive experiences. As one of the province’s major museums, the Royal Alberta Museum has entertained and educated visitors with engaging exhibitions for more than 57 years.

    “Orcas are some of the most fascinating creatures on earth, and I am thrilled that the Royal Alberta Museum is giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about these intelligent animals. Museums in our province offer countless memorable opportunities for learning and I know this much-anticipated exhibition will be sure to spark curiosity, while offering a deeper understanding of orcas.” 

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

    The newest feature exhibition coming to the Royal Alberta Museum will be immersive and interactive, featuring life-size orca replicas, fossils, films, objects from popular culture and original artwork from the Indigenous peoples of the North American west coast.

    Long feared in Western cultures as “killer whales,” the exhibition traces the evolution of our beliefs about orcas, from fear to admiration and awe. Visitors will gain a new appreciation of these sophisticated animals, their complex social structures, stunning intelligence and the consequences of captivity.

    “We’re excited to once again fill our feature gallery with unique stories our visitors won’t find in our permanent exhibits. We look forward to bringing a bit of the ocean to Alberta and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the incredible world of orcas.”

    Meaghan Patterson, executive director, Royal Alberta Museum

    Quick facts

    • Orcas: Our Shared Future opens May 16 and runs until Oct. 19.
    • Entry to the exhibition is included with general admission, which can be purchased through the Royal Alberta Museum website or in person.
    • The previous feature exhibition, Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia, welcomed more than 161,000 visitors.

    Related information

    • Royal Alberta Museum

    Plongez-vous dans les récits et la science qui entourent la majestueuse orque au Musée royal de l’Alberta.

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta, en partenariat avec le Royal BC Museum et MuseumsPartner, vous invite ce printemps à découvrir les souverains de l’océan avec l’exposition Orques : un avenir commun, qui ouvrira ses portes le 16 mai prochain.

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta s’est engagé à soutenir les musées et les lieux historiques de classe mondiale de la province, qui racontent notre histoire au monde entier et offrent des expériences immersives à toute la population albertaine et aux visiteurs de la province. Depuis plus de 57 ans, le Musée royal de l’Alberta, l’un des grands musées de la province, divertit et éduque ses visiteurs grâce à des expositions captivantes.

    « Les orques figurent parmi les créatures les plus fascinantes de la planète, et je suis ravie que le Musée royal de l’Alberta donne à ses visiteurs l’occasion de mieux les connaître. Les musées de notre province proposent des expériences d’apprentissage inoubliables, et je suis certaine que cette exposition tant attendue éveillera la curiosité tout en enrichissant notre compréhension de ces animaux intelligents. » 

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    La toute nouvelle exposition du Musée royal de l’Alberta offrira une expérience immersive et interactive. Elle présentera des répliques d’orques grandeur nature, des fossiles, des films, des objets de la culture populaire et des œuvres d’art originales des peuples autochtones de la côte Ouest de l’Amérique du Nord.

    L’exposition retrace l’évolution de nos croyances, depuis la peur jusqu’à l’admiration et l’émerveillement, par rapport à cet animal longtemps redouté dans les cultures occidentales. Les visiteurs apprendront à mieux connaître la complexité de l’orque, ses structures sociales diversifiées, son intelligence stupéfiante et les conséquences de sa captivité.

    « Nous sommes ravis de présenter de nouveau dans notre galerie thématique des récits originaux que nos visiteurs ne découvriront pas dans nos expositions permanentes. Nous avons hâte d’apporter un souffle de l’océan en Alberta et de favoriser une compréhension et une appréciation meilleures du monde fascinant des orques. »

    Meaghan Patterson, directrice générale, Musée royal de l’Alberta

    En bref

    • L’exposition Orques : notre avenir commun sera présentée au musée du 16 mai au 19 octobre 2025.
    • La visite de l’exposition est comprise dans les droits d’entrée du musée, qui peuvent être payés en personne ou en ligne, dans le site web du Musée royal de l’Alberta.
    • L’exposition précédente, Angkor : l’empire perdu du Cambodge, a accueilli plus de 161 000 visiteurs.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Musée royal de l’Alberta (en anglais seulement)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Media Advisory: Baltimore City District Court Re-Entry Project celebrates 11th graduation

    Source: US State of Maryland

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    February 19, 2025

    Government Relations and Public Affairs
    187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
    Annapolis, Maryland 21401

    Media Advisory:
    Baltimore City District Court Re-Entry Project celebrates 11th graduation 
    Retired Baltimore Ravens running back Obafemi Ayanbadejo to serve as the keynote speaker

    On Friday, February 21, 2025, 16 graduates of the Baltimore City District Court Re-Entry Project (DCREP) will be recognized for their successful completion of the program. Baltimore City District Court Judge Nicole Pastore presides and founded DCREP in 2016 as a court-focused, criminal recidivism initiative offering defendants an opportunity to participate in full-time job training and job placement programs as a condition of their probation or in lieu of incarceration. To date, approximately 250 participants have completed the program. The DCREP graduates will be joined by family, friends, judges, and prosecutors who celebrate their achievement.

    In addition, retired Baltimore Ravens running back and 2000 Super Bowl XXXV Champion Obafemi Ayanbadejo will serve as the keynote speaker. Ayanbadejo played for the National Football League (NFL) and United Football League (UFL) on multiple teams, including the Baltimore Ravens (1999–2002), Miami Dolphins (2003), Arizona Cardinals (2004–2007), Chicago Bears (2007), and the UFL’s California Redwoods (2009). He played college football at San Diego State and later earned Master of Business Administration from the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University.

    WHAT: Baltimore City District Court Re-Entry Project’s 11th graduation ceremony
    WHEN: Friday, February 21, 2025, 11 a.m.
    WHERE: District Court in Baltimore City
    Eastside District Court Building, Courtroom 7
    1400 E. North Avenue
    Baltimore, MD 21213
    WHO: District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey
    Baltimore City District Court Administrative Judge Geoffrey G. Hengerer
    Baltimore City District Court Judge Nicole Pastore, presiding
    Baltimore Ravens player Obafemi Ayanbadejo, keynote speaker
    Baltimore City District Court Re-Entry Project graduates

    NOTE: Please contact the Maryland Judiciary, Government Relations and Public Affairs, by email at [email protected] or 410-260-1488, if you plan to attend or have questions about the event. Cameras will not be allowed in the courtroom during the graduation ceremony; however, members of the media may conduct on-camera interviews in the hallway outside of the courtroom. Judge Pastore will be available for interviews before or after the ceremony. All persons being photographed should be asked for their consent. Program participants can also be interviewed before or after the ceremony.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FinTech Grad Student Nick Savignano Earns Competitive International Business Fellowship

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Graduate student Nick Savignano ’25 has always been the type of person to roll up his sleeves and help others, whether spearheading a new project at work or clearing debris after Hurricane Katrina.

    When Savignano, a graduate student in the FinTech program, heard about a program that connects postgraduate business students with small- and medium-sized enterprises in the developing world, he was immediately interested.

    He recently learned that he was accepted as a Fellow in the prestigious DHL GoTrade GBSN Fellowship Program and is waiting to learn what industry and country he will be paired with during the eight-month program, which begins in March. The Fellowship program, which is remote, will also give him the chance to engage with global experts, participate in workshops, and develop new skills and mentorship.

    “Figuring out how to address problems and challenges and coming up with unique solutions is all very exciting for me. I’m going to give it my heart and soul,’’ he said. Savignano said he is looking forward to collaborating with people from another part of the world and the opportunity to work with another fellow.

    Students from 45 Countries Competed for 61 Fellowships

    The Fellowship program is highly competitive, said Natalie Timinskas, Coordinator of Students Programs at the Global Business School Network (GBSN). This year, the organization received almost 300 applications from master’s and Ph.D. candidates from 45 countries and 88 universities. Only 61 were accepted into the cohort.

    “The caliber of candidates was exceptional, with applicants showcasing impressive passion and dedication to advancing management and entrepreneurship in emerging and developing markets,’’ she said.

    The network cannot disclose the specific enterprises, as they are still finalizing agreements, but they are working with businesses from various industries, she said. Last year’s cohort worked on projects across diverse sectors, such as food and beverage, jewelry, textiles, e-commerce, crafts, and leather goods.

    Creating, Improving and Shaking Things Up

    Savignano earned his bachelor’s degree at Loyola University in 2018, with a finance major. He spent the next five years working in the mortgage industry in Maryland.

    He chose to apply to the UConn FinTech program, at that time only the second in the nation, because he loved everything about finance, and was intrigued by new ways of receiving and processing payments. During his time at UConn, he has also worked with the entrepreneurship programs here to investigate an idea he has for creating his own company.

    Savignano said he enjoys creating, improving processes, and shaking things up.

    “The Fellowship will be an exciting resume builder and also a very unique story to share,’’ he said. “I think it will also be one of those ‘contagious’ things that many people will become interested in doing.’’

    As he looks at his career growth, Savignano said he wants to be in a position to make strategic decisions.

    “I came to UConn to learn that aspect of business, and I think I’ve been successful,’’ he said. “I’m happy to represent UConn through this and to spread the UConn name because this university has done so much for me.’’

    John Wilson, Academic Director of FinTech program, said Savignano has been a standout student.

    “We encourage all students to map their own academic journey. Nicholas has taken that encouragement to heart and taken advantage of every opportunity,’’ Wilson said. “This, along with his drive and dedication, makes him a solid selection for the Fellowship program and we are confident that he will represent UConn well.’’

    Savignano said he feels fortunate that the FinTech program created an opportunity for him to attend ITC insurance innovation conference in Las Vegas last year, where he met industry veterans, tried brand-new products, learned about challenges of the insurance industry, and engaged with top executives.’’

    Network Offers Host of Opportunities for Ambitious Students

    Arminda Kamphausen, Director of Global & Sustainability Initiatives, said the School’s recent decision to become a member of the GBSN has provided both students and faculty with international opportunities that enrich educational experiences and research resources.

    “This chance for Nick to use what he is learning in the FinTech program to work on an international team to support a small or medium enterprise is just one of many such opportunities,’’ she said.

    “GBSN also gives our students opportunities to compete in an annual case competition, organizes thematic faculty working groups, such as Business and Human Rights, and offers monthly virtual events for sharing of member institution best practices,’’ Kamphausen said. “It also convenes an annual conference for substantive discussions on how business schools can continue to provide responsible training to their students and positive impact in the world.’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WISER Awarded Eight UConn Projects to Advance Weather Innovation and Energy Resilience

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded UConn and its partners several new projects to advance weather- and climate-based solutions for the energy industry.

    On Feb. 6-7, the NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) for Weather Innovation and Smart Energy and Resilience (WISER) hosted its Industry Advisory Board meeting. During the gathering, the NSF announced funding for 10 new projects, with UConn is involved in eight of them.

    UConn Tech Park Executive Director Emmanouil Anagnostou speaks at a recent meeting with the WISER Industry Advisory Board. (contributed photo)

    Established in 2023, WISER NSF IUCRC is a two-site center shared by the University at Albany and UConn. The Center combines cutting-edge technologies with the benefits of industry partnerships to address the evolving challenges posed by extreme weather and climate change.

    “By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, WISER is poised to become a leading resource for solutions that enhance resilience and sustainability in the energy sector, says Emmanouil Anagnostou, the primary investigator for UConn’s WISER site.

    During the meeting, the 10-member Advisory Board announced the awarded projects following a highly competitive selection process. The Board was enthusiastic about WISER’s proposals, continuing a legacy of successful and impactful projects that have resulted from the collaboration between the UConn and Albany.

    The projects will expand WISER’s research portfolio in weather and power outage prediction, energy demand, grid resilience, and risk management. “I am excited by the number of highly competitive proposals submitted by UConn faculty and look forward to growing UConn’s research and technology innovation on energy resilience and security,” Says Anagnostou.

    This year WISER’s Industry Advisory Board consists of ten members: Avangrid, Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp, Con Edison, Eversource Energy, Hydro‑Québec, National Grid, New York Power Authority, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State Foundation for Science, Technology, and Innovation, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

    The following are the eight WISER projects in which UConn will take part:

    • Wind power resources for Northeast US under a changing climate (PI: M. Astitha, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
    • Extreme heat metrics for more accurate energy demand prediction (PI: G. Wang, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
    • Integrating interdisciplinary resilience indices for power outages and restorations (PI: W. Zhang, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
    • Predicting extreme weather–induced power outages with spatially aware hybrid graph neural networks (PI: D. Song, School of Computing)
    • A mapping tool for addressing socioeconomic and demographic disparities in power outage impacts (PI: A. Bagtzoglou, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
    • Quantifying grid resiliency using GFM with HELICS co-simulation for enhancing outage management during the extreme weather events (PI: S.Y. Park, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering)
    • Weather-power-grid testbed experiments for risk contingency management during hazards: cascading failures, fragility curves, and grid and weather monitoring needs (PI: M. Peña, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering)
    • Snowstorm changes and their impact on power outages over the Northeast (co-PI: D. Cerrai, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: FPSO Almirante Tamandaré producing and on hire

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Amsterdam, February 19, 2025

    SBM Offshore announces that FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is formally on hire as of February 16, 2025 after achieving first oil and the completion of a 72-hour continuous production test leading to Final Acceptance.

    FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is the largest oil producing unit in Brazil with a processing capacity of 225,000 barrels of oil and 12 million m3 of gas per day. This FPSO has an estimated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity below 10 kgCO2e/boe1 and benefits from emission reduction technologies such as the closed flare technology which increases gas utilization, preventing it from being burnt into the atmosphere. FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is the first unit in Brazil to receive a Sustainability-1 Notation2 certification reflecting the Company’s efforts to reduce emissions over the lifecycle of the vessel.

    FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is owned and operated by special purpose companies owned by affiliated companies of SBM Offshore (55%) and its partners (45%). The FPSO will operate under a 26.25-year charter and operation services contracts with Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras).

    FPSO Almirante Tamandaré is installed at the Búzios unitized field located in the Santos Basin, approximately 180 kilometers offshore Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The Búzios unitized field is operated by Petrobras (88.99%) in partnership with CNODC (3.67%) and CNOOC (7.34%).

    Corporate Profile

    SBM Offshore is the world’s deepwater ocean-infrastructure expert. Through the design, construction, installation, and operation of offshore floating facilities, we play a pivotal role in a just transition. By advancing our core, we deliver cleaner, more efficient energy production. By pioneering more, we unlock new markets within the blue economy. 
    More than 7,400 SBMers collaborate worldwide to deliver innovative solutions as a responsible partner towards a sustainable future, balancing ocean protection with progress.
    For further information, please visit our website at www.sbmoffshore.com.

    Financial Calendar   Date Year
    Full Year 2024 Earnings   February 20 2025
    Annual General Meeting   April 9 2025
    First Quarter 2025 Trading Update   May 15 2025
    Half Year 2025 Earnings   August 7 2025
    Third Quarter 2025 Trading Update   November 13 2025

    For further information, please contact:

    Investor Relations

    Wouter Holties
    Corporate Finance & Investor Relations Manager

    Media Relations

    Giampaolo Arghittu
    Head of External Relations

    Market Abuse Regulation
    This press release may contain inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

    Disclaimer
    Some of the statements contained in this release that are not historical facts are statements of future expectations and other forward-looking statements based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance, or events to differ materially from those in such statements. These statements may be identified by words such as ‘expect’, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘shall’ and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. The principal risks which could affect the future operations of SBM Offshore N.V. are described in the ‘Impact, Risk and Opportunity Management’ section of the 2023 Annual Report.

    Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and performance of the Company’s business may vary materially and adversely from the forward-looking statements described in this release. SBM Offshore does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update any industry information or forward-looking statements set forth in this release to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise. 

    This release contains certain alternative performance measures (APMs) as defined by the ESMA guidelines which are not defined under IFRS. Further information on these APMs is included in the Half-Year Management Report accompanying the Half Year Earnings 2024 report, available on our website https://www.sbmoffshore.com/investors/financial-disclosures.

    Nothing in this release shall be deemed an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities. The companies in which SBM Offshore N.V. directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this release “SBM Offshore” and “SBM” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to SBM Offshore N.V. and its subsidiaries in general. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies.

    “SBM Offshore®“, the SBM logomark, “Fast4Ward®”, “emissionZERO®” and “F4W®” are proprietary marks owned by SBM Offshore.

    1 Calculated based on nameplate capacity.
    2 This sustainability certification from Bureau Veritas recognizes the Company’s efforts in minimizing environmental impacts over the lifecycle of the FPSO, from design to construction and operations.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Sweetheart Bakery and Homer’s Deli

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Sweetheart Bakery and Homer’s Deli of Clinton County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “Founded by real sweethearts almost 75 years ago, Sweetheart Bakery and Homer’s Deli continues to operate as a family business today,” said Chair Ernst. “Whether it is their homemade breads, custom cakes, or original Blarney Stones, the Thornton family sure knows how to rise to the occasion!”
    In 1950, Charlie and Florence Thornton opened Sweetheart Bakery using original family recipes on Main Avenue. In 1978, their son, Charles, and his wife, Joanne, expanded the business, moving it one block west into its current storefront in the Lyons business district. After decades of success baking generational recipes made from scratch, Charles’ son, Chuck, and his wife, Brenda, purchased the bakery. Upon taking over, they merged the family bakery with Homer’s Deli, a restaurant they also owned next door. Today, their children, Derek and Shauna, help run and manage the store. In March, the business will celebrate its 75th anniversary in Iowa.
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford Leads Bill to Stop Drug Smuggling at the Southern Border

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Chairman on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs SubcommitteeonBorder Management, Federal Workforce and Regulatory Affairs, introduced the Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act to support border law enforcement by providing additional personnel to scan cargo for illegal drugs and guns or human smuggling. 
    “Adding more personnel at ports of entry will immediately provide our country with another layer of security to prevent traffickers from smuggling weapons or drugs across the border. Border law enforcement has repeatedly asked for more support to analyze cargo images in real time, so this bill also gives them tools they need to catch criminals and secure our border,” said Lankford. 
    Lankford is joined on this bill by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and John Cornyn (R-TX).
    Border law enforcement told Lankford directly that addressing this issue would help them better enforce the law at our ports of entry. The bill creates within Customs and Border Protection (CBP), positions for what are called “image technicians” who will review and assess scans of cargo images and either recommend entry to the primary inspection CBP officer or refer for further inspection any cargo they suspect may have illegal or illicit items.
    The bill also creates the position of “supervisory image technicians” to review and assess difficult-to- review images in addition to the regular duties of imagetechnicians. This position will also receive, report, and disseminate intelligence to and from the National Targeting Center to image adjudicators. The bill would also mandate training and annual assessments for imagetechnicians, require the development of a workforce staffing model, and institute reporting requirements.
    This legislation is supported by US Travel, Border Trade Alliance, National Sheriffs Association, and National Association of Counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Merkley, Welch Press Google on Changes to AI Commitments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    Washington (February 19, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.) wrote to Google CEO Sundar Pichai with concerns that the company has recently reversed promises to not develop potentially harmful and dangerous AI technologies.

    In the letter the lawmakers write, “For years, Google’s AI Principles have allowed the public to understand the company’s values for the development and deployment of new technologies. The company first published the AI Principles in 2018 following employee backlash to one of its contracts.”

    The lawmakers continue, “Google removed those limitations on the development and deployment of AI products, among other changes to its AI Principles. A blog post accompanying these revisions made no reference to the removal of these long-standing commitments. Instead, the blog highlighted Google’s new core tenets in AI developments. The closest the post came to referencing these critical changes was its noting Google’s commitment to ‘pursue AI responsibly throughout the development and deployment lifecycle.’ This vague language does not provide any guidelines on the types of technology Google will or will not develop, raising more questions than answers and sparking concerns from Google’s current and former employees.”

    The lawmakers request Mr. Pichai respond to the following questions by March 7, 2025:

    • Please describe Google’s rationale for revising its AI Principles, especially its decision to remove the limitation on developing AI products for weapons or certain surveillance applications. 
    • Is Google currently developing or has Google currently deployed any AI products or potential projects that could be considered a weapon? 
      • If so, please provide detailed description of those projects. 
      • Going forward, if Google develops AI weapons projects, how does Google intended to mitigate the risks they pose?
    • Is Google developing or has Google currently deployed any AI products or potential projects that could be used for surveillance purposes in violation of internationally accepted norms? 
      • If so, please provide detailed description of those projects. 
      • Going forward, if Google develops AI surveillance projects in violation of internationally accepted norms, how does Google intended to mitigate the risks they pose?
    • Is Google developing or has Google currently deployed any AI products or potential products that could cause or are likely to cause overall harm? 
      • If so, please provide detailed description of those projects. 
      • Going forward, if Google develops AI projects that could cause or are likely to cause overall harm, how does Google intended to mitigate the risks they pose?
    • The new Google AI Principles state the company will ensure “appropriate human oversight, due diligence, and feedback mechanisms to align with user goals, social responsibility, and widely accepted principles of international law and human rights.” Please provide a detailed description of how Google plans to uphold these commitments.
    • The new Google AI Principles state the company will “employ rigorous design, testing, monitoring, and safeguards to mitigate unintended or harmful outcomes and avoid unfair bias.” Please provide a detailed description of how Google plans to uphold these commitments, including a detailed description of the testing and monitoring Google intends to implement.  
    • Will Google commit that any AI development that conflicts with the 2018 principles will include robust stakeholder consultation, including collaboration with workers, relevant experts, and impacted communities? If not, why not?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Colleagues Mark 80th Anniversary of Iwo Jima

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Mark Warner (D-VA) to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The major clash between U.S. and Japanese forces in World War II’s Pacific theater began on February 19, 1945, and lasted until March 26, 1945.

    “The 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima is a solemn yet important reminder of the sacrifice of the Greatest Generation,” said Boozman. “The resilience and courage of our U.S. Marines was famously characterized as a display of uncommon valor. Decades later, we continue to remember and honor our servicemembers’ heroism. I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing them, this milestone and the vital partnership between our nation and Japan today.”                            

    “For myself, every Marine, and many Americans, Iwo Jima is a symbol of duty and sacrifice,” said Young. “I’m proud to lead this resolution that recognizes the heroic servicemembers who gave their lives at Iwo Jima, honors those who fought in the battle, and reaffirms our reconciled friendship with Japan.” 

    “I’m proud to introduce this resolution to pay tribute to the service and the sacrifice of all the heroes who fought for our country at Iwo Jima, which included my late father, Marine Corporal Robert Warner. The 80th anniversary of this pivotal battle offers us an opportunity to reflect on the bravery and perseverance of the Greatest Generation, and is an enduring reminder about the power of courage and unity in the face of adversity,” said Warner. 

    More specifically, the resolution:

    • Honors the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Army Air Crew and Coast Guardsmen who fought bravely on Iwo Jima;
    • Remembers the brave servicemembers who lost their lives in the battle;
    • Commemorates the iconic and historic raising of the United States flag on Mount Suribachi that occurred on February 23, 1945;
    • Encourages Americans to honor the veterans of Iwo Jima; and
    • Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and shared values that have developed between the United States and Japan over the last 80 years.

    The resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Angus King (I-ME), Rick Scott (R-FL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

    Click here for full text of the resolution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Legislative Changes to Create Administrative Efficiency, Modernize Healthcare System

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is repealing two acts and amending two more to remove outdated and redundant functions that are, or will be, part of other pieces of legislation.

    The acts to be repealed include the Anatomy Act and the Emergency Department Accountability Act. The Health Services and Insurance Act and the Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act will be amended.

    “We have legislation that is outdated, redundant and no longer reflect the realities of our healthcare system,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “We’re modernizing healthcare in Nova Scotia with innovative ways to access care, new infrastructure, technology and updated legislation.”

    Repealing the Anatomy Act and amending the Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act will modernize the Province’s approach to the donation of bodies for medical education. The first Anatomy Act was developed in the late 1800s based on historical concerns about the illegal procurement of cadavers for medical training.

    An amendment to the Health Services Insurance Act will clarify that healthcare professionals can bill private insurers and federal government programs, and allow them to bill more than the provincial tariff rate where permitted. Patients cannot be billed for an insured service.

    Advances in public reporting of healthcare data will see the Emergency Department Accountability Act be repealed. The act requires the Minister of Health and Wellness to submit annually, a report on the status of emergency departments, based on the previous year, including closure hours and wait times.

    Nova Scotians have access to this data in real time through the Nova Scotia Health service interruptions website, the Nova Scotia Health emergency care website, the Action for Health public reporting dashboard and the YourHealthNS app, which provides real-time information on emergency department closures and predicted wait times.

    Additional Resources:

    Bills tabled in the legislature are available at: https://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/bills-statutes/bills/assembly-65-session-1

    Action for Health public reporting dashboard: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/nova.scotia.health/viz/ActionforHealth-PublicReporting/Overview

    Nova Scotia Health service interruptions website: https://www.nshealth.ca/service-interruptions

    Nova Scotia Health emergency care website: https://www.nshealth.ca/emergency-care#service-statuses

    Nova Scotia Health emergency department wait times website: https://www.nshealth.ca/emergency-care/emergency-department-wait-times

    Anatomy Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/anatomy.pdf

    Emergency Department Accountability Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/emergency%20department%20accountability.pdf

    Health Services Insurance Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/health%20services%20and%20insurance.pdf

    Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act: https://nslegislature.ca/sites/default/files/legc/statutes/human%20organ%20and%20tissue%20donation.pdf

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Proposes New Law To Protect Veterans’ Disability Benefits From Claim Sharks

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is urging the Connecticut General Assembly to approve legislation he is proposing this session that will enact a new state law protecting veterans against being exploited by for-profit companies that charge exorbitant fees for filing disability claims on their behalf with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

    Commonly known as “claim sharks,” these unaccredited companies solicit veterans with the promise that their services can help them get disability claims approved by the VA. Frequently, these companies wait until after the claim has been approved to notify the veteran that they will be charged fees for this service, sometimes taking a large cut of the veteran’s future disability benefits, which could amount to thousands of dollars.

    Claim sharks also expose veterans to fraud and identity theft. Since unaccredited actors do not have access to the VA claim system, some require the veteran to share system logins, passwords, and bank account information so fees can be immediately withdrawn even before the veteran learns claim money has been deposited.

    “Veterans deserve the disability benefits they’ve earned, and taking a cut of these benefits for one’s own profit through manipulative schemes is morally wrong and disturbing,” Governor Lamont said. “We need stronger laws that bring transparency to these practices so that veterans can make informed decisions and are able to avoid these kinds of exploitative practices that we’ve seen happening across the country.”

    While federal law currently prohibits companies without VA accreditation from charging veterans fees to file disability claims, there are no criminal penalties for violating the law and recent legislative efforts to rein in this profit-driven shadow industry have stalled in Congress.

    Governor Lamont is proposing to require more transparency around this practice and obligate these companies to provide veterans with information on all fees prior to beginning their services. Specifically, he is proposing a law that will:

    • Require companies that provide these services to notify recipients of all fees in advance of the services being provided and create a written agreement signed by both parties; and
    • Require companies that provide these services to explicitly notify veterans in advance that they are not endorsed or affiliated with the VA or the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs and that local and federal veteran service organizations may provide this service free of charge. These same notices must also be included in any advertising related to these services.

    Attorney General William Tong has also proposed legislation on this topic and is supportive of Governor Lamont’s proposal.

    “Applying for VA benefits is free, and accredited, vetted, veteran service officers are available to assist at no cost,” Attorney General Tong said. “Unaccredited, illegitimate services waste veterans’ money and time, and may expose veterans to potential fraud and identity theft. Connecticut veterans cannot afford to wait for federal action – we need strong state accountability and oversight, including real penalties for anyone who abuses the claims process to take advantage of veterans and their families.”

    “Governor Lamont and Attorney General Tong, we thank you for taking on this important topic of protecting our veterans and families from claim sharks,” Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ronald P. Welch, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, said. “The Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs wants to ensure our 146,000, Connecticut veterans and their families are protected against the predatory activities of claim sharks and others not properly accredited to legally represent those that have served our great state and nation. We fully support legislation that holds claim sharks and others attempting to take advantage of our veterans who have service-connected injuries or illnesses accountable for their reprehensible actions.”

    “Veterans put their lives on the line for our country, and the last thing they should face is fraud and exploitation when accessing the benefits they’ve already earned,” State Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton), co-chair of the legislature’s Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs, said. “We won’t stand for bad actors preying on our vets here in Connecticut.”

    “Our veterans earned their benefits through service and sacrifice – no one should exploit them for profit,” State Representative Jaime Foster (D-East Windsor, Ellington, Vernon), co-chair of the legislature’s Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs, said. “This bill enforces existing federal protections with real accountability, ensuring transparency and safeguarding veterans from predatory claim sharks. I applaud Attorney General Tong for his leadership on this issue and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance these critical protections.”

    Applying for benefits through the VA is free, as is talking to an accredited veteran service officer who can help veterans navigate the process. In Connecticut, the VA operates Veterans Service Offices in all five of its district offices:

    • 1st District – Newington Office: (860) 594-6606
    • 2nd District – Norwich Office: (860) 887-9162
    • 3rd District – Milford Office: (203) 874-6711
    • 4th District – Fairfield Office: (203) 418-2005
    • 5th District – Waterbury Office: (203) 805-6343

    Additional information on accredited Veterans Service Organization representatives, attorneys, and claims agents can be found online at www.benefits.va.gov/vso.

    The governor’s legislative proposal is House Bill 6874, An Act Establishing Protections for Veterans From Benefits Claim Sharks. It is currently pending in the Committee on Veterans’ and Military Affairs.

    **Download: Fact sheet on Governor Lamont’s proposal to protect veterans’ disability benefits from claim sharks

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Urge President Trump to Reject Republican Budget Raising Costs for Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    February 19, 2025
    More than 30 Democratic senators demand Trump reject GOP budget proposals “Republican budget plans do not focus on lowering costs, and in fact will raise costs for American families by forcing them to pay more for groceries, health care, education, and caregiving.”
    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they are demanding Donald Trump reject Congressional Republicans’ legislative plans to increase the cost of living for Americans after pledging to lower costs on “Day One” of his presidency. 
    The letter to Trump from Wyden, Merkley and 30 other Democratic senators —more than two-thirds of the party caucus— comes after Congressional Republicans last week approved their 2025 budget proposals for floor consideration, their blueprints for a large legislative package that they hope to pass in the coming months.
    “But the Republican budget plans do not focus on lowering costs, and in fact will raise costs for American families by forcing them to pay more for groceries, health care, education, and caregiving,” wrote the senators.
    The senators explained that the Republicans’ budget plans will do the following:
    Raise food costs: The Republican budget plans tee up extensive cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Meals on Wheels.  
    Raise health care costs: The Republican budget plans also pave the way for 15 Republican proposals to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act coverage. These Republican cuts would raise health care costs for more than 160 million Americans.
    Raise education costs: The Republican budget plans set them up to pass cuts to programs that help families afford college, including Pell Grants and income-driven repayment plans, and tax scholarships for hard-working students. 
    Raise caregiving costs: The Republican budget plans pave the way to cutting programs that help families care for kids, people with disabilities, and aging loved ones. Cuts to these essential programs will make it impossible for many working families to live and work with dignity. 
    “If Congressional Republicans are successful at passing their proposals, it will mean that families will pay more for food, healthcare, education, and caregiving – while Republicans plot more tax cuts for billionaires,” concluded the senators. “We urge you to stand by the promises you made to the American people about lowering costs, including by committing not to sign any legislation that raises their costs.”
    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was led by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. The letter was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Mark Warner, D-Va., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Peter Welch, D-Maine, Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., and Andy Kim, D-N.J.
    Full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Working to Protect Maine’s Coastal Ecosystem

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, is introducing legislation to help improve conditions for kelp forest and marine life. The Help Our Kelp Act — which also has a companion bill in the House of Representatives — would invest federal resources to address ongoing crises that kelp forest ecosystems face along the Maine coastline and across the country.
    Kelp forest ecosystems in Maine and along the nation’s shores provide food and habitat for hundreds of fish and marine mammals. These aquatic regions stabilize Maine’s coasts allowing for responsible economic activities including fishing, shipping and innovations in the blue economy. Over the last 50 years, changes in climate, poor water quality and overfishing have damaged between 40-60 percent of America’s kelp forests.
    “Kelp forests are key to helping keep our waters clean — and healthy waters make for healthy people,” said Senator King. “However, climate change and human activity are having devastating consequences on our coastal ecosystems, putting at harm the iconic Maine fishery and our coastal communities. The Help Our Kelp Act is an important  investment that will help to restore these intricate, sensitive underwater habitats, and better protect Maine’s waters and way of life. I want to thank my colleagues for acknowledging the importance of our kelp forests and am encouraged that we are coming together in the House and Senate to safeguard this critical ecological and economic resource.”
    The Help Our Kelp Act would:
    Establish a new National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant program to fund conservation, restoration, and management efforts to support kelp forest ecosystems;
    Take steps to address the greatest relative regional declines, long-term ecological or socioeconomic resilience, and focal recovery areas identified by Tribal, federal, or state management plans;
    Authorize $5 million annually for FY2026 through FY2030.
    In the Senate, this legislation is led by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and cosponsored by Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).
    Bill text can be found here and a bill summary can be found here.
    As a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Senator King has been a longtime advocate for Maine’s wild ecosystems. For his dedication to preserving the outdoors, Senator King was awarded the inaugural National Park Foundation Hero Award. Last year, Senator King helped secure critical funding for the American Lobster Research Program—an organization that supports projects to address critical knowledge gaps about American lobster and its fishery in a dynamic and changing environment. Senator King also helped pass the Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act, legislation that provides approval for the restoration of a Maine fishway to allow fish such as herring, alewives, and the endangered Atlantic salmon to migrate upstream.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/19/2025 PHOTO: Blackburn Hosts Tele-Town Hall with Middle Tennesseans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after hosting a telephone town hall with residents from Montgomery, Rutherford, Wilson, and Williamson counties: 

    “During my tele-town hall, I heard from hardworking Tennesseans who are excited for what President Trump plans to do – and has already done – in his second term,” said Senator Blackburn. “From holding the federal government accountable through the Department of Government Efficiency to securing the border, slashing reckless spending, and unleashing American energy, President Trump is going to bat for Tennesseans and ushering in a new golden age of America. I will continue to support the America-first agenda in the Senate to address the issues that matter most to families across the Volunteer State.” 

    Click here to download this photo of Senator Blackburn.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Names the Stagecoach Inn as the February Small Business of the Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of the Stagecoach Inn in Garden City as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for February 2025. The Stagecoach Inn will be recognized for its contribution to the community in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate. 

    “The Stagecoach Inn has been a feature of Idaho’s political and social landscape for decades,” said Risch. “This Treasure Valley institution has been around since 1959 and is now owned by Wanda Martinat and Fred and Francie Oliver. I’m proud to recognize the Stagecoach Inn as the February Small Business of the Month.”

    Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to the community.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Making Home Construction More Affordable in Saskatchewan

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on February 19, 2025

    Shifting national priorities, increasing prices and a renewed focus on local industry means the province of Saskatchewan will revert to Tier 1 on building energy efficiency, effective with approval of regulatory amendments. It is anticipated that builders may adopt Tier 1 immediately.

    “All provinces are dealing with the challenges of growth, including affordable housing for all residents, and removing red tape allows us to harmonize our standards and support Canadian industries,” Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz said. “While Saskatchewan is one of the most affordable places to live in Canada, we understand there is more work to be done, and we have heard from industry that this decision will help maintain housing affordability in the province.”

    “Let’s be clear—our industry will continue to build safe, durable, and energy efficient structures because we take pride in our work and the communities we serve,” Construction Association of Saskatchewan Treasurer Dan Yungwirth said. “This change allows us to prioritize affordability while still achieving exceptional outcomes.”

    “Eliminating red tape is always a good thing when it comes to affordability,” Construction Association of Saskatchewan President and CEO Shannon Friesen said. “We trust the expertise of Saskatchewan’s construction professionals who have a deep understanding of our province’s unique climate and building needs. With less red tape, our industry can continue to deliver exceptional, high-quality infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities.”

    In January 2024, Saskatchewan adopted the 2020 edition of the National Building Code (NBC) by regulation under The Construction Codes Act. The energy efficiency tiers of the NBC only apply to housing and small buildings. Energy efficient standards found in the National Energy Code for Buildings (NECB) applicable to large buildings remain at Tier 1.

    The Ministry of Government Relations had previously announced a delay of implementing additional energy efficiency tiers. Part of this pause was to review the implementation of the codes across Canada with an eye on parity with other provinces. Tiered energy efficiency provisions in the NBC and NECB provide Saskatchewan the tools to determine when and how far to advance energy efficiency in new building construction without imposing a burden on building owners, consumers and industry.

    Any builder retains the ability under The Constructions Code Act to pursue higher tier energy efficiency targets voluntarily, as per their building practices and customer demands.

    To learn more about Saskatchewan’s building code regulations, visit: saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: President Trump Announces Appointments to the White House Office of Political Affairs

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>Trevor Naglieri will join the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the Office of Political Affairs. Naglieri previously served as Political Budget, Paid Voter Contact, & External Campaigns Research Director for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign in the General Election, and as New Hampshire State Director for Donald J. Trump for President in the Primary Campaign.
     
    Christopher Escobedo will join the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Western Regional Political Director of the Office of Political Affairs. Escobedo previously served as State Director in the battleground state of Arizona for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign.
     
    Jon George will join the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Southeast Regional Political Director of the Office of Political Affairs. George previously served as State Director in the battleground state of Georgia for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign.
     
    Marshall Moreau will join the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Midwest Regional Political Director of the Office of Political Affairs. Moreau previously served as National Volunteer Director for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign in the General Election, and as Iowa State Director for Donald J. Trump for President in the Primary Campaign.
     
    Ashley Walukevich will join the White House as Special Assistant to the President and Northeast Regional Political Director of the Office of Political Affairs. Walukevich previously served as State Director in the battleground state of Pennsylvania for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign.
     
    Samantha Feldman will join the White House as a Staff Assistant in the Office of Political Affairs. Feldman previously served as an Election Integrity Data Coordinator for the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign.
     
    Jack Mahoney will join the White House as a Political Coordinator in the Office of Political Affairs. Mahoney previously served as an associate for Fabrizio, Lee & Associates during the Trump-Vance 2024 Campaign.
     
    Trey Senecal will join the White House as a Political Coordinator in the Office of Political Affairs. Senecal previously served as Political Coordinator for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

     
    About the Office of Political Affairs:
     
    The White House Office of Political Affairs (OPA) reports to Assistant to the President and White House Deputy Chief of Staff, James Blair. The Office is managed by Deputy Assistant to the President and OPA Director, Matt Brasseaux. The White House Office of Political Affairs serves as the chief correspondent between state and national political affairs across the country and the Administration, with an emphasis on educating and communicating the President’s legislative agenda to the American people.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Route 11 Bridge Replacement Project Underway

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work will soon begin on the $33.6 million project to replace the aging bridge carrying U.S. Route 11 over the Oneida River in the Town of Cicero, Onondaga County and the Town of Hastings in Oswego County. The bridge serves as a substantial north-south connection through the Hamlet of Brewerton, with an estimated 13,000 motorists traversing it daily. The surrounding area — rich in history and recreation — is well-regarded as a popular spot for boating, fishing and other water-based activities, and serves as an energetic epicenter for restaurants and small businesses. Due to its proximity to Interstate 81, Route 11 provides easy access to the City of Syracuse and the surrounding Central and Northern New York communities for residents and visitors alike.

    “New York State has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to investing in communities through the revitalization of its infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “The Route 11 bridge over the Oneida River in Brewerton is a pivotal connection that we must maintain, and this state-funded undertaking will ensure it remains safe and reliable now and into the future.”

    First constructed in the early 20th century, the Route 11 bridge helped to facilitate trade and travel across the Oneida River. It has undergone significant rehabilitation work over the years: most recently in 1986. Several other smaller projects over the last two decades have addressed minor repairs to the bridge.

    It is anticipated that by the fall of 2026, the new bridge will be complete, and traffic will be moved from the temporary bridge to the new bridge. Full construction on the project is anticipated to be completed in early 2027.

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Central New York is undergoing an incredible transformation, and it is crucial that our transportation infrastructure is ready to handle this unprecedented growth. This innovative bridge design demonstrates Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to creating a safe and resilient transportation network, and the multi-modal features of the structure will ensure everyone has a safe way of reaching recreational attractions along the Oneida River, which help to fuel the local economy and provide new opportunities for regional growth.”

    State Senator Christopher Ryan said, “This investment in the Route 11 bridge is a testament to our commitment to strengthening Central New York’s infrastructure and ensuring safe, reliable connections for residents, businesses and visitors. By modernizing this critical crossing, we are not only improving efficiency but also supporting economic growth and enhancing access to the recreational and commercial opportunities that make this region so vibrant. I thank Governor Hochul and NYSDOT for their continued commitment to the transformation of Central New York infrastructure.”

    Assemblymember Will Barclay said, “I’m pleased to see investments being made to strengthen Central New York’s transportation infrastructure. Replacing the Route 11 Bridge is critical to ensuring it is reliable and safe for the 13,000 motorists who depend on it daily. This project will also enhance the region’s ability to support the many residents and visitors who come to the area for its boating, fishing, and recreational opportunities. This investment will serve the community for years to come, promoting both safety and economic growth.”

    Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “Governor Hochul’s announcement today that the Route 11 bridge in Brewerton will be replaced clearly extends her commitment to invest and enhance Upstate infrastructure and communities. Replacing the Route 11 bridge, which straddles both sides of the Oneida River in the heart of Brewerton, will improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Brewerton’s recently successful NY Forward grant and today’s announcement acknowledge the importance of our historic communities and recognize the potential and future of our downtowns.”

    Projected Outcomes of the Bridge Replacement Project

    Demolition of the existing bridge is expected to begin this fall, after traffic is shifted to a temporary bridge that will accommodate alternating one-way traffic. Modernized traffic signals will be installed at the northbound and southbound approaches of the temporary bridge, with vehicle-detection sensors in place to adjust motorists’ wait time based on traffic flow, which will considerably reduce travel impacts to the public. Emergency vehicles will utilize a preemption system to clear the temporary bridge of all traffic, allowing emergency vehicles to safely cross the bridge, as needed, and without delay.

    Once traffic is shifted to the temporary one-lane bridge, construction on the first gussetless truss bridge in New York State will begin, with the new structure being erected within the same alignment and footprint as the existing bridge. The gussetless truss bridge is widely considered to be more modern and efficient. The current design makes the bridge’s steel plates, which are located beneath the roadway, more susceptible to draining salt water and debris during the harsh winter months, while the connections needed for the new design are located above the roadway, making the bridge more easily accessible for inspection and maintenance crews, which aids in the prevention of wear and tear, improving durability, and saving money.

    The state-of-the-art bridge is designed for a 75-year service life, but the gussetless details, combined with a metalized coating protection, and routine care, will likely extend its lifespan well beyond that. Construction will also include new concrete bridge piers, abutments, and a concrete deck that will be supported directly by floor beams, reducing the cost of inspections, upkeep and future replacement.

    Standard eight-foot shoulders will be installed, providing room for emergency vehicles, disabled vehicles, and snow and ice equipment. Existing drainage structures and pipes will also be replaced to prevent excess runoff, and utilities will be relocated through the girders of the new structure, eliminating the need for nearly a dozen utility poles, which will help prevent unnecessary damage, and create a more streamlined appearance.

    The addition of five-foot sidewalks on each side of the bridge adds options for multi-modal transportation and optimizes the health and safety of pedestrians and cyclists, as will decorative streetlights being installed on the approaches to the bridge, and in the truss hung from the center of the roadway, which will help increase visibility.

    About the Department of Transportation

    It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

    Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

    For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

    February 19, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

    iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, extraordinary battery life, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system — all at an incredible value

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced iPhone 16e, a new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup that offers powerful capabilities at a more affordable price. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. iPhone 16e is also built for Apple Intelligence, the intuitive personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI. The 48MP Fusion camera takes gorgeous photos and videos, and with an integrated 2x Telephoto, it is like having two cameras in one, so users can zoom in with optical quality. When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite — help iPhone 16e users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most.1

    iPhone 16e will be available in two elegant matte finishes — black and white — with colorful cases available to accessorize. Pre-orders begin Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.

    “iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 lineup, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people.”

    A Beautiful and Durable Design with Breakthrough Battery Life

    iPhone 16e is built to last, featuring splash, water, and dust resistance with a rating of IP68; the Ceramic Shield front cover with an advanced formulation that is tougher than any smartphone glass; and the toughest back glass in a smartphone.2 The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology has an edge-to-edge design that is perfect for watching HDR videos, playing games, and reading crisp text.3 iPhone 16e has the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, lasting up to six hours longer than iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than all generations of iPhone SE.4 And with Face ID enabled by the TrueDepth camera system, users can securely unlock their iPhone, authenticate purchases, sign in to apps, and more. iPhone 16e also offers convenient charging options, including both wireless charging and USB-C for easy connection to a wide range of accessories.

    Performance and Connectivity

    iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s latest-generation A18 chip, which enables fast, smooth performance, incredible power efficiency, and Apple Intelligence. The 6-core CPU is up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic chip on iPhone 11, handling both everyday and intensive tasks with ease — from simple workloads, to more demanding actions with Apple Intelligence. The 4-core GPU powers stunning graphics performance and unlocks next-level mobile gaming on the go, enabling graphically demanding AAA titles and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections. The 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for large generative models and runs machine learning (ML) models up to 6x faster than A13 Bionic.

    Expanding the benefits of Apple silicon, C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.

    Built for Apple Intelligence

    iPhone 16e is built for Apple Intelligence, unlocking exciting new capabilities that make iPhone even more helpful and powerful. With the Clean Up tool, it’s easy to remove distracting elements in images, and natural language search in the Photos app allows users to search for just about any photo or video by simply describing what they are looking for.

    Users can also explore creative new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground, create the perfect emoji with Genmoj, and make their writing even more dynamic with Writing Tools. They can now type to Siri, and Siri is more conversational with the ability to follow along if users stumble over their words. Siri can also maintain context from one request to the next. With extensive product knowledge, Siri can answer thousands of questions about the features and settings of Apple products, so users can learn how to do things like take a screen recording or schedule a text message to send later.

    With access to ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can choose to access ChatGPT’s expertise without jumping between applications, so they can get things done faster and easier than ever before. In addition, users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. Users can choose whether to enable ChatGPT integration, and are in full control of when to use it and what information is shared with ChatGPT.

    Apple Intelligence marks an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI and is designed to protect users’ privacy at every step. It starts with on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power Apple Inteligence run entirely on device. For requests that require access to larger models, Apple’s groundbreaking Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill their request.

    Access Favorite Features and Unlock Visual Intelligence with the Action Button

    iPhone 16e features the Action button, allowing users to easily access a variety of functions with just a press. Once customized in Settings, the Action button can be used to quickly open the camera or flashlight; switch between Ring and Silent modes; recognize music with Shazam; activate Voice Memos, Focus, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier; or use Shortcuts for more options. The Action button can even access in-app functionality like launching the camera in Snapchat, unlocking a car door with FordPass, tracking a child’s sleep schedule with Napper, and more.

    The Action button on iPhone 16e also unlocks a new visual intelligence experience that builds on Apple Intelligence to help users learn about objects and places. Visual intelligence can summarize and copy text, translate text between languages, detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts, identify an animal or plant, and more. Visual intelligence also allows users to search Google so they can see where they can buy an item, or benefit from ChatGPT’s problem-solving skills. Users are in control of when third-party tools are used and what information is shared.

    A Powerful Camera System to Capture Any Moment

    The powerful 2-in-1 camera system on iPhone 16e is perfect for capturing everyday moments and important memories, including in Night mode and Portrait mode. Using computational photography, the 48MP Fusion camera takes super-high-resolution photos, so users can capture gorgeous images that balance light and detail. With an integrated 2x Telephoto, users have the equivalent of two cameras in one, and can zoom in with optical quality to get closer to the subject and easily frame their shot. And the front-facing TrueDepth camera with autofocus enables sharper close-ups and beautiful group selfies. The latest generation of HDR captures subjects and the background with true-to-life renderings of skin tones, while ensuring photos have bright highlights, rich mid-tones, and deep shadows.

    iPhone 16e takes stunning videos with the ability to record in 4K with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, and users can stop and restart a recording for more flexibility when capturing the moment. iPhone 16e also records video in Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system, and enables more ways to edit video sound with Audio Mix. Users can adjust their sound after capture to focus on the voice of the person on camera, make it sound like the video was recorded inside a professional studio, or position vocal tracks in the front and environmental noises in surround sound. With wind noise reduction, powerful ML algorithms automatically reduce unwanted noise for better audio quality.

    Groundbreaking Safety and Communication Capabilities

    iPhone 16e helps users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most. Apple’s satellite features help users text via satellite when they’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. This includes Messages via satellite to text friends and family; Emergency SOS via satellite to connect with emergency services; and Roadside Assistance via satellite to reach a roadside assistance provider in case of car trouble. Users can also use the Find My app to share their location via satellite, reassuring friends and family of their whereabouts while traveling off the grid. Crash Detection on iPhone 16e can detect a severe car crash and automatically dial emergency services if a user is unconscious or unable to reach their iPhone.5

    Featuring iOS 18

    iOS 18 makes iPhone 16e more personal, capable, and intelligent than ever.6 With more customization options, users can give apps and widgets a new dark or tinted look and arrange them in any open space on the Home Screen. The controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen can be customized; Control Center has been redesigned to provide users with easier access to many of the things they use every day, including third-party apps; and new privacy protections include the ability to lock and hide apps to protect sensitive apps and the information inside them. iOS 18 also provides powerful updates for staying connected. In Messages, users can use text effects to bring words, phrases, sentences, and more to life. Tapbacks expand to include emoji, Genmoji, or stickers, and now users can schedule a message to send later. When messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging when compared to SMS and MMS.

    Better for the Environment

    iPhone 16e is designed with the environment in mind. As part of Apple 2030, the company’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade, Apple is transitioning to renewable electricity for its manufacturing, and investing in wind and solar projects around the world to address the electricity used to charge all Apple products, including iPhone 16e. Today, all Apple facilities run on 100 percent renewable electricity — including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence.

    To achieve Apple 2030, the company is designing products with more recycled and renewable materials, which further drives down the carbon footprint. iPhone 16e features over 30 percent recycled content overall, including 100 percent recycled cobalt and 95 percent recycled lithium in the battery, 85 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure, and more.7 Additionally, the main logic board and back glass of iPhone 16e are designed to be manufactured more efficiently, reducing the amount of raw materials needed. The packaging is also entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of removing plastic from its packaging by the end of this year.8

    Pricing and Availability

    • iPhone 16e will be available in white and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $599 (U.S.) or $24.95 (U.S.) per month for 24 months.
    • Apple offers great ways to save and upgrade to the latest iPhone. With Apple Trade In, customers can get up to $120 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 11, or up to $170 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 12. With a carrier offer, customers can get up to $400 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 11, or up to $599 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 12 to put toward an iPhone 16e. Customers can take advantage of these offers by visiting the Apple Store online or an Apple Store location. For carrier offer eligibility requirements and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers. To see what their device is worth and for Apple Trade In terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
    • Customers in 59 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S., will be able to pre-order iPhone 16e beginning at 5 a.m. PST on Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.
    • Apple Intelligence is available in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. Additional languages — including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) — will be available in April, with more languages coming over the course of the year, including Vietnamese. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.
    • Visual intelligence is available in iOS 18.2 or later on all iPhone 16 models. For more information on visual intelligence, visit support.apple.com/guide/iphone.
    • iPhone 16e Silicone Case will be available in five colors for $39 (U.S.): winter blue, fuchsia, lake green, black, and white.
    • AppleCare+ for iPhone provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know iPhone best. For more information, visit apple.com/support/products/iphone.
    • iCloud+ plans start at just $0.99 (U.S.) per month and offer up to 12TB of additional storage to keep photos, videos, files, and more safe in the cloud and available across devices. An iCloud+ subscription gives access to premium features such as unlimited event creation in the new Apple Invites app, as well as Private Relay, Hide My Email, and custom email domains. With Family Sharing, users can share their subscription with five other family members at no extra cost.
    • Customers who purchase iPhone 16e may receive three free months of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+, with a new subscription. Offer and services availability varies by region. See apple.com/promo for details.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Apple’s satellite features are included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 14 or later. For Emergency SOS via satellite availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426. Messages via satellite will be available in the U.S. and Canada in iOS 18 or later. SMS availability will depend on carrier. Carrier fees may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details. Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently available in the U.S. with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance, and in the UK with Green Flag. Participating roadside assistance providers may charge for services, and iPhone users who are not members can take advantage of their roadside assistance services on a pay-per-use basis. Apple’s satellite features were designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky. Performance may be impacted by obstructions such as trees or surrounding buildings.
    2. iPhone 16e is splash-, water-, and dust-resistant. It was tested under controlled laboratory conditions and has a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty.
    3. The display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 6.06 inches diagonally. The actual viewable area is smaller.
    4. All battery claims depend on the cellular network, location, signal strength, feature configuration, usage, and many other factors; actual results will vary. The battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. Battery tests are conducted using specific iPhone units. See apple.com/batteries and apple.com/iphone/compare for more information.
    5. Crash Detection is designed for four-wheel passenger vehicle crashes with certain mass, G-force, and speed profiles consistent with severe, life-threatening crashes. It was designed for severe, life-threatening, high-impact front and rear, side-swipe, T-bone, and rollover crashes. Crash Detection is available worldwide on iPhone 14 or later, Apple Watch Series 8 or later, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra or later.
    6. Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. For more information on iOS 18, visit apple.com/ios/ios-18.
    7. All cobalt and lithium references use a mass balance allocation.
    8. Based on retail packaging as shipped by Apple. Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.

    Press Contacts

    Blair Ranger

    Apple

    blair_ranger@apple.com

    Alex Kirschner

    Apple

    alexkirschner@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Columbus and US Marshals arrest Ecuadorian illegal alien wanted for murder

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    February 19, 2025Columbus, OH, United StatesEnforcement and Removal

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Luis Naula-Candelario, a criminal alien from Ecuador who is wanted in his home country for murder, in Pickerington, Ohio, Feb. 12.

    “Foreign fugitives will find no safe haven, here in Ohio or across the U.S., for crimes they committed in their home countries,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Detroit Field Office Director Robert Lynch. “By removing these fugitives from our communities, we not only prevent them from victimizing Americans but also ensure that justice is served for their victims abroad.”

    Naula remains in ICE custody pending further immigration proceedings.

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

    Learn more about ICE Detroit’s mission to increase public safety in our Michigan and Ohio communities on X at @ERODetroit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Public invited to learn more about study for future improvements on SR 3 in Gorst

    Source: Washington State News 2

    In-person open house scheduled for Feb. 26

    BREMERTON – It’s no secret: Traffic backups in and around Gorst are a common occurrence.

    The Washington State Department of Transportation is conducting a study to look at State Routes 3, 16, 166 and 304 in Gorst. The study focuses on improving transportation in the area.

    The public is invited to learn more about this Planning and Environmental Linkages study in online and in-person events.

    Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 19, community members can visit the online open house to see the options WSDOT is looking at to relieve congestion in Gorst and create a stronger highway system in the surrounding area.

    After this open house, the study team will work to find the best options for a future project. A second open house will be held in late 2025 to review these options.

    Public feedback will be incorporated into the study’s recommendations. After the study is complete in early 2026, recommended options will go through a National Environmental Policy Act review.

    SR 3 Gorst area online open house information

    When:  Feb. 19 to March 11, 2025

    Where:  engage.wsdot.wa.gov/sr-3-gorst-area/

    Details:  Information about the study is available online 24/7 for people to visit and leave comments whenever best fits their schedule through Tuesday, March 11. The information is available in English, Spanish and Tagalog.

    SR 3 Gorst area in-person open house information

    When:  4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025

    Where:  Naval Avenue Elementary School, 900 Olympic Ave., Bremerton, WA 98312 

    Details:  The in-person open house will have the same information as the online open house. There is no formal presentation. Attendees are welcome to drop by anytime during the two-hour event. Project team members will be available to explain the project, answer questions and take comments. Translators fluent in Spanish and Tagalog will be present.

    Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/.

    Free WiFi access is available at these locations for people who wish to participate in the online open house:

    • Kitsap Regional Library – Bremerton, 612 Fifth St., Bremerton, WA 98337
    • Kitsap Regional Library – Port Orchard, 87 Sidney Ave., Port Orchard, WA 98366
    • North Mason Timberland Library – 23081 NE State Route 3, Belfair, WA 98528

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study of glacier melt this century

    Source: United Kingdom – Science Media Centre

    A study published in Nature estimates global glacier melting from 2000 to 2023. 

    Prof Andrew Shepherd, Head of Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Northumbria University, said:

    “This is really important as it’s an authoritative assessment from the community working on this topic. It confirms that the pace of glacier melting is accelerating over time. Glacier melting has two main impacts; it causes sea level rise and it disrupts the water supply in rivers that are fed by meltwater. Around 2 billion people depend on meltwater from glaciers and so their retreat is a big problem for society – it’s not just that we are losing them from our landscape, they are an important part of our daily lives.

    “Even small amounts of sea level rise matter because it leads to more frequent coastal flooding. Every centimetre of sea level rise exposes another 2 million people to annual flooding somewhere on our planet.

    “Community assessments like GLAMBIE are vital as they give people confidence to make use of their findings. That includes other climate scientists, governments, and industry, plus of course anyone who is concerned about the impacts of global warming. Around 2 billion people depend on meltwater from glaciers and so their retreat is a big problem for society – it’s not just that we are losing them from our landscape, they are an important part of our daily lives.”

    Prof Martin Siegert, Professor of Geosciences and Deputy VC at the University of Exeter, said:

    “Two centimetres might not sound a lot, but this is the contribution from small glaciers – not the whole of the ice on the planet, and not from Greenland and Antarctica. Sea level has risen by 20cm since 1850; 50% from the sea being warmer and expanding, 50% (10cm) due to glacier melt. However, ice sheets are now losing mass at increasing rates (6x more than 30 years ago), and when they change, we stop talking centimetres and start talking metres. For example, the last ice age was 20,000 years ago, and between then and 10,000 years ago as we warmed out of the ice age, sea level rose by 130m, due primarily to collapse of ice sheets.

    “This research is concerning to us, because it predicts further glacier loss, which can be considered like a ‘canary in the coal mine’ for ice sheet reaction to global warming and far more sea level rise this century and beyond. The IPCC indicates 0.5-1m this century – but that is with a 66% certainty – hence 1/3 chance it could be higher under ‘strong’ warming, which unfortunately is the pathway we are on presently.”

    ‘Community estimate of global glacier mass changes from 2000 to 2023’ by The GlaMBIE Team was published in Nature at 16:15 UK time on Wednesday 19th February. 

    Declared interests

    Prof Andrew Shepherd: No conflicts to declare

    Prof Martin Siegert: No COI

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: ESET’s Ryan Grant Named a CRN® Channel Chief for Third Year in a Row

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity, today announced that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Ryan Grant, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, to its 2025 CRN® Channel Chiefs list. This list recognizes the executives who are driving strategy, setting the channel agenda for their companies and working tirelessly to ensure mutual success with their partners and customers. 2025 marks the third year in a row that Grant has been named a Channel Chief.

    Since joining ESET North America in 2021, Grant has been instrumental to the transformation and success of the company’s channel business. Grant oversees ESET’s U.S. & Canada sales and marketing teams, including enterprise, distribution, managed service provider (MSP), national service provider (NSP), value added reseller (VAR), and retailer segments. He is also committed to providing more dynamic opportunities for ESET’s channel partners through innovative campaigns and go-to-market programs by working closely with the company’s events, marketing and public relations teams.

    “I’m honored to be recognized by CRN alongside so many outstanding leaders from the channel community,” said Grant. “At ESET, we remain committed to empowering our partners with cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions, technical expertise, and tailored support to help them navigate an increasingly complex threat and regulatory landscape. As a channel-first company, we view partner success as our success, so it’s critical that we empower partners with threat intelligence, resources and support that ensures they can quickly capitalize on new market opportunities and deliver exceptional protection to customers.”

    The 2025 CRN Channel Chiefs were selected by CRN’s editorial staff based on their proven record of strategic innovation and dedication to the channel community. Under Grant’s direction, ESET has continued to refine its partner program and develop innovative technologies, processes and merchandising strategies. In 2024, the company focused on streamlining order processing, expanding its presence in the cyber risk insurance market and developing a unified API gateway, ESET Connect to empower partners with a catalogue of best-in-class integration partners. ESET also launched AI Advisor, which provides businesses with SOC-level advisory and enabling enhanced security analyst workflows. Unlike other vendor offerings and typical generative AI assistants that focus on soft features like administration or device management, ESET AI Advisor seamlessly integrates into the day-to-day operations of security analysts. This is a gamechanger for companies with limited IT resources who want to utilize the advantages of advanced XDR solutions and threat intelligence feeds.

    Grant added, “As cyber threats grow more advanced and adversaries exploit generative AI, it’s crucial for our channel partners to adopt a robust security portfolio that reduces risk for their business customers. ESET stands out with a prevention-first strategy, leveraging AI and human expertise—backed by a world-class R&D team and industry-renowned researchers.”

    “This year’s honorees exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership that supports solution provider success and fosters growth across the channel,” said Jennifer Follett, VP, U.S. Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company. “Each of these exceptional leaders has made a lasting channel impact by championing partnerships and designing creative strategies that get results. They’ve set a high bar in the channel, and we’re thrilled to recognize their standout achievements.”

    CRN’s 2025 Channel Chiefs list is featured in the February 2025 print issue of CRN® Magazine and online at www.CRN.com/ChannelChiefs.

    To learn more about ESET’s partner program, visit https://www.eset.com/us/partnernow/.

    About ESET
    ESET provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of known and emerging cyber threats — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud or mobile protection, its AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multi-factor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. An ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

    About The Channel Company
    The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

    Follow The Channel Company: LinkedIn, X, and Facebook.

    © 2025 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af926679-9184-453e-ac91-ba69f9e2ef76

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada and Saskatchewan Announce Continued Commitment Through the 2025 Crop Insurance Program

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on February 19, 2025

    Today, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison announced continued funding and commitment through the 2025 Crop Insurance Program, administered by the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC). 

    “Our business risk management programs are a producer’s first line of defense when it comes to protecting their operation,” MacAulay said. “Our government is pleased to partner with Saskatchewan to make sure producers have access to the support they need, when they need it.”

    “SCIC’s Business Risk Management programs remain strong and are here for Saskatchewan producers when they have challenging times,” Harrison said. “The Crop Insurance Program offers producers the security they need, no matter what 2025 may have in store. I encourage all Saskatchewan producers to take a proactive approach to their coverage: select options, fine-tune and adjust coverage and costs within the program to further mitigate their risks.” 

    SCIC’s existing suite of Business Risk Management programs continues to demonstrate support for Saskatchewan producers. Over the last four years, the Crop Insurance Program paid approximately $7 billion in claims, in addition to other program benefits. Crop Insurance continues to be a sound program, with premiums set to ensure the long-term sustainability of the program. A combination of Crop Insurance premium and government funds, along with private reinsurance, is in place to ensure the program remains stable. Funds are managed to build premium reserves in good production years, in order for money to flow back to producers during challenging ones. Premiums are cost-shared 60 per cent by federal and provincial governments and 40 per cent by producers.

    Administration costs are fully funded by federal and provincial governments. 

    Trusted and relevant partnerships ensure the Crop Insurance Program remains innovative and responsive for Saskatchewan producers. SCIC collaborates regularly with industry groups to support farmers and ranchers, assisting with overall direction of policy and program offerings. Work continues developing future opportunities to enhance support for the livestock sector. SCIC is evaluating new remote sensing technologies to measure soil moisture and plant growth, to evaluate potential improvements to forage and pasture insurance. This focus will ensure forage insurance is relevant and accessible for Saskatchewan livestock producers.

    “We appreciate the continued focus and work on forage insurance,” Saskatchewan Cattle Association (SCA) Chair Chad Ross said. “We are directly involved with the National Forage Working Group. Throughout the 2025 season, we will continue to consult on these projects, as producer feedback and understanding is critical in program design and acceptance.” 

    “This continued work on forage insurance has potential to improve the program for livestock producers,” Saskatchewan Stock Grower’s Association (SSGA) President Jeff Yorga said. “We look forward to our ongoing involvement at the national level, to ensure Saskatchewan producers have access to a variety of insurance options. We are hopeful, continued work throughout 2025, will bring it all together as another viable positive outcome for risk management programming.”

    March 31, 2025, is the deadline for Saskatchewan producers to apply, reinstate or cancel their Crop Insurance contract. Producers must select their insured crops and coverage levels or make additional changes by this date. Producers can speak with their local SCIC office to make changes or options will remain the same as the previous year. 

    Every growing season is unpredictable. Producers are encouraged to plan and update their coverage yearly, based on the needs of their operation. A suite of Business Risk Management Programs offers options to help producers navigate uncertainties, mitigate risk and secure the future of their operation. In addition to Crop Insurance, producers can consider AgriStability, Livestock Price Insurance and the Wildlife Damage Compensation and Prevention programs. For more information, contact a local SCIC office, call 1-888-935-0000 or visit: scic.ca.

    Crop Insurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses. Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, US Border Patrol nab Venezuelan illegal alien with alleged child sexually abusive material

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    DETROIT — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol apprehended a Venezuelan illegal alien who is now facing charges for the alleged production of child sexually abusive material with a toddler-aged minor.

    Gibraltar Border Patrol Station agents arrested Luis Angel Alvarez-Alvarez, an ICE fugitive with a final order of removal, Feb. 11 in the River Rouge suburb of Detroit.

    During a subsequent search of his cellular device, officers discovered the alleged child sexually abusive material and contacted ICE Homeland Security Investigations.

    ICE HSI agents’ investigation determined the material depicted the sexual abuse of a child. Alvarez-Alvarez was arrested and charged with production and possession of child pornography.

    Alvarez-Alvarez remains in custody pending the disposition of his charges.

    This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

    Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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

    Learn more about ICE Detroit’s mission to increase public safety in our Michigan and Ohio communities on X at @ERODetroit and @HSIDetroit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Inaugural World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 for the first time, The World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities convened in St. Lucia.

    The Honorable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of St. Lucia, opening the scientific sessions.

    The event was hosted by the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities and the Connecticut Imhotep NMA Society. The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering at UConn was also a sponsor of the event. The World Congress was the brainchild of Dr. Cato T. Laurencin at UConn who also served as chair of the meeting. Additional sponsors of the event included the National Medical Association, the St. Lucia Medical and Dental Association, the W. Montague Cobb/NMA Health Institute, and the government of St. Lucia. The scientific sessions were opened by The Honorable Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of St. Lucia.

    “This event was a huge milestone and brought the world’s experts on racial and ethnic disparities together,” shared UConn’s University Professor Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, CEO of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering at UConn School of Medicine.

    “UConn had a great presence at the first-ever World Congress,” applauds Laurencin.

    Invited speakers from UConn School of Medicine included Dr. Biree Andemariam, professor of medicine, who directs the highly successful New England Sickle Cell Institute and Connecticut Bleeding Disorders Center at UConn Health. She spoke about the need for breaking down more barriers for sickle cell disease patients worldwide and shared the success of the innovative Institute she founded in 2009 which has grown to care for the majority of adult at sickle cell patients in Connecticut.

    Dr. Cato T. Laurencin

    “The Congress gave me a unique opportunity to learn from the greatest cross-disciplinary minds whose work dissects the pervasive influence of racialized societal frameworks on global health outcomes,” shared Andemariam, the American Red Cross Endowed Chair at UConn School of Medicine.

    Helen Wu, Ph.D. from UConn’s medical school was also an invited speaker. She is associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Public Health Sciences and is part of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering at UConn. She shared her work helping create healthier communities via successful initiatives like UConn’s JUMP (Just Us Moving Program) which is a sustainable community engagement approach to lifestyle changes. The program of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering educates the community on the importance of increased physical activity.

    “At the first World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities we were like a big family gathering. People who are in health disparities research and practice are passionate about what we do,” shared Wu. “The Congress fostered new alliances between practitioners and researchers in the field of health disparities research and policy reform.”

    Dr. Cato T. Laurencin leading a panel discussion at the World Congress.

    Other invited speakers with a UConn connection included UConn Health Board of Directors member Dr. Kenneth Alleyne, an orthopaedic surgeon with Eastern Orthopedics who spoke about the benefits of community health workers empowering communities; Raja Staggers-Hakim, Ph.D., assistant professor in UConn’s Department of Sociology discussed racism trauma health theory; and Dierdre Cooper Owens, Ph.D., associate professor of History and Africana Studies at UConn shared the history of the Black birthing crisis.

    The proceedings of the meeting will be published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.

    Learn more about the inaugural World Congress on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Florida Man Sentenced for Dog Fighting

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Jose Miguel Carrillo, of Spring Hill, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 84 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to violate the dog fighting prohibitions of the federal Animal Welfare Act and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

    According to court filings, Carrillo conspired with others to purchase, acquire, and breed dogs for use in dog fights. Carillo also staged dog fights at his home and traveled to dog fights in Massachusetts, Florida, and Connecticut.

    A June 2023 search warrant was executed at Carrillo’s home and led to the seizure of 10 pit bull-type dogs, most of which were later adopted by new owners, as well as a firearm and ammunition. Carrillo also possessed dog fighting paraphernalia including a bloodstained dog fighting box, a skin stapler, syringes, and injectable veterinary medications.

    “To its core, dog fighting is a cruel and criminal exploitation of animals for entertainment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “Today’s sentence sends a strong deterrent message that the Justice Department will vigorously prosecute these cases.”

    “Exploiting and endangering the welfare of animals for personal gain is cruel and abhorrent,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney for the Middle District of Florida. “Because of the hard work of our law enforcement partners, justice was served.”

    “The Office of Inspector General is committed to working with all of our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in pursuing individuals who choose to participate in animal fighting activities and engage in violations involving animal welfare, while also committing other serious offenses in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG).

    To report animal fighting crimes, please contact your local law enforcement or the USDA-OIG’s complaint hotline at: usdaoig.oversight.gov/hotline or 1-800-424-9121.

    The USDA-OIG; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Pasco County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office and the Fitchburg (Massachusetts) Police Department investigated the case. Assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Police, New Hampshire State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

    Senior Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Favorit and Tiffany Fields for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Caitlyn Cook of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Wildlife and Marine Resources Section assisted with the transfer of the seized dogs to new owners. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 6 tips on how to run a company in turbulent times – lessons from emerging markets

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Felipe Monteiro, Senior Affiliate Professor of Strategy, INSEAD

    Global risks are rising, and many companies are struggling with how to adapt. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Risks Report makes it clear that challenges like escalating global tensions and conflicts, climate change, economic instability and supply chain disruptions are interconnected and build on one another. And they’re here to stay.

    Meanwhile, US president Donald Trump’s tariff threats are creating more unpredictability in global trade.

    Companies – mostly medium sized and large companies – have no choice but to constantly adjust their strategies. For several companies in emerging markets, this way of thinking is second nature. Firms often operate in environments with fragile institutions, volatile currencies, unreliable infrastructure and political instability. They have become used to designing strategies with turbulence in mind.

    Instead of assuming every piece of global supply chains will fall into place as planned, and just-in-time strategies will always deliver, these companies have diversified and distributed their operations across multiple regions. They have been quick to build flexible, global supply chains, ensuring that if one part of the supply chain is disrupted, other regions can pick up the slack.

    While this may seem like common sense, many companies are still finding it difficult to reorganise and adapt to a less predictable and reliable world.

    So, how can companies look to build resilience and operate in uncertainty? By taking inspiration from those that have long navigated instability.

    Over the past 17 years of teaching global strategic management, I’ve developed and taught case studies on numerous companies in developing countries that have successfully adapted and reworked their strategies in times of uncertainty. Many of these examples – from Embraer in Brazil, to Haier in China – are featured in my book, Global Strategic Management (Fifth Edition), with more to come in the upcoming sixth edition.

    Based on these insights, I explore six key lessons companies can learn from firms in emerging markets.

    Six ways resilient firms adapt to disruption

    1. Learn, humbly, and adapt at lightning speed.

    Companies in emerging markets have always had to be more adaptable. They are fast learners and quick to pivot, starting from the understanding that things may not always go as planned. As a result, they design their operations to be resilient from the start. They anticipate disruptions rather than wait for them to happen.

    A classic example of this is M-Pesa. The mobile payments platform was first launched in Kenya in 2007. Initially it aimed to provide microloans to people without bank accounts. However, when users began using it for money transfers and bill payments, the company quickly adapted to meet this new demand. This ability to learn fast and change direction helped M-Pesa become a leader in mobile payments. It now serves as a global benchmark for success in the industry.

    Humility is essential for this kind of swift and effective adaptation. Companies that often face tough, unpredictable conditions tend to approach challenges with a humble mindset. Instead of assuming they have all the answers, they remain open to learning and adjusting.

    2. Lean on local partnerships.

    When entering unfamiliar or unpredictable markets, firms often approach operations with a transactional mindset – focusing on short-term, one-off exchanges – rather than forming deep partnerships with local stakeholders. This limits their ability to understand and deal with political or social disruptions.

    Natura & Co, the Brazilian cosmetics giant, offers helpful lessons. It has long focused on localising production and sourcing materials from nearby suppliers. Its focus is in the Amazon region, where it works with local communities to sustainably harvest raw materials like açaí (purple berries from South American palm trees) and Brazil nut oil. This approach:

    • reduces reliance on distant sources

    • increases flexibility, allowing the company to quickly adapt to regional challenges

    • builds trust which in turn stabilises supply chains and helps firms gain on-the-ground intelligence.

    3. Make room for redundant infrastructure.

    Firms often delay investments in redundant infrastructure until after a crisis exposes vulnerabilities. For instance, firms may rely on a single data centre or power grid, assuming infrastructure reliability.

    For companies like MTN Group, a telecommunications giant based in South Africa, redundancy is a necessity, not a luxury. Investing in backup power solutions and alternative communication links is essential to ensure MTN can maintain services during frequent power outages.

    In critical sectors like telecommunications and technology, parallel networks, alternative energy sources and backup systems ensure uninterrupted operations in the face of infrastructure failures, climate risks or other unforeseen disturbances.

    4. In unstable environments, build your own stability.

    In unpredictable markets, companies have to take matters into their own hands to ensure their operations run smoothly. They fill “institutional voids” common in such markets by forming diversified business groups. These provide critical support, such as internal financing, talent development and logistical infrastructure, to work around the challenges of their operating environments.

    The Tata Group, which operates across multiple industries from steel to software, is perhaps the most prominent example of this.

    Another great example is MercadoLibre, Latin America’s leading e-commerce platform, which faced the challenge of fragmented transport networks that made 24- or 48-hour deliveries near impossible. The only way to improve delivery speed was for the company to build its own logistics network. By doing so, it gained greater control over its supply chain, improved its ability to scale and greatly improved delivery reliability.

    5. Localise production, sustainably.

    Localised production reduces reliance on complex, long-distance global supply chains and helps minimise the environmental impact of transportation. When production and sourcing are local, companies are able to cut emissions and are less vulnerable to external shocks, as they are not reliant on the smooth functioning of distant suppliers or transport routes.

    Dilmah Tea took this hands-on approach by owning tea gardens, factories and packaging facilities in Sri Lanka. The company controls every step of the process, ensuring high-quality, single-origin Ceylon tea while cutting costs and emissions.

    This localised approach minimises dependence on external suppliers, protecting them from problems that can arise in global supply chains, like delays or shortages.

    6. Empower employees to be agile and responsive to change.

    Giving employees greater responsibility can make a big difference in how well a company handles unexpected changes. Chinese home appliances and electronics company Haier took this to the next level by famously transforming into an organisation of thousands of micro-enterprises, each responsible for decision-making, resource management and profit generation.

    This decentralised approach allows teams to swiftly adapt their strategies when disruptions arise. For instance, during the COVID pandemic, Haier maintained operational efficiency by enabling employees at local and product levels to make rapid, informed decisions.

    By staying close to users and gathering constant feedback, Haier’s micro-enterprises are able to anticipate potential disruptions before they become major threats and develop products and services that satisfy evolving needs.

    While it might not always be possible to completely shift power to individual teams, when people have the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work, they can respond quickly to new challenges and come up with creative solutions.

    Anticipation and adaptation

    The challenges that seem new and overwhelming are simply part of the daily reality for those in emerging economies. For decades, companies in these regions have been anticipating and adapting. As risks grow and intertwine, companies can learn from the resilience built by businesses in emerging markets.

    It all begins with a shift in mindset – recognising these challenges as the new reality and accelerating our own pace of learning and adaptation accordingly.

    – 6 tips on how to run a company in turbulent times – lessons from emerging markets
    – https://theconversation.com/6-tips-on-how-to-run-a-company-in-turbulent-times-lessons-from-emerging-markets-248914

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Remarks by Toni Gravelle, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada  

    Source: Bank of Canada

    OTTAWA – On Monday, February 24, 2025, Toni Gravelle, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, will speak at the Bank of England Annual Research Conference.  

    Topic

    Managing the Central Bank’s Balance Sheet in a Period of Quantitative Tightening

    Time

    8:15 (Eastern Time)

    Place

    London, UK.

    Lock-Up

    There will be no media lock-up for this event. 

    Distribution

    The Deputy Governor’s remarks will not be published.

    Media Availability

    There will be no media availability for this event.

    Audience Q&A

    There will be no audience Q&A period. 

    Webcast

    There will be no Bank of Canada webcast for this event.

    Note

    Media wishing to watch the Bank of England live stream can request access by emailing their full name, job title and company at
    .

    For more information, please contact Media Relations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –